Grief's Heavy Knot

A Prayer

O Love of Life,

Take this heavy knot

Of unbearable grief

And loosen its grip

On my saddened soul.

Untangle its hold

Bearing down

On everything

At every turn

In all directions.

Let Your promise

Made known in Christ

To lighten every burden

Visit me in this night

Of aching spirit.

Grant me just enough

Space to catch my breath

Sucked out by memories

Of unrealized hopes

Longing for a different

Arch to this unfolding

Story of interrupted life.

Yes, take all this

That is too much

Too heavy

And too tight

And loosen and lighten it

Just enough for me

To know Your present

Grace that holds and heals.

And let it be more

Than enough for today…

-DMLH, August 2026

Searching for Labor Day Worship Resources?

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Readings, Hymns, Suggestions,

and Prompts for Labor Sunday!

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Through Climate Hope Affiliates, local action is driving nationwide change. From combating data center pollution to defending the EPA, chapters across the country are finding meaningful ways to act.

UCC Webinar:

Climate Hope Affiliates 101

August 18th: 2-3 PM ET or August 19th: 8-9 PM ET

Planned in the spring and fall each year by women of the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ, Lantern Fellowship is a time when women of all generations come together to enjoy faith, fun, and friends. The retreat will be held at Camp Christian with housing in Monroe Lodge and other nearby cabins. Camp Christian is a place where the spirit can find renewal. The Steering Committee hopes you will invite a few friends and loved ones to share in the wonderful experience of Lantern Fellowship. You can learn more about Camp Christian at: https://www.ccinoh.com/camp-christian.aspx

Fall Lantern Fellowship Brochure

Join the Environmental Care and Justice Network for the launch of our new Damascus Project landing page! Get the latest summit updates, enjoy exclusive early registration access, and connect with others committed to environmental care and justice.

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ONA Support Network

Canceled for Next Week

Due to the sudden passing of Rev. Derek Terry, Executive Director of the ONA Coalition, and to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to attend his memorial service, we will be canceling our August meeting of the ONA Network.

We invite you to keep Derek's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire ONA Coalition community in your prayers during this time. We look forward to gathering again at our next scheduled meeting.

We are all aging. The way we think about aging, talk about aging, and feel about growing older shapes our experience of later life. Yet the messages we receive from our culture often reinforce negative stereotypes and misconceptions about aging. What happens when those attitudes influence the church?

Join us as we explore the realities of ageism—how it affects individuals,

congregations, and ministry. Together, we'll learn to recognize age-based biases, challenge common myths about aging, and discover practical ways to create a more age-inclusive church.

Come discover how the church can be a place where people of every

age are valued, empowered, and encouraged to flourish.

Click on the link below to reserve your spot. A Zoom link will be sent

with your confirmation.

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