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Ruth and I had a wonderful week of vacation August 15-22 at the Outer Banks. The weather was ideal and we biked around 15 miles a day in addition to beach and pool time. We were joined by our good friends Bob and Marty Metka for part of the week. While we missed Janae’s last week, we were grateful for the time to get away.

On Wednesday, Ruth had another procedure done on her right foot. I am staying close to home to help as she recovers. She is hopeful that she can be at service this Sunday but may not be able to drive by then. As our children returned to school this week, our daughter returned for her fifth year of teaching second grade at Sylvan Heights Science Charter School in Harrisburg this week. Her first week of classes went amazingly well and she is excited for the new school year. 

We are wrapping up our summer season with our traditional Southern End Celebration Sunday this week. We will have no first service nor Sunday School but instead will gather at 10:30 am in the Grove and wrap up our Great Stories from Genesis preaching series. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and dress casually. A fellowship meal will follow in the Family Life Center so please bring a hot dish and a cold dish or dessert to share.  

This week I was able to visit with Carolyn and Clarence Wenger, Bunnie Bledsoe, Emma Dubble and Sheila Mull. In addition, I was busy “catching up” on things that I missed while away on vacation. I am so grateful for Kerri Kreider who is stepping in as our interim Director of Family Ministries. Kerri brings a great understanding of the various ministries and what is needed to continue to develop each ministry. I look forward to serving with her in the coming months.

Like many, I too, was shocked this week with sudden passing of Dolly Parton. While I am not a country music fan, I always appreciated Dolly who lived her life with great joy and tremendous generosity. She certainly touched a lot of lives over the years. The Bible says, “Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season, we shall reap a harvest if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Dolly lived her life with faith and a great desire to do good and to bless others.

The countdown is on to the Solanco Fair as I picked up my fair book this week. Don’t forget to sign up to help in the milk shake stand on Wednesday, September 16 or to be in our booth during the fair. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area. As Diane Herr mentioned last week, this is a great way to engage the community and represent well our Lord and His church.

Let me close with this.  I was reminded several times this week that we always have much to be thankful for when we focus on how we can bless others. A simple visit, a card, a phone call to someone who is struggling can mean everything. Take the opportunity to bless someone and you will be reminded of God’s great blessings in your own life. As the psalmist declared, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).

Have a great late summer weekend and let’s celebrate together in the Grove Sunday morning the blessings we have living in southern Lancaster County and even more so, the blessings we know through our faith in Jesus Christ. Looking forward to a great Lord’s Day with you. It is Friday…but praise the Lord Sunday is coming!

Pastor Kevin