I trust you are well today. As I write this letter, I am in my office at the church sitting down at a comfy chair with the air conditioner on. Have you ever stopped to think about all the little blessings in life? Things like soft chairs and air conditioners and a hundred other things that have been handed down to us from our Heavenly Father (James 1:17). As you enjoy God’s many blessings this summer, remember to give thanks to the Giver and seek to find your joy in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Yesterday as I was mowing the lawn I found a snake near our house. It was a good-sized snake but it still looked pretty harmless (turns out it was a water snake). Even though I could have let it go, in the end I decided to kill it. Later on as I reflected on the snake, it made me think of a verse near the end of Romans. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (Romans 16:20).
Ever since the garden of Eden, snakes have been representative of Satan. Unlike this water snake that I encountered yesterday, Satan is dangerous. The Bible tells us he is “prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” What are we to do? “Resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Never make the mistake of underestimating Satan and his forces. But always remember that God is greater and stronger and Satan’s doom is certain (1 John 4:4, Revelation 20:1-3).
I would ask for continued prayers for the Taylor family. It has still only been two weeks since Ken passed away. Nancy is doing remarkably well, but as many of you know only too well, the grieving process can be long and difficult. We also want to keep in prayer Joann Byers, Chris and Steve Prough, Nate and Michelle Yoder, Shirley Ott, Marj Kauffman, Alyshia Adams, Gerald Koontz, Brenda Weston and many others who have lost spouses, parents, or siblings over the past year.
I think it is appropriate to mention the ministry Grief Share at this time. We are a church that is uniquely qualified to host this ministry and it is neat to see some of the ways God is using it. This ministry reaches far beyond this local body of believers and I would like to thank Deb Mitchell, Donna Youtzy, and Denny Getz for facilitating it. Pray that God would continue to open doors and minister to those who are hurting, by pointing them to “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
It was a joy to have Ross and Elaine Moore with us this past Sunday. They shared with me that their time here in the States did prove restful and they will head back to Mali energized and prepared for a new season of ministry. Praise God! And as Ross exhorted us on Sunday, may we keep our eyes fixed on eternity and not the dot (let the reader understand lol). “Only one life, so soon it will pass, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Just a reminder that this coming Sunday the 13th is “Youth Sunday.” Below you will find a list of grads that are connected with our church. If you are so inclined, consider sending a card to them. I know it will be an encouragement.
The last thing I will make mention of is a special birthday gift this weekend. We have lots of June birthdays (including yours truly), but only one person is turning 97! Happy Birthday Stella! May your 98th year be filled with joy as you seek His face (Psalm 24:6).
Pine Glen Church family, please know that you are loved dearly (Romans 1:7). Continue reaching out to one another and serving one another and know that your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). And never stop praising Jesus for saving your soul and for “making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20).
All for Jesus,
Pastor Dan
We would like to celebrate our 2021 High School Graduates that are represented at Pine Glen. What a year that this graduating class has had to persevere through! We will be having a time of fellowship and light refreshments immediately following the service in the Youth room. We welcome all! We have a Graduation Card box at the welcome booth for you to bring cards. Check out the Graduation Corner at bulletin board to see the future plans of each of the graduates. Prayers for each one in this transition and new season of their lives and for God to guide each one! May God bless them!
The following teens are graduating from Mifflin County High School this year:
Zack Bickert – Son of Tom & Sherri Bickert
AJ French – Son of Andre’ & Rachel French/Grandson of Randy & Sandy French
Quinton Fultz – Son of clint & Krystal Fultz/Grandson of Steve & Nancy Fultz
Breanna Harshbarger – Son of Renee & Sam Harshbarger/Granddaughter of Ted & Ruth Harshbarger
Lacee Henry – Daughter of Angela Knouse & the late Rodney Henry
Garrett Mitchell – Son of Joey & Danielle Mitchell/Grandson of Deb Mitchell and the late Dave “Boomer” Mitchell
