Pastor Kohl, October 2011

Dear Friends,

 

When I was a kid, every autumn we had a “Harvest-Home” service at our church.  You may have had these celebrations also.  They were a time people brought in food—tomatoes, potatoes, and of course, zucchini—all  from their gardens.  There were also canned goods and packaged foods.  These were gathered to be shared with agencies in the area that provided food for people.  It happened in October because that was the time for harvest.  I never really understood why the word “home” was used, until I got older and realized that what we were doing was bringing food back to the one who gave it, who owned it, and who had shared it with us.  In other words, we were bringing these items back to their original home, back to God.

 

This was a graphic way to be reminded that God is the source of all things, seen and unseen.  And that was and continues to be an important lesson for us to remember.  We live because God first gave us life and love and purpose.

 

Our gathering on Sundays is both to be reminded of this truth as well as to celebrate it.  Our gathering on Sundays is also a main way by which we say thank you to the source of all that is.  This is important, in fact, essential for us to be fully human beings.  A life without gratitude is an empty and disconnected existence.  Thankfulness is a way we practice spirituality, the essence of both faith and being.

 

As your pastor, I would encourage you to take some time everyday to think about your life.  In confirmation classes, we take time each week to share “highs” and “lows”: the blessings and challenges of the week.  You might consider doing this in a journal or simply sharing with the people who live with you.  But also give thought to places you suspect God has been at work, and places where you wish you had made other choices and people who have blessed you or challenged you.

 

In doing these things, your life will be brought into the presence of the God who seeks to bless you and who longs to be part of your daily routine, the God who sent Jesus as a sign of that longing to be connected to you.

 

There is no doubt that life can be difficult.  None of us are immune to troubles and problems.  This is part of living in a world broken by sin.  And all of us are tempted to think that these troubles are the big things in our lives.  This is the power of sin in our lives.  But the greater power is the blessing which God wants to give.  It takes a discipline, a practice, to allow God’s blessings to be recognized daily.  That is what we are doing right now in the adult Sunday School at 9 a.m.  Join us there if you want to learn and experience some traditional spiritual disciplines with a grace-oriented flavor.

 

As we come to this season of harvest, remember the source of all blessings, the giver of life.  Saying thank you is worth the time for worship.  Your congregation is waiting with open arms to welcome and bless you.

 

With hope,

Pastor Kohl