July 9, 2026

Oh, my goodness! It was so much fun to worship at Foothills Park this last Sunday. Thirty of us gathered with over one hundred people to celebrate our interdependence. It was a joy to collaborate with the other clergy and most importantly to see connections being made with all the worshippers. The picnic was plentiful, the worship music exceptional and participation in the service top notch. It was a gift to witness the laughter as folks passed the yarn. We will have another ecumenical worship service on Sunday, September 6 at Mary S. Woods Park. I hope you will mark this on your calendar and join us.

When you read this, I will be on a plane heading to Minneapolis for a few days before continuing my journey to Indianapolis. I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends before heading to the Grace Filled Turnings retreat. The focus of this year’s Grace Filled Turnings retreat is The Courage to Do Hard Things. Bishop Laurie is one of the speakers as well as one of the women from my WTBG group who is a songwriter. I am super excited to have this time away for refreshment, renewal, and reconnection. Flying through Minneapolis was less expensive than straight to Indianapolis. The ability to connect with folks in both places before the retreat begins will be nurturing for my spirit.

I return next Friday and will be volunteering at the Sacred Space booth with Jeff Hook on Saturday, July 18 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. It is a corner booth that faces the Willamette. If you are courageous to venture into this fun, festive, high-energy experience, it would be my pleasure to offer you a temporary tattoo. They were commissioned specifically for use in this booth to remind each person that they are loved no matter what!

There is gratitude for my neighbor who will tend to my garden in my absence. He took care of it last month and loved the benefit of fresh harvested produce. When I was at the Guild, I noticed toward the end of the week how I missed my garden. The ability to put my hands in the soil, watch the plants grow and harvest the produce and flowers is another way my spirit is nurtured.​

My hope in these summer days is for you to find ways to nurture your spirit. Perhaps it is a garden, walking with friends, making jam or being in an air-conditioned space watching your favorite show. Whatever you may choose, know my prayers are with you. If there is any pastoral concern, please reach out to Ron.