September 2025

“Harvest Time in Gratitude”

“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time,  if we do not give up.”  (Galatians 6:9)

As September arrives, the fields around us begin to turn golden. Gardens that once showed tiny sprouts now yield baskets of tomatoes, squash, beans, and potatoes. Farmers prepare their combines, and we all know—the season of harvest has come. Harvest never happens instantly. It is the fruit of patience, care, and steady work through the summer.

I can already feel the chill in the morning and evening air. The vegetables in my garden are turning brown. When I saw the first potato sprouts yellowing, I knew the time had come. Tomato leaves are fading, and zucchini vines, once thick and green, are now withering. In all of this, I see the striving of the plants as they give themselves fully to bear fruit.

This year, compared to last, my garden has yielded abundantly—potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, pumpkins, perilla leaves, lettuce, and even herbs. I had to laugh to myself: What if I end up enjoying farming more than pastoring?

Tending the garden often feels like tending ministry. Just as I care for the vegetables each morning and evening, so pastoral care is about watching over the congregation with love, patience, and service.

As I watch the plants pour themselves out to bring forth fruit, I am reminded of the love and devotion of our church family. Some have remained steadfast in their service even with age. Others join faithfully in worship, encourage one another, and strengthen a young pastor. Their fruit, too, is ripening and coming to fullness in this season.

In the life of the church, this harvest season reminds me of our charge conference time. Just as farmers gather what has grown, we gather the fruits of our ministry year—our worship, service, fellowship, mission, and outreach. We look back on what has been planted and tended, and we give thanks for how God has brought growth. Each year, as this season arrives, I imagine it as a foretaste of standing before God, offering the harvest of our lives, celebrating and giving thanks before the One who called us.

Harvest also points us toward the future. A field harvested today will be planted again in the spring. In the same way, we prepare for another season of ministry—sowing seeds of faith, nurturing community, and serving our neighbors in Christ’s name.

And harvest always calls us to gratitude. None of us grows a garden or a field alone. We depend on rain and sun, on God’s provision, and on one another. In this stewardship season, may we remember that our gifts of time, talent, and treasure are part of God’s larger harvest—fruits that bless not only our congregation but the wider community.

Just last Sunday, a member brought a box of apples from their yard to share with the congregation. The Saturday before, at our Pie and Ice Cream Social, another member brought a box of zucchini to give away to the community. What a beautiful witness this is! This fall, may we all experience the grace that grows richer the more it is shared.

So, as you notice the beauty of the fields and gardens around you this September, take a moment to ask: What fruit is God growing in my life? How can I share it with others?

May this season of harvest be filled with thanksgiving, joy, and renewed hope in the One who makes all things grow.

Blessings,

Pastor Jenny