Pastor’s Thoughts for September

“The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many… September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias. October, the extravagant sister, has ordered an immense amount of the most gorgeous forest tapestry for her grand reception”. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894), “Autumn,” The Atlantic Almanac, 1868

It is month five of COVID-19. The virus changed so much this summer, but some things stayed the same. With or without COVID the summer is nearly over and we are approaching my favorite season of the year: autumn.

Most conversations heard during this time of year will include the question, “Where did the summer go?” Where indeed. Like most folks,I did not accomplish nearly what I had hoped to this summer. Not to say it was not enjoyable (though hot!), just not as productive as I would have liked.

But the fact that the summer is ending rather quickly does not mean that activity comes to an end, that accomplishment ceases. As a popular song from days gone by noted, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end”. So, as the summer ends let’s look forward to some new beginnings in the next season. As autumn begins we have a few things to look forward to at First Baptist.

We are looking forward to our Sunday School resuming on September 20. We typically have a kickoff breakfast but we will save that for a later, safer date. Also, weekly Bible Study will begin on Monday, September 14. Many of you have been reading through the Bible based on the reading program introduced in January. Our Bible Study topics will vary and may incorporate how the church has been an anchor through times of trouble throughout history. All are welcome to join the study and I look forward to seeing you.

There are a few other events and activities that are in the works. I look forward to an active season of Spiritual Growth with the wonderful people of First Baptist Church of East Aurora. And it will be spring again before you know it!