Weekly Recap

Weekly Recap is a regular feature of the Berea Christian Church website.  It contains the reflections, recollections, and sometimes the ramblings, of the minister at the end of each Lord's Day.  Visitors to our site may not recognize the names and events described herein, but are asked to understand that we consider ourselves a family of God's kids who recognize one another by nicknames, pet names, life episodes, etc.  In light of this fact, one may see some very serious topics covered as well as some light-hearted ribbing.  No apologies are made for the remarks contained in the Weekly Recap since, in our familial relationship where we have a unique love for one another, irreverence is often the best indicator of that love.  Having said that...

Weekly Recap 02/05/2012

Last week we looked at the witness of individuals who made up the cast of a play that Kara and I were privileged to see.  In the play's program, they listed some of the casts' Christian affiliations.  They didn't have to, but it was an act of witness and courage.  Today, I saw two other examples of Christian witness.  This time it was right under my nose.  Lisa's family (mom [Marie], dad [Mick], and kids [Kylie and Karissa] are regulars) had friends/family in from New Mexico.  (No, they didn't come all that way just to hear me preach, but thanks for the compliment anyway.)  Lisa's family INVITED them to church.  They came.  Guess what?  People, if they're not regulars, usually won't just happen to "drop in" if you don't invite them.  And that wasn't the end of it.  Sherry (earlier a frequent attendee and now a new and faithful member, part of our Berea family) came with a friend, Jerry (Gerry?).  Nice guy.  Very friendly.  Fits right in at Berea.  I'm glad to know him.  It's not likely I'd have ever met him if not for Sherry.)  That's how it works. 

Some folks seem to think that preachers "build" churches.  I don't think so!  It's you!  You build churches!  How?  By asking people to attend worship services.  By bringing people to Christ by initially bringing them in the front door of the church.  Oh, sure, I can witness to people, and I do, and I've brought a few.  (Imagine that!)  But, it's when those who are members of our family at Berea invite others that the church grows. 

Want an example?  Think back over my almost twenty-five years' ministry here.  Think back to those you remember who were our church family then.  Think back to those who have since gone to be with the Lord.  (I've done more funerals than I care to do.)  Think about those who have moved away.  (We miss you.) Now look at those in our services today and ask yourselves this question.  "Who are all these NEW people?"  Where do you think they came from?  ANSWER: You brought them!  Next question:  Where will others come from who will make up the family at Berea?  ANSWER: You will bring them.  And the people you brought, or will bring, will bring others, and those will bring even more. 

It works every time.  Jesus, in John 4:35, says, "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest."  He is NOT talking about corn or beans!  What are you waiting for?  "Thank you" to Lisa's family and to Sherry for today's witness.

Wanna start an "Operation Witness?"  Who's next? 

DON'T FORGET DEPARTMENT:
 
Be sure to check our calendar of events on our Table of Contents (TOC) page for upcoming events at Berea Christian and in the other churches of our Ashland/Pleasant Plains Ministerial Association.  We try to keep this current and even list long-range events.  If you see something that should be there, please let me know and it will be published.

Please pray for those on our prayer list.  We continually make changes to our list.  If you know a name which should be added to or replaced on that list, please let someone know so we can make additions/corrections.  See our "Prayer List" page for updates.  Why not join us for prayer on Wednesday evenings if you're in the neighborhood?  (See time below.) 

Don't forget to  check out the "STARS", our Youth Group link on our TOC page or click on the red link a few words back.  Read about the future of Berea!  See what Annie and Deb P. are doing.  Come to see us and hear Annie's kids' sermon every Lord's Day.  This is hard work and takes hours of preparation. Thank these guys when you get a chance.  (NOTE: Use your browser "back" arrow to come back here.)

"OTHER STUFF" DEPARTMENT:

It's that time again!  Our annual chili and oyster soup supper will be held Saturday, February 25th, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.  Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for kids.  This is an all you can eat event.

Check it out!  "Kids' Sermon" is updated each Sunday.  Annie keeps the kids (even the "older kids") entertained and informed with her witty style. Find it from the TOC page or the STARS page.  Return links are provided to go back to the STARS page and TOC.  Let us know if you experience any problems. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to:

NOTE:  If you have a family or personal news item you'd like to have included in the Weekly Recap or the STARS pages, let me know and we'll include it.

Thank you, Prayer Partners and thanks to those who attend our Wednesday evening prayer meeting.  We'll see you this coming Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Let me know if I've forgotten anything or anyone.  I'll publish a correction.

And so it goes.  Another day/week in the lives of God's kids.  Love one another.

In Christian love,

Ed

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