By: Lisa Davis

Fall is a time of reflection. We are typically inside more than outside and perhaps the fireplace is lit or turned on more frequently to take the chill out of the air. It’s a season of reflection as we see the goodness of God in our lives and for serving in Mount Carmel Kids; our ministry. “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do”. Psalm 73:28 NLT

I am especially thankful this year for a couple of events that have taken place most recently in our ministry. It causes me to sit back and see God at work through His people. Our Fall Festival at Woodland Lakes was such a special evening. I spent much of the evening in the kid’s crafting area and enjoyed seeing our Mount Carmel families and also many people I had never met before. I loved seeing parents working and encouraging their kids in comfortable, relaxed conversations. Families took advantage of the tractor and hayride trips to the field of pumpkins while Jason Taggart entertained them with  ALL the dad jokes.  I observed many families taking advantage of the circle of swings in multiple areas. Parents swinging with kids; grandparents holding grand babies and just enjoying an evening of a much-needed relaxed pace. There were hot dogs and chips and so many s’mores being eaten along with everyone’s favorite topic about the marshmallow: burnt or toasted?!

The evening ended with time around the campfire. Collin Guernsey led us in crazy camp songs from our childhood while the little ones all sat in the leaves in front of him. Laughter was plentiful. It was a moment that I wanted to capture forever. Joe and Drea shifted the evening into worship time; again, so peaceful and Harry Snyder talked about traditions in his family that were meaningful, (and funny), to him. We ended the night holding hands across the rows; praising God for an evening well spent.

On this past Sunday evening, our 4th and 5th graders met for their 45 Connect monthly gathering with one sole purpose; to serve. All of our Mount Carmel Kids have been donating food for a month and the time had come to put the boxes together. I was so shortsighted in my planning! I bought 16 boxes for them to fill and humbly ordered 52 more yesterday to be filled this coming Sunday. They worked so hard separating the donations and then packing them in a very specific order so that each box would hold the maximum amount of food. The excitement of the room was amazing. It was the Church of 2050 at work before my very eyes and it was good. It was an answer to prayer as we pray for these kids to love and serve Jesus the rest of their lives. They have a beautiful start.