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On Wednesday this week, I attended a workshop at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home on Shepherding People Through Grief. It was presented by Dr. William Hoy, and it was quite a blessing. Dr. Hoy talked of the importance of shepherding people through the funeral process and how important the symbols, traditions, and actions of people in times of loss are important in grieving. He emphasized the significance of the community coming together to mourn the loss. He suggested at the end of the importance of having grief companions to walk with people during their season of loss. This is the second year in a row I heard Dr. Hoy at this annual event, and I am blessed to learn more and be more effective as a pastor/shepherd.

 

Last week we shared about the virtue of patience and dug a little deeper into the Scriptures Wednesday night on what the Bible says about patience. I found myself this week being more attuned to those moments when I am running short of patience. I suspect that this will remain a growing edge for me the rest of my life. When my patience was running short this week, the Lord kept impressing on our final verse from Sunday from Proverbs 14:29 which says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick tempered displays folly.” As I grow in patience, I will grow in understanding and more importantly I will be more, and more like Jesus.

 

Tonight the Dutch Blitz event is happening at the church. Great night to come out for a time of snacks and competitive game playing. Tomorrow is the CROP Walk and I am looking forward to walking even if it is brisk and cool. Thank you to all who have supported me in the walk and yes, I and the other walkers, can still take donations. Don’t forget as well to check in your closets for any coats you would like to donate for the southern end coat drive. We have two more weeks to collect.

 

On Sunday, we will be looking at the virtue of kindness and goodness. Listed separately as fruit in Gal. 5:22-23, kindness and goodness are very similar. One of the expressions of our kindness is in giving to others. This week is our Mealbarrow offering where we collect non-perishable food items for our neighborhood food bank. With growing food insecurity in the southern end, this is a growing need. Let’s see if we can be kind and bring those non-perishable food items this Sunday and overflow the wheelbarrow.

 

Some great events are coming up including two Oaks events, with the first one being on Tuesday with the ANE Coffee House at Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Also coming up is the Women’s Fellowship Event. Look for that sign up in the gathering area. The Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Empty Bowls event is coming on Saturday, November 7 at the church. This is an opportunity to support Solanco Neighborhood Ministries as they seek to serve those in need in our beloved Solanco Community.

This week our commissions and church board met. Much of the discussion revolved around preparing for the Fall Congregational Business meeting coming November 11. Next week we will have our second Roots Night of the fall. I hope you can come Wednesday night and be engaged in the fellowship and ministry that happens each Roots night.

As a reminder, the celebration of life service for David E. DeLong will be this Sunday at 1:00 pm. We are encouraging the church to come and greet the family in the gathering area from 12:00 pm to the start of the service. Continued prayers for Pat and the entire DeLong family are encouraged.

The Brethren Disaster Ministries mission trip is coming November 1-7 in North Carolina. Deadline for signing up is here. Contact Rick or Amy Graver and they will get you on board. My wife has gone several times and finds it so rewarding to give back in service. She has submitted the paperwork to go as her foot continues to improve.

 Let me close with this: I was encouraged this week through my devotion and prayer time, my engagement in the various ministries of the church, and the workshop I attended on Wednesday. 1 Peter 5:2 says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” That verse shared at the workshop on Wednesday reminded me of God’s call on my life to shepherd God’s flock and the joy that comes with shepherding God’s flock at Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. Thank you for your love and support, prayers, and countless gifts and affirmations. I echo the words of Peter that I am willing and eager to serve as your shepherd as God wants me to be. 

I am not sure I will make it tonight but will see some of you at the Crop Walk tomorrow and Sunday as we gather to worship and then to celebrate the life of David E. DeLong. Be blessed as you patiently serve our Lord Jesus and each other. Don’t forget your non-perishable food items for our Mealbarrow offering this week. Let’s start our Sunday focus on kindness with expressing some kindness to those less fortunate. Have a great weekend and remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!  

Pastor Kevin