DECEMBER 2024

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! We are journeying through Advent and approaching the Winter Solstice with joyful anticipation of the Christ Child’s arrival and a New Year. The firewood is in and the last load of 210 tons of manure laid on the fields. Petah has trimmed inside and outside “The Mill” with oodles of fresh greens, wreaths, garlands, baubles and white lights. Mr. Moose turned 98 this year and stands sentry to greet one and all in his festive Santa Claus hat and warm muffler. This is called intentional waiting!

“We Wait for God” is the 2024 advent motto at the Newfield Community Church. This is a wonderful marriage of tune and text and is included in the new “Then Let Us Sing” hymn book sponsored by the United Church of Canada.

“We wait for God, creation longs to see a new day dawn. And though the night is dark and deep we dare to sing our song. We wait for God, creation longs, we dare to sing our song.” (Words: William S. Kervin, 2023; Music: Deborah Park and Tom Reynolds, 2023)

We are waiting for baby Jesus to be born. We are also waiting for the healing of the world. We are waiting for a transformation of the systems and institutions that seemingly have huge control and influence over our lives. We are waiting for people in all communities and of all nations to live in harmony with one another. We are waiting for a new ethos of the light of love and peace to be fully present. In the waiting, we are called to prepare ourselves, be vigilant and to be on guard. Our calling in this time of waiting is to move beyond mindless busyness, including our preoccupation of our silly cell phones, into a place of being fully present. Let us live in hope, not fear. Let us strive to emulate Jesus who offers us forgiveness, love and freedom from our past. Let us truly dare to sing our song! A blessed journey and may peace be with you.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness!

Your Chaplain,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Petah on the Yanmar — Photo by Nee Nee

Mr. Moose as Santa Claus — Photo by Petah

Peace Porch Door — Photo by Petah