the trumpet - east woodstock congregational church€¦ · for a disabled veterans stamp collecting...
TRANSCRIPT
The TRUMPET
January 2017
Daring to Care
“Do you have a cigarette?” the young woman muttered as I
walked out of our local hospital. I didn’t even glance her
way. She persisted, “Can I get a ride into town?” My guard
was up; I had just experienced the hurt and disappointment
that comes from trusting a practiced liar. That person
managed to take money from me and from members of my
church before we realized she was simply conning us for
whatever she could get. That incident left me wary.
So who was this person approaching me at 7:15 a.m. on a
frigid weekday? When I finally looked closely at her, I saw
a young woman just a few years older than my children. I
was glad to see she was wearing a winter coat, hat, and
gloves, but she looked tired. She smelled faintly of
alcohol.
“Are you all right?” I asked. She rejected my offer of a
cup of coffee or a breakfast sandwich, insisting that a
cigarette would start her day off right. I drove her the short
distance into town. She got her cigarettes and lit one with
shaking hands.
“I’m on my way to go grocery shopping,” I informed her.
“I can wait for you,” she said. She seemed lonely and at
loose ends, without any plan for the day ahead. She
perched on a chair in the store’s coffee area while I
gathered supplies for Christmas cookies. As she
helped me load my groceries into my car, I asked,
“Now what? It’s too cold to stay outside.”
When I asked about family or friends, she explained that
her boyfriend “wasn’t that nice” and she didn’t think her
family would welcome a phone call from her. I put on my
best mother voice as I assured her that even when I’m mad
at my children, I still want to know they are safe and cared
for. She was unconvinced.
“Do you want to go to the homeless shelter?” I was certain
that suggestion would shake her out of her indecision.
Instead, she agreed that was the best course.
During the 20-minute drive to the shelter, she kept me
amused with her description of growing up in our area,
studying at community college, even attending our
church’s Fourth of July Jamboree. My heart ached for her
as she casually confessed she was an alcoholic with little
hope for the future.
The shelter’s in-take clerk was brisk and to the point: - Arrest and sex offender lists are checked before
entry. - No smoking, no drinking inside. - Inside hours are 8 pm to 8 am. After that, everyone
needs to be outside.
I realized just how little I was giving her. She had a warm
place to sleep that night but had a long, cold day ahead of
her. I gave her my name and phone number and
encouraged her to call. I described de-tox programs that
could help her and counselors who could offer guidance. I
don’t know if I’ll ever hear from her again.
What I wanted, of course, was a happy ending. I wanted to
solve her problems and help her find a safer, healthier path.
Instead, I was left with a lingering sadness and an
unsettling glimpse of a difficult life.
Will my small gestures help? Maybe. Maybe we are all
pieces of a much bigger puzzle. Maybe someone else will
offer her another helping hand. And then another and
another. Maybe each one will add up to make a difference.
Just because we cannot solve a problem is not a reason to
hesitate to do what we can. There are needs all around us.
One way we share God’s light is by offering our hands and
our hearts. Let us do what we can to help one another on
the journey.
Blessings to you in this New Year,
Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster
A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster Co-Directors of Christian Education: Sherry Magnan & Dawn Morin
Youth Group Co-Director: Anne Sorensen Music Director/Organist: Nancy Ducharme Bell Choir Director: Andrew Tomkins Secretary: Heidi Tucker
Office: 860-928-7449 Residence: 860-928-7145 Email: [email protected] Website: www.eastwoodstockchurch.org
Secretary’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
The Trumpet deadline is the 20th of every month!
The following are the scriptures for the month of January:
You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as preparation for worship.
January 1 January 8
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 8 Psalm 29
Revelations 21:1-6a Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 3:13-17
January 15 January 22
Isaiah 49:1-7 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 40:1-11 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 John 1:29-42 Matthew 4:12-23
January 29 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30
Worship News
We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship –
and bring a friend!
January 1: Start the New Year off right! We will offer prayers for 2017 as we gather around the Lord’s table.
January 8: Star Gift Sunday. How will God speak to you in this new year?
January 15: Guest preacher; Pastor Sue away to celebrate her father’s 90th birthday.
January 22: Bell Choir ringing.
January 29: Annual meeting. Come and celebrate our church!
Star Gifts
Several years ago, we began celebrating Epiphany with a new
tradition of receiving “Star Gifts”. About 180 different words are printed
on colorful star-shaped paper. During the service, baskets of the stars are
passed around and each of us takes one – without looking! When we
receive our Star Gift, no matter what it is, we are asked to contemplate the
meaning of the word in our lives over the course of the year. Sometimes
the word will speak to you immediately; sometimes it is not so easy to see
the relevance, but it is thought-provoking and often some meaning can be
found even when you want to throw it back and take another! Please join
us on January 8th when we will be receiving Star Gifts.
A mid-week
opportunity for
conversation, coffee,
learning, and
laughter.
Give yourself the gift
of time…
Wednesday
morning study
group
10:00 a.m.
Everyone is
welcome!
The TRUMPET Page 2 January 2017
A CALL TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
A call for the annual meeting of the East Woodstock Congregational Church which will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 immediately following our service of worship to:
1. Hear and act on officer and committee reports. 2. Hear and act on the report of the Society Committee regarding the 2017 budget. 3. Hear and act on the report of the Nominating Committee 4. Hear and act on any other business to come before the meeting.
Called by the Church Council
ANNUAL MEETING FORMAT
10:00 am Worship Service
11:00 am Lunch and fellowship
11:30 am Put tables away, form circle with chairs, meeting begins
12:30 pm (or sooner) Meeting ends
The annual meeting will be preceded by a luncheon hosted by the Hospitality Committee. The
committee would appreciate it if people could bring something for the luncheon in the way of “finger”
food. Suggestions are: sandwiches, cut up vegetables or fruit, deviled eggs, cookies or squares.
Beverages will be provided. A sign-up sheet for food donations will be placed on the coffee hour table
for two weeks preceding the meeting date.
**Attention all Committee Chairs! **
The deadline for all annual reports is January 13, 2017. A complete copy of the Annual Report
needs to be available to the Congregation by Sunday, January 22. Please do your best to get your
reports to Heidi on time. Word documents are preferred. Thank you!
The TRUMPET Page 3 January 2017
Our church is blessed by the work of many
volunteers. Every bit of effort and caring helps our
church live out its calling to be the Body of Christ.
This month we especially would like to thank. …
Karen McFarlin for organizing our wonderful Holiday Art Sale. It was a treat to see our fellowship hall transformed into an artisan boutique with so many crafters. Thank you for all your planning and hard work!
Dawn Morin and Sherry Magnan for directing the Christmas pageant. Thank you for helping our children tell the story of hope, light, and love.
Anne Sorensen and Windsor White for meeting with our confirmation class every week. Your wisdom and enthusiasm are much appreciated!
Nancy Ducharme, Andy Tomkins, and
our wonderful choir and bell choir for the lovely music you shared with us throughout the Advent and Christmas season. We heard God speaking to us through your music.
Robin Cartee for providing the beautiful floral arrangements for our front steps.
Feel free to share your news with us. Just email
Heidi at [email protected] or call the church
office at 928-7449.
Sebastian Flock was born to proud parents Heather
and Derek on December 15, 2016. He joins his older
brother Grayson and grandparents, Diane and Mark
Billings. Blessings on your birth, Sebastian!
LBS News
The ladies met for a Christmas party at the home of Nancy Young on December 14th. Everyone brought gift cards for the church to keep on hand for those in need.
We enjoyed delicious food and good fellowship while celebrating the season!
There are no meetings in January or February. The next meeting will be held on March 15. We
hope you can join us!
Men’s Fellowship News
The men of the congregation have been
enjoying gathering for breakfast at the
church for good food and fellowship. Our
next gathering will be on Sunday, January
15th at 8:00 a.m. All men are invited –
and please invite a friend along!
Looking for Cancelled Stamps
Marian Hallowell is collecting cancelled stamps for a Disabled Veterans stamp collecting group. There will be a box in the chapel outside the offices for donations. Any cancelled stamp is acceptable! If you would like more information on this project, please contact Marian at [email protected].
The TRUMPET Page 4 January 2017
Poinsettias in the Sanctuary
Our church was filled with poinsettia plants, donated by the following people
in memory of or to honor loved ones:
John & Christine Armstrong In Memory of Guy Brown Armstrong
The Asikainen Family
Diane & Mark Billings In Memory of Eileen & Francis Perrin and Marjorie & Oscar Billings
The Boisvert Family In Memory of Our Grandparents & Great-Grandparents
The Carlyle Cousins In Memory of Rita Carlyle Peck
Tom & Rhonda Chenail In Memory of Ronald W. Hill and Donald Chenail
Joan S. Crossman To Honor Ron & Dottie Carlyle
Barbara Ann Davis In Memory of George & Barbara Brown
John & Charlotte Davis In Memory of John & Lucy Davis and Alice D. Murray
The Davis Family In Memory of Thomas Davis
Sean & Jen Dutson In Memory of David Mead
Laurie & Wayne Edwards In Memory of Pauline Edwards
Kerstin & Richard Forrester In Memory of Bertel & Margartha Okeson and William & Helen Forrester
To Honor EWCC Tai Chi Class
Lisa Gould To Honor her mother Joanne Kupstas
Phyllis Jones Jacobs In Memory of Harry, Steve and Eliza
Dennis, Kathie & Erin Kelly In Memory of Virginia Bates Swanson and Edmund & Mary Kelly
The Kristals In Memory of the Kristal/Kettle Families
Andy Krofina In Memory of my husband Doug Krofina
The Looby Family To Honor the Looby and Sherman Families
Kenneth Marvin To Honor Arline M. Bowen
Emily, Dan, Anna & Jacob Murphy In Memory of Martha Lyons Murphy and Polly Jones Murphy Murphy
The Noe Family In Memory of their parents Bernie & Dolores Noe and Cleo & Virginia Keller
The Perkins Family To Honor Our Parents
Rick & Mary Place In Memory of George & Betty Place
Marilyn & Bob Rath To Honor our children & grandchildren (Grace, Ashton, and Piper)
The Santos Family In Memory of Robert Durocher
Pat Sarasin In Memory of James H. Clair
Judy Schumacher In Memory of Sam Schumacher
Gordon A. Smith To Honor William & Ruth Smith and In Memory of his daughter Kathy
Seth & DeEtta Spalding In Memory of Paul & Avis Spalding
Karin Tourtellotte and In Memory of Marshall Tourtellotte
Family To Honor Reverend Sue Foster
Brenda & Bob Tremblay In Memory of Lost Relatives who can’t be with us this Christmas
George & Norma Wetherell In Memory of Prudence Wetherell and Norman Servant
Kate & Ivy Wetherell and In Memory of Prudence Wetherell
Amani Kamau To Honor Bernice Sheldon
Joyce White In Memory of George, Windsor and Sylvia White Joyce White
The TRUMPET Page 5 January 2017
“New Year’s Alkathon”
Saint Mary’s Church, 280 Providence Street, Putnam, CT
Starts at 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and
continues until 6 p.m. New Year’s Day
24 hours of AA meetings/movies/fellowship!
Awesome speakers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island!
6:30 pm…New Year’s Eve Pizza Party
11:45 pm – 1:00 am…New Year’s Celebration
with food and refreshments
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm… New Year’s Day Pot Luck Buffet
(Please bring your “specialty dish” to
add to the buffet!)
RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN PUTNAM!!!
Food, raffle and financial donations appreciated.
(Contact Lisa H. 508-981-5614 or Sue B. 860-481-0068)
We will also collect used AA/recovery literature
to donate to newcomers/treatment centers
The TRUMPET Page 6 January 2017
The Ho The Holly Fair Committee would like to thank everyone who donated
to this important fundraiser. We truly appreciate the donations of items to sell, money, and most of all time! As you can see, we were very successful this year. It would not be possible without the generosity of our congregation.
Thank you!!
“Holly” and “Ivy”
Holly Fair Report
Booth/Event Net Profit Luncheon $ 505.00
Cookie Store 253.00
Basket Social 1,585.00
Baked Goods & Canning 457.00
Treasures & Oddments 1,602.00
Crafts 732.75
Jewelry 282.50
Silent Auction 135.00
Candy 544.00
Cash Donations 600.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS $6,734.25
Advertising -214.60
NET PROFIT $6,519.65
(2014 net profit was $6,862.45)
The TRUMPET Page 7 January 2017
East Woodstock Congregational Church’s
Ham & Bean Supper
Saturday, January 28, 2017 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Located at the East Woodstock Congregational Church
$10.00 per adult Children 10 and under are FREE!
Join us for ham, baked beans, coleslaw,
assorted breads, pickles, cake and ice cream
~All Food is Homemade~
Take out is available!
Tickets are available in the church office, or by contacting
Rick at 860-928-2731 or by email at [email protected]
Come and enjoy a great meal and wonderful fellowship! Continuous seating!
We need all the support we can muster for our annual budget and heating needs! Please plan on attending our Ham and Bean Supper and enjoy dinner
with friends. Special Entertainment this year!
The TRUMPET Page 8 January 2017
4th Annual Holiday Art & Craft Show
December 3, 2016
Once again I would like to thank the members of this church
who helped make the art show a huge success. I go into this
weekend without any great expectations…I just let the day roll. And it rolls! Five months of
planning and emails to vendors and then two full days organizing. And before I know it we are
cleaning up and putting money in the bank!
A big thank you to Deb Sherman who gets the kitchen organized and serves about 50 lunches.
Dot Hill, who runs the penny social, organizing each of the vendor’s donations. And Val Law
and company who opened all the boxes of leftovers from the Holly fair and sold the "rummage".
The youthful legs of the Confirmation Class helped with both set up and clean up. And I thank
you…
The Men....under the direction of Roger Solomon, helped with cleanup of the hall. And I thank
you…
As I greeted those that attended our show I asked how they found out about it. Most use social
media, FaceBook, and found it there. Others saw it advertised in one of our local papers and knew
it was a show not to miss!! They also attend the April Clothing Sale, Jamboree, and Holly Fair.
Several people told me that when the East Congregational Church has an activity they know it is
something not to miss!! That in itself says a lot for this church and is the reason I put my time and
effort into such a huge undertaking.
We, each of us in our own way, are “the church”. Thank you again for your help and support. See
you same time next year!!
Breakdown of the monies that were brought into the church:
Rental of tables for crafters 22 x $20 $440
Penny Social 320
Refreshments 252
Holiday New/Like new items 312
Crafts 168
Gross $1492
Ads/signage 79
Total profit for church...................................... $1413
The TRUMPET Page 9 January 2017
A Women’s Retreat
For all the women of the East Woodstock Congregational Church
Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at Camp Wightman, North Stonington, CT
(40 minutes from our church)
“Soul Collage”: Celebrating Our Creativity In the beautiful, relaxing setting at Camp Wightman, we have a special opportunity during this year’s Women’s
Retreat. We will be meeting with Rev. Barbara Marston, who will lead us in the art of Soul Collage. Soul Collage is a creative
collage process. Each person will make 2- 10 collage cards that can represent an aspect of your life, a prayer, an activity, or
gratitude. The cards can offer insight into your life, can be used as a tool for prayer or reflection, and offer a relaxing way to
create a piece of beauty to take home.
This retreat will include time for renewal and fellowship. The retreat will start at 3:00 pm on Friday and
conclude at 4:00 pm on Saturday. You are welcome to come just for the day on Saturday if you are not interested in
spending the night. There will be free time for knitting, scrapbooking, reading, quilting, or even just relaxing. Come
either overnight, or join us on Saturday. Please fill out the registration form and return it to Heidi Tucker as soon as
possible.
The cost for both Friday and Saturday is $90. This price includes dinner on Friday evening, lodging for
Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
The cost for just Saturday will be $35. This price includes breakfast and/or lunch on Saturday plus all
activities. The start time on Saturday is 9:30 am and concludes at 4:00 pm. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Registration Form Paid: Check #___________
Name _________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________
Email Address _____________________________________________________
In case of emergency, please contact:
Name _________________________________________________ Phone number _______________________
I will be staying overnight on Friday, March 24. Cost is $90. Dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday
are included. Please check one:
I will be there for dinner.
I will not be there for dinner.
I will be coming just for the day on Saturday, March 25. Cost is $35.
I will arrive by 8:00 am for breakfast & lunch.
I will arrive by 9:30 and stay for lunch.
Please return this registration from and your check to us by Sunday, March 5. Please make your check payable to EWCC,
with the word “retreat” on the memo line. Financial assistance is available. If your plans change, please let us know
before March 5. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you.
I need financial assistance. Please call me with more information.
The TRUMPET Page 10 January 2017
Community Kitchens Benefit Concert at the First Congregational Church The First Congregational Church of Woodstock, 543 Rte. 169
announces a concert to benefit Community Kitchens of Northeastern Connecticut Saturday, February 25th at 7:30 pm.
Yes, the Bluegrass Gospel Project will perform again in the sanctuary with “voices and harmonies that make you see the light, and tremble” (Vermont Life). The Boston Globe has said of the BGP, “Whether your interests are sacred or secular, their music ripples with human emotion and imponderable mystery, beautifully evoking the plaintive pilgrim that wanders, yearning and hopeful, through the heart of American musical tradition.”
The concert is a return engagement from a performance in April of 2016, which sold out in advance. This event will sell out too, as it is a Connecticut Farewell Performance – your last chance locally to see this group, which will disband in March after 16 years of bringing joy to audiences throughout New England and beyond. We encourage you to purchase tickets now by calling the church office at 860-928-7405, or Bob Kirk at 860-974-2463 or Bruce Lyman at 860-928-9187. Tickets are $15.00 in advance. ($20.00 at the door, if the event is not sold out.) Checks should be made out to “FCCW”; please indicate “BGP Concert” on the memo line.
You may wish to help sponsor this benefit concert. Sponsors include individuals, families, local businesses and nonprofits who make a tax-deductible donation of $100.00. Sponsors will be listed in the program and may request two complimentary tickets. All profits from ticket sales and sponsorships and a free-will offering during the concert will go directly to support Community Kitchens of Northeastern Connecticut.
The TRUMPET Page 11 January 2017
Sunday School News
December 25th – No Sunday School
January 1st – Sunday School together
January 8th – New Sunday School unit begins
***We are still in need of shepherds for most grades, and substitute teachers
for Sunday School classes!***
Contact Dawn Morin ([email protected]) or Sherry Magnan ([email protected]) with questions, or to sign up for any “jobs”.
Happy New Year from Dawn & Sherry!
The TRUMPET Page 12 January 2017
S E N I O R Y O U T H G R O U P
JANUARY EVENTS
January 1 Happy New Year EWCC Come celebrate the New Year with your family!
January 8 Star Gift Sunday EWCC Come help with worship and receive your star. The word on the star gives you something to ponder. How
does the word relate to your faith? Ask Anne to see how you can help with worship! The youngest
members of our congregation love looking up to you!
January 13 Game Night 7 – 9pm @ FCCW Take a break from studying for finals! Join us for a time of food and fellowship! We’ll have snacks and
games! Bring a friend along with your favorite card game or board game to share! The more the merrier!
Send Anne a text message to let her know you are coming!
January 21 Cooking for a Cause! FCCW We’ll be cooking in the kitchen to make homemade soup and bread to deliver to those in need! Sign up to
bring a vegetable to contribute to our “stone soup”. Meet in the kitchen at 10:30 to put the soup on. We will
sample our soup and bread for lunch.
January 29 Annual Meeting EWCC Come to worship with your family. After worship attend the annual meeting. After worship, attend the
annual meeting. What is the annual meeting? Ask Anne what it’s all about!
The TRUMPET Page 13 January 2017
Want to know more about YOUTH GROUP?
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM!
INSTAGRAM: WoodstockSYG Facebook: Youth Group 16-17
Call or text Anne Sorensen 860-428-2198 or
EMAIL: [email protected]
FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
Counselor-in –Training Workshop March 3-5, 2017 at Silver Lake
Summer may seem a long way off, but you can plan ahead! Silver Lake is holding a weekend training
for anyone who would like to consider spending a week this summer as a Counselor in Training.
You will learn how to lead games, how to quiet a roomful of conferees,
how to keep them safe, and how to help God change their lives while
enriching your own. You’ll get all the training you need to make you a
great counselor!
Participants must be at least 15 years old by June 15, 2017.
Register online at www.silverlakect.org
The Work of Christmas
by Howard Thurman Graphics by Heather Peck
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins. To find the lost,
To heal the broken, To feed the hungry
To release the prisoner, To teach the nations,
To bring Christ to all, To make music in the heart.
The TRUMPET Page 15 January 2017
The TRUMPET Page 14 January 2017
Looking Ahead:
February 26 – Jazz Sunday
COFFEE HOUR
The coffee hour in January will be served courtesy of: Altar Guild
The coffee hour in February will be served courtesy of: Deacons
January Birthdays:
Natalie Eichner Jan. 3
Landen Morin Jan. 17
Sophia LePino Jan. 19
Elias Newall-Vuillemot Jan. 19
Sarah Tavares Jan. 24
Wyatt Robbie Jan. 25
Alex Dilko Jan. 27
Lydia Young Jan. 28
Jacqueline Dearborn Jan. 30
January 2017
Daily Bread Donations for this month: Canned Vegetables
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Happy New Year!
2 7:30 pm Dartball
3 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Deacons 7 pm Sanctuary
Singers 7:30 pm Society
4 10:00 am Study
Group 11 am Altar Guild 7:30 pm Al-anon
5 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
6
7
8 Celebration of
Epiphany
Star Gifts
9 10:30 Music Class 7:00 pm Council 7:30 pm Dartball
10 10:00 am Tai Chi 7 pm Sanctuary
Singers
11 10:00 am Study
Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
12 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
13 ANNUAL REPORTS
DUE!! 9:30 am MOMs 7 pm SYG Game
Night (Hill)
14 11:30 am Theft Detecting Society
15 8:00 am Men’s
Breakfast
16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
10:30 Music Class
17 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:30 pm Missions 7 pm Sanctuary
Singers
18 10:00 am Study
Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
19 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
20 TRUMPET
DEADLINE!
21 10:30 am
SYG Cooking for a Cause (Hill)
22
23
10:30 Music Class
24 10:00 am Tai Chi 7 pm Sanctuary
Singers
25 10:00 am Study
Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
26 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
27
28 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Ham & Bean Supper
29 ANNUAL MEETING
30 10:30 Music Class
31 10:00 am Tai Chi 7 pm Sanctuary
Singers
The TRUMPET Page 16 January 2017
Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us.
A Blessing for the New Year, and always –
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
In the busyness of this day
Grant me a stillness of seeing, O God.
~ John Philip Newell
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the seas laugh, and all that fills them;
let the field exult, and everything in them!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the coming of the Beloved, who reigns in glory!
For through Love will come truth and justice, offering all the people gifts of new Life.”
Psalm 96