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This week we had our first Roots night of 2025. After devotions by JR Holzhauer and Cassidy Grumbling, we enjoyed a great meal before breaking into various groups. The Roots kids were downstairs for the first time, and all went well. If you haven’t been downstairs recently, take a look and see how bright and inviting the children’s space has become. The adult wing is still a work in progress, but a lot of painting was completed this week. It is exciting to see the new rooms being used and the old rooms being remodeled to better serve our ministry needs.

I was able to visit with Anna Jane Glisson, Ron Bolt and Emma Dubble this week. I also telephoned our members who are enjoying Florida for the winter. Continued prayers are needed for Charlotte Miller who is now under hospice care at the Quarryville Presbyterian Home. Prayers for Bob Wagner who had a stroke this week but has returned home are needed for his continued recovery.

On Wednesday evening, the Adult Bible Study was in 1 Corinthians 2 where Paul talks about wisdom and having the mind of Christ. That phrase “having the mind of Christ” has always troubled me as I would love to be able to think like Jesus and see the world through His eyes. We noted at the end of the study six qualities of Jesus that help us to have the mind of Christ. Those aspects of Christ are being humble, thoughtful, sacrificial, purposeful, obedient, and patient. Jesus demonstrated these qualities consistently and if we would pursue these as well, we might finally have the mind the of Christ. If you are looking to dig deeper in 2025, I encourage you to join us every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm in Room 14. Next week, we will be in I Corinthians 3.

In addition to the Commissions and Board Meeting this week, I also had the OAKS event and Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Board meeting all on the same day. We had 24 in attendance for our OAKS Movie on Monday and a big thank you to Pat Delong and Betty Hershey for the refreshments. Thanks also to Rhonda for securing the movie and playing it for us. The next OAKS event is Friday, February 21st. See the signup sheet across from the mailboxes for more details.

I spent some time in prayer this week for our nation as the inauguration of President Trump is just days away. With the fire in LA and the ongoing work in NC, I felt led to pray for those countless people who have had their lives turned upside down. I also was praying for you as I started praying through the directory again. I am on track with our read through the Bible program and enjoyed the stories from the end of Genesis on Joseph. I am always amazed at his story how God used him despite his brothers disowning him and then seeing how he blessed his family years later. It reminds me that God can use the circumstances of our lives for His glory if we indeed remain faithful to Him. And Joseph certainly did that.

This Sunday, we are celebrating our Mission Sunday with Pastor Chris Elliott speaking. In addition, it is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday so we will have a Moment for Missions in each service recognizing that. Coming in just over a week now is our Dream BIG! series and I have been hearing of share and prayer triplets forming in anticipation of this series. I am glad that Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren has a history of risk-taking faith and is never afraid to dream big. Remember, we serve an amazing God who promises to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20) so let’s get ready for this special season in the life of God’s church at Mechanic Grove.

I am taking the day off today, sort of. I am substitute-teaching at Solanco High School while Ruth visits in Harrisburg. Tomorrow, I look forward to being with the men for our Men’s Bible study. I am looking forward to this Sunday and hearing from Chris Elliott as we gather again in celebration of our loving, gracious, and amazing God. Let us continue to grow together in this new year and let’s get ready to dream big. God has so much more for us in 2025 and so come with an expectant and worshipful heart this Sunday.

Have a blessed Friday and a great weekend. I will be looking for you on Sunday as we continue to become more and more like Jesus. Remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin