Have you noticed the vibrant colors in the trees around town? Before the blustery chill of winter begins to blow across the plains of western Kansas, we get to experience this glorious time of transition. The green of summer has given way to a spectacular display of red, yellow, and orange. I love this time of year. After a long hot and dry summer, the crisp coolness of an autumn morning is a welcome breath of fresh air. The changing seasons remind me of the marvelous miracle of life. Soon winter will be upon us and then the dawn of spring with its promise of new life will burst forth. It is amazing when you think about it.

     This is no random accident. It is a gift from God. The beauty of nature reminds me that God is at work. God is in charge and life is good.

     The change in season prompts me to recall the many blessings in my life and to give thanks. I thank God for his steadfast love. I open my Bible to Psalm 136 and sing:

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

     Do you ever think as you read through the Psalms that you are joining voices with all the children of God across time and space who have sung or will ever sing these words? We worship and serve an awesome God and we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who cheer us on – singing with us and praying for us. What a blessing to be a part of the family of God! We have so much for which to be thankful.

     Sometimes when we are faced with adversity, when we have suffered a setback or devastating loss, when the challenges of life seem overwhelming, it can be difficult to be thankful. The memory of blessings can be suffocated by the weight of the problems we face. In difficult times it helps me to turn to Scripture for comfort and reassurance. It helps me to focus on God’s steadfast love and to remember that nothing can ever separate me from God’s love. It helps me to remember that our God is greater than any problem we may face. It helps me to remember that God has a plan for my future, where there will be no tears – only joy! It helps me to give thanks to God, for he is good!

     As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I pray that you will experience the love and grace of God in a meaningful way. I’m looking forward to time with my family. We will be traveling to Arkansas to spend time with our children, our grandchildren, and many of our extended family. I hope this will be a time of renewal and blessing for you as well.

     I pray that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Grace and peace,

Pastor David

Dr. Lynn Fogleman was just a youngster when his father was the senior pastor of our congregation.  That was back in the late 60’s.  Many of you remember Lynn and are aware of his mission involvement over the last 25 years.  Since 1997 Lynn and his wife Sharon, who is also a physician, have operated the medical clinic at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.  Prior to 1997 Drs. Lynn and Sharon were medical missionaries to Kenya.  Lynn and Sharon now feel called to serve as medical missionaries to the new nation of South Sudan.  They hope to move to South Sudan by February 2012.  However, before going they must have 100% of their salary support pledged.  Lynn and Sharon will be our special guests in worship on Sunday, September 18^th.  Please pray for them and consider how we might support them individually and as a church.

 Disaster Response Trailer Purchased
for Dodge City District

The Disaster Response Committee of our Annual Conference recently acquired a 25’ cargo trailer.  They plan to fill it with tools and equipment to be used in the event of a disaster.  When teams are called out to assist after a disaster, the tools they need will be readily available for them.  After assisting with the response this spring in Alabama and Joplin, MO, the committee has a good idea of the tools and equipment they need.  Having a well-equipped tool trailer in western Kansas, available for our disaster responders, is a ministry that can help many at a time when they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin.  Our church, along with other United Methodists of the Dodge City District have been asked to pray about supporting this project.

 Anniversary of September 11

It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  Most of us remember what we were doing when we first heard the news.  We can still picture the images of destruction and we can’t forget the feelings of loss and disbelief that fell over us.  The anniversary of that day will no doubt rekindle many of those feelings.  Since September 11^th falls on a Sunday this year, we should be reminded to pray – to pray for the families of the victims, to pray for people in positions of leadership in our country and around the world, to pray for our young men and women in the armed services, and to pray for peace.  Remember what God said to King Solomon?  “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  May the love of God bring healing, not only to our land, but to all the people of the world.

“Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27a