Nokesville Church of the Brethren

October 2023 Newsletter

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS

About a week ago, according to the calendar, we officially arrived at fall. The change of seasons, though, is more of a process than a date on the calendar. Near the end of August, I noticed that the shadows outside were becoming longer in late afternoon. The sunsets were taking on more vibrant shades of pink as the summer heat and humidity lifted. Temperatures allowed for nights with open windows. And trees began to lose leaves, but it seemed too early. Perhaps, it was from the stress of heat and lack of rain.

Now, at the beginning of October, signs of autumn are much more apparent. Just last week we had rain as the result of a tropical storm–this is hurricane season. The annual flowers that survived the hot, dry summer have matured and are displaying their vibrancy. The tree leaves are presenting hints of fall beauty even as they are leaving their homes amongst the branches. The dogwood trees outside my office have small, red berries with an increase in squirrel visitation.

The days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Even as we savor the days of sunshine, they are becoming cooler. The apple and pumpkin harvests are in full swing. Firepits and fireplaces are being used along with sweaters, blankets, and hot beverages.

Some people are lamenting the end of summer. Some are celebrating the arrival of fall. And some are doing both. So it is with life as in nature, the ends and beginnings of seasons overlap. There are seasons of hellos and goodbyes. There are times of clinging and times of releasing. During these seasons, there is beauty and purpose to be revealed to us. While we say goodbyes, we are touched by hellos of kindness and shared memories. As we harvest the fruit of our lives, we’re joined by others in celebration. We gather around the campfire of hellos and goodbyes, as people of faith with Jesus at the center.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven.“ God has and will make everything beautiful in its time. What new season are you in? Take time to notice what beauty God has given you, even if it’s as small as a red berry on the dogwood tree.

May you be more and more aware of God’s grace, power, and peace through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Janet

SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Blessings Box: Needs are posted in the weekly beacon

Senior Socials: History, art and music will each be represented in the programs provided to guests at the Senior Social events through the remainder of 2023. Come join us for good food, fellowship and fun programs on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 am.\

Field of Boaz: A celebration and blessing of the 2023 crop for Growing Hope Globally will occur at 1 pm At the Midland Church of the Brethren’s Apple Fest on October 28^th. The president of the national organization and guests from Guatemala will be there. Please plan to bake a Fall-themed item (i.e.: Apple pie, pumpkin pie, etc.) for the fund-raising bake sale. Drop items at NCOB on Friday, October 27^th or bring them to the festival and enjoy the fun of the Apple Fest which opens at 10a.m.

The Growing Hope Globally project in northern Virginia includes five Church of the Brethren congregations (including Nokesville) that are working with the organization to grow crops on 10 acres of farm property in Midland, Va., and then donate the income from the sale of the crops to food security and hunger relief. https://www.brethren.org/news/2023/eyn-a-wounded-healer/

CROP Walk: This annual event was held on September 24^th. MCOB and NCOB once again teamed up to make this a success. Final fund-raising totals will be provided soon.

The Nokesville School: Dianne Nelson and Pastor Janet delivered funds raised by NCOB to the Social Worker at the Nokesville School. Ms. Moul was very grateful to receive gift cards totaling $225 and a check for $410. These funds came from fund-raising and 25% of the proceeds from Nokesville Day 2022. The gift cards will be used to purchase clothing items for needy children and the money will be made available to teachers who need educational supplies for their classrooms.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Upcoming Events:

The Trunk or Treat will take place Sunday, October 29^th from 3-5 pm. Please consider joining us for the fun event! We will need people to decorate their trunks for the kids to visit. We are happy to help you think of trunk decoration ideas. We are also in need of volunteers to run the campfire and games. Please reach out to Kelsey Southard if you are interested in helping to make this a successful event.

We will also host Christmas Craft Night on the evening of November 26^th. We are looking for crafters who are willing to host a craft table. This is a fun event to start off the holiday season. Please let Pam Breslin know if you are interested in hosting a craft table or have ideas to share with others for a table.

Sunday Morning Coffee Hour: Thank you to everyone who shared breakfast in September. It is a wonderful way to start the mornings. This month, we encourage everyone to BYOM (bring your own mug)! This is a great way for us to reduce our waste as a congregation. Please consider signing up for a future date. Breakfast can be as simple or complex as you would like. It is also a great opportunity to collaborate with another person to provide breakfast.

Food Truck Friday: Join us on October 13 from 4-7 for our final Food Truck Friday of the year. This month we will host Family Food Palace. Look for their menu closer to the event.

RAINBOW PRESCHOOL

October will be a very busy month for us. We will be learning about apples, pumpkins, fall, and fire safety. The firefighters will visit during Fire Prevention week and we will end the month with Halloween parties.

Thank you to Alice Snyder for the donation of toys.

FLOWER SHARING

We have created a Signup Genius so you can order flowers online. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EABAE29A4F94-2023

Your offerings can be made through our website. https://www.continuetogive.com/ncobbudget

SERVING OCTOBER 2023

Oct. 1

Oct 8

Oct. 15

Oct. 22

Oct. 29

Worship Leader

Mark Tinsman

Harper Buettner

Vernon Funkhouser

Jackie Bear

Chris Taylor

Acolyte

TBD

Ali Family

TBD

Jackson Nelson

Jackie Bear

Children’s Story

TBD

Melanie Ali

Matt Nelson

Suzie Evans

Pam Breslin

Nursery

Lyn Ficili

Jessica Brockett

Katlyn Keesler

Kelsey Southard

Jackie Bear

Dianne Nelson

Pam Breslin

Melanie Ali

Jessica Brockett

Kelsey Southard

Pianist

Suzie Evans

Organist

Mary Weybright

Hymn Leader

Jeannette Funkhouser

Flowers Are given to the glory of God by

Gayle Hawkins in honor of Pastor Janet’s one year anniversary.

Dianne Nelson in honor of Trever Nelson’s Birthday.

The Hawkins family in celebration of Gayle’s 80th birthday.

Lyn Ficili to celebrate her birthday.

Mary Weybright to celebrate her birthday.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Janet’s Office Hours

Tues – Fri

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

jcmyers2@outlook.com