We pause and pray, we meditate and relax…in the presence of God as love, as experience, as intimate exchange, as celebration of self and neighbor, in mystery and in nature; We dwell in the company that would surround and support, that would goad us on to think and be and do in bold, prophetic and compassionate manner in this burdened and beautiful planet. We are connected, we are interdependent; we are one. Gratitude now we extend to the God of all our understandings and to the universe that is unfolding as it will and should.

We gather in the beauty and grace of this late summer season and the beauty of creation emerging into new form and color. Mums of purple, yellow and red splash yards and porches, reminding us that while some summer flowers already have had their time of boasting resplendent flair, it is now time for the late bloomers that will usher in the harvest time. So be it. We are ready. For many, the weeks move on with good steadiness with not much of anything new; for many others, schedules and lives have shifted greatly. Making lunches, waking kids up early to catch buses or car rides to schools, organizing clothes and closets, nagging about homework, sports schedules….all this and more mark the new changes as September takes fuller shape.

Grace, peace and patience and excitement for life be with all gathered…especially those parents and families in the beginning of a new academic year: Parents of kindergartners on their first day, those who have transitioned graduates to new colleges and schools. May the tenderness and tears of so longs for now and the melancholy over change and kids growing up so quickly move us to a better and softer humanity – to emerge into greater love given and received.

On this Sunday, we surround and support Kim and Chad and the teams of volunteers who create and introduce a curriculum based upon values and that which would launch them more confidently into life, toward others and the world, valuing themselves and all they encounter. Might we all, in pride, encouragement, support and gratitude, walk with staff, volunteers and certainly all children today and in the weeks ahead as so much new energy, presence and content is celebrated and known.

In times of plenty, in times of recession – might we proceed with a sense and spirit of abundant living: Expansive thinking, greater and deeper being, bolder risking and more vulnerable loving. So much about being a human…and being and becoming more of who we are and who we can be for this world we share.

May we through love, grace, touch and affection, be softened into this day – into a Sabbath of new thoughts, words and actions. Through our connections and unity with Life around and the God of all our understandings sample the warm pleasures of this summer day; and then, in humility and resolve savor beautiful outcomes in the nectar of this summer evening. Amen.

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