This month’s message comes from Holly Walker, Junior Warden.

Dear Friends,

Scripture tells us, “To every thing there is a season.” I’ve been thinking about that phrase a lot lately as I watched the calendar transition from summer to fall. I wondered why these seven words kept coming into my mind at the most unusual times. The answer to my question emerged, when I slowed down, took a deep breath, opened my eyes and really looked. It was then that I noticed a hint of autumn gold highlighting the leaves in a tree. I realized that soon, the landscape would be a riot of color and that somehow all those different colors, created by a variety of trees and plants, would work together to form a beautiful and interesting scene. This is God at work – his visual reminder that He has blessed each of us with unique gifts, and when we bring those different talents together in service of Him, we weave a strong and vibrant faith community. This is what’s at the heart of Manakin.

Read the articles in this newsletter, the announcements in the Sunday bulletin and your Manakin e-mails. Visit the church’s web site or Facebook page. Take a look at the bulletin boards in Denny Hall. You’ll discover the wide range of talents and ideas that support the activities and work going on at Manakin. You’ll find Manakin’s children and youth raising money to purchase a goat that will provide life-changing gifts to a faraway village; our Stephen Ministers quietly providing care; food being prepared for those who are hungry; a blessing for the animals who bring joy to our lives; sacred music sung by a vocal ensemble visiting from half a world away; the Men of the Church busily planning their annual Brunswick stew sale, which raises money for church projects; Christian Formation leading faith-building activities for all ages; and so much more. This amazing variety of activities paints a vivid picture of the many areas of interest at Manakin, and at the same time, it shows the harmony within our Parish as we all work together to spread God’s word and love.

Blessings,
Holly Walker, Junior Warden