What lengths has a friend gone for you? Or perhaps what lengths have you gone for a friend? Back before I was married, I used to help two of my grade-school friends with some landscaping work on my free weekends. It gave me a couple extra bucks that week for gas and other things, and they could count on me to help them as a hard-working employee. Onetime, a client had requested that their home's flower beds would receive mulch in October. A curious request, to be sure - most people mulch in the spring to keep down weeds and beautify the home's exterior for the summer. But we were willing to do it, and they were willing to pay for it, so I wasn't about to complain. We worked all Saturday and finished at the house between 7 and 8 PM. The place looked great, but there were two problems. Problem 1, my friend had misjudged the amount of mulch needed, so there was a huge pile in front of the house on the street, which could be a hazard. This was further compounded by the fact that the other help for the job had already left and gone home, and itwas October so it was already dark out. Problem 2, I had made plans with my then-girlfriend to go out after work, and at that time we didn't see each other much during the week. What was I supposed to do?
Well, I did what needed to be done. I called my girlfriend and said, "Sorry, sweetheart. My guy needs me. "We cleaned up the entire pile, tossing several yards of mulch into the truck, finally finishing up around 10 or 11. He knew that I wasn't thrilled - after all, not only did I have to break my plans, but moving that much mulch after a full day's work is downright demoralizing. But hopefully he also knew that I wasn't leaving until the work was finished, because I wasn't going to leave him high and dry. (And don't feel bad for my girlfriend... Not only did she understand because she's awesome, she even married me about a year later.)
We're all willing to make those sacrificesfor a friend. But what are we willing to do for the gospel? After all, if weclaim to be Christians, if we claim to have a love for God and His people, ifwe wish to have a part in God's kingdom and fulfill His mission of the GreatCommission, we need to be outwardly focused. Turn with me to 1 Corinthians9:19-23 and read through it quick. What's Paul saying here? What I think Paulis describing here is how our personal evangelism should look. First of all,what's our motivation? It's the last sentence - that we carry out our personalmission to share the gospel so we can share the blessings of life in the gospelwith them. Well what are those blessings?
Is it wealth? Is it freedom from bad things happeningin our lives? Nope; we're not promised freedom from troubles, including moneytroubles. Instead, the blessings of a life in Christ look a lot different.During the pandemic a few years ago, there were a lot of worried and terrifiedpeople. Lots of folks without hope. You know who weren't scared? The Christiansthat I knew, the ones who had their lives rooted in Christ. They were notmotivated by fear, because they realized that in life or in death, their hopewas in their Savior Jesus Christ. We don't have to live as though we're controlledby fear and worry. Will we still have issues that can cause that? Sure, but ourhope and help is in a good, good Father.
Further, when we live our lives in alignment with God's will, that is also part of the gospel (the good news)! I was reflecting the other day with a friend on how tough it is to lead a reasonably orderedlife. That is to say, one in which we work hard to keep our marriages strong, raise our children with a particular moral code and integrity, show up to our jobs and putting in a full day's work... but how chaotic and disordered things can be when we aren't showing up (physically, mentally, and spiritually) for our jobs and families? When we're trusting in Christ, we're not promised a cake walk. But the blessings of a life aligned with the hope of the gospel bears fruit in our everyday life, too, as God knows our every need (Matt 6:25-34).Wouldn't we all want that for everyone we know (and don't know)?
I think the key takeaway from the passage in 1Corinthians 9, though, is accessibility of the gospel. Note that Paul doesn't change the gospel message (Gal 1:8-9), but he does modify the approach in how he presents it. What does that look like practically for us? When we talk about faith, justification, sanctification - all terminologies that are familiar to those in the church - people who didn't grow up in the church will likely not understand these terms or their importance. As we talk about life with people, we can talk about how we're free from the burden of worry because we know we have a heavenly Father (faith). Or how we don't have to feel burdened by guilt or by not measuring up with our kids and spouses because our perfect friend Jesus was able to live perfectly in our place and died in our place(substitutionary atonement). And we can do that while walking beside people we work with, or our next door neighbors, or people that are in the community. We can authentically be truck drivers, or cashiers, or office workers, or teachers and be able to use those experiences to tailor an authentic gospel message to the people we're with. The same goes with children - are we not going to explain Christianity in a slightly different and more digestible manner to a child? Shouldn't we also make this as accessible as possible, such as seeking out opportunities beyond what we currently do so that more might be able to hear? Shouldn't we also take John the Baptist's approach in John 3:30 ("He must increase, but I must decrease"), and put our own personal preferences aside to make the gospel as easily attainable and unrestricted as possible?
Maybe we can think of times that we went great lengths for a friend or for another person, too. But we cannot forget the greatest length that our friend Jesus went for us - a perfect God, becoming a man to be the perfect substitute on our behalf. He without sin took on our sin and the punishment we deserved - in the greatest act of love and devotion He could demonstrate. And we can pray that this simple message can motivate all of us to think of creative and new ways to present that good news in countless new ways.
Tim Leidy
Please join us for our monthly LOL meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 pm. At the business meeting there will be a discussion on the Christmas Craft & Gift Sale and the upcoming Advent Workshop. Join us to see how you can be a part of these fun ministries. Question? Please feel free to contact Karen Mirabella or BJ Kulp.
A fellowship ministry for widows to connect and be encouraged. Wemeet in one another’s homes on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 6:30pm. If you would like to join us, please contact Donna atweissdonna42@gmail.com or Verna at gvbowman@comcast.net.
OnThanksgiving Eve, Leidy’s Church will be hosting a service of worship where wecan collectively give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives. We allhave a variety of reasons to give thanks as we reflect on the life God hasgiven to us and all the provisions of life we enjoy, such as our families, ourjobs, and our health and freedom to be sure. But the greatest thing God hasblessed us with is salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and the gift of eternallife in Him.
Youare invited to come and join us at this special service that will focus onhonoring and giving thanks to our God! The worship service will begin at 6:00pmwith elements of Scripture readings, prayer, testimonies, and of coursecorporate singing as we lift our hearts to God with thanksgiving and joyouspraise.
So,on this solemn occasion whereby we as a nation celebrate Thanksgiving Day, maywe as the people of God come together with gratefulness in our hearts toworship the Lord God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
Zion Choral Society will be presenting one of their musicalconcerts in our sanctuary. The date is Sunday, November 15th. Starting time is3pm, but you may want to get here a good bit earlier to get a seat. In fact,prelude music featuring organ and piano will begin at 2:30.
Zion Choral Society is a choir made up of men and women, young and old, from a variety of denominations, but all of whom delight in singing praises to God. Their concerts are intended to be worship experiences and will include some congregational singing.
There is no charge to attend the concert, but a free will offering will be taken. Invite someone to come with you and come to delight in the greatness of God and the salvation He’s provided through the Lord Jesus.
All members and friends of Leidy's Church are invited to our annual Advent Workshop, Sunday, November 29th, beginning at 4:00pm which is sponsored by the Ladies of Leidy's group. This event is all-inclusive, meaning that all ages are encouraged to participate in assembling different holiday crafts, while enjoying the fellowship around the craft tables. A display table of 'sample' crafts will be set up in the narthex near the main entrance of the Fellowship Hall, where people can choose a craft, and then sign-up on the sheets conveniently placed alongside each of the craft items. We do ask that parents assist their young child(ren) in selecting the craft.
Even if you think you are not crafty, do not let that stop you from joining in this fun-filled family-oriented holiday event. In addition to the craft-making there will be food provided for all in attendance. Bring a dessert to share and enjoy a delicious selection of pizza and beverages for everyone to enjoy. So, if you do not want to do a craft, you are welcome to come for the meal and the fellowship time. Who knows, you might even get achance to help one of the children with their craft as well.
Saturday, November 14 at 10AM in the Fellowship Hall
It’s time for the Kick Off Party! Family members areasked to join us for the party and help your children decide what parts might work for them.
We’ll have games, snacks, and announce the new Musical at The Kick Off Party. Please invite friends, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to join us in this year’s Sonshine Players Spring Musical coming March 14th and15th. It's an amazing way to share the gospel with hundreds of people!
Practices will be at 10am on Saturday mornings andwill last 60-90 minutes. Sign up to join us!
On Saturday, November 21, Fellowship Hall will be transformed into an early winter wonderland (sans snow!), featuring exceptional treasures, many local handcrafted items suitable for your family and friends Christmas gift giving...AND delicious breakfast and lunch items created by none other than Wendy Radcliff (SHHHH! her bacon jam, the secret ingredient to her breakfast sandwiches, is also available for purchase, however is in very limited supply)! A great way to start your Christmas shopping with gifts created with care...Absolutely a fun and worthwhile event, so be sure to mark the date on your calendars! Happy shopping!
Time to Head to the Polls
It’s November and that means time for elections andvoting. Tuesday, November 3rd is the day when the polls will beopen.
Leidy’s Church is ai polling place for two precincts. That means the Fellowship Hall and the Kitchen areas are reserved for election preparations, actual voting, and the wrap-up details from late afternoon on Monday the 4th through about 9:30 pm on Tuesday the 5th.
If you are present at church during the voting hourson Tuesday, please park farther away in our parking lot so those who come by tovote have access to the closest and most convenient parking slots. Oh yes, makecertain you go out and vote!
Francis Weiss called the meeting to orderat 7:04 p.m. Brian Shoemaker opened with prayer and led devotions from Psalm 1.
Jim Kulp moved to approve the Septembermeeting minutes. Brian Shoemaker seconded the motion, which carriedunanimously.
Jim Kinney reviewed financial records and reporting procedures with Greg Nase, Jake Neiderhaus, and Shaun Permar. Giving is well above anticipated levels, though expenses are slightly higher than expected. A $350,000 certificate of deposit was opened, maturing in April 2027.
Credit cards are now linked to Quick Books, and cardholders will enter and allocate their receipts. The Consistory discussed establishing a counting team. Jim Kinney will coordinate training on the new check-scanning machine. An audit team is being considered for 2027. A preliminary budget is anticipated for November, with approval planned for December.
Next steps include obtaining a projectedtimeline from Rich Kapusta. Property separation paperwork and townshipcompliance requirements remain under review.
The Executive Pastor search continues, with initial screenings conducted by Darren DePaul and two interview teams participating. Interviews were scheduled for October 14 and 19. The Consistory also acknowledged that a team is formed to start working on proposed constitutional changes.
The congregational meeting is scheduledfor Sunday the 17th, with Sunday the 24th as the snow date. Officer votes willbe discussed at the next Consistory meeting.
Following Josh Heebner’s resignation, theConsistory determined that his term would be dissolved and that the three newmen would serve three-year terms, with the possibility of a second term ifapproved by the Consistory. Francis Weiss made a motion regarding the terms ofoffice, seconded by Jim Kulp. The motion carried, with one dissenting vote.
Prayer and Adjournment
Brian Shoemaker gathered prayer requests,and the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. The meeting adjourned at 9:38p.m.
Question 81: Who ought to come to the Lord’s Table?
Answer: Those who are displeased with themselves for their sins, and who nevertheless trust that these sins have been forgiven them and that their remaining weakness is covered by the passion and death of Christ, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and improve their life. The impenitent and hypocrites, however, eat and drink judgment to themselves.
Question82: Should those who show themselves to be unbelievers and enemies ofGod by their confession and life be admitted to the Lord’s Supper?
Answer: No, for then the covenant of God would be profaned and His wrath provoked against the whole congregation. According to the ordinance of Christ and His apostles, therefore, the Christian church is under obligation, by the office of the keys, to exclude such persons until they amend their lives.
Question83: What is the office of the keys?
Answer: Thepreaching of the holy gospel and Christian discipline. By these two means thekingdom of heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers.
Question84: How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching ofthe holy gospel?
Answer: In this way: The kingdom of heaven is opened when it is proclaimed and openly testified to believers, one and all, according to the command of Christ, that as often as they accept the promise of the gospel with true faith all their sins are truly forgiven them by God for the sake of Christ’s gracious work. On the contrary, the wrath of God and eternal condemnation fall upon all unbelievers and hypocrites as long as they do not repent. It is according to this witness of the gospel that God will judge the one and the other in this life and in the life to come.
Question85: How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christiandiscipline?
Answer: In this way: Christ commanded that those who bear the Christian name in an unchristian way, either in doctrine or in life, should be given brotherly admonition. If they do not give up their errors or evil ways, notification is given to the church or to those ordained for this by the church. Then, if they do not change after this warning, they are forbidden to partake of the holy sacraments and are thus excluded from the communion of the church and by God Himself from the kingdom of Christ. However, if they promise and show real amendment, they are received again as members of Christ and of the church.
