Hi First Presbyterian Church,
It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! This is another pre-written and scheduled email coming your way, because I’m tent-camping with my family this week at Stony Brook State Park. I had planned to send you something else this week, but I changed my mind when I saw the weather forecast. For the second year in a row, we’re going to get rained on while we camp! As dry as it’s been this summer, I can hardly believe my eyes as I sit looking at the rain forecasted for much of the week in Dansville. Oh well! At least we know that the next time we’re in a drought, just send the Neffs camping - it’ll be sure to rain a lot!
As I sit here thinking about rain and the fact that, despite the inconvenience for my family, we are in desperate need it, I’m reminded of a hymn I came across that talks about rain, God’s wisdom, and salvation. It’s beautiful lyrics we’re written by an Anglican priest and hymn-writer named Christopher Idle. I hope you enjoy the hymn “Rain on the Earth.”
Rain on the earth by heaven's blessing,
showers for the land from laden sky,
water for well and spring and river:
God grant us rain, or else we die!
Rain is your gift for wise or wicked,
humans and cattle, herb and tree;
praise for its promise and its warning,
showing your wisdom, flowing free!
Come to our world of drought and flooding;
hold back their danger and their fear;
dwell in the lands of dearth or drowning.
help them and save them by our care.
Early or late, on hill and valley,
thunderous torrent, gentle mist:
visit in mercy, not in judgement;
this is our prayer, who pray in Christ.
God send us rain, to green our pastures,
feeding our flocks, our fields and grain;
God fill our streams in all due seasons:
God of all grace, grant us good rain!
Peace to you,
Pastor Aaron