The Pilgrimage Continues

by Jason Byassee

Jason Byassee

As I write I’m getting ready to be a pilgrim to Israel with a half dozen of y’all from October 21-31. The children prayed for us Sunday and off we go to walk where Jesus did. We covet your prayers and look forward to telling you our stories when we return.

The Christian practice of pilgrimage was born from trips like this–the faithful wanting to be in the place that God quite literally walked, to see the holy places, to come back different, transformed. The church realized that pilgrimage is a faithful practice because our whole lives are a pilgrimage. If we don’t come back home to God changed, we haven’t been paying attention.

You will be well “covered” pastorally while I’m gone. Jeff McClain will, as ever, see that pastoral care is done for those in need; Vern Collins will help him in that regard. If you call the church office to speak to a pastor you may also find yourself engaging with Colette Krontz, Andy Ellis, Brandon Wrencher–we are blessed with an abundance of pastoral staff and an even greater abundance of talent. My wife Jaylynn will preach our UMW Sunday on the 26th and Brandon will preach November 9. You’ll hear testimonies in the sanctuary services each of the next 6 weeks for our Cycle of Life series.

On October 26th we’ll commemorate All Saints Day, historically on November 1, moved up here for our Stewardship Sunday on November 2nd. We’ll light candles for those we’ve lost in the past year. I always think on this day of those I’ve loved who are now with God. And I take heart they pray for us now. Please come preparing to light a candle that day. The next Sunday November 2nd we’ll process forward again this time to offer our pledge cards and make a promise to God about what we’ll give in 2015 as we receive from God what cost him so much–the body of his Son. What an act of faith to plan what we’ll be giving over an entire year that is not yet, but which will come, God willing. Thank you for joining me in these adventures.

Another upcoming even to share is our Fall Festival. We used to call this Trunk or Treat and have our kids trick or treat in our parking lot out of the back of our cars (tailgates are well-used around here aren’t they?!). This time we’ll have the event in our gym with games, face painting, a meal and, of course, candy. This would be a perfect even to which to invite a friend on Halloween, please see your bulletin for more info.

Finally, for now, this: I’m struck by how invisible our pastoral staff’s work is. They are working hard, but if they’re doing it right most of us won’t see it. I think of long hours in hospital waiting rooms, preparing for difficult sermons or lessons, meeting with families or friends or others who are our mission, attending sports events or bedsides of nursing homes. Since this work is invisible, it might help if you have a chance to come along and see it. I got the idea of a “ride around” from Sgt. Bobby Creed of Boone’s PD with whom I’ve taken a shift or two (until I wear out at 4 AM!). So if you’d like to spend a day with me or one of our other pastoral staff we’d be honored. Let me or any of us know. It’ll help you pray for us better. And will help us pray for you.

Which is our job, after all, as long as we are on this pilgrimage together, isn’t it?