Berea Update for May 2, 2025
May is now here! I'm wondering how many of you might relate to the saying, "The days are long, but the years are short?" So often, we get caught up in the day-to-day grind, and when we come to a brief time of less, we realize just how quickly the time has passed! This past session of small groups has been focused on the idea of busyness, and throughout the study, we've come back to the idea of rest being such an important part of our lives. It's during these moments of rest that we're able to reflect on who God is and what He is doing, and also to reflect on who we are in relationship to Him. I know that it can be very hard, but I would encourage you to be intentional about resting in the Lord, not only out of obedience to Him, but also as an act of worship toward Him.
Upcoming Events
1. Sunday, we'll be hearing a message from Pastor Miller entitled "Fundamental Change Mandated" from Ephesians 4:17-32. We'll also be partaking in the Lord's Supper together, and collecting a deacon's fund offering in addition to our regular tithes and offerings.
2. We are still in need of volunteers for our upcoming Adventure Camp VBS for kids ages 7-13 this summer from June 9-12. If you would like to help with one of the activities, help with lunch, or help prepare the grounds, please reply to this email if you haven't already let us know your desire to help! We'd love to have a large team working with the kids during that week!
3. Join the
Berea Bible Church's JOY Club (those 55+) for an afternoon of baseball!
They will be attending the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, June 1 at 1 p.m. The cost is $15 per individual. Children under 3 are free if they don't require a seat. Grandparents are welcome to bring their grandchildren. Plan early as the Dragons baseball team always sells out every seat for every game. To register, click here:
JOY Club Dayton Dragons Tickets
4. Lifewise Academy is a Bible-based character education program that is available to public school students during school hours. This program is currently in place in some local school districts, and is looking to expand. Lifewise is funded entirely by private donations; Lifewise shares that it takes about $30 per child for them to participate during the year. They have reached out to local churches asking that we promote their upcoming Spring Celebration on May 17 from 3:00-6:00 PM at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. There will be free food, performances by local churches and school, and a silent auction that afternoon.
5. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make Resurrection Garden such a beautiful, peaceful space for our Berea Family and the whole Springfield community. If you haven’t visited lately, we encourage you to. Currently, we are forming volunteer teams for summer upkeep and asking for just two hours of your time—once this summer. If you would like to volunteer for more hours, that would be great, too! Chores will include weeding, trimming, blowing, raking, and general cleanup. No experience is needed, just a willing heart. Tools and supervision will be provided. If you are interested in helping, please contact the office, or Wendy May.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. There were many seeds planted during the Easter week with visitors to Berea, but also other friends and family members. Continue to pray that the Spirit might be at work causing those seeds to grow!
2. Pray for our local governmental officials. They all play such a key part of our lives, in ways that are both seen and unseen. Pray for their wisdom and protection.
***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.
This Week's Devotions
God's character is vast and beautiful, revealing who He is and how He relates to us. I've often said and truly believe, if you want to know God more deeply, study His attributes. We continue our study of the attributes of God this week, picking up where we left off last week!
Day 1: God's Sovereignty
Psalm 103:19 (ESV): "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
God's sovereignty means He is the supreme ruler over all creation, with ultimate authority and control. His plans prevail, and nothing happens outside His will. This truth encourages us to trust His purpose, even in uncertainty.
Reflection Question: What area of your life can you surrender to God's sovereign control today?
Day 2: God's Mercy
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
God's mercy is His compassionate withholding of the punishment we deserve. Through Christ, He offers forgiveness and new life. His mercy invites us to extend compassion to others.
Reflection Question: How can you show mercy to someone who has wronged you this week?
Day 3: God's Omniscience
Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
God's omniscience means He knows everything—past, present, and future. He understands our hearts and circumstances completely. This knowledge comforts us and calls us to live transparently before Him.
Reflection Question: How does knowing God sees and understands your struggles affect your prayers today?
Day 4: God's Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
God's grace is His unmerited favor, freely given to empower and sustain us. In our weaknesses, His grace shines, providing strength and hope.
Reflection Question: Where do you need God's grace to strengthen you, and how can you rely on it today?
Day 5: God's Eternity
Psalm 90:2 (ESV): "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
God's eternity means He exists beyond time, without beginning or end. This attribute reminds us that His perspective transcends our temporary struggles, offering an eternal hope.
Reflection Question: How can focusing on God's eternal nature shift your perspective on a current challenge?
Day 6: God's Goodness
Psalm 34:8 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
God's goodness is His inherent kindness and generosity, reflected in His actions and provision. His goodness assures us that He desires our well-being and invites us to trust Him.
Reflection Question: What evidence of God's goodness have you seen recently, and how can you praise Him for it?
Day 7: God's Omnipresence
Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV): "Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."
God's omnipresence means He is everywhere at all times, never distant from us. His constant presence offers comfort, guidance, and accountability in every moment.
Reflection Question: How does knowing God is always with you encourage or challenge you in your daily walk?
Kid's (And Kids at Heart) Korner
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week! See you all Sunday!
Take care,
Mark