Berea Update for August 29, 2025
I really don't want to be a "downer" this week, but my heart is heavy as I reflect on yet another tragic school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. As a former elementary school principal, this scenario was always one of my deepest fears—a nightmare that, sadly, has become all too real for far too many communities. The loss of young lives, the pain of families, and the shattering of innocence leave us grappling with profound sadness.
In times like these, the world politicizes issues such as these, looking for new policies for solutions, but as believers, we know the ultimate answer lies in the Gospel. The world will always minimize the truth of God's Word and the effectiveness of prayer. But we should not be surprised. The Bible (confirmed by our experiences) shows us clearly that sin has marred our world, bringing death and destruction, but as believers, we know that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross. In Him, we find hope that transcends our circumstances, comfort for our sorrows, and the promise of restoration. Even in the darkest valleys, God hears our prayers and His light shines, offering peace that surpasses understanding. This is the message that the world needs to hear in the face of tragedy.
This week's devotional below explores finding hope and comfort in the Gospel after tragedy. May it encourage us to cling to Christ, pray for those affected, and share His love with a hurting world.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday Pastor Miller will be continuing sermon series on the book of Philippians called "Holding Steady in our Storms." This week's message is from Philippians 4:2-9, and is called "Sailing in Stormy Relationships."
2. College/Young Adults! Remember that this Sunday after the morning worship service, you are invited to attend a Pool Party/Cookout at the Cummings' house:
3. As announced last week, registration is officially open for AWANA!
AWANA is open to all kids ages 3 (potty trained)-sixth grade, and meets each Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM here at the church. AWANA's goal is to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ and teach them to serve Him. Each night, clubbers hear a Bible lesson, play games, and work on memorizing Scripture. There will be an AWANA Open House on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30 PM, where families can register, meet the leaders, and find out more about the AWANA year. The first regular night of AWANA will be Wednesday, September 10. To find out more information, and to register your child, please visit Berea's AWANA page here:
Berea AWANA Information and Registration
4. A new quarter of Sunday School is just around the corner as well! On Sunday, September 7, we'll all gather together in the Family Life Center at 9:00 AM for a brief "Promotion Sunday" ceremony, where we recognize all of the kids moving from one class to another. This ceremony should take 10 minutes or so, and then children will be released to their classes, and adults will begin theirs. For adults this quarter, there are two options:
A Study of the Sermon on the Mount
Teacher: Pastor Mark Gainer
This class, which is a continuation from the summer quarter, on the Sermon on the Mount, will explore Jesus’ transformative teachings in Matthew 5–7 diving into themes of kingdom living, righteousness, and discipleship. Discover how these timeless principles challenge and inspire us to live faithfully in today’s world. This sermon is as relevant today as it was back then! Participants will be encouraged to apply Jesus’ teachings to their own lives in very practical ways throughout the course.
A Look at the Apostle Paul
Teachers: Michael Greenwood and Pastor Brian Miller
Join us for this exciting study on the life and ministry of Paul. We will study his pre-conversion life, including his dual citizenship, family, education, and early childhood. We will also review his miraculous conversion, ministry, and important missionary journeys. You will be challenged by his love and service to our Savior.
To help with room assignments, we ask that you please register for the adult Sunday School class you'd like to attend. Children do not need to be registered. Thank you to those of you who have already registered! If you haven't done so already, but plan to participate, please register here:
Sunday School Information and Registration
5. Why do we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child? Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus to children in need around the world who need to hear of Christ's love. Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God’s immense love for the child. Please help us fill these boxes to spread the Good News. Summer is well underway, and we are taking advantage of school supply sales. We are collecting supplies to fill our 800 shoeboxes for OCC. Right now, we only need about 150 notebooks and we'll have enough school supplies for all of the boxes! A huge thank you to everyone who has helped to contribute!
6. Plan on joining us for a great time together at the Berea Fall Festival, happening September 13 and 14! Saturday of that weekend kicks off at 3:00 PM with games, a scavenger hunt, dunk tank, cake walks, a “Closest to the Pin” challenge, and more. We’ll fire up the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, followed by a Southern Gospel/Bluegrass concert from "New Strength Gospel" at 6:00 PM. Bring a lawn chair and invite your friends and family—this is the perfect chance to introduce them to our church!
On Sunday, September 14, "New Strength Gospel" will lead us in worship outdoors under the tent for our 10:00 AM service (no Sunday School that morning; bring a lawn chair), followed by an old-fashioned “Bring Your Own Lunch” picnic and cornhole. Stay tuned for more details and invite cards to share!
7.
We need volunteers for all areas of the Fall Festival! If you haven't signed up to help, please click here:
Berea Fall Festival Volunteer Sign-Up There are roles for young and old, so please check it out, and plan on helping to make that weekend an exciting one! If you'd prefer to sign up at church, we'll have sign up sheets available after church this week! The Izers will be available to answer any questions that you might have.
8. We'll be holding a baptism service on Sunday, September 7 at 3:00 PM at the Love's house in their swimming pool. If you are interested in making a public profession of your faith in baptism, please contact the church office to make sure you're included that day! This event is open to anyone in our church family who would like to attend to share in the joy of the baptisms! The Loves are inviting anyone who would like to stay that they are welcome to bring a swimsuit and towel and swim for a time of fellowship together. If you'd rather not swim, there will be yard games available, and plenty of space to just fellowship with one another! If you'd like to bring a snack to share, you are welcome to!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for our fall ministries! There will be many launching over the next month: AWANA, Sunday School, Small Groups, and more! Pray for the leaders of these ministries, and for those individuals who take part that they all might grow into the image of Christ.
***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
Day 1: Acknowledging Our Sorrow
Psalm 34:18 (ESV) – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
In the wake of tragedy, it's natural to feel deep sorrow, as I do reflecting on the Minneapolis shooting. And there are numerous moments through a person's life that bring grief. The beauty of the Gospel is that it doesn't dismiss our pain but invites us to bring it to God, who draws near to the brokenhearted. Jesus Himself wept over loss, showing us that lament is part of faith. Trust that God sees your tears and offers His comforting presence.
Reflection Question: What sorrow are you carrying today, and how can you bring it honestly before the Lord?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for being near to the brokenhearted and pray for comfort for those affected by recent tragedies.
Day 2: The Reality of Sin and Brokenness
Romans 5:12 (ESV) – “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
Tragedies of any type remind us of the brokenness sin has brought into our world, leading to pain and death. The Gospel addresses this root issue: through Adam, sin entered, but through Christ, redemption is offered. Acknowledge the reality of evil while holding onto the hope that Jesus has overcome it.
Reflection Question: How does understanding sin's impact on the world help you process trials and tragedies, and where do you see God's redemptive work?
Prayer Focus: Pray for a deeper awareness of sin's consequences and thank God for the redemption found in Christ.
Day 3: Jesus' Compassion in Our Pain
Matthew 9:36 (ESV) – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Jesus looked upon suffering people with deep compassion, a truth that comforts us in times like these. In the Gospel, we see a Savior who enters our pain, healing the broken and offering guidance. Let His compassion remind you that you're not alone in your grief—He cares deeply for you and those hurting.
Reflection Question: How does Jesus' compassion encourage you in your current sorrows, and how can you extend it to others?
Prayer Focus: Praise God for Jesus' compassionate heart and pray for His comfort to envelop those in pain.
Day 4: Finding Peace in God's Sovereignty
Romans 8:28 (ESV) – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Even in unimaginable tragedy, the Gospel assures us of God's sovereignty—He works all things for good for His people. This doesn't erase the pain but provides hope that nothing is wasted in His plan. Cling to this promise as you pray for healing and justice in the aftermath of events like the shooting.
Reflection Question: In what area of life do you need to trust God's sovereignty today, and how does the Gospel strengthen that trust?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for His sovereign control and pray that He brings good out of tragic situations.
Day 5: The Hope of Eternal Life
John 11:25-26 (ESV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”
The Gospel's core message is hope beyond death—through faith in Christ, we have eternal life. In the face of loss, like the young lives taken in Minneapolis, this promise sustains us, pointing to a day when death will be no more. Hold fast to the resurrection hope that defeats our deepest fears.
Reflection Question: How does the promise of eternal life through Christ change your perspective on death and tragedy?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of eternal life and pray for those grieving to find hope in the resurrection.
Day 6: Sharing the Gospel in Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God comforts us in affliction so we can comfort others, turning our pain into a testimony of the Gospel. As we process our trials and tragedies that take place, let's share the hope we've found in Christ with those around us. Your story of finding peace in Him can point others to the Savior.
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs the comfort of the Gospel, and how can you share it with them this week?
Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to comfort others with the Gospel and thank God for using your experiences for His glory.
Day 7: Looking Forward to Restoration
Revelation 21:4 (ESV) – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
The Gospel culminates in full restoration—God will wipe away every tear and end all suffering. This future hope anchors us, reminding us that evil will not have the last word. Live in anticipation of the day when Christ makes all things new.
Reflection Question: How does the promise of ultimate restoration motivate you to persevere in faith today?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the hope of a tear-free eternity and pray for strength to live in light of that promise.
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
I'm keeping the same word search link here for this week that I've used in the past, as it goes so well with Pastor Miller's sermon series!
Philippians Word Search
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week!
With Hope,
Mark