September 22nd saw eighteen join Julia for the beginning of her “Attending to Creation Series.” Using the scripture Psalm 24:1-6 which begins “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it, for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers” Julia entitled her message “Share What You See and Know.” On a table before us were a number of different items – all found in Julia’s home – and we were invited to come and take one of the items back to our seat. And we were asked to answer the question “How did this item come to be in my hands today?” Several people then shared their answer to this question. We heard that everything on Earth comes from the Earth and everything takes energy to produce for the Earth is living. Mother Earth is living and we did not create the Earth, God did. We were left to ponder the question “How can we take better care of the Earth?”
On Thursday, September 26th, forty-two people enjoyed a concert featuring violinist Theresa Dumbrique and pianist Elizabeth Clarke. Thanks to Shirle for organizing this very enjoyable concert.
Then on September 29th twelve people gathered for the Blessing of the Animals service. We participated in the blessing of the dog Sophie within the sanctuary and then went outside for the blessing of the horse Blossom. (Both Sophie and Blossom live at the Ternan home.) The idea of blessing was and is given by God and we are to live in harmony with all of God’s creatures for we are all creatures of God.
On October 6th, twenty-five people joined Julia as she continued her “Attending to Earth Series” entitling her message this week “What on Earth are We Doing?” Speaking from Jeremiah 2:4-8 which says in verse 7 “I brought you into a plentiful land to eat of its fruits and good things. But when you entered you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination.” Also from Romans 1:18-23 we hear the words Paul wrote “for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened.” (verse 21) Julia told us that there have been five major extinctions on the Earth and that at present we are in the midst of the sixth extinction. The prophet Jeremiah declares that when we pursue worthless things destruction occurs and Paul writes about being ungrateful for what God has given them (us). Throughout God remains steadfast and strong and life is good so let us not squander what we have.
Thanks to Marie Wedderburn for summarizing these services !