Barbara Bowyer writes: Many of you have probably never heard of my favorite Christmas song, Nū ʻoli , which translates from the Hawaiian language to Glad Tidings . I first heard it when I was living in Hawaii and it has been a Christmas standard for me ever since. The artists are the Brothers Cazimero, beloved and well known through the islands. Their harmonies are beautiful and whenever I play it, I can’t help but feel a smile in my heart. The chorus is especially uplifting, even if you don’t understand the Hawaiian language.  I’ve included a link in case you want to hear it for yourself. The original Hawaiian lyrics and the English translation are provided below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-8y_xB0kZ0 Nū ʻoli! Nū ʻoli! He nū kamahaʻo! He nū no ke ola mai luna mai nō No kānaka nui, no kamaliʻi nei A ʻoi ka nani i ke gula aʻiaʻi  Hui:    Nū ʻoli! Nū ʻoli!  Nū kamahaʻo, kamahaʻo, kamahaʻo ē!  Nū ʻoli! nū ʻoli!  ...

Barbara Bowyer writes: This past Sunday, the Adult Forum continued its Advent study under the guidance of Pastor Travis. Our reading for the day was Genesis 32: 22-32, where Jacob wrestles all night with God. Unlike the WWE, however, this was not entertainment-based performance theater, featuring storyline-driven, scripted and partially choreographed matches. The struggle was real; I imagine God then Jacob seemingly having the upper hand in the contest only to have the other to find a second wind to continue the struggle. Neither side has a clear advantage and so the wrestling continues throughout the night. After he prevails in his fight and receives his desired blessing, Jacob is injured at the hip, an injury he will carry with him the rest of his life. The sun rises, and he's given a new name — Israel — which means 'he who wrestles with God.' The new name reflects his struggle, and the destiny of an entire people. As I considered the passage, I was struck by the lengt...

Barbara Bowyer writes:   In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Travis spoke of the beautiful poem offered by Amanda Gorman at the presidential inauguration. Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate , used her powerful words to lift a bruised and not so united United States . Gorman challenged us to become the generous and resilient people she sees with those wise young eyes. Travis began his message with the first lines of her poem, “ When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” While Travis focused on the opening lines of the poem, I encourage you to consider the closing lines which represent a poetic battle cry: “We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover in every known nook of our nation in every corner called our country our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful, when the day comes we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to ...

Barbara Bowyer, inspired by Pastor Travis’s Sunday sermon, writes: November has got to be one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is beautiful, the last days of fall are showing off their vibrant colors, and there’s a noticeable chill in the air. I especially love to walk in Forest Park and kick my feet through the leaves underfoot, making the most wonderful crunching noise. The holidays are on the brink of erupting. My life is filled with many happy memories. The point is: it’s November. AKA Turkey month. AKA the time of year when stores put up all the Christmas decorations (if they hadn’t already done so!). But this year is different. Large gatherings of family and friends are discouraged as COVID continues to ravage our community. Residents of local nursing homes are continuing to feel isolated as visitations are curtailed or stopped. As we enter this season of Advent, it’s easy to be downcast, to think we have lost so much. But we have much for which to be thankful. If...

Barbara Bowyer writes:  During this week’s sermon (Sunday, June 14) Pastor Travis encouraged each of us to get involved in current events. He went on to acknowledge that, for many of us, marching in the streets during this time of pandemic is not a viable option. Frankly, I count myself among those who are hesitant to take to the streets. We realize that our age puts us at higher risk to experience serious outcomes should we contract COVID-19. For others, prevailing health issues necessitate that they refrain from large gatherings. But take heart! “Not everyone is a front-liner, and that’s OK because we need all types of people,” says Andréa Hudson, an activist based in North Carolina. “There are many ways people can help out from their homes, and we need people to do it. We need everyone to show up.” What does that look like? I’d like to offer a few suggestions (in no particular order) on how you might join the protest from home, some of which Pastor Travis spoke to on Sunday. ...

Barbara Bowyer writes: I recently purchased a small hibiscus tree at a local store. Of course, one can’t simply purchase a tree; it needed a larger pot and more potting soil. Another trip to the store, supplies purchased, and replanting accomplished. It now sits on my deck and will regularly produce beautiful flowers if I tend to it. Which leads me to why I bought it in the first place. I recently happened upon a daily selfcare checklist that, among other things, suggested I should “Tend something living / growing”. I was pretty certain that wasn’t referring to the wee bit of mold on my blackberries (note to self: blackberries have a relatively short shelf life after purchase so eat them when you get them). I have since printed and placed the list on my refrigerator to remind me of daily practices that are useful as we continue to mark the days of self-isolation. Here's the list; feel free to use / share as you desire. I take no credit for the original list; a quick Goo...