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Fair week is wrapping up today and what a week it has been. The rain dampened things on Wednesday, but we still had the parade. It was great to see so many Mechanic Grove folks in the parade and serving at the fair this week. Did you see the Journey to the Nativity float in the parade? Kudos to Diane Herr and the young adults who made that happen. I was able to dip ice cream for about three hours in the milkshake stand on Wednesday and see so many others serving. It was an amazing week, and we will celebrate it this Sunday with the slide show of pictures from the fair. If you have any pictures of Mechanic Grove folks at the fair, be sure and send them to Janae.
With the fair wrapping up today, we turn our focus to the Fall programming that is beginning over the next two weeks. Men’s Bible study is resuming tomorrow morning at 7:00 am in Room 14 and invite all the men of the church to come. I am starting Wednesday evening Bible study this Wednesday at 6:30 pm in Room 14 with a study on 1 Peter. Come be a part of this study which will run every Wednesday night for the next five weeks. The first Roots night is coming on October 1 at 5:45 for the meal followed by our children, youth and adult programming. Lastly, we will return to our normal worship schedule on October 5 with 8:15 am traditional worship, 9:30 am Sunday School, and our 10:30 am contemporary service.
I have already begun preparing with the deacons and staff for Love Feast which we will observe on Sunday evening, October 5th at 6:00 pm. Since this is World Communion Sunday, we are attempting to build that theme into our service. We have for you in the gathering area the devotional that we prepared last year that will help you get ready spiritually for Love Feast. Be sure and pick up a copy this Sunday.
I was thinking about last Sunday’s sermon this week and looking for those opportunities to demonstrate a compassionate heart just like Jesus. Little did I know it would come on Tuesday evening. That night, our daughter Tessa came down to pick out her flowers for her upcoming wedding from a nearby flower farm. After she and Ruth discussed with the vendor what was needed and had walked among the flowers, the time came to pay the bill. Not knowing what the cost would be, Tessa was unprepared to cover the cost. Fortunately, her father planned ahead and brought the family checkbook. Tessa left with a big smile, and more excited than ever for her October 10th wedding. Not sure if that is compassion or not, but if compassion is caring in action, I think it qualifies.
Over a week ago, we were shocked with the murder in broad daylight of Charlie Kirk and then violence again highlighted the news this week with the killing of the police officers in York County. My heart aches for the senseless loss of life we see often in our nation. Where is the love and compassion we are to have for others? The answer, as I see it, is that we keep reaching lost and serving the least among us so that followers of Jesus would multiply among us. Our preaching series is “Just Like Jesus” as we are being challenged to have a heart just like our Savior. My prayer is that our nation as well would somehow have a heart just like Jesus.
Tomorrow evening Ruth and I are attending my Solanco High School Class of 1985 40th Class reunion. I have been to every reunion since the 15th and look forward to catching up with some of my classmates once again. Ruth and I also hope to get in a bike ride tomorrow as well.
This Sunday, in addition to wrapping up Fair Week with our slide show, we will continue the “Just Like Jesus” series looking at Matthew 17:1-9 for a message entitled “A Worship-Hungry Heart.” Jesus loved to worship and be with God’s people. We know he regularly worshiped at the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16). But in Matthew 17 we will see a unique worship experience that changed not just Jesus but those who witnessed it. Looking forward to sharing this message with you.
Enjoy the last day of the Fair as well as what looks to be a nice weekend. Fall is officially arriving on Monday, but we are already noticing the change of seasons. But with the shortening of the days, a crispness in the air, and the colors starting to appear, we know that we serve a God who does not change and is worthy to be praised. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What a wonderful promise as we seek to live for Lord in the midst of troubling times. In fact, that is the reason we gather as the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren each week…ideally with a worship-hungry heart! Have a great weekend and remember, it is Friday, but
Pastor Kevin
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