October 2026

If September is the month when life resets, October is the month when everything speeds up again. The leaves start falling, the temperatures start dropping, and we realize that the Advent Season and Christmas are right around the corner, and we have to start preparing.

October is such a funny month. It’s a month suffering from an identity crisis. Half the world is decorating with pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay bales. The other half is already putting up Christmas lights. And everywhere, you can smell the pumpkin spice and see the displays everywhere you look. Meanwhile, every store is selling candy in quantities that should require a permit.

With the onset of October, the weather becomes a spiritual discipline. You leave the house in the morning wearing a jacket or sweater. By noon you’re sweating like you just finished a revival service. By evening you’re shivering again, trying to remember where you left that jacket, and wondering why Iowa can’t just pick a temperature and stick with it. But even in the chaos, God paints the world with colors that remind us He’s still the greatest artist of all time. So slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beauty He’s placed right in front of us.

October is also the month when we remember that encouragement matters. A kind word. A warm handshake. A prayer whispered for someone who’s struggling. These small acts become big blessings as the days grow shorter.

But with all the changes that come during this time of year, let’s remember that God never changes. His faithfulness doesn’t shift with the seasons. His grace doesn’t cool with the weather. His presence doesn’t dim with the shorter days. We are promised in Scripture that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8)

May your October be filled with warm fellowship, steady hope, and just enough candy to keep things interesting. And may the Lord bless this season with joy that lasts longer than the pumpkins on your porch.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as October settles around us with its cooler winds and bright colors, we pause to remember Your steady goodness. Thank You for the beauty of this season—its reminders that change can be graceful, and that every falling leaf whispers of Your faithful care.

Strengthen our hearts in the busy days ahead. Help us to encourage one another, serve one another, and see one another with Your eyes. Where there is weariness, bring rest. Where there is worry, bring peace. Where there is loneliness, bring fellowship that warms like a fall sunrise.

Bless our church family, our ministries, our homes, and our community. Let Your Spirit guide us, Your love sustain us, and Your joy surprise us in unexpected ways.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s blessings to each and everyone of you… Pastor B.