Volume 3 Issue 13

This issue is in memory of my very good friend, Don Cossette (1947 – 2004). I was honored with the request by his family to officiate at his memorial service, and in that process rediscovered what this “ultimate quest” is really all about. It provided me with the opportunity to examine once again the great mystery of where we come from and where we go to, a subject that has sadly been reduced to perfunctory catechism by much of organized religion. Part of that great mystery is our connectedness through the One, and even though many in this cyber community of faith never knew Don personally, I know that your words of comfort and encouragement will be welcomed by Don’s wife, Glenda: GlendaoftheNW@aol.com
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Many of you received my preview announcement of the new and improved Growing in Christ website, but for those of you who are seeing the changes for the first time I express my deep gratitude to daughter Rachel for her dynamic contribution to this ministry. Entering her junior year of studies in communications at Northern Arizona University, Rachel graciously consented to make this site the beneficiary of her multitudinous gifts and talents. She has rightly labeled the project as “under construction”, and I join with all of you in eagerly awaiting the upcoming design changes that will help to make Growing in Christ attractive to an ever-growing audience. Your compliments may be directed to her: jackrach06@yahoo.com
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I pray that it’s not too late, but there just now seems to be a dawning awareness on the part of many of how the upcoming general election is in grave danger of being co-opted by the Religious Right. This is definitely not a new development, and regular visitors to this site know that I have been trying to sound the alarm for some time now. Growing in Christ is not guilty of having blurred the line between religion and politics, but now that it has been so flagrantly violated I will continue to lend my voice to those who urge everyone to vote in what is proving to be the most pivotal election in living memory, and to do so from the conviction of the examined life rather than of prejudiced zealotry. You are invited to go to the “links” page for additional perspectives.
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Unit next time…….Shalom!