January 21, 2026
Dear Friend,
One of may favorite things about winter is being able to see the true shape of all the different trees. Do their branches reach up to the sky? (birches, maples, young oaks) Or do their branches reach out? (pines, hemlocks, beech) With practice, one can learn to identify trees based on the bark and how the branches grow. Some trees get a little help from people, like the apple tree in the following video. Note in the video the differences between how the apple tree grows compared to the evergreens (pines) and the other trees of the forest (mostly maple and oak).
The apple tree was planted in a sunny location and then pruned regularly. It appears that this pruning began right away because just above the base of the tree it forks into two. Over time, branches were pruned and other branches were intentionally left so that every branch would be able to receive maximum light and space for blossoming, for pollination, and for the setting of the fruit.
It strikes me that spiritual practice can have a similar effect on our lives if we choose. A spiritual practice (reading, praying, attending church, service work, etc…) shapes us over time. A spiritual practice encourages growth in certain areas and discourages growth in others. We become like the branches of the trees, reaching for the light of truth…the light of love, and in doing so we are fed. In this season of winter’s darkness, and in this season of darkness in our culture, I encourage us all to be aware that we can bend ourselves towards the light of Christ. We can train our branches and create space for the growth that needs to happen within our hearts and minds. It’s good work, Friend, and we are in it together.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” –John 1: 5
Annual Meeting this Sunday after Church
Please come and learn about the inner workings of this experiment we call “The Church”
Members are invited to vote and all are welcome.
Feed the Hungry! A Friend is asking for help with collecting jars with lids so she can make food jars to pass out to those in need. Just adding hot water (available at gas stations) will provide a nourishing meal. See her note below and contact her if you have jars to donate. Thank you!
PREPARED TO SERVE
2026
Date: February 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM Worship
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Workshops
Location: Pembroke Academy
209 Academy Rd. Pembroke, NH 03275
The 2026 Prepared to Serve workshops will follow our theme, “Another Way”, by focusing on a new pathway system: the Four Pathways of Care: Self, Church, Local Community, and the Wider World. The workshops have been grouped into these four categories. This new system allows you to select workshops based on the Pathways of Care that most interest you.
- Self: workshops focus on individual care, such as self-care, clergy support, or personal growth. Class subject examples include self-care practices, living a fuller life, and making the most of your time.
- Church: workshops focus on supporting a church community. Class subject examples could include financial trainings for churches, intergenerational worship, marketing or technology education, or pastor/staff job search.
- Local Community: workshops focus on the local community, such as towns or states or multiple churches in an area. Class subject examples could include social justice issues in New Hampshire, environmental protection for local pollinators, or connecting with other church communities in your area.
- Wider World: workshops focus on subjects that affect our national or global community. Class subject examples could include anything related to Ukama, social justice lessons on a national scale, and how the church connects to the global community.
To view the most up to date course catalog (which will include any class changes), please visit here.
Register online here! All major credit cards and personal checks will be accepted. If you have any questions, please call (603) 225-6647 or email Cameron Keller.
Please join me in prayer if you wish.
God of grace, I thank you for this day of living and learning. Help me to be a positive influence in all the circumstances I encounter today. May I bring curiosity and compassion. May I be open to new and deeper understanding. May I be ready to respond if I sense a need that I could fill. In all things, I pray, you work through me. This I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
“And may the Lord of Peace give you everlasting peace in every place.” -2 Thessalonians 3:16
With love,
Traceymay
603-715-0990
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