Peace, People and Planes
The Dayton Peace Museum held a lively luncheon fund-raiser in our Parish Hall this afternoon. A good handful of parishioners are actively involved and more attended from the congregation and the community-people of all ages! (www.daytonpeacemuseum.org)
Some of these same parishioners actively supporting the Peace Museum and it’s mission to create a culture of peace are also actively working with the Blue Star Mothers and preparing care packages for military personnel.
I was glad to see the list of military men and women who lost their lives this week in my e-mail. Well, not exactly glad, I’d rather that we didn’t need such a list! But, the list had arrived in time to easily be prepared for Sunday worship and in place so the names can be read during the Prayers of the People on Sunday.
Earlier this week, we had a lively staff discussion about the decorated airplanes being mounted around downtown, a cooperative effort of several organizations. On one hand, the planes are an opportunity for local artists, including children, to display their talents. On another hand, the planes are models of F-16s, military jets. On another hand, we are economically dependent upon Wright-Patterson AFB, where the F-16 program has been managed for decades. On another hand, the organizations supporting this project have many other worthy projects.
How do we follow the Prince of Peace in such a complicated world where issues of life aren’t easily separable? We engage the issues as people of faith, engage each other, challenge each other. And then, we come together each week, confess, and respond to the invitation to the table: “Come, …you who have tried to follow and you who have failed.” Join us!
The Rev. Mary Slenski
(and a member of the retired reserve of the USAF)
Christ Church Blog 
This is what makes the Epicopal Church great! I don’t understand why there should be a discussion. These planes are flown by Americans to protect us from people who want to kill us. These pilots and maintenance people need prayers to do their job. This “Peace Museum” should look into the war on women in Pakistan (sold into slavery as was discussed in the church two weeks ago) and stop discussing/dissecting the American military. As Mary stated they supply jobs and tax money to the area while performing valuable services to our nation.
Why this makes the Episcopal Church great (and so different from other churches) is I can disagree vociferously yet still come to the Communion Table with others and celebrate Christ!