A Note from Pastor Andrew

The cool crisp air of autumn is on its way. It won’t take long for the leaves to begin to fall and the fragrance of pumpkin spice lattes to permeate our sweater vests and scarves. People will soon be wandering through the corn mazes and pumpkin patches that dart our Ohio land-scape. The roar of crowds over football games and marching bands mingle with the fresh air. Combines will be harvesting the late corn crops. Doorways of our homes will be adorned with bales of straw, corn stalks, and gourds that explore the orange and browns of the color wheel.

These are some of the sights, sounds and smells of harvest time.

The time of harvest is often meant to be a joyful celebration. A time when we gather in the fruit of our labors. It is the culmination of the preparation, the planting, the toiling over seeds and soil that feed our families. It may not be a cause for celebration as it once was in an age of supermarkets and refrigerated transportation that can bring food that are typically out of season, but it there still remains a festive spirit that follows this time... that is of course if the harvest is plentiful.

Unfortunately, for some the harvest yields far too little than what we hoped for. Whether we failed to plant well or enough, whether the weather brought too little or too much rain or sun, we may not find ourselves in such a mood to celebrate.

But do not lose heart. Remember that we are part of the body of Christ. A spiritual co-op if you will that is concerned with the well being of others. Some may be wanting and other may have plenty. As we gather the harvest of our labors, be it time, talents or treasure may the Holy Spirit guide us to know how to share from our storehouses.

Consider Christ, whose compassion moved him. Consider the disciples who prayed that the Lord might send laborers into the fields of those who need a few more hands to help in the harvest.

“But when [Jesus] saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” -Matthew 9:36-38

Imagine for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by your field of work then looking up to see another coming to help carry the load. We may not need to imagine it. It can be a reality for that is what the kingdom of heaven is like. The harvest has come; therefore, let us pray to the Lord of the harvest. Amen.

Pastor Andrew