From the minister:
Welcome, Spring
Winter Losses Turn to Spring Regrowth
After this long winter, the daffodils blooming in our
front garden came as a surprise. I knew they were there;
I remember when we planted them. But that they actually
could sprout those delicate yellow flowers shocked me.
The hostas spread their majestic, green foliage, and the
purple tulips again defied my attempt to root them out
of the south garden by blossoming in spite of my efforts.
Now the long siege of gray and cold has been lifted by
the varieties of green and the warmth of the sun. At times
it seemed it would never come.
I grew up in Iowa. We lived on a farm where a good snowstorm
could maroon us for days. I recall winters when the snow
filled the ditch and piled up so high that driving down
our gravel road was like driving through a tunnel. Then
we moved to Minnesota, where we spent 13 years experiencing
subzero winters. So winter should come as no surprise to
me, nor should spring’s release. Yet this year my
heart seemed to give itself over to winter to a greater
degree than in the past.
Maybe it was the large number of losses experienced in
my personal life, as well as here at the Fellowship, that
left me feeling winter more intensely than usual. I hoped
to connect with all of you who lost a family member during
this time but am afraid that some might have been missed.
If this did happen, please be sure to let me know. I know
how such a loss can be compounded when you need someone
to talk with and feel like no one is there.
With the advent of spring comes a confirmation that life
continues, that the memories and spirit of those we love
are stronger than death, that the grip of winter on our
heart, as on our earth, can be eased. The memory of winter
is never erased, but the reminder of spring gives us the
hope, the courage, and even the joy to continue on sowing
seeds, planting ideas, as well as trees, and making our
lives a garden of beauty.
See you on Sundays,
-- Brian
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Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we meet in a single,
10 a.m. Sunday service
Sunday, June 1, single service at 10 a.m.
Communion of Flowers
the Rev. Brian Eslinger
Flowers play a part in many religious traditions, including
our own. This Sunday we’ll explore those roles, from their roots
to their blooms, and participate in our annual flower communion. Please
bring a flower (or a bunch) to share as part of our communion service.
All-Congregational
Sunday, June 8, single service at 10 a.m.
Beauty
the Rev. Brian Eslinger
Is Keats right that “beauty is truth, truth beauty,” or
is beauty in the eye of the beholder? As we enter a season during which
the earth’s beauty is on display, we’ll spend some time
exploring what makes beauty beautiful.
Sunday, June 15, single service at 10 a.m.
Discovering the Point of Self-Empowerment
Phil Jones
Phil Jones, also known as Shiva, has performed extensively
throughout the world, pioneering the blending of Hindu chants and Eastern
philosophies in his blues/rock music format. Time spent with the Aborigines
in his native Australia gave him insight into and appreciation for the
vibrational similarities of ancient chants and the ancient didgeridoos.
For 30 years, he has traveled the world using sound as a form of healing,
empowerment, and meditation.
Sunday, June 22, single service at 10 a.m.
Summer Solstice
Tammy Hartmann & Jean Marie Marsden
We celebrate this time of productivity, growth, and ripening.
The dream seeds that rested through the dark winter and then sprouted in the
spring now begin to bear fruit.
Sunday, June 29, single service at 10 a.m.
Lessons from Our Fathers
Mark Witherspoon & Sam Wormley
Yes, we know it’s a week after Father’s
Day, but several Fellowship members will discuss what they have learned
from their fathers and other mentors in advance of a congregational
conversation on the subject.
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