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Minister’s Column

3/4/2021

 
Recently, Mary Alsager gave me the gift of a pair of used cross-country skis with new bindings. Because of her generous spirit and her love of cross-country skiing, she was enthusiastic that I get myself on skis and enjoy the winter. I just needed to get ski boots and ski poles.
 
One Friday in February I was enjoying my day off but feeling bored and restless inside the house. I had an urge to get out of town, and I remembered that the place for boots and poles was at Higgins Lake, an hour’s drive to the north. I decided to go for it – hopefully they could outfit me for skiing, and if not, I would still enjoy the drive.
 
I found the ski shop. The people there were friendly and had the equipment that I needed. I happened to be there on a winter festival day when the trail prices were lower and a hot dog lunch on the patio was included. I found the trail head, strapped on my ski equipment – the combination of a thoughtful gift and a lucky trip north. I started skiing on the trail, my first time on skis in many years, and found that my body remembered how to do it. The trail map – and the advice of the friendly staff -- led me to the spot in the woods where hot chocolate was available by a wood fire.
 
I skied a few more times in the following weeks (closer to home), and I realized two things. One was that I was unlocking a new way of enjoying my adopted home of Michigan. I skied on familiar trails where I had walked and jogged in spring, summer and fall. The beauty of winter illuminated the forest in a new light. Secondly, I realized that this winter held ideal conditions for skiing that don’t come around all that often. Being in the woods on a freshly-groomed ski trail, the air temperature 18 degrees and a light snow falling, fellow skiers would greet me and say, What a beautiful day! Now the calendar has turned to March and the weather is not so perfect for skiing. I am grateful for the time that I’ve had on skis, and I look forward to the next chance.
 
PRAYER:
God of Light and Love, God of powdery snow and forests and gentle hills, hear my prayer.
 
May I enjoy the adventures that life offers me, with enthusiasm. May I appreciate the thoughtful gift, the helpful advice; may I appreciate the weather at every time of the year.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Andrew Frantz

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    Rev. Andrew Frantz

    UUFCM Minister

    Office hours:
    Drew's office hours are suspended until further notice. However, he is reachable at any time via email, phone, or text.
    Day off: Monday

    minister@uufcm.org 
    Phone/text: 440-935-0129
    Pastoral Care Concerns
    For support with life's challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him.

    For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Arms Around team via Gisela Moffit at gbmoffit@gmail.com or 989-772-1602. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance.

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