Monthly Musings
June, 2010
We stand on the edge of summer.
The sun has at last warmed us enough that we begin to trust in its presence.
The last burst of spring blossoms, lavender and white and deep pink banks of rhododendron, are giving way to summer peonies and roses.
O source of the turning seasons,
Of earth, of life, of promise gradually becoming fulfillment,
May your people find a lightening of the burdens with the brightening of the sky.
-- Helen Cohen
It‟s been a long winter. I don‟t know about you but I‟m ready to slow down and bask in the sun for a while, letting the warm, gentle summer breezes blow through me and lighten my spirit.
It‟s been a challenging year for many of us; individually and collectively. With my father‟s declining health and death this spring I‟ve found myself torn between the work I love and my family. I can‟t tell you how much I‟ve appreciated your support and understanding during this time. I‟ve always considered it a great privilege to walk with a family as they say goodbye to a loved one. I cherish those experiences as some of the most precious gifts (both given and received) of my ministry. I didn‟t realize how much it would mean to have you there for me too. But I‟ve really felt held by your loving presence during this time of transition and letting go for me and my family. Thank you!
One of the greatest gifts of this community is that we‟re on this journey together. This year we all learned that we can live with less. With fewer resources we‟ve discovered just how much we can do. Lots of people have rolled up their sleeves and we‟ve done a lot! That‟s something all of us should feel really good about. It‟s time for a well deserved celebration and a little rest.
There are only a couple of weeks left until summer worship begins. Summer services are a wonderful oppor-tunity for those of you who would like to share something related to your spiritual journey. You can let Ken Murray know if you‟re interested in leading a service.
On June 6th we‟ll be continuing our conversation on covenanting by talking about what it means to be a com-munity of welcome and trust. There will be a gathering following the service for those who are interested in helping me and the Committee on Ministry continue the process of drafting our congregational covenant.
The following Sunday, June 13th will begin by celebrating all that we‟ve done together this year with our Annual
Meeting. Breakfast will be served at 8:45 a.m. Our annual celebration of the Flower Festival will follow
at 10:30 a.m. The Flower Festival is a ritual designed to honor the beauty of diversity in community. Everyone
is invited to bring a flower (or two) to contribute to our communal bouquet.
As it says in the Bible, “To everything there is a season”. Make no mistake about it – there‟s still much that
needs our willing hands and open hearts but this is the season to celebrate gifts given and received in the spirit
of love and service. It‟s also time to enjoy summer in Maine!
In gratitude, Carol
