This coming Sunday, September 12, we will dedicate the prayer and meditation garden. Words of dedication will be spoken in the church service itself at 10 am, and then those who wish will gather in the garden.

Last week, I welcomed you to the nearly complete meditation garden on the north side of the sanctuary at Claremont Pres. I had intended to write about the bubbling fountain and the spiritual properties of water: H2O gets 22 mentions in the Bible. But a mysterious event has intervened.

At the base of the fountain, I spread multicolored Mexican river rocks that shine when the water hits them, and in the middle of them I put a rock carefully inscribed with the word "JOY." Returning to the garden, I found that "JOY" had gone missing. Someone stole my "JOY."

I forgive you, and I hope that the little stone brings at least a smile to your lips.

"Joy" will return to fountain on a new rock and will rest alongside of "Hope," "Unity," "Love," "Tolerance," "Compassion," and "Justice."

Add your prayers.

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And here is an invitation to join us in Centering Prayer each Friday at 8 am. We are online and I will send you the internet URL. Write me at charlestaylorkerchner@gmail.com.