Welcome to the “BRR” months — may the sunshine and warm days linger a little longer!

Do you ever have one of those days when you are quickly convinced you should just go back to bed?

That was my first day of September.

I love September! And I woke up excited to roll into all of the September-ness.

But it was hot and humid. No autumnal blue sky.

I have a set of six pairs of socks. This morning I found one of every color. But for the life of me could not find a match for any of the six. I'm not above unmatched socks, but how bad are those odds? 

And I made a great pot of my favourite coffee and forgot it. Since my brain requires coffee, I had to stop at Tims (and I really dislike their coffee, among other things).

I'm working on my blood sugar and I'm supposed to eat breakfast and I totally forgot... So there are about 5 tamari almonds in the car that will have to do. 

I turned on CBC radio for the drive to Mount Forest and for some reason it *wasn’t* CBC? The classic rock station that was in its place was ok (singing KISS’s “I Was Made for Loving You” at the top of my voice was cathartic) but I am still confounded as to the whereabouts of the CBC?

But... I have six pairs of socks and the in home laundry facilities to lose them in. Plenty of coffee and the money and vehicle to pick some up when I forget. Food available to me and the means to get it and to make choices about what I eat. 

Life is good.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that my problems are not even problems.

As I drive through the lush green countryside to the place where I do work that is meaningful, and that I love, to meet with extraordinary people serving the community. I am blessed and should be shouting my thankfulness from the mountaintops, not griping about socks. I am privileged and should be using that to care for those who are not.

Today I am grateful.

This summer we explored the Inventions of Summer~ through Word, and spiritual practice.

Let's carry on the learning and practice!

This is the Sunflower practice, turning towards the light and "taking up the offerings":

Find a giving position for your body. Seriously, try out a few postures and gestures. You will know when you have found the giving gesture that is right for you.

Hold this gesture and make silence for at least 5 minutes. Allow gifts to come to your heart. As a gift arrives, breath in your thanks. Like this: A tree... breathe in thanks and then let go the thought. Return to silence and receive another gift. The gift of what you ate for lunch ... breathe in thanks and then let go the thought. Allow other gifts to come to your heart. Delight in other inventions of summer. Accept all gifts that arise even the ones that may not initially feel like a gift. Accept and let go with gratitude in your heart.

When your 5 minutes has passed (or however long you decide to pray) ask yourself: What is the gift I will give today that changes the world a little bit? Notice during the day the times you are offering gift to the world. Keep gifts in motion.

(Source: Summer Inventions by Janice McLean @ the Prayer Bench)

Beginning Wednesday, September 9, from 1-3 in the Fellowship Hall.

Organized by the Rural Wellington Peer Support Services, connected with the Mount Forest Family Health Team. A Peer Worker will be present to resource games and cards, as well as access to the gymnasium (feel free to bring a ball or racquet and a friend!).

Everyone is welcome. Connection is the goal!

Friday afternoon handwork and chit-chat will resume soon! Stay tuned for date! Same time, 1:00 pm on Friday afternoons in the Fellowship Hall.

Once we are back in rhythm, Rev. Lori will be offering a series guided art sessions exploring our relationship with God through art ~ NO skill required, other than an open heart and the ability to make a mark on paper with the tool of your choice (options will be provided!).

Everyone is welcome to bring a backpack, laptop, workbook, or anything else to support your work and learning in this new season! This service is for all ages!

The Raw Carrot is looking for a volunteer to help in the afternoons on Tuesday cook days.

We are an outreach of Mount Forest United Church that provides supported employment for people living with disabilities. The volunteer work will be supporting employees with food packaging. 

For more information call Janice at (519) 314-7579.  

It's Soup of the Month sign-up time again!

Subscribers get a delicious soup each month. Quantities are limited; subscribers also get first chance to purchase more. September's soup is Blistered Tomato & Red Pepper. Each month, an email is sent when the soup is ready for pickup at Meat the Butcher. 

A 10-month subscription costs $110. To sign up, you can email mtforest@therawcarrot.com, call or text Lynne at 519-323-6904 or visit The Raw Carrot website.

Our group subscription to Broadview Magazine is up for renewal. Current subscribers wishing to renew, or anyone interested in subscribing, please get in touch with the church office.

Cost: $40 (HST included). Payment may be made at the office, in the offering plate (marked “Broadview”), or by e-transfer to united@wightman.ca (please note “Broadview”).

Current subscribers: Please let us know by September 21 if you wish to renew. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you do not wish to renew. 

The August green begins to pale,

As gold and amber touch the trees,

A cooler breeze lifts summer’s veil,

And whispers through the autumn leaves.

The Maker’s hand is painted clear,

In shifting light and harvest field,

He guides the turning of the year,

By grace and majesty revealed.

The scattered weeks of sun and rest,

Now turn back toward the chapel door,

Together here, our lives are blessed,

As we fill up the pews once more.

The Maker guides the turning year,

And brings us home hand in hand,

With thankful hearts and vision clear,

We walk the path our God has planned. Leo Vision - Unsplash

Author B. Bessie

Visit our website to view the bulletin, announcements, church calendar, and upcoming events.

Our weekly services are posted on our website, and YouTube links are found under the Worship tab. Click on the service you wish to watch, and it will take you directly to the YouTube video.

If you are an Eastlink customer, you can still watch our service on their Community channel, or listen to our service on 88.9 The River at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings. 

Explore more at www.mountforestunitedchurch.com

Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) makes giving easy—no cheques to write or envelopes to remember.

Your monthly donation is automatically withdrawn, and you can adjust it anytime. To sign up or make changes, contact the church office at 519-323-1910.

If you would like the Pastoral Care Team to pray for you, someone you know, or to share news of hospitalizations, illness, or special occasions, please contact:

• Betty Seminowicz – 519-923-5416 or Email: betvansemi@hotmail.com

• Daphne Rappard – 519-323-2505 drappard@wightman.ca

All requests are shared only with the Pastoral Care Team and are kept confidential.