"A Season for Everything" from Pastor Stump

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to break down and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek and a time to lose;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

The Time of Fall

I love each season of the year for their special gifts. It’s hard to have a favorite, but if compelled to choose, it would be Fall. The relief from summer heat. The prospect of campfires with friends. The colors, sights, and scents of a walk along a trail in one of Suffolk’s parks. Wildlife becoming more active. Brunswick stew, pies, pumpkins and more. Oh, how I feel such a heightened enthusiasm for life and all creation.

As the colors of summer fade into the changing hues of autumn, I am reminded of the intricate beauty of God's creation. The season of Fall invites us into a profound reflection on cycles of life. Birth, growth, death, and transformation, drawing parallels to our spiritual journey and our call to stewardship.

One of the most meaningful themes of Fall is the harvest. Fields that took seeds within them, now yield abundance. A testament to the care and nurturing provided by both God and humanity. In the same way, our lives are filled with seasons of planting, nurturing, and harvesting. As we gather fruits of our labor, we recognize God's faithfulness in providing for our needs, and sustaining us throughout our journey.

The changing colors of the leaves reflect the transitions in our own lives. Just as the trees shed their leaves in preparation for new growth in the coming spring, we are called to let go of the things that weigh us down and hinder our spiritual growth. It is a time to surrender our burdens to God, trusting in the promises of renewal and transformation. A time to release those things which we cannot carry with us as we retreat just enough to ensure a vibrant regrowth.

Caring for creation is deeply intertwined with our Christian faith. God entrusted us with the stewardship of the earth, calling us to be responsible caretakers of  creation. As we witness the beauty of Fall, we are reminded of our role in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. Our actions today have a lasting impact on the world around us, and through responsible stewardship, we can honor God's creation and contribute to the well-being of all living things.

Just as Fall prepares the earth for winter's rest and spring's renewal, our spiritual journey is marked by seasons of rest, growth, and renewal. It is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received and to give thanks for God's provision in our lives. In the busyness of life, Fall invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty of God's creation, finding joy in the simple pleasures of crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the rustling of leaves underfoot.

As we embrace the season of Fall, may we be inspired to live out our faith through acts of compassion, justice, and stewardship. Let us cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the abundance of God's blessings and a commitment to caring for creation, ensuring that future generations may also enjoy the wonders of God's handiwork.

Consider what you, or your community of faith, can do this Fall to honor God by caring for the natural gifts and resources provided abundantly to us out of God’s love.

Pastor Stump

Nature Care Church Group