All of us hate to feel incompetent or uncertain. Perhaps it's because we don't like to feel silly or foolish. We don't want to give others the impression that we're stupid, and we definitely don't want to embarrass ourselves. What's worse, the older I get, the longer it takes for me to learn something new. What does it take to become more sure of something? What does it take to build that confidence? I'd say it takes three things.
1) It takes a good teacher. A good coach, a willing mentor - when you have someone walk beside you and show you what to do, it's amazing how helpful that can be.
2) It takes trust. You have to know that the teacher or coach knows what they're talking about, and that they have a certain expertise or authority on the subject - something that you would like to know better!
3) It takes repetition. Whether it's reading, memorizing, learning a piece of music - it takes repetition to fully grasp something, especially something new. I'm on to teaching my third child how to ride a bike. We've made it through night one of this without crashing, and he did well! But as anyone knows, mastering something takes a little more than a single lesson.
When it comes to our spiritual lives, particularly if you ask someone whether they believe they're going to heaven, I'd bet you'd get three different answers. The first answer, of course, is that they're going to heaven. This could either be from a false confidence in themselves (thinking the good they've done outweighs the bad), or the true confidence in a Savior (the forgiveness of and repentence from sins that comes through trusting in the substitution of Christ taking on the punishment for sin that we deserve, and rising again to demonstrate power over sin and the grave). The second answer, if they're bold, may be that they were destined for hell. Sadly, I've met folks like this, and many times they're unwilling to face that clearly, but are at least honest enough to recognize the state of their own heart. But I think the most common answer is "I'm not sure." Another refreshingly honest take, because no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, doubt and uncertainty are some of the temptations used by the devil himself to steer us away from faith and instead into worry. Am I really saved from sin? Could God really love a sinner like me, who returns to the same sins over and over like a dog to its vomit? Even spiritual giants like Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation, struggled with doubt - calling his own wrestling the "dark night of the soul."
What I want to encourage you with, my dear reader, is not to despair. Instead, I want to embolden your faith. Turn with me to 1 John 5:13. Jesus' beloved disciple John writes, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." What things is John writing about? Not to spoil it, but it's the contents of the letter up to that point. John makes the case that God sent his Son Jesus, and whoever believes in Him and His saving work has eternal life. Jesus Himself states in John 10:10 that "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." God does not want us to doubt or despair; instead, He wants for us to know that we can be saved. He wants to increase our faith.
Remember the three ways I mentioned to build confidence in the midst of uncertainty? They certainly apply here, too. We have a Good Teacher that we can trust. And in those periods of doubt and uncertainty, read through and repeat His promises to yourself. Jesus loves you, He cares for you, He sees you where you're at, and He was willing to lay down His own life for you, taking on the shame, guilt, and punishment that we deserve. He is a God that knows and understands. May we respond accordingly with gratitude, devotion, and faith - knowing without wavering that we have abundant life through Him.
Tim Leidy
It’s June and that means graduations and all the celebratory events connected with them. Leidy’s Church extends hearty congratulations to the graduates in our midst. May the Lord Jesus guide and protect and bless your pathway forward. Here’s the list as we have it:
Sam Shafer - graduates from North Penn High School. He will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology and majoring in Packaging Science. He is the son of Phil & Renee Shafer.
Lydia Shafer - graduates from Classical Conversations and will be going to Lehigh University College of Arts & Science for Architecture, & College of Business for Business Analytics. She is the daughter of Ben & Chris Shafer
Cheyenne Kehs - graduates from Quakertown High School. She will be attending Eastern Connecticut State University to pursue a degree in accounting. She is the daughter of Brandon Kehs.
Sallybeth McClaskey - graduates from Upper Perkiomen High School. She will be attending Brown University for an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She is the daughter of Farrah McClaskey.
Evan Divens - graduates from Classical Conversations and will be working this summer and attending college in the fall. His parents are Ben & Kristen Divens.
Ben Slack - graduates from Liberty University Online Academy and is looking to enter into an apprenticeship for HVAC/Plumbing & Heating after graduation. He is the son of Lee & Tina Slack.
Ellie DePaul - graduates from The Wilberforce School in Princeton. She will be attending Patrick Henry College in the fall studying journalism and English literature. She is the daughter of Darren & Jenny DePaul.
Our prayers will be with them as we trust the Lord to direct their paths according to His wise counsel. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.'”
Congratulations, Class of 2026! May your next chapter be filled with purpose, peace, and God’s abundant grace.
July 27-31, 2026
Program 6:00 - 8:00pm
Family Dinner at 5:15
Join us for an Irish Adventure through Psalm 23: In a world full of worry, kids will discover that God cares for them. At Emerald Crossing VBS, they’ll explore Ireland, learn about David the shepherd-king, and see how Psalm 23 leads them from worry to peace, fear to faith, and uncertainty to a firm foundation in God’s Word. Get your passport ready and join the adventure! For kids who have completed grades K - 5!
Sessions include:
n Lesson time to learn to trust in the Good Shepherd.
n Rambunctious rec time to play games outside & in the gym
n Science & Crafts - get your hands dirty as you make crafts and explore God's
world through science experiments!
Get ready for VBS! Go online and listen to the music! We hope you can join us!
Our sincere Christian sympathy to Lorraine, Rodney & Brian Shoemaker and family at the death of Harvey, and to the family and friends of Alice Forst at her death. May God be with these families at this time.
Congratulations to Steve & Katie Tyson at the dedication of their daughters, Maeve & Millicent. May God be with them as they grow in Him.
Ladies of Leidy's meets on June 2nd at 6:30pm, this is our last meeting before our break during the summer months. All ladies are welcome!
A fellowship ministry for widows to connect and be encouraged. We meet in one another’s homes on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 6:30 pm. If you would like to join us, please contact Donna at weissdonna42@gmail.com or Verna at gvbowman@comcast.net.
Dominican Republic
June 20-June 27
Our team will be serving the local community in Jarabacoa through evangelism and Bible studies, assisting at a bakery, and participating in construction projects while training local residents in practical skills.
Be in prayer for traveling safety, that everyone would stay healthy during the trip, that projects would be accomplished, and that they would proclaim Jesus to all they meet.
The team is: Drew Weiss, Amelia DePaul, Darren DePaul, Baird Thompson, Brian Radcliff, Wendy Radcliff, and Justin Coale.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Josh Heebner. Devotions Jerry Kulp led devotions focused on leadership within the church. He shared how God comforts His people so they may comfort and help others, emphasizing that the comfort of Christ is abundant. Scriptures from James 2 and James 4 were read, highlighting the high standards expected of elders and deacons. Leaders are called to lead with compassion, humility, and strength.
Approval of April Minutes
A motion to approve the April meeting minutes was made by Jim Kulp and seconded by Francis Weiss. Motion carried unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
Discussion was held regarding the church’s updated financial system and consolidation of accounts from seven accounts down to two. The operating account currently holds approximately $400,000. It was agreed to move $100,000 into the investment fund for investment purposes. Weekly budget needs for 2026 are slightly over $18,000, while average weekly giving exceeds $22,000. Giving has exceeded expectations by over $70,000, while expenses are approximately $30,000 higher than expected due to winter-related costs. Current surplus is approximately $32,000.
Budget category updates:
• Missions & Internal Ministries: within 1% of the 15% goal
• Personnel: 34%
• Buildings: 28%
A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Brian Radcliff and seconded by Brian Shoemaker. Motion carried unanimously.
Big Rocks
“Big Rocks” items were discussed.
Old Church Discussion
A brief review was given regarding the recent informational meetings. Paper ballots will be used for the June 7 vote.
Church Administration Discussion
Discussion was held regarding the future of MB’s position and responsibilities. Many financial tasks are expected to become automated through updated systems. Additional discussion included process improvements through Univest and QuickBooks, reduction of duplicate work, benefits of overlap training, and support a potential Executive Pastor could provide. Josh Heebner will speak with the communications team about posting the updated job description, including the amendment requiring the applicant to be a professing Christian.
Executive Pastor Budget Discussion
Discussion was held regarding giving the Spiritual Council approval from a financial standpoint to begin conversations concerning a potential Executive Pastor hire. Darren will work on a job description, and members were encouraged to pray about the opportunity.
Parsonage Update
Brian Radcliff was commended for continuing to work closely with the contractor to keep the project moving. According to Jenny DePaul, the expected move-in date is June 4. Cabinets have been delayed but are expected soon. Jamie Weitzel submitted a $10,000 quote to landscape the parsonage property. Josh Heebner will develop a responsibility plan between DePaul’s and Leidy’s concerning the property.
Consistory Nominations
Two deacon positions remain vacant. Darren will announce nomination opportunities during Sunday services.
Closing
Jerry Kulp closed the meeting by gathering prayer requests and leading in prayer.
The Holy Sacraments
Question 65: Since, then, faith alone makes us share in Christ and all His benefits, where does such faith originate?
Answer: The Holy Spirit creates it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.
Question 66: What are the sacraments?
Answer: They are visible, holy signs and seals instituted by God in order that by their use He may the more fully disclose and seal to us the promise of the gospel, namely, that because of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross He graciously grants us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Question 67: Are both the Word and the sacraments designed to direct our faith to the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
Answer: Yes, indeed, for the Holy Spirit teaches in the gospel and confirms by the holy sacraments that our whole salvation is rooted in the one sacrifice of Christ offered for us on the cross.
Question 68: How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Testament?
Answer: Two, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
1 Luvenia Gillis
2 Cameron Gillis
3 Sarah Kulp, Evelyn Niederhaus, Grace, Pakhtigian, Jacqui Shafer
4 Elijah Smith
5 Katie Tyson
6 Jim Smedberg, John Vasey
8 Hazel Krier
9 Tony Kapusta, Daytona Lepping
10 Judy Leidy
11 Shirley Kulp
13 Angela Kinney, Sharon Kostishion, Pat Niederhaus
16 Bria Niederhaus, Elaine Teate
17 Caren Elliott, Jesse Fisher
19 Lillian King, Austin Merritt, Joe Sciacca
20 Meg Huber, Jakob Niederhaus
21 Katelyn Kulp
22 Courtney Lepping
23 Don Haggerty, Marcy Kirkpatrick
27 Layla Floczak
29 John Schilling
30 Christy Fisher, Will Shafer
2 George & Donna Frueh
3 Jack & Karen Parry
4 Nathan & Bekah Kulp
8 Stan & Judy Ott
13 Oskar & Megan Huber
14 Dave & Adine Doran
17 John & Pat Niederhaus, Bob & Jill Ott
21 John & Cynthia Schilling
22 Alex & Ally Hager, Stewart & Patty Kendall
24 Tom & Alice Kraus, Greg & Sandy Nase
26 John & Janelle Rittenhouse, Bill & Elaine Teate
