When a coastal storm blew through recently, it was exciting to see the leaves beginning to let go and swirl toward the ground. Even though I knew in my mind, there were many more scorching days to come, for just a few moments, I could imagine a new season.
Autumn is my favorite season, by the way. The deep, rich colors draw me in and warm my soul in ways I can’t really explain. There is something profoundly moving about letting go and contributing to the soil of what will be.
So often as I visit your congregations, the conversations inevitably turn toward what used to be for so many of us: pews that were full enough to make us move over and make room. Children’s messages were standard practice each week; not on hold until we saw if even one child walked through the doors.
When I close my eyes, I see those memories falling like leaves as I, too, must learn to let them go in some ways, or I will never be able to move forward. Those memories dance like leaves in the breeze and bring us so much joy. They have become a part of who we are now…a part of our connection and community. The shift to autumn can be two things at once. It can be hard to let go of summer and embrace the time of letting go…AND it can be exciting to see how the Lord might use our many shapes, colors, sizes, and roots to create something new! The Holy Spirit has a way of lighting sparks in our hearts, and there is nothing better than a fall dirt road bonfire!
Before any of us can begin to move forward serving hearts where they are here in 2025…including our own… we have to let go of some things. We might have to be uncomfortable while living into our desires to love boldly and with courage in the name of Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need, including this amazing thing called “connection.” We are not alone in this work…EVER.
Each time you see a leaf fall this year, take a moment to thank God for the seasons of the past AND the seasons ahead for all of our congregations. Learn to dance a little during the transition by exploring a new study or course available through the conference. As we move toward Charge Conferences, consider switching up the ways you serve to walk a season in someone else’s shoes. People in new roles can do a lot of learning and growing together. Be brave enough to let go, dance and swirl in your faith, and see how God uses you in this new season.
Kim Rice Smith
NCCUMC Sound District
Lay Leader