Perhaps you haven’t given it much thought before, but the process of grafting is pretty cool. Just thinking about fruit-bearing plants for example, we wouldn’t have the amazing variety of apples that we do. By using precise cutting to line up the plant’s vasculature, you can add a branch of the variety (called the scion) to a compatible existing plant base and root system (called the rootstock). If all goes well, within a few weeks the cuts will heal and will result in a successful graft! The grafted branch will then produce fruit different from the original rootstock plant. And if careful enough, it’s theoretically possible to add multiple varieties of apples to the same tree! One of the wildest grafts that I’ve heard of is the “pomato,” or what some call “ketchup-and-fries” plants. Both tomatoes and potatoes are of the nightshade family, so they can actually be grafted together to grow tomatoes above ground while potatoes grow below! But whether it’s pomatoes or apples or even organ transplants (which are a complex type of graft as well!), the point is to introduce a branch that cannot sustain itself into a new nutrient-providing rootstock, which will create a new fusion to result in new fruitfulness.
The last few weeks, we’ve been growing as a church in our Sunday worship and in our small group series by examining the book of Ruth. Just like the graft into a fruit tree, Ruth was also grafted into not just the people of Israel, but more importantly the royal line of David (Ruth 4:18-22) and ultimately that of the promised Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). And even more interesting is the lineage of Ruth’s second husband Boaz. I don’t think the book of Ruth fully captures his character, as he was noted as an honored man among the people despite his family’s own unique past: his father Salmon had married Rahab (Matthew 1:5), a foreigner and prostitute that betrayed her own people by hiding Jewish spies because she trusted in the God of Israel (Joshua 2, 6:25). Isn’t that amazing, not just one graft from outside, but two! I can bet you that neither Ruth nor Rahab ever imagined that they would be used in such a way by God: foreigners and members of an "unclean" people who married into the Jewish people to become revered matriarchs. Both women took incredible steps of faith, and God honored them for it!
Turn with me to Romans 11. Paul is talking to the Roman believers about being a part of God’s people. While they knew that God had initially set Israel apart, Paul wanted the Romans to understand that God was extending grace to not just Israel, but to all who believe. Being a part of God’s people was not on the basis of doing the right thing or hoping that the good you do outweigh the bad in God’s cosmic scale. Instead, it was entirely based on the grace extended to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 11:6). Paul extends the grafting metaphor to talk about us believers: although we were like wild olives (apart from God), we were grafted into the holy and rich root of the olive tree (Romans 11:16-17). We sinners and unbelievers had no business being a part of the family of God. We were not chosen by anything we could ever do, and nothing we can do is ever enough to live up to the perfect and holy standard of God. Rather, the incredible kindness and grace of God was extended to us (Romans 11:22) through Jesus Christ, that we might be grafted and fused into God’s family.
Some parting thoughts, as we close out 2025. Advent truly is a special time of year, as we prepare ourselves and our hearts for Christmas. The annual celebration of the birth of our Savior is usually a time for introspection, but also the source of tremendous joy and charity. The December 21 Sunday service we had was no exception, and it was replete with gospel imagery that we might not typically get to consider during the Christmas season. We were blessed to see multiple baptisms, the outward sign and seal that demonstrates and confirms the inwardly-changed men and women. And we rejoice at the transformation that God has made in the lives of our spiritual brothers and sisters.
But also during the service, we recognized new members as they joined our church family. We mustn’t be too proud or arrogant to think that our increase in number was because of anything we did (it is most certainly a God thing!), or that simply being a member of our little church will make us right with God or grant us salvation (it won’t!). But just like we can reflect upon the symbolism seen in baptism, the recognition of new members joining our family can be similarly symbolic of God grafting us into His family. It’s a sobering thing: as we recognize our own fallenness and need of a Savior, we understand that being a part of God’s family is a calling towards greater holiness, as we seek to align ourselves more to God’s will with fellow believers. But more than that, it should be a reminder and cause for great joy and celebration, as we reflect upon our freedom from the bondage of sin and the fullness that comes by knowing the Lord more.
So as we kick off this new year, remember the kindness of the Lord. Rejoice in the mighty power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, who took on the punishment we deserve to heal our broken hearts. Encourage our new family members. And see the fruitfulness of the graft that the Gardener has brought about in your life, that you may continue to grow in the richness of His Root.
Tim Leidy
Join us on Saturday, January 17th beginning at 6:00PM for our Annual Congregational Dinner & Business Meeting, a time to fellowship, enjoy a meal together, and engage in important church business. The meeting will take place on Saturday the 17th and will include a vote on the new year's budget.
Leadership will walk us through the Annual Report, offering insights into various aspects of the church budget, including expenses for everything from staffing to missionary support, utilities, and maintenance.
Childcare will be available for younger children during the meeting. However, children 12 and older are expected to attend unless they are part of the childcare team.
We invite all members and regular attenders to participate in this vital event!
Please register to help Francis know how many to cook for. Thank you!
On Friday, January 23rd there will be a gathering to celebrate life. We celebrate life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and every moment in between.
The right to life is a human right. Our defense of that right is a joyful witness to the beauty and dignity of every human person.
The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country – and it’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. Every January, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge in Washington, D.C. and march on Capitol Hill to remember the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. And while the Dobbs decision rightly returned the decision to the American people, our work to protect life continues at the state and federal levels. But the March for Life is not just a protest… it is a celebration of each and every life, from the moment of conception. We envision a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.
Bean-a-fitting NTS January 24 at 5:30pm
The age ole question…Do beans belong in chili? Regardless where you stand on the matter, you are invited to take part in the 2026 Chili Cook-off Benefiting Night To Shine (NTS).
You can either enter a bean-a-ful chili or a bean-less chili of your choice with a $20 donation for a chance to win the coveted 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prizes. There is no separate categories like years gone by…It is Chili a Chili, Shaq vs Jordan, Serena vs Venus, kinda showdown
For those who may not cook or are nervous about losing, you can still come out and support by being a judge. Judges get a paper ballot with all the chilis listed and 2oz serving of each and you can grade them on Taste, Name and Appearance.
There will also be all you can eat house chili, which is made by Tony K and a rag tag group of individuals. Jerry Kulp, even with the sweet Mustang car and mustache, only comes out for the house chili but has an awesome time. Hotdogs are available for the kids or those who want to support the event but are not chili connoisseurs, i.e., MaryBeth.
Help our friends find special outfits to wear to the Night to Shine event! You can help in a few ways:
Donate gently used suits, dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc. Drop off at the church office any time before January 14
Help setup for the event on Thursday, January 15 starting at 8:30AM
Help shop with a buddy to find the perfect outfit for the Night to Shine! Friday, January 16th beginning at 3pm, & Saturday, January 17th beginning at 8am.
Volunteer Signup: Look for the Fairy Godmother Event on Church Center or go to: https://www.leidyschurch.org/nts. Email any questions to BUCKSMONTNTS@GMAIL.COM.
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love for people with special needs from ages 14 and up. On February 7th, 6:00pm Night to Shine will celebrate as hundreds of churches and volunteers come together to honor thousands of guests with special needs. Our church is so excited to join other churches around the globe in hosting this unforgettable night! To learn more about volunteering for this event go to: www.leidyschurch.org/nts
Ladies of Leidy’s meets on the first Tuesday of each month as we seek to serve God’s people through prayer, encouragement, support, and acts of service. We will be meeting on January 6 at 6:30 in Rm. 123, and as usual for the beginning of the new year, it is Joke Night. Bring a joke that's good enough to tell your pastor! Come enjoy the night with some laughter!
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.
A new Precept study begins January 8th. The book of 2 Timothy is about guarding the treasure that has been entrusted to us--the truth of God’s Word. Workbook fee $12 payable at the beginning of class. This study meets in the Fellowship Hall and will continue until mid-April. Contact Verna for additional information. (It isn’t necessary to have attended 1 Timothy to be part of 2 Timothy.)
The Consistory met on December 10 with President Josh Heebner calling the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All members were present.
Shaun Permar opened with a devotion focused on serving the Lord from a place of relationship rather than busyness. He emphasized the importance of intentional time with God to avoid burnout and reminded the group that ministry flows from the Lord’s strength alone.
The November meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
The financial report shared encouraging news. November giving was strong, and year-end giving has been positive. While giving is slightly below projections for the year, expenses have remained stable, and the church is expected to finish the year ahead as planned. Renovation, parsonage, and investment funds remain healthy. A motion was unanimously approved to allocate 5% of investment earnings to the General Fund beginning in 2026.
The Consistory discussed several budget and structural initiatives, including percentage-based budgeting, a proposed five-fund model, and consolidation of accounts. Budget allocations were reviewed across missions, personnel, building, and internal ministries.
The ILC Missions Policy was reviewed and unanimously approved, establishing clear theological, financial, and shepherding guidelines for missionaries.
An update was provided on the Old Church building, including approval to repair the sanctuary air conditioning at a cost not to exceed $50,000.
Additional updates included modest fee increases for homeschool groups, a report on the Doubling Your Dollars initiative, and finalization of Consistory teams for 2026.
Consistory officers for 2026 were confirmed: President: Josh Heebner; Vice President: Francis Weiss, Secretary: Tony Kapusta.
The meeting concluded at 9:35 PM with prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.
Congratulations to Karl & Shannon Floczak, Michael Dezii, and to Stephen and Heather Roach at their believers baptism. May God be with them as they grow in Him.
We welcomed new members in December, they are:
Baird Thompson Stephen & Katie Tyson
Walter Parry Stephen & Heather Roach
Andrew Wetzel Karl & Shannon Floczak
Paul Forker Bob & Georgia Kowalski
Michael Dezii Richard & Jane Saurman
Curtis Martin Mark & Laurie Pappas
Pete & Kate Massey Brian & Allison Ward
Tom & Linda Moyer
Be sure to welcome them to the family of Leidy’s Church.
Our sincere Christian sympathy to Stan Friday and family at the death of his wife, LaRue. May God be with them at this time.
Question 29: Why is the Son of God called JESUS, which means SAVIOR?
Answer: Because He saves us from our sins, and because salvation is to be sought or found in no other.
Question 30: Do those who seek their salvation and well-being from saints, by their own efforts, or by other means really believe in the only Savior Jesus?
Answer: No. Rather, by such actions they deny Jesus, the only Savior and Redeemer, even though they boast of belonging to Him. It therefore follows that either Jesus is not a perfect Savior, or those who receive this Savior with true faith, do in fact possess in Him all that is necessary for their salvation.
Question 31: Why is He called CHRIST, that is, the ANOINTED ONE?
Answer: Because He is ordained by God the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, fully revealing to us the secret purpose and will of God concerning our redemption; to be our only High Priest, having redeemed us by the one sacrifice of His body and ever interceding for us with the Father; and to be our eternal King, governing us by His Word and Spirit, and defending and sustaining us in the redemption He has won for us.
Question 32: But why are you called a Christian?
Answer: Because through faith I share in Christa and thus in His anointing, so that I may confess His name, offer myself a living sacrifice of gratitude to Him, and fight against sin and the devil with a free and good conscience throughout this life and hereafter reign with Him in eternity over all creatures.
Question 33: Why is He called GOD’S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, since we also are God’s children?
Answer: Because Christ alone is God’s own eternal Son, whereas we are accepted for His sake as children of God by grace.
Question 34: Why do you call Him OUR LORD?
Answer: Because, not with gold or silver but at the cost of His blood, He has redeemed us body and soul from sin and all the dominion of the devil, and has bought us for His very own.
Question 35: What is the meaning of: “Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”?
Answer: That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took upon Himself our true manhood from the flesh and blood of the Virgin Maryb through the action of the Holy Spirit, so that He might also be the true seed of David, like His fellow men in all things, except for sin.
Question 36: What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?
Answer: That He is our Mediator, and that, in God’s sight, He covers over with His innocence and
Question 37: What do you understand by the word “suffered”?
Answer: That throughout His life on earth, but especially at the end of it, He bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race, so that by His suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice, He might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation, and might obtain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
Question 38: Why did He suffer “under Pontius Pilate” as His judge?
Answer: That He, being innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and thereby set us free from the judgment of God which, in all its severity, ought to fall upon us.
Question 39: Is there something more in His having been crucified than if He had died some other death?
Answer: Yes, for by this I am assured that He took upon Himself the curse which lay upon me, because the death of the cross was cursed by God.
Question 40: Why did Christ have to suffer “death”?
Answer: Because the righteousness and truth of God are such that nothing else could make payment for our sins except the death of the Son of God.
1 Rachel Leidy, Walter Parry, Nicole Peck
4 Jack Heebner
5 Darlene Leidy
8 Dave Doran
9 Paul Kraus, Jill Ott
10 Randy Godshall
13 Beth Kulp, Andrew Wetzel
15 Charlotte Kehs, Wendy Radcliff
18 Connie Merritt, Renee Shafer
19 Ben Divens, Dianne Nase
22 Julia Kulp, Dottie Rimmer
23 Jacqualyn Hillegass, Henry Niederhaus
24 Mark Kostishion, Janie Inyang, Ed Schmidt
29 Val Hager, John Rittenhouse
31 Amelia DePaul, Arlin Moyer
10 Rich & Juliana Kapusta
21 Ted & Wanda Brunner
23 Henry & Pearl Walter
24 Kendall & Mary Beth Musselman
27 Jim & Genie Smedberg
