Berea Update for July 3, 2025
Happy 4th of July! I pray that all of you have a good, safe, fun weekend as you celebrate our nation's independence! It's easy to look around and feel discouraged about news stories and the struggles of the day around our country. But, the truth is, we do live in a great nation, and God has richly blessed each of us in so many ways. And despite the challenges that are around us, it's important to remember that God is sovereign, and has placed each of us here "for such a time as this." Each of us are called to be salt and light as we go out into a world that desperately needs Jesus, and His Word tells us that He has given us all we need to do just that! I am thankful that we have the freedom to gather together and the freedom to share what we believe. May we not take that for granted, and may this holiday be a catalyst for us to make an impact in our circle of influence for Christ. We are both citizens of the United States, but also citizens of heaven! May we serve as both for the glory of God!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday morning is a busy one! Pastor Tom will be preaching a message from Matthew 9 called "Seeing the Fields" as he finishes up his time on staff here at the church. We'll also have a missionary guest share briefly about his ministry and we'll be partaking in the Lord's Supper together as a church family.
2. There will be a mid-year business meeting held after the morning worship service next Sunday, July 13. A mid-year financial update will be provided, along with some other updates about the building.
3. As Pastor Tom officially retired on June 30, we want to celebrate all that he's done for the Lord here at Berea and throughout his ministry with an open house style celebration on July 13 from 4:00-6:00 PM here at the church! Please plan to drop in sometime that afternoon to say thank you, congratulation Tom and Theresa, and fellowship together!
4. As a reminder from last week, with July comes the flood of school supply sales--a great reminder of how vital these items are for children worldwide. Imagine a child eager to learn, but unable to attend school because they lack a simple pencil or paper. In some countries, this is a reality! When we pack our OCC boxes, we include what we believe are essentials: pencils, pens, crayons and notebook paper. We're well-stocked on crayons, but we desperately need the rest. This month, can you help us fill our giant shoebox in the Gathering Area with pencils, pens, and notebooks? Every item makes a difference!
We also still looking for about 60 more cars that are larger than hot wheel size but not too big as they will be fitting in shoeboxes with a soccer ball and a water bottle. The BIG BOX in the foyer will have an example of what we are looking for, and here is a link to Amazon for another idea:
Amazon OCC Cars (6 for $7.99).
The OCC Amazon Wish-List has also been updated! Amazon Prime Days are coming up July 8-11! Please consider shopping those days to help with our OCC boxes! To view the Wishlist, please click here:
OCC Amazon Wish List
Thank you for your desire to fill our OCC shoeboxes for great gifts to show the love of Christ to these boys and girls and their families.
5. "Christmas in July" will begins this Sunday! Each year, we set up a Christmas tree in the Gathering Area with ornaments. On each ornament are local missionaries and organizations that we support! We encourage you to take an ornament (or more than one) and return it with your donation sometime during the month of July. Donations can be dropped in the offering plate or box, or given directly to someone in the office. At the end of the month, we'll send the money that's collected for each missionary and organization to them as a way to encourage them for the rest of 2025!
6. As a reminder, in observance of Independence Day, the church office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 4. If you need something, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of the pastors.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Continue to pray for Berea's youth group, who are working diligently to prepare for their upcoming mission trip at the end of July. They will be leading a VBS in inner-city Cleveland the week that they are away. Pray that the last-month preparations go smoothly, and be praying now for the connections they will make while there!
***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
This week's devotions focus on the idea of freedom--made especially for the 4th of July! As you celebrate our nation's independence, and the great freedoms we have, may you also reflect this week on the great freedom we have in Christ!
Day 1: Freedom from Bondage
John 8:36 (ESV): "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
True freedom begins with Jesus Christ, who breaks the chains of sin that enslave us. This freedom is not just an escape from guilt but an invitation to live fully in God’s purpose. When we accept His sacrifice, we are liberated to walk in righteousness, unburdened by the weight of our past.
Reflection Question: What sin or burden are you carrying that you can surrender to Jesus today, trusting Him to set you free?
Day 2: Freedom in Truth
John 8:31-32 (ESV): "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’"
God’s Word is the foundation of freedom. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we discover the truth about who God is and who we are in Him. This truth dismantles lies that hold us captive—whether fear, shame, or worldly pressures—and empowers us to live as His disciples.
Reflection Question: What lie or misconception in your life can you confront by abiding in God’s Word today?
Day 3: Freedom from Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Fear can paralyze, but God offers a spirit of power, love, and self-control. This freedom enables us to face uncertainty with courage, to love others boldly, and to discipline our hearts to trust Him. True freedom is living confidently in the strength God provides.
Reflection Question: What fear is holding you back, and how can you embrace God’s spirit of power, love, and self-control to overcome it?
Day 4: Freedom to Serve
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Christian freedom is not self-indulgence but a call to serve others in love. Christ’s sacrifice frees us from selfish desires, redirecting our purpose toward building up those around us. In serving, we reflect the heart of Jesus and experience the joy of true liberty.
Reflection Question: How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve someone in your community with love today?
Day 5: Freedom from Condemnation
Romans 8:1 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
In Christ, we are free from the crushing weight of condemnation. His grace declares us righteous, silencing the accusations of guilt and shame. This freedom allows us to approach God boldly, knowing we are fully accepted and loved, no matter our past.
Reflection Question: What guilt or shame do you need to release to God, trusting in His promise of no condemnation?
Day 6: Freedom in the Spirit
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
The Holy Spirit brings freedom that transforms us from within. Where the Spirit dwells, there is liberty to grow in Christlikeness, to break free from old patterns, and to live with boldness. This freedom is dynamic, leading us deeper into God’s presence and purpose.
Reflection Question: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart today to experience greater freedom in an area of your life?
Day 7: Eternal Freedom
Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV): "And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Our ultimate freedom is eternal, secured by Christ’s blood. He has not only freed us from sin but elevated us to a royal priesthood, called to serve and worship Him forever. This hope anchors us, giving meaning to our present struggles and pointing us toward eternal glory.
Reflection Question: How does the promise of eternal freedom in Christ shape the way you live out your purpose today?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week! See you all Sunday!
Happy Fourth,
Mark