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This has been a quieter week for me. We began Monday with a staff meeting and learned from Aliza of how successful the Wee Friends 50th Anniversary carnival was. It was a lot of work, and many volunteers were needed but over 350 people representing 90-100 families attended. Aliza will share with the church a fuller report in the coming weeks.

Ruth is scheduled for foot surgery on Friday May 8th and we met with the doctor/surgeon on Tuesday. After our doctor visit and before returning home, we stopped to see the Sight and Sound movie, “A Great Awakening” which details the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and evangelist George Whitfield in the early days of America. It was a very good movie, and Whitefield is portrayed as someone who was all in, totally surrendered to the Lord. In light of Sunday’s message on total surrender, it was a refreshing story of the work of the Lord through one person during a critical time in our country’s history. Ruth and I both recommend the movie.

On Wednesday, I was at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries for Pastor’s hours and had the opportunity to encourage several people, talking with them, and praying with them as they go through some difficult times. As I was doing my best to encourage them, I was reminded of the words of Jesus to his disciples in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” When we find ourselves overwhelmed by our “light and momentary troubles” (2 Cor. 4:17) we can so quickly assume that God doesn’t care for us. But the promises of Scripture reassure that He is always with us and will never, no matter how deep the valley seems to be, leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

I was able to talk to many who we have been praying for on the phone this week. I learned at Bible study that Debbie Myers’ surgery went well and she is recovering. Continue to pray for Audrey Reed who has been hospitalized. Tomorrow, the celebration of life service will be at Mechanic Grove at 2:00 pm for Jim Showalter. Please pray for Cinda Showalter as we gather to worship God in honor and celebration of Jim. 

With April winding down, I am looking into May and seeing what God has in store for us. We have two more Roots nights (May 6 and 20) before our summer break. Our Spring Congregational Business Meeting is coming Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00 pm. The packets for the meeting will be out for pickup this Sunday. We will continue our Believe series and begin to transition into our Summer Sunday School schedule. Don’t forget to check out the Sunday School summer elective options on the board in the gathering area and pick the two you recommend. 

This Sunday Pastor Rita will be sharing on the practice of biblical community in week 16 of Believe. Pastor Mary Etta will serve as worship leader and the choir will sing for the last time before the summer break in the 8:15am service. Ruth and I will be away this  Sunday. We will probably worship with my mother at Providence Church but are still not certain. It will be nice to just be a worshiper and not a pastor for a Sunday.

Ruth and I are in Harrisburg today to see both of our daughters but will be back later today. We plan to volunteer at the Quarryville Library tomorrow morning before returning to MGCB for Jim Showalter’s service. While we won’t see you this Sunday, I know that you will be blessed by being together (biblical community!) as God’s church—the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” May it continue to be so as we seek to live out our mission to be a united people fully following Jesus’ teachings by knowing, living, and sharing Christ’s love.

Have a great weekend and Sunday celebration. We look forward to being back with you next week. Remember though that it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin