Time to Turn Over a New Leaf
The leaves on the trees that line the western edge of our parking lot are just
beginning to turn, signaling the arrival of fall. One tree in particular — the fourth from the
left to be exact — has taken the lead with a brilliant burst of autumn red and gold.
This annual ritual of autumn is once again playing out across the country, with
October being the prime month for nature to display its captivating array of colors that
burst forth each year.
All of this caused me to pause and reflect on the change we can make when we
step up and display our unique spiritual colors. As we come down the homestretch of a
particularly perplexing and troubling year, we look forward with great anticipation and
hope toward what we hope will be a much more calm and peaceful future.
In order to affect change, we must first ask ourselves, what changes are we
willing to make? What recurring habits do we need to break? What positive steps do we
need to take to end the current cycle of despair and lay the foundation for a brighter
tomorrow, with colors that rival those of the fall season?
One suggestion would be to consider what you might do to advance our mission
here at Oak Chapel. So many of you have labored faithfully and joyfully for many
decades, and the fruits of your labor are undeniable. Are you ready for a rest, or do you
think you might have renewed energy for 2021? Perhaps you’d like to jump into another
area of service. Whatever the case, we welcome and encourage your participation and
your leadership.
Likewise, if you are new to our church or if you haven’t been as active as you
would like, the opportunities for service are limited only by your imagination. Jump into
an existing endeavor, or propose something new and different.
While autumn is a precursor to winter, typically regarded as a season of
dormancy, we are all aware that the saplings of spring follow quickly, bringing
unforeseen opportunities and unimagined new life.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let’s keep working — together — and
never give up! God has a plan for Oak Chapel, and you are an important part of that
plan!
As the posters featuring Uncle Sam during World War II proclaimed, “We need
you!” and we would love to have you onboard. If there is a committee that intrigues you
or a project that attracts you, please let us know, and we will provide an opportunity for
you to join us as we serve the Lord by serving our neighbors.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John