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