JHYM Home | JHYM Scheduled Retreats | Maps and Directions | Sign-Up | Mailing List | Health Form | Contact Gretchen

I believe that the Living God is present every moment of our days and that adults and children alike can and do know this Loving Presence.  My role in ministry is as a baker is to bread.  The Holy Spirit provides the miraculous leavening as Grace in our midst.  I am asked to tend the rising by being fully present, by listening deeply, and by offering simple sustenance for the journey.  Gentleness, intentionality, patience, clarity of heart and mind, constant prayer, and humble trust in the Spirit are essential when nurturing the tender hearts and souls of God’s Children.

At every age, we can know each other as brothers and sisters in the Stillness of our covered Worship.  Safe and loving faith communities, rooted in this blessed Communion, provide support for new growth and sheltered rest from the world’s challenges.  Creativity and beauty, in music, art, words, movement, or nature, all help to nourish and stretch our relationships with God.  Joy and laughter are as essential as Silence.  Appropriate, loving touch and simple acts of kindness and compassion are Love in Motion.

Programs, themes, song lists and supplies are wonderful, but all we really need is Christ’s registration and attendance.  The essence of our ministry is to pay attention and be fully present to the Graced hearts of those before us as we go about our work and play in holy fellowship.  What an incredible joy and honor it is to be here in God’s Kitchen.

Dearest Lord,

May my words and actions be like bits of manna in the desert.  Help me to be faithful to your Love, mindful that You alone are the Bread which can satisfy our heart’s deepest yearnings.  May my steps remain on the path of seeing what Love can do.  And may every breath be one of thanks for the glorious gift and honor of being here in this moment.  Amen.

Gretchen Baker-Smith