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Dear Covenant Friends,
This morning, I sought the peace of the water’s edge at sunrise and found so much more.
We left the house while it was still dark—just me and my dog Molly. An owl broke the silence on our empty street. Familiar runners passed us with their rhythmic cadence. A family of six shy deer looked on, unthreatened, as we walked by. It was too early for school buses, but I imagined preparations taking place in homes lit from within.
From the top of the beach, it often looks like no one is down on the sand. But we descended the stone steps and found other sun seekers—one in the lake, two on the rocks, three walking the water’s edge looking for sea glass. We all waited in different ways, even though we knew the clouds would overshadow our little world’s waking. A pair of herons crisscrossed the sky and landed at the water’s edge, scattering ducks as they descended and took up residence on their long legs. Molly splashed in water up to her knees.
So often what we wait for is slow to arrive and remains hidden from our sight—the sun’s rising, an answer to our prayer, the next right step. Does it help to know we are not alone in what we seek? Birds wait for sunrise to sing, strangers offer prayers as they run by, dogs wait for owners to step outside for a walk. And all the time, the Spirit of God whispers in wind and wave, praying for us and with us when we have no words.
Today I heard goldfinches singing in the pollinator garden next to the church—but only when my young companion pointed them out amid the tall yellow flowers. It reminded me of a poem by Wendell Berry, of blessed memory-
Best of any song
is bird song
in the quiet, but first
you must have the quiet.
1997, I (Sabbath Poems)
Wendell Berry (1934-2026)
September 1 is the first day of the Season of Creation--a month-long time of celebration and reflection upon creation — the Earth and all of her gifts and creatures. The Season of Creation is recognized by Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians all over the world. This year’s theme, “Living Water,” draws on Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from God’s sanctuary, bringing healing and new life wherever it goes.
Enjoy a beautiful video prayer from the Vatican to mark this 2026 global day of prayer.
Pastor Jessie
pastor@covenantweb.org
September 1, 2026
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