Relief Sale 2026

The Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale for 2026 is in the books, now. In preparation for it, last week was a busy one at NDMC building. There was lots of mixing, making, baking, and boxing. There was also lots of talking, laughing, sharing, and celebrating, too. Several people commented on how much fun pie day is. A lot of good work was done last week, but it was a lot of fun as well.

I saw several of you at the sausage and pancake breakfast at the Relief Sale, as well. Plus, we had a significant contingent who were organizing and manning the Dutch Market. A big thank you to those who helped in any way. Your work is appreciated. We received an initial report yesterday that the gross revenue was $140,000 which was down a bit from last year. In the next few weeks we should get the financial report including expenses and have the final amount raised for the Mennonite Central Committee as well as local partners.

It’s a good example of what we looked at yesterday in Matthew 25—using the resources God has blessed us with in order to care for those who have significant needs.

It’s hard to believe that this coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, and then we’ll be into Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday, and then it’s Easter. Think about who you’d like to invite or to bring along with you to one of those services.

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Matthew 21:1-17—Why do you think the crowds respond the way that they do?

Zechariah 9:9-17—What is depicted in this passage and how does it relate to the Triumphal Entry?

Matthew 20:1-19—How does what comes before relate to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?

Malachi 3:1-12—What parallels with Matthew 21 do you see here?