The Weekly Epistle 10/7/20

The temperature went from 80 to 45 like it saw a state trooper.  I am paraphrasing a sign I saw at a gift shop.  Then there was this other sign that read: “Alexa, rake the leaves.”  Or “Alexa, bake me some pumpkin bread and tell me I’m thin.”  
 
There is autumn in the air.  Cool mornings and evenings.  Leaves to be removed.  Going apple picking.  Wondering how many more blankets the family must cover themselves with before turning on the heat or the wood or pellet stove.  Taking a drive to see the magnificent colors.  I must admit, I do love the fall season, and would enjoy it more if I didn’t know what season was coming next.  
 
Seasons!  In Genesis 8:22, in the context of God’s promise to never flood the whole earth again in judgment, says, “As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, winter and summer, day and night.”  While we have our favorite and not so favorite seasons, there are going to be seasons until Jesus returns.  Perhaps even beyond this present world and into the new heavens and earth as Revelation 22 speaks of fruit bearing tree of life that yield its fruit every month.  That is a topic for another day.
 
Seasons!  We often speak of seasons in reference to stages of life.  Right now, you are in a season of life that is just that- a season.  Your present season might be caring for little ones.  You might be on the other side of the spectrum in caring for aging parents.  Your season might be juggling two jobs or living as a single person or trying to work through grief or managing some transition in your life.  
 
Solomon said, “for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  That is a good reminder to embrace the season we are in rather than continually fight against it.  This season has its purpose.  This season won’t last forever.  Can I trust God with this season?  Will I make the most of the opportunities presented to me in this season that wouldn’t be there otherwise?  
 
Don’t miss the beauty of autumn.  And don’t miss out on what God has for you in this season of your life.  Oh!  And another thing I need to remember is, be more understanding of the season you are in and look to encourage you where God has you right now.  
 
This fall season, we will be offering Network Spiritual Gifts Workshop on November 7 & 14.  I urge you to participate in this workshop if you have never gone through this.  It will assist or confirm your right fit of ministry at EBC.  Sign up this week and get started.  Others who have gone through it have found it to be super helpful to their spiritual journey.  
 
Also, this fall we will once again be hosting Trunk or Treat on October 31.  This has proven to be very effective in building bridges to our community.  Plan on decorating your car for this event.  Sign up or contact the church office or Laura Hollenbeck asap.  
 
Look forward to seeing you this Sunday!  And continue to miss those of you who aren’t attending in person!  Keep looking up as this too shall pass…right?
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian