Mitch Carnell: Say Something Nice Sunday June 3 -- Join the Movement
On June 3, all churches, all denominations and all faith groups are encouraged to join in the celebration of the 12th. Say Something Nice Sunday. Originating at First Baptist Church of Charleston, South Carolina, the movement has gained followers from almost every denomination across the US and some in the UK.
The Rev. Marshall Blalock, president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and The Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, have both endorsed the program. There is nothing to buy.
Why Have a Say Something Nice Sunday? The simple answer is that words are powerful. Words have the power to build or destroy. Words have the power to heal or wound. With our words we have the power to build up a Christian community or to destroy it.
Nowhere are words more powerful than within the church. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Words take on a life unto themselves. Once they are given life they are on their way for good or evil.
This special day is an opportunity to build the community of faith, strengthen relationships and heal old wounds. Our national discourse has become so strident and even in religious circles the rhetoric is often far from Christ-like. In Philippians 1:27 we read, "Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."
This is a day to say thank you to those who make our lives better just by being a part of them. This is a day to recognize those who contribute to our lives in specific ways. This is a day to apologize for words spoken in frustration, anger or disappointment.
One suggestion in addition to the main sermon is to use it as a theme for the Children's Sermon as Robin Boston will do at the Circular Congregational Church in Charleston.
Mitch Carnell, Chair of the Ecumenical Committee said, "One day is one day, but perhaps we can stretch it to two days and then just maybe if we encourage one another and ask for God's help, we might change the world!"
Free materials are available at www.fbcharleston.org. Click on Messages/Resources at the top of the page. Scroll down to Say Something Nice Sunday. There is also a Say Something Nice Day for secular celebration on June 1 every year.