Autumn started this year on September 22nd. I love this season. Outside my front window there’s a tree across the road that has patches of red leaves. There’s another tree with some yellow leaves. And as I walk around town there are some others that are showing off some autumn color. But not many of them. Most of the trees are still green leafed. Maybe it’s because it’s been so beastly hot lately – in the 80’s. Maybe the trees still think it’s summer, even though the start of Autumn was on September 22nd.

 

But on my morning walks I see that the good people of Crete are already decorating for the season. Many of the homes I walk past have pumpkins and gourds on the front steps. One of the home’s has a tree that’s been adorned with small orange lights. One of the homes I call “the scary house” because it’s all dressed up for Halloween. Besides having pumpkins in the front, and plastic cobwebs adorn the front bushes. They have a plastic witch about 3 feet high on the stoop. She holds a broom, but she doesn’t look scary. She has a kind, young face.

 

The Bible has several verses that mention or allude to autumn, often in connection to the autumn rains, harvest, and God’s blessings. For example, Joel 2:23 speaks of God giving “the autumn rains” as a blessing. James 5:7 uses a farmer’s patient waiting for the “autumn and spring rains” as an analogy for waiting for the Lord’s return.

 

So I am thankful for the rain we’ve had these past few days. Our farmers have really needed it after a dry summer.  I am thankful for the cooler temperatures that come with the turn of the seasons. And I am grateful to God, who is Lord of the seasons. Amen.

 

Yours in the journey, 

Pastor Kristen

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                                  Announcements:

 

On my it's PIE Day & FOOD DRIVE November 16th.

Bring in a can or box of non-perishable items and stay for pie. We are collecting non-perishable items such as canned goods or boxes of spaghetti, etc. non-perishable food items before or after church service on Sunday, November 16th, 2025. After church service stay for a piece of pie. All are welcome. 

 

Save the Date: Our Church Conference is Tuesday, November 16th, at 2p in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. 

 

The next Women's Club meeting will be held on Monday, November 3rd, in the narthex. All are invited to attend. 

 

Penny-Pantry Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of every month and from October to December, we collect for the Pastor's Helping Hands Ministry, a ministry that provides help within the congregation or to the needs within our community. Although we officially collect on the fourth Sunday of the month, you can donate anytime to Helping Hands. 

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Saturday, December 6th, in the church lobby will be our Annual Christmas Craft Fair. If you are a vendor and wish to participate, please contact the church office for an application. Cost is thirty dollars per space. You will need to provide your own table and chairs. You can set up your table the night before or the day of the event. Click the word doc icon to download the application and then mail in the application to 1321 Main Street, Crete, IL 60417

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