This weekend is the Memorial Day weekend! Typically it’s the beginning of Summer with the dismissal of school, “opening” of swimming pools and traditional backyard barbecues! For me and hundreds of other United Methodist Pastors in Oklahoma, it’s the beginning of Annual Conference (our annual meeting where all Oklahoma clergy and Lay representatives meet for four days to hear reports, discuss future plans, worship, fellowship and make decisions regarding the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma). It alternates between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This year OKC is the host city and we’re actually hosting two luncheons and one breakfast for delegates and families this next week here at First Church. Memorial Day is the one holiday I’ve not celebrated with family and friends in twenty five years. I’m not complaining though. After all, The Bishop may read this blog! Bill Parks is our church Lay representative. Each church has one based on the number of ordained clergy on Staff. Be sure to thank Bill for his faithful service!

Since Memorial Day is so early this year, many students will have to return to school after Memorial Day and Summer vacations may be delayed another week. Last year our family took a BIG trip back to New York to see family and to Washington, DC to tour the capitol for the very first time. One of the highlights was riding to the top of the Washington Monument and seeing all of DC from its unique and beautiful perspective.

I wanted to share today about some of the encouraging facts about the monument and it’s “witness” to God. Trivia question: Do you know what the cap is made of atop the monument? It was one of the questions on the “Who wants to be a Millionaire?” program. Gold, platinum, aluminum or silver? (Check the bottom for the answer).

Two words set atop the 555 monument-“Laus Deo. It’s Latin for “Praise be to God!”
It took 40 years to build the monument (1848-1888). From the top, you can see the design of Pierre Charles l’Enfant – a perfect cross imposed on the landscape (The White House to the north, Jefferson Memorial to the south, The Capitol to the east and The Lincoln Memorial to the west). When the cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, many items were deposited including the Holy Bible presented by The Bible Society. There are also scriptures written inside the Monument. Isn’t that great?! I wonder if it would be allowed today.

Thanks to each of you who are loyal citizens of Heaven and the United States of America. Special thanks to each of you who are veterans and to the sons and daughters of veterans. We owe you so very much! Have a Blessed Memorial Day!

See you Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. The cap atop the Washington Monument is... aluminum!