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Ruth and I were away last weekend as we were at Hidden Valley Campground in Union County. While it was great to be away, the weather was less than ideal, and we were confined to our cabin for most of the weekend. I was able to preach for the Hidden Valley Community Church which meets at the campground on Sunday morning. We have spent a weekend there for at least the last eight summers, if not more but Ruth and I both decided this would be our last year. I am grateful that Pastor Mary Etta could fill in for me while we were away.

This week I was busy preparing sermons for FAM JAM as well as preparing for the celebration of life service for Richard Tshudy which is today at the church. Richard was the grandfather of Remington Tshudy, and I have been blessed to get to know him through his wife Sharon and other family members. It is always a bit more challenging to prepare a memorial service for someone you did not know, but the Holy Spirit has given me the words that will no doubt honor his life as well as remind us of the hope that we have through faith in Jesus Christ.

I was pleased to talk with Marietta Peters this week and learned that she is progressing well from her hip replacement surgery a few weeks ago. Prayers are still needed for Mike Welch, who is struggling with extreme discomfort from the shingles that afflicted him weeks ago. I was able to visit some this week but sermon preparation as well as the graveside service and celebration of life service for Richard Tshudy limited my opportunity for visiting this week.

On Wednesday, I attended the volunteer appreciation luncheon provided by Solanco Neighborhood Ministries and was glad to see other Mechanic Grove folks there. I believe strongly in the ministry of this organization and am glad to volunteer by providing pastor’s hours for them once a month. As a reminder, we are collecting items for backpacks for kids when they head back to school through Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. There is a list of items on the table in the gathering area, which is where you can bring your items for this ministry.

Today our junior high kids along with Janae and Phil Johnson are headed to Juniata College for their Junior High Conference. We pray for their safe travel and spiritual growth through this conference. Next Thursday the Oaks Ministry (older adults) is having their third annual summer picnic in the pavilion in the grove. The time is noon until 2:00 pm and includes a provided lunch, games, and great fellowship. If you are an older adult and free next Thursday, come out for a great event. Bring your favorite lawn chair and enjoy our annual Oaks picnic.

The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is quickly approaching. My thanks to those who have shared your thoughts with Pastor Mary Etta and myself regarding some of the business items that will be discussed at this year’s conference. We would love to hear from you as we represent you at this gathering so if you would like to share input, please do so. The Annual Conference begins July 2nd in Greensboro, NC. A summary sheet of the business items is provided for you in the gathering area.

Yesterday, Ruth and I were able to attend the Disaster Relief Picnic for the first time. For some reason we have missed this event for the last two years, but we are so glad we could be there this year. I am grateful to all those who make this such a great annual event. As a reminder, we are still collecting funds for the van for the Church of the Brethren ministry in Burundi. Our goal was to raise $5,000 by the end of June. So, if you would like to contribute to the Church of the Brethren ministry that is happening globally, this is a great opportunity. Also, we are pleased that Chris Elliott will be with us in August to share more about the Church of the Brethren mission work in Burundi and other countries.

This Sunday we will jump back into the life of David, our hero of faith that we are focusing on this summer. The message this Sunday comes from 1 Samuel 18 as David finds a trusted friend in Jonathan but a foe in King Saul. In addition, we will have an update on FAM JAM which is now about six weeks away. We will also experience the joy of being together as one church, one body for worship as we strive to keep our focus on Jesus in these busy summer months.  

Let me close with a verse of Scripture that has been resonating with me all week. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul reminds the Christians at Corinth that their lives are a letter. Hear the words of Paul in 2 Cor. 3:2-3: “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” I have been reminded with these verses that my life is a letter that is being read by the world. And I hope my life’s letter says, “Wow, that Kevin, he sure is a committed follower of Jesus.” What does your life’s letter say about you? Think about that as you enjoy this beautiful but hot summer weekend.

Looking forward to being back with you this weekend. I am sure God has a blessing for us as we gather as His Church—the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. Have a blessed weekend and remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

 Pastor Kevin