November 2004 Pastor's Letter

From the Pastor, This is the time of year where once again we are celebrating the harvest. The flow of golden corn and creamy soybeans pouring into the trucks. Cattle coming in off pastures and calves weaned and processed for feeding. Work is slowing down, the air is freshening, and nights are cooling down. Pollen will hopefully become a past thought as the frost has stopped the production of it. Gardens are in and the food has been prepared for the coming months. We haven’t yet reached the thought of snow flying in the air and piling on the ground the silent white blanket that will hopefully cover our land this winter. But that thought will come later, right now we are reveling in the change of seasons and welcoming the reprieve from summer. As the harvest comes in, many are receiving the fruits of a summer of labor. This year seems to have been another good year if not a great year. For this we offer thanks to a great God who has watched over it, watched over our work and our families for the season. As I mention thankfulness, which is the time that is upon us. We will celebrate Thanksgiving this year on November 25. A service of Thanksgiving will be at the Stuart Community Church on the evening of November 24 and I really encourage everyone to come. If we are not prepared to offer thanks for the blessing we receive how can we so readily cry out in anguish, for healing, comfort and the like of that. In offering thanks we acknowledge God’s very existence in our lives. So take some time and offer him a prayer of thanksgiving each day. It is another time of year also and it can seem more difficult or leave us feeling more anxious than giving thanks. It is that time when the church begins seeking individuals to serve as leaders. Those with a special gift or gifts to help lead and guide the church into the future. Nominating committees will be seeking those willing to serve as Elders and for Stuart Community seeking Deacons. The roles these people serve in are difficult at times but the rewards can far outweigh anything you might do. As a member this is part of the responsibility you agree to when joining. If you would consider serving, or if you are asked I encourage you to pray diligently about serving. Another little detail of the season is creating a budget. It is always difficult in a small church to put together a budget that will fill both of the needs. I mention two needs and that is a budget that will keep the church going and also not be more than the offering received from the members. I would like to encourage some type of pledge card for your offering. I know all of the arguments against them, I have used them all, but it greatly assists putting together a budget. Another thought about giving, it is a Christian response to the blessings received. It is not to keep the church open but because God loves you. God also owns all that is here so it is like you are giving him back some of what is his already. Well that should be about enough for now. I leave you with thoughts of thankfulness and pray you all have a great holiday celebration. Pastor ,WaynO

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