Vespers at Pleasant Hill focus on turning walls into bridges.

"Walls into Bridges" was the theme of a June 27 vesper service at Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren. Over 40 people gathered in the early evening to explore the walls that separate and how to transform walls into bridges.

The area where worshipers sat was divided by a wall of bricks that prohibited people on one side from seeing those on the other side. Each brick had a message that could build a wall between people. "I don't like the way you dress," "I hate anyone who doesn't share my religion," and "You could lose weight if you'd only try" were some of the messages.

Pastor Nick Beam challenged worshipers to examine how they feel when they meet strangers who look different or come from different faiths or cultures. Joseph Helfrich interspersed thought-provoking and inspirational songs including "When I'm Gone" and "In These Times," from his most recent album entitled "While I'm Here." Sharon Bledsoe told of her parents' trip though the Berlin Wall and Rick Polhamus shared stories from his Christian Peacemaker Teams experiences.

Bledsoe then invited worshipers to remove bricks from the wall while reflecting on how words and actions can build bridges as well as walls. The bricks were used to build a bridge to unite the group, reminding all of Jesus' teaching to love God, neighbors, and even enemies.

Source: Newsline 8/06/2004
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