Autumn has Arrived!

You can feel it in the air. The subtle changes taking place in the weather. Autumn began last Sunday, Sept. 23rd. With each new day, the changes become more evident. Seasonal changes are somewhat like the changes Christians go through from time to time. The journey takes one to places you never dreamed; whether physically, spiritually or emotionally. God's awesomeness never fails!

With autumn comes a time of reflection and change. Pondering over the things and places traveled during the summer. Autumn and spring become my favorite times of year as I get older. They are a time of awakening and renewal. Spring is a time when things come to life. Autumn is a time when colors change and begin with preparations for the winter. If only we as humans can have the faith and courage that the birds of the air display. They don't worry and run from here to there wondering where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep for the night. God has provided them with all the resources they need. We should indeed have faith as a mustard seed and believe that our Lord will provide for us, no matter what.

Several of our church family have had some pretty shaking news delivered to them as of late. It is not only through the good times that we praise God, but in those times of trouble we praise His name as well. Our faith shouldn't waiver regardless of our circumstance. It is hard not to let things affect us. A friend and co-worker along with myself and another co-worker were talking this week about hearing God. And how does it seem that some hear Him better than others and they seem to go along in life more satisfied. I listened as the two of them talked. Something urged me to say that maybe the reason why some don't always seem to hear God when He speaks is because we are too busy NOT listening to hear Him. The analogy I used was this: when a teacher is teaching a classroom full of students, those students have different learning abilities. Some learn by seeing. Some learn by hearing. Some learn by doing. Maybe when we aren't hearing, or seeing or doing what God would have us to do, is because we are looking so hard for that "earth-shattering" moment and we are completely missing the whisper, the slight change in the thing or things we are seeing, or we are doing the wrong things at the wrong times. And by not hearing, or seeing or doing the right things; we don't hear when God is speaking to us as only He can.

We need to learn to slow down and listen to the still, small voice that is God's. It is in that calm reassurance that He tells us everything will be ok. I hope I haven't confused anyone with my "rambling". Just a little something I thought I would share.

Here are a few items that will be taking place in and around our church during the month of October.

Tuesday night is craft night. All ladies are invited and encouraged to attend. I am sure we are in for a treat with all the crafts being made. If you are interested in taking part in the craft making, be sure to write the time down: every Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30pm.

Don't forget about Wednesday night supper (group 4 will be in charge of preparations this week, Oct. 3rd) followed by prayer meeting, Bible study/activities. Supper is served at 6pm. Prayer meeting and the other organizational groups meet at 7pm. Choir practice begins at 7:45pm. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Wednesday night activities. This Wednesday evening there will be a guest speaker from the SC Baptist Convention who will be sharing information about Disaster Relief.

The XYZ will meet next Friday, Oct. 12th at 6:30pm. A meal will be provided. There will be a guest speaker from the Orangeburg Hospice and will call Bingo. All those planning to attend are being asked to bring a wrapped item for a bingo prize.

The 2007 Season of Prayer for State Missions (Janie Chapman offering) is underway. The state goal is $1,844,421.00. Our church goal is $2,000.00. Allow God to guide you in giving to this cause. Missions work is an important part of bringing others to know Christ. Our missionaries need our help and our prayers.

Attention youth and children: Both groups have several things going on during October. Remember to mark your calendar!

Children:

You will be heading to the skating rink on Saturday, October 27th. Please see our Minister of Students for more information on this event.

There will be a Children's Committee Quarterly Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 21st from 12:00pm-2:30-pm.

Youth:

You will be taking a trip to the State Fair on Friday, Oct. 19th. Please see our Minister of Students for more information on this event. You will be going to see the Christian group, Third Day. I'm sure it will be an outing you will not soon forget!

SNAC (Sunday Nights after Church) will be held on October 21st.

There will be a Youth Committee Quarterly Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 14th from 12:00pm-2:30pm.

Women on Mission are scheduled to meet Wednesday, Oct. 17th. All ladies are invited and encourage to attend.

Men's breakfast will be held on Sunday, Oct. 21st at 8am in the fellowship hall. All men are invited and encouraged to attend.

Next Sunday, Oct. 7th there will be deacon's meeting at 8am in the conference room. During the morning worship hour, we will be observing the Lord's supper.

There will be a church-wide clean-up day on Saturday, Oct. 20th beginning at 8am. All those interested in assisting with this task, please contact the church office or the chairman of the Property & Grounds committee.

The annual "Fall Festival" will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31st. Activities will include a cake walk, "Trunk or Treat" and a pumpkin carving contest. Invite your friends and family to join in on the fun and fellowship!

We have many listed on our prayer list in need of prayer. I am sure there are those that aren't listed who are also in need. Please remember the men and women serving in our Armed Forces in your prayers as well. Many of them will be spending their holidays overseas, away from their friends and family. It will be a difficult time for them and their families. Pray that God will see them return home safely. The media doesn't always depict a pretty picture of what is taking place; but rest assured that some good work is being done.

I hope each of you will have a safe and blessed week. Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)