Crimson Clover

One of the most amazing sights for me is the Crimson Clover. It turns the fields red and is a wondrous sight in the Spring.

Last year it appeared right on Pentecost Sunday. This year it was a bit later, but it always reminds me of tongues of fire.

I love being able to witness God's artistry.

The White Fall Farm Pumpkin Patch in Mount Airy

It's time for the White Fall Farm Pumpkin Hunt of A.J. and Lisa Nuckols in Mount Airy, Virginia. The Pumpkin Patch is 10 miles east of Gretna on route 40 and then 1/4 mile south on route 640. If you want to plug it into your GPS use this: 6001 Riceville Road, Gretna, Virginia, 24557.

The hay bale castle is a whole new design this year with a hay bale maze around the outside, that you have to find your way through before you can get up into the second and third levels of the castle. But the view from the top is worth the effort. It took me several tries to find the correct way through the maze, but I do tend to be a bit directionally challenged.

The view to the front of the castle is great, looking back at the picnic area on the left and the corn maze on the right, and the view from the back of the castle is acres of bright orange pumpkins. They also have white pumpkins and gourds of varieties that I have never seen before.

They have farm animals for the kids to see, petting not recommended. Their is the mobile chicken coup, with a rooster who never heard that crowing was supposed to be done only when the sun comes up. There is Stu the pig, Tessie the goat, and two Angus calves #53 and #14.

They have tractor pulled hay rides, that take folks all over the area. Its also used to take people out in the field to pick a pumpkin. Which is a really good idea since some of those pumpkins are huge.

Joanne, Jean Shelton, and I manned the St. Andrews United Methodist Church Hot Dog Stand. The proceeds from the sales go to the church's "Community Help Fund". Last year the church assited several families in the area with groceries, elctric bills, and other personal needs. All the people that were helped were not members of the church. We are really excited about this opportunity to reach out beyond the walls of our church and to be the hands of Christ to others.

You'll notice in the above picture that when it was slow between lunch and suppertime, Joanne got on the computer and checked her Facebook. Okay, I checked mine too.

There were organized Tug-o-Wars throughout the day. There is also a small hay bale maze for the little kids. The corn maze for the adventurous. Don't plan on coming and spending a few minutes, think about staying for the afternoon and evening.

There was also pumpkin painting for the kids. Some of the kids were minimalists and some were way over the top, with barely any space not painted. They had volunteered Joanne to judge the art works, but in the end did the wise and safe thing, rewarding all the kids for their efforts.

It was an abolutely georgous day in the country. The forecast was for chilly temperatures, but it warmed up nicely with barely a cloud in the sky.

This is A.J. Nuckols, the owner and designer of the Pumpkin Patch, carrying the American flag out to plant at the top of the castle. I have to admit, that as I watched him placing it on the upper hay bale, I had chills.

In the evening we had a Blue Grass music played. Some very talented musicians got together to entertain folks at the Pumpkin Patch. There is music scheduled every Saturday through the month of October.

As the sun goes down, the sun peaks through the tree and the fire is lit. We had hoped to roasting marshmallows, but that will have to wait for another week, when we remember to bring them

When the sun went down, the outline of the castle was on the horizon.

It was a really nice, nice weather and good firends. I tell folks that this is my Walt Disney World in Pittsylvania County. I look forward to this every year andtry to visit as often as I can while its going, because then I have to wait another year to do it again. If you get a chance come on out and experience it for yourself.

Republican Grove Homecoming 2010

On 26 September Republican Grove UMC celebrated their 2010 Homecoming. It was a beautiful with the temperature in the 70's with a nice breeze coming in the windows. We were happy to have so many form Providence UMC and St. Andrews UMC join with Republican Grove on this special day.

We had quite a few children with us that day, joining Cortney Dawson. I think she was curious about these new people that were her size. I got to take adavantage of the day a do the children's message. I know you're wondering who helped me up off the floor. I'm not telling.

Brian Daniels, from Providence UMC, joined us and sang Amazing Grace. We very much appreciate Brian being willing to share his talent with us.

Joanne played piano for Homecoming and accompanied Brian for his solo.

Rev. Earl Long from Vertical Kids Ministry was our guest speaker for this year's Homecoming. Earl brought us an excellent message and incorporated some of his gospel illusions into the sermon. Everyone enjoyed the word and the object lessons.

Earl took an obviously empty paper bag and kept pulling things out of it, to demonstrate how receiving gifts often takes faith. He then took a box with J.O.Y. written on the outside and placed inside the box a black scarf, representing Sin, and next a red scarf, representing the Blood of Jesus. He then unfolded the box, laying it flat on the table, and only a white scarf was inside. Demonstrating that the Blood of Jesus removes the dark stain of Sin and leaves us white as snow.

The only problem is that I have to preach next week after this. I think maybe I had better learn to juggle. Well, maybe I had better make sure my health insurance will cover juggling injuries first.

After the service and a blessing by Rev. Sam Caldwell, we heading downstairs for a wonderful lunch. There were foods and desserts in abundance. It was nice to sit and talk with friends and family. I think the pictures are better than any words regarding our meal and fellowship. 

It was a great day. Word and Worship, Food and Fellowship.

First Visit to White Fall

Yesterday A.J. and Lisa Nuckols took Joanne and me to visit White Fall on the Banister River for the first time. I really don't know what I was expecting, but it exceeded what that was. It is a beautiful rustic section of the river, where you can imagine it looked just like it does now hundreds of years ago. 

There are a series of step falls progressing down the river, with a swimming hole that is deep enough to dive into. The river bottom is all rock, even where there is sand it is only maybe 6 inches deep before you get to rock.

All you hear are the birds and the water rushing by. There quite a few people swimming, with the temperature hitting 102 it was the perfect day for it. The river water felt almost like warm bath water. Next time we come, the bathing suit is coming with me.

Joanne and Lisa sat on the rock talking, while Joanne soaked her feet in the water.  

There is an old mill there with the remains of stone walls. At one time, along with the grain mill, there was a saw mill and a blacksmith shop in this area, too.

 I'm sure this won't be our last visit to White Fall. I only regret I waited this long.

Prayer meeting at St. Andrews UMC

We had a board meeting at St. Andrews UMC and it was proposed that we start a weekly prayer meeting. Now, the idea was not mine, it was theirs, and it was unanimously approved. For a pastor it doesn't get much better than that. I know that as a United Methodist pastor, eventually, I will most likely be moved. But, when it is their idea, they have ownership. It idea doesn't walk out the door when I have to move to another congregation.

 

We had our first prayer meeting this past Tuesday night. We had 6 people joining together and that includes me. Now that may seem like a small number to some, but with a church that has a small congregation, that number represents 10 to 20% of the active congregation. Personally, I am very pleased with the response. We spent an hour praying for world issues and needs, our nation, our state, our community, our church, and individuals.

Republican Grove VFD Helipad

The Volunteer Fire Department of Republican Grove dedicated their new helipad. It is only the second helipad in Halifax County.

Now if anyone goes critical during one of my sermons (highly unlikely, unless sleeping counts), all they have to do is get you next door and fly you out.