Summer comes, to our camp, at last

It's May and at last the weather has turned clear and warm. A thrill to be outside without being all bundled-up against the cold! A neighbor bought all the lumber to build a large deck, and then changed his plans. We bought all his 1"x6"x8' pressure treated boards. I'm going to build compost bins, but we have a lot more lumber than that project needs, so plans have changed and we'll start by building an 8'x8' deck - a perfect size for us, and it doesn't need any permits. If it were larger we would have to pay for permits, get it inspected, and pay an annual tax. Not worth it.

Our soil here is a cross between Portland cement and plain old clay - in other words - hard as a rock. Each time we plant, we use planting soil, but now I'm planning to compost and till it in with our new Mantis tiller. Our biggest challenge is finding time to be here - between doctor's appointments and church meetings back in Plainfield!

This year we're here with our new Cairn terrier, MacAdoo. He was born last June, so he's not quite a year old. He's our third Cairn - our favorite breed.

In July I'll be going to the PCUSA General Assembly in Minneapolis, as a delegate from the Elizabeth Presbytery. My last time to attend as a delegate, was 40 years ago (when "Hair" was playing at the Schubert in Chicago). Vietnam was on most people's minds and there was much unrest in the church, as well as everywhere else. 16 years ago we started a Friday night non-denominational worship and fellowship for those "infected, affected, or concerned about HIV/AIDS" meeting at Old First Presbyterian church in Elizabeth. I was the volunteer pastor for the first three years, till our Bed and Breakfast (Pillars2.com) required me to give that up. But the group continued, and those attending gradually chose to become members of Old First, and then to be Elders and Deacons. Their ministry kept expanding, and finally caught the attention of the Snyder foundation, which has begun major gifts which will enable Old First to be restored and continue in mission. At General Assembly this year, I, and the Red Ribbon Fellowship will receive the first award for AIDS ministry (see: www.fpcenj.org.)

Mid Summer pleasures

We're at the trailer for most of the summer. My position at Old First in Elizabeth (see:www. fpcenj.org) ended June 15th, and I've been "free as a bird" ever since. It was a great experience - probably the highlight of 50 years of ministry.

This year's projects at the camp, have been the building of a bottom step for easier exit from the trailer and restoration of two antique wheelbarrows. Before, we had to step down, immediately out of the door. Now we step out onto the same level, and have a railing. Built of 2x8 lumber, the steps are solid. We're adding solar led lights.

My next project was restoring an antique wheelbarrow saved from the church's dumpster. It was just what I wanted for a spot of color on our trailer lot. It had been stored in the church's basement for at least 100 years, maybe 200. The wood was dried out and it was basically falling apart. I reinforced it, replaced nails with screws, Gorilla glue on all seams, and then sealed the wood with Penetrol plus Bin 123 base and two coats of high gloss exterior enamel in bright red with yellow accents. Now I'm going to do the same with a second wheelbarrow, like mine, but in better shape, that the church will keep and use. I'm inclined to believe this was a "child's" wheelbarrow, because I also took the other wheelbarrow that the church decided to keep and use. It's much bigger - a "daddy" size, and showed heavy use, whereas ours was weathered, but not "beat up."

The weather has been cool and wet this summer, but now we're having a warm - mid 80's day with low humidity and lots of sun. In a few weeks we'll make a trip up to Dansville and Wayland to visit sons Ken and Chris and their families, visit Tom's family in South Bend, and make a stop in Pittsburgh to attend the national Gymanfa Ganu (see:www.wngga.org) on Labor Day weekend.

Thought for the day

Fall has arrived. Tonight the clocks are turned back. We had a great summer. I polished 10 year's weather off the trailer. Took most of our July vacation to get it done. It's an interesting rig because the stove had never been used and no signs of use inside! I spent most of my vacation s
scrubbing off 10 years of weather.

Fall is here

May and June at our cottage

Just catching up a bit. I'm a "Temporary Supply" at Old First Presbyterian in Elizabeth. I'll post a Pentecost Communion picture. We're getting settled in our campsite and have been adding flowers. I'll add some early Spring pictures and then some pictures of the camp facilities - the indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and hot tub. These are open year-round. In July we will spend most of the month at the campground, and I should have some nice flower pictures to add. Tom has been busy planting.

My Temporary Pastorate Begins at Old First Presbyterian

April 1st. I began a half-time "Temporary Supply Pastor" arrangement at Old First Presbyterian Church for 6 months, while they seek a permanent pastor. This arrangement may be extended, depending on how long their search takes. See a fascinating history of this church at: http://www.njchurchscape.com/index-Apr05.html.

It has been my privilege to be pastor at Second Presbyterian for 30 months, beginning in 1989. And then in 1994 I founded The Red Ribbon Fellowship ("for those infected, affected, or concerned about HIV/AIDS") at Old First Presbyterian and served as the pastor for the first three years.

Although The Red Ribbon Fellowship is non-denominational, in fact the members have gradually joined First Presbyterian Church. More recently the church has become the beneficiary of a major grant from the Snyder Foundation which is providing much needed funding for a complete restoration of all the church buildings, including the cemetery, and the addition of a steeple, absent since the church burned over 60 years ago. Though given for historical preservation, the grant was also contingent upon the mission programs in place and continuing at Old First.

I will add some pictures of the church as the year progresses. This week they will have a reception as I begin my ministry, and Tom will leave his Springfield congregation to be with me for that.