Did You Go Birding?
Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends,
Lenten blessings to you, beloved of God
How has the fifth week of your Lenten journey Coming Back to Life been for you? Did you go birding and write down the birds you saw or heard in a nearby park, forest, or wetland? Did you look up how far the migrators have traveled? Did you watch the five-minute short film, “Nightsongs?” I did and it is heartwarming and informative. You may watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/
I must say, I don’t have to travel far to go birding. I merely have to walk out the back door to see all manner of birds. In my time at MRC, I’ve learned to recognize all the feathered creatures who call Coventry House their home, mostly through observation and with a little help from a bird book I received from our friend, Jack. I know when the dark-eyed juncos will appear in the fall, and when they will fly north in the spring. I
eagerly await the cat birds to return in the summer, anticipating their raucous meowing sound. I know the pattern and timing of when the little wrens will start to build their nests, usually near the garage. I look forward to spotting the Yellow-rumped warbler. And I always hope that we will get a visit from an Indigo bunting and also the ruby-throated hummingbird. We have purposely planted pollinating flowers just for them, and also for the bees. And, of course, there are the regulars: the cardinals, the blue jays, the chipping sparrows, the white-throated sparrows, the mourning doves, the vultures, the red-bellied woodpecker, just to name a few.
I marvel at God’s winged creations and their colors, their diversity, their migration patterns, especially the distance they are able to fly, and yes, their little personalities. As I wrote to you last week, when I am feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, I go to be in nature with the critters as a way of being intentionally aware of God’s presence. And oh, what better way to experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit than with one of her images — a bird.
So, go on out and see what you can see flying or soaring through the air, and let your heart sing: The lone wild bird in lofty flight, is still with you, nor leaves your sight. And I am yours, I rest in you. Oh wondrous love, rest in me, too. — The Lone Wild Bird, lyrics
Come, and let your heart sing this Palm Sunday as we continue our journey of coming back to life and enter Jerusalem with Jesus. You will want to make sure you get to church a little earlier as this is the LAST year we will have the donkey from the Potter Farm because the family is moving to their new farm in Cream Ridge very soon. Tom will lead us in our hymns and will sing the Anthem “Brave.” I am preaching from Luke 19.29-44 — Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem/Can you find two things that are missing in this story that are usually there? — and my sermon title is A Man of Peace. Our New Jericho Children’s Choir will sing “Hosanna, Hosanna” and “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” In addition, we have the joy and privilege of welcoming into our congregation two new members — Sandy Armetta and Laurie DeSpirito. As this is the Second Sunday of the month, we will receive our Deacons’ offering for those in need in our church and community. After worship, come up the hill to the Education Building for our special Palm Sunday brunch. We will receive a free will offering to
support the ministries of the church.
Phew! It’s going to be a full and joyful day of ministry at MRC this Sunday! And I look forward to being with you as we worship our loving and grace-filled God.
Keep following Jesus, beloved.
With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,
Pastor Trish