What’s a worldview? My daughter in second grade is currently learning about this in school, which is defined as the way a person thinks about the world. Everyone has a worldview; you have one, I have one, your neighbor down the street has one. Our worldviews are guided by lots of things: past experiences, the family we may have grown up in, the location we lived in or currently live in, interactions with people in our communities, things we read, media we consume, and probably more. The important thing to remember, dear reader, is that while God has written his law on our hearts and we instinctively are oriented towards morality (Romans 2:15), we consistently need to remain oriented towards God’s word. After all, God’s word restores the soul, makes us wise, and enlightens our eyes (Psalm 19:7-10). Particularly in this postmodern age, where we question everything and everything is subjective, it’s so critical to remain anchored into something objective and sure. This way we can know that we are guided by God’s word as we approach the world, rather than us reading our own (misguided) worldview into God’s word.
Turn with me quickly to 1 Chronicles 12. In this passage, David is consolidating the kingdom shortly after Saul’s death. It describes the men who are joining David’s army and showing allegiance to the new king. These men are described over and over as “mighty men”… “mighty men of valor”… “faces like lions”… “swift as gazelles on the mountains.” And these are all fine qualities, ones you should expect from a military. You’d certainly want mighty men of great courage, especially in the midst of battle. But one of the interesting descriptions is in verse 32, referring to the sons of Issachar: “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.” What an interesting description. Men who understood the times, with knowledge of what the nation should do.
The events of September 10th, in which Charlie Kirk was assassinated while at a college event, were certainly clarifying in a couple ways. While the response of his supporters was entirely or almost entirely peaceful (unlike riots of recent years that were described as “fiery but mostly peaceful”…), his critics either indicated his murder was justified based on his rhetoric, or else they outright celebrated the murder. The memorial service on September 21 was also fascinating to watch. According to estimates, over 200,000 people showed up to pay their respects, filling not only the State Farm Stadium but also the nearby overflow stadium as well. The content of the service, while sometimes getting political (let’s be honest, it was inevitable as his organization Turning Point USA was unashamedly politically right-leaning), overwhelmingly had all the hallmarks of a typical evangelical Christian memorial service. The content was not just “civil religion”, like the typical politician or public figure vaguely pointing to a God or spirit or divine providence. The clearest biblical gospel message, which pointed people away from sin and towards Jesus Christ who was crucified, died, and rose again, was declared repeatedly during the five-hour service. And each of the speakers testified to Kirk’s ever-present faith, particularly with Vice-President Vance’s comments on how Kirk inspired him to be more open about talking about his own faith in Jesus Christ.
I know that Charlie Kirk was not a perfect man. But he was a man who understood the times. Guided by his biblical worldview, Charlie was a man that had knowledge of what the nation should do: turn to Christ. Why else have people in recent times been inspired to crack open a Bible for the first time ever, or attend church for the first time in years? His assassination was clarifying because it so blatantly demonstrated the existence of evil, which is undeniable in the face of these times of moral relatively. And it was clarifying that there truly is a spiritual battle for the soul of the country; I can think of no other word but demonic to describe those who celebrated someone murdered in cold blood.
This is no time for Christians to shy away. We must go on the spiritual offensive. We must not squander this opportunity to shut down this pervasive moral relativism and indifference (or indignance) towards biblical truth. It’s time for mighty men and women of valor, ones who understand the times and know what we need to do. Three quick takeaways:
Joyfully and thankfully remember the gospel. We have no guilt or anything to fear, as our sins have been taken from us! While our sins separated us from a holy God, God became a man and endured a mortal life perfectly so He could take the punishment of death from us. He rose again to show His Power over sin and death itself. We serve a risen and living Lord!
Gird your loins with your biblical worldview. This will only come by spending time in God’s word. Take some time to not only read, but re-read or commit some Bible verses to memory. When you read or listen to something, think critically about it. Where does the writer or speaker get it biblically correct? Where did they miss the mark? How would I respond to it?
Be willing to make a defense to everyone who asks to give an account for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15). But don’t forget the next part of that: do it “with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:16). Your conversations with others should point to not just your faith but point toward Christ. Your conversations should be planting seeds: not just for the person you’re talking to, but also to anyone who might also be listening.
See you out on the spiritual battlefield.
Churches around the world have observed the first Sunday of October as World Communion Sunday, a day when all Christian churches serve the Lord’s Supper. Leidy’s Church joins with other churches on October 5th to remember the Lord Jesus in the Lord’s Supper.
The week of October 5th is when our Gym will be transformed with all the donated items we have received, and our community is invited to shop for their family wardrobes, linens, jewelry, books, toys, household items, and much more!
The Big “R” actually takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, the 8th and 9th, but much work is done before then as well. Here’s when workers are needed:
On Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 8pm items are unpacked and arranged.
On Wednesday (9am to 8pm) we need friendly workers to bag items, serve as cashiers, and straighten items as many shoppers come to make their purchases.
On Thursday (9am to 6pm) we need the same sorts of workers as Wednesday, plus more! It’s the sales day featuring bags of goods for only $3 quite an attractive deal.
On Thursday at 6pm we need willing hands and strong backs to transform our facilities back for ministry before Sunday.
Mary Beth Musselman has a schedule she needs to fill, so be sure to speak with her if you can be plugged in at any time to help.
The funds raised at the Big “R” are disbursed where needed at Leidy’s Church and in our community by Ladies of Leidy’s. It’s a big undertaking, and with your help we can make it another great event.
Saturday, October 25th | 2:00–6:00 PM
Bring a neighbor and come join the fun!
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon packed with something for everyone:
Games Chalk Art
Hayrides Face Painting
Bounce Houses Music Great Food
Gaga Pit & MORE!
Whether you're 3 or 103, there's something for everyone! Connect with our church family & your community in our neighborhood event of the season! We’d love to see you there!
Everyone is welcome — and it’s all FREE!
*We need you to make this happen - look for volunteer signups soon!
We have the opportunity to help those facing hardship in the Souderton area with a complete Thanksgiving meal. These meals will be given out through Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton.
Please consider donating a complete Thanksgiving Food Bag (listed below) or a $25 gift card to Giant, Aldi or WalMart to help purchase turkeys for each family.
In a large reusable tote bag please include:
1 Box Instant Mashed Potatoes
2 Cans of Green Beans
2 Cans of Corn
1 Can of Cranberry Sauce
1 Jar of Turkey Gravy
1 Box or Bag of Stuffing
1 Jar of Applesauce
2 Cans of Fruit Mix or Pineapple
Brownie or Cookie Mix
1 Can or pack of ground Coffee
Iced Team or Lemonade Mix
Help show our care and support for our neighbors this Thanksgiving with a meal for those in need. We will take donations through Sunday, November 2nd.
Ladies of Leidy’s
This is a reminder that Ladies of Leidy's on Tuesday, September 30th at 6:30 pm.
Our program will be on the history of Ladies of Leidy's, Golden Circle, and the Ladies Aid. We have a rich history that goes back to 1923. Come hear about it and reminisce about the days gone by. Please bring a friend.
Our business meeting will follow. Any questions you can contact BJ Kulp.
New - Ladies Book Discussion
Heaven: Your Real Home by Joni Eareckson Tada will begin on Monday, September 29th and goes through December 15th. They will meet in the Conference Room and class begins at 9:30 and goes to 11:30. Call Sandy Nase with questions 215-669-1421.
Operation Christmas Child is gearing up for the holidays! This is an annual outreach undertaken by Samaritan’s Purse to give Christmas gifts and share the gospel with disadvantaged children all over the world. Please check for the colorful shoeboxes displayed throughout the church and pick one up to fill. Directions and recommendations for filling the box are listed at the shoebox displays. Operations Christmas Child recommends packing one “wow” gift as well as toys, school supplies, personal care items, and/or clothing accessories. They encourage you to include a personal note or even a picture for the child. Operation Christmas Child would prefer the following items are NOT included the shoeboxes: soap; candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; scary or war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Please fill your boxes and return them to the church office by Sunday, November 2nd, so the boxes can reach the children for whom they are intended in time for Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing the light and love of Jesus through Operation Christmas Child this year!
For more information on this program, suggestions for your shoebox, or to donate to this extraordinary effort, please scan the QR code below.
Meeting was called to order at 7pm by Consistory President, Josh Heebner. He welcomed everyone back from their summer hiatus.
Devotions were led by Dave Doran on Joshua 5:13-15 and then chewed on for a few. Joshua knew the Lord was for him but there was still work that needed to be done on his part.
There were times in Dave's life that he wondered if God was on his side, and other times he knew he was on a mission from God. Was he waiting on God or was God waiting on him. Often this led him back to praying more.
June Minutes Motions for Approval
First: Francis Weiss; Second: Shaun Permar; Unanimously Carried
September Financial Report
Giving was good in August, though down a little from what was budgeted by about $1,500. The year-to-date budget is at 98% what was projected. God has been good to us. Nothing crazy with the expenses, electric is a little high on the year. We are $22K over what was projected, and in August we made $8,900 back. First week of September giving was up which is good.
We have 250k in short term (7months) CD’s. We earned $4700 off the CD’s to date this year. We rolled over one CD in August and will likely roll over another one in October.
Fund Starting Fund Balance Ending Fund Balance
General $33,007.67 $41,974.31
Renovation $198,185.21 $207,035.42
September Financial Report Motions for Approval
First- Brian Shoemaker; Seconded- Brian Radcliff; Unanimously Carried
Rich Kapusta came in to report on the parsonage drawings and plans. Josh gave a preliminary overview which Rich handed out the drawings and Brian R was recognized for all his work with it. Rich wanted people to understand what the proposal covers to take the house built with good bones. He gave a briefish history on the original footprint. Rich was thanked for his time and then excused to go home to his bride and more work. Josh opened the table to discussion, and it was agreed that this was the right move by those present, with each one being asked individually.
Mission House Maintenance Plan
Jamie Weitzel landscape was asked to give a quote for cleaning and maintaining the mission house. Another quote was done for the parsonage, removing the fence, trimming bushes and spraying weeds. Third proposal for cutting the field and parsonage.
The Hub (Old Church)
Getting a quote to replace the office door and replacing the boardwalk.
Diaper Bank- Darren shared the desire to be more local and family centered missions. He has been thinking about what to do that. Passing out diapers to those in the community who need them. This would be an internal external mission. Budget was discussed, $5K-10K cost potentially, but include people to donate including police stations and fire stations.
Upward Sports would be great to do in the fields, starting with soccer in the spring of 2026, with little kids . . . ballpark 5-8 years of age. Other local ones bring in about 500 kids and there is a “cost” to the families and they pay it. There would be other ones potentially starting later after soccer is happening and under control
Prayer Concerns were gathered and after intercessory prayer and praise, the meeting closed at 10:47.
Man’s Redemption and Freedom – The Grace of God in Jesus Christ
Justification by Grace
Question 12: Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we have deserved temporal and eternal punishment, how may we escape this punishment, come again to grace, and be reconciled to God?
Answer: God wills that His righteousness be satisfied; therefore, payment in full must be made to His righteousness, either by ourselves or by another.
Question 13: Can we make this payment ourselves?
Answer: By no means. On the contrary, we increase our debt each day.
Question 14: Can any mere creature make the payment for us?
Answer: No one. First of all, God does not want to punish any other creature for man’s debt. Moreover, no mere creature can bear the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin and redeem others from it.
Question 15: Then what kind of mediator and redeemer must we seek?
Answer: One who is a true and righteous man and yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is at the same time true God.
Question 16: Why must He be a true and righteous man?
Answer: Because God’s righteousness requires that man who has sinned should make payment for sin, but the man who is himself a sinner cannot pay for others.
Question 17: Why must He at the same time be true God?
Answer: So that by the power of His divinity He might bear as a man the burden of God’s wrath, and recover for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
Question 18. Who is this mediator who is at the same time true God and a true and perfectly righteous man?
Answer: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is freely given to us for complete redemption and righteousness.
Do you know that October is Pastor appreciation month? Please share with Pastor Darren & Baird how much they mean to you, your family or how they have affected your walk with Christ? Feel free to drop a note or card either in their mailbox -or- on October 12th baskets will be available in the narthex.
Birthdays
3 Laura Heebner, Kendall Musselman, John Niederhaus
4 Karl Ernst
6 Andrew Heebner, Kelly Wilwert
7 Mike Hughes
8 Dean Kulp, Eden Vogelzang
10 Karen, Haggerty, Josh Heebner
11 Sandy Cressman, Jeff Maxwell, Jethro Smith
12 Earl Jaunzemis, Dolores Reed, Byron Rimmer
13 Tom Merritt
14 Justin Coale, Renee Doran
15 David Freed
16 Jeremy Smith, Lucas VanDerbeek, Megan Walbrandt
17 John Kroesser, Sallybeth McClaskey, Darlene Schmidt
18 Steve Landis
19 Abigail Hall, Terry Leidy, Hannah Niederhaus
26 LaRue Friday, Ron Miller, Bill Weigner
27 Phyllis Allebach, Mary Leidy
28 Leslie Spurlin
30 Mary Hoyt
Anniversary
9 Dave & Beth Guntz
12 Irv & Denise Kulp
16 Bill & Miriam Weigner
20 Doug & Caren Elliott, Jim & Angela Kinney
21 Brian & Gina Shoemaker
22 Jeremy & Justine Smith
23 Ed & Darlene Schmidt
25 Bob & Val Hager
26 Suren & Grace Pakhtigian, Brian & Wendy Radcliff
27 Michael & Karen Mirabella
