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