God says “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth,
do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert”.- Isaiah 49:13

Dear Friends in Christ,

It’s fall. I’m not quite sure how fall arrived so quickly because it seems like just a few days ago we were in the sweltering heat of summer. I can look back in my calendar and see the activities and services which occupied my time from August until now but that doesn’t change the fact that it feels like one moment it was summer and in the next moment it was fall. The seasons progressed, time continued, the leaves changed colours and the mornings became crisp and frosty while I was busy with my daily activities.

In some ways, I think that is a sign that the activities and work of the church are starting to ramp up following the quiet days of summer and the months when things were closed in the pandemic. The hot meals are being served regularly, the choir is back practicing, and the children’s worship is a bee hive of activity. St. James is once more an active community in a busy building each day of the week.

In other ways, I think the unnoticed change of season is a reminder for me that God is always at work in the world. Even when I am busy with other things, God’s plan and purpose continue to unfold in the way and manner that God intends. I may be occupied by the tasks of the day but God is working toward the larger plan of salvation for the world.

So as we move into the fall and the life and work which are ours, let us embrace the tasks and opportunities God gives us for service and worship and let us always be aware that our work is only part of what God is doing in the world.

May God bless you, your families, and our church community.

Yours in Christ’s Service,

The Rev. Peter A Smith