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Well, we have hit the halfway point of January 2026. My mother always said that January was the longest month of the year. I’m not so sure about that this year. I am still waiting for the January thaw though as the cold weather seems to be hanging on strong. The Farm Show is winding down. Our two Pennsylvania football teams have seen their seasons end. But the good news is the days are getting longer, and spring training begins in just about a month.

I was blessed this week to spend some time with Pastor Jesse Johnson from Waterway Church in Oxford. Jesse is a ministerial son of Mechanic Grove, and he is serving quite well the Waterway Church. We were able to have lunch together, share ministry ideas, and just seek to encourage one another. Jesse holds Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren in high regard having grown up in the church. We are planning to get together about once a quarter to continue our growing friendship.

The OAKS ministry met on Monday and watched the movie “Breakthrough.” It was a tear-jerker at times, but it did show the power of faith and prayer in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. We enjoyed some ice cream after the movie and are planning the next OAKS event coming in February.

The Church Board and Commissions met this week, and the Board was praising God for the way 2025 ended. We were able to erase our budget deficit for the year and end the year in a financially favorable place. My thanks to all of you for your faithful giving. One of our core values is faithful stewardship and radical generosity. Let us continue to live out that core value through our giving in 2026.

I was able to visit with Emma Dubble, Joe Graybeal and Loren Bucher this week. In addition, I attended the Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Board meeting and the Solanco Pastor’s Fellowship. I mentioned last Sunday that this Sunday is Mealbarrow Sunday where we bring food items to fill the wheelbarrow for Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. Let’s really fill the wheelbarrow to overflowing this week as we seek to support our ministry partner and help our community.

We will be in week 3 of Believe this week talking about salvation. I have been hearing a number of positive comments about Believe and am excited to see your desire for in-depth bible teaching. What we believe matters and so this week we will look at what we believe about salvation. Take time to read from the “Big Book” the chapter for this week as you prepare for your small group. Next Wednesday is a Roots night and we will be digging deeper into God’s word about salvation at the 6:30 pm Bible Study.

Don’t forget that the youth fundraiser popcorn will be available after service on Sunday. In addition, the Women’s Ministry Valentine’s Brunch is coming February 7 and reservations are now being accepted for that in the gathering area. We are also beginning our puzzle swap this Sunday and I have a number of puzzles I will be putting out, and I look forward to completing some of your favorite puzzles over the winter months. 

Ruth and I did get our Christmas decorations put away this week. Ruth and Linda Hunter are putting a tile back splash in our kitchen next week so I am praying that it will go well. My responsibility with the project is to pray and stay out of the way. I can do that. 

This Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and we will have a Missions Moment with Jennie Straub, Executive Director, Cornerstone Reproductive Health who will be sharing. In addition, we will be in week three of Believe. Looking forward to another great Lord’s Day together as our Lord’s Church, the Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren.

In my devotions and prayer time each morning this week, I found myself drawn to praying for those who are struggling. The tragic passing of my childhood friend Sue Shaffer Phipps last Friday reminded me that we never fully know what people are going through. And so, I was praying for those I know who are struggling whether it is physical health, mental health, family and relationship issues, or those in need of material things. I believe God calls us as believers to seek the lost and serve the least. Often that begins by opening our eyes and praying for those who are struggling so tragic stories like Sue’s don’t continue to happen. Jesus said it very clearly, “Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40). God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.

Let me encourage you to have a great weekend despite the cold. Ready yourself for worship and prepare to be blessed as we gather in celebration this Sunday. Bring some non-perishable food items this Sunday so we can overflow the wheelbarrow and bless our community. I am looking forward to another great Sunday together. Remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming.

Pastor Kevin