For everything there is a season

Dear Christian Friends: 
 
I have said it before, and I am going to say it again… 
Thanks to the Byrds, the words of Ecclesiastes 3 are familiar to much of the world:  
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.”  
 
Spring turns to Summer, Summer turns to Fall, and now Fall falls towards the holiday season. We fall back from Daylight Saving Time in the wee hours of the morning of November 2. Yeah, Fall is falling, and Winter is calling. 
“For everything there is a season…”  
 
This is the passage that I was thinking about this morning. It seems like we were just working through the building project we called Vision 2020. That project was to prepare us as a congregation for ministry in the distant year of 2020. That was five years ago. We began that project in 2016. That was ten years ago. However, we actually started the project with the sanctuary roof replacement in 2013. I don’t even want to do the math. 
“For everything there is a season…  
a time to tear down and a time to build…” 
 
Here we are again. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Cross and Entrance project was approved by the congregation. The results – 72 yes/4 no. The project passed overwhelmingly, and we found ourselves in the season of building again. We will tear down the laminated wooden cross that has stood faithfully proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ since 1969, and we will build a new metal cross to continue forth in the same manner. 
“For everything there is a season…”  
 
Along with this goes the season of a ministry expansion campaign. We will be seeking numerous volunteers to assist with this process, which involves preparing hearts and minds to make campaign promises or commitments. The Spring of 2026 will be the campaign launch, with the fulfillment of the three-year campaign in 2029. 
“For everything there is a season…”  
 
As saints, we don’t go on vacation. In and out of season, we must be prepared to answer the hope that resides within us. Wherever we are, we need to share the Word with whomever God places around us.  
 
Furthermore, we do the same with all that God has given us. We need to be good stewards and return to God what he has given us. We do this directly and indirectly. We use the gifts God has given us to witness to His saving grace as we go about our daily lives. “In season and out of season,” we joyfully proclaim His gift of salvation to all who will hear.  
 
In the love of Christ, Pastor Hartwig