Weekly Note from Pastor Allan

August 6, 2026

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Friends,

I am sorry to share that Kevin Dulaney’s mother, Cynthia Faye Dulaney, passed away on Sunday, August 2.  A memorial service will be held for her at 2 PM on Saturday, August 8, at Berea Baptist Church.  Here is a link to the obituary, which is not fully written yet - https://www.sheridanfuneralhomeva.com/obituaries/cynthia-dulaney.  

Be reminded that the Goshen Baptist Association Mission Team to Armenia left last Thursday, July 30.  Here is a link to a blog with several posts about the trip so far - https://www.krishutchinson.net/post/armenia-2026-trip-journal.  The blog will continue to be updated throughout the trip.  

This Sunday, in worship, we look forward to offering a Back-to-School Blessing for students and staff.  There will be a responsive prayer so that the entire congregation can offer words of prayer over the students and staff.  I hope you will be a part of this blessing, either in-person or online.

We are also excited that Chaplain Linda Fox will be with us in worship.  Chaplain Fox is a chaplain with the Goochland Correctional Center for Women and will be at MBC to share more about the special offering supporting chaplains that we are collecting during the month of August.  

The scripture lesson on Sunday is Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28.  It is the story of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, being sold into slavery by his brothers.  It is a reminder that jealousy can cause real damage to relationships.  Where do we have jealousy?  In our school or work?  In our families?  In our church family?  The title of the sermon is “Sibling Rivalry”.  

Also, as a reminder, there will be a Town Hall conversation following Sunday School.  Everyone is invited.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed recommendations from the Bylaws Ad Hoc Committee.  These changes are to be presented for the Quarterly Business Meeting in September.  

Thank you for continuing in prayer as led by the Deacons these past few weeks.  Remember that this week we are praying for someone in the congregation who might not be our favorite person.  

Blessings,

Allan