Nurturing Nature

Post date: Jul 09, 2021 4:15:4 PM

Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends,

Blessings of Pentecost joy be with you!

In the late spring, I was gifted Dixie cups of seedlings containing various tomatoes and peppers. I planted the seedlings and have tended and cared for them the last couple of months. I am now beginning to see the fruits of my labor as tomatoes and jalapeno, cubanelle, and poblano peppers are ripening on the stalks. I have been relentless in my nurture of them — checking for pests, marking how many flowers bloomed, watering them faithfully, all the while marking and celebrating when I saw the first hint of a vegetable growing. It has been a daily ritual and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. “Look at me,” I thought. City girl becomes a vegetable farmer, albeit on a very small scale. 

And then I came across a statement: We may think we are nurturing our garden, but of course, it’s our garden that is really nurturing us (Jenny Uglow). 

But of course. 

By participating in and witnessing the flourishing life of the plants, I took on a responsibility that has been a source of joy for my soul. I felt wonder that a tiny seed can grow to produce something that not only has nourished my spirit but will feed my body. Our beautiful creation doing what it does reminds me of a God who cares for and nurtures us; who wants to see us grow in our faith and have abundant life so that we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. And when we do bear fruit, I wonder, does God celebrate like I did when I saw a pepper or tomato spring forth? I would like to think so.  

I’m looking forward to worshiping with you at 10:30 AM this Seventh Sunday after Pentecost in person or via YouTube — MRC: A Fabulous Church of Love. Our featured soloist is Izaak Thorpe, and he will be singing “Healer of Our Every Ill” for our Anthem and “When Peace Like a River” for our Offertory. I will be preaching from Ephesians 1.3-14 and my sermon title is For the Praise of God’s Glory. As it is the Second Sunday of the month, we will take a special offering for our Deacons’ Fund. 

For those worshiping in person, masks and social distancing are optional, but you are encouraged to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so. 

May you embrace the nurture of God and produce the bountiful fruit of the Holy Spirit as the heavens rejoice over you.

In gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish