MARCH 2026

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

OH, MY SOUL! I hope everyone had the opportunity to witness the recent record-breaking display of wind and snow our Creator gifted us with. If not in person, perhaps you caught a glimpse through the media. Here at “The Mill,” nature danced before my eyes, and the sound of the roaring wind became an awe-inspiring reminder of the power woven into the universe itself.

Our old friend Mr. Moose (age ninety-nine) is preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with his Irish friends. He is now sporting a handsome derby along with several suitable baubles. Evidently, he is quite ready for spring and patiently awaits the return of the bluebirds next month, joined by two loyal companions keeping vigil from the windowpane.

The Newfield Community Church has been lovingly trimmed for the season of Lent. One of our cherished customs is the use of royal purple candles arranged in a reverse style of Advent lighting. We begin by lighting all six candles, and with each passing week one less is kindled, creating a living record of our Lenten journey together. This year we have also embraced a new piece, “Trust These Words, You Are Forgiven,” by Lisa Waites. Here is yours truly in a rare cameo appearance.

VIEW VIDEO 

Lent invites us to slow down and remember that grace is always reaching toward us, even when we feel distant or weary. In the quiet spaces of reflection, we discover that love is not something we must earn, but something already woven into the fabric of the universe, gently calling us back to compassion for ourselves and for one another.

As we release what burdens our hearts, we make room for renewal, forgiveness, and hope. The light of the universe reminds us that small acts of kindness, honest prayer, and humble generosity carry lasting meaning. May this sacred season guide us toward deeper peace, stronger faith, and a renewed awareness that we are held, guided, and loved beyond measure.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photos by Petah

Recording of “Trust These Words, You Are Forgiven” by permission of Lisa Waites.

FEBRUARY 2026

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” it is frightfully frigid outside and quite pleasant inside. I am grateful that we have no frozen pipes and dead car batteries, although my trusty 21-year-old “Krack II mobile” was loathe to start this morning as I needed to check our food cupboard. With Valentines Day upon us, “Designs by Pierre” has Mr. Moose gussied up in his valentine earrings, and a valentine cookie cutter wreath adorns the Peace Porch door.

Our lectionary readings for Sunday February 1, 2026 contain ancient messages that are more than appropriate for the times we live in. (My dear tender readers know what I mean.) If you are not a lectionary person, here they are so you can look them up: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12.

Here is a wonderful justice-seeking hymn from the new collection “Then Let Us SING!” by the United Church of Canada. In “Forgive Us Lord” — also known as “Let Justice Flow Like a River” — the saints of God are not superheroes. They are people who walk humbly, love stubbornly, and keep choosing justice and mercy even when it costs them something. That’s why Paul reminds us that our hope is not in our strength, but in Christ. And that’s why the Beatitudes are good news—not because suffering is good, but because God meets, blesses, and sends us from there.

So today, hear this invitation:

• Do justice—not someday, but in the choices you make, the voices you amplify, the systems you challenge.
• Love kindness—not as sentiment, but as action.
• Walk humbly remembering that God is God, and we are not, and that grace is always a gift.
• Hunger and thirst for righteousness—let it shape your prayers, priorities, politics, and compassion.
• Be peacemakers—not by avoiding conflict, but by refusing to let violence have the last word.

And when the world calls this foolish, when it resists, when it pushes back, remember the cross.

Remember that God’s greatest act of love looked like failure before it looked like resurrection. May we be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to love and devote our lives to nonviolence and mending the world. May we be the saints God calls us to be for the sake of Christ, and for the life of the world.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

— Photos by Petah

JANUARY 2026

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Several weeks ago, while sitting in the prayer chair, inspiration came in the form of an idea to share the joy of life and banish fear of the new and unknown. A powerful blessing of light and hope unfolded as the tiny inspiration was honored.

Since 2000, 11 of the 17 houses on Elm Street have new occupants. Our tiny country street now has people from other countries, cultures, religious practices and diverse sexualities, (who knew?) and cool family structures. So, yesterday, “The Mill” hosted a gathering of all the families on Elm Street for a meet and greet your neighbors. It was amazing. EVERYONE ATTENDED!!!

Sadly, most people don’t even know their neighbors – and worse yet don’t even make an effort to greet each other with a hearty good morning! Boo Hiss! Our population has become fearful of others and many have multiple locks on their doors and cameras everywhere creating a false sense of safety and power.

We have little power over what may happen around us, but we can pray. Prayer puts power into hope. Prayer unleashes the holy power of the Universe and direction for our actions.

What are your hopes for the New Year? What do you expect will happen? What do you fear might happen? What would you be happy to leave behind in 2025? What would you like to carry forward into 2026? These five questions merit pondering and are worthy of bringing to your prayer chair.

As we begin a new year, do join me in lifting up our fellow sacred musicians, UCCMA, and the success for our 2026 conference. Pray for our community and world. Please pray for peace and justice to reign in place of violence, hate and hardship.

Remember to give thanks each day for the holy and sacred gift of life. Do seek to be filled afresh each day as you practice mindfulness and to listen for guidance. May the Holy One help each of us grow as we follow Jesus’ example of love.

A prosperous and powerful 2026 to all.

As always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness.

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

First Sunday of Christmastide at Newfield Community Church

— Photo by Petah

Christmas Day 2025 with UnKuL Petah and his niece Clara

— Photo by Paul Fletcher

DECEMBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

A meaningful Advent pilgrimage to all my tender readers!

Here at “The Mill” the Advent candles have been carefully prepared and each window has a single candle as a silent witness to this four-week vigil. In short, both the inside and outside of this Vortex, referred to as “The Mill” have received a “trimming up” *** as we say in the old-fashioned Maine way. The Newfield Community Church is arrayed in Sarum Blue Paraments crafted from a glorious tablecloth found at Goodwill for only $5. In addition, simple wreaths and a variety of greens grace the sanctuary and giant purple candles thrown out by another church have received the “Unkul Petah” spray paint treatment and have been pressed into holy service once again, this time in Sarum Blue. Here is a photo of this transformed sacred space.

During Advent we are called to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” This involves making a conscious choice in how we live—shedding behaviors like jealousy, conflict, and self-indulgence, and instead we are called to emulate Jesus the Christ. The relationship we have in Jesus the Christ demands a transformed lifestyle, an active preparation of our hearts and minds. Yes, this means to be vigilant even when we are quite cross and could easily choose to activate our road rage shadow side.

Therefore, this advent let us walk in the light and teachings of the Jesus the Christ, being awakened from any spiritual slumber and bamboozlement. Let us beat our metaphorical swords of anger, resentment, and conflict into plowshares of kindness, reconciliation, and service. Finally, as we walk in the light and teaching of Jesus the Christ may the old condemnations of ourselves and others be put to rest!

On this first day of Advent and throughout this expectant season, may the God of hope, peace, joy and love fill your imagination with the fulfillment of her sure and trustworthy promises. Do keep watch, stay ready, and live with an expectant heart, for the Christ Child is coming.

As always, Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo: Advent 1 at the Newfield Community Church – Petah

NOVEMBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh My Soul! Here at “The Mill” there are telltale signs that harvest is over and winter is approaching. The boards in the sluiceway have been adjusted so that the spring thaw and runoff will not overflow the pond. This involves climbing onto the dam and using a pick-ax to lift the boards as you hang over the edge. This year the pick-ax “flew” into the sluiceway requiring more climbing (boo-hiss), I am grateful for Ben-Gay! Another sign of the impending winter includes Mr. and Mrs. Mouse who have attempted to camp out in luxury, making themselves rather cozy on the “Peace Porch.” Needless to say, the welcome mat has been pulled out from under them and they will have to find another porch to squat on. Case closed!

Part of last week was spent representing UCCMA in Ottawa for the celebration and blessing of “Then Let Us Sing,” a songbook project that has been active in my life the past seven years and has culminated in the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. It was truly a joy to serve on the “Ethos, Justice and Education” committee with deeply committed and dedicated colleagues. Mere words cannot express the strong bond of respect and unction that became the EJE committee.

TLUS is a remarkable collection of music from lyricists and composers all over the globe. It “lifts up the intercultural and anti-racist commitment of the church with material that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, People of Color, French-speaking, Two-Spirit and LGBTQTTIA+ voices, and concerns of people with disabilities.” (TLUS preface). TLUS reminds us of “Faithful song as an antidote to fear,” and calls us to remember Jesus’s love for everyone. The hymn “Love Over Hate” is one of my many new favorites. David Kai has created a unison setting of Pat Mayberry’s wonderful melody. It has a powerful message and is easily accessible. There are 165 other pieces just as yummy and wonderful in this collection.

Currently TLUS may be ordered from United Church Publishing House

1-800-268-3781

The message of “Love over Hate” merits some time in quiet reflection. The power of love always wins over lies, fear, hate.

Do spend a bit of your devotional time with these questions. How might you open the door of your heart with a fresh dose of kindness and mercy? How might you be a conduit for healing and hope through being in unction with Holy Love? Bet the answers will surprise you!

As Always, Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo: Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney, UCCMA Chaplain, with Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith, Program Coordinator, Worship, Music and Spirituality, The United Church of Canada

OCTOBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! The Harvest Moon and World Communion Sunday have concurrent timing this year, making a unique moment this first part of October 2025. One is an astronomical/celestial phenomenon tied to the harvest season and the other is an ecumenical Christian observance.  This natural and spiritual convergence unites us in themes of harvest and the global community. 

Here at “The Mill” we are experiencing our own phenomena due to several sightings and encounters of a MOUNTAIN LION! Yup, high speed, big swoosh tail—and about 120 pounds. Our local Maine guide saw this giant cat with our neighbor’s White Pekin duck in its gobb when it ran in front of his vehicle. A different neighbor’s dog has been gobbled up with their remains unceremoniously left high in a tree. This is exactly what a giant feline does. (Yes, another phenomenon.) Finally, one of our heifers has jumped the fence three times (really quite something!) and is reticent to go out from the safe space, obviously traumatized. The struggle for balance between mere mortals and God’s other creatures, such as the mountain lion continues to unfold. So much for the mountain lion being extirpated from Maine. I’ll keep you informed.

As we travel through the month of October let us be mindful of the magnificent phenomena of the heavens found in a full harvest moon, the joy of harvest and the abundance that the earth gives us. On this World Communion Sunday Christians from all over the world come into solidarity regardless of schisms and dogma. We remember that the prophets foretold of Jesus, a descendent of the house of David. We remember that he incarnated to show us how to live, love and honor our Creator. Let us be full with love for all of our siblings in Christ and all of our siblings on an alternative path. Finally, let’s be grateful for the phenomenon of a mountain lion that has found its way to Newfield, Maine, and will ultimately give us a new awareness of the wild and teach us how to honor Mother Nature afresh. Thanks be to the Holy One! 

As Always, 

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo Credit: Clara Constance – "Nature’s Journey in the tomato harvest"

SEPTEMBER 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! The Great Wheel has brought us into the month of September, the first month of Autumn and the joy of harvest. This joy is both a physical experience of gathering a bountiful crop and a spiritual and emotional sense of fulfillment. Here at “The Mill” a bumper crop of produce has come forth. Beets and cucumbers have been “put down” into pickles to share with the community and enjoy during the long winter months.

The Newfield Community Church will embrace the joy of harvest by observing “Creation Time.” This is the time from September 1st through October 4th for renewing, repairing and restoring our relationship to God, one another, and all of creation during the “Season of Pentecost.” Our worship space will be dressed with paraments crafted from a rich tapestry of burnt orange, red and gold. In addition, wreaths of hydrangea and vases of sunflowers and amaranth will grace the sanctuary.

Jesus the Christ provides a rich spiritual connection with creation and her cycles. He used parables drawn from nature, such as seeds, lilies, and birds, to teach spiritual truths to people familiar with the land. His life events from birth in a stable to his prayers in the wilderness and the Garden of Gethsemane, are deeply tied to natural settings.

We are part of the Earth as with the rest of nature. We rely on her creative and restorative powers that provide for us. She gifts us with everything that we need and humbles us with her powers and holy mysteries such as plate tectonics, Antarctic ice and rivers, axis wobble and magnetic field. In the coming days of “Creation Time” let us ponder these mysteries. Let us purposely inhale the autumn air with gusto and joy as we listen for the still small voice offering us guidance. Let us offer thanksgiving for the joy of harvest gifted to us by the Creator of the Universe. Happy Autumn and Creation Time!

As always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness.

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Photo Credits:

Petah and the Giant Parsnip —photo by Jason Harris

Newfield Community Church dressed for Creation Time —Petah

JULY 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh, My Soul! Our Pride worship service at the Newfield Community Church was truly a prophetic act of resistance. Thank you to all of my UCCMA friends who invoked the power of our Creator and covered this event in prayer! During pride month, many of us offered intentional daily prayers for our LGBTQ+ individuals who are the targets of homophobia and transphobia. Let us boldly continue!

Here at “The Mill” we are in full haying season. Traditionally, nature needs to bequeath three dry days to make hay.  Father made hay with a one-blade cutter with his horse “Poor Old Nellie Gray,” who could get quite balky with cutting four-foot Timothy. No machines to turn the hay or put into bales, only a lonely pitch fork! Believe me, it’s quite something to make a load of hay with a pitch fork! Thank goodness I will not be getting blisters from the pitch fork any time soon! 

On Friday July 4th, the Mill House will ring with the celebration of Independence Day. Mr. Moose is decked out in his patriotic chapeau. The revolutionary war ancestral sword and fife will be displayed and the youngest present will have the honor of putting a fresh coat of Vaseline on the fife before it is put away for another year. Miss Cocoa, the 12-rank pipe organ, will make her debut with the E. Power Biggs arrangement of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and the Steinway and Chickering dueling grand pianos will accompany 40 guests with a patriotic sing-a-long ending with the Wilhousky arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” This will be followed by traditional time-honored victuals including Rhubarb Pie, Baked Beans and general offerings of “Bread and Go With It.” YUM!

As we approach our 249th Independence Day, let us revisit the real meaning of patriotism. Not America-first-ism, but being servants of one another—and the flip side of seeing to other people’s freedom, not just our own, so that no one is forced into servitude. I hope you will seek the Divine Mystery and offer a prayer to guide us in upholding a vision of a nation where everyone is included, especially our neighbors who are not like us. Let us remember Jesus’ reaction to the disciples’ tribalism as a good corrective to the nationalism that masquerades as patriotism. May we use our freedom not for ourselves, but to sow seeds of compassion and justice, nurturing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and the world.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Your Chaplain,

Petah

PHOTOS

Petah on the Yanmar for first cutting— Nee Nee Carpenter

The Mill for Independence Day—Jason Harris

Mr. Moose in his patriotic chapeau—Petah

Link to Battle Hymn of the Republic

JUNE 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Here at “The Mill” the gifts of our Creator are too numerous to name. Sardine and Minnow are thriving and I am including a current photo per several people’s requests. We have started haying the southern fields with grand success. Let me tell you that a good dose of hen dirt mixed with moo doo has almost doubled the yield. (PTL!) Rhubarb season has arrived and with it the blessings of prize-winning pie, jam and a variety of delightful concoctions. Here is an episode of “Unkul Petah’s Kitchen” that was filmed a while ago. It will teach you about God’s awesome creation of a vegetable that most of us think of as a fruit.

▲ Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Rhubarb!

In addition to the beginning of hay season and rhubarb season in the Grand State of Maine, the month of June is also Pride season, when we look forward to gathering in worship to embrace with joy LGBT people rather than offer mere tolerance. Our call is to fiercely celebrate the great diversity that God loved into being. We remember God’s radically inclusive love made real in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We remember the One who befriended the forgotten, embraced the outcast, and saw the Image of God in all people.

This year that celebration is more important than ever. Across the globe—but also here at home—homophobia and transphobia are on the rise. LGBT people and communities are feeling and experiencing heightened risk and acts of violence. This makes our worship service a prophetic act of resistance. Perhaps you might consider offering a daily prayer and intercession on behalf of those leading and attending pride services. The Newfield Community Church, Maine would be especially grateful for your prayer coverings for our Saturday, June 14, 7pm service that includes an open communion. Please and thank you.

During this month do celebrate the great diversity that God has loved into being. Offer thanksgiving for our simple gifts, such as a well-made crop of hay, a productive bed of rhubarb, and the radical and inclusive love that is freely given to everyone. This includes YOU.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Your Chaplain,

Petah

Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney

Sardine & Minnow

MAY 2025

Dear Kind and Gentle People,


Happy May Day from “The Mill.” The daffodils and tulips have sprung up along with the rhubarb, which will be ready in about two weeks and transformed into pie and jam! The fields with new Timothy Seed have been harrowed and Mother Nature has watered liberally. All the other fields have received their final touches of “moo doo” carefully applied with the giant upscale manure spreader.

If you remember in last month’s edition I wrote about Sardine, who had just started laying her good duck eggs. Sardine had a baby! Her name is Minnow. Hatching was a bit rough, probably because of lack of humidity. She is a bit weak but doing ok. In short, the glory of nature is evident on this first of May.

Yesterday about 50 of our Canadian colleagues, who have unique challenges as supporters of diversity, equity and inclusion, met over a Zoom meeting. We were gently reminded that “Faithful Song is an Antidote to Fear.” (Thank you Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean). With that in mind please do listen to this wonderful new hymn by Amanda Udis-Kessler. The score is notated for full keyboard and equipped with chord signs for our guitar and bass players. It is a beautiful partnership of text and tune with a message that truly is an antidote to fear. The Newfield Community Church will sing this as our opening hymn this week. To access, simply type in queersacredmusic.com and download. A gift from Amanda.

On this May Day, you are encouraged to engage in faithful song as an antidote to fear. Remember, Christ is the cornerstone of love, grace and peace. Do taste the mystery of the Holy One’s great promise to us by opening your high heart with sacred sound. Embrace the cornerstone of love, grace and peace by singing. May you be free of anything that is not rooted in love.

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Your Chaplain,

Petah

Photo by Skye Stock McCarthy