This is a second collection of short pieces for reflection and pondering.

Starts and Stops – During my walk on Saturday, I spotted in the distance a mother assisting her daughter to ride a bike. A steadying hand on the back of the seat, a short run, a well timed release, and the girl was riding. As it turned out, the most uneven parts were the starts and stops. After an awkward or collapsing stop, the bike and rider were righted, ready for another spin. At the end of the sidewalk, the two hugged, and began again, this time coming toward me. As they passed me, I thought, “This will not be the last time you work on starts and stops, young lady.” The same is true for each one of us. As a community that cares, may we be ready to be a bike-runner, when needed.

The Continuing Conversation – I have not written much about The Continuing Conversation in recent months. Well, it’s back, prompted by the cottage meetings. As I listened to the reports in the Search Committee meetings, I realized that ‘continuing’ is a right matching word for any ‘conversation’ because we share a history, and our lives as members of this community. In each report could be heard appreciation for this opportunity to spend a couple of hours talking with friends and neighbors. Given that this was a valuable experience, how might we extend this type of gatherings for continuing conversation? The floor is now open for ideas, and discussion!

Summer Time – Elsewhere in this newsletter, you will find a prayer for summer. The first lines read: “God of Creation, God of the seasons, bless your creatures with seasons of delight.” Living in Vermont, our blessings include the distinctive qualities of all the seasons. Without a doubt, we cherish summer. Each month of summer features three “join in” events. In JUNE, there is “Summer Reading” [7:00pm, June 1st], “A Potluck Picnic” [after worship, June 21st, Volunteers’ Park], and “First Summer Supper” [5:30pm, June 24]. In JULY, there is a “Strawberry Festival” [July 4 – volunteers needed], “Second Summer Supper” [5:30pm, July 22], and “Beach Night – Potluck Supper [4:00pm at Lake Iroquois, July 31]. In AUGUST, the number is actually two: “An Ice Cream Social – Block Party” [Sunday August 16th – further details are under construction] and “Third Summer Supper” [5:30pm August 19th]. The third event has slipped over into SEPTEMBER – “The Pilgrimage Service” at Old Round Church [September 6th at 10:00am].

“Stay On Awhile” – The summer after my first year of seminary I was assigned to survey an area outside Danville, Virginia to determine possible interest in a new church start. This was a new world for a Michigan boy. I did not learn until part way into my eight week stay that I was known in the community as the “young Yankee preacher”. After a number of home visits, I began to hear the invitation to “stay on awhile”. This indeterminable time line was a real test of patience for a task oriented Yankee, but it taught me an extremely valuable lesson regarding ministry; namely, that time given to visiting may become invaluable. It is my hope that there may be time available for more of us to experience what it means to “stay on awhile.”

Len Rowell, interim pastor

Our Mission:                                   
The mission of the Richmond Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is to encourage the spiritual growth, personal peace, and well being of all who seek relationship with God through the Christian faith by providing a safe, open, non-judgmental and nurturing atmosphere. We will provide community and mutual support through Christian fellowship and be instruments of peace and justice by reaching out to those in need and by being good stewards of the world through action and example.

 If you would like a visit from the pastor, or to receive the church newsletter, please call the church office at 434-2053 or e-mail us at church@rccucc.org  (see "contact us" link above)