In her book “Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest,” scientist and author Suzanne Simard tells her readers “My instinct has always been to listen to what living things are saying. We think that most important clues are large, but the world loves to remind us that they can be beautifully small.”

Here in Maine, it seems that there are many months when most living things are dormant, but in summer our world comes alive with plants and animals, insects, fish and birds. It’s a wonderland of living things and they all seem to say something.

A few days ago I met my sister at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for “members night.” It had only been a few weeks since we had been there last, having wanted to see the rhododendron garden in its glory. Those blooms were gone by now, but as I walked from the visitor center to the frog pond next to the great lawn where Heidi was waiting, I thought to myself, “the gardens are like a puppy: they grow and change in dramatic ways in just a matter of days.” I think they were saying to me “make time to look for the little things.”

I found Heidi busy creating a watercolor representation of the pond’s lily pads, so I wandered nearby while she finished. I was drawn to the nearby Kousa Dogwood trees in full bloom. From a distance, each of the trees were a stunning mound of color—a very large clue that God had created a thing of beauty. But when I got closer and looked at each blossom, I realized that each was a clue of its own, each a small clue to the beauty of what can happen when we join together. Then I put my phone’s camera on the “macro” setting and got within a few centimeters of a blossom and snapped a picture. When I looked at the photo on the screen, I saw details so small I didn’t even realize they were there when I stood back and looked. These tiny clues showed me what a bee might find when it flew into the blossom, showed me tiny little building blocks that when placed together become something so much bigger and more amazing. And it all just made me so in awe of God’s good creation.

Where do you hear or see the “beautifully small” clues that come from the living things around you? Is it the colors and structures of plants and flowers? Or is it the myriads of notes of the songbirds in the trees and the peeper frogs and bullfrogs in the ponds? Is it the whisper of rustling leaves when the wind blows? Or is it the rhythm of raindrops on the roof (especially beautiful in a tent) or the lake gently slapping the dock or the ocean waves crashing against the rocks? Is it the loon’s cry or the gull’s or the buzz of a mosquito nearby?

God’s clues of a wonderful, amazing, beautiful creation are all around us this time of year. I pray that you find time and space to place yourself in the middle of the clues that bring you joy.

Have a wonderful summer,

Pastor Anderson

Great job, everyone, for your efficient use of transportation in June. Our poster (located across from Pastor’s office) is full of big beautiful stars recognizing your efforts. Hooray! In July our Creation Care focus turns to energy conservation. You can add a star to our poster weekly for:

• each incandescent lightbulb you replace with an energy-efficient LED bulb • line-drying your clothes rather than using the dryer

• turning off the second rinse on your washer

• switching to a cold-water wash

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation. As you work on our July energy challenge, I hope you'll keep June’s transportation challenge in mind and continue practicing the good habits you established. We’re working together to care for God's amazing creation, one small bit at a time.

Lynne Taylor, Creation Care Team

On Friday, July 25, 2025, 10:00am-2:00pm AIO Food and Energy Assistance will host its inaugural Fill The Strand with Snacks, Diapers & Back to School Supplies and funds drive to benefit AIO’s children's programs. Similar to the winter Fill the Strand event, this event challenges the community to fill every seat in the historic theater with school snacks, diapers, school supplies and funds to support AIO’s programs that support Knox County children. With the community’s support, we’ll help the children of our community who will be most affected by expected Federal Budget cuts. AIO’s goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of August, in celebration of AIO’s 35th anniversary. This Fill the Strand with Snacks, Diapers & Back to School Supplies event is at the center of this summer effort and if successful with raising $50,000 it will unlock a matching gift of $50,000 from a generous donor. Your dollar donation will double to two dollars!

“AIO is facing a perfect storm of increased demand for our services as many families face the prospects of tariff-induced higher prices and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other US Government programs, at the same time, free and low cost food sources have been reduced or eliminated. The window of time we might have influenced our elected officials seems closed, we now need the support of the community to help our neighbors,” says Alan Kearl, Executive Director of AIO.

“The Strand is proud to support the important work of AIO, especially as America’s children face unprecedented challenges. Adding this second annual opportunity for the community to come together and fill Rockland’s historic theater is a natural step in taking care of our neighbors and one another,” shares Anne Rogers-Popejoy, Executive Director of the Strand Theatre.

“We’re proud to support the AIO Fill the Strand with snacks, diapers and back to school supplies event. There’s something special about the feeling of a new backpack filled with fresh school supplies and snacks that makes starting the school year so exciting,” said Jennifer Roper, Senior Vice President, Marketing. “At Maine State Credit Union, we are happy to help give kids confidence and the tools they need to have a successful school year. We are thrilled to participate not only as a sponsor, but by contributing backpacks and supplies, as well as volunteers during the day of the event."

In-kind donations are greatly appreciated. Non-perishable food with a current expiration date is appreciated (no glass please). AIO would be grateful for donations of the most needed items including the following:

• Back-to-School supplies – folders, lined paper, markers, crayons, etc
• Food for middle/high school pantry program – granola bars, cereal pods, single-serve microwavable meals, jerky, nuts, dried fruit, etc
• Diapers – any size, boxed or not
• 
  

Monetary donations are also welcome – and in fact your dollar goes further since your donation can unlock a significant $50,000 matching donation. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated, but the following are levels designed to fit your budget:

• $26 for Back-to-School Supplies – backpack and supplies for 1 elementary school student
• $50 for Weekend Meals – feed an elementary student for a quarter
• $75 for After School Snacks – feed 125 elementary school children during their YMCA-sponsored, after-school program for a day
• $100 for Diapers - provides enough diapers for a child for 11 weeks
• 
  

AIO is grateful to Maine State Credit Union, the event’s Marquee Sponsor; Partner sponsor: J. Edward Knight Insurance and Business Sponsors: Eastern Tire & Auto Service, High Tide Bar & Grill, Mercedes-Benz of Scarborough, and Shepard Auto Group.

For more information and to make a donation online please visit https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/news-events/back-to-school-fill-the-strand. Whether an in-kind or monetary gift - your support will help the people in our community who need it the most.

Food collection sites have been established at area businesses and will be available starting July 1, including The Strand Theatre (Rockland), First National Bank (Rockland branches), Staples (Rockland), Mid Coast Credit Union (Rockland), Walmart (Thomaston) and AIO Food and Energy Assistance (Rockland).

On Friday, July 25 AIO staff and volunteers will be at the Strand Theatre from 10:00am-2:00pm to accept school snacks, school supplies and financial donations. Drive-up and drop-off service will be available or come in the Strand Theatre, located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.AIO is proud to partner with two business leaders who are instrumental in making this event possible– The Strand Theatre who hosts the annual Fill the Strand winter event and Maine State Credit Union, who has been dedicated to help end food insecurity in Maine for the past 33 years.

For more information about the event and how you can participate please contact Alan Kearl at alan@aiofoodpantry.com or event coordinator Leila Murphy at murphy.leila@gmail.com.

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance Now in our 35th year, AIO provides nutritious food, heating and diaper assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is estimated at 17.6%. Numerous studies link child food insecurity to lower cognitive skills and test results, higher absence rates and more classroom and playground disruptive behaviors. AIO is focused on closing the food insecurity gap in Knox County. During 2024-25 we distributed more than 94,000 meals to students through our weekend meals program, more than 18,000 snacks through the Penobscot Bay after-school programming and more than 55,000 diapers. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.

You are welcome to join Pastor Anderson

on Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 AM,

for casual and spontaneous conversation.

Come and go at whatever time works for you.

July 1 - G.W. Hodson Park, Molyneaux Rd., Camden

July 8 - Laite Memorial Beach, Off Bay View St, Camden

July 15 - Owls Head Lighthouse State Park, 186 Lighthouse Road, Owls Head

July 22 - Walker Park, Sea St, Rockport (Pascal Ave. to Elm St. to Sea St.)

July 29 - TBD

We are currently "Out of the Office and into Creation." Our weekly coffee gathering moves to local parks to avoid the seasonal rush at local establishments. But more importantly we get the opportunity to enjoy God’s good creation. Most of the parks have some kind of seating but you may want to bring your own folding chair to be more comfortable and for the flexibility to move into the shade. (Stop on the way and pick up coffee and treats or bring them from home.) If it rains we’ll gather inside at Main Street Markets, 435 Main Street, Rockland.

14 - Sandy Abate

23- Ann Walker

Editor's note: Did we miss your birthday? Please email your birthday date to kmusicorama@gmail.com so that we can add you to our monthly salutation.

The annul meeting of the congregation was held on June 22 following worship. “In addition to the various reports, several items of business are worth noting:

• Treasurer Fred Walker reported that our finances are sound, with good reserves. While we budgeted a deficit for fiscal 2025, we may finish with a balanced budget.

• Fred reported that envelope giving for this year was about $5000 greater than projected for FY 2026, He proposed that we increase projected envelope giving by that amount, and the congregation approved, reducing the projected deficit for next year.

• The congregation elected Fran Kresge and Sue Ann Moore to new terms on the Congregation council. Jane Monhart was elected for a third term. Sue Dawson, Mary Ann Hawkins and Ted Long have concluded their service on the Council.

• The congregation approved the new Statement of Strategic Intent to sharpen our identity as a congregation that is Welcoming, Worshipping, Learning and Serving.

Please review all the particulars in the materials contained in the Annual Report document.

Click on the Nativity Lutheran Church Calendar Link below if you would like an "easy-to-read" full size view of the month.

It will open a new window featuring the calendar.

Tuesday, July 1

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of the Office Hours

G.W. Hodson Park, Molyneaux Rd., Camden

Wednesday, July 2

7:00 PM - Prayer Gathering hosted by the MidCoast Interfaith Alliance

Snow Marine Park, Rockland

Thursday, July 3

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Friday, July 4 - Happy Independence Day!

Sunday, July 6

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Monday, July 7

7:00 PM - Men's Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, July 8

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of the Office Hours

Laite Memorial Beach, Off Bay View St, Camden

Wednesday, July 9

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Book Study Group, Fellowship Hall

Thursday, July 10

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

3:00 PM - Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers Grief Group for Parents

Sunday, July 13

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Monday, July 14

10:00 AM - Glory Girls and Guys, Fellowship Hall

7:00 PM - Men's Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, July 15

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of the Office Hours

Owls Head Lighthouse State Park, 186 Lighthouse Road, Owls Head

Wednesday, July 16

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Book Study Group, Fellowship Hall

7:00 PM - Prayer Gathering hosted by the MidCoast Interfaith Alliance

Snow Marine Park, Rockland

Thursday, July 17

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Saturday July 19

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Lifeline Screenings, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, July 20

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Monday, July 21

7:00 PM - Men's Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, July 22

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of the Office Hours

Walker Park, Sea St, Rockport (Pascal Ave. to Elm St. to Sea St.)

Wednesday July 23

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Book Study Group, Fellowship Hall

Thursday, July 24

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

3:00 PM - Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers Grief Group for Parents

Friday, July 25

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - AIO's Fill the Strand Event

Sunday, July 27

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

12:00 noon - Loaves and Fishes at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Rockland (see Donna Perry if you can help out)

Monday, July 28

7:00 PM - Men's Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, July 29

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Homeworthy All Staff Meeting, Fellowship Hall

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of the Office Hours, Place TBD

Note For Midweek prayer via zoom - there is a separate Zoom link.

Email Pastor of office@nativityrockport.org if you would like the zoom link. Please also email Pastor if you do not have the weekly Sunday link.

Month of July

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar: Tina Huntley

Acolyte: Jennie Dynesius

July 6

Assistant Minister: Hans (Kristian) Akselsen, II

Reader: Mimi Moore

Usher: Carol Brazier

July 13

Assistant Minister: Ted Long

Reader: Sue Ann Moore

Usher: Denise Stadler

July 20

Assistant Minister: Betty Long

Reader: Ollie Jones

Usher: Denise Stadler

July 27

Assistant Minister: Carolyn Ramm

Reader: Jane Monhart

Usher: Denise Stadler

Thank you to all who were able to join in for the celebration of Pastor Anderson's 20th anniversary of her ordination to the ministry of word and sacrament.

We assembled in the fellowship hall, and began with some recognitions of her anniversary. We were joined by Betty Balderston, Assistant to the Bishop of the New England Synod with responsibility for Congregational Support in the Maine Conference. She shared remarks from Bishop Pipho. Ted Long read many lovely cards and we were able to give a generous gift to Pastor Anderson.

A lovely brunch was enjoyed by all. We concluded with some reflections from within our congregational community, including remarks from Pastor's sister, Heidi Anderson and a lovely poem that was written by Michele Paul.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special celebration!

On Sunday June 15th, many beautiful quilts were blessed before traveling to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse in Maryland, where they will join thousands of other quilts and kits to provide a tangible expression of God's love in a hurting world.

Since 1945 LWR has been partnering with agencies throughout the world, providing relief where it is most needed. Recently LWR has expanded its quilt and kit ministry to include needs within the United States. After the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, LWR distributed more than 60,400 quilts and 76,300 kits in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Today's quilts were made by Kathy Ash-Flashner and Sue Ann Moore. A special thank you to Karin Pratt, who gifted fabric to be used for LWR quilts. We will be sewing quilts with Karin's fabric for years to come! If you are interested in learning more about this ministry and how you might help, please talk with Kathy Ash-Flashner or Sue Ann Moore.

A small but mighty group from Nativity joined others from the community and walked as part of the interfaith group of walkers in the Rockland Pride Parade on June 15.

The Parade traveled up and down Main Street between Winter and Limerock. Our group was enthusiastically greeted by a few Nativity members on the sidelines.

Our presence at this event is a way that we live out our Reconciling in Christ commitment beyond our walls and into our community. Thanks to those who walked and those who cheered.

Coming up July 4th - come hear Jane Monhart play with the Midcoast Community Band at....

July 4 in Camden: The Camden Rotary Club's annual Music by the Sea celebration will bring four free concerts to the Village Green and the Library Amphitheatre followed by fireworks over the harbor at 9:00.

Here's the lineup.

Noon - 1:00 p.m. Bay Chamber Jazz Ensemble (Village Green)

2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Hadacol Bouncers (Amphitheatre)

4:00 - 5:15 p.m. Midcoast Community Band (Amphitheatre)

6:00 - 7:15 p.m. The Right Track (Amphitheatre)

Music by the Sea is an annual gift to the community made possible by generous sponsorships from local businesses and individuals.Their contributions cover event costs and support the club's annual grants to Knox County and Lincolnville nonprofit organizations.

---- AND ----

July 19 at 10:00 in Friendship - The Midcoast Community Band will play in Friendship's annual parade and play a concert immediately after the parade.

• Food Donations: We once again have a drop off box for food donations to AIO Food Pantry in the Narthex at Nativity. Look for the plastic tote and place your items there and Mimi will deliver them to AIO on a regular basis.
• The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund: Please remember that an extra $5 or $10 each month may make a huge difference to a family in need! Please indicate any additional donations as "Pastor's Discretionary" when you mail in your monthly offering.
  
• Don't forget: One simple way to help care for creation is to download the weekly bulletin onto your smart phone or tablet and then bring that device to worship or use it when you zoom at home saving paper and resources. Need help figuring that out? Call Pastor for Android help or Denise Stadler for Apple help.
  
• Your aluminum pop tabs can help keep families with sick children close to each other and the care and resources they need. Look for the paper bag on the Social Ministry bulletin board in the Narthex. Place your tabs in the bag and take your container home and fill it again! The tabs are donated to the Ronald McDonald House.
  

President - Carolyn Ramm

Vice President - Marty Taylor

Treasurer - Fred Walker

Secretary - Kim Murphy

Pastor Wendy Anderson

Jane Monhart, Judy Pelletier, Fran Kresge, Sue Ann Moore

Connect with ELCA greater church

Read Bishop Eaton’s monthly article:

https://www.livinglutheran.org/

https://www.elca.org/Resources/Presiding-Bishop-Messages

A Note from your editor, Kim Murphy

Reminder - send articles and photos by the 20th of each month.

Email kmusicorama@gmail.com

Photos this month: Lynne Taylor, Elaine Isakson, Balloon Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash, Aluminum can tabs Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash, Coffee Shop Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash, Internet resources

Rev. Wendy J. Anderson

Sunday Worship (Sept -May) 10:30 AM

Summer Sunday Worship (June - August) 9:30 AM

Email: office@nativityrockport.org
Website: www.nativityrockport.org
Location: 179 Old County Rd, Rockport, ME, United States
Phone: 207-594-4665