ExtraChristy

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I have been blessed with talking to Muslims in the Holy Land and getting to know our Muslim neighbors just down the street.

Here are some in a Public Service Announcement.

I am grieved of the attacks on Muslims and vandalism and protests at their places of worship, especially during the month of Ramadan, which is similar to our Christmas season with an emphasis on family and spiritual renewal.

Even if Muslims were our enemy, (some are, perhaps even thousands, out of a total 1.5 billion Muslims who are not, including 18 million Americans, (see chart above)), Christians are commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ to love them. We are also commanded to love our neighbors, which include Muslims.

Jews, Christians, and Muslims are all children of Abraham, we have much more in common with Muslims, than we do with those who believe there is no God.

In support of our friends and neighbors, I have placed a positive, non-confrontational message on the church sign this week. I am not using the word MUSLIM and have included a translation of the the traditional Arabic greeting into English letters and words. As of now,

FREEDOM OF
RELIGION
BLESSES ALL (one side)

RAMADAN KAREEM
([strike]NOBLE[/strike] GENEROUS MONTH)
TO OUR NEIGHBORS (another)

The greeting in Arabic is used much as we would wish folks to have a Merry Christmas. It is important and respectful to use Arabic when using this greeting. Just as “Happy XMAS” just isn't the same as “Merry Christmas” for us.

I happy to talk to anyone about how Christians can love others.

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Jeremiah 2:4-13

Going after worthless things, brings no profit and makes us worthless.

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From flickr by antwerpenR[/center]

Thus says the LORD:
What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me,
and went after worthless things,
and became worthless themselves?
– Jeremiah 2:5 (NRSV)

[center]“My Morning Run” from You Tube

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If you look close, our running friends are climbing the walls of a church. Pursing worthless things? (might hear a part of a objectionable word at end…)

[center]“Atheist Song” from You Tube

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Steve Martin contrasts religious pursuits against the atheist lifestyle. What is worthwhile? What is worthless? (Hint: A couch is involved.)

[center]“Making Things Right” from Doogal

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The consequences of chasing after candy are listed by these furry talking animals.

[center]“Phase 2” from Furry Vengeance

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What if you job is to pursue worthless things? Or destructive things? How will future generations judge our pursuits and the legacy we leave them?

[center]“Uncomfortable Questions” from China Cry

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What do you pursue in religious activities? Worthwhile or worthless matters? Does religion or faith make a difference in your life? (Listen for the rare Presbyterian mention in media in this clip.)

Luke 13:10-17

Sabbath is taking a rest from our way and remembering God's Way

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I like to listen and consider the thought our Kiwanis President Mark Fairhurst gives to his prayers before Akron Roundtable meetings. This month we heard Joe Kanfer of GoJo Industries (makers of Purell) The program info is below in the related link.

Here is this month's thoughtful prayer:

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Image does not exist: images/AkronRoundtableLogo.pngAkron Roundtable is held at noon on the third Thursday of every month, Akron Roundtable is a non-partisan forum. Each event, held at the Quaker Station located at the Quaker Square Inn on the campus of The University of Akron, begins at 12:00 noon with the speaker's address immediately followed by a question and answer session. Doors open for the event at 11:45 a.m. The event concludes at approximately 1:15 p.m. $15

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