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Well, the longest month of the year is winding down and none too soon. It has been a cold and snowy month, but February 1st is just two days away. Last week we couldn’t gather because of the snowstorm, but this weekend’s storm seems to be heading out to sea. On Monday, our famous prognosticator will let us know if we have six more weeks of winter or if spring is just around the corner. I am not real confident we will see an early spring.

With the snow and cold temperatures, things were a little slow at church this week. We closed the church on Monday because of the road conditions but staff started returning on Tuesday. Because of the weather, I was limited in my ability to be out and about visiting this week. Much enthusiasm remains though for the upcoming month and the continuation of our Believe series.

The Women’s Ministry Valentine’s Brunch is coming a week from tomorrow at 10:00 am. If you haven’t got your reservation in, please do so on Sunday. Also coming is the Oaks luncheon and game day on Thursday, February 12th from noon to 2:00 pm. There is a signup sheet across from the mailboxes but not a lot have signed up. If you are a part of the older adult ministry, consider signing up and participating in our next gathering.

Don’t forget our puzzle exchange is underway and there is a good selection of puzzles in the gathering area, including some for children. Yesterday I started my second puzzle from the exchange. Coming on Monday evening is our first Monday prayer at 7:00 pm. This is via Zoom and a great way for us to pray together without having to leave the comfort of our homes. We would love to see more people join us as we pray for no more than an hour. Look for the link in Janae’s Monday email.

This week I was at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries filling the pastor’s hours. I was able to talk with and pray for a woman struggling to reconnect with God. After our time together, I committed to keep praying for her as she seeks to know God better. I invited her to Mechanic Grove and thought, how beneficial the Believe series would be for her as well as a tremendous loving and supportive church family. I also know that there are so many more people like her all around us. What we believe matters and how we live our life matters as we want all people to know and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Ruth and Linda Hunter did a spectacular job on the tile backsplash in our kitchen. I did my part to pray and stay out of the way. We are so grateful for Linda helping with the project.  
 

Last Friday Ruth and I were in Harrisburg as our girls celebrated my birthday. Tessa and Everett made a great supper as we gathered with Molly and our friends Bob and Marty Metka. We laughed together and had so much fun. One of the highlights is my girls always make my birthday card and this time they included eight of my all too familiar sayings. I would share it, but it is far too embarrassing. My birthday gift was an apron that they all signed. I was reminded of the wonderful blessings of family and friends.

Thanks to all of you who watched the sermon online this week. I can tell you I much prefer preaching when I can see your faces than to empty pews. This Sunday we will be back together and in Believe week 5 focusing on our identity in Christ. Our key biblical text is Eph. 1:3-14 if you want to read before the message. Our Sunday School will be on the same belief as we continue in the series.

Let me close with an excerpt from a book I was reading this week. Neil Wiseman and H.B. London wrote a book 25 years ago entitled, “They Call Me Pastor.” I read it years ago but picked it up again over the weekend. It has revitalized my calling and my desire to serve you well. H.B. London made this statement in the book, “Each time someone calls me pastor, I am still awestruck after all these years. I still feel honored and amazed by the word. When I hear it, I square my shoulders and renew my purpose. I feel humbled and grateful, for there is no higher privilege than being a pastor.” I wrote in bold letters next to that paragraph “AMEN!” Please know how blessed I am to serve as your pastor. Paul offered up thanks to God and a prayer for his Thessalonian brothers and sisters: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2, ESV). Just like Paul, I too am mentioning you in my prayers each day as we serve together in this ministry of becoming more and more like Jesus.

Have a warm and safe weekend and get prepared for a great new month, a Super Bowl Sunday, the beginning of spring training and most importantly our shared journey to think, act and be like Jesus. It is Friday, but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin