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Thanks to all who attended the Spring Congregational Meeting. It was approved at the meeting the adoption of new language for our mission and vision statements as well as our core values. You will begin to see that on the back of the bulletin and on the church website. We also approved two logos for marketing purposes, and we will begin to use them in addition to the traditional Church of the Brethren logo. We have so much to praise God for at Mechanic Grove. A great work that began over 127 years ago continues as we seek to live out our calling as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday, we were able to honor not just our mothers but all the women of our church. In addition, we shared about the first family and attempted to answer the questions that our Little Roots children have been asking. We will continue this week as we consider the Bible with the question, “Why are there 66 books in the Bible?” As I mentioned last week, I am already working on the summer preaching series on David and this week completed the second sermon which is about the story of David and Goliath. I am looking forward to the summer and sharing this series about an Old Testament hero of our faith.

This week I had a Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Board meeting and a Solanco Pastors Fellowship Meeting. I am grateful to be a part of both groups. Solanco Neighborhood Ministries continues to thrive, and the leadership and the Board are about to adopt an aggressive three-year strategic plan. The Pastors Fellowship met yesterday and will take the summer off and return in August with a picnic. I am grateful for my colleagues in ministry who love the Lord and the Solanco Community as I do.

Bill Welch remains in the hospital being treated for pneumonia and other health concerns. Please continue praying for Bill and Carolyn. I was able to make a few visits to our homebound members this week as well. Our Dream Big strategic planning committee met this week as we processed all the dreams that were shared in our Dream Big series in early 2025. We are focusing on five goals from the dream big board that we believe will help advance the kingdom impact of the church in the coming years. Expect to hear more about that later this summer.

Ruth has been busy with wedding planning and now is busy with bridal shower planning. It is hard to believe that our daughter Tessa’s wedding is less than five months away. In addition, we have spent considerable time outside with landscaping, planting flowers, and mowing grass lately. There are a few more projects to complete if the rain ever stops.  

Just two more Sundays before our Summer Schedule begins. As a reminder, summer worship at 9:30 am Sundays begins June 1. Sunday School varies between before morning worship and after. Check out the bulletin insert for the full schedule this week. In addition, I am starting a new Bible study on June 4 at 6:30 entitled, “Navigating Genesis” which looks at science and the Bible. It is a video series being led by a scientist who became a pastor. The study will run for eight weeks only every Wednesday evening (except the week of July 4). Feel free to come any week you are available for an engaging study on the bible and science.

Summer planning has been going in earnest for several months now, including FAM JAM coming in early August. In addition, we are planning a baptism service June 29 and a child dedication service on July 13. If you are interested in either baptism or child dedication, please let me or Janae know. While the summer can be busy with vacations, family reunions, and other events, let’s continue to be committed to being with God’s people. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through May. Spring has finally come, and summer is just a few weeks ahead. It is the season for proms and graduations and weddings. Ruth and I will be attending two weddings in the next two weeks. Ruth and I are blessed that our daughters are close and we can visit often. Ruth was surprised when our oldest daughter Molly showed up last Sunday for Mother’s Day. We enjoyed an afternoon bike ride on the Rails to Trails and dinner together before she returned home. Molly is counting the days to the end of school and is looking forward to her summer break from teaching 2nd grade.

Let me encourage you to continue praying for each other and for Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. With some of our programming ending for the summer and the summer Sunday schedule starting in two weeks, this is a great opportunity to be among people and allow your light to shine. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus says, “You are light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). This is a great time of year to shine brilliantly for Jesus. Go and be a lightning bug for Jesus in the coming months.

It has been a dreary rainy week but hang in there, the sun will shine again. More importantly, we need to meet together and encourage one another as we gather again in worship on Sunday. I am looking forward to shining with you as we continue to become more and more like Jesus. It is Friday…but Sunday’s coming.

Pastor Kevin