Berea Update for January 31, 2025
It's hard to believe that we are already through the month of January! I don't know about you, but the days seem to pass by so quickly! This week, I've been reminded in various ways of Psalm 31:15-- "My times are in Your hands." The reality is, we do not know the length of our days, but the Lord does, and each day should be viewed as such a gracious gift from Him. This week, may we all reflect on the fragility of life, but yet, the amazing hope of eternity that we have as children of God. What comfort that can bring in the midst of uncertainty!
As we look back on last week, on behalf of the pastors, elders, and deacons, thank you for your participation in the annual business meeting. As we shared, there are a lot of different events on the horizon for our church family that you can be praying for regularly!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, Pastor Miller will continue his new sermon series in Ephesians with a message called "The Pearl Necklace," using Ephesians 1:3-14. The church family will also partake of the Lord's Supper this Sunday.
2. Next Sunday, February 9, we will be hosting a Soup-er Bowl party here at the church from 5:30 until halftime of the game. Last year, we did a chili cookoff, but this year, we've decided to expand it to allow for any soup to be entered into the fierce competition! We'll also have the game on the big screens, games available, and hopefully a whole lot of fun together! The church will be providing side dishes, so it is important that you register if you plan to come. Registration is available at the Welcome Center this Sunday, and also online here:
Soup-er Bowl Sunday Information/Registration Registration is due by Sunday!
3. Because of the Soup-er Bowl Party, there are some changes for Pastor Miller's small group, which meets on Sundays. Next week, his small group will meet at his house on Friday, February 7 at 6:00 PM. The following week, because Pastor Miller will be on his trip to the Philippines, his small group will be meeting at the church on Sunday, February 16 at 6:00 PM.
4. Attention parents of young children! The youth want to give you a "kid-free" evening! Drop off your kids of any age at the church on February 15 from 4:00-8:00 PM while you have a night out! The youth group will be providing dinner, games, and more! Donations will go to the youth mission trip to Cleveland in July. A sign up sheet will be available at the Welcome Center this Sunday.
5. Are you interested in becoming a member of Berea? A New Members class will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 1:00-4:00 PM. If you're interested, please let Pastor Miller know this Sunday.
6. Don't forget to fill out those ministry sign-up forms! We need your help in the various ministries that Berea offers. Thank you to the many of you who have already filled one out! We are excited about your willingness to serve here at the church. A basket will be available at the Welcome Center for you to turn in your paper form this week. Didn't get a paper form? You can also sign-up here:
Berea Ministry Sign-Up Form Please have these completed by this Sunday as well! I plan to build serving teams next week!
7. Attention JOY Club! We are planning to attend the play "The Radium Girls" at the Cedarville University Theater on Saturday, February 15th, at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20 each. Step back to 1926, a time when radium was hailed as a miracle cure, Madame Curie was a global icon, and glowing watches were all the rage-until the workers painting them began to fall mysteriously ill. Based on a true story, "Radium Girls" follows Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she courageously takes on her former employer in a legal battle. This fast-paced ensemble drama, filled with warmth and humor, tells a compelling story of justice, corporate intrigue, and the peculiar American obsessions of the era. Critics have praised it as a "powerful" and "engrossing" exploration of health, wealth, and the commercialization of science. If you'd like to join us, please sign up with Pastor Tom directly.
8. There will be a Operation Christmas Child meeting after church on Sunday, February 9 if you are interested in helping with collection of items, sewing, crocheting, or workdays ahead!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for Berea's Youth Group, who will be traveling to their Winter Retreat at Skyview Ranch this weekend. They will depart from the church today at 3:00 PM and will return close to noon on Sunday. Pray for protection while traveling, and also for a great time together as a group with other youth from around Ohio. Pray that the group might respond to the challenge to grow more like Christ.
2. The Elders and Deacons will be holding their first meeting of the ministry year this Tuesday. Please pray for wisdom for this group.
3. Both Susan Kirby and Lisa Riggs lost siblings this week. Please be praying for both of them, and their extended families, as they mourn the loss of loved ones.
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family. If you are interested in being considered for this team of prayer warriors, please indicate your interest on the ministry sign-up forms.
This Week's Devotions
As Pastor Miller continues his sermon series on the book of Ephesians, here are some questions for you to reflect on this week, using the passage he will preach from this Sunday:
1. Embracing Spiritual Blessings
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3)
Take a moment to list some of the spiritual blessings God has given you in Christ. How does recognizing these blessings impact your gratitude and trust in Him today?
2. Resting in God's Choice
"He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:4)
How does knowing that God chose you before creation affect the way you see yourself? Are there any doubts or fears that this truth helps to silence?
3. Living in the Riches of Grace
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
Think of a time when you deeply experienced God’s grace and forgiveness. How can you walk in that grace today, both in receiving it and extending it to others?
4. Trusting the Holy Spirit’s Work
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1:13)
How have you seen the Holy Spirit working in your life recently? In what areas do you need to trust His presence and guidance more?
5. Finding Confidence in God’s Plan
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11)
Is there an area of your life where you struggle to trust God’s plan? How does this passage encourage you to rest in His sovereign purpose?
Kids (and Kids At Heart) Korner
Q: What is a dentist's favorite hymn?
A: "Crown Him with Many Crowns"
Let us know if there is something we can pray for you about! Have a good week!
Take care,
Mark