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Happy Monday! We’re hitting the mid-point of 2026 (what?!) and of July (also, what?!) and I’m having a hard time believing it to be true! This has been a busy year for Scott and I; July has been the slowest several weeks we’ve had all year and it has been just the best. I haven’t felt “bored” in a long time so I enjoyed pulling out some old hobbies this past week! The flower garden is just about ready to get really busy, everything there is pretty behind because of my sister's wedding. A good reason to be a little behind, though!

Things are quite quiet in the office this month, another welcomed change. I am happy to get some time to catch up on proofing some resources to share with the church family, prep for the fall and work on some other long standing projects that haven’t gotten much attention recently. 

Many of you are busy this time of year with vacations and family events and enjoying God’s creation this summer. Don’t let your involvement in the church family., through worship, service, giving and prayer, get lost in the summer shuffle! Remember you can stay connected with our Sunday Worship online each week. 

Here’s a few highlights from yesterday’s announcements…

  • There’s still time for 3rd-12th grade (completed) Roots Kids to join Pastor Kevin for a “Pastor-For-A-Day.” Reach out to one of us or sign-up in the Gathering Area!
  • Women’s Ministry is hosting a “S’mores and Service” event on Thursday, July 23rd! Sign-up to participate in the Gathering Area.
  • The OAKS have their July event coming up this week, a tour of the Watch and Clock Museum. Don’t miss out on the chance to sign-up for August’s event, the Lancaster Stormers baseball game!
  • All church family members are invited to join in for a trip to Guppy Gulch, an outdoor, inflatable water park on Sunday, August 16th. Reserve your spot (all ages welcome!) by signing up in the Gathering Area. 

Grace and peace to you and yours this week!

 

What WE’RE Learning This Week: A nugget of what our Lil’, Youth and Adults Roots heard this week

Lil’ & Bridge Roots Psalm + Big Idea: Psalm 51: God will forgive us when we ask Him! (Guilt)

Youth Roots Psalm + Big Idea: Psalm 84: The Best Kind of Longing

How Every Generation Lives This Out: Talk as a family... What does it say about David that he immediately asked for forgiveness?

 

What I’M Learning This Week: Sharing what I’m reading and listening to lately

This morning I was reading Hebrews chapters 5 and 6. Chapter 5 describes the gift we receive because Jesus is our Great High Priest. Hebrews 5:2-3 says “He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.” So chapter 5 tells us WHY we need Jesus as our Great High Priest, because we are ignorant and going astray, and then chapter 6 tells us HOW we should act knowing that. It conveniently starts with “therefore,” which tells us to figure out what the prior verses are “there for!” 

So Hebrews 6:1 says “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…” In other words, “therefore, grow up!” This is what the author says in verse 12… “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” One commentator shared this about this section of scripture. I hope it encourages you too!

“Be sure to lay hold of the main lesson: believers must go on to maturity, and God has made it possible [through our Great High Priest, Jesus] to do so. If we start to drift from the Word (Hebrews 2:1-4), then we will also start to doubt the Word (Hebrews 3:7-4:13). Before long, we will get dull towards the Word (Hebrews 5:11-6:20) and become lazy believers. The best way to keep from drifting is - to lay hold of the anchor (Hebrews 6:17-20). Anchored heavenword!”

 

Make Every Week Count: Parenting, Grandparenting & Spiritual Mentoring Resources

Something to Read: Lithos Kids publishes really beautiful and Biblically sound kids books. All of their audio books are free today! Go snag them for some summer car rides!

Something to Listen to: Parents (and spiritual parents!) this was a GREAT and encouraging podcast listen! Que up Raising Kids Who Walk With God by Famous at Home.

Something to Follow: There’s been some new changes to privacy settings on some different social media platforms recently, I learned about them from “Protect Young Eyes.” Give them a follow online and check out their resources! A must have for today’s families!

 

How Can You Pray? Prayer Requests and Praises from Roots Ministries

PRAY for our Summer CLASP staff who are in the middle of their summer, too! Pray for energy, grace and Christ’s love!

PRAISE for the many hands who willingly serve in different capacities when we host a funeral here. They are a great example to our community!