Berea Update for April 26, 2025

1. Tomorrow we'll be hearing a message from the book of Ephesians by Pastor Miller.  We'll also be recognizing our college graduates during the morning worship service.

2. Young adults!  We will be having a college/career lunch after church tomorrow, Sunday, April 27!  Please plan to stay after and join us as you wrap up the school year, and look forward to summer!  A taco bar will be provided by the church.  The lunch will be held in the Youth Room, followed by games throughout the church.

3. Long-time attendee James (Jim) Anderkin passed away on Wednesday, April 23 at the age of 91.  We mourn with his wife Caryl and family during this time, yet rejoice that Jim is now home with his Lord and Savior.  Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28 at 10:00 AM at Conroy Funeral Home (1660 E. High St. Springfield, OH), with the funeral service held at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

4. April continues to be "soccer ball month" for our OCC collection and we would love to be able to include a soccer ball in 400 boy boxes this year! Rather than having you purchase the soccer balls, we are asking for donations to cover the cost ($6 per ball--includes pump). Throughout the month of April, you will find a soccer net in the Gathering Area with commitment tags hanging from it, where you can choose to sponsor one, three, five, or ten soccer balls. Donations can be given by check or cash in the offering (please mark it as "OCC Soccer Balls") by the end of April. Donations can also be given through Berea's online giving system.

Also, as mentioned last month, we are trying to get any small filler items you can find at great prices. We put together an Amazon Wish List to give ideas that you can view throughout April.  To view that wish list, click here: OCC Amazon Wishlist Items aren't limited to just that Wish List though! Anything small will work!

Finally, to help cover the shipping for our OCC boxes we are collecting change as we've done in the past. Containers are available at the Welcome Center in the foyer, and can be returned to the church office.

5. AWANA is almost over for the year!  We have just one week remaining!  You are all invited to join us this Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center for our AWANA Awards Night!  We'll be celebrating the hard work of each of our clubbers that evening!

6. If you want to watch the Berea Service online, we recommend using BereaBibleChurch.org instead of Facebook, which has become unreliable. On Sundays at 10 AM, go to our website’s homepage, where you’ll see a live video window near the top.

7. If you are interested in helping with Adventure Camp this summer from June 9-12, please turn in your volunteer sheet tomorrow at church to either Jenny Herier or myself.

1. There were many seeds planted during the Easter week with visitors to Berea, but also other friends and family members.  Pray that the Spirit might be at work causing those seeds to grow! 

2. Pray for the college students that attend Berea.  They are quickly approaching the end of their semester which means final exams, and for some graduation!  Pray for the Lord's continuing protection and leading in their lives.

***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.

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.  For the next few weeks, we'll take a look at His attributes in the blog devotions.

God's holiness sets Him apart as perfect and pure, inspiring awe and worship. His holiness calls us to live in reverence and pursue righteousness.

Reflection Question: How can you honor God's holiness in your actions or attitudes today?

God's love is selfless and sacrificial, shown through Jesus' life and death. This love invites us to respond with gratitude and share it with others.

Reflection Question: Who can you show God's love to today through a kind word or action?

God's limitless power created and sustains all things. Knowing nothing is too difficult for Him gives us confidence to trust Him with our challenges.

Reflection Question: What situation in your life can you entrust to God's all-powerful hands?

God's faithfulness means He keeps His promises, no matter our circumstances. His mercies renew daily, offering hope and strength.

Reflection Question: How have you seen God's faithfulness in your life, and how can you thank Him for it today?

God's wisdom is infinite, guiding His plans perfectly. Trusting His wisdom helps us surrender our need for control and follow His path.

Reflection Question: Where do you need to seek and trust God's wisdom instead of your own understanding?

God's justice ensures that He always acts rightly, balancing mercy with accountability. This attribute assures us that He will make all things right in His time.

Reflection Question: How can you reflect God's justice by standing up for what is right in your community?

God's unchanging nature means He is eternally reliable. In a world of constant change, His steadfast character is our anchor.

Reflection Question: How does knowing God never changes comfort or encourage you in your current season?

Let us know if there is something we can pray for you about!  Have a good week!  See you tomorrow!

Take care,
Mark