Hello Autumn ...
September 23 is the Fall Equinox which means Autumn (also known as Fall) has arrived. What is an equinox anyway? Basically, during the equinox, the Earth's axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight. The actual word equinox comes from Latin and means equal night and day. So we are entering a season when we enjoy equal amounts of daylight and moonlight. Another incredible touch by the Creator for his children to enjoy ... the changing of the seasons!
Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy waking up and going out on the back porch feeling the crispness of the air while I enjoy my coffee. It is so refreshing. This is also the time of the year when we see the handiwork of God and the beauty of the changing leaves. Apple cider and spice begins to be enjoyed by many. Pumpkins ripen and are used for pies, decorations, or mixed with spice to flavor - well about everything. As the weather cools and humidity lessens, energy levels seem to increase for many. Fun festivals and celebrations are enjoyed. And beautiful mums exploding with colors join in the pleasing, colorful fall palette of nature's beauty. Taking all of this in, I pause to remind myself, God did all of this just for us to enjoy. Awesome!
And if you forget who created all of this beauty, then as Job says in the Scriptures (Job 12:7-9). “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Nature knows. And so should we. And why was the beauty created...again, for you and me to enjoy. And why? Because our Heavenly Father loves us!
It is my hope for you that you will take some time during this beautiful season to slow down, look around, breathe deeply and take in the beauty of the earth. Take a hike or drive down the Trace. Drink a cup of cider or some pumpkin spice beverage. Enjoy a nice warm slice of pie. Go pick a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch like Gentry's Farm. Attend a festival. Enjoy. And remember, this special time is God's gift to us ... (And what is coming next ... the Holidays!)
Fall is a busy time for us at Church. We are in the process of sprucing up our facilities and campus. And great progress is being made. We now have a new roof, the Prayer Garden is now cleared, and ready for renovation. It takes a team to accomplish all that is being done. So THANK YOU to everyone who has been, is, and will be involved in making our Church its best. We always want to be part of the beauty of fall in the Vale. And we want God to be glorified in all we do. He deserves the best.
In just a few weeks we will enjoy our fun Festival, Music In the Vale. This is our gift for others to enjoy. Incredible, talented artists will share their talent with us and many others, in the beautiful environment that surrounds and is in FCC. And the food is always delicious. Again, we will need many to make this special event, a gift, to happen. It is such an incredible event and our biggest outreach to our community. I truly hope that you will be able to join us for this special occasion.
Also, I hope that you will join us Sunday as we join together for fellowship, encouragement, Bible Study, and Worship. When you are present, then it is even more beautiful!
And ALWAYS Remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
WELCOME AUTUMN!!
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)