Three Stories – Three Lessons with Dick Smythe

A huge public library’s astonishing decision that reduces its income by several million dollars. The discovery and subsequent  study of ancient North American Indian footprints without any involvement by Native Americans either in their study or subsequent interpretation.  An innocent Black man shot dead in his apartment while watching a football game on TV with a bowl of ice cream in his hands.  Is there any common thread to these events?  Not really, except that all three might make us think; might remind us that as a society we have some work to do.

Dick Smythe is an entomologist retired from the research division of the US Forest Service. Throughout his life he has maintained two dominant interests: first,     his fascination with the natural world – our non-human   environment and endless source of wonder; second,    his abiding interest in religion/theology – a subject of     continuing education and challenge.

Service Leader: Jim Black   Music: Beth Coleman