CPC THIS WEEK
JUNE 23, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
**DO I MATTER?**
By Tom Stein
As some of you know, I am writing a weekly column that appears on the opinion page each Friday in the Pal-Item newspaper (and on-line). It seemed good to me to share last Friday’s column with you:
In the shadow of Father’s Day, I am thoughtful. Pensive. Contemplative. But not quite lugubrious (my favorite word in the English language).
I ponder this: as a father, do I matter?
Some say not. The “experts” bounce back and forth on this question, but some will say that I may be nice, but I do not matter. No father? No problem.
After all, it is said, mothers are quite good, and can do quite well, all by themselves. Even more, look at all the fathers and all their failings. Would we not prosper without certain fathers? Would we not survive without any fathers, apart from their biological contribution to the human race?
No, I do not buy this, and I must not buy this. Certainly, we admire women who are able to stand strong and love well despite the absence of a father. If you know a single mom, you should find ways to support her, for she carries an enormous burden.
But that is the point, isn’t it? To misuse the old Motown song, it takes two. To give breaks. To strengthen. To encourage. To balance. To correct. To sympathize. Little and big children require much - too much for one to easily handle.
I would add, to the frustration of the progressive among us, that the two should be a man and a woman. We are alike, yet not fully alike. A man simply brings virtues and abilities to the table that are unique to him - as does the woman.
I do matter.
But if that is so, this is so: do I act like I matter? We live in a culture that urges and even enjoys the Passive Father. My generation has sometimes been told that Dad ought to be as involved as Mom, but I observe plenty of men who appear to be content to appear on the scene as little as possible, and to be in the game as quietly as possible.
So if I matter, I have to act like I matter. I do not dominate, but I participate. I do not rule blindly, but I lead wisely. I pursue the quality and quantity time I need to be a good and great influence on the lives of my children.
Of course, if I do not do this, I will be an influence, anyway. In my absence, I will rob my children of a huge portion of what they want and need. I will miss my opportunity to shape the world through the heart of a child.
I think of a friend. Through the decisions of others, he was largely booted from the life of his children. He loves them, and he wants to bless them. He is far from perfect, but he is miles from useless. They grow as my children grow, and he feels them going away, slowly but surely.
It is a tragedy - not just for him, but for the ones he loves. This world is full of such tragedies - some we cannot control, but some we can. So if I have contributed all of the biology, I must strive to contribute all I can, to make my child healthy and whole.
I do matter. Do I know I matter? Do I live like I matter?
THIS WEEK - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
You are invited to the closing program and picnic - Friday at 11:30!!!
THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 27TH...
* Former CPC Assistant Pastor David Young will preach.
* We will honor our high school and college graduates.
* The Outreach Team will host an Ice Cream Social - with dunking booth - at 4 PM.
JULY 3 - CPC GARAGE SALE
Please bring your donations to the garage during office hours.
Questions? Contact Jane Bumbalough (935-7880)
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
Hearing assist devices are available in the sound booth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
June 24 - Gloria Gibbs
June 27 - Jacob Kehlenbrink
June 28 - David Strain, Mike Adcock
June 30 - Greg Janzow, Libby Loyd
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
JUNE VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PSALM 19