Slideshow image

Today the celebration of life service for Mel Shaub will be at the church. Visitation with the family begins at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am and a fellowship meal to follow. Mel was 98 years old, the oldest living member of the church. He touched many lives over the years, and his life will be honored today as we gather to worship God in memory of Mel Shaub.

Last Sunday we wrapped up our “Questions from Young Disciples” series and this Sunday we will begin a summer preaching series on the life of David. We will be in 1 Samuel 16 for the story of David’s anointing to be the next king of Israel. In addition, we will be worshiping as one at 9:30 am and we will be honoring our graduates. Looks like a great way to kick off the summer season.

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day holiday. Ruth and I were with our girls, Ruth’s two aunts, and some friends in Harrisburg. The weather was delightful as we worked on wedding and shower invitations as well as favors for the big day in October. Our oldest daughter Molly is most excited as today is her last day of teaching for this school year. She is looking forward to the break. Tessa and her fiancé Everett are busy preparing for their October 10th wedding and trying to buy a house in the Harrisburg area. It has been frustrating for them, but we keep assuring them that God will provide the right place at just the right time. Waiting though is never easy no matter what your age or season of life.

This week I was able to visit some but with a shorter week, I needed to prepare for Mel’s service today and another sermon. On Wednesday, I took a half day off to accompany Ruth and her two aunts and Ruth’s friend Marty to Herr’s Foods for their factory tour. I was just a kid the last time I did that, so I don’t remember it. We all enjoyed it, especially our aunts. The aunts return home to Butler today, but it was good to host them for several days this week.

On Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm, our Summer Bible Study series begins “Entitled Navigating Genesis.” This study focused on the creation story answers questions like “Is putting science and the Bible together a bad idea?” and “Did humans evolve from apes?” The series is led by a scientist who became a pastor. This video-based series will look into issues of evolution, fossil records, big bang theory and the compatibility of science and the Bible. It will run for eight weeks so feel free to jump in any Wednesday evening starting at 6:30 pm.

We are on the cusp of June, and it too shall be a busy month with Father’s Day, Disaster Relief Picnic at the Platts, and concluding with a baptism service on June 29. And as we journey with David through his life, God has much for us to learn from this hero of the faith. I know with summer comes more travel, vacations, and out-of-town family events. But summer is also a great time to plug in to what God may have for you at Mechanic Grove whether it is a Sunday School class, Wednesday evening Bible study, or an engaging preaching series on the life of David. 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sounds like we don’t get the summer off, but rather we keep growing and learning. 

This week I will be teaching the Sunday School class doing the study entitled “Twelve Ordinary Men” at 8:30 am. This seems to be a great study, and I am just one of several teachers who will be facilitating this class over the summer months. Don’t forget the elective class that is meeting at 10:30 in the FLC on Proverbs. The elective is a family-focused alternative for Sunday School as our children will be a part of that study. I am hoping to visit all of the Sunday School options over the coming months.

Let me close with this. After reading the book of Job last week, I was refreshed to be in the psalms this week. The psalms have always had a way of lifting my spirit when I am weary. And with three funerals in nine days, I have been a bit weary. Just yesterday the Lord brought Psalm 18 to me just when I needed it most. That Psalm is long but oh so powerful and it encouraged me to remember that the Lord is my strength (v. 1) but even more so to lean into that truth particularly when I am weary. So, after living in that psalm yesterday morning, I had my best day this week, renewed in my spirit, and serving well the Lord I love and the church He has called me to pastor. In my devotions this morning, I prayed that I might continue to serve in the newness of life today and throughout this weekend.

Well friends, summer is unofficially here and is time to enjoy the beauty of this season and the wonder of God’s creation. Don’t forget we have a hike on Sunday at the Kreider farm at 2:00 pm, another opportunity to enjoy God’s creation with God’s people. I look forward to seeing you this weekend and one last reminder, we will worship together Sunday at 9:30 am as we celebrate our graduates. Have a great weekend and remember it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

 

Pastor Kevin