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It was great to return Monday morning and walk in and see the school supplies accumulating for Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. This Sunday we will conclude our collection and get the backpacks and school supplies to them for distribution in the coming weeks. It is hard to believe but school will be starting again in about a month. My thanks to you for supporting Solanco Neighborhood Ministries with the backpacks and school supplies.

Last weekend Ruth and I and our children traveled to Butler, PA for Ruth’s family reunion. There were about 75 of us gathered on a beautiful Saturday and Ruth was able to visit with many of her aunts, uncles and cousins she rarely sees. On our way home Sunday, we met Pastor Ron and Ann Miller for lunch in State College. Ron is a Lutheran pastor there and we were together at Asbury Seminary in 2001-2002 and have remained in contact since. We have been to their house and they have been to ours so it was a joy to have lunch with them and just “catch up.” Ruth and I greatly value our friendship with them over the years.

I am thankful for Pastor Brian Berkey filling the pulpit last Sunday. I know that the youth and leaders were prayed over as they prepared for their conference this weekend. They left early yesterday morning, and I am trusting that God is going to move among them in their time together in Montana. They will return Monday so let’s continue to pray for their event as well as their safe return.

The days are winding down now until FAM JAM 2025. It starts one week from tonight and will conclude with our Sunday morning worship on August 3rd. There are still details that need to come together as well as volunteer opportunities. Janae will be back in the office Tuesday and all of us will be engaged in preparing for FAM JAM. Let me encourage you to be praying for this event, for those children and families that will be blessed by it, and for the witness of Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren to resonate strongly in our community as we seek to know, live, and share the love of Christ.

I was able to do some visiting this week and make some long overdue phone calls. Pastoral care is a never-ending ministry, and I am grateful for Pastor Rita and the Deacons for the visits that are made throughout the year. Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Paul reminds us of the importance of caring for one another. One of the best ways we do that is through a visit, a phone call, or a conversation marked with genuine concern for someone. May we continue to be a church family that cares for one another.

This week I was at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries for Pastor’s hours, but it was quiet. Most of the staff were out preparing for a fundraiser that evening so I didn’t have much interaction with those needing to talk with a pastor. I use that time though to pray and read and reflect. What the Lord impressed upon me in the quietness of that office this week was the importance of being available. While no one came needing pastoral counsel or prayer this week, those who utilize the services of Solanco Neighborhood Ministries are made aware that every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 – 4:00 a pastor is available. Being available to God to be a blessing to others whether inside the church or outside the church is a vital part of God’s call to ministry for me. I needed that reminder this week.

I spent some time this week preparing the fall preaching series and even wrote the first sermon. Starting September 14th, we will begin a series entitled “Just Like Jesus” which will ideally challenge us to become more and more like Jesus. Is there a greater role model than Jesus? While we have been studying David as a hero of faith this summer, isn’t Jesus the ultimate hero of faith? As we aspire to become more like Jesus, my prayer is that this series will stretch us in our discipleship and help us to become, well, more like Jesus. You will hear more about the series in the September/October newsletter.

This Sunday we will return to the David story and pick up his life in 1 Samuel 12 for a message entitled, “Following God When Your Heart is Broken.” In addition, Pastor Mary Etta and Ed Reinhart will join with me in sharing the report of the Annual Conference. We will also be blessed by the opportunity to pray and worship together. Ruth and I are looking forward to being back with you as we continue the Lord’s great work together through His Church.

Enjoy your last weekend of July. Take some time to bless someone with a card or a note, a phone call, or a visit. You may never know how important that simple gesture of care and concern can be for someone. Be a blessing to someone and then come to church Sunday to be blessed as well. As our hero of faith David declared in Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Looking forward to rejoicing with you again this weekend. It is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

 Pastor Kevin