Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

What a gorgeous autumn morning!

I am sitting here in prayer, in my office before a celebration of life begins for a friend from Fallon Daily Bread, Cathy Winans, and I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. In the other room country music is playing while the family sets out the decorations and talks together, Vince Gill and Reba and Tammy Wynette and Alan Jackson, and one of my all-time favorite country songs, "The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia." It is good to hear them laugh and cry and talk and remember Cathy. I am so thankful for being in ministry with you, in this beautiful place, among such kind, thoughtful, caring people. Your generous welcome, the way you share your time and your stories, the way you stand with and for each other, your passion for your church and for God...you have been a healing balm to my soul, and I am so glad to be here.

I am really enjoying our worship series on the simple Sunday School truths that we need go guide our lives. We are inspired by Robert Fulghum's book "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten", resonating with his words that wisdom is not found on the top of the graduate school mountain, but in the sandbox at Sunday School. Levia did such a FANTASTIC job of reading our first book, "The Sandwich Swap" last week, didn't she? And I loved the way that sweet little book, and her sweet little self, helped us hear the story of Jesus feeding the thousands in a whole new way as we explored our first truth: share everything. This week, we will hear a very silly little book called "Pout Pout Fish in the Big, Big Dark" and the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 as we talk together about our second bit of Sunday School wisdom: don't be afraid of the dark.

If you're able, I hope you can find a little time and take a look at the story of David and Goliath. And when you do, maybe take a little time to think about the Goliaths in your own life: the things that make you feel small, powerless, or afraid. Maybe think about the things in your past that have been overwhelming or terrifying, how you handled them, where you are now, and what you learned from them. And then, pray on this:

There are over 100 passages in the Bible that encourage us to not be afraid. Not as a command, as though being afraid is some sort of character flaw, but as an inspiration. A source of strength, and comfort. Listen:

"Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are with me." Psalm 23:4

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:5

It is a good day, beloved. I pray that you see God everywhere in it. And then, rest well and we will see you in worship.

Love and blessings,
Pastor Dawn

PS If you're not able to join us in worship, please join us on the radio or on Facebook Live on the church Facebook page, Epworth UMC Fallon!

PPS Please consider bringing items for our UMCOR flood buckets! You can pack a whole bucket yourself, or bring a little bit (or a lot!) of one thing or a few things. We will be packing them up this week and bringing them to South Reno UMC for pickup next weekend when the UMCOR truck comes through town. Here's a link to the list of stuff. Thank you!

http://www.umcor.org/ArticleDocuments/232/Cleaning%20Kit%20Assembly%20Instructions%20Sept.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y