Conference Minister's Corner 7.29.26

Conference Minister’s Corner

Acting Associate Conference Minister, Linda Hirst, 7.29.26

I have a collection of rocks. It’s not a great collection; just some random rocks from places I have visited over the years. Rocks from Nova Scotia. A rock from Scotland while hiking. Even plain old rocks along the beach here in York, Maine. I use these rocks from time to time as sermon illustrations, devotions, children’s messages, and on women’s retreats (I bet you have too.) They hold different meanings, such as… rocks are everywhere just like God! Or put a rock in your pocket, and every time you touch it, remember, God loves you! They’ve been used to remember people, to build cairns to remember people, and some just remind me (us) of special places and relationships.

Here at Horton Center there are a TON of rocks, and some even make their way into our cabins. And while looking and stepping on and tripping over some of these rocks, I was reminded of one of my favorite songwriters, John McCutheon’s song, “Step by Step." Part of the lyrics go like this: "Step-by-step, the longest march can be won. Can be won. Many stones can build an arch; singly, none; singly, none. And by union what we will be accomplished still…" Such a reminder at this time and this stage in our lives, our country, and our churches that we can do so much more together than we can ever possibly do alone. And such a reminder that not only is this needed, but this is also what we, as congregations and people of faith on our journeys, do.  Think of what we are doing together:  working for peace and justice, praying for ourselves and our country and our world, doing whatever is necessary to bring hope and love and change to our communities and beyond. All this and much, much more. Together. Step by step, stone by stone. And by union, what we will be able to accomplish is still. May God continue to inspire us, encourage us, work with us, and walk with us on this journey…step by step.

See you in church.

Linda