Foresters manage and protect forest lands. It is an ancient job. In medieval times they would be paid well to protect and preserve a Lord’s forests. Modern Foresters serve governments and corporations, using satellite imagery, soil testing and other modern tools to assess the health of wooded areas and work to sustainably develop them. The forester does not make trees grow but facilitates their growth and helps them repel beetle attacks. Foresters also design reforestation projects, manage how people play or work in the woods, negotiate with the community about the use of forest lands, and they often supervise the work of rangers, trail crews, and even loggers and fire-fighters.

In some ways to be a minister is very much like being a forester. In fact one of my first mentors was a forester. Actually, his name was Forrester. When I heard his name I would always think of someone walking through the woods, tending to the trees. In this church we are each both tree and forester. I am the lead forester in these beautiful woods, but only one of many. We all are responsible for managing the life of this congregation. These days we are planning to grow and expand our ministries, reroof our building, and ensure an ever increasing heritage of freedom, justice, love and mercy. Every one of us has a part to play. As we go into our annual stewardship month let us think of how we can manage, protect, sustain and expand our forest of the spirit.

- Rev. Thomas M. Perchlik