Signs of Fall, Signs of vitality

​Hey friends!
It’s always sad to see the summer come to an end, but by this time of year I’m usually ready for hoodies, sweaters, and cute fall décor. There is a branch of our maple tree that always turns red at the end of August, sending us the sign that fall is on its way. It’s red now, and it is such a joy to see its vibrant color against the lush green of the other leaves.
 
It’s been an odd sort of summer… My asters still haven’t bloomed, my purple cone flowers struggled, my lake vacation was a different experience due to chilly temperatures, and we had quite the drought earlier! While signs (like the branch of my maple tree) can be exciting and joyful, they can also be worrisome (like drought, uncharacteristic heat, and struggling flowers). The earth is sending us her signs. Let us heed her warnings and responding according to our faith – as stewards and caretakers of God’s very good creation.
 
Keep bringing your plastic to the church. Keep planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Find ways to steward your water. Be gentle with what you put into the earth, such as cleaners and fertilizers. Remember that bugs are God’s beloved, good creation, too. ;)
 
Just as we must see and interpret the signs of the earth, we can also see and interpret the signs of the church. I’ve said this before, but there is a narrative of church decline. There are signs in some places that churches are struggling, closing, and coming to the end of their ministries. What are the signs you see and hear at Solomon’s? How do you interpret them?
 
Here the signs I see: Joyful fellowship. Kind community. Passion for our missions and outreach. Monarch caterpillars in our pollinator garden (which we only planted this summer)! A vegetable garden that did relatively well considering the drought and heat, thanks to the tending of committed caretakers. Grant applications that have been approved and helped grow our garden ministry! Neighbors visiting our pews.
 
Here is how I interpret those signs: We are doing what God has asked us to do. Not perfectly, I’m sure! But faithfully, boldly, and with delight. At the moment, at least, that’s enough.
 
This newsletter contains information on how we will continue that effort in September and October. May our ministries, fellowships, and community be a blessing!
See you in church,
Pastor Julia