No matter what the calendar says, it’s starting to feel like fall around here. The air has been a bit crisper when I’ve gone out to get the paper in the morning. The smell of coffee has been even more stimulating as it competes with the brisk, gentle breeze blowing outside. And though I’m not ready to start getting my sweaters out or anything, it’s nice to know that we’re closing in on one of my favorite times of the year.

Fall gospel meetings are a part of what makes this season so special. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are attached to meetings we had at the Kleinwood church in the fall. I used to sit on the front row with a tape recorder and listen to W.R. Jones, John Clark, and Robert Jackson. I even remember, as a 6 or 7 year-old, when Brother Bowman held a meeting for us. Little did I know…

I am just as excited about our fall gospel meeting, which is only two weeks away. The dates, October 1-4, have been set for some time now. This Sunday through Wednesday format was chosen so we would not have to compete with all of the activities that usually accompany a weekend. You will already be here Sunday and Wednesday of that week. Won’t you come Monday and Tuesday, too?

Weldon Warnock will be here to do the preaching. He and his wife, Betty, were with us during the Southside Lectures in 2000, a program on the Book of Acts. Brother Warnock was well received by our people for his powerful preaching and dynamic presence in the pulpit. We look forward to more of the same during the first week of October. He and Betty have just moved to Baytown to be closer to their daughter and son-in- law, Wilson and Julie Adams. Brother Weldon is sure to be a welcome addition to our area and an effective presence in our fall meeting.

The theme for this special effort has also been carefully chosen: “Keep Seeking the Things Above.” We are enjoying an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm at Southside right now. The services have been especially dignified and reverent of late. People are excited about the process of selecting additional deacons. Folks are staying later and visiting long after the worship is concluded. It just seems that everyone is looking for some way to be of service. Let’s “keep seeking the things above” (Col. 3:1). Let’s not lose what we have but search for opportunities to become even stronger. The devil wants to distract us. Keep your focus in the right direction. Come to the feast.

You have been given your two weeks notice. Don’t fall down on the job. Pray for the meeting and for Brother Warnock. Plan on being here as often as you can. Invite someone to come with you. Memories are sure to be made, ones you can cherish the rest of this life and take with you to the next. What all will you get out of it? God only knows.