Ellsworth United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,

Happy July!

This is the month of fireworks and fireflies; family gatherings, cookouts, church fellowship picnics; swimming in pools, ponds, lakes, bays and oceans. The beauty of the earth awaits us when we wander woodland trails, climb hills, explore lovely beaches, seek cool waters.

Recently, a doe and her fawn crossed my path as I sauntered on a car-less shady lane. I waited, staying still, watching them, until they slipped back into their world of ferns, moss, firs and leafy hardwood wilds. When we walk “awakened,” listening, watching, so often God’s amazing surprise enters our lives.

Grace showers on us like sweet rain and we bloom — if only for a moment, for after all, we are all merely mortals. But (as we say in that call and response prayer) “God is good all of the  time. All of the time, God is good.”

The following lyrics are from an original song, “Firefly Waltz”, by Maine musician Bill Gawley, from his 1996 CD “Renovation Man.” It is a lovely folk-style song with haunting melody and  lyrics that stay in my heart. Let me share a bit with you here:

“Now I remember the night of the 4th of July
walking back up from the river
with nature in all of her glory for us alone.
And we danced to the tune of the firefly waltz
and the fields were as bright as the day,
and the stars in the sky met their match,
as did the moon on the bay.
And I loved you back then, and I love you right now,
and I’ll love you when we’re old and gray.”

As we experience the wonder of natural beauty this July, let us take time to pause and remember the many meaningful moments in our lives: family moments; brief encounters with strangers, who become for ten minutes, hours, a friend; our life-long relationships; the ever presence of God in our lives.

This July, enjoy fireflies, fireworks, and the stars shining in the skies.

And if should you happen to be in Ellsworth, Maine, at 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday, I invite you to come visit us at 21 Hancock Street. Come as you are, our church family and I would love  to meet you!

Here’s the worship schedule for July (and some other highlights planned):

7/7/13: Psalm #30, Opening Hymn: “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” Hymn of Preparation: “The Summons,” Scriptures: Gal. 6:1-11; Luke 10:1-11,16-20. Sermon: “Spirit,
Stir Me from Placidness”, The Great Thanksgiving (Holy Communion — our table is open to all), Closing Hymn: “Pass it On”.

7/14/13: Psalm 82, Opening Hymn: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”, Hymn of Preparation: “This is My Song”, Scriptures: Amos 7:7-17; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37. Sermon: “Love Thy Neighbor. God does not always Make Easy Requests”, Closing Hymn: “Rescue the Perishing”.

7/21/13: Psalm 15, Opening Hymn: “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing”, Hymn of Preparation: “Take My Life and Let it Be”, Scriptures: Genesis 18:1-16; Luke 10:38-42. Sermon: “The Role of Women”, Closing Hymn: “Every time I Feel the Spirit”.

7/28/13: I shall be in Vermont blessing the wedding of a son of dear friends. Our wonderful lay leaders will be in charge.

Almost every Sunday we enjoy a Prelude by Bruce Clark, our choir sings an Introit, Anthem, and Offering Hymn. During “Time for the Young at Heart”, our Sunday School age children  WOW! us with their wisdom, usually preparing us for the Scripture messages to be preached on later. Both before and after worship, we enjoy delicious goodies prepared by church  members. These goodies are now based on recipes from our new cookbook, which will be available for purchase later this year.

On July 14 we will enjoy after-church fellowship at the pastor’s home in Blue Hill (my home).  On July 26, in celebration of Ellsworth’s 250 Anniversary, the Ellsworth United Methodist
Church will host an “Ice Cream Social.” Come and enjoy making your own sundae!

All are invited to join us for worship or other events.

Have a wonderful July and I’ll see you right back here come August? Hope so. May God Bless you all.

Yours,
Pastor Susan Yaruta-Young (Pastor Y-Y)