It's all in a YURT

Thank you for allowing me last week to rest and retreat. I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in solitude at Natural Falls State Park. On Thursday afternoon, Kurt came to spend the rest of the weekend with me. Unfortunately, a stomach virus took our last two days, but the time away we were able to enjoy was magnificent.

We stayed in a yurt. Learned a new word, “glamping.” Yurts are glorified tents. There are five tucked away in a secluded part of this State Park. Each has a bed, microwave, mini fridge and a heating/AC unit. They are elevated off the ground with a wood floor and the ceiling comes to an open skylight area – allowing you to see the clouds during the day and stars at night. It was amazing! Kurt and I enjoyed it so much, but Jackson (our dog) enjoyed it the most. He loved glamping.

It was quiet. I could hear the birds and the breeze. As most know, I’m not much of a cook, so I just enjoyed snacks at the picnic table outside. My parents brought over some firewood and I enjoyed the warmth during the cooler evenings. The weather was lovely – great for hikes and finding a new bench each day for reading and praying while I was there. Thank you, Faith, for hoping good for me while I rested.

As I write to you this week, Pastor Heather is preparing for her vacation. I’m so happy she will have a chance to renew as well. We all need time away to reconnect with our own souls. I’m looking forward to the sermon this week. Moses mentored Joshua in the faith so he could lead the Hebrew people out of their 40 years in the wilderness. I made my quilt this week – people who have been building blocks in my life. I hope you’ll make yours if you haven’t yet. I want to see the names of people who poured into you and helped you become who you are today. Send me pics!

We have several new groups beginning next week. Hiking with Heather starts Saturday, Oct. 17 and Wyatt Smith begins a new session of Sinners & Skeptics on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Use the links to sign up.

Next week, I’ll tell you more about our Charge Conference and give you information on how you can join us for this annual meeting. Many of our committees are working hard to get all the necessary decisions and paperwork ready. I’ll look forward to seeing you this Sunday for worship, whether in person or online. May God bless you.

The Yurt!