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Happy Fall!

Here we are on the threshold of changing seasons once again. As we step into this new season of autumn, we are reminded of the words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1

“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under the sun. A time to plant and a time to pluck up that which has been planted.”

Just as Mother Nature transitions around us- the days growing shorter, the leaves turning vibrant and then falling- we too are reminded that our lives are full of changing seasons. Some are full of beginnings while other seasons ask us to say good-bye and to let go. But, in all seasons, bleak or bright, God is present. Autumn shows us that release and goodbyes are not the end but part of the natural rhythm of life making room for something new to grow.

The Turning of Seasons…
The trees let go their garments,
gold drifting to the ground,
a quiet kind of wisdom in every leaf unbound.

The air grows crisp with endings,
yet whispers something new,
for every fading season makes space for what is true.

So let your heart be open,
like branches stretched and wide,
for change is but a rhythm where life and hope reside.

The autumn teaches softly,
with beauty deep and brief:
that letting go his holy, and loss can birth new leaf.
(author unknown)

A telltale sign that autumn is here is the giant V we see moving steadily across the sky. We hear the honking first, then the birds appear, each one flying in formation. Rev. Janet Stobie says “geese migrate like a well-trained army platoon.” These well-formed formations remind us of the need for one another. They honk, not because they’re in a hurry, but as a means of encouraging one another.

As we launch into this new season, I want to hear a whole lot of honking. We need to be there for one another through the good times and in the sad. Jesus enjoyed the support of his friends in faith. He celebrated with them; he prayed with them; he cried with them. As a community of faith, this is exactly what we need to be offering to one another. Yes, we could travel this road of life alone but why would we? Why would we choose to go it alone when we could choose to share our pain and our joy with our church family- leaning on one another and growing with each other along the way?

This coming season, invite your friends to join us here at Trinity United Church- the heart in the heart of Huntsville. Hopefully, if we continue to follow The Way of Jesus, they too will experience the joy and support of flying with God’s “Amazing V.”

Recently, we dedicated our new church sign out on Main Street. It looks amazing! It is a symbol of who we are and who we long to be- an inclusive, inspiring and Spirit-led congregation- a school of love where God’s welcome has no boundaries… a V like formation. As the sign was blessed, those present recommitted ourselves to live out the words the sign proclaims- to widen the circle, to welcome without judgment and to embody the love God has planted in each and everyone of us.

Jesus welcomed everyone and so do we!

A big bouquet of thanks to Jim Schiedel for going the distance and persevering to ensure that our new sign and presence became a reality in downtown Huntsville!

So, as the seasons change, here is your invitation to come fly with us! Learn how to spread your wings and to lift one another up. And as our hearts grow, we can then reach out beyond our walls to make a heartfelt difference in our community and in our world.

With God’s help, may this be so.
Autumn Blessings! Rev. Diane