With an eye out for signs of beauty and hope, these two photos were taken next to church in the past week. Thank you, Mike Willock. 

   A poem by Ellie Stock in the season for  Women's History Month. To Earth's (Our/My) Sisters--   Who ~ bravely dance their daily paces, shine extraordinary light on ordinary places, where others faint or fear to tread, where laughter is born and tears are shed.   Who ~ steadfast, courageously with bolding care encourage unheard voices to dare, to share-- whose own struggling and vulnerability forge the way for new beginnings and brighter days;   Who ~ spirited, passionate, seized by wonder endure times and worlds so torn asunder-- Daughters of the Universe, Mothers of Earth, Midwives of Vision contracting to birth;   Who ~ Friend of the forgotten, Madonna of the Trail league so the beleaguered cannot fail-- builder of community, hub of life, Heart of compassion, mind of delight;   Who ~ creative, innovative, for justice, for peace, no shrinking violet: advocate for the least-- doormat for none, s...

Nancy Quigley writes: In these times of wars, horrendous earthquakes, gun violence, political division and mental health challenges, it’s sometimes good to find a word of encouragement. Recently, I read an article written by Peter Baker about Michael Gerson.*  It is a good article, describing a complicated person with an eloquent Republican voice, who longed for “compassionate conservatism”, advancing liberal goals with conservative means. Gerson, who died recently, struggled with depression. In 2019, he preached a sermon in which he said he was “stalked by sadness.”  But he went on to say the following, which helped me remember once again what is essential. “Many, understandably, pray for a strength they do not posses. But God’s promise is somewhat different: That even when strength fails, there is perseverance. And even when perseverance fails, there is hope. And even when hope fails, there is love. And love never fails.”   * The article was in the New York Times ...