Sunday will be the first of the month. Therefore, it is our traditional Communion Sunday. When I first thought about celebrating Holy Communion via a "telecast" I thought it sounded a little un-natural. After all, I am here and you are there and never the two shall meet in pandemic time. And, even if you come to worship in person on Communion Sunday, I cannot share the bread and cup with you due to health restrictions. Some of our neighboring churches are not having virtual Communion at all and they have good reasons. Some of our neighborhood churches, with good reason, are offering the elements of Communion only to the few who are able to attend in person. After some conversation, investiga

I know it. I'm an old-fashioned geek. I'm sentimental. I'm behind the times. And I like it! I enjoy watching The Waltons on television. The Waltons program depicts the lives of the family Walton, the extended family and the seven children. The show is set in the Depression of the 1930's. As I watch I am making connections between those times and our present situation. Here is what I observe: The Waltons get by with what they have. They may want more but survive and even thrive amid scarcity. Times are hard. There is much satisfaction and growth for the individuals and for the family in overcoming situations. Through every challenge they have each other. They gather together, show affection f

Last Sunday afternoon I watched my DVD of Paul Simon's live Graceland concert. It was filmed live in Zimbabwe in 1987 and featured Simon, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, the one and only Miriam Makeba, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I watch this video at least once a year because I love the music and the exuberance of the musicians and singers. The intermittent shots of the beauty of South Africa are stunning. This video was done before South Africa was free, while Nelson Mandela was still imprisoned, and Winnie Mandela was still a national hero. One lyric particularly stood out to me from one of the cuts: "These are the days of miracles and wonders." I believe these, too, are the days of miracles an

It's that time of the year when God's glory appears before us. The leaves on the trees and other foliage are changing colors as the length of daylight decreases and the temperatures decline. The beautiful colors which were always present in the leaves have come forth. As I see these beautiful displays of God's handiwork I can only say, "Glory to God!" Let "Glory to God" be our mantra, our chant, our prayer, in these days of great beauty and may it become a habit to praise our Creator God every day of the year. Glory to God! Pastor Joanne Time for Healing The second Sunday of the month is set aside for healing, for ourselves and for those who are dear to us. We may also choose to pray for the