This morning is a beautiful and cool Fall morning. I know that Fall officially begins on September 22nd, 2025. However meteorological Fall began on September 1st. I, for one, like the idea of ending summer three weeks early and beginning my favorite season three weeks early. The weather forecast for the rest of this week only includes one 91-degree day. It will soon be time to put on flannel shirts and vests. I can hardly wait. If you can, get out and enjoy the wonderful days that the Lord has blessed us with.

            All of our church groups have resumed meetings. It is pleasing to know that Sunday School, the UMM and the United Women in Faith are resuming their meetings and ministries once more. I wish to thank those who give of their time and talents to keep these three groups going. The Food, Fun and Fellowship meetings never ceased during the summer. Their next meeting is Wednesday, September 17th, at Charlotte’s house, at 11:30 a.m. Bring your favorite foods and join the fun and fellowship.

            The Red Cross blood drive will be in our fellowship hall this Wednesday, September 11th. Hours for the blood drive are from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Since Ken Horton will not be able to monitor the Blood Drive this week, Bill Nash will be filling in for Ken. Thank you, Ken, for your work with this ministry – it takes up an entire day. And thanks to Bill Nash for volunteering to substitute for Ken this week. Our entire community benefits from the results of the Red Cross’ efforts to secure an adequate supply of life saving blood. One of our assumptions is that if we, or one of our family, needs a potentially lifesaving blood transfusion it will be available. Without donors that would be a fallacious assumption.

            The arrival of fall also brings the season of United Methodist Reports, next years apportionments, pastoral reviews (self-review and SPPR review) and the beginning of discussions about next years appointments. To be honest this is not my favorite part of ministry. I enjoy worship and tending to those in need of pastoral care; all of this official and administrative “stuff” not so much. I had never imagined that my age, 75, soon to be 76, that I would STILL be dealing with this routine, and sometimes spirit-killing, things. But, here I am. “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s counsel–that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

            The following dates for these various reports and meetings are as follows:

•Pastoral Reviews (self) – in data services by October 1; SPPR Reviews–in data services by October 2.

•Charge Conference - Cluster Charge conference, 13 churches, Mt. Zion UMC, Smarr, Georgia

October 2nd, 6:30 P.M.

•2026 Apportionments from North Georgia Conference: $8,504.00

(2025 Apportionments were $8,632.00)

•Pastoral Appointment Preferences – due date unknown at this time

•Church SPPR Appointment Preferences – due date unknown unknown at this time

            I am sorry to burden you with all these dates and times for these various reports and meetings. However, I do want you to be informed about these important reports and meetings.

            I hope that you are well and I hope to see you in Sunday Morning worship this Sunday. It is not the same without your presence and you are not the same if you are not in God’s house for worship.

 

Grace and Peace, Ben