January 5, 2023

Image: Melanie Kyer A Dialog with Epiphany Arise, shine, for your light has come!           But I’m tired and really need to sleep some more. The shepherds are following the light to the Christ Child.           But I’ve really got to watch these sheep, I’ll come along...

December 22, 2022

Image: Barbara Ryther Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace Four small candles The first flame is hopeIt flickers outBut is quickly relit Faith comes to life uncertainly on its tiny wickYet the darkness retreats Joy shares its glowAnd unexpected strengthWith the other two Peace...

December 15th, 2022

Image: Barbara Ryther A Familiar Story Every year we start the story again. We know this one! The characters are familiar, the plot twists aren’t a surprise anymore. A prophecy! A miraculous pregnancy! A star! Humble shepherds, wise visitors, evil ruler! Flee! We even...

November 24, 2022

The “Pie Ladies” of St. George’s Church Feasting on homemade pies on Monday afternoons was a church-sponsored tradition for residents of the former Harbor Home, a small state-run facility in York Harbor, Maine. Here, in a quiet two-story brick...

November 9, 2022

Image: Barbara Ryther In the Fall Apples are at their best in the fall… I look for smooth, red skin. No bruises, please. Honey Crisps for eating Macs for sauce Cortlands for  crisps or pies.   Today is a good day for a crisp. At the farm stand I buy six...

November 2, 2022

Image: Barbara Kautz The Lion and the Sparrow At the arc of dawnin that blue and burning placebetween what wasand what is yet to besits a lion. With shoulders like mountainsand flames for eyesthe lion awaits morningas if calling it into being. So, too, awaits the...