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