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On Wednesday evening this week, we had our fall congregational business meeting. We approved leaders for 2025 as well as the 2025 budget and received an update on the strategic vision. I am so thankful for all those who have helped our building modification process and am glad we are coming to an end. Thanks also to you for your many gifts that have helped fund this process. We met and exceeded the $100,000 match and right now are less than $150,000 short of our anticipated final cost. I am praying that God will provide the balance of the funds required before the end of the year. Maybe you can be an answer to my prayer.

A big thank you to Dennis Findley and Karl and Sue Auker who helped me out this week. On Tuesday, I had an outpatient procedure at the UPMC Lititz Hospital and needed a ride since Ruth was on the BDM trip (Note: Ruth was not happy that I scheduled this when she was away!). Dennis got me there and Karl and Sue got me back home. I am so grateful for their help and yes, my procedure went well with no complications.

I had an opportunity this week to visit with Mary Poe as she begins rehab at Ware in Oxford. She is improving slowly but is determined to get home as soon as possible. I also visited with Kim Sullivan this week. Please be praying for Kim as she enters into hospice care. Your prayers for Carl and Doris, Anita, and Rick and Amy as well as Kim’s family are needed more than ever. 

Last week, many of you turned out on Saturday for fall cleanup. It was great to see people of all ages coming together to clean up around the church. Before long we will be decorating for Christmas. Be sure and check your mailbox for a unique way we are inviting you to participate in the Christmas decorating at Mechanic Grove. As a reminder, Operation Christmas child boxes are due back this Sunday. Thanks to all of you who put together shoe boxes to bless a child around the world. 

We are at the midpoint of November and this Sunday will be special. We are participating again in the Atlantic Northeast District Connect Sunday. We are partnering with Lancaster Church of the Brethren this year and Pastor Don Fitzkee will be here to bring the morning message. Ruth and I along with about ten others from the church will be at Lancaster Church of the Brethren to connect with them. Please make Pastor Don and the delegation from Lancaster feel welcome this Sunday. I believe a tour of the building including the new renovations will be provided for them. I will miss being with you but am excited for this opportunity to share with our friends at Lancaster Church of the Brethren.

Lastly, let me share how blessed I am entering into the Thanksgiving season. I am grateful to serve as your pastor and to know that I have a church family who is loving and supportive and will help out whenever there is a need. I am thrilled to be back “home” and to be able to help my parents more and to see our daughters begin to thrive in their chosen careers. I am blessed by my wife Ruth who loves to serve and help where needed. I am blessed by the most amazing church staff I have ever worked with who go above and beyond expectations and do so much behind the scenes. I am blessed by your prayers, encouragement, love and support and your faithful prayers for Ruth and I. In this season of harvesting and thanksgiving, I am reaping a bounty of blessings. Psalm 30:12 says, "That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!" Indeed, I will!

Have a great weekend and a great Sunday with our friends from Lancaster COB. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at Roots Night and of course on the 24th with a Thanksgiving Message. Remember that it is Friday…but praise God Sunday’s coming!

 

Pastor Kevin