by Pastor Rick Watson
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
We are so blessed to live in an area where there are four seasons! Nancy and I lived in Alaska for four years and in Alaska there are only two seasons: winter and summer. Spring-time in Alaska will last only a few days and fall is the same way. It is either cold or hot in Alaska and yes it does get hot (85 to 90 degrees)!
West Virginia has many wonderful attractions that we can enjoy during the summer months. The Beckley area is famous for its Rhododendron Festival. My only regret is that this plants’ bloom is gone so soon! Did you know that this bouquet of beauty symbolizes beauty and energy? And it can also symbolize love and positivity?
As wonderful as summer is, as a pastor I have also learned to dread summer. You may ask why?
Even though I love the spring flowers, green grass and the warmth of the season. Even though I truly love Vacation Bible School, hearing the children talk and sing in the church, what I have come to dread is the summer time attendance at church!
A few weeks ago in Sunday morning worship I mentioned that June should be the month of commitment. Committed to serve, to give and to attend all church activities. What June has become is the month where everyone plans their vacation to the beach! I love vacation time just as you do but I also love the church and worshipping God and I know you do too! So what I am asking is when you are in town be sure and be in church. We miss you when you are gone.
I mentioned that the blooms on the rhododendron symbolize beauty and energy, also love and positivity. When people are looking for a church to attend, often times they look for the church with a “full parking lot” on Sundays. The assumption is that this is a good church, one you would want to be a part of. Conversely, an empty lot speaks volumes as well!
Help us fill the parking lot this summer revealing the beauty-energy-love and positivity of Christ and this church. We need you to be an active participant and attender at Beckley First Baptist Church.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-12 says “9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.”
Come and be blessed and then be a blessing to someone! My favorite song “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” What about you?
Hope to see you this Sunday with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Pastor Rick