Pastors Page Oct 14 2026

Devotion

 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to grieve and a time to dance." – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Here’s a heads up. Daylight savings time ends at 2am on Nov. 1st. So before you go to sleep on October 31st (which is Halloween) you’ll want to remember to set your clocks back an hour.

The sun will rise an hour earlier, giving us early risers more morning light. But that means the sun will set and hour earlier too, making the evenings feel darker much sooner. And it will continue to get darker earlier until the 2nd week of December.

As we turn our clocks back and watch the afternoon sun slip away earlier each day, a natural shift occurs around us. The vibrant, sun-drenched evenings of summer yield to the long, quiet nights of late autumn and winter. For many of us, this seasonal shift can feel heavy. The early darkness can bring a sense of isolation, weariness, or an unwelcome reminder of life's colder seasons.

But Scripture reminds us that God designed the seasons—both the literal ones outside our windows and the spiritual ones within our hearts.

In Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that everything has its appointed time. We often want to rush through the dark seasons, praying for a quick return to the warmth and light. Yet, God does some of His most profound work in the hidden, quiet hours. Just as the winter earth requires a period of rest and darkness to prepare for the blooms of spring, our souls require seasons of stillness, reflection, and deeper reliance on God.

The early darkness is not a sign of God's absence; it is an invitation to seek His presence. When the world outside grows dim and cold, the light of Christ within us shines even brighter.

If you are entering a season that feels dark, lonely, or heavy right now, remember that the Author of time has not abandoned you. He rules over the night just as securely as He rules over the day. This current season has a purpose, a boundary, and an end. Lean into the stillness, rest in His grace, and trust that the light will always return.

Here are some reflection questions for you this week:

• What is God asking you to surrender to Him in this current season of stillness?

• How can you intentionally bring the light of Christ to someone else who might be struggling with the winter blues or a dark season of life?

A Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

You are the Creator of both the day and the night. As the evenings grow longer, help us not to fear the darkness, but to find Your peace within it. Teach us to rest when You call us to rest, to trust You when the way ahead seems dim, and to remember that Your love never changes with the seasons. Keep our hearts warm with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Yours in the journey,

Pastor Kristen

 

Coming up…

• We will be celebrating All Saints Day on Sunday, November 1.  All who have lost family members are invited to bring a photograph of their family members.

• Sue Naylor wants to remind members of the Women’s Group that they will be meeting for the buffet dinner at 5:30p.m. on Monday, October 19, at Aurellio’s, Main St., Crete

• Kit and Matt Green invite all who enjoy fish (perch, shrimp, crab cakes, basa  (or chicken fingers) to attend the last Fish Fry of 2026 on Friday, November 6, between 4:00 and 6:30 at the St. John VFW Post 717, located on W 93rd Ave. in St. John.

• On Sunday, November 15, the Women’s Group will be hosting “Oh, my, It’s Pie” immediately after the service. Bring a napkin, your favorite fork and your appetite.

• A reminder – The Annual Art Fair, held the same weekend as the Crete Country Christmas, will be held from 9-3 on Saturday, December 5, in the Church Narthex.

• The Crete Pantry is always looking for donations of items that aren’t usually remembered. Items like personal hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, shaving cream, baby powder, diapers…), laundry detergents, dryer sheets, and cooking/baking items like sugar, flour, cooking oil, food coloring or cake and brownie mixes are always gratefully accepted. The pantry, located at 1367 Wood St., is open to residents of Crete who are in need and can receive a free bag of groceries.

• The church Thrift Shop is open every Saturday year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donations may be dropped off at the shop on Tuesdays between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., and on Saturdays during shop hours.