Ponderings from the Front Porch of the Parsonage on an unusually cool August evening listening to baseball on my transistor radio….

As I took advantage of the cooler weather we have enjoyed as of late, I sat in my rocking chair on the front porch listening to a Tides game, and my thoughts turned to the reality that the season was almost over. I sat and looked at the tree in our front yard and noticed some yellow leaves peeking through the green. Fall is most certainly coming.

I don't know about you, but this summer has gone by way too fast. Of course I was not a fan of the excessive heat, and our travel plans were sharply curtailed because of my situation. As I reflected that time has indeed passed, and fall with all of its demands, was now staring me in the face, I realized that this was not a terrible thing.

Seasons are just that, a measure of time, and not permanent, and time and seasons will continue to present themselves to us. Often we can grieve the passing of a season, just ask any school kid, or teacher for that matter if they are happy summer is over! But my point is that as we move into fall, there will be more ministries to engage in. We now have new opportunities with Saunders Elementary School, the YMCA in Newport News, a Mission Team going to North Carolina, and Chair Yoga!

Our long standing ministries will resume with events like Wonderful Wednesdays, Mystery Dinner Theater, Charge Conference, and the Fall Festival and the arrival of PUMPKINS! So summer is over but what lies ahead is new and exciting. The best part is that we get to travel through the seasons together, sharing our gifts, rejoicing with the successes and supporting each other through the challenges.

Believe me, since last May I have definitely pondered the future and the what ifs. I have prayed countless prayers, and have come to an important conclusion; in all times and in all places God is very nearby. I experience it everyday through God's people who serve as a means of grace. No matter the season, in sunshine and storm, God's people are always nearby, as close as a prayer.

Seasons change and the future is sometimes uncertain. If you find you are grieving the passage of time or maybe yearning for a time long ago when the world made sense, be kind to yourself. Make the time to be still and take in the beauty of creation. Be sure to give thanks for the good memories, and see how God has blessed you right up to this very moment.

Yes the seasons are changing, it's not a bad thing. It means we are alive and moving forward.  Forward to new people who need good news, forward to new opportunities to serve, forward in knowing just how much God loves us each and everyday, no matter the season.

Peace, 
Pastor Ken