Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We have entered into the season of autumn. Thinking about autumn can bring about some pleasant thoughts. And while it is common to think about cozy fireplaces and delicious pies, the symbolic meanings of autumn are more profound than you think. I found that there are seven symbolic meanings of the autumn equinox. I thought I would share them with you.
Change - As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, "The only constant is change." Autumn reminds us that our bodies, minds, and surroundings are always changing. Change reminds us of the impermanence of life, emphasizing how vital it is to embrace the present. By doing so, we can savor what we have before it is gone.
Mystery - Thanks to the changing nature of life, each and every day presents us with new mysteries. The crisp fall air and changing leaves personify these unknowns. And once we accept the unknowns, we have more capacity to live life to the fullest.
Preservation - Autumn represents the preservation of life and its basic necessities. During this time, animals prepare for the winter by storing food and creating cozy hibernation spaces. Farmers work on their fall harvest by collecting a reserve of crops. We also tend to retreat indoors and focus on cultivating a safe and comforting home. In a way, the autumn season offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens.
Protection - As summer morphs into autumn, we exercise self-protection by wearing layers and thicker fabrics. We also tend to focus on our health by boosting our immunity through habits and nutrition. Ultimately, autumn doubles as practice for heightened awareness of yourself and surroundings.
Comfort - In the same vein as protection, comfort is strongly symbolized by fall. This season is prime time for seeking comfort in the midst of dropping temperatures. Creating a serene and snug space is one of the best perks of autumn, after all. It also gives you a chance to learn about what makes you feel warm and safe.
Balance - Day and night are the same length during the autumnal equinox. As a result, ancient cultures have always associated this day with the concept of balance. The sun also enters Libra, which is symbolized by a pair of balanced scales. Autumn grants us a chance to harmonize with the Earth and tap into the balance within us.
Letting Go - As temperatures drop to the tune of leaves falling, autumn illustrates the beauty of letting go. It doesn't have to be considered morbid or morose. Instead, we can apply this concept to our inner egos and patterns of greed and pride. The idea of letting go also stresses the temporary nature of everything around us.
All of these seven symbolic meanings of autumn are part of our relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, they all remind me of who I am and who I am called to be in Christ.
As we move into a new season, take time to notice the beauty of the change and the mystery around you. Revel in the preservation, protection, comfort and balance that Jesus offers to you and step up to the challenge of letting go of all that weighs you down or that you have been holding onto for years and allow God to work anew in your life.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Bonnie
PICTURES NEEDED
Since we are streaming all of our services on line now, we would love to have some pictures to include on our screen during the prayers of the people. If you have a picture of your children, grandchildren, pet, friend, loved one and would like to share it, please send a copy of the picture electronically to Pastor Bonnie at mayfieldpreschurch@gmail.com. Please do not send the actual picture, just a copy and please do not test Pastor Bonnie’s technology skills to have to figure out how to convert the picture. Her technology skills have reached their limit and there are no more left in her until at least half way through next year.
Domesitc Violence Awareness Month
Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? People from every walk of life; including race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, economic class, religious affiliation, levels of ability, education, and citizenship are represented in the statistics related to intimate violence. Individuals in our congregations are victims, survivors, perpetrators, and by-standers. We need to do our part in saying clearly that abuse is contrary to God’s will and that it tears at the very fabric of human dignity and the covenant we have with God to care for one another, especially those who are most vulnerable.
What can you do if you suspect that someone is dealing with domestic violence? First of all let them know that if they want to talk, you will listen. Believe them! Refer them to talk to me or to call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
October New Bible Study
We will begin our second Bible study of the year on Zoom and Facebook live on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The new study is called “When Christians Get it Wrong: Politics, Judgment, Salvation, Sexuality, Tragedy, and Science.” If you wish to participate on Zoom call the church office and leave your name and email address to receive a Zoom invitation.
October 4 World Wide Communion Sunday
On Sunday, October 4th we will join with Christians around the world at the Lord’s Table during worship art 10:30 am. We will be using prepackaged elements to avoid unnessary contact during the service.
October 11 CROP WALK FOR HUNGER
CROP WALK FOR HUNGER - Well we are going to do it - finally! On Sunday, October 11, we will gather in the parking lot after church services and walk the same route as we have been doing. From church down to the school, around the track and back to church. Not long and certainly not a difficult one. However, if you can’t walk but would like to be part of our Walk, you can donate to someone who is walking, make a donation on line or contact me at 518-567-8341. We will have water and a snack available for walkers. Please come and join us or make a donation, or volunteer to hand out water and a snack, or register folks who are walking. We will pray for a beautiful Fall Sunday. Any questions please contact: Hope to see you there.
Mary at 518-567-8341
Jane Brower at 518-332-12095
Vicki Kucel -518-774-7558
October 21 Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women will meet on Wednesday, October 21 at 4:00 pm to assemble Care Packages to be sent to our college students. The Bible verse letter is “D“. Please come join us for this fun and worthwhile project. If you have cartons suitable for mailing (corrugated shoeboxes with an attached lid are great) we would appreciate having them. We will be sending homemade cookies, candy, gum, snacks, tissue packets and anything else someone away at school may need. There are about 15 packages to be sent out this year.
October 26 Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Monday, October 26 at 6:30 pm at the church. Please let Janis Frisch know if there is anything to come before the Session at that time.
SAVE THE DATE!! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7th!!
The Harvest Ham Dinner is an annual event occurring the first Saturday in November. This year will be the 28th year it has been offered. It was originally created to honor the wondrous harvest season and remind us to be thankful for the many blessings bestowed upon us. The harvest dinner is lovingly prepared by church members using produce from our local community or surrounding farms. Due to COVID-19 and the need for the health and safety of our community, the dinner will be available for TAKE-OUT ONLY. The dinner includes baked ham, scalloped potatoes, squash, cabbage salad with onions and fresh parsley, homemade roils, and gingerbread or apple crisp for dessert. The cost is $12.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5-12. The Annual Harvest Ham Dinner is one of the larger fund raising events offered by the church. It is an enjoyable time where people from all over the community enjoy the blessings of God’s Harvest.
Volunteers will be needed on Friday, November 6th at 1:00 PM to help with the cabbage and onions and on Saturday, November 7th at 9:00 AM to peel potatoes. Additional volunteers will be needed for baking gingerbread or apple crisp. To sign up to help or for further information, please contact either Colleen Ulrich (518-774-4627) or Janet Kucel (661-7682). Many thanks in advance for all of your help!!
BUILDING & GROUNDS NOTES
Commemorative Bricks for the Labyrinth: I will be sending another order for commemorative bricks by the end of October. If you would like to honor or memorialize a special person in your life, please fill out a form and return it to me. Forms can be picked up at the church or obtained by calling me at 518-224-2081. Thank you. Gary
Fall clean up will be announced as soon as the leaves drop. Stay tuned and get those rakes ready!
Thanks, Gary DiSanto-Rose and the B&G’s Committee
FOOD PANTRY
Hi everyone, still looking for copy paper boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes. Also dessert items. Cake mixes, Jello, pudding any desserts would be good. Thanks for your support. Crystal
NOTES FROM VICTOR
As COVID-19 is ravishing countries across the globe, Liberia is no exception. Here the state of emergency and stay home orders have caused increased hunger and starvation. It is against this backdrop that the New Beginnings Christian Academy, which is a not-for-profit Christian Institution, decided to provide food and assorted items for underprivileged children and their families. Our initial target is fifty (50) homes within the Peace Island, Jacob’s Town Community where we live.
We are exrtremely grateful to God Almighty, for He is our main source of provision. To our US board of Directors and the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church, NY, we appreciate your generosity and your continued prayers and support. And also to our family and friends who continue to support our vision, we say may God’s blessings surround you each day! Victor Doe
Word from Victor is that they will be breaking ground on Sunday, November 8 for the New Beginnings School in Liberia. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him as he embarks on this next phase of his school dream.
Victor and others are working to create a not-for –profit entity in the US to receive funds – he does nIf you would like to contribute, make your check payable to Mayfield Presbyterian Church with a note in the memo section saying New Beginnings Liberia. Your contribution statement from our church will reflect your donation.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Debra Hall October 2
Kelly Wagar October7
Bill Wemple October 7
Bart Warner October 8
Merry Dunn Brown October 8
Trevor Ruberti October 11
Doris Howard October 12
Christine Gerber October 15
Laura Hime October 18
Brian DeFeo October 19
Sara Schopmeier October 19
Maggie Kline October 23, 2012
Jill Kaczor October 25
Trudy Yost October 27
Susan Cichy October 29
Noranne Marcellus October 29
Lorna E. Johnson October 30