From the Pastor's Pen

 Mid-fifties temperature with occasional drippiness, cool/cold damp dreariness almost becomes discouraging, yet the moisture has revived some flowers and because of the warm/hot weather, some recently planted corn is spiking. The extremes of weather match the volatility of markets and moods. Truly, Forrest Gump had it correct ‘life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”. 

The world and society seem so unsettled that sometimes it feels like we are walking on shifting sand. Extremes somehow have become the norm and solid footing hard to find. Perhaps that is exactly when and where faith becomes both action and bedrock. We, here in Harmony, stand on the shoulders of generations of predecessors dating back nearly 150 years. This congregation has weathered two world wars, a depression, and numerous challenges both financially and societally. The faith foundation of St. John’s UCC- Harmony is solid, sturdy, and sacred. We are blessed! Last Sunday, May 15th, we welcomed eleven members into our family of faith. Some had long time ties to St John’s while others are new to this community. From under twenty to over eighty, they encompass the spectrum of age and experiences. Adding nearly a dozen children for their special time, our church is blessed with a cross-section of the families and friends that claim St. John’s as their spiritual home. We are blessed! 

I firmly believe that this is where faith and life intersect, where biblical teaching meets life experience. The heritage we build on reflects the values of the generations before and provides a launching pad for future generations. God has brought us to this place and promises a hope and a future recognizing “what was” and reaching for the “not yet”. 

Surely, as seeds are planted, spring becomes summer, and the cycle of nature continues, we will have challenges and blessings, joys and sorrows, abundance, and scarcity, all intertwined in the messiness and mystery of faith and life. Still God is God, and we are not. God’s goodness and mercy are abundant, and we are blessed. Praise God! 

Blessings and Peace and Love, 

Pastor Dave