A most appropriate speaker on International Peace Day, Rev. Dr. Walter Wagner, adjunct faculty at Moravian Seminary and former Rotarian, shared that we live in a world that is not peaceful. Currently, Christians are killing Muslims, Muslims and Hindis are killing one another, Christians are killing other Christians and Muslims are killing other Muslims. Dr. Wagner identified a number of causes that are at the root of conflict: fear, increasing ethnicity, greed, lack of resources, power, nationalism, desperation, rumor and our own human nature. He explained that many of these causes are packaged and abetted by religious groups. Uninformed publics can also incite discord among different peoples.
Dr. Wagner described, through what he called a theological approach to peace, the ‘poisons’ that fuels tensions and the corresponding ‘cures’ that can help to move us closer to peaceful resolutions of our differences. Ignorance can be overpowered by education; poverty can be defeated through justice and opportunity; and finally, division can be eliminated through dialogue and cooperation.
The ‘pieces’ of building peace are extremely complex. Dr. Wagner reminded us that peace is a process, not an act. Peace cannot be imposed; there need to be a unilateral rebuilding between two opposing sides. It becomes a goal that needs to be part of our everyday lives. After all, we are all bound together as part of the human race. Without peace, we only have chaos.
Dr. Wagner’s advice to us on this special day: Do what is beautiful and good at home, at work and in your community.
Announcements/Updates:
Our first Artisan of the Month, Genna Wetzel, shared a short power point presentation about her career goals and aspirations as a graphics designer. A junior at BAVTS, she was joined at the meeting with her instructor, Dana Huber. Genna will receive a $100 grant from our Club.
Don’t forget! Our next Fun and Fellowship Event – Mini-Golf at Putt-U on Route 309 – is scheduled for this Thursday, September 29th. We will meet at 6 pm and will be finished by 7 pm. Cost is $4.95 per person. Over 20 Rotarians have signed up so far. Contact Buck Jones to sign up.
It’s not too late to sign up to attend and/or volunteer for our signature event -- Taste & Tunes -- on Sunday, October 2nd. Please contact Bob Smith if plan to attend and Mark Reed if you can volunteer. Everyone’s help is needed!
Lace up your sneakers for the 6th Annual Purple Pinkie 5K Run/Fun Walk – Saturday, October 22nd at Lehigh Carbon Community College. This is a multi-club event, and we will be sharing in the proceeds that will go toward supporting our Polio Plus commitment. It’s a great way to get your exercise and support a GREAT cause. See Bill Fitzpatrick for more information.
This coming week (September 28) is the last week we will be collecting new or gently used books to benefit Cops and Kids and Healthy Kids, Bright Futures. Sylvia Doyle is coordinating this effort.
The late Gordy Mowrer continues to have an impact on Rotary, which should not be a surprise for any of us. Thanks to his request to have memorial donations made to the Bethlehem Rotary Club, over $7,000 has been added to the funds we use to support worthwhile projects and program in our community. Special thanks to all of our Club members who honored Gordy by contributing to the organization that was so important and meaningful to him.
Our board nomination process for the 2017-2018 Rotary year is underway. Ham Malek announced that the first meeting of the Nominating Committee will be held on Wednesday, October 5. Please contact Ham Malek, Mike McGovern or President Gail if you would like to be part of this committee or have suggestions for upcoming board members.
The next Rotary Leadership Institute will be held on November 12, 2016, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm at Bucks County Community College. Tyler Papaz, Ham Malek and Bob Smith will be attending so there are car-pooling opportunities available. Please contact President Gail for more information.
Our speaker Wednesday September 28th is Don Sachs from the Minsi Trails Boy Scouts.
Nations observe 21 September as International Day of Peace, a “day of global ceasefire and nonviolence.” Rotary’s commitment to building peace and resolving conflict is rooted in the Rotary Peace Centers, which yearly prepare up to 100 fellows to work for peace through a two-year master’s degree program or a three-month certificate program at partner universities worldwide.
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