"Summer Solstice" Haiku

"Summer Solstice"

Marked

By

The

Firelight

A

Summer

Solstice

Delight

Embers

Rise

To

Night

A Prayer for West Virginia Day

West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863. I composed this original prayer for the 2022 celebration of West Virginia's birthday. I used it in worship at the Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church, Wheeling, WV on Sunday, June 19, 2022.

Shine, O Lord, upon our Mountain State,
from the rocky summit of Spruce Knob
to the waters of the Potomac and Shenandoah at Harpers Ferry,
from Chester to Bluefield,
and from Cabell County to Jefferson County,
and all places in between.
Shine, O Lord, upon all Mountaineers,
that armed with only our freedom,
and with a single purpose,
we may live, work, and worship
among your West Virginia Hills. Amen.

Unofficial Haiku of the 2022 West Virginia Writers Conference

Writers
Writing
Words
 
Co-creating
With
I
Am
 
Spring
Has
Sprung
Anew

Words of Grace and Inspiration

I was asked if I would be willing to say a few words of grace before the West Virginia Writers 2022 Conference Banquet. I appreciate all those who thanked me for them afterward. Here are the words.

I invite you to focus your heart and mind
on The Transcendent around and among us.

Wonderful Weaver of ageless mysteries,
who centuries ago, inspired writers of sacred texts
and today still fills authors with amazing words;
 
We give thanks for the bounty of the earth
and for the those who have labored to prepare and serve this evening’s banquet,
farmers and migrant workers,
truck drivers and distributors,
cooks, servers, and those who will clean up after us.
 
We are grateful for the opportunity to assemble here this evening
to celebrate our craft,
to hear our keynote speaker,
to honor award winners,
and to renew old friendships and make new acquaintances.
 
Bless this meal,
from our food and drink to our table conversations.
And let all those so moved say, Amen.

Lectionary Ruminations 2.5 Links to Trinity Sunday through Christ the King/Reign of Christ (Year C)

 Trinity Sunday

2nd Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 7

3rd Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 8

4th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 9

5th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 10

6th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 11

7th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 12

8th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 13

9th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 14

10th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 15

11th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 16

12th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 17

13th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 18

14th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 19

15th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 20

16th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 21

17th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 22

18th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 23

19th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 24

20th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 25

21st Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 26

22nd Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 27

23rd Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 28

Christ the King/Reign of Christ

ADDENDUM

I am a Minister Member of Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and am now serving as the Pastor of the Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church, Wheeling (Bethlehem), WV. Sunday Worship at Bethlehem begins at 10:45 AM. Some of my other blog posts have appeared on PRESBYTERIAN BLOGGERS and The Trek.