Done! This evening, ( a day early!) I completed the ACS 62-Mile Walk. Whew! I completed the 62 miles with a few extra, for a total pf 73.4 miles! Loved it! The challenge of the walk helped me to structure my early retirement days. I liked that, so I will continue to walk 2 miles a day in August, too! Thank you for your support!
Category: Uncategorized
Still Walking…
Continuing the 62-mile walk for ACS….completed 45 miles! Almost there! Thank you for your support! I enjoy walking and appreciate the world around me as I do. The walk is never the same, though I often follow the same route. There is always someone I meet along the way who may be working on their yard; often the sound of children’s laughter, since it is summer and there is no school! I see gardens growing and flowers blooming. If you aren’t a big fan of walking…why not reconsider?
You may be surprised by what you discover.
If you would like to support the 62-mile walk, here is the link:
62 Miles in July Walk
I love to walk so why not walk for a good cause? I accepted the challenge from the American Cancer Society to walk 62 miles in the month of July – it is as easy as walking 2 miles a day. Perhaps you could join in, too. For many of us, in some way or another, our lives have been touched by someone we know who had this diagnosis. Maybe even ourselves. If the spirit moves you, and you are unable to accept the challenge yourself, please consider making a doination.
Where is the Love?
What the world needs now…is love, sweet love…(sung by Jackie deShannon in 1965, songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David) David’s lyrics were found often to be controversial because of the Vietnam War, yet the song has been sung and recorded by many artists over time. The words sound simple…for times then and now. We know it is not that easy. Lots of hate, anger, bitterness, division happening in the midst of our families, communities, countries and the world. True, the world needs it, everyone needs it – no matter who you are or whose you are or where you are on life’s journey in the world. We could try. We could try harder. We could try to be more intentional. We could love more unconditionally. As Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you (John 13).”
St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – worship audio – May 18
Ahhhh!
What a lovely weekend! Celebrating moms, or a wedding or graduation – it was weather-perfect with blue skies, sunshine, and a gentle breeze! It make s a heart peaceably happy!
St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – worship audio May 11 –
A Gust of Wind
Are you a fan of Winnie the Pooh and his friends? It may not seem too theological for this pastor, but I consider Pooh as a good soul. Sharing with the world his life journey in the Hundred Acre Wood, with his friends Rabbit, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore, have warmed many hearts, including mine. My favorite story is “The Blustery Day”. Thoughts of this story whirled in my head while I was greeting family and friends at the church door after worship today – the wind was “blustery” as people were leaving. In Pooh’s story, Pooh and his friends encountered some troubles caused by a wind gust. Imaginative, yet real. As friends were walking out the door encountering the wind gusts today, they were sharing their troubles the day/week held for them. I pray the Spirit calms the wind and removes their troubles.
St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – Our apologies. There is no worship link for today.
The Real Story
Not everyone is able to join choirs and choruses in singing the “Alleluias” this Easter, because life may be challenging to them right now. No matter where you are on life’s journey, may the familiar story of Christ’s resurrection, lift you up in encouragement and hope today.
Stones
Have you ever held a stone in your hand, rolled it around a little bit, thought about where it came from, or what story it would tell if it could talk? True, stones are silent, but they still are able to speak volumes in a spiritual, imaginary kind of way. Even the boulders we see lying in vacant fields have a story to tell. What about how we use stones? In constructing fences and buildings, monuments and statues, establishing boundaries and creating walls. What about the Vietnam Memorial Wall or Stonehenge? The Washington Monument or the Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor, PA? Let’s not forget the worry stones or the prayer stones we carry in our pockets. There are hundreds more of types of stones. Consider stone soup, Do we really put stones in a pot to make soup! Of course not! It is a phrase used in European folklore to describe a type of soup created with ingredients that are available on hand and then happily offered as a communal meal. That sounds lovely, doesn’t it?…Sharing a meal with others!
St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem. Worship audio 4.13.25 –
Raindrops on Roses
Yes, our mini-rosebush has begun to bloom with yellow petals. Earlier this morning, there were raindrops on the rose petals! They are so fragile right now with the rain and the wind, I want to wrap them in a blanket! There were a few snow flurries, too, this afternoon. The early spring days are always full of surprises – sun, rain, wind, and even snow during some spring seasons. Just like the seasons of our own lives – some are brighter than others; some a little more stormy. We adapt and step forward through them. There is a blessing to be found in each one.
Our apologies – the worship audio is unavailable.
Newness
We will soon bring March to a close and April will begin. There is nothing better than turning a calendar page…do you agree? A new month to explore and color in any way you wish! But do not fill it up too full! Make sure you allow time to breathe!
St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem Worship Audio 3.30.25 –
In plain sight 