Pastor Jack shared an interesting article from The New York Times with me this week: “The Ghost Trees of Chicago.”  An intriguing headline if I ever read one!  It was about how residents have been using mesh to cover and protect young trees as they encounter the emergence of cicada broods.  There were many pictures shared and I had to agree with the sentiment of the reporter (Julie Bosman)— “the cloaked trees have created a mysterious and striking effect across the city and its suburbs, with purple and green leaves of Japanese maples or elms barely visible behind translucent tulle.”* 

It struck me that so many times we speak about the way people cause damage to our environment, and it’s unfortunately true.  Though there are also times when people take even small steps to protect the beings in the more-than-human world.  The small cloaked trees in Chicago are striking for all sorts of reasons.  Looking at them this week and thinking about the ways that people have tried to help the small trees grow big and strong in the midst of the cicadas emerging gave me hope. 

As has watching the transformation of the garden bed right outside my own office window!  Connie and Dick have been working to create a beautiful garden.  This is in addition to Dolores and John (with assistance from Jocelyn) maintaining the garden bed in memory of Corky near the Church Office parking spots, Avis maintaining the memorial garden in memory of Jennifer near the double doors, and Tom and Christine maintaining the raised garden beds right outside the Church Office.  (And apologies if I have forgotten anyone who helps maintain the various gardens around our church.  All your help is appreciated, as are you!). 

The garden bed “above” my office (if you will) is one of the larger garden beds on our church property.  It’s also one of the garden beds that our congregation sees often as we park our cars and come inside our church building.  It has long needed a makeover and Connie and Dick had a vision.  Please take a look next time you come to church.  The transformation is really something to behold.  Thank you, Connie and Dick!

This week, perhaps we can remember that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. 
From small trees protected to gardens beautifully tended, we can all do something to bring more hope and beauty into our world.

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

Photos by Rev. Lauren Ostrout.

*Julie Bosman (Text) and Taylor Glascock (Photos), “The Ghost Trees of Chicago,” The New York Times, June 2, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/02/science/cicadas-trees-wrapped-chicago.html?unlocked_article_code=1.w00.Ba-G.YaVSI0Tsd6_f&smid=url-share 

Thursday Thoughts 6/6/24