October 2017

I am heartsick by the devastation of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and their great need for humanitarian aid, the  escalating threat of war and use of nuclear weapons, and the cry of our planet to seriously respond to our inability to replenish and restore all that we take from it. Yet, I came upon Psalm 104 in Psalms for Praying, and was reminded not only of our call, but also of the powerful way God continues to work for the good of ALL, in spite us.  I find that hopeful and encouraging to not give up in speaking out and taking steps, no matter how small, to care for all of God’s creation.  Sunday, Oct. 1st, we celebrate the gift of our pets and the animal world, as well as our call to care for them. This month, we also celebrate 500 years since Martin Luther took a significant step to challenge the powers that be to see the world through the lens of GRACE beautifully laid out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for all.
What difference does grace make in your life and actions? What can WE do in the face of fear, destruction, and turmoil, so that we can live in that grace and acceptance as individuals and faith community?  God works through you and through this community in ways that make a difference!  Thank you for all you are and blessings as we continue.
“Bless the Radiant One, O my soul! O Heart of my heart, you are so very great! You are clothed with justice and mercy, arrayed in Light as your fine attire. You stretch over the heavens like a tent, your Radiance covering the waters; You shine through the clouds, and ride on the wings of the wind; the wind, like the Breath of Life, carries your Word, Your Fire refines the dross of our souls.
You set the earth on its foundations, strong and secure. You covered it with the deep like a garment, with many waters that life might come forth. As your Word, the waters divided, becoming rivers and lakes and mighty oceans; storms came to ensure the balance and to renew the earth, that life might spring forth in abundance.
You created springs to flow into the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every creature of the field, quenching their thirst as your Living Water quenches ours. With the air, you have given birds their habitation; they sing among the branches. The majesty of Creation is seen throughout the land, the sounds of Creation mingle with the music of the spheres.
Through your Word, grass came forth for the cattle, and plants for us to cultivate, that we might have food from the earth, and wine, the fruit of the vine. Oil and healing herbs of  many varieties, and bread, our daily sustenance. The trees are watered abundantly and with the sun, provide the air we breathe. Every living creature has its home: the birds nest in trees, the wild goats upon the mountaintop; even the rocks provide protection. Your created the moon to mark the tides and seasons, the sun, that rises and sets in beauty.  In the darkness, when night comes, the creatures of the forest roam the earth. They eat their fill, each according to their needs; You provide their food. When the sun rises, they disappear from sight and lie down in their dens. As your people go forth to their work, You are there to guide them.
O You, who know all hearts, how manifold are your works!  In wisdom You have created them all; the earth is filled with your creatures.  We look to the seas, great and wide, which teem with life innumerable, helping to maintain the balance. O, that we might receive your gifts, taking only what is needed with grateful hearts.
All of creation looks to You, to give them food in due season.  When we are in harmony with You, the earth provides; yes, a bountiful harvest to be shared with all.  When we misuse what You have created for us, we blame You for the famine and destruction that ensues, and feel alienated from You.  Even so, You continue to send forth your Spirit, and the earth, though not without turmoil, is renewed.
The glory of the Radiant One endures forever, for the works of Love are sure. You are ever-present to us, even as the earth trembles, even as the mountains spew forth ashes and smoke!  I will abandon myself into your hands as long as I live; I will sing praise to You while I have breath.  May my meditations be pleasing to You, for I rejoice ad am glad in you.  May all who feel separated from You open their hearts to new Life!  Praise the Creator of the Universe! Bless the Heart of my heart, O my soul! Amen. “  


​Pastor Dawn