We’ve all heard the phrase “Nice guys finish last.” The phrase is attributed to the notorious Leo Durocher, former player and manager for the Brooklyn Dodgers. A particularly disagreeable man known for going toe-to-toe with umpires, general managers, and just about anyone who got in his way of winning (often ordering his pitchers to hit batters!), he said the phrase of opposing teams that lacked a hunger to win. He said it about players that lacked a competitive attitude.
Outside of sports and business, the phrase actually holds biological reality. While women generally like guys that are friendly, they tend to find men that command a certain degree of respect and assertiveness as more attractive. So the converse is likewise true: pushover guys are seen as unattractive. So while a guy might be nice, they don’t stand much of a chance if they lack a backbone. These same guys bemoan the fact that they’re lost in a romantic purgatory known as the “friend-zone”, in which women find them nice enough to be around and be a friend, but in the long run would be overlooked by the woman as a romantic partner.
Ok, so I’m the first to admit, I’m probably the last guy you’d want sports or dating advice from. But here’s my point: the moral of the story is, “Don’t be nice.” Wait; hold on, time out. Am I really being told this by a church leader? Seriously? Don’t be nice?! Before you throw me out, hear me out. I want to discuss the biblical difference between being “nice” and “kind”. Some of you might say, “They’re the same thing.” But I’m telling you they’re not, and there’s big differences.
Being nice is superficial. It’s the quality of being cordial, in the same way that you’d act if you stumbled into a biker bar or maybe a restaurant of Ohio State fans wearing your Nittany blue jersey. Being nice is going along to get along. While a smile is a nice gesture, smiles can also be artificial. “Time to put on a happy face!” Is what you might say before going into the house of a family that you feel an obligation to visit, rather than the true warmth of friendship. Being nice is doing the bare minimum, like the other members of your group project in school or work (hopefully that isn’t *you* putting in that minimum effort!). Being nice doesn’t cost anything.
Turn with me to Matthew 5, the famed Sermon on the Mount. In this, Jesus is going through and addressing the people’s understanding of the Law and what God desires of them. Jesus isn’t saying “Do this, and do that, and as long as you do the minimum and follow the letter of the law, you’re good.” Not at all! Instead, Jesus is doubling down: it’s not good enough to not murder, but getting angry with your brother is still bad too. It’s not good enough to not sleep with a person not your spouse; if you have lust in your heart for another, you’re guilty of the same. But look at verses 43-47. It’s not good enough to love the people who love you. You should demonstrate love toward even your enemies, because it shows you’re a son (or daughter) of God. If you only love those who love you, or say hi to those who say hi back, that’s the minimum expectation for everyone, even the tax collectors and Gentiles, the people spurned by the Jews of the day. We’re supposed to exceed the baseline.
Unlike niceness, kindness is listed as a “Fruit of the Spirit” for a reason. A life changed by Christ and empowered and strengthened by the Holy Spirit demonstrates a radical shift in prerogatives and life mission, and it should bear out in the way we behave. Kindness should well up from within us and overflow toward everyone. It’s an outpouring of genuine compassion, tenderness, and mercy. Kindness will cost you something. Perhaps other people will find it odd that you don’t just associate with, but are genuine friends with someone considered weird or awkward. Maybe you’ll be late for something because you’ve stopped to take an extra moment to help someone else. Kindness, acting in love, does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. Remember how niceness “goes along to get along”? Kindness is pulling someone aside and letting them know that the way they acted in that social setting was unbecoming. Kindness encourages better behavior and a love for truth.
Think of the other uses of kindness in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, love is… nice? I couldn’t imagine that being read at a wedding. How about Ephesians 4:32 - be… nice… to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ugh, it’s hard to even say these with a straight face. I’m sorry but “niceness” just can’t hold up against “kindness”.
If you take anything from this, please let it be the removal of “nice” from your vocabulary. Christians aren’t supposed to be nice. Christ doesn’t call us to just be nice. He regenerates our hearts to have an outpouring of kindness. Ask the Holy Spirit to create the fruit of kindness. Practice kindness in all areas of your life. Not only will it make a difference in the lives of others, but it’s one way how you can know you are living in the will of God. And honestly, have you ever been around a bubbly, kind person? It’s attractive to everyone, like a fragrant aroma. Don’t finish last. Win with kindness.
Tim Leidy
It’s November and that means time for elections and voting. Tuesday, November 4th is the day when the polls will be open.
Leidy’s Church is a 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 3rd through about 9:30 pm on Tuesday the 4th.
If you are present at church during the voting hours on Tuesday, please park farther away in our parking lot so those who come by to vote have access to the closest and most convenient parking slots. Oh yes, make certain you go out and vote!
On Thanksgiving Eve, Leidy’s Church will be hosting a service of worship where we can collectively give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives. We all have a variety of reasons to give thanks as we reflect on the life God has given to us and all the provisions of life we enjoy, such as our families, our jobs, and our health and freedom to be sure. But the greatest thing God has blessed us with is salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life in Him.
You are invited to come and join us at this special service that will focus on honoring and giving thanks to our God! The worship service will begin at 6:00pm with elements of Scripture readings, prayer, testimonies, and of course corporate singing as we lift our hearts to God with thanksgiving and joyous praise.
So, on this solemn occasion whereby we as a nation celebrate Thanksgiving Day, may we as the people of God come together with gratefulness in our hearts to worship the Lord God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
Announcing the Spring Musical…the brand new musical called ”The Fab Four”! This show features a singing group with their own TV show that teaches kids about the Bible. Adventures commence when the regular producer has an emergency, and the agency sends in a replacement. You’ll have to come and see the show to find out the rest!
Our kickoff party will be Saturday, November 8th at 10-11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. This is a family event with snacks & games and we will watch a video of the show. Open to kids in kindergarten through 5th grade (and possibly a few parts for older kids or adults), we need kids for speaking parts, singing solos and even some non-speaking roles! Auditions for the main parts will be immediately after the party. And don’t forget to invite your neighbors and friends!
On Saturday, November 22, 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!
All members and friends of Leidy's Church are invited to our annual Advent Workshop, Sunday, November 30th, 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 a chance to help one of the children with their craft as well!
The theme for this year is Let Heaven and Earth Sing, Praise to our newborn King.
Please join us for our monthly LOL meeting on Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30 pm. Our speaker this month will be Ed Schmidt telling us about the Philadelphia Street Mission that he is a part of. We are collecting cold weather clothing items and toiletries this month for this mission.
The full list is available on the weekly Wednesday newsletter. Our business meeting will follow with 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 BJ Kulp.
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.
Zion Choral Society will be presenting one of their musical concerts in our sanctuary. The date is Sunday, November 16th. Starting time is 3pm, 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.
Present- Josh Heebner, Jim Kinney, Darren DePaul, Brian Radcliff, Jerry Kulp, Shaun Permar, Tony Kapusta, Brandon Kehs, Mark Kostishion, Jim Kulp
Absent- Brian Shoemaker, Kendall Mussleman, Ken Merritt, Jim Foote
Josh Heebner called the meeting to order and open with a prayer and a brief devotion.
September Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve Sept Meeting Minutes was made by Shaun Permar and seconded by Francis Weiss. After no further discussion it was unanimously approved.
Financial Report
Financial Report was given by Jim Kinney, with Josh Heebner adding in as it went. They are working together to plan the 2026 budget and hope to have it ready by next meeting.
Motion to approve the Financial Report was made by Jerry Kulp and seconded by Brian Radcliff. After no further discussion it was unanimously approved.
Big Rocks
Big rocks were reviewed quickly, and everyone was encouraged to get their 4th Quarter tasks completed between the meetings.
1. Spending Policy was explained by Jim Kinney who drafted it. This covers credit card usage and expectations for ILC staff members. A few edits were suggested and once they are completed, Jim will send it around for final approval.
2. 2026 Consistory Teams were discussed. It was decided that some teams such as CAST does not need consistory oversight, and Christian Ed and Congregational Care would be better suited for Spiritual Council. None of the three teams mentioned are going away, just being overseen by different groups. Teams that were added are Church Events, Security & Internal Property.
3. One of the fridges in the kitchen has been ⅔ broke since late January of 2025. Tony K got authorization to get a replacement fridge not to exceed $7000.
4. There was discussion on leasing a color copy for the office once the current lease is up. The current one only does black and white, and this would allow us to handle more things in house.
5. In early January Pastor Darren would like to have a mid-week meal where the Auxano process and steps moving forward are explained.
6. 2026 Church Meeting Dates were discussed. The proposed January 10 Congregational Meeting was changed to January 17. All other days stand. Everyone was in agreement to hold a mid-year meeting in July to give the congregation an update.
7. Parsonage renovation was discussed. A few men met with Swartley earlier in the week and permits have been applied for and barring any issue, permit work would be able to start right away.
Josh Heebner closed the meeting out with prayer and ended with the Lord’s Prayer being recited in unison.
Question 19: Whence do you know this?
Answer: From the holy gospel, which God Himself revealed in the beginning in the Garden of Eden, afterward proclaimed through the holy patriarchs and prophets and foreshadowed through the sacrifices and other rites of the Old Covenant, and finally fulfilled through His own well-beloved Son.
Question 20: Will all men, then, be saved through Christ as they became lost through Adam?
Answer: No. Only those who, by true faith, are incorporated into Him and accept all His benefits.
Question 21: What is true faith?
Answer: It is not only a certain knowledge by which I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word, but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit creates in me through the gospel, that, not only to others, but to me also God has given the forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of sheer grace solely for the sake of Christ’s saving work.
Question 22: What, then, must a Christian believe?
Answer: All that is promised us in the gospel, a summary of which is taught us in the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, our universally acknowledged confession of faith.
Question 24: How are these articles divided?
Answer: Into three parts: The first concerns God the Father and our creation; the second, God the Son and our redemption; and the third, God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Question 25: Since there is only one Divine Being, why do you speak of three, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Answer: Because God has thus revealed Himself in His Word, that these three distinct persons are the one, true, eternal God.
On the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month beginning November 14th from 9:30-11:00 in Room 123 a Caregiver Support Group will meet. This Christ-centered support group is for parents and caregivers of children (both young and adult) with special needs. Whether you're a mom, dad, or family caregiver, you’ll find a supportive space among others who understand the unique joys and challenges of caregiving.
Each meeting includes a time of devotion, open sharing of concerns and experiences, practical tips and resources, and prayer.
Join us to be encouraged, find connections and walk alongside others on a similar journey.
Sign up to let us know that you're interested in joining!
3 Darren DePaul, Jaedyn Rittenhouse
4 Allison Walbrandt
6 Levi Kulp, Farrah McClaskey, Wanda Ritter
7 Vicki Freed
8 Lenora Leidy
9 Lorraine Kroesser, Drew Weiss
10 Dave Kirkpatrick, Ken Merritt, Diane Miller
11 Karen Focht, Nathan Kulp
15 Donna Moyer
19 Ellie DePaul
21 Lydia Shafer
22 Sam Shafer
23 Beth Guntz, BJ Kulp
25 Ethel Greenawalt
26 Janice Peterman
27 Dorothy Kehs, Martha Wolgemuth
30 Bill Teate
3 John & Mary Leidy
7 Doug & Sue Lindner
8 Frank & Margaret Bivighouse
9 Bob & Jacqui Shafer
13 Justin & Emma Coale
14 Nick & Cassy Olsyzk
19 Herb & Martha Wolgemuth
20 Ed & Cheryl Hall
