July 23, 2021

Dear Church Family,

I am excited to share a few things with you in this brief letter. As time moves on, and the days, weeks, and months progress, things are constantly changing. This is the unchanging nature of this world. What remains constant and fixed, however, is the steadfast love of the Lord (see Psalm 136). Christians can always be certain that the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever (Psalm 117:2). I pray that your hope is rooted and grounded in the promises of God (2 Peter 1:4).

On the evening of July 11^th, we had a special baptism service at the Juniata River. Anna and Elizabeth Stegeman, along with Sherri and Zack Bickert were all baptized in obedience to the word of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Many of us were worried about rain, but the Lord held it off during the service and we even had about 30 minutes to enjoy some food and fellowship afterwards.

Gerald Koontz told me that the view from the top of the riverbank was stunning (my paraphrase) and that the sun even poked through the clouds during the baptisms. What a wonderful night and a testimony to the power and faithfulness of our great God! I look forward to future baptism services as God continues to work and rescue the souls and men and women from the power of darkness in Jesus name.

This coming Sunday we will be hosting what we have called a “Family Game Night.” There will be kickball and ice cream and other delightful and delicious stuff that you won’t want to miss. Even if kickball is not your thing and you don’t like ice cream (who doesn’t like ice cream?), you should still come for the fellowship and a chance to spend time with your church family. It’s this Sunday, July 25^th, at 6pm at the church. Hope to see you there!

Let me take this time to thank you for your faithful giving to Pine Glen Alliance Church. Just like at previous times where I have reported on giving, we are in good shape financially as a church. Praise God! But let me challenge you to continue to give and to give generously

(1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15). Give with joy and give in faith, knowing that God is able to supply above and beyond your need (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). That is the kind of faith and financial stewardship that honors the Lord.

What a joy it is to know the Lord! It is my prayer, as your pastor, that you would know Him in an increasing way (2 Peter 3:18). No matter where you are at in your walk with the Lord, there is room to grow. I have been studying the Bible for over twenty years now and I feel like I have only scratched the surface of all that is there. Be diligent in your study of Scripture as you seek to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Don’t be content to rely on knowledge gleaned from years past in order to face today’s challenges. Strive to grow day by day in your understanding of the infinite love and power of the Triune God.

I so look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning for our next worship service. Come prepared and be expectant to hear from God and receive His spiritual manna (Exodus 16). It is wonderful to see us become more and more of a congregational singing church. That is to say that when we gather, we all sing as a people who have something to sing about. It’s not a performance. It’s not about the person up front who is leading. It is about singing with heartfelt love to the One who has rescued us from our sins.

Friends, we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Our names are written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20). What could be better? I trust you will be ready to praise and extol this God who has showered His grace upon us and loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 103:17). Worship is the ultimate priority. Whether it is during corporate worship or family worship or when you are alone, I pray that a spirit of worship will prevail in your heart and that God would give you His joy and peace (John 15:11).

Pine Glen Church Family, keep on serving and loving one another and know that your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). God is at work all around us, and it is a tremendous privilege to be a part of it.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Dan