Moving into fall as a time of much transition

Greetings and Peace:
The leaves are changing their colors. The temps are much cooler and light coats and sweatshirts are starting to be worn, again. It is a beautiful season of the year that hosts much transition.
However, it is, also, a time of year when we find ourselves looking at all we must do! The cooler temperatures mean changing wardrobes to warmer clothing. The beauty of the changing leaves mean it is time to be winterizing campers, cabins, and houses. Oh, and with the falling leaves comes all the fall clean up chores. The list goes on and on
I grew up on a farm in SE Minnesota, so... harvest work and celebrations that surround this time of the year always start to fill up my calendar and I hope they fill yours, too. But remember...as with the changing of the spring to summer, there are still wonderful moments for drives, vacations, cookouts, and campfires (when and where allowed) and just enjoying the beauty of creation.
I hope you are getting used to the routines of a new school year and/or of now facing the true reality of being an empty nester with kids back at college or married or working. Life is ever changing and is forever reminding us that we have responsibilities and opportunities in every day to just embrace the beauty of life, as well as the labor.
Some of you are probably concerned about and/or are celebrating the future of your children in school. Others of you are assisting your parents/grandparents in their homes/assisted living/ nursing homes or your own home. Others of you are watching out for your neighbors/ friends/loved ones who are the most vulnerable. To all of you, “Thank you! You are a blessing and are living out Scripture in Action.”
There are many, in our various communities, that may need a little help, as we begin to move closer to freezing rains, snow and ice. As you know, climbing ladders to clean eves and wash windows or check on shingles may not be the safest thing for many of friends and loved ones to do. Hiring these chores can be pricey and can be out of many people’s budgets. Maybe you or you and a friend can help one of your neighbors or family members.
Fall and winter are times for all of us to lookout for one another. Many in our communities/congregations may need assistance with their walks, driveways, errands and overall social health (because of not getting out as much/feeling isolated/afraid of falling or feeling seasonally depressed because of less sunshine.)
While life has allowed us to be back in our old routines and to find new norms...it is still good for us to remember to do check ins with one another to make sure that all are okay.
Many of you have had family members and friends who have already been sick in the hospital or sick but at home. You know how challenging it is and how draining. Although these can be trying times, they are, also, times for friends/families/neighbors/communities to come together and be there for one another. The problem is that it can be tough and humbling to have to ask for help or to admit your lonesome and would love a phone call. (That means, sometimes we need to be proactive and offer.) I know most of you are already really busy but maybe you can add a five-minute phone call to a neighbor, each day or keeping track of when you last saw them out an about. Caring is a priceless gift and needs to be shared. It is important as friends and neighbors that we are there for the caretakers, too. Many caretakers are exhausted and could use a friendly smile over a cup of coffee and a roll.
(I know many of you are tired from trying to think outside the box as you have juggled hats/roles/schedules/finances in order that you can stay connected and involved in those things that you care about and/or must do. Congratulations and great work! Be assured your efforts are noted and applauded.
However, remember to take care and allow yourself to take breaks and to have renewing rest.)
We, your area churches/faith communities have been and will continue to be available for worship, and activities, whether online, or in person and we are praying for our area communities and looking for ways we can do meaningful mission/outreach within our area communities.
We care about all of our neighbors in Dodge County and beyond and pray everyone has a safe and healthy fall.
Remember your clergy and church lay leaders are available to talk to you in person and on traditional phone calls when you need to talk to someone. If we can help in any way to keep you connected to the services that you need...we want to be of assistance. Please, please, let us know how we can network with you and the other community agencies.
May this fall season be a time where we can get connected with those living near us and be vigilant in checking on our members and friends around us to make sure they are doing ok, staying well and safe.
We all know how important it is to do as much as we can for as long as we can. (However, it is, also, most important for us to be comfortable to ask for help when we need it.) Each of knows there are times when it takes the most strength to admit we need some help or someone to just talk to rather than talking to four walls and the tv.
Think about who are the ones who would never ask because they have always been able to care for themselves and so many others. But now they are in a time and place where that is just not safe for them to try and do it alone. That is where we need to make ourselves available. That is when we should be looking in on them and offering to grab a few groceries for them, pick up their prescription, shovel their walk, change a lightbulb or just converse. (A phone call, a card, a visit could really mean a lot and be a welcomed blessing.)
May you have a blessed fall. May you know and remember your presence and inspiration are blessings to those whose lives you have enriched, in just being you and doing the everyday things that you do.
Shalom.
Rev. Alice Mae Applequist is pastor at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kasson