A Season of New Beginnings

As summer draws to a close, we find ourselves in that bittersweet season of transition. Long, golden days give way to cooler mornings, and our children step up to new grades, new classrooms, and new opportunities to learn and grow. For some families, this fall brings the added excitement—and perhaps a few nervous tears—of sending sons and daughters off to college. It’s a season filled with change, and with change comes both challenge and blessing.

Although our congregation does not always have children of our own in the pews, we have a decades-long heart of love for the students and families of our little school, Foothills Adventist Elementary. Year after year, we count it a privilege to encourage and support this ministry of education. Each autumn, when new faces appear—students, parents, and teachers—we have the chance to extend Christ’s welcome and let them know they are part of a larger family of faith.

Hospitality is not just the responsibility of a greeter at the door or the pastor shaking hands at the end of the service. Hospitality belongs to each of us. Every smile, every warm word, every shared meal says: You belong here. You are part of this family. Scripture reminds us to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). What a privilege that each of us gets to be part of God’s welcoming committee.

This year, our community has also faced the unsettling reality of recent fire scares. Memories of the tragedies five years ago remain fresh in many hearts, and the uncertainty of smoke and sirens can stir up deep fears. Yet even in this, we have reason to be thankful—thankful for dedicated first responders who watch over our valley, thankful for neighbors who look out for one another, and thankful most of all that our hope and security rest in the Lord who never leaves us.

In the weeks ahead, let us be intentional about looking for those new faces in our church and school community. Invite a student to Sabbath lunch. Learn the name of a visiting parent. Take time to pray for teachers, administrators, and the many young people adjusting to new routines. A simple gesture of kindness may be the very thing God uses to encourage someone who feels far from home.

This fall also offers us a unique opportunity to grow deeper in our own discipleship. On September 26–27, our church will host a Spiritual Gifts Seminar, designed to help each of us uncover and better understand the special gifts God has given. These gifts are not for our own glory, but for building up His church and blessing the world around us.

So as the seasons change and our children step into new chapters, let us also step forward—into welcoming, into serving, and into discovering the Spirit’s calling on our lives. Together, may we reflect the love of Christ in every word, every smile, and every act of hospitality.

August 25, 2025