McFeely Trailhead (stage 1) by Jacqueline Perry, acrylic on canvas 24″ x 24″
Trailhead a point where a trail begins [dictionary.com].
Last August, another painting buddy and I spent the morning landscape painting near Clyde, Pennsylvania at Buttermilk Falls. The county park was once the summer home of Fred Rogers’ grandfather, Fred McFeely. Thanks to hikers and bloggers, Philip and Kristy, for pictures of the falls. Available at: http://hikinginpennsylvania.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/buttermilk-falls-natural-area-west-wheatfield/
I had not painted outdoors for fifteen years. The experience prompted me to explore faith, painting, and nature during my sabbatical time this summer.
“McFeely Trailhead” is on my easle again. Up until now, I was afraid to ‘mess up’ a fine beginning. I was reluctant to touch it again with a brush fearing that the thing would ‘go down hill’.
Trailheads invite. Trailheads can lead to amazing experiences. I’m ready to explore what this painting trail has to teach me about the ups and downs of faith. Now I am open to what might be around the bend.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for trailheads.
tobeamazed 
JACKIE…ANOTHER WONDERFUL INSIGHT AND I’M PLEASED FOR YOU AND THE CONGREGATION THAT THESE INSIGHTS AND SELF EXPLORATION ARE ENRICHING YOU PERSONNALY. WE ARE INDEED LUCKLY TO HAVE YOU AND GRATEFUL THE SABATICAL IS OPENING NEW VISTAS TO YOU. THAT’S AS IT SHOULD BE…
JEFF
JACKIE…JUST A THOUGHT. GIVEN YOUR WONDERFUL INTROSPECTION TIME, YOUR ARTWORK AND CREATIVITY, THE THE DIRECTION OF THE CHURCH, THE TRAILHEAD MIGHT PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT BIBLICAL, DIRECTIONAL, AND VISUAL FOCUS FOR YOUR RETURN OR OTHER SERMON. JUST A THOUGHT FROM SOMEONE STRUCK BY YOUR WWORDS AND DRAWING.
JEFF
Thanks, Jeff, for your thoughts. Yes, the trailhead is a helpful word/picture for where we seem to be as church. We are just starting to explore a new path. In our 165 year-plus history, the community would have encountered many such trailheads. Its what I also appreciate about First Congregational Church. The path is new, but heading down a new path is not new…that’s kinda comforting.