From the Pastor’s Desk
February 1st, 2026
Is it just me, or does February always feel like it’s trying to do a year’s worth of work in the shortest month? Here in our neck of the woods, we kick things off with Grundsaadaag (Groundhog Day), squinting at the ground to see if we’re stuck in winter or headed for spring. But in the church, we have our own way of looking for the light.
On February 2nd, we celebrate the Presentation of our Lord. This is the day we remember Jesus being presented to the Temple (for the whole story read Luke 2:22-40). It’s a day about recognizing the Light of the World right in our midst. Whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not, we know the “Light” has already arrived, and it’s a light that no darkness – or shadow —
can overcome.
The Mountain and the Valley
This month is a bit of a spiritual journey. We’ll experience the high point of the Transfiguration, where everything is bright and glorious, only to head straight into the quiet, reflective season
of Lent starting on Ash Wednesday (Feb 18th). It’s a big shift—moving from the “mountain top” back down to the “dust” of everyday life.
Honoring a Legacy
As we navigate these changes, our hearts are especially heavy with the sudden death of our former pastor, Bruce Potteiger. Thank you to everyone who made that day possible. It was truly
a day where the entire community poured itself out in thanksgiving and gratitude for Bruce and the ministry he shared. It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially when it happens so unexpectedly. Bruce served this community and everywhere he was with such heart, and while we feel the sting of his absence, we also feel the warmth of the legacy they left behind.
In honor of his memory and his love for our neighbors, we are dedicating our Shrove Tuesday Spaghetti Dinner (see more info in this month’s newsletter) to a cause close to his and our
hearts. All contributions from the dinner will go directly to the Brandywine Food Pantry. It’s a beautiful way to turn our grief into a gift for others.
Let’s Talk Shop (and Hope)
Amidst all this, we have our Annual Meeting on February 15th following our Sunday morning worship service. I know, “annual meeting” might not sound as exciting as a mountaintop experience, but it’s actually a vital part of our life together. It’s our chance to look at where we’ve been and decide where God is calling us next. It’s about more than just reports; it’s about stewardship and hope. The Bulletin of Reports will be available on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in both electronic form (PDF) and in print form.
One Day at a Time
From shadows and groundhogs to ashes and meetings, February is going to be a full month. But through the grief and the planning, we’ve got each other—and we’ve got a God who walks
through every transition right beside us.
Pastor Marty Milne
Christ Mertz Lutheran Church · Fleetwood, PA
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