In my Lenten/Easter readings, I’ve found Luke 22 to be a very interesting chapter. It covers quite a bit of territory, but there are some very curious details that appear in it.
• How did they find where they were going to celebrate the Passover meal? Verse 10: You’re going to find a man carrying a pitcher of water, and you’re going to follow him. Ordinarily this kind of task was reserved for women (Think how Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24, how Moses met his wife and her family in Exodus 2, or how Jesus met the woman at the well in John 4), so I’m sure it certainly was odd to see a man doing “women’s work”. Then they were to follow him home and talk to the owner of the house, who just so happens to have a huge upper room that’s completely furnished to accommodate at least 13 men. Of course this is a detail that only God would know, but an interesting tidbit that Luke inserted.
• Jesus then describes the conversion of the Passover into the Lord’s Supper. This, of course, is to not only symbolize his own broken body (the bread) and spilled blood (the wine) to come very soon, but to point back to the unblemished lamb that is slaughtered to save the people from the angel of death.
• Clearly his disciples didn’t get what was happening, because immediately after the symbolism of the Lord’s Supper, it says in verse 24 that “there arose a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.” I can only wonder what was going through Jesus’ mind at that point. He’s pouring His heart out to them, and trying to teach them an important truth about His earthly mission, and they’re worried about which one of them is the best. It’s like those times where I’m having a “teachable moment” with my children: I get to the end of my lecture, and I think I really did a great job at explaining something to them… then one of them runs off like nothing happened, and the other two start bickering over who gets the first turn playing video games. Truly an understated demonstration of Christ’s patience with us humans.
• There’s the part of Jesus’ teaching where He indicates that His followers should now be prepared, verse 35-38. When He first sent them out in Matthew 10, they were instructed to take no provisions with them but simply to proclaim the good news of repentance. Now Jesus is changing His tune, telling them to bring a money belt and bag, and if you don’t have a sword, sell his coat and buy one. Is Jesus telling them to actually buy swords? No, not exactly. I think it’s another illustrative teaching for them, to indicate that they need to be prepared mentally and spiritually for what’s ahead, because there will be substantial opposition in the near future. I’d also like to think that when they show Him their swords and He says “It is enough,” it’s more in the tone of “That’s enough of this conversation.” Like the conversation about who will be the greatest, it shows a consistent ignorance and lack of awareness on the part of the disciples and an incredible patience and grace on the part of Jesus. And further, I know exactly how that goes… How often do we find ourselves in a place where God is trying to teach us something, and only some time after events unfold do we have the clarity to say “Oh, so that’s what You meant!”
• So they leave the room and go out to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus goes away from them “a stone’s throw”, which is not a very clear indication on distance away, but what’s important is that He was still relatively close by. Not sure if Jesus later mentioned it to the disciples that passed information to Luke, but they probably saw the angel that came to Jesus and “strengthened” Him. But even with that encouragement, Jesus prayed so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood. I have no idea what that looks like, whether it was literally blood or something else. But clearly, there was an intense stress.
There’s more that could be said, but all in all, it’s very rich in content and details. There was one specific detail that might get passed over if you’re reading quickly. In verse 45, I think it’s pretty clear that when Jesus was praying, it was probably not quiet. His disciples were found “sleeping from sorrow.” They heard Him. They may not have known completely what was up, but they knew something was up… and that sorrow must have just drained them. Have you ever experienced that? That life has become so overwhelmingly bad in a given moment, that you feel just emotionally and physically drained? Perhaps you’ve felt the weight of your school final exams at the end of the year, or incredible stress at work with a project on which your job depends, a broken relationship with a family member, or even the grief and sorrow in the slow lead-up to a loved one dying. It is soul-crushing. It is despairing. To quote an author that I listen to, “Grief is a desert that must be crossed on foot.” It’s a hard trip made in the hardest way possible, but it’s something we all must go through and there’s no getting around it.
In Hebrews 4:15-16, the author of that letter describes Jesus as our high priest, or our mediator or go-between for us and God. In the Old Testament, the high priest would offer sacrifices on behalf of the people in the hope that God would accept it. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the role as a permanent mediator between us and God, bringing us a restored relationship through His own death and resurrection. Jesus, the high priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses. He knows what we’re going through, and like us, He’s experienced pain, sorrow, and loneliness. Turn to Him; cast your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
And sometimes, we simply don’t have the words to know what to say or how to express how we’re feeling. For that, I’d turn to one of my favorite promises in the Bible, from one of the less-recognized persons of God, in Romans 8:26. “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” I’ve been in the situation or been a friend to someone in a situation like that - where I’m at a loss for words and I have no idea what to even say. And in times like those, anything we say or pray feels like it falls short. My friends, please remember that we not only have a perfect High Priest in Jesus who understands our situations and is our go-between… We also have the Spirit as a go-between, who intercedes on our behalf with those groanings too deep for words.
At the time you’re reading this, Easter may be over. But just because the one day we recognize and celebrate Easter might be over, it’s something to celebrate every day. We have a God that deeply knows us, deeply loves and cares for us (1 John 4:7-9), and deeply desires for us to know Him in that same way. God has provided a Way to have that relationship with Him, and He provides Himself as a partner to come along side us. The desert might be miserable, but you don’t have to travel it alone.
Tim Leidy
In the midst of all the joyous activities of Easter and the breaking forth of Spring, don’t forget the SLMT Auction. Scheduled for the last Saturday of April [that is, April 27th], keep that date sacrosanct for the Auction. Why? Well, consider these factors:
• Great food at an inexpensive cost. Tony Kapusta and a cast of dozens will head up the culinary activities. Pulled pork sandwiches, Leidy’s homemade potato salad, perfectly grilled hot dogs, baked beans, and a plentitude of enticing and tasty desserts.
• A splendid host of items up for auction. You can bid on things as disparate as a weekend at the Delaware Shore (maybe you’ll see President Biden!), or a 150 psi air compressor and jump starter. Again, you could bid on a Pat Niederhaus calligraphy piece featuring a verse from Psalm 121 or set your bidding sights on tickets to the latest Sight & Sound production. There’s always a nice array of sports memorabilia to bid on, and this year is no exception. That’s just a sampling – there’ll be lots more!
• World class Auctioneer in Len Walter. He always does a masterful job of getting folk to bid just one more time! He is not averse to a bit of humor now and then, and he’s been known to bid on a thing or two himself – which is saying something about the quality of the items we have up for auction.
• Delightful fellowship and fun. It’s always interesting to see who bids how much for what. Perhaps Tony Kapusta will bid up an item his father Richard is bidding on – again. Some item for whatever reason has bidders that won’t stop – hence a pie that sells for $300 or more. And, who is going to get that item you want off the silent bid table?
Just in case you’re wondering, we have plenty of room for more items to auction off, so if you’ve not yet brought in your item(s) for the Auction, do so now.
And, if you want to volunteer to help in some way, just speak with Mary Beth Musselman and she’ll get you signed up.
SLMT AUCTION, SATURDAY APRIL 27TH WITH DOORS OPENING AT 4:30. See you there.
The Red Cross Mobile Blood Unit will be at Leidy’s Church on April 18th to receive blood donations from 2 to 7 pm from people who have registered as donors. There are two ways you can register as a donor. First, you can sign up for an appointment by going directly to the Red Cross website, which is www.redcrossblood.org and click on “Find a Blood Drive” and then go to the box type listed as leidyschurch. (no spaces or apostrophe). When you click on that link, you will see the times available to schedule your appointment. The second way to sign up is by calling the church office or signing up in the narthex before or after the worship service on Sunday mornings. Also, there are options of blood donation one can choose, from the normal red plasma to donating blood platelets. The amount of time may vary depending on the procedure, but the average completion time is between one and one-half to two and one-half hours.
We want to thank everyone who sign up to donate blood at the Spring Blood Drive.
On Sunday, April 7th Karli Weiss will be here to present to us an opportunity to partner with North Care Women’s Clinic to support their efforts to provide sound, reliable, godly, and compassionate help and advice to women and families who struggle with the reality of a difficult or unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. They also provide free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, and option consultations.
There will be baby bottles for you to pick up in the narthex to take home with you. Why would you want to pick up a baby bottle? Because this is a fund-raising effort on behalf of North Care Women’s Clinic.
The bottles are designed to be used by individuals and families to collect change or checks or twenty-dollar bills. It could be that a family will put all their loose change each day in the bottle. Another person might include putting some money in the bottle as part of their devotional time. Whatever those options might include, all are meant to be done between now and April 28.
Our thanks and prayers go out to the faithful folk ministering at the North Care Women’s Center.
Ladies of Leidy’s
Hi ladies. Please join us for our April Ladies of Leidy’s meeting, Tuesday 4/2 @ 7 pm in Rm. 123 (yes, this is the Tuesday right after Easter). Opportunities abound for all to plug in to upcoming outreach events as we serve our risen Lord together in love and fellowship. We will discuss the SLMT Auction and, yes, the fast approaching May rummage sale! All ladies welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
Women’s Sunday School
Please join us for a six-week study from the book of Acts - Awakening to God in Everyday Life. Whether it’s distraction, busyness, or that we experience a drift in our spiritual lives - we need a continual awakening if we want to become more aware of God’s presence in the every day! We meet downstairs on Sunday morning from 8:45-9:45, come one week or every week for teaching, discussion and a short video from Melissa Spoelstra. No book needed except your Bible.
Precept News
If anyone is interested in joining the Precept bible Study in the fall and would like to hear what goes on Thursday mornings at Leidy’s (for the past three decades plus) please stop in on May 16 (9-11:30) to join us for a testimony brunch from our current study of the gospel of John We begin classes in September and end in May. This coming fall we’re excited to offer Ezekiel - Then You Will Know That I Am Lord - Part 1. Please contact Verna at 215-237-1370.
Our sincere Christian sympathy to Dianne Nase and family at the death of Don. May God be with them at this time.
I have a dear friend here at church who told me at one point, I did not say hi to her for seven years…I felt bad, because I know I talked to her husband numerous times. I've been going to this church for 24 years or so, and I know there are people that I don't know still, who I see weekly.
Sometime in early fall we are going to be doing “Guess Who's Coming to Dinner” again. This is a fun night where people end up either hosting or going to someone's house for dinner, but neither party knows who's coming over until they get there.
On May 19th we are going to be having an after church lunch that’s going to be a prelude to that event. The exact details need to be worked out, but the idea is that people are randomly assigned a table for lunch, and they get to potentially meet a new friend or friends… What about families with little kids….these are the kinks that need to be worked out ... .no guarantee it will be perfect but it will be a great time of good food and more importantly fellowship.
As you begin planning your summer activities, we thought you’d like to know a couple of dates so that you can include them in your planning. Leidy’s Church has undertaken a multi-year project to transform a Carriage House on the property of Life Turning Point Philly into two apartments for post-program transition housing.
The previous two summers included a large amount of cleaning-up/off work and demolition or deconstruction. Now, we’re about to transition to construction. We still need good crews of workers and will have tasks for all skill levels. If you would like to be part of those teams, here are the dates you should plug into your calendar:
July 22-26
August 5-9
More details are forthcoming, but now is the time to set apart those weeks. For more information, contact Brian Radcliff, chief straw boss, or Sherman Focht, assistant straw boss.
As Richie Ashburn used to say, “Hard to believe, Harry.” [How many of our readers even recognize those two fellows? I wonder] What we find hard to believe is that the remediation of the mold in the house of Pastor Jesús is underway! Read on to discover how that came about.
Our original intention was to raise $30,000 via the Dollar-A-Day project during the 2024 calendar year. With those funds in hand, then we would proceed with plans to do the actual remediation project. In other words, the actual project work was slated to begin in early 2025. But here it is early 2024 and the project is underway.
A local charitable entity heard about our project and wondered why that family with all its respiratory problems should have to wait a year to get their home fixed. So, they contacted the Mission Committee and offered to give us the necessary funds upfront with the proviso that they be repaid on a monthly basis throughout the rest of this year. It took all of a New York Second for the Committee to accept the offer. The only proviso is the charitable entity insisted on anonymity. That was no problem on our end, so the funds were soon in our hands.
In Venezuela, Pastor Jesús had to find a local contractor who would undertake the job. He found just the man. In fact, he is an Elder in a nearby local church, a man whom Pastor Jesús had know as a youth. A very responsible and trustworthy and skilled man. He agreed to do the project, ordered the necessary supplies, and the work began March 26th. Hallelujah!
The project should take about three months to complete. the first task will be to get the moldy areas of the house remediated, holes patched, etc. But what is to prevent the same thing from happening again? The problems is that Venezuela is a tropical area, with lots of precipitation. Water from the roof finds its way down to the walls and ceilings of the home. The solution is to put a concrete, impervious surface roof on the building. The contractor has done this in previous instances. And that’s what will happen. It is hoped the project will be complete by the end of June. We’ll see!
Perhaps you’re wondering if you need to continue to participate in the Dollar-A-Day project. Answer: YES! We have to reimburse the funds that were advanced to us. And we need to continue to pray for Pastor Jesús, his family, and this project. And in our prayers, let’s include thanksgivings for the charitable entity that heard about the need and did something about it.
Tuesday, April 23rd is the date for the Pennsylvania Primary elections. Leidy’s Church serves as a polling place for two precincts in Franconia Township. That means the Fellowship Hall will be reserved for voting set-up and actual voting from mid-afternoon on the 22nd through the evening of the 23rd. If you’re at the church on Election Day, please remember the normal courtesies: park farther down in the lot so voters may have access to closest parking spots; limit your time in the narthex; don’t try to use the kitchen or Fellowship Hall; and greet folk with a smile and friendly greeting.
On April 21st a family we have known for over a decade will be with us: Chris and Heather Christensen. For as long as we’ve supported them through our mission budget, they have served on the other side of the globe in Bangladesh. Here’s some BIG NEWS: they are relocating to this side of the globe, but still quite a ways away. Their new field of ministry will be in the country of Trinidad and Tobago.
As usual, the Christensens will be in the Fellowship Hall to give their update during the Sunday School hour. Everyone is invited to attend. You know, it really encourages mission speakers when a good crowd shows up when they’re speaking. Likewise, it can be discouraging when the class is sparsely attended.
Here’s a question for all of us: Where in the world is their new field of service located? And, another question: Is Trinidad and Tobago one country, or two? Gotcha! Didn’t we! Come out on the 21st of April and get the correct answer to both questions.
O.A.S.I.S. “Totally Pot Luck Lunch” will be Thursday, April 11th from 12:00 to 2PM, in the Fellowship Hall! Anyone over 55 is welcome to attend. Simply sign up on the sheet posted in the hallway -- and bring at least one food dish of your choice (main dish, salad, vegetables, or dessert)--enough for yourself and to share with others! We will also be playing some lively games of Bingo. There is NO fee to play and the prizes are all wonderful donations. Also, if you forget to sign the sheet, call the office to let them know who (or how many) are coming and they will graciously sign the sheet for you!
The second Thursday of May is when the next BMCE Business & Professional Breakfast takes place. Speaking at the event will be Terry Derstine who heads up the Hope Festival each September in our area. Terry is not an accomplished speaker, he says. So, John Yost from 107.5 Alive will interview him instead! It’s a new format, but promises to be good.
More information will be forthcoming, but tickets may be purchased from Jack Parry, John Niederhaus, or the church office. The breakfast begins at 6:30am and is finished by 8. It takes place at the Franconia Heritage Banquet Center.
An almost up-to-the-minute report is scheduled to be shared at a 6am breakfast on Thursday, May 2nd. It takes place at Franconia Heritage Banquet facility. Global Disciples – an organization with which we are familiar, having done a three year program with them for work in Chad and Niger – is hosting this event.
Brother Tefera from Ethiopia will explain from personal experience what persecution looks like in his country and in his life. In addition, he will have the latest reports on persecution still taking place around the world and how Christians are responding to it. His message, surprisingly enough, is one of joy unspeakable and full of glory!
It will be a blessed time of encouragement and fellowship, along with an opportunity to share in the support of Global Disciples’ ministry. There is no cost, but reservations should be made by calling 717-290-7550 or speak with John Niederhaus and he will reserve a place for you. The meeting begins early (6am!) and gets out early (7:30am!), but will provide with the latest breaking news on the persecuted church around the globe.
Present: Brian Shoemaker, Jerry Kulp, Shaun Permar, Bob Ott, Tony Kapusta, Aaron Vogelzang, Ken Merritt, Brian Radcliff, Kendall Musselman, Josh Heebner, Francis Weiss, and Gary Brown (guest) Absent: Jim Foote
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM. Jerry opened in prayer.
Minutes from the Consistory Meeting of February 7th were reviewed. On motion of Bob Ott, seconded by Francis Weiss, the Minutes were approved.
General Fund giving for February totaled $47,488, while budgeted expenses totaled $59,701, resulting in a Total Fund Balance of $93,157. Renovation Fund contributions were $2,127, with disbursements totaling $1,948, resulting in an ending balance of $214,770. It was noted that year to date we have spent 17% of our budgeted General Fund amount, which is right on target. On motion of Shaun Permar, seconded by Tony Kapusta, the financial report was approved.
The Christian Education, Communications & Administration, Community Outreach, Food & Fellowship, Property, and Welcoming team leaders all reported that they are on track to complete their quarterly goals. The Missions & Ministry Support Team is on track to complete their quarterly goals and also noted that 15 letters were sent to benevolence recipients in round one of our new benevolence support screening/vetting process. All but four responded and these were removed from the list. This resulted in surplus benevolence funds, which were reallocated to the ten organizations that responded to the letters. The Praise & Worship team is on track to complete their quarterly goals and also noted that they have been planning for Palm Sunday and Easter worship services. The Care & Outreach Team is almost finished collecting information about current small groups and is ready to transition to planning for a renewed emphasis on small groups.
The church owns 12 shares of PNC ($1,860), 1,040 shares of Verizon ($41,600), and 15,944 shares of Univest ($318,880) for a total value of $362,340. These stocks are held in a custodial account and have been underperforming as they are in a “value account” vs. a “growth account.” It was suggested that we continue to use the value of the stocks as an endowment fund, with undesignated donations given to the church when someone passes away automatically being deposited in it. It was also noted that we should manage the funds more effectively. Guest, Gary Brown, shared a presentation regarding potential ways to manage the account more effectively. He thoroughly explained current investment performance trends and shared the advantages and disadvantages of various options to better manage the account. Consistory approved the transferring of all funds currently in the individual custodial account to a Girard Investment Advisory Fund. A draft governance policy for the account will be created by a subcommittee that will work alongside Gary to draft the document by next month.
An eviction notice was delivered to Abundant Life Family Church. They have until May 1st to vacate. Plans to rent space at the HUB to Leidy’s Inc. are progressing and the terms of the lease are being worked on. Phil Shade, of St. Peters Church, desires to rent the sanctuary at the HUB, as well as some office space. Discussion regarding this potential lease agreement are in the early stages.
It was decided that the responsibilities outlined in our current Praise & Worship Leader job description are impossible to fulfill in 20 hrs. a week. Consistory agreed to temporarily pause the search process while the job description is being revised to include responsibilities that can realistically be accomplished in 20/hrs. week. A committee is being formed for this purpose and for the purpose of being more proactive with posting the job description in a variety of places to secure more applicants.
The church’s soundboard has two bad faders that need to be repaired (estimated $2,000) as they are greatly impeding the sound quality during worship. There are also three speakers in the sanctuary that need to be looked at for possible repairs and/or replacement (cost TBD). Consistory approved moving ahead with both. At a zoning hearing, Leidy’s Church was approved to rezone from residential to institutional. It’s now open to public opinion until April 16th and is expected to pass without conflict. Progress is being made regarding getting quotes for new church signage. A contract to have windows replaced at the parsonage ($16,120) was approved as was the purchase of a new washer and dryer ($2,400). A new rage for the Missions House was also approved ($999). It was decided that starting next school year, both home school groups will be required to submit a $1,000 security deposit to cover potential damages and damage caused by excessive wear and tear.
Logistics of worship services for Good Friday and Easter were discussed. Former church member, Harold Holloway, gifted the church $25,732 from his estate. After a time of remembrance, honoring Harold, paperwork was signed to officially accept the generous gift.
Josh led a time of intercessory prayer for spoken concerns. The meeting adjourned with a unison praying of the Lord’s Prayer at 9:33 PM.
Question 40: What should we pray?
The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.
Ephesians 3:14–21: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith— that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Commentary - John Chrysostom
Great is the profit to be derived from the sacred Scriptures and their assistance is sufficient for every need. Paul was pointing this out when he said, “Whatever things have been written have been written for our instruction, upon whom the final age of the world has come, that through the patience and the consolation afforded by the Scriptures we may have hope.” (Rom. 15:4; see 1 Cor. 10:11) The divine words, indeed, are a treasury containing every sort of remedy, so that, whether one needs to put down senseless pride, or to quench the fire of concupiscence or to trample on the love of riches, or to despise pain, or to cultivate cheerfulness and acquire patience— in them one may find in abundance the means to do so.50
Alistair Begg
When we’re asking what we should pray about, we instinctively turn to the Bible, because it’s the Bible that inspires us and directs us. So whether it’s Jesus reminding us that we should always pray and not faint or Paul reminding the Philippians not to be anxious about anything but in everything to turn to God in prayer, it is the Bible that keeps us on track. As we pray, we’re really asking God to bring our lives and the lives of others into line with his purposes. And when we pray in that way, we’re able to pray with confidence. So, we can pray for our world, that men and women might come to believe the gospel. We can pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest field, as Jesus said. We can pray for the work of the gospel in our own lives, that we might become holy and joyful and thankful. And when we do all of this, we need to remember that God is far more willing to bless us than we are even to take the time to ask him. As Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:11).
1 Bonnie Pross
2 Michael Kehs, Quinn Mahoney
3 Allison Hall, Phil shafer
4 Henry Shafer
5 Doug Elliott
6 Brody Kinney, Evangeline Smith
7 Bob Hager, Ben Weber
8 Maikil Yagilnicky
9 Greg Nase
10 Brian Radcliff, Joan Radcliff
11 Molly McDonald, Justine Smith, Kaleb Smith
15 Stan Ott
16 Betty Curry, John Pavie
17 Aleks Yagilnicky
18 Ava Permar
19 Verna Bowman, Sue Landis
20 Jean Frederick
21 Jim Kinney
22 Mariah Foote
27 Aaron Vogelzang
28 Mallory Kinney, Tara McVaugh, Alisha Vogelzang
29 Sandy Derr
4 Dean & Beth Kulp
5 Tom & Judy Leidy
6 Lew & Linda Stretch
7 Clyde & Sandy Derstine
27 Drew & Laurie Weiss
