Pastor's Sermons
Pastor's Sermon from Feb. 27, 2011 - They Neither Toil nor Spin
Displaying the only post.Stephentown Federated Church
As she taught us about wool and spinning, Kay Kraft of Sliver Moon Farm in Berlin gave us much to consider regarding how the art of spinning can teach us about our spiritual lives.
I cannot qoute her directly here, as I, with others, was totally enthralled with her presentation. However, I will share as best I can the insights I gleaned, as well as those of others who discussed the sermon during fellowship.
In the time of Jesus, sheep simply shed their wool; people would find it on the ground or stuck on branches. What a gift! Right there in plain sight, if we are open to seeing it.
People realized that the animals were warm in the winter, and comfortable in the summer, so they tried to work with the wool in order to make coverings for themselves. We, too, can learn from nature, if we keep our minds open.
If we hold a length of roving in the center and pull, we cannot seperate it. If we hold it on the ends and pull, it comes apart. It is the same in community; if we hold on to each other in faith, nobody can pull us apart. It is only if we start to go away from our center that we can be separated.
The better the wool is prepared, the stronger it is, and the better it becomes what it can be. Imperfections are combed out; this allows the wool to open up and "blossom." Same with people. Faith is an ongoing process.
When spinning, there is one length of wool that is called the "leader." Sometimes the leader is simply drawn out of the original fleece; sometimes it is from a different one. In either case, the leader must be well prepared and strong.
If we hold the strand too tightly, it will become all knotted and "wound up." We must hold it gently and allow it to flow forth.
We must "listen to the wool." Intuitively we will know what the wool should become and what it is best suited for. We can only do this by working gently with it.
Much to think about, Kay! Many beautiful meditations to sustain us.
Bless you!