WEEKLY REFLECTION I August 30, 2026 – Proper 17A

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

An important announcement before we get to the meat of the letter…..

This Sunday (8/30) is the LAST DAY to order some of the beautiful mums from St. Barnabas. We’ve had them for a couple of years now and enjoyed them enormously. The plants are large and healthy and bloom and bloom and bloom. In addition, proceeds go to support the St. Barnabas Center in Kutztown. Doreen will have them delivered to St. Margaret’s on September 22 or 23rd . Just in time for your seasonal change over! Order form is attached.

And speaking of seasonal change over… Bonnie Jean Baron has created a lovely reflection for us: For Everything There is a Season.

See you on Sunday!
Mo. Laura+

As August is coming to an end and the summer heat begins to fade, I always sense a quiet shift in the air, a subtle sign that the season is changing. On October 1, 1965, The Byrds released their iconic rendition of Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)”Pete Seeger, celebrated for both his folk music and advocacy, originally crafted the song and recorded a demo around 1961. He later featured a live version on his 1962 album, “The Bitter and The Sweet,” performed with just his voice and guitar. The Limelighters were the pioneers in releasing a commercial version of the song, infusing it with lively energy through their upbeat banjo arrangement and including it on their 1962 album “Folk Matinee” ahead of Seeger’s own studio release several months later. Song Facts – All Songs https://www.songfacts.com

Joe Tayson of Far Out Magazine wrote McGuinn was inspired to breathe new life into the song while The Byrds toured the American Midwest in July 1965. When he attempted the track, it transformed from its original folk roots into a distinct Byrds-style rendition, compelling McGuinn to bring the band into the studio for their own interpretation. Reflecting on the process, McGuinn noted, “By then, the song was a standard folk tune, but when I
played it, it automatically turned into rock ‘n’ roll. I was programmed to play that way, almost like a machine—I couldn’t stick to the traditional style.” He added, “I introduced that samba rhythm, and we realized it could make a strong single.” Although the band spent five days and an astonishing 78 takes to perfect the master recording, their perseverance paid off, resulting in a track that truly captured their unique sound. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-byrds-turn-turn-turn-song-story/

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV states;
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

The opening verse in this Biblical passage sets the tone, declaring that every purpose under heaven has its own appointed time. This suggests that life's events are not random choice but are guided by a wisdom greater than our own. By trusting in the inherent order and timing of life’s seasons, one can find peace amid uncertainty, allowing acceptance and understanding to flourish even in times of transition. Holy Bible Reader www.holybiblereader.com/kjv/ecclesiastes/3 The following prayers are guided by (Inspired by Strength in Prayer strengthinprayer.com).  Heavenly Father, as the seasons shift around me, I pause to recognize Your presence in every change. Whether the leaves turn, the days grow longer, or life brings new challenges, help me to embrace these transitions with grace and trust. May I release my worries as the trees release their leaves, and may I find peace in the rhythm of Your creation. Thank You for the blessings of each season, for growth, renewal, and the beauty that surrounds me.
Amen.
Prayer for Each Season

Autumn: Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of falling leaves and the harvest of life’s blessings. Help me let go of what no longer serves me and embrace change with gratitude.
Winter: Lord, in the stillness and quiet of winter, renew my spirit and grant me patience and reflection.
Spring: Thank You for new beginnings, growth, and the blossoming of hope in my life.
Summer: Lord, help me appreciate the abundance, warmth, and joy of this season, and to live fully in each moment. Amen. –Bonnie Jean