The TRUMPET

June 2017

I’m just back from the Festival of Homiletics in

San Antonio. It was, without question, a minister nerd-fest.

Who else would have a “festival” about “homiletics,”

which is just a fancy name for preaching. And yet there

we were – 1800 ministers from many denominations

across the country, ready for four and a half days of

worship, sermons, and lectures. It truly was an event that

perhaps only a preacher could love. And it was fabulous a

time for learning, inspiration, and renewal.

Let me tell you why worship-leaders enjoy going

to worship – - Someone else chooses the hymns. And if people

don’t like them, it isn’t my fault. - Someone else prepared the bulletin. And if there are

mistakes, it wasn’t me. - Someone else wrote all the litanies, responses, and

prayers. All I had to do was show up and

soak it all in. - Someone else preached. I happen to love to preach,

but it is a delight to cherish some moments when I’m not

responsible for reading the text, grappling with the

meaning, studying commentaries, finding instructive

illustrations, or coming up with compelling stories. And perhaps the best thing of all – if something goes

wrong (which it did), I can simply sit in my seat and wait

for someone else to resolve the issue. So, when all 1800

ministers were eagerly anticipating a PowerPoint

presentation and suddenly the screen went black, I could

laugh. I could be confident that the team of tech people

would rally to rectify the situation – which they did – or

that someone else would have to come up with a “Plan B.”

There was something very relaxing and gratifying about

sitting in the pews and being invited to simply listen and

learn. The conference provided much food for thought. I

was immersed in new worship ideas, introduced to new

hymns (I think) our congregation will enjoy, heard

inspiring sermons, and was challenged to stretch my

theology as we wrestled with our ancient texts providing

insights for a very modern world. It was a wonderful,

educational, inspiring week. And yet – there was something humbling about

listening to one gifted, talented, inspiring preacher after

another. It is not easy to hold over 1000 people spellbound,

yet I witnessed a number of preachers and professors who

managed to do just that. Many of them were available

afterwards to sign copies of their recent books. These

were teachers and preachers who travel the globe

delivering their messages and then return to their mega-

churches and over-subscribed classes. A gnawing, unwanted doubt began to seep in to

the congregation primarily made up of small town

preachers and pastors shepherding struggling

congregations. How, we wondered, could we ever

measure up to such greatness? There is great danger in comparing yourself to

anyone else. We tend to romanticize the other’s success

and popularity as we diminish our own abilities and

service. We mistakenly believe that they “have it all”

while we struggle to accomplish anything. Here’s the conclusion that many of us reached

during this conference – God does not call any of us to be

famous, popular, or successful. God calls each one of us to

be faithful. God calls us to receive and then to share a

message of love, forgiveness, and the ability to start over –

again and again. And that’s true whether you are a

minister, a teacher, an auto-mechanic, stay-at-home parent,

or rocket scientist. My prayer for each one of us is that we can find

ways to feed our spirits – whether it’s at a

conference or gazing out of the beauty of God’s creation –

and discover again that loving voice

that invites us to simply receive God’s love, and then to

share it any way we can.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster

A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244 Deadline for submissions: the 20th of each month

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster Co-Directors of Christian Education: Sherry Magnan & Dawn Morin Youth Group Co-Director: Anne Sorensen Music Director/Organist: Nancy Ducharme

Bell Choir Director: Andrew Tomkins Secretary: Heidi Tucker Office: 860-928-7449 Residence: 860-928-7145 email address: econgregtnl@snet.net

Secretary’s email: ewccsec@yahoo.com Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am

The Trumpet deadline is the 20th of every month!

The following are the scriptures for the month of June:

You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as

preparation for worship.

June 4 June 11

Acts 2:1-21 Genesis 1:1-2:4a Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 8 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Matthew 28:16-20 John 20:19-23 John 7:37-39

June 18 June 25

Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

Exodus 19:2-8a Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 100 Psalm 69:7-18 Romans 5:1-8 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 9:35-10:23 Matthew 10:24-39

Worship News

We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship –

and bring a friend!

June 4: Pentecost. Confirmation Sunday. Communion June 11: Children’s Day June 18: Baptism, Noe Family June 25: Baptism, Rosen Family

Summer Worship

Our church and the Hill Church will continue our long-standing tradition

of sharing worship during the summer –

July: Hill Church August: EWCC

July 2: Sue Foster August 6: Sue Foster

July 9: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer August 13: Sue Foster

July 16: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer August 20: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer

July 23: Guest preacher August 27: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer

July 30: Sue Foster

Be sure to join us for these combined worship services so that we

can worship with our neighbors during the summer months.

A mid-week

opportunity for

conversation, coffee,

learning, and

laughter.

Give yourself the gift

of time…

Wednesday

morning study

group

10:00 a.m.

Everyone is

welcome!

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Do you have a special event you would like to share

with your Church family – a birth, a graduation, a

new job, an engagement, a wedding, a special honor,

etc., etc.? Drop a note off in the secretary’s office or

e-mail Heidi at ewccsec@yahoo.com.

In Memory

We give thanks to God for the completed lives of

Joel Eddy and Larry Grennan

We ask God to provide comfort and strength as we rely

on God’s promise of peace and eternal life.

Our church is blessed by the work of many

volunteers. Every bit of effort and caring helps the

church live out its calling to be the Body of Christ.

This month we especially would like to thank…

Valerie Law, Gail Lorentzen, Cris Waldron,

and all the bakers, flower arrangers, and sandwich

creators who put together a lovely tea fundraiser for

Jasmin Floyd. Despite the rainy day, everyone

enjoyed a lovely afternoon filled with good

conversation, delicious delicacies, and much support

and good wishes for Jasmin.

Jeff Wong for once again coming to our aid in the

office to solve our latest computer crisis!

“Like” us on Facebook!

You can hear about upcoming

events, read inspirational prayers

and quotes, and see pictures of

church activities on our

Facebook page.

Have you changed your email or mailing address?

Please let the office know of any changes so you don’t miss out on The Trumpet or other important messages. You can send any changes to ewccsec@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Men’s Fellowship News

The men of the congregation have been enjoying

gathering for breakfast at the church for good food

and fellowship. Our next gathering will be on

Sunday, June 12th at 8:00 a.m. All men are

invited – and please bring a friend along!

Ladies’ Benevolent Society News

The annual LBS Luncheon will be on Wednesday,

June 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm, place to be determined.

We will meet at church at 11:30 am for those who

would like to carpool RSVP to Dot Hill at 860-

928-5280 or email her ibawood@charter.net or

Lynda Higgins 860-963-7544;

laughing.lynda@gmail.com. All ladies are

welcome to attend and bring a friend to enjoy food

and fellowship!

Request from Society: Society has decided that it would be a good idea to

start putting all implemented Policies and Procedures

together in one manual that would allow everyone

access. Rick has started, but there are a lot more

policies in place that Society does not have in their

files that should be included. If any of you have any

stored policies or procedures on your computer or on

paper, please forward a copy to Rick Place

(rplace@putnam-ford.com) or put a copy in Society’s

mailbox.

Thank you so much for your cooperation!

Congratulations to all those completing our

confirmation program:

Elise Boisvert, Corinne Child, Eliza Dutson, Jaden

Garcia, David May, Kaleb Morin, Victoria Paine,

Alexis Parent, Sarah Tavares, Noah Tomkins and

Grayson Walley.

Please join us on June 4th for Confirmation Sunday and

help us welcome our newest members!

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Jamboree Committee Members

Following are the names and phone numbers of those who

have volunteered to take charge of the many jobs for the Jamboree.

THERE ARE STILL A FEW POSITIONS WHERE YOUR

HELP IS NEEDED!

If you would like to help, please contact a member of the committee, or

whoever is in charge of the area you would like to volunteer for. Thank you!

Committee Co-Chairs Angela Young & Christine Armstrong 860-428-3950/928-2215

Publicity Chairperson Bev Tracy 928-0186

Advertising/Ad sales Christine Armstrong 928-2215

Program/Trumpet/Church Bulletins Heidi Tucker 928-7449

Posters Judith Wong 860-315-7059

Grounds Chairperson Angela Young & Christine Armstrong 860-428-3950/928-2215

Parking/Road Signs HELP NEEDED!

Poster Contest & Voting Table Alana Spalding

T-shirts & Hats Table Alana Spalding

Shuttle Van Drivers HELP NEEDED!

Bandstand

Sound System Jim Graley 860-315-4969

Broadcaster/Master of Ceremonies Sue Foster 928-7449

Live Music The Music Committee

Flag Carriers Bev Tracy 928-0186

Flag Ceremony Sue Foster 928-7449

Food Booths Chairperson

Food Permits Christine Armstrong 928-2215

Chicken Barbeque Tom & Rhonda Chenail 974-2675

Coffee & Donuts Tammy LaCoille & Cindy Morse 860-208-5718

Soft Drinks Anne Sorensen & Youth Group 860-428-2198

Snow Cones & Water Windsor & Amy White 860-315-7816

Ice Cream Social Donna Baldyga & Pat Ziemba 508-764-3595/508-764-7052

Hamburgers & Hot Dogs Lynn Looby 923-9210

Cookies Olivia Labbe-Fahy 860-315-0033

Pulled Pork Sandwiches Joanne Lefevre 401-647-2386

Strawberry Shortcake Grace Harmon 928-7491

Pie Selling Louise Labbe-Fahy 860-315-0033

Special Tables Chairperson

Silent Auction Diane Morin 923-2624

Attic Treasures Judith Wong 860-481-4872

Books Roger Solomon 928-7145

Jewelry Table Lisa Gould 860-634-7670

Games Chairperson

Bottle Booth Melissa Barry 860-317-1982

Cake Walk Mark & Diane Billings 928-2932

Children’s Games Marie Chamberlin 860-315-7036

Frog Jumping Contest Jim Graley 860-315-4969

Horseshoe Tournament Debbie & Ken Sherman 928-6771

Pinewood Derby HELP NEEDED!

Cornhole Game HELP NEEDED!

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Jamboree (cont’d)

Entertainment

Bella the Clown Grace Harmon 928-7491

Hay Rides Kerstin Forrester 860-315-7036

Parade Jill Sherman 860-455-8627

Water Polo Muddy Brook, Woodstock Volunteer and Bungay Fire Departments

As always, the committee members and chairpersons would greatly appreciate any

help you are willing to give them. Each booth needs several volunteers to run

smoothly and allow everyone to have a break and the opportunity to enjoy the

festivities during the day. Please consider volunteering an hour or two of your

time as a “floater” who can offer a break to whoever needs it.

Please sign up in Fellowship Hall for a shift to help out!

In addition to the booths, we need several people to help with set-up on

Sunday, July 2nd & Monday, July 3rd between 9 am and 3 pm.

This is a major fundraiser for our church and it takes many hands to make it a success!

Thank you!!

We look forward to seeing you on the East Woodstock Common on July 4th!

Invite your neighbors, friends and family and come spend the day!!

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Support our July 4th Jamboree, our many

Church & Outreach Programs,

AND Spring clean at the same time!

Have treasures that will sell? Once again we’re gearing up for Attic Treasures, our Jamboree version of a great big tag sale!

We’ll soon be accepting donations: after worship on Sunday, June 4th through business hours

and Sundays up until Sunday, July 2nd. Not sure what to donate? Check out the list in

Fellowship Hall!

Antiques? New or nearly new? YES! As always, we will have an antiques & collectibles area, and a spot for new and like new items.

These are our most sought-after treasures! We welcome your special additions to this collection.

Unfortunately, we can’t take everything… We love your clean donations but not your trash. Missing parts? Broken? We won’t be able to sell it. Not sure if it

works? If your donation has an electrical plug, please try it before you donate to be sure it’s in working order. (Lamps

with a lightbulb are preferred!) Please CLEAN your items before donating - clean items can be priced higher and sell

faster! We won’t be selling clothes, computers/monitors, TVs, most electrical appliances, exercise equipment, or used

candles, so please don’t donate them. Not sure if it’s saleable? Ask one of our Attic Treasures helpers!

Please pre-sort all items! Because our storage space up until Jamboree weekend is EXTREMELY limited, and our prep work is REALLY time-

consuming, it really helps if you weed out the “probably should throw away” items before you bring them to the Church.

Until the week of the Jamboree, tables will be set up in a very small area. It’s super easy and fun to sort your donated

treasures when you bring them in, and place them on tables labelled by category. This saves us time and space!

Yeah! Many thanks in advance!

Want to get in on the action? Come join our fun Attic Treasures team! We’re looking for helpers to unpack, research, sort & price, and set up right up to July 4th, and to sell and pack up on the

4th. Sign up in Fellowship Hall or see Judith Wong:

860-315-7059 or jmwong@pomfretschool.org

Many thanks in advance for donating to Attic Treasures! Remember, all proceeds benefit the East Woodstock Congregational Church and Christian Ed,

Music, and Outreach Programs!

Get excited! Look for us in Fellowship Hall on Jamboree Day!

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Our prayers and good wishes are with you as you begin new ventures!

8th Grade Graduates: Elise Boisvert, Corinne Child, Alex Dilko, Jaden Garcia, David May, Kaleb Morin, Victoria Paine, Alexis Parent, Sophia Randolph, Adam Shinkiewicz, Noah Tomkins, Grayson Walley

High School Graduates: Demitri Arsenault, Lauren Chenail, Shealyn Kelley, Sylvia Lawrence, Luca Lefevre, Laura Looby, Shaylor Scranton, Jordyn Staveski, Jameson White

College Graduates: Brieanna Baron – Nichols College, valedictorian, BS in Business Administration; Harley Blodgett – Keene State, BS in Health Sciences/Nutrition; Eric Glinsky – Eastern CT, BA in General Studies & QVCC, honors, Associate’s Degree in Computer Networking

Other Degrees: Lynn Looby – Nichols College, BA in Business; Alison Navarro – Western New England University, PhD in Pharmacy; Kathy O’Dea – UCONN

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver

An Evening of Biblical Storytelling Join us on Tuesday, June 27th at 7:00 PM for a delightful evening

of biblical storytelling. The Rev. Drew Willard, author and

minister (and classmate of Pastor Sue’s) will be here to share

familiar stories told in a new way. Come and discover Biblical

figures as you have never heard them before!

Fellowship and refreshments will follow. Come – and bring a

friend!

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The Missions Committee met on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. The committee reviewed the requests for donations for June and agreed upon the following:

• Camp Quinebaug - $100

• Disabled American Veterans - $100

• East Woodstock Cemetery - $100

• May Memorial Library - $50

• Interfaith Human Services of Putnam (bike ride) - $100

• Our Piece of the Pie in honor of Bob Rath - $75

• Refugee Resettlement reserve - $50

• Welcome Banner - $10

• Community Kitchen (March, April, May) - $351.48

• Missions CookNight – Since our first Missions Cooknight in April was a great success and we stocked up the freezer with ready-made meals, we will cook again on Wednesday, May 31 at 6 p.m.

• Clothing Sale – Not only was the clothing sale a great success for EWCC, we also were able to provide 6 vouchers to clients of the Access Homeless Shelter to shop at their leisure during the sale. Great job to the Clothing Sale group for their offer of a free shopping trip for our friends in need, but also to our Missions Members for providing transportation!

• Backpack Supplies – We will be collecting donations of backpack supplies as well as monetary donations for a joint effort with the Hill Church to provide much needed items for TEEG. Please consider picking up some extra school supplies and leave them in Missions Corner.

• Food Pantry – Daily Bread request for the month of June is Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 13 at 7:00 pm.

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Access Homeless Shelter

Danielson

Through our Missions Committee, EWCC supports the Access Homeless Shelter in Danielson. Recently, we learned more about the needs of our neighbors (men, women and children) when they utilize the Access Emergency Shelter in Danielson. While you are shopping, please consider picking up items to be delivered to the shelter. Please leave the items in Missions Corner.

• Sheet sets and pillows – MUST BE NEW

• Bath towels – MUST BE NEW

• Personal Hygiene Items (travel and regular sized)

o soap, shampoo, etc.

o toothpaste & tooth brushes,

o deodorant

o razors & shaving cream

o feminine hygiene products

• Diapers – All Sizes

• Arts & Craft supplies for the children (new or used)

• Coffee mugs

• Sewing items (thread, needles, safety pins)

• Eyeglass repair kits

• Gas cards

• Wal-Mart gift cards

Thank you in advance for your donations and for helping support our neighbors in need.

The TRUMPET Page 9 June 2017

Matching Grant Received for Column Restoration

Good News! Our church has received approval from the CT Department of Economic and Community Development

for a Historic Restoration Fund grant.

There will be a church meeting held on Sunday June 18, immediately following worship to approve the final

renovation plan. Myron Stachiw will be on hand along with a slide show and handouts. The basic plan calls for a

qualified contractor to completely rebuild the four staved wood columns to the original design and structure with state

of the art ventilation, fasteners, and sealants methods. The result should be totally restored columns.

A fund-raising campaign is planned for this fall to raise the matching funds. Please be on the lookout for additional

information.

Society/Column Restoration sub-committee

Dawn Adiletta & Glen Lessig

Call to Meeting

A call for the meeting of the East Woodstock Congregational Church to be held on

Sunday, June 18, 2017, immediately following worship to:

1. To approve the recommendations of the Society/Column Renovation subcommittee.

2. Any other business to come before the church

Called by Society

The Sunday School is collecting

donations to provide “shoes that grow”

to children around the world who

would otherwise go barefoot.

Each pair of shoes costs $15. Donations

can be placed in the box in Fellowship

Hall. When you donate, please write

your name on a “shoe” which will be displayed

in the sanctuary.

Thank you for your help!

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June 4th: Final Children’s day rehearsal and group activities. Please make every effort to attend if your child

is participating in Children's Day. Rehearsals are key to a smooth event!

June 11th: Children’s Day Service – Everyone is invited to attend this special worship service created and

run by the Sunday School.

July 17-20th ~ Vacation Bible School 2017 ~ 5-7:30 p.m.

This summer's VBS will have a SCIENCE theme with lots of fun experiments! Dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

each evening and adult/high school aged volunteers will be needed to escort the children and/or run the

stations. Contact Dawn Morin with questions or to volunteer- dodobaskets@hotmail.com

If you would like to register your child please go to the following link:

https://form.jotform.us/71220202990142. VBS is open to all area families, not just EWCC members, so feel

free to send this link to your neighbors and friends. The more the merrier!

Compassionate Tuesdays For all youth who will be entering

grades 7-10 in the fall of 2016

Put your faith in to action this summer!

Grow your spirit by serving others.

Serve a meal at a soup kitchen and learn about poverty in our area,

work with the handicapped, work in a community garden, or visit with the elderly.

Find out how YOU can make a difference to neighbors in need.

Oh Yes! There will be time for fun with friends—

Picnics, games, ice cream breaks, and lots more!

Your friends are welcome!

Cost will be according to the day’s activities.

Watch for a postcard with the details for each day.

Looking for one driver/chaperone for each day! Please call Anne Sorensen at 860-428-2198

if you are willing to help one day.

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Dates: July 4

July 11

July 18

July 25

Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Children’s Page

A picture to color.

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Looking Ahead:

July 2: First Summer Union Service at Hill

July 4th – 61st Annual Jamboree!

July 17 – 20: Vacation Bible School

The coffee hour in June will be served courtesy of:

LBS

The coffee hour in August will be served courtesy of: Council

June Birthdays:

Rhys Asikainen June 1

Austin Dilko June 6

Seamus Morse June 6

Jackson Santos June 7

Brenna O’Connor June 8

Liliana Bottone June 12

Mason Wolf June 19

Logan Curtis June 20

Paige Curtis June 20

Dylan Chamberlin June 28

June 2017

Daily Bread request: Peanut Butter & Jelly

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

2 4:30 pm Rehearsal

3 4:00 pm Wedding

4 Confirmation

Sunday 6:30 pm EWCB

5 9:30 am Music Class

6 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Jamboree 7:00 pm Deacons

7 10:00 Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

8 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

9 9:30 am MOMs

10 9:00 am – 12:00pm Bike Ride/Steeple

Chase

11 Children’s Day

6:30 pm EWCB

12 9:30 am Music Class

13 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Jamboree 7:00 pm Missions

14 10:00 Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

15 10:00 am Tai Chi

16

17

18 Happy Father’s

Day!

8 am Men’s Breakfast

Baptism

19 9:30 am Music Class 7:00 pm Council

TRUMPET DEADLINE!

20 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Jamboree

21 10:00 Study Group 12:00 pm LBS

Luncheon 7:30 pm Al-anon

22 10:00 am Tai Chi

23

24

25 Baptism

26

27 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Biblical Storytelling 7:00 pm Jamboree

28 10:00 Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

29 10:00 am Tai Chi

30

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Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us. “A Prayer for the World” by Rabbi Harold Kushner

Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds Held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, of the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog so that we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color. Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness So that we can share the joys and fell the sorrows of our neighbors. And let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all people as our neighbors. Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty.

And let the mountains touch our hearts to reach upward to heaven. Amen.

May God's blessing go with us today

End of school year blessing for teachers and children

May God's blessing go with us today, At the end of this school year we pray. That you keep us safe and give us rest So we start again renewed and refreshed. Full of health, full of fun Ready to come and learn again. May God's blessing go with us today, As we begin our school holiday. Give your peace and your joy, To every girl and every boy. Help the teachers to enjoy the break, and prepare and plan for the new intake. May God's blessings await us next year, To embrace each new challenge without fear. Fill this school with your love, and guide our hearts from above. Full of faith, full of hope, full of joy, and full of love. Amen

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Blessing for Peace from John O'Donohue's "Eternal Echoes" "May you be blessed in the Holy Name of those who carry our pain up the mountain of transfiguration. May you know tender shelter and healing blessing when you are called to stand in the place of pain. May the places of darkness within you be turned towards the Light. May you be granted the wisdom to avoid false resistance when suffering knocks on the door of your life. May a window of Light always surprise you. May the Grace of transfiguration heal your wounds. May you know that even tho' the storm might rage yet not a hair of your head will be harmed."