A little more than a week ago, I had the privilege of visiting Heather.  She sang this song from her bed in the hospital:

Day by day, Oh dear Lord, three things I pray:

To see thee more clearly

Love thee more dearly

Follow thee more nearly, day by day.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW_RpWbnJXQ]

A physician in Westford, mother, and new member, Amy attended church as a child, but during her adult life often did not have a church home. “I felt disconnected and adrift. Trying out a new church can sometimes be daunting, but since the first time I came to WCUC, I really felt welcomed. I knew after only a few weeks that I had found a new church home.” Amy’s daughter quickly grew to love her Sunday School teachers. “I have been so happy to watch her faith in God grow.”

Amy finds that the challenge to self-reflect and hear God speaking are some of her favorite aspects of Pastor Hannah’s messages. “I really like the emphasis on a true Biblical message.” Finding her mission through volunteering in Vacation Bible School and helping those in need through Congregational Care, Amy feels connected and involved in a deeply meaningful way. “Connecting with people and feeling useful is easy here,” Amy adds, “this is really a community of mutual support.”

Susan comes to WCUC with her adult daughter, Meghan, who is part of our Sunday Fellowship group. “I was looking for a community to share my spirituality with, and after going to service with Meg once I felt I wanted to learn more about WCUC,” says the longtime Concord resident. “I felt welcomed from the beginning by the congregation. The sermons were meaningful and the music was mesmerizing – it was a sure win/win for me.”

Last year, they attended a Christmas Eve service at WCUC and were so pleased that Meghan seemed to feel right at home–so much so that she hummed the Christmas carols afterwards!

Susan, an interior decorator and color consultant, also appreciates that Hannah brings the environment into the service, handing out bulbs for planting during Lent and focusing on “God’s Green Earth” in Vacation Bible School. “Nature is part of who we are,” she says.

Linda was one of the Roddy Prize winners at the Concord Art Association show this season.  Congratulations! Read more, and visit the Concord Art Association across town to see all of the pieces through October 13th.  Here is a miniature of her wonderfully detailed photograph, titled “Waiting.”

 How did I happen?

The big task- already it is right now.

I can only have my own experience: to a dying man, a girl looks good.

The meaning of vitality: there is a whole lot to know; remain on your own!

Is nature conscious, or in the abstract?

Never really lose track of time; what’s needed is a good intellect.

Despite it all, I have energy!

Here’s a deathbed wish: I am a life-being.

Accept the remainder; there’s only a little time left.

Live right where I am: Farewell all types of earthbound people.

You may not have met Mary. She hasn’t been to church for many years. Some of us had the privilege of visiting her in her house on Main Street, or more recently, in a nursing home. We heard all kinds of stories about her 97 years of life, and she was curious about our stories, too.

Martha was one of those who visited Mary. Here is her reflection:

Today I did something I have never done before and received a most amazing and unexpected gift in return: a new friend.  After church, I delivered communion to Mary in her house.  Not only was the sharing of the bread and cup incredibly moving for both of us, but also we discovered that we have much in common, including the same birthday.  “I’m going to be 96 in March,” she said.  “What date in March?” I responded, but as soon as I asked the question, I knew she would answer the 25th.  God was powerfully present for me today in Mary’s kitchen.

We’ll be celebrating Mary’s life this Thursday, July 25th, at 11:30 at the Concord Funeral Home. Thanks be to God for her presence, witness, service, and wonderful smile.

We have more submissions from WCUCers traveling to Dublin, getting some delicious refreshment in Waterbury, VT, and goofing around on Lake Champlain!  Where have you been this summer?  What have you been doing?  Send a picture to wcuc.office@gmail.com.

We asked members and friends to report back from their summer adventures.  Here are our first submissions, from Stonehenge and Mt. Watatic!  Join the fun and send your pictures to wcuc.office@gmail.com.