Grace Notes, October 18, 2011

Grace Notes October 18, 2011

Our house suddenly looks very different, even though we haven't changed a
thing. The change was at the neighbor's house. The grand old maple tree in
their back yard has been taken down. I think it was the tallest tree in
the neighborhood. At least 60 feet or higher. Probably 55 years old, more
or less. The trunk was about 4 feet across. Its branches spread over both
our houses. We will miss its shade, and it is going to take time to get
used to the new look. But seeing the hollow center of its main trunk
assures us it was better to remove it now than to wait for a storm to
topple it.

I had faith in that tree. It looked really strong. Oh sure, there were two
steel cables reinforcing one main fork of the trunks…those were there
before we moved in 20 years ago. But I can say I never lost any sleep
worrying that it might fall on our house. Other folks would sometimes
point out how bad it could be for our house if the tree came down in a
storm. I knew it could happen, but I just didn't consider it at all
likely. It was easy to trust in that tree…it just looked dependable. But
now it is gone.

I thank God for that tree. But I thank God, also, for the empty space
where the tree was. For the reminder of God's own faithfulness. God alone
is forever. His care for us will never end. Read Psalm 46, appointed every
year for Reformation Day: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should
change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its
waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult." And
if I were the psalmist…"though the big old maple has fallen."
I'll still need time to adjust to the new look at our house, but now I see
that big empty space isn't empty after all…it is filled with God.

Ron Vanatta

Singers, ringers, and puppeteers are still welcome to come to all Salem
creative arts groups. Rehearsals are Wednesdays and Thursdays…contact the
directors for details.

Plan to attend Reformation Festival Worship at 5 pm Saturday, Oct 29,
followed by a meal at 6:30. …Sign up in the welcome center. Only one
service Sunday, Oct 30 at 8 am.

October 7 Grace Notes

What a gorgeous week of weather we've had! Everyone I've talked to wants
to hold on to it until Spring! What fun it is to see the leaves drift or
cascade down and behold the beautiful colors of fall. Every year I remind
myself to cherish these few weeks, for winter is coming!

Sometimes the cares of this life seem to flurry down around us until we
are left in a heap of leaves and the trees are bare. We feel naked and
exposed. Vulnerable. By the end of the month that's the way it will look
around Sycamore. There always seems to be a weekend of raw, stiff wind
and rain to take down the rest of the leaves.

God reminds us that unless a grain of wheat falls onto the earth and dies
to itself, it is fruitless. It looks dead, but inside there is great
potential. So it is with us. Autumn is a time of culmination....the last
fruits of the garden and the bounty of the farm crops rally our souls in
one last burst of blessing before the winter quiet.

We who know the cycles of life, of springtime and harvest, rest assured
that new life will come again. In the Midwest we burrow into our houses
as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fly. Sports move indoors
and lawnmowers will be stored.

I've heard some people say they love the fall and others dread it, knowing
it signals the advent of winter. Growing up on a farm, fall was my very
favorite season, for I loved helping to unload the golden ears of corn.
Back then it was harvested in ears, not shelled by the combine. My folks
would be excited to see what the yield was for all their months of hard
work. The hogs enjoyed first green stalks of corn and at harvest a few
ears. It was a busy, wonderful, happy time I will always cherish. Yes,
there were years when the harvest dragged out until Thanksgiving or
beyond, the stalks grew tough and challenged the machines, but it was such
a warm time of year for our family.

Pastor Rob suggested in his sermon last week that all we will have when we
reach the other shore is what we remember and who we are. He shared a
story about two iced tea spoons he keeps as a special family memory, but
he doesn't really need to hold onto the spoons because he has the memory
of fond times when they were used with the family he loves. So it is with
our lives. When we feel naked and exposed and vulnerable for any reason,
we can dig into our memories and warm our hearts with those fond places,
those gorgeous fall colors, those golden ears of grain, those seeds hidden
quietly in the earth until the warm sunshine returns. And God will meet
us there, for God is the creator of all things good, the giver of our
memories, and the lover of our souls.

Blessed Fall – Blessed Harvest – Blessed Day lived in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church

Salem Reminders:

Salem Work Day is this Saturday from 9-Noon; come with a few rags and a
little energy to wash windows, clean pews, or pick up around the yard.

Panda Express will share 20% of the cost of your food with Salem Food
Pantry this Monday, Oct. 10th but you need to bring the flyer with from
the bulletin this weekend. In the same way, Panera Bread will share 20%
for the Feed 'Em Soup ministry next Friday, Oct. 14th. See the flyer in
the bulletin as well, and give thanks to God when you have enough to eat
and enough to share with others who don't.

Salem Cherub Choir has 6 adorable young 1st grade girls this year but no
Kindergartners or 4-year-olds! Pray that God will urge a few more little
ones to discover the fun in singing for the Lord!