Friends,

So, maybe we see pumpkin spice lattes everywhere in the Valley and mounds of pumpkins at the grocery stores, but as the meme goes, “It’s finally fall in Phoenix.  You know what that means?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  It’s still 100 degrees outside!”  And yet, in the wake of all the rain last weekend, it was cool enough last night to enjoy dinner on our patio.  I thank God for the blessing of the rain!  I also thank God for the blessing of our return to regular worship, and I am excited about the busy season and the exciting mission projects ahead for our congregation.  Before we know it, the holidays will be upon us—and the assurance of a real cooling trend.

In the meantime, James 5:7-8 offers a good exhortation for fall: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  For the Christian, the Lord’s coming is always near; our God is always breaking into the mundane—in winter, spring, summer or fall.  May God bless you richly this season.

Grace and Peace,

Sandi