July 5, 2018

Dear Congregation:

I came across a quote by French philosopher Albert Camus, written during the German occupation of France.

"And I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice."

This sentence is part of a letter that Camus wrote to a German friend in July of 1943:

You said to me: ‘The greatness of my country is beyond price. Anything is good that contributes to its greatness. And in a world where everything has lost its meaning, those who, like us young Germans, are lucky enough to find meaning in the destiny of our nation must sacrifice everything else.’ I loved you then, but at that point we diverged. ‘No’, I told you, ‘I cannot believe that everything must be subordinated to a single end. There are means that cannot be excused. And I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice. I don’t want just any greatness for it, particularly a greatness born of blood and falsehood. I want to keep it alive by keeping justice alive.’ You retorted: ‘Well, you just don’t love your country’ ...

These letters were written and published clandestinely during the Occupation. As Camus writes, “They had a purpose, which was to throw some light on the blind battle we were then waging and thereby to make our battle more effective.” Camus claimed that he loved his country too much to be a nationalist. 

I love our country and I believe in the values for which we stand of liberty and justice for all. These words from a time past seem very relevant for these days. What do you think?
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762 e-mail: bkdaniel@erucc.org

Food for Thought:   
"Even in the familiar there can be surprise and wonder." ( Tierney Gearon, 21st century)
Sunday Worship
  July 8
In stark contrast to last week’s episode in Mark where Jesus’ miraculous gift of healing was powerfully demonstrated, the gospel passage for this week in Mark 6:1-13 shows us the limits of Jesus’ power in ministry. These two stories of Jesus returning to his hometown and sending out the disciples to further his work show Jesus placing God’s work within some very human constraints. 
A dult Education, Sunday,  July 8
      
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene with Richard Leslie.  
Construction/Building Update
It's great to see the progress this week.
CLICK HERE to see the video. Thanks to Jenna Duranko for her weekly update.

Food For Youth and German Visitors Needed!
Many thanks to those of you who have already brought in food, drinks and snacks as we provide hospitality for our German guests.  We have some more items we can use. Please use the link below to sign-up. Please have your items to the church by Sunday or call the church office at  301-662-2762  to make arrangements to drop things off early in the week. We need everything by Wednesday, July 11th. Thank you.

beach-chairs-umbrella.jpg
Bethany Beach All Church Retreat
September 8-10
REMEMBER TO RSVP for the Retreat! Spaces are filling up quickly. RSVP by August 1 to be included.
Click HERE for more details


If you are interested, contact the church for more details.
Just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in ERUCC. Don't forget to add bkdaniel@erucc.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762