Rev. Linda Rounds-Nichols, Agape Ministries

It was so simple for the people - follow God - follow God's model: mercy, grace, loyalty, kindness. But no. When corrected, they became violent. They turned away from Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:10-13), as they turned away from others in the many similar stories.

It isn't easy to do, as in the words of the Psalm (69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35), to bear shame for the sake of God. Yet that is what Jeremiah and other prophets often did. We may be insulted and shamed when we speak God's love language, too. It isn't easy.

The Summer Solstice, (Throughout the world, the date is sometime between June 19 and 21. In most parts of the US, it is the 21st), the longest day and shortest night, is also called Midsummer, Litha, and St John’s Day (John the Baptist.) Last year I checked the time of the sunrise and sunset each day, and found that for us, the solstice was a few days different from the ‘official’ solstice. Be that as it may, the long, hot (depending upon where you are) summer days are very slowly becoming shorter right about now. It may feel that way in some places, but in many places, we are just about to face the hottest weather, so it may not seem that summer is melting away (pun intended!) But it is.

Now is the time when our ancestors were preparing for winter. Thinking about that… the harvesting, preserving, and canning food, all that they did, might make us question the words of the song, “Summertime.” It doesn’t seem that the living could have been so easy!

This was also considered the time when the veil between the world of the fairy-people, or fae, was thin. Fairies would cross into the human world, either to give blessings, or to make mischief, or a little of both. Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a story of just this! Some countries, like one that is part of my mixed heritage, Sweden, still have great festivals at this time.

Wherever we are and whatever our ancestry, Summer Solstice can be a time for celebration. so enjoy!!!!

As during the past two weeks, the theme of who God is and God's relationship with the people continues today in Exodus 19:2-6a. These verses end with words that show the need for a response from the people. God doesn't control them; they choose. "If" they listen and do what God wants, they'll receive all the good, but it is a choice. [As it was for them and it is for us!]

Psalm 27:1, 4, 7-8 is one of the readings for Sunday. Many of us may be feeling confused, upset, even afraid about the conditions in the world today. If you are feeling this way, please read the words of this psalm - it's about believing in and trusting God. It might help to read these words often.

Or, the short form from Julian of Norwich: All shall be well.....