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On Monday, we observed the Labor Day holiday and now today marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Most of us can probably remember where we were and what we were doing that fateful morning in 2001. I was in class at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky that morning. Our class was just beginning when a student arrived late and said a plane had hit one of the twin towers in NYC. Our professor turned on the TV, and we watched, like many did as the events unfolded. Eventually, our professor realized that something bigger was going on, prayed and then dismissed our class. That day, and the days that followed were difficult but the Lord saw us through. Today, may we remember the many that were tragically lost day, the many heroes that emerged, and our Lord who was with each one of us through it all.

On Sunday evening this week, I will be preaching at the vespers service at 6:30 pm at the Quarryville Presbyterian Home. I will be sharing from Mark 5 about the story of Jairus and his daughter and the woman with issue of blood coming to Jesus. The message is entitled, “A Day to Remember” building off the 9/11 remembrance of today and looking at two people who had a day to remember - a day they encountered Jesus! I am looking forward to sharing this message with the good folks at QPRC.

With the holiday on Monday, it made for a short week. I was grateful though to get some visits done Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With next week being fair week, I know things will be even busier. I am looking forward though to the opportunity to see many people next week through our service in the milkshake stand, and in our booth as we represent our Lord and His Church in our community.

On Sunday this week, we will continue the Believe series looking at the virtue of joy. In addition, we will have a moment for missions with a representative from Brethren Housing in Harrisburg with us to share about that important ministry partner. We will also pray together for our upcoming week and for the Solanco Fair. Most importantly though we will gather to worship the Lord who is the source of our joy. 

Ruth is still struggling with her foot. The doctors say that everything is healing well but she still has constant pain. The frustration with her foot all summer now seems to be lingering into the fall. I am running out of encouraging answers for her but do encourage your prayers for the healing to improve so that there is far less pain. On a more positive note, Carolyn Wenger is back at Brethren Village in rehab and is progressing well. Richard McCarter has returned to his cottage at QPRC after his recent operation. 

On Sunday, we officially commissioned Kerri Kreider as our interim Director of Family Ministries. As was mentioned last week, it takes many volunteers for our Roots Nights which begin October 7th. There are sign-up sheets out for you to prayerfully consider how you can help with our Roots night. And let me encourage you to pray for Kerri as she embraces this new opportunity to serve as interim Director of Family Ministries.

On Monday, we will have commission meetings followed by our Church Board meeting. We are preparing the 2027 budget and beginning to finalize items for our November council meeting. Don’t forget as well the opportunity to learn more about Church of the Brethren missions at the Global Missions Gathering Sunday, September 20th at 6:30 pm at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Pastor Mary Etta and I are planning to attend but we would love to have more. 

This week our Wee Friends preschool began their new year. I was able to be there Tuesday morning as kids arrived for the first time. There were a few tears, but overall the children seemed excited to be here. Aliza Kraynak and Sharon Godfrey have assembled a great team to minister to these dear ones and their families. I am excited for our COM ministry and the impact it continues to have on children and families in our community.

As I bring this week to a close, I am reminded again that we serve a God who is in control. I mentioned as Janae and Scott were leaving last month that God takes care of His church. For nearly 130 years, He has been doing exactly that for Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. As we continue to live out our mission statement of knowing, living, and sharing Christ’s love with others, His favor will be upon us, and we should know without question the joy of the Lord. I Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” May you be filled with the joy of the Lord today, tomorrow and always.

Have a great weekend. Get ready for a big week next week and let’s gather with great joy this Sunday to worship our God together. Remember 9/11 today but more importantly remember it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin