My plans, like so many others, have changed multiple times in this season of uncertainty. That is not necessarily a bad thing. I am simply noting that it has been difficult to make plans – for anything – without a few revisions since mid-March. Thank goodness, God has plans for us – plans of hope and a future (Jeremiah 29: 11)! I find comfort in knowing that. I hope you do, too.

St. Thomas UCC Worship Podcast 083020 – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bTZyNoN-Vys4jqHM0aOvazMxK-2RP2tb/view?usp=sharing

While sitting on the back porch this morning as dawn was just arriving, I noticed how telling it was of late summer. There was nothingness. Not even a bird singing. Not a leaf fluttering. Barely a whisper of a breeze. The world was still. The peace and quiet was a gift to start a new day.

St. Thomas UCC Podcast Worship August 23rd
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XbF8O__Aq-Isqmsz8xGwO9kINZN502ax/view?usp=sharing

Have you noticed the sun is rising later and setting earlier? A sign that summer is waning. All the more reason to take a moment today to share with others how they have made a difference in your life. Thankfulness expressed, is powerful.

St. THOMAS UCC OUTDOOR WORSHIP IN THE GROVE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16^th @ 10:15

St. Thomas UCC podcast worship August 16^th –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZ3cytIF0d6xFh59beuTGLXOmUmlZ7fM/view?usp=sharing

One of God’s small creatures is a reminder that an immediate need for our families, our communities and our world is prayer.

St. Thomas UCC worship podcast for 8/9/20:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13TxxZw80xk-EjIQ1NpxaMVjX02hhgH_O/view?usp=sharing

Look at this field of sunflowers. Everyone loves sunflowers, I think. Imagine, in one sunflower there can be up to 2.000 seeds! Now, if God’s eye is on the smallest creatures, like sparrows and sunflowers, then certainly God’s caring eye is on us all the time, too! I find comfort in knowing that. I hope you do.

 St. Thomas UCC podcast worship service 8/2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17RrldoVzyCI_aNliWyzRcuXkH5lpvRmf/view?usp=sharing

Butterflies were dancing on my lavender bush, I was told. I was sorry I was unable to see them! Then I got to thinking, about their life – how beautiful they are and all the changes they have to experience to attain that beauty! Each butterfly goes through a metamorphosis: stages that include an egg to a larva, then to a pupa, and then to an adult.

We have been experiencing a multitude of changes in our lives, too. Some changes easier than others; some changes have been good; some not so much. But the simple gift of a butterfly reminds us that there is always hope, even in change.

St. Thomas UCC worship podcast July 26 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xzoYktvfzkFBiFLfd-YdGyc6NtjS0l7M/view?usp=sharing

While I cannot clearly see if it is a beautiful morning, there are ways I know. I can feel the slight warmth of the sun on my face and the whisper of a breeze passing by. I can hear the birds singing and the stillness around me, simply listening to the tune they are singing. Though blurry, I can see the collage of color in front of me, knowing the flowers are in full bloom and likely dressed in dew.

Yes, it is a beautifu; mornng. Let’s rejoice, and be glad in it.

St. Thonas UCC podcast worship for today: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HueTTfqOu-VaunzG5wGy5SHAB6NXWp3-/view?usp=sharing

God Bless America was written by Irving Berlin during WWI. In spite of the current challenges across our nation, we  should still “raise our voices in a solemn prayer” today.

St. Thomas UCC podcast worship 7/5 – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tINtVC_ya-AcpxjwIWNt8U85V2V5xbcZ/view?usp=sharing

Splash! I took advantage of the warm weather this afternoon and went for a swim. First time since last summer. I lost track of my stroke count a few times – I use the count to tell me I am approaching the side of the pool and bumped into the side of the pool…still, I am glad I took the time to do it! Even managed some water aerobics!

There was something in the early morning air today….maybe a certain way the breeze blew across the patio at dawn; perhaps it was the faint, sweet smell of lavender and roses as I walked across the yard headed for a morning walk; or I don’t know – just a feeling, a moment of nostalgia…that  reminded me of being in church during the summer as a young girl. (I know – it is not Sunday!) That thought carried with it a memory of one of the first hymns I ever learned, This is My Father’s World.

Maltbie D. Babcock, who wrote the hymn, was known for taking morning walks, and before each stroll, was noted for saying, “I am going out to see my Father’s world.” We have been blessed with some beautiful summer days lately and more to come. Walk through them with joyful hearts.

St. Thomas UCC podcast worship 6/28
I included this hymn in our worship service of hymns, prayers and scripture for this Sunday.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15-kjar2ue-Dt_xpbi0PDpBtr8JQQVEwU/view?usp=sharing