Local events demonstrate responsive communities

Two special and totally different events — one in Lodi and one in Galt — demonstrate community response.

The Community Concert Association’s April concert brought a full crowd. I was a little late in arriving and overwhelmed at the crowd. Everyone seemed to enjoy The Blackwood Brothers Quartet and their variety of songs from gospel to country. Only part that was surprising was the end. Somehow I thought they would return for a curtain call after the excellent audience response. But when they left the stage it was for good — just not expected.

The last Community Concert Association show will be on May 4 at 7 p.m. Hardly seems possible the season is almost finished.

Galt United Methodist Church holds a Food Pantry on the second Thursday of each month. I was involved with the Food Pantry at Valley Springs United Methodist Church while living there so understood this “giving” event. Galt’s Food Pantry is larger than the one in Valley Springs. At least 15 volunteers helped with seven tables loaded with donated food ranging from fresh produce, milk and butter to bread, baked goods and packaged meals.

Frozen items also were available. These were in addition to the packed bags of food given to each participant. Nearly 450 people were helped that day.

Galt’s Food Pantry was organized over eight years ago with Faye Gaines heading the volunteer effort. It started at Fairsite School in Galt. A Clothes Closet also was established. When donations of fresh produce were given the school asked the food section to move. The Galt United Methodist Church took on the task. Clothes remained at Fairsite. If you haven’t seen a Food Pantry in action, stop by one in Lodi or Galt. Not only will you be amazed at the hard working volunteers but also at the grateful people gathering food.

A 15-year-old writes a prayer

During my time away, a friend sent this piece to me. It says a great deal about a 15year-old student’s thoughts about what is happening in our country.

New School Prayer Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites

It violates the Bill of Rights

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law precise,

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall Might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate,

God’s name is prohibited by the State.

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues, and cheeks.

They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible,

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.

It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong,

We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

Not word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen

This is an interesting look at school prayer. I know many people who prayed in public school. This never happened to me. Nor do I feel we need an organized prayer time because each of us (including children and grandchildren) can pray in school quietly to themselves. Prayers at graduation are a different item as is a child wanting to write a paper on his/her belief. Shouldn’t they be allowed to do it?

Remember celebrating Christmas at school with trees, decorations and Christmas plays?

One of my Jewish friends was cast as Mary in the pageant. Obviously, hers was the most logical casting. What is interesting is her parents weren’t concerned, feeling it was a school project. While some of my Jewish friends also had a Christmas tree, this family did not, evidently being more Orthodox.

Life was quite different then. Now with our multiple cultures we recognize several different cultural holidays which is excellent. Let’s learn more about Jewish Hanukkah, Muslim Ramadan, Kawanza, and Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh holidays. But as long as Christmas is in the vocabulary let’s also explain why we’re celebrating it. See how a poem like this can affect us? How did you feel? Have a great week. Email me: