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This was a quiet week for me and around the church. I was able to spend a few afternoons this week visiting and checking in on our homebound members. I worked on a sermon for September and prepared the first lesson for our fall Wednesday evening Bible study on 1 Peter. That will begin on Wednesday, September 24th at 6:30 pm in Room 14. I spent some long overdue time in reading and reflecting and praying as the summer begins to wind down.

Ruth and I are leaving early tomorrow for a week at the Outer Banks. We have been there often over the years. We are taking our bikes as we plan to do some biking and are glad that our friends Bob and Marty Metka from Harrisburg can join us for a few days. We are both looking forward to some time away. With our daughter’s wedding now less than two months away, we know September and October will be very busy.

I am so glad Chris Elliott will be here on Sunday as you will be blessed by his preaching and sharing about the Church of the Brethren global mission work. Remember he will be doing a special Sunday School presentation at 10:30 am in the sanctuary following worship. I would love to be here and hope to catch the livestream service on Sunday. Ruth and I always go to Sunday morning worship when on vacation and we already have identified the church we will be attending.  

In my devotions this week, I finished up the book of Isaiah and started Jeremiah. It was good to read the passages of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53-54 as the prophet looked forward to the coming Messiah. Many passages from the end of Isaiah are quoted in the New Testament including Isaiah 61, the passage that Jesus reads in the synagogue in Nazareth according to Luke 4. It was refreshing to spend some extra time in God’s word this week. 

Coming August 24th is Southern End Celebration Sunday. You should hear more about this Sunday but what a wonderful tradition as we worship together in the Grove. A reminder that the worship time for that service is 10:30 am followed by a meal in the family life center. Ruth and I will be back for that Sunday and look forward to worship and fellowship with you.

There will be no column from me next Friday, but it will resume in two weeks. Please pray for Ruth and me as we travel this week as we pray for you and all that God is doing in and through His Church at Mechanic Grove. Enjoy your weekend but most of all have a great Lord’s Day celebration of worship. Remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin