Marian Wright Edelman, President emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund, says that she credits how her parents raised her, and her siblings, to the work she continues to do in life. Edelman remembers clearly that her parents would say “If you see a need, don't ask why somebody doesn't do something about it. See what you can do.” Marian, and her siblings, were trusted and expected to make a difference in their community, and in the world.
Her father was a Baptist preacher, and her mother was an activist for the rights of women and African Americans. Her father said he expected two things from his children: Work hard at getting an education, and serve others through community service. Edelman also often cites these words from her father: “God runs a full-employment economy, and if you just follow the need, you will never lack for a purpose in life.”
We will reflect on this in worship this Sunday, and what this may mean for us. After we gather and greet one another, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment, during which Madison Sinan and Mary Beth Morgan will lead a Blessing of the Backpacks and the school year. We will pray and reflect. Cooper Tucker and Sandy Tucker will read our scripture passage (Mark 9: 33-37) The sermon is titled “God runs a full-employment economy. If you just follow the need, you will never lack for a purpose in life.”