A Time for Everything Reading (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

‘A Mother’s Crown’ Poem – by Toni Kane Heaven lit up with a mighty presence as the Angels all looked down – Today the Lord was placing the jewels into my Mother’s crown. He held up a golden crown as my darling Mother looked on – He said in His gentle voice I will now explain each one. The first gem, He said, is a Ruby and it’s for endurance alone – For all the nights you waited up for your children to come home. For all the nights by their bedside you stayed till the fever went down – For nursing every little wound I add this ruby to your crown. An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby for leading your child in the right way – For teaching them the lessons, that made them who they are today. For always being right there through all life’s important events – I give you a sapphire stone for the time and love you spent. For untying the strings that held them when they grew up and left home – I give you this one for courage. then the Lord added a garnet stone. I’ll place a stone of amethyst, He said for all the times you spent on your knees – When you asked if I’d take care of your children and then for having faith in Me. I have a pearl for every little sacrifice that you made without them knowing – For all the times you went without to keep them happy, healthy and growing. And last of all I have a diamond the greatest one of all – For sharing unconditional love whether they were big or small. It was your love that helped them grow feeling safe and happy and proud – A love so strong and pure it could shift the darkest cloud. After the Lord placed the last jewel in, He said your crown is now complete – You’ve earned your place in Heaven with your children at your feet.

'The Windmill' (not by Robert Louis Stevenson) I stand here in my place, With my foot on the rock below, And whichever way it may blow, I meet it face to face, As a brave man meets his foe. And while we wrestle and strive, My master, the miller, stands And feeds me with his hands; For he knows who makes him thrive, Who makes him lord of lands. On Sundays I take my rest; Church-going bells begin Their low, melodious din; I cross my arms on my breast, And all is peace within.