Greeting and Salutations Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “We exist to be a place of acceptance, belonging, welcoming, and sharing the love of God.” As summer fades into the crisp days of fall, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. The fields around us are alive with the hum of harvest, school doors have swung open to welcome back eager minds, and young athletes are lacing up their shoes for another season of teamwork and growth. Truly, this is a season of abundance and new beginnings. Within our small, close-knit church families, we have felt both the joys and the challenges of this changing season. Attendance has been lighter in recent weeks, and while we may sometimes look around and notice fewer faces in the pews, let us remember that God does not measure the strength of His church by numbers alone. Instead, He looks at the faith, love, and hope that live within us. And in those gifts, we are richly blessed. Each time we gather—whether we are many or few—Christ promises to be among us. Together, we lift our voices in praise, share one another’s burdens, celebrate one another’s joys, and encourage one another in faith. That is the beauty of our family-sized churches: we know each other’s names, where everyone usually sits, and we surround one another with prayer and care. What a gift! As we move into fall, there are many opportunities ahead for us to grow together. Confirmation classes are just around the corner, where our young people will continue their journey of faith and make it their own. Let us pray for them, support them, and walk beside them as they learn and grow. Let us also keep our farmers and their families in prayer during this busy harvest season, as well as our students, teachers, and athletes who are beginning another year filled with challenges and blessings. Let us keep showing up, keep encouraging one another, and keep our hearts open to the ways God is leading us in this season. Together, we are the body of Christ, and together, we are strong. Gracious and loving God, we give You thanks for the blessings of this season—for the harvest in the fields, for the new beginnings in our schools, and for the gift of this church family. Even when our numbers are small, Your presence among us is great. Strengthen us with hope, fill us with love for one another, and guide us to be a light in this community. Bless our farmers with safety, our students and teachers with joy and wisdom, and our families with peace. Be with our young people as they prepare for Confirmation, that they may grow strong in faith. Keep us faithful, keep us connected, and keep us walking in Your grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GIGATT, Toviao Hopkins, Lay Minister