Pastor's Page
Pastor Sam and Abby
Greetings Friends!
As the air begins to chill, the leaves begin to fall, and sweaters are brought out of storage I pray a special blessing for you all as we enter into the fall season. Personally, I continue to deeply enjoy spending time out in God’s creation during this beautiful season. The changing of leaves, crispness of the air, and early sunsets are all reminders of God’s greatness and just how marvelous life really is.
In the season of the year we see not just the leaves change but the last fruits from our fields and gardens become ready for harvest. As we approach some of the final harvests before winter we are naturally called to a profound thankfulness for all we have and all that has been done. From the fertility of the Earth to the sustenance that has been created, to the fellowship that will come and enjoying the fruits of our labor with friends, family, and the whole world, we are called not just to the work of harvest but to the joy of the harvest physically and spiritually. As we consider the harvest physically and spiritually, the words of Galatians 6: 7-10 come to mind.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Although the spiritual harvests of God's grace and love amongst our lives are not quite as standardized or seasonal as our physical harvest from the fields and gardens, we are called into the same Spirit of thankfulness after both. Our work, this and every day, is not in vain if it is done with love in our hearts and increased grace as our ultimate goal. This great sharing of our bounty physically and spiritually, a natural expression of our thankfulness, is the ultimate calling of the harvest season.
So as we approach the colder months of the year, and what will be another challenging season of life, let us live into these words from scripture and never tire from doing good. Let us always be alert to the opportunities that God presents us to abide more fully in a spirit of thankfulness this Autumn.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Sam Mitchell