Slideshow image

February is here and with it comes the forecast of six more weeks of winter from the majority of our furry prognosticators. It will certainly feel like winter this weekend with bitter cold temperatures coming. On a positive note, the days are getting longer and spring training starts next week. And in ten days, the season of Lent will begin as well. All signs that spring is coming!

We had a great crowd in attendance for Roots on Wednesday. A big thank you to Bobbie Davis for the meal and for the many volunteers who help make our Roots evenings a success. This Saturday, despite the cold, the Women’s Ministry will be hosting the Valentine’s Brunch at 10:00 am. I am excited, not that I will be there, but both my daughters are coming down for the event, and I get to hang out with my favorite son-in-law Everett. 

Janae and I have been looking forward to the summer working on the schedule for preaching and Adult Sunday School. Janae has been focusing on the FAMJAM weekend as we are getting a feel for where God is leading for that event. Seems like a ways off yet, but it does take months of planning. Coming up here starting Tuesday, February 17 is the first of 20 cottage meetings to be held during Lent. If you are contacted by your deacon, please make every effort to attend as we seek the Lord’s direction for the next strategic plan for His Church.

Speaking of church, that is the belief that we will be focusing on this Sunday. Specifically, the key is idea is that we believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth. I was reminded when reading through the material this week that about 15 years ago, the Churches of God re-wrote their doctrinal statement, and I was asked to write the belief statement about the church. What we believe about the church matters, and I am excited to bring our Lord’s message about His Church this Sunday.

The weather has precluded me from visiting much of the week, but I was able to contact some folks. In addition, it was great to have our First Monday prayer at the beginning of the week and my thanks to those who participated as we prayed together. On Monday at our staff meeting, I shared devotions based on the 1 Peter 4:10 which says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I shared how blessed I am to witness the staff and so many others using their gifts to serve and the joy that comes from them as they do. We are blessed with the smile of God upon and His pleasure when we serve others with the gifts God has given us. 

My morning devotion and prayer time continues, and I am using the bible reading guide from the gathering area. Reading in different parts of the Scripture throughout the week has been both challenging but rewarding. In particular this week, was the reading from Matthew 16 where Jesus uses the word “church” for the first time as he is with His disciples at Caesarea Philippi. The very week I will be speaking on the church, God blessed me in my devotions with that great promise that “He will build His church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). For 2000 years now, the Lord has been building His church and for nearly 130 years now He has been building the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. I found myself praying in earnest for our Lord’s church much of this week.

The puzzle exchange continues and I am on my third puzzle from the table in the gathering area. There is quite a selection there with some puzzles for children as well. My thanks to those who offered puzzles in our exchange. This week some of your youth boys are off skiing along with some brave male chaperones. Let’s pray that all will go well and they will be safe. Next Thursday is the Oaks Luncheon and game day starting at 12:00 noon followed by games until 2:00 pm. Sign up sheet is across from the mailboxes.

Lastly, let me remind you that one of best ways that we can care for and encourage one another is to pray for one another. Your prayers for Jen and Camryn Deibler are needed as Jen’s mother Carol Shonk passed away this week. Her service will be Tuesday at 11:00 am at the church. Let’s take the time to pray for and encourage the Shonk and Deibler families in the days ahead. And please let’s pray for the church as we are about to enter the season of Lent and as the cottage meetings begin. We are in a great season in the life of the church with the Believe series and all that is happening in the coming months. Let’s continue to pray for one another and for the Lord’s church, the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. 

I will be braving the cold with you this weekend but am excited for the Valentine’s Brunch for the ladies tomorrow and for another great Lord’s day celebration. Stay warm and safe and oh yes, I guess there is a football game that will command our attention Sunday night. Have a blessed weekend, and remember, it is Friday, but Sunday (and spring!) is coming!

Pastor Kevin