Ruth and I want to thank the Ministry Commission and the congregation for your many expressions of appreciation during Pastor Appreciation month. You have blessed us with some wonderful cards, gifts, and invitations to share a meal together that have reminded us how blessed we are to be a part of such a loving and generous congregation. We feel not just appreciated but loved by our church family.

This was a quieter week which began on Monday with a staff meeting. We have these the first and third Mondays of the month and they are important to help get us on the same page in regard to deadlines, events, and ministries happening in the life of the church. Janae shared devotions for this meeting, and we concluded with some prayer time for specific needs in the congregation. In this month where pastors are appreciated, please know how blessed I am to work each day with Janae, Rhonda, Ed, Mary Etta, Rita, Sharon, Aliza, Lori, and Justine. Your staff is here to help and serve the congregation in any way we can.

Ruth and I are in Harrisburg again as Ruth had a meeting yesterday afternoon that I needed to attend with her. Tonight is Trunk or Treat at our daughter Molly’s church, and we have participated in that for years so we will be helping out with this event. We hope to see the newlyweds too. Scripture says in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Ruth and I are blessed to know that our children love the Lord and are living for him.

This week I attended the ANE District Older Adult Coffee House on Tuesday and Wednesday I was at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries where I covered the pastor’s hours from 1:00 – 4:00. I met with Men’s Work on Monday evening and planning has begun for the Men’s Banquet in March. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is about a month away and Christmas just two months away. Tomorrow, Ruth and I will be volunteering at the Quarryville Library helping with their Chicken BBQ, Yard Sale and Book Sale. Stop on over as it runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Many events are forthcoming at Mechanic Grove including “The Big Drop” on November 5, the Fall Congregational Business Meeting on November 12, and the Thanksgiving Eve Service November 26. Operation Christmas Child has begun so grab a shoe box from the table in the gathering area as we partner again with this ministry. Lastly, Sunday is the last day to bring in your old coats for donation to the “Coats for All” program happening here in the southern end. 

This week I read an old favorite book of mine entitled, “The Heart of a Great Pastor” by H.B London and Neil Wiseman. I first read this book thirty years ago while in seminary and several times since. It is a refreshing read each time as the authors encourage pastors as we seek to live out our calling. Full of memorable stories and practical principles, this resource has blessed me time and again as I seek to “bloom where I am planted” and be the best shepherd I can be for the Great Shepherd and His church.

My devotions this week took me through the Gospel of Mark which is the shortest Gospel. Much of Mark’s Gospel is attributed to Peter and portrays Jesus as a person of action. Miracles are important in Mark’s Gospel to validate that Jesus is who he says he is. Interestingly, about 40% of the Gospel covers Jesus last week. One of my favorite chapters of Scripture is Mark 5 where the author tells the story of Jesus healing the demoniac followed by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus’ daughter. Three amazing miracles that clearly show the power that Jesus had as well as His compassion and willingness to heal. As we have been saying for weeks now, oh if we could have a heart just like Jesus.

We will wrap up the “Just Like Jesus” series this Sunday with a message entitled “An Honest Heart.” We will look at a story from the early church and recognize how important honesty is to God. The choir will return and share in our first service but whether you attend at 8:15 am or 10:30 am be prepared to be blessed. And be ready to be challenged to be just like Jesus.

Enjoy a crisp fall weekend and I will look for you at the library tomorrow and more importantly in the Lord’s house on Sunday. Remember it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

 Pastor Kevin