Sermons address war and tradition

April 20, 2003|by MARLO BARNHART

While some pastors in the Tri-State area plan to weave the hostilities in Iraq into their Easter sermons today, most will deliver traditional messages of hope, resurrection and redemption.

"We have addressed current events the past few weeks in our congregation," said the Rev. Harold Shenk of Hebron Mennonite Church in Paramount. "On Easter Sunday, I plan to preach a traditional Sunday sermon."

Shenk's topic today at the 10 a.m. service is "Shaken by the Resurrection."

There will be some references to peace in Pastor Loyal Vanderveer's sermon today but Vanderveer, pastor of Manor Church of the Brethren in Fairplay said that topic is always timely no matter what is happening in the modern world.

Vanderveer's topic is "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth."

The Rev. David Kaplan said the war in Iraq and related issues will be mentioned in his sermon at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Hagerstown.

"I will reference the war which, thankfully, appears to be winding down," Kaplan said.

As he concludes the sermon, titled "Easter Moments," there will be a plea for peace, he said.

"It will be a hope for a peace that would end all wars," Kaplan said.

At many area churches, the fast pace of services during Holy Week and into Easter is more cause for concern than current events.

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