As I write this, we are in the middle of Homecoming Week here in Mitchell. Monday night featured coronation and the burning of the “M.” From Tuesday through Thursday, students have been enjoying dress-up days—color day, jersey day, pajama day, etc.—depending on their school. Friday caps it all off with Black and Gold Day and the 2025 Homecoming football game. It’s a full week of Kernel spirit.

In looking back at the origins of Homecoming, I discovered its purpose was clear: to build school spirit, create a sense of belonging, develop traditions that bring unity, and welcome alumni back home.

But the theme of “coming home” is not just a school tradition—it’s a biblical one. Jesus told a story about a young man who left home searching for “the good life.” Once his money was gone, so were his friends and the fun. He then found himself in desperate circumstances doing the unthinkable just to survive. Finally, he decided to return home, not expecting to be welcomed as a son, but hoping to be taken in as a hired servant.

The son makes the journey home, has his short speech ready and was prepared to receive his father’s scorching words. However, he was greeted by his father’s embrace and a celebration of his returning to the love of the family. Rather than an ugly scene, the son was greeted with a welcoming acceptance by his father. It was a relationship-restoring homecoming.

The whole point of the story that Jesus tells is to let people know that the God of the Christian faith is a God who celebrates homecomings with open arms and a joy-filled spirit.

As we celebrate our Kernel pride and connection this week, may we also celebrate the best homecoming of all, that of the “Welcome Home” that God gives to all who return to God’s presence and love.

Welcome home to our Mitchell alumni. And to anyone reading this article, if you feel far from God, know this: no matter where life has taken you, God is always waiting with open arms. That is the greatest homecoming of all.
Pastor Keith