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This week began with a tremendous Sunday where we talked about the virtue of joy. I don’t know about you, but I saw a lot of joy (or was that happiness?) at the Solanco Fair this week. We were also able to have Dennise from Brethren Housing Association share about that ministry partner. We have been long-time supporters of BHA and it was great to hear an update on how the ministry continues to bless families with transitional housing in Harrisburg. This week, we will get hear about the upcoming CROP Walk and how you can participate and/or support this ministry.

On Monday evening, our Commissions and Church Board met and we will have Church Board updates for you soon. Your faithfulness in giving to the Lord and the support of the ministry has enabled the church to exceed our budget expectations so far in 2026. As we continue to focus on knowing, living and sharing Christ’s love, I am convinced that His favor and blessing will continue.

The Solanco Fair dominated much of our lives this week. A big thank you to Diane Herr and her team for the Mechanic Grove booth that we had this year. In addition, I was blessed to serve in the milkshake stand Wednesday morning and grateful for the many who came out to serve. It was great to watch the various generations working together to serve our community. As always, I enjoyed just being at the fair, meeting people, and watching you be the hands and feet of Jesus. Look for the traditional fair slideshow next Sunday, September 27.

Dave Delong did have his surgery on Tuesday this week. Continue to pray for Dave as they await pathology results. Unfortunately, Carolyn Wenger had to return to UPMC Hospital in Harrisburg for additional surgery on her hip late this week. Your prayers for Carolyn and cards of encouragement are greatly appreciated. Be praying as well for the Carl Graver family. Plans are in progress for his celebration of life service to be held at Mechanic Grove next Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 am.

With the Solanco Fair soon behind us, our fall programming will begin to ramp up. Our men’s Saturday morning bible study resumes tomorrow at 7:00 am in room 14. Next Wednesday the book group is meeting. Also, next Wednesday evening, Adult Bible study resumes with a deeper dive into our Believe series. Next week we will be looking at peace. The choir is resuming practice this Wednesday at 7:30 pm and as Lori said they need more voices. Please consider joining the Adult choir or the bell choir as our new programming year begins. As a reminder, our first Roots night is still a few weeks away and will be Wednesday, October 7 starting with our meal at 5:45 pm.

Two important events are upcoming. This Sunday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren, Global Mission Gathering United in Mission is meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn of the global mission work of the Church of the Brethren. Pastor Mary Etta Reinhart and I are planning to attend but we would love to have more from our congregation. In addition, coming on Sunday October 4 is our Love Feast observance during the Sunday School hour. This is a modified format from our standard evening gathering that is more family/children friendly. Please consider participating in this Love Feast celebration at 9:30 am on October 4.

As this busy week begins to wind down, I found myself in prayer this morning just thanking and praising God for the privilege of being in ministry and service with you. It was such a blessing to see so many of you this week serving at the fair but to be honest I see that every week as you serve as volunteers in various ways through the ministry of His church at Mechanic Grove. The Apostle Paul often began his letters to churches by praising them for their good work and remembering them in prayer. Please know that I have done the same for you this week and especially today. In Ephesians 1:16, Paul tells the believers in Ephesus, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Paul understood that the work of the church is carried out by the people of the church. As our staff has been engaged in a book entitled, “Doing Church as a Team,” we have been reminded repeatedly that we are working together in this great work of knowing, living, and sharing Christ’s love. What a blessing it was to see us living out our mission in ministry together this week.

Enjoy the last day of the fair and have a great weekend. Together let us keep our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2) and let’s prepare to celebrate together this Lord’s Day the greatness of our Lord and God. Remember, it is Friday…but Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin