A creative soul...

One of the genuinely exciting things about being in ministry with the folks in Pittsfield is their CREATIVITY! For example, a crew decided that for Pentecost we needed to have a bold visual image of God's love coming upon us. So Sue and Dianne gathered up all the ideas and turned it into this descending dove made from prayer requests...

It is so sweet that I don't want to take it down! I guess we'll keep it up for the rest of June. Last night at band practice, another creative group fashioned a truly beautiful collection of songs for this Sunday's celebration of Sunday School teachers. There are full participation songs - using bells and feet and animal sounds - along with a setting of Psalm 84 that uses an old Scottish folk song as the foundation. Additionally, there will be rounds, a reworking of Jewel's tune, "Hands" and some moving new hymns from around the world.

And then there is the crew who got so excited by Greg Mortenson's ministry a la Three Cups of Tea, that they are putting on a silent auction at the end of the month - June 28th to be precise - so that we might raise money to support education for girls in Afghanistan. And there is energy afloat to refashion our Christian Education ministry, too, so that we are able to connect better with children and young families. Later this summer we will start our Open and Affirming conversation. And our new website will be launched before the end of the month. Incredible...

These next three years will be fascinating: we've overcome many of the initial fears and worries about survival, dealt boldly with some of the financial problems (and have more work to do) and are now exploring ways of unleashing the creative spirit of the congregation. And all under the inspiration of Christ's invitation to welcome and embrace one another as sisters and brothers on a journey. I think this song from Pentecost - Message in a Bottle - gets it right...