OCTOBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! The Harvest Moon and World Communion Sunday have concurrent timing this year, making a unique moment this first part of October 2025. One is an astronomical/celestial phenomenon tied to the harvest season and the other is an ecumenical Christian observance.  This natural and spiritual convergence unites us in themes of harvest and the global community. 

Here at “The Mill” we are experiencing our own phenomena due to several sightings and encounters of a MOUNTAIN LION! Yup, high speed, big swoosh tail—and about 120 pounds. Our local Maine guide saw this giant cat with our neighbor’s White Pekin duck in its gobb when it ran in front of his vehicle. A different neighbor’s dog has been gobbled up with their remains unceremoniously left high in a tree. This is exactly what a giant feline does. (Yes, another phenomenon.) Finally, one of our heifers has jumped the fence three times (really quite something!) and is reticent to go out from the safe space, obviously traumatized. The struggle for balance between mere mortals and God’s other creatures, such as the mountain lion continues to unfold. So much for the mountain lion being extirpated from Maine. I’ll keep you informed.

As we travel through the month of October let us be mindful of the magnificent phenomena of the heavens found in a full harvest moon, the joy of harvest and the abundance that the earth gives us. On this World Communion Sunday Christians from all over the world come into solidarity regardless of schisms and dogma. We remember that the prophets foretold of Jesus, a descendent of the house of David. We remember that he incarnated to show us how to live, love and honor our Creator. Let us be full with love for all of our siblings in Christ and all of our siblings on an alternative path. Finally, let’s be grateful for the phenomenon of a mountain lion that has found its way to Newfield, Maine, and will ultimately give us a new awareness of the wild and teach us how to honor Mother Nature afresh. Thanks be to the Holy One! 

As Always, 

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo Credit: Clara Constance – "Nature’s Journey in the tomato harvest"