NOVEMBER 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” the season of autumn is in full swing. We had a magnificent surprise visit from the aurora borealis – it was the most radiant one that I have seen in over 50 years, last seen in July of 1974. Gratitude abounds for the feast of the eyes and the gift of life. Jack Frost has been leaving his calling card each morning on the windows, maple trees have retreated into dormant mode and the quince is ready to be transformed into sweet yummy jelly! In addition, the hens have gone on strike protesting shorter and colder days, wood has been split and stacked and chimneys cleaned!

We have just celebrated Reformation Sunday – the 1517 event that every Protestant church can trace its roots to. We asked ourselves what in the Church and world needs to be reformed and made new. How is the Holy Mystery steadily reforming and transforming us? We offer an attitude of gratitude for the sacred gift of life rather than harsh judgment and self-abasement for our shortcomings.

All Saint’s Sunday was filled a diverse energy embracing the past, present and future as we remembered the people we loved and who made an impact on our lives. We recognized that we can be in unction with Jesus as much as he is with us. We continue to give thanks for the blessings from our ancestors who are now across the great divide. How blest we are!

If you are not familiar with the Credo from “The World Beloved, A Bluegrass Mass,” give this a listen and reflection. This is dancing through my inner hearing and certainly reflects a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. The text is a refreshing rendition of belief in eternal life. Its inclusive message is infused with light, hope and peace. Do enjoy this as part of one of your daily meditations.

This year, the month of November is especially filled with events that demand our mindfulness, worldview and consciousness to be fully engaged with the love from our high heart and peace from the Spirit realm. Please use your prayer power and sacred gifts in lifting up our elections and all involved with the most benevolent outcome. In addition, Remembrance Day/Veterans Day, Stewardship Sunday, Christ the Sovereign Sunday and Thanksgiving could use a good dose of prayer and sacred intention. There is a great plethora of healing to be accomplished and you are invited to be a part of this. Thank you in advance for heeding the call.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

 

Photo Credits

Reformation Sunday at Newfield Community Church — Petah

Newfield Burying Ground — Jason Harris

Aurora Borealis — Tayt Dame

OCTOBER 2024

Oh, My Soul! As we approach Worldwide Communion Sunday and the sixth and last week in “Creation Time” in the season of Pentecost, the Universe has been busy sharing her breathtaking gifts. Yup, “Cocoa,” a hybrid pipe organ with 12 ranks and 900 pipes has arrived at “The Mill” with her three manuals and electronic gadgets. Cocoa is named after my mother Connie who played the organ for 63 consecutive years, (except during WWII) in our village church. I have included a humble photo of her radiating positive energy and great joy along with her namesake instrument being prepared for final installation. Thanks be to our awesome Creator.

Cocoa

Connie

Sardine, the newest duck has just started laying her eggs. Gee, I forgot how hard a duck egg shell is, but goose egg is even harder. A third cutting of hay has been completed and the bull has been “borrowed” by the neighbors. Our eyes have the joy of feasting on the brilliant colors of changing leaves marking the season and 53 windows await a fresh scrub-a-dub. So far, 15 done with the wafting ammonia doing a good job on the glass and my head! Gratitude is offered for all these breathtaking gifts from the comfort of my prayer chair.

On this Worldwide Communion Sunday let us remember that Jesus came to Gaia as a little baby, grew into adulthood and suffered the fate of political prisoners. His love for all people, including those of unbelief or belief, gender, status or profession is truly radical inclusiveness at the highest level. The truth is that his breathtaking gift of selfless love and his blatant banishing of exclusion at every level, even unto his death, shows us how to love and gives us the gift of life!

As we prepare to receive the elements in unity with our siblings all over the world, we reaffirm that we are part of each other and the Great Mystery. The Great Wheel turns and continues to usher the fullness of Autumn. Spirit is wooing us to embrace something sacred in the profound oneness of the entire human family. As you prepare to celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday with Christians all over the globe, do find a smidgen of time to give thanks for the gift of life, the gift of Divine Love, and to be mindful of all the breathtaking gifts that are freely given to us by the Universe.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness.

Petah

SEPTEMBER 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! Here at “The Mill” a new record has been set. Yup, broke 3 of my 5 push mowers yesterday. Obviously, this is a sign to engage someone with excellent knees and the gift of youth to assist with mowing. The blue heron is back after a month away and can be seen just after dawn and shortly before dusk. Do enjoy the photo with the beautiful reflections from “The Mill” against this giant carnivorous bird.

It is a joy to hold the office of Chaplain for UCCMA and a true blessing to connect with so many at our conference last July. The gleanings from our gathering are bearing good fruit. This past week I made a special journey to my spiritual director to share a prayerful journey of amazing spiritual and material manifestations from the Universe that were beyond my dreams. The words, “My cup is overflowing with blessings,” came from the depths of my soul. Our Holy Creator’s blessings are constant and we must mindfully receive them with great thanksgiving, devoid of judgement and self judgement.

For the second year, the Newfield Community Church is observing “Creation Time” during the Season of Pentecost, September 1st through October 4th. This is a time for renewing, repairing and restoring our relationship to God, one another and all of creation.

This year we have had gorgeous new paraments crafted from a tapestry of burnt oranges with reds and trimmed with understated tasseled contrasting fringe. Naturally, Creation Time is also a grand opportunity to bring new and fresh music into our gatherings. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has crafted many new texts for tried-and-true hymn tunes. Having always loved the majestic hymn tune ST. DENIO, it was a joyful moment discovering that Carolyn has a fresh set of words perfect for Creation Time -- “The Earth is the Lord’s.” This will be our opening hymn incorporated into the message each week for our celebrations. Creativity by this musician dictates that the first two verses are in G major, verse 3 in A flat major and verse 4 in A major. Handbells will be used as tonic/dominant pedal tones on verse 2 and 3 and timpani to do the same on Verse 4, along with a few accents from the crash cymbals. We might be a tiny church of 12 people but everyone steps up to create holy and sacred sound. Please check out Carolyn’s wonderful resources at carolynshymns.com.

Perhaps during this Time of Creation, you will find renewal of your spirit, mending of your soul and restoration and growth in all your relationships, and especially with our Creator. Perhaps you can explore new music, fresh texts and experience different ways of walking in the Light as you receive our Creator’s blessings. Our God is with you as you fulfill your calling in the ministry of music. Walk in the light and enjoy your journey.

As always, Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness.

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

— Mr. Blue Heron the Giant Carnivorous Bird -- photo by Sarah Calnon Trask – used by permission

— Time of Creation Paraments – photo by Petah

— Photo of Petah at UCCMA Conference 2024 

JULY 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Recently, during an early morning prayer and meditation, the blessings of the Universe became almost too intense to receive. Perhaps the giant maple leaves, baby wrens in the old wren house, gaggle of geese on the mill pond and the almost deafening sound of the bullfrogs touched this soul in the right perfect place. All time ceased and suddenly Dottie People’s “On Time God” started dancing through my head. We are so blessed to have a Holy One who takes good care of us and pours out blessings in infinite ways. Here it is for your enjoyment. Dottie Peoples - He's an on time God.

As we approach Independence Day, I hope that you will all take time to offer thanksgivings for the freedom to practice our faith openly and enjoy any music that we wish. Not all are so blessed. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report on May 1, 2024 highlighting the countries with the worst religious persecution in the world. This year, the countries topping USCIRF’s list of the world’s most egregious religious freedom violators were Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.

We all have a responsibility to summon our “On Time God” with prayers of intercession for those who do not enjoy religious freedom; indeed, for all those who are oppressed and suffer for who they are and what they value. You have been given many gifts and perhaps now is the time to give back with a prayer ministry of intercession. Remember, our “On Time God” will be on time!!! Are you “On Time” with your God’s work?

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

P.S. Happy Independence Day!

Photo by Jason Harris

JUNE 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! This morning at “The Mill” all nature is creating a cacophony of sound by incorporating the waterfall with Mr. Bull Frog and his fine feathered friends, the rooster next door, and the occasional chiming in of the sassy sheep across the street. A giant and vibrant smattering of purple, pink, and yellow blossoms lavishly frame the mill pond, it is stunning! The hummingbirds have returned and the ever-elusive muskrat and a pleasantly plump beaver can be seen taking leisurely swims at dawn and dusk. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered for the first cutting of hay yesterday and that it was completed with no broken tines on the equipment, quite miraculous.

We are entering the month of June when many of us celebrate Pride month—a time to join with our LGBTQ family in rejecting the shame and judgment that has been heaped on them and claiming their sense of self and well-being in an often hostile world. Most of us are keenly aware of the 552 anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced since January in 42 states, in which 32 passed, 327 are active and 193 failed. On Pride night we especially acknowledge the courage of transgender women of color, Marcia P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera, in the Stonewall riots of 1969 and all who suffered during the five-day saga. This month let us be keenly vigilant and prayerful.

The Newfield Community Church held their first Pride Service one year ago and will gather as a community again this year. We were blessed that Amanda Udis-Kessler has given her blessing for us to use her song “Queerly Beloved”—in fact she had the music specially prepared by her engraver just for the Newfield Community Church. Her work as a hymn writer, songwriter, and sacred music composer is outstanding and her gift of music to us is gratefully acknowledged. “Queerly Beloved” will appear in the new hymn resource, Then Let Us Sing, published by the United Church of Canada. Dr. Udis-Kessler will be presenting at our UCCMA conference in July! Be inspired by this song of praise and a perfect pairing of tune and text.

During this month of June, you are encouraged to practice sabbath and rest in the sounds of nature and wonder of creation. Do share God’s flamboyant and extravagant love with all people. Be vigilant in your prayer life, remembering to offer thanksgivings with great joy from your heart.

Finally, do embrace the refrains of “Queerly Beloved”:

“Alleluia, God is Great, God is Love, God is Here!”

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness!

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo by Petah

MAY 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Here at “The Mill” the sheep are bleating for some breakfast from their new-fangled solar electric fenced area. Calf number 4 was born, a huge heifer calf that needed a bit of help emerging into the world. The hens have secretly hatched three chicks from a hidden clutch and the ducklings have a second set of feathers. Petah has managed to clear lots of the debris from a ghastly April 4 storm of two feet of heavy wet snow and 60 mph winds that climaxed with a tree on “The Mill” blocking the door. Also, there was the 4 am microwave fire (it was stinky) caused by electric pole fire, power surges and the slow death of several appliances, boo hiss! Petah is especially grateful for the light weight chainsaw which is much lighter than the ones of the “energy crisis” of the 1970’s when lots of us went back to burning wood. Please enjoy the photo of “Petah the Giant Tree Elf” as a witness to being a modern-day vine dresser, cutting back what is dead or will no longer serve a positive purpose.

Photo by Tate Dame

The Great Mystery works in us to prune what is not bearing the fruit of love to promote what will bear the fruit of love. The Holy One tends each branch within you, the part in each of us that is unloving, ungiving, whatever is attached to that which is dead. The death of what is unkind in us is the pruning by which the resurrection of love may come forth.

There is a new song called “PUSH” or “Pray Until Something Happens,” by Edmund Stubbs, a trustee of the Newfield Community Church. This song, in a simple country style, is an encouragement to all journeying with the Creator. Are You saying yes to God’s pruning of the pithy and plaguey parts of yourself? Please click on this live and humble gathering recorded on a cell phone with no highfalutin edits. Do skip ahead to minute 20:25 and enjoy. [The video is on Facebook, you may need to log in to Facebook to view it. – Editor]

Are you showing up in LOVE and not placing impediments on yourself and others? Are you a vinedresser tending to all who are in your garden of life with NO exceptions? Are you receiving the forgiveness that is being offered? Simply get out of the way and embrace the motto PUSH—pray until something happens—it is tried and true! Let God do the pruning! I pray that you will!

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

APRIL 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

A giant “Oh My Soul!” to everyone! Christ is Risen! Alleluia! “Oh My Soul!” He is risen indeed! What is loved is resurrected.

One week ago, Palm Sunday worship was cancelled due to the 21 inches of snow and ice that the Almighty sent us. Several parishioners’ doors were iced shut and Petah used the family pickaxe to bless the frozen tundra! Alas and alack Petah did not get to sneakily tickle anyone with a palm frond. Boo Hoo!

The next day a giant evergreen tree fell across my driveway. Lucky for me my trusty and rusty ancient truck did not get crushed. Unbeknownst to me, neighbors sprang into action texting each other, and I arrived home to a tractor and chainsaw brigade. Surprise! I didn’t even know I had a crisis! You can’t make this stuff up!

I want to share with you a wonderful Tanzanian Easter song that we used this year for our Easter celebration. The congregants of the Newfield Community Church played a variety of percussion instruments while singing and created an outstanding Jesus Celebration. In this video, it is conducted by the amazing Tom Trenney at First-Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Tanzanian Easter Song

Easter means that no power on earth can destroy the reality that is Christ. God’s love triumphs over every barrier! Jesus will remove the obstacles from your path if you will stop trying to remove them by your own might. It’s like having the entire neighborhood bring on the tractors and chainsaws to remove a huge tree from your driveway even when you were not aware it had fallen.

The Holy One will give you the grace and strength to continue the journey. The path is open to each of us. There is nothing to fear. You are not alone and the light of the risen Christ is with you. Seize each day as an opportunity to proclaim this fabulous news. The good news is that Christ is a light that overcomes all the shadow that life can entail. The path is open to each of us.

Truly, what is loved is resurrected.

As always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness!

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo Newfield Community Church—Easter 2024—Peter Stickney

Photo of the Dam at “The Mill” Easter 2024 — Cynthia Acorace

MARCH 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” the trees have been tapped, bluebird scouts are out and about, the hens have resumed offering their “Henny Penny’s,” and calves, lambs and kids are arriving. How marvelous to experience the turning of the great wheel with the heralding signs of Spring.

Two weeks ago, on Ash Wednesday it was frightfully frigid with horrid winds. Amidst prayerful preparation for “Ash and Dash” from the back of my trusty 2005 Scion XB, known as “The Crack 2 Mobile,” the wind accepted the carefully prepared ashes as a personal offering. Yup, “Gone with the Wind.” In the ghastly cold of the morning a huge laugh of glee came from the depths of my being. What a fabulous reminder that our shortcomings can be forgiven in an instant and that the dust we came from returns gloriously back to the earth. Providence was kind with a generous amount of ashes still available for the day. Everything worked out perfectly.

We are responsible for the care of our soul and there is a plethora of tools in our toolbox to use as we travel our Lenten pilgrim journey. Let me share several tools that have helped my Spirit to be a bit more mindful and open. Use your creativity and please adapt the following for your most benevolent outcome.

When arising to greet the day and at its completion, my gong is sounded and a silent prayer of thanksgiving offered. Having a set time to read scripture and actively pray in my trusty prayer chair is truly a blessing. Also to simply sit, breathe and listen each day helps one to be “in-tune” so to speak with what seeks to be unveiled. In the middle of the night, it is wonderful to open the window and howl at the moon. I double-dutch dare you to do this as it is simply exhilarating. The practicing gratitude for our vast abundance and blessings before feasting, shopping or traveling is practically a magic formula for success. Obviously, chanting, singing, drumming and creating music are a must!

As we travel our pilgrim journey for the remaining of our season of Lent, might you be aware of how the Universe is speaking and guiding you. How your soul is being purified and the tasks you are being quietly guided to execute. Perhaps you will experience a literal “Gone with the Wind” moment followed by pure joy. I pray you will!

Happy Spring and a Blessed Easter!

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Your Chaplain,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo Credits:

Newfield Kids – Spring 2024 Photo by Tayte Dame

Newfield Community Church – Lent Photo by Peter Stickney

FEBRUARY 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” mother nature has gifted us with holy and divine eye candy in the form of wet sticky snow several times in the last week. This is a blessing! When you have wet sticky snow, as opposed to dry power, you are able to make “snow ice cream.” Simply fill a bowl with the cold sticky stuff from the heavens, add sugar and a dash of vanilla, mix well, and Voila! a tried and true Maine concoction that slides down the gullet with great joy! The other blessing of snow is that it is a grand opportunity to arm yourself with your trusty snow shovel and exercise your entire body. Yes, Petah shoveled “The Mill,” the Newfield Community Church and the Newfield Historical Society. His reward, “snow ice cream!” Eye candy turned into frozen delight. Thank you Holy One!

Our faith journey through the season of Epiphany has presented many opportunities to reflect on Jesus’ mission and ministry. As sacred musicians we have experienced the forgiveness and healing he offers. We have unlimited potential to serve our congregations and greater community not only with sacred sound but with our lifegiving words, heartfelt joy and unconditional love that flows though us.

As we look toward Transfiguration Sunday, Ash Wednesday and Lent, perhaps you will be extra mindful of the holy and sacred gift of life that is uniquely yours. Hopefully you will embrace and share the light of truth that has been given to you, much like you might enjoy a giant bowl of Maine “snow ice cream.” That’s correct, it is not to be kept to yourself but shared with everyone. May your music ministry bless and refresh the souls of those you serve and may your journey through Lent cleanse and renew your spirit as pure and clean as the new sticky snow.

As always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney, Chaplain

JANUARY 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” the arrival of the Christ Child has been observed with special prayer, singing with dueling grand pianos, good eats and of course a plethora of decorations. The 10-foot evergreen tree cut down at the edge of the pasture with its 700 lights and 200 glass bulbs are a testimony to good solid Maine balsam and Petah’s escapades on his trusty stepladder. It will display its glory until the Epiphany!

“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” by Robert Fisher Boyce is a perfect song of the upcoming Epiphany Celebration. Quite frankly, it has been relentless in my inner hearing the past week and awakened me this morning. Obviously, a message to listen up and pay attention to. Please enjoy the simple traditional story and figurative based retelling of the Epiphany. No need to pick the theology of the text apart -- simply enjoy. Here is a YouTube rendition by The Judds. 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never overpower it. What are the parts of your life that need to be infused with light? What supersonic troubles have you hidden away into the depths of your soul? The light of Christ is available to illuminate every fiber of your being as you invite it into your everyday life. This includes the back part of your closet, the underwear drawer and the recesses of hurt lingering in the sacred hidden places of your high heart. Make room in your everyday life for the light of Christ to lead and guide you.

We have been given the gift of a New Year. Let us receive it with great joy and carefully lay down the past while we hope for the future with the Bright and Morning Star.  


As Always,
Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Chaplain Petah
Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

P.S. ***Happy Epiphany***