Be still, and know that I am God…Psalm 46:10

This year, 2022, seems to be in a downhill race to its finish line. The colors in and around our yard are breathtaking but the leaves are in such a rush to fall, sometimes it sounds like it’s raining. We received drone shots from our son-in-law near the Willow Springs area and the colors were so rich and beautiful from above that I could hardly believe they weren’t taken in New England. In a week, they’ll all be a memory, as will many other events.

The World Series will soon be wrapped up and we’ll have a new baseball champion. By the time you read this, NASCAR fans will know the names of the top four drivers going into next Sunday’s championship race. Football season is nearly finished for our high schoolers and the pro season is half completed. Halloween goblins will have gathered and likely eaten most of their candy. Daylight savings time ends this weekend. Casey announced on Sunday that Christmas Cantata practice is starting (I’m so glad it’s coming back). And Turkey Day will be here before we know it. Then comes Advent and preparations for Christmas.

In the midst of all that there’s one more important day on the Aldersgate calendar. On November 13 at 4 PM, our members will vote whether to continue affiliation with the United Methodist Conference of churches or to begin a new journey. It’s an important day for all of us and should be approached in soul-searching faith. Wherever you land on this issue, do so prayerfully, stand for your beliefs, and when the dust settles remember that we are all children of God. One of my favorite songs was sung on Sunday morning. I think it carries a very important reminder of whose we are and I’m going to borrow some of those lyrics. I hope they touch your heart as they do mine:

You split the sea so I could walk right through it 

My fears are drowned in perfect love

You rescued me so I could stand and say

I am a child of God

I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.

(Excerpted from No Longer Slaves written by Jonathan Helser, Joel Case and Brian Johnson)

We are truly blessed to be His children. We can rely on Him in every circumstance, even when life seems at its worst. He always provides a way forward. Remember that this life is only the beginning and is only temporary. The second chapter will be a glorious and everlasting one!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6