Berea Update for July 11, 2025
This morning at our staff meeting, we were sharing the various conversations and events that have occurred in recent days. As I was listening to everyone share, I was struck once again by how much the world needs Jesus. Pair that with my own personal studies in the Sermon on the Mount where believers are called to be "salt and light" and I left this morning feeling pretty convicted (once again) of my need to reach the world for Jesus more and more. I'm sure that most, if not all of you, have that seem feeling--incredibly burdened for family, friends, and co-workers who need to respond to the Gospel. We are all called to share the Gospel where God has placed us, and it is no accident where God has you right now. So, this week I would encourage you to first pray for opportunities, but then respond to them by stepping out in boldness to share the Gospel with those around you. For those who say, "I don't know what to say!" Acts 1:8 gives us encouragement that God has supplied each of us with power through the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel around the world. I've also tailored this week's devotion (below) to fit the topic of evangelism.
I'd love to hear and be able to share stories of how God is working, so if you do have an opportunity this week, let me know! My hope would be to share some of those stories in next week's blog!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday Pastor Miller will be launching a new sermon series on the book of Philippians called "Holding Steady in our Storms." This week's message is from Philippians 1 and is called "A Prisoner of Joy."
2. There will also be a mid-year business meeting held after the morning worship service this Sunday. A mid-year financial update will be provided, along with some other updates about the building. This meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend. There are no items of business requiring a vote planned.
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 this Sunday from 4:00-6:00 PM here at the church! Please plan to drop in sometime that afternoon to say thank you, congratulate Tom and Theresa, and fellowship together! A card basket will be available for you to drop cards into for Tom and Theresa. For those who cannot attend in the afternoon, the basket will be at the Welcome Center on Sunday morning.
4.
As you shop the back-to-school sales, continue to look for pencils, pens, crayons and notebook paper for our Operation Christmas Child boxes! We're well-stocked on crayons, but we desperately need the rest. Donations can be dropped off in the green box in the Gathering Area on Sunday mornings. There continue to be other needs as well. An Amazon Wishlist is available to view here:
OCC Amazon Wish List Consider taking a look to see how else you can fill the boxes!
5. "Christmas in July" continues! Thank you to everyone who has already taken an ornament! If you haven't already, 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!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for Berea's youth group, who are working diligently to prepare for their upcoming mission trip. They will be leaving on Sunday, July 27 and are 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!
2. Pray for those in our church family who are homebound, or are in nursing facilities.
3. Pray for the many families in our church who are travelling over the summer!
***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
As I shared above, this week evangelism is on my heart! Here are seven days of devotions that hopefully encourage you to share the hope that you have in Christ!
Day 1: Called to Share
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus’ Great Commission is a call to every believer to share the Gospel. Evangelism begins where you are—your home, workplace, or community. God has placed you in specific relationships to reflect His love and share His truth. Trust that He is with you as you step out in faith.
Reflection Question: Who in your immediate circle might God be calling you to share the Gospel with, and how can you take one step toward that today?
Day 2: The Power of Your Story
John 4:39 (ESV): "Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’"
Your personal story of encountering Jesus is a powerful tool for evangelism. The Samaritan woman shared her experience, and many believed. You don’t need perfect words—just authenticity. Share how Jesus has changed your life, and let the Holy Spirit work through your testimony.
Reflection Question: What part of your story with Jesus could you share with someone close to you this week?
Day 3: Living as a Light
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Evangelism isn’t just words; it’s a lifestyle. Your actions—kindness, integrity, and love—can draw others to Christ. Where God has placed you, your life can be a beacon that points to Him. Let your daily choices reflect the Gospel’s transformative power. People are watching!
Reflection Question: How can your actions this week demonstrate Christ’s love to someone in your life?
Day 4: Boldness Through the Spirit
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Sharing the Gospel can feel daunting, but the Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness. Pray for courage to speak about Jesus with those around you. Trust that God will provide the words and opportunities to share His truth.
Reflection Question: Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s boldness to share the Gospel, and how can you pray for that courage today?
Day 5: Loving Your Neighbor
Mark 12:31 (ESV): "The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."
Evangelism flows from love. When we genuinely care for those around us—listening, serving, and meeting needs—we create opportunities to share the Gospel. Love builds trust, opening hearts to hear about Jesus. Consider how you can show Christ’s love to someone close to you.
Reflection Question: Who is a “neighbor” in your life that you can show intentional love to this week, and how might that open a door for the Gospel?
Day 6: Planting Seeds
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Evangelism is a process, not a one-time event. You may plant a seed or water one already sown, but God brings the growth. Share the Gospel faithfully where you are, trusting God with the outcome. Every conversation matters in His plan.
Reflection Question: What small step can you take to plant or water a seed of the Gospel in someone’s life today?
Day 7: The Urgency of the Gospel
Romans 10:14 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"
The Gospel is urgent because it’s the only way to salvation. God has placed people in your life who need to hear about Jesus. Step out in faith, knowing your words could be part of their journey to Christ. Let this urgency inspire you to share boldly and lovingly.
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel, and how can you commit to praying for and reaching out to them this week?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Here's a Philippians word search that another church put together that goes great with Pastor Miller's upcoming sermon series:
Philippians Word Search
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week! See you all Sunday!
Take care,
Mark