Greetings From Pastor Lyn
Dear People,
It seems like every year I mention somewhere along the line that I love the
month of October! My fascination with October goes far beyond pumpkin-spiced
lattes, scented candles, and family birthdays. I think it has something to do with the human inclination to hibernate that is accelerated by the sight and smell of
pumpkins, apple cider, and cinnamon that comforts us as the days become shorter and nights become longer.
Typically, there are a host of activities at Emanuel during October, another reason I like the month. And the most exciting event coming up is Vicar A.J.'s Ordination! If you haven't done so already, please put October 17 on your calendar and plan to attend. See the invitation in the bulletin for more information. Please let the ofice know if you will be here so that we can better approximate the numbers for the reception. This is a huge day in Vicar A.J.'s life, as it is for anyone who answers God's call to ordained
ministry and your presence will bless him richly. Undoubtedly, it will be a blessing for you too. Ordination is a big deal and truly a "family thing" - for the Gaston family and his
Emanuel family.
Like Ordination, Reformation Day is also a big deal, although through the years it has had its ups and downs. The celebration of Reformation Day is a tradition that is scoffed at a bit in our culture. Detractors love to cite the questionable or wrong things the church has done rather than highlight the good it has done and still does. This is one tradition that remains worth remembering for the positive change the Reformation brought about. Remember, we Lutherans began as a church bent on not reinventing or renewing but reforming what had already been long established. You don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, as they say. We remain a reforming church, also bent on taking what works and making it work better which sometimes involves letting go or changing
something. The next time someone suggests "change" remember that “every changing season is held by an unchanging God.” (author unknown). New possibilities begin by letting go of something no longer useful or whose purpose has been fulilled. October reminds us that rest is needed so that seeds can grow and new life emerge in the spring.
Harvest is a big part of everyday life in this part of the world. It is not only our allergies that remind us of that but, the trucks loaded with tomatoes, the quaking orchards, corn fields ripe for picking, and that’s just what I’ve seen around my neck of the woods. I have strong memories of my dad, pheasant hunting in the stubble of recently harvested corn. I still can smell the rich aroma of decomposing corn husks and soil. Maybe October is also a good time for remembering sweet things as we prepare to settle in for the winter.
As October moves along, songs of thanksgiving will begin appearing in worship as the texts take on the tone of stewardship. We’ll enter into the season of Stewardship as Thanksgiving approaches next month. My goodness, the end of the year will be here soon!
Back to October. There’s a fundraiser coming up for Emanuel Lutheran Daycare. A “paint night” whereby you can create your own scary artwork for Halloween. And the annual Trunk or Treat. This is such a joyous and lively tradition for Daycare! Plan to decorate your trunk and hand out candy to the multitudes of children who come through the parking lot! If decorating sounds like too much, drop by and simply walk around, enjoying the energy!
There are other Fellowship events for you to participate in, and I hope you do, especially if you haven’t in the past. Keep your eyes and ears open!
Wishing you all the abundant blessings of the God who holds all things together.
Pr. Lyn
It seems like every year I mention somewhere along the line that I love the
month of October! My fascination with October goes far beyond pumpkin-spiced
lattes, scented candles, and family birthdays. I think it has something to do with the human inclination to hibernate that is accelerated by the sight and smell of
pumpkins, apple cider, and cinnamon that comforts us as the days become shorter and nights become longer.
Typically, there are a host of activities at Emanuel during October, another reason I like the month. And the most exciting event coming up is Vicar A.J.'s Ordination! If you haven't done so already, please put October 17 on your calendar and plan to attend. See the invitation in the bulletin for more information. Please let the ofice know if you will be here so that we can better approximate the numbers for the reception. This is a huge day in Vicar A.J.'s life, as it is for anyone who answers God's call to ordained
ministry and your presence will bless him richly. Undoubtedly, it will be a blessing for you too. Ordination is a big deal and truly a "family thing" - for the Gaston family and his
Emanuel family.
Like Ordination, Reformation Day is also a big deal, although through the years it has had its ups and downs. The celebration of Reformation Day is a tradition that is scoffed at a bit in our culture. Detractors love to cite the questionable or wrong things the church has done rather than highlight the good it has done and still does. This is one tradition that remains worth remembering for the positive change the Reformation brought about. Remember, we Lutherans began as a church bent on not reinventing or renewing but reforming what had already been long established. You don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, as they say. We remain a reforming church, also bent on taking what works and making it work better which sometimes involves letting go or changing
something. The next time someone suggests "change" remember that “every changing season is held by an unchanging God.” (author unknown). New possibilities begin by letting go of something no longer useful or whose purpose has been fulilled. October reminds us that rest is needed so that seeds can grow and new life emerge in the spring.
Harvest is a big part of everyday life in this part of the world. It is not only our allergies that remind us of that but, the trucks loaded with tomatoes, the quaking orchards, corn fields ripe for picking, and that’s just what I’ve seen around my neck of the woods. I have strong memories of my dad, pheasant hunting in the stubble of recently harvested corn. I still can smell the rich aroma of decomposing corn husks and soil. Maybe October is also a good time for remembering sweet things as we prepare to settle in for the winter.
As October moves along, songs of thanksgiving will begin appearing in worship as the texts take on the tone of stewardship. We’ll enter into the season of Stewardship as Thanksgiving approaches next month. My goodness, the end of the year will be here soon!
Back to October. There’s a fundraiser coming up for Emanuel Lutheran Daycare. A “paint night” whereby you can create your own scary artwork for Halloween. And the annual Trunk or Treat. This is such a joyous and lively tradition for Daycare! Plan to decorate your trunk and hand out candy to the multitudes of children who come through the parking lot! If decorating sounds like too much, drop by and simply walk around, enjoying the energy!
There are other Fellowship events for you to participate in, and I hope you do, especially if you haven’t in the past. Keep your eyes and ears open!
Wishing you all the abundant blessings of the God who holds all things together.
Pr. Lyn