THE ORIGINAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Happy Harvest
Blessed Friends in Faith,
If you enjoy fresh homegrown vegetables from the garden and local farmer’s markets, we have entered the best time of the year. There is so much to do! When the tomatoes come in, there are too many all at once. Now is the time to gather the harvest and prepare tomato sauce. We can’t leave the fruit on the vine for long.
Church work is much like harvest time. All the needs happen at the same time. How will we get to it all? This is where the work of the Spirit comes in. When Jesus was showing the first followers how to engage in God’s work, he taught them that those who labor are precious.
In Matthew 9:37 he said, “The harvest in plentiful, but the laborers are few.” The response of the faith person is not to be overwhelmed with how much needs be done, but to appeal to God in the Spirit for the right way to approach the work. This begins in prayer.
Jesus says, “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest.” The harvest of souls includes all who are needy and afflicted, hungry and in need of healing. Not one of us can do all the work, but when we contribute from what God has given us, somehow the harvest is taken in.
Soon I will be on medical leave for the month of September and October. While I am healing and working on my own return to my work in the harvest, I will pray that God sends to the OCC all the labor force that you need to accomplish amazing things with God.
We are so glad to announce that Pastor Lori Bruni will be guiding us spiritually in worship and pastorally in the office while I am away. Please take a moment to greet Pastor Lori when she arrives. God is sending us a talented laborer to help lead us in gathering in the harvest.
And there is so much coming in at this time! Monica Yohn has been working all summer to create new events for church life from food and fellowship to learning and loving community. Take a moment to select a way to support the OCC as we let the Spirit guide us to new things.
Our Sunday School is restarting thanks to the vision of Charlotte Capone, her family, and all our volunteer friends. Pray that the Lord send us the laborers to join us in gathering the harvest. Happy children learning and growing together. It is a beautiful and delightful vision.
And now, as we prepare to be apart for a little while, remember that it is peace that the Lord gives, and by love, we come to each other in new ways. I will be praying for each and every one of you and for all the new gathering work we are doing at the OCC this year.
And Jeanne and I thank you for the many ways you are supporting us in my health journey. With God’s help, we shall collect the harvest, and take delight in all God sends our way, together in the Spirit!
May God bless us in our work, and may God’s work be a delight to all who join with us along the way!
In peace,
Pastor Ken