Just realized I never updated about the Creation Care Carnival. It was great! Thanks Mark for all your work setting it up.
We kicked off with a garden blessing and first planting with gardener Tim. Larry set up a "Take a Worm for a Walk" station and the squeals of kids trying not to drop their squirmy worms made us all laugh. (As a prize for taking a worm to the garden, they got gummy worms). Gordon had a station on what's recyclable where I discovered that even in green Montgomery County, there's a long way to go. Sherri had some alarming stats on plastic bags; Joyce taught us about rain barrels. Laura helped us identify plant odds and ends; April had a bean bag toss and Aaron made signs with creation-y Bible passages.
During the worship services we had a blessing of seeds, soil (a baggie full of compost!), tools, plants, and people. It was right before the offering song. I've always loved its words. Now, every time we sing it, I think of our garden. Our little plants are popping up and growing. Let the vineyards be fruitful!
Let the vineyards be fruitful Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life. Gather the hopes and dreams of all, unite them with the prayers we offer now. Grace our table with your presence and give us a foretaste of the feast to come. (1978 Lutheran Book of Worship)
It's Tuesday morning the week before YARD SALE! Outside it's pouring. I just came down from the roof (in the rain) after clearing my gutters. That's one of those things you either do regularly or as needed - like this morning.
ReplyDeleteNow, I LOVE rain. I appreciate it as God's tool to clense the earth. I love the sound,and the rythm as waves of torrent sweep across the yard and the roof. I find rain very calming.
But today, I am thinking about how the rain will affect Prince of Peace as we prepare for our biggest event of the year. Most activity will likely be drawn indoors. The opportunities for close fellowship will abound. We will pass the time sorting and pricing the wonderful treasures that members of our greater community will donate. I pray the rain will not dampen their enthusiasum to share.
Packing, driving to deliver their items, unpacking and dropping off what they are parting with may be hampered somewhat. But I know our congregational family, and how welcoming we are. Stories will be shared, thanks generoulsy applied, appreciating one another for the little things.
This time together, confined to close quarters, this is how we will do God's will this week. Thank God for the rain!