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For the last four years, I have been blessed to serve alongside in ministry with Janae McMichael. Janae has been every pastor’s dream for a staff person. Many things have stood out to me about Janae but first and foremost was her love and devotion to the Lord. Her passion for Jesus and the desire to see “tiny disciples” in our church that have that same passion is just one of many hallmarks of Janae’s ministry. Janae handled the details of so many of the ministries of the church. She was great at getting volunteers and developing them. Her teaching and leadership abilities enabled her to excel as our Director of Family Ministries. Our Roots program now has a strong foundation because of Janae. What a joy it was to be in ministry alongside her. Even though she is not gone yet, I am missing her already.

As a reminder, this Sunday during the Sunday School hour, there is a drop in in the Family Life Center to wish Janae and Scott well as they move on in this next season of their lives. Janae’s last day on staff will be one week from today. Be sure and take an opportunity before then to say “Thank You!” to Janae and Scott for all they have meant to our Mechanic Grove Church family.

The sign-up sheet is out for the milk shake stand so please consider helping on Wednesday, September 16. There are morning, afternoon, and evening time slots as well as helping with cleanup Saturday morning. In addition, Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren will have a booth in the fair this year. This is a great way to meet people and invite them to consider Mechanic Grove COB. With the fair just a month away, let’s be in prayer for this great community event and the opportunities God has for us as we serve and participate in the fair.

Ruth did not have the procedure needed on her foot last week but is scheduled for August 26. She continues to deal with pain in her foot that is limiting the amount of time she can spend on her feet. Tomorrow Ruth and I are leaving for the Outer Banks for a week of vacation. We regret that we will miss Janae’s last Sunday and last week of ministry, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with them and the church as we move forward. This is a challenging time for the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren but also a time of great opportunity. I am anxious to see what God has for us as we continue the nearly 130-year ministry of our Lord and His Church at Mechanic Grove.

Brian Berkey will be bringing the message on Sunday from the New Testament. We will resume the “Great Stories from Genesis” series focusing on Joseph for the last two Sundays of the month. Since Ruth and I will be on vacation next week, this column will take a vacation as well and return on August 28. 

As I conclude, I simply want to say “Thank You” to Scott and Janae and pray God’s blessing upon them as they follow the Lord’s leading. In Galatians 5, right after Paul calls us to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, he says in verse 26, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” May it be so for each of us that indeed we live by the Spirit and are led to be in step with Spirit moment by moment, day by day. May God bless Janae and Scott as they move in step with the Spirit and may God bless His Church, the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, as we do same!

Have a blessed weekend and great Lord’s Day celebration and we look forward to being back with you on August 23. Until then remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin