Living Into the Dream

Isaiah 40:31 NIV “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

“Those who have learned to walk on the threshold of the unknown worlds, by means of what are commonly termed par excellence the exact sciences, may then, with the fair white wings of imagination, hope to soar further into the unexplored amidst which we live."- Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace was a pioneer in the realm of modern computer science. But wait …Augusta Ada King-Noel, Countess of Lovelace (née Byron; was born 10 December 1815 and died 27 November 1852) was an English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognize that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is sometimes regarded as the first to recognize the full potential of a "computing machine" and the first computer programmer.

Between 1842 and 1843, Ada translated an article by Italian military engineer Luigi Menabrea on the engine, which she supplemented with an elaborate set of notes, simply called “Notes”. These notes contain what many consider to be the first computer program—that is, an algorithm designed to be carried out by a machine. Lovelace's notes are important in the early history of computers. She also developed a vision of the capability of computers to go beyond mere calculating or number-crunching, while many others, including Babbage himself, focused only on those capabilities. Her mindset of "poetical science" led her to ask questions about the Analytical Engine (as shown in her notes) examining how individuals and society relate to technology as a collaborative tool. So, before there was Apple, Windows or even DOS, there was the analytical engine that led to the age of modern computing and beyond.

Where would our world be if not for the dreamers and the risk takers who see what others cannot or will not see? What about those who understand the intricate complexities of the vast infinite diversity of the created order and yet are able to discern a single “thread” of continuity to weave and “bind” the whole of the seemingly disparate individual parts?

SERVE ROME is operational and over the next few months will continue to expand to its full expression as a collaborative community cooperative designed to invite and welcome all as partners in transformation. Sound familiar? It should, that concept is the vision pathway and preferred future for Rome First – “To Serve Rome by Inviting and Welcoming All as partners in Transformation.”

SERVE ROME is like an Eagle ready to soar. Beyond the sharing of space and the collaborative community, the next portion towards the full implementation of SERVE ROME is to build and maintain a database of needs and resources for the community. Imagine, a website (space) that listed every known and possible volunteer opportunity in Floyd County? What if every non-profit in Floyd County was able to solicit volunteers for the work force they needed to accomplish their transformational work? What if non-profits were able to write grant proposals that funded their work and allowed them to focus on their mission as a caring, serving community endeavors instead of non-stop fundraisers? What if through the collective, collaborative efforts of the nonprofit and religious community in Rome, we were able to eliminate poverty, homelessness, and hunger in Rome and Floyd County? What if the combined efforts of a collaborative community could formulate and execute a unified plan that worked with leaders from across the political, economic and social spectrum to support families in their pursuit of “building a community of excellence” that was a model for other communities of all sizes in every part of the World?

Could that place be Rome, Georgia? I believe it could be and is… There is an unprecedented atmosphere of positivity within the larger collective community of Rome and Floyd County that has the potential and possibility to propel the good works and plans for fulfilling the dreams of many and making the dreams a near and present reality. The business community led by the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce along with the Educational and Health Care Communities are coming together in unparalleled and unprecedented new collaborative ventures. Law Enforcement and Community Groups are in conversation and are engaged in ongoing efforts to make Rome and Floyd County not just a safe place, but a place that has a reputation as a caring community for all its citizens. The faith Communities of Rome and Floyd County must also “step up” to embrace new paradigms for addressing the challenges of an ever-changing, fast paced world that may or may not embrace a common perspective of a Judeo-Christian worldview.

Is it possible, that a dream can become reality? Is it possible that something as simple as a questions about stewardship and the use of space could be the “platform” for dramatic transformation and positive change in Rome and Floyd County?

The implementation of the Serve Rome “concept” is a significant reorientation for both thinking and doing. There may be some “radical changes” that may cause some “localized discomfort” and some significant adjustments along the way. Some of the adjustments will include having to schedule space for meetings or gatherings. JoAnn Crane will be the “scheduler” for all things Rome First and Serve Rome. Please plan ahead for your next meeting, gathering, small group event and “regularly” scheduled events – you may or may not be assigned the same space each time you schedule a meeting. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation in helping Rome First live “into” the dream of SERVE ROME.

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered to a crowd gathered on the National Mall for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. On August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial He spoke these words- “…I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood….” We have not yet arrived at the place or the time of which Dr. King dreamed, but we are “marching on”… And as we march, we have the opportunity to move closer to approaching the dream by participating in transformational events in our community like ONE TABLE.

ONE TABLE is a community wide event sponsored by One Community United that seeks to “live into” the dream of – “the sons (and daughters) of former slaves and the sons (and daughters) of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. (and true community)”

One Table is scheduled for September 23, 2018 at 6:30 on the pedestrian bridge in downtown Rome. Tickets will soon be available and I hope you will join me in attending this transformational community wide event.

Let’s dare to soar on the wings of Eagles. Let’s dream of and work for the day when all God’s People will sit together as brothers and sisters who love one another the way God loves ALL his children. Let’s spread our collective wings and soar to new heights that have heretofore thought to be “impossible” or unattainable. Let’s trust that the God who brought us to this place and is with us even at this time, will be able to sustain us, renew us and continue to equip us for the journey towards becoming the people God created us to be.

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sundays and in small groups, classes and involved in transformational community events that will continue to make Rome a Great place to live, work, play!

Shalom,
Robert ><>