It’s the end of August and already it is getting a bit chilly in the morning. Not cold, but a reminder that Fall is closing in and things are about ready to change. The leaves are changing, breezes are cooler in the evening. I love Fall, yet with those changes comes a more demanding schedule. Confirmation Orientation, Sunday School, liturgy changes, and a host of other activities make for a full Fall.
There are some moments to truly look forward to. I’m particularly interested in Thanksgiving, and not just for the food. (Ok, maybe for the food.) Thanksgiving is a great community event and this year will be even more so. We have a Parish worship service and new friends to share time with. This is the heart of what we are about. Could it be that God has awakened something in us we could not see? Both congregations were struggling financially and that tends to take center stage in all matters. But what if God gives us a chance to rewrite our story? What if we’re given the chance to see what was once our main concern has given way to a new story? A story about joint ministry and the outreach we can now offer to our ministry partners.
We often fall into things that we hadn’t planned for, not aware of the potential for growth for these opportunities. Take the picnic this month: The laughter and food were contagious. The music with members from both congregations was wonderful. Celebrating Holy Communion together felt good. (Dare I say, “right?”) Like going to a sporting event and bumping into a distant cousin. You know each other but just haven’t had a chance to get to know each other and suddenly the opportunity is right there in this strange place. So, this is our strange place and we are embracing it.
Fall into Thanksgiving is this moment. We didn’t know to be thankful, but now we are. Thankful for this new Parish. Thankful that we did not perish but have new life. So thank you, God, for the joy of this fall. The ”Fall into Thanksgiving,” the cool breezes and new life. It is the breezes we recognize as your spirit moving in us and calling us to give thanks for your mercy endured forever.
Peace be with you all!
Pastor Jeffrey Holter