A group of pastors and others involved in Pequea Valley-area ministries has written a devotional on identity.

restrictions it brought about. The first booklet focused on trusting God during the pandemic, and the second one delved into the meanings behind Christmas carols.

Brandon Fisher, lead pastor of Keystone Church, Paradise, who recently became the group’s moderator, explained that the pastors who wrote the devotional chose to work with specific verses. “Each verse includes (the words) ‘In Christ’ or ‘In Jesus,’” he explained. “(The verses) highlight how our union with Christ changes our identity.” He went on to note that the emphasis of the devotional is that identity is not based on who the world or family members say someone is but on what Christ says.

Scott Feather, pastor of Gateway Church, Parkesburg, noted that the experience of writing the individual devotionals was enjoyable. “I know the truth of what it means to be in Christ, but to take the time with my passage, which was Romans 8:1, the truth of who I am in Jesus Christ washed over me afresh and anew,” he said. “Just soaking in that passage for a little while did my own heart some good.”

Dave Smucker, executive director for Alliance Network, pointed out that working on the project as part of a team was important. “All we had to do is bring our part and let the pieces lock together,” he said.

Fisher said that the reflec- tive endeavor has enhance the perspectives of group members. “One of the driving reasons for us to write it is that it fit in with why we meet as a group,” he said. “There are a lot of local churches in the area, and it might be easy to see (our differences, but) there’s far more we have in common with each other mainly because of who we are in Christ, and I think this devotional captures (that).” information table on Aug. 25 will be able to learn about the rescue, including volunteer opportunities.

Individuals who served as devotional authors, in addition to Feather, Fisher, and Smucker, included Mike Bailey, Joe Lab, Kate Lab, Chris Lenhart, Tim Rogers, Mike Clemmer, Joel Wood, Jonathan Damon, Ellie Brooke, Greg Petersheim, Kelly Metzler, Clint Shondelmyer, Kyle Kauffman, and Adam Nagle.

“Volunteers are always needed to help walk the dogs. People can come occasionally or in shifts. I volunteer on Fridays in the Puppy Palace,” said La Mancha volunteer Brittany Macey, who also fosters dogs that are waiting to be adopted.

“Walkers come for the morning shift between 8 a.m. to 12 noon and the evening shift from 4 to 6 p.m. We are short on quite a few shifts.”

Visitors may also bring donations for the rescue.

“We can always use dog food, peanut butter, towels, dog treats and toys,” she said. The rescue will also accepted 100% pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), which helps the canines with stomach ailments.

Also on hand at the Final Friday event with adoptable dogs will be representatives from To Love a Canine (TLC), a Chester Countybased nonprofit, all-breed, no-kill rescue, with a mission of rescuing and finding permanent homes for abandoned, stray and surrendered dogs. TLC pets live in the homes of volunteer foster families prior to being adopted.

The rescue is always in need of local residents willing to foster a dog until the pet finds a forever family, as well as volunteers to help with transporting and taxiing dogs to veterinary appointments. For more information, visit www.tlcrescuepa.com or www.facebook.com/TL CrescuePAinc. TLC will also accept donations at the event.

In addition to the Final Friday program, PAC presents the Parkesburg Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon at Parkesburg Borough Hall, 315 W. First Ave., Parkesburg. Upcoming dates will be Sept. 9 and Oct. 14.

Community organizations and vendors that would like to participate in the Final Friday program or the farmers market are asked to register at https://parkes burg.myshopify.com.