Ridiculous Abundance
A Prayer
Loving God,
  Let me trust 
  Your ridiculous abundance
  Scattering itself abroad
  In reckless abandon
  Carried by a wind of spirit
  Caring nothing for boundaries
  Set by human standards
  Of who deserves what
  And when and why and how.
 
Yes, release me 
  From every clenched
  Part of myself intended
  To be shared in delight
  For blossoming in places
  Unlikely and surprising
  Giving pause to the rush
  So often ignoring You
  And your delightful whimsy.
Draw me anew into this
  Of Your scattering grace
  Disguised as annoyance
  Yet giving rise to color
  Catching the eye 
  In some strange revelry
  Of praise and thanksgiving.
 
O Love, help me live
  In anticipation of You
  Rising up like this
  In Your many disguises
  Turning my frustration
  Into frolicking joy 
  Often overlooked
  Except by children
  Who join in blowing
  Your seed all around
  With the breath of life
  You give to each 
  And every one.

-DMLH, April 2022
Looking for Partners in Creation Care?

Join us for our next Creation Care Gathering on Friday, May 20th at 1:00 pm via Zoom. Click on the link below!

For more information contact Hank Stonerook by email at hankstonerook@gmail.com
Matthew Fox presents a free webinar, Sacred Earth, Sacred Self: Harmonize With Nature & Reconnect to the Human Community Through the Wisdom of Eco-Prophet Thomas Berry.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 8:30pm
EDT
The Heartland Conference is delighted to offer scholarship support to emerging leaders who are seeking authorization for ministry in the United Church of Christ. Application for available scholarships are open! Apply by clicking on the image above.
Still looking for a summer mission opportunity?

We have added weeks to the schedule 
and need your hands in Dayton, OH!
Our collaboration in Dayton 
continues to evolve. 

In response to multiple inquiries about site availability through the summer, we have decided to extend the project site through the end of July.
A WORD FROM REV. TRAYCE POTTER, MINISTER OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT!
One of the things that was mentioned during last month's Reimagining Conference was the desire to gather regularly. We will tentatively plan for the 4th Monday of the month to gather. These zoom meetings will be held from 5-6 pm ET. 

On Monday May 23rd (5-6 pm ET) we will gather with Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund and others to talk about youth mental health. Sarah recently wrote Blessed Youth and Blessed Youth: Survival Guide to help youth think through strategies to help themselves and others who are impacted by mental health concerns.
Many have asked if there is a way in addition to our prayers that we may be of aid to those who are suffering in Ukraine. The answer to that question is “yes”! The Heartland Conference S.A.R.A. partnership will serve as a conduit for aid to partners in Ukraine who are suffering as a result of the war. Daily, our partners are bringing food and water relief to displaced Ukrainians in Transcarpathia. Those wishing to make a donation via this channel may do so by clicking below. Please know that your gifts of any size make a difference in this critical time.
The work continues! We deeply appreciate your generous donations and will continue to accept funds to help support the folks in Ukraine. 

To date we have received $70,033.58! 

Your generous donations have helped us provide the following:

  • Food for refugees, poor families, soup kitchens, overwhelmed hospitals, and orphanages.
  • Medications and medical supplies, ie glasses, walkers
  • Medical treatment 
  • Housing
  • Bedding
  • Gas for heating and for transportation