Happy Friday church family!

As the harvest season ramps up and the fruit starts falling to the ground (which the deer in my yard seem to love), I was reminded of the passage in John’s gospel – chapter 15 – that speaks of abiding in Him. And it’s so important, and difficult for our human nature to do, that it’s repeated a dozen times or more in that chapter. “Abide in me – Remain in me”. That’s the key to being fruitful and productive in what really matters.

This season is also filled with busyness for so many of us. School activities most nights, church activities, the housework and farmwork of the season, the preparation and enjoyment of the hunting seasons. We quickly fill up our schedules, and rush to and fro, day in and day out. But as John tells us in this chapter – no branch can bear fruit on its own – don’t disconnect from your source! Keep rooted in God and follow his ways throughout all the busy schedules. And keep your eyes and ears open, and your spirit in tune with His. He just may have a task or two for you in the midst of it all, sharing Him and His ways – encouraging brothers and sisters – and growing more and more like Him at the same time!

-- In faith, Pastor Eric

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:1-4 NIV