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Last week Ruth and our oldest daughter Molly did a two-day bike trek in the PA Grand Canyon with about a dozen others. The weather was less than ideal but they each said it was a good trip. Ruth was only able to bike on Saturday, but Molly biked both days, 29 miles each day. The plan is now for all of us, myself, Tessa and Everett along with Ruth and Molly to do the bike trek next September. Five years ago, I did the bike trek with Ruth who has done this many times. This was Molly’s first year, but she loves to bike and I am sure she will want to go again next year.

It was great to have our first Roots night this week for the fall. Many came out to enjoy a great meal and participate in the evening activities. If you are looking for an engaging Bible Study, each Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm I will be leading a series “Great Passages of the Bible.” This week we looked at the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2 and 3. Next week we will be in Exodus 20 as we look at the ten commandments. Feel free to jump in this Wednesday.

I was busy in the office this week with sermon preparation, Love Feast preparation, as well as preparing for Donna Kreider’s Celebration of Life service which is tomorrow at 11:00 am. Today I am with Ken Rutt as we are at a leadership training event on behalf of Solanco Neighborhood Ministries where he and I both serve on their board. Last night Ruth and I were blessed to be at A Taste of New Hope at Providence Church.

I have committed myself to praying for our nation and the elections that are forthcoming. Anymore elections seem to be so divise, so I am praying that peace, and civility will prevail as election day approaches. Bud Hart who leads our Men’s Bible Study on Saturday mornings shared a prayer that he has been praying for our nation every day. I have joined him in that and encourage you as well: "Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of ALL may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

 I have been praying as well for our ministries with our new programming year underway and while some of us are displaced because of the building enhancements, I am praying that our ministries will continue to grow and thrive wherever they are able to meet. Thanks to all of you who participated in our Bible Reading and prayer event this past Sunday for Every Generation Sunday School time. Janae and I were reading Scripture near the church sign. I was reading Philippians 2, that wonderful chapter from Paul describing Jesus as coming from heaven and being obedient to the point of death. Janae and I prayed that our sign would communicate well our commitment to Jesus Christ and our community. It was great to walk around and hearing others “saturate” the grounds with Scripture and prayer.

Men’s Work is a ministry of Mechanic Grove that doesn’t get much recognition. These men who are a part of Men’s Work plan the Men’s Banquet each spring, help with the fundraising picnic at the Platts in the summer, and serve needs among people when they can. However, the ministry has resources but needs some younger men to come on board and help with the changes in leadership that are coming. The Men’s Work ministry needs new ideas and new ways to engage the men of our church in meaningful service and continued spiritual growth. If you would like to learn more, please see Dave Delong, Alan Platt, or Karl Auker.

On Sunday, we are continuing our preaching series “Promises: The I Will Statements of Jesus” as we look at Jesus’ promise to love us. And you will see that Jesus ties together our obedience to Him with this promise. It is also World Communion Sunday, and we will observe that as a part of Love Feast Sunday evening at 6:00 pm. I have found the self-examination devotions over the last two weeks to be very helpful in preparing my heart and mind to receive the full blessing of Love Feast.

The sun is finally back and while the rain was nice, ten days of it was a bit much. I am looking forward to being out, perhaps even on my bike, this weekend. One last praise to God. About one week ago, our daughter Tessa got engaged to her boyfriend Everett on their recent trip. We are excited and anticipating a fall 2025 wedding. 

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever (Ps. 106:1). It is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin