By Rev. Tyler Heston, Minister to Youth
People told me that I would adore autumn in the Midwest. It has always been my favorite season—the heat of the summer is past, the new routines of August and September are settled, and the leaves of the trees display brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. This autumn already might be my favorite; the trees on Ward Parkway take away my breath every morning, Kansas City has better sweater weather than Tennessee or Texas, and I am reminded about how much I have to celebrate.
Traditionally, autumn is a season of harvest, a time to take stock and reap crops before the dead of winter. Even for those of us who do not farm, this time of year provides an opportunity to look back on what has grown and blossomed over recent months. As I hit my three-month mark here at Country Club Christian Church this week, I can think of many things for which I am grateful.
I think of the warm welcome this church has extended, making me feel at home within my first days here. I think of the vibrance of our worship on Sunday mornings and the gift it is to me to be able to participate in worship leadership. I think of sacred moments shared with youth, from silly conversations on Sunday mornings to serious discussion about race, prejudice, and violence, after we saw The Hate U Give on a Friday night. I think of the willingness of other adults who volunteer on Sunday nights, building meaningful connections with youth during games and other activities. I think of the shared pizza and BBQ at our food tours in August and the shared coffee and ice cream with youth after school since. I think of the moments of service with middle schoolers in St. Louis and with others locally at Micah Ministry.
Autumn not only presents an opportunity to take stock on what’s behind us but also to look forward to what’s ahead, pondering the direction of God’s Spirit and the seeds we are called to plant. I am looking forward to my first holiday season here at Country Club, from Thanksgiving Feast and Advent in Advance to the Christmas Festival and our Christmas Eve services. I am excited for upcoming lock-ins and holiday parties with the youth. I am thrilled to be planning Pastors Class for youth preparing for baptism in the fall and our summer mission opportunities regionally and internationally for 2019.
What about you—what do you have to harvest? Where do you see the dance of the divine throughout the months behind you? Where do you feel you are being led in upcoming seasons?
