Over the past several years while visiting some of the southern states, I have wondered what it would be like to live in a place that does not have a fall season like the Northeast. Christmas when it is 85 degrees outside is weird to me! Another question I’ve thought about…“Do churches have a ‘Fall’ kickoff?”
We do! Fall-time in NY is an exciting time, not only because kids are going back to school, the leaves are turning their beautiful fall shades, and football season is beginning. It is an opportunity for the youth groups to reunite and community groups to return to meeting together regularly. It is a time to get back into the swing of gathering consistently with the Church on Sunday morning. The Holy Scriptures are clear on this issue, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The words “meet together” are the Greek word “episynagoge” where we get the word “synagogue.” It refers to the local gathering of the visible Church.
On Sunday September 15th we are participating in a nation-wide “Back to Church Sunday.” Summertime is a wonderful time to visit with friends and family and enjoy time away from the everyday grind. However, the fall is the time for us to get back into gathering together as the Church, to be encouraged and to be an encouragement to others. Hope to see you soon…