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