Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Community News 11/26/13



Thanksgiving Communion Tonight!
Join us as we celebrate communion tonight!  Snacks will be at 6:00 PM and communion will begin at 6:30!  We take communion to remind us of the sacrifice Christ paid for us on the cross! Let us join together in this season of Thanksgiving to remember the depths of God's unconditional love for His people! 

Church League Basketball Sign Ups End December 1st !
Anyone from kindergarten to 12th grade can participate for church league basketball! Sign your student or child up in the Welcome Center or call the church office to sign up over the phone by December 1st.

Church League Coaches' Meeting December 4th!
The church league coaches' meeting will be held December 4th from 7:30-8:00 in the student center.

This Sunday Is A Special Sunday!
Tis the season to give! All tithes given the first Sunday of December will fund both local and foreign missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Also, join us as we welcome our new Worship Pastor Brett Best and his wife Trista to our BCC Family.  


Hope for Christmas!
The month of December we will be talking about Hope for Christmas. Come to the back table to find out how you can give the Gift of Hope this Christmas.

Community Christmas Dinner Wednesday, December 11th!
Our annual Christmas Dinner is coming up December 11th at 6 PM.  We will provide the meat but, we ask that you bring a couple large side items.  We are inviting our neighbors in the community so we need to make sure we have enough food.  

Ladies Christmas Tea Coming Up Saturday, December 14th!
Ladies, you are invited to a Christmas Tea and Ornament Exchange on December 14th from 9 to 11:30 AM. Join us for hot tea, refreshments, door prizes, music, and fellowship.  Purchase your tickets in the back of the worship center this Sunday.  

Kids' Christmas Eve At BCC!
This opportunity is for the Minnows Class through 5th grade age kids.  We would like to invite your kids to participate in the Christmas Eve worship by sharing a few songs with all of BCC!  Practice for these songs will primarily be on Wednesday nights.  Mandatory rehearsals will also be on Sunday afternoon, December 22nd at 2:00 and Tuesday the 24th at 4:00.  Please sign up in the welcome center ASAP.  You can obtain a CD with the songs from Tracy or Chris.  We ask that kids wear clothing with Christmas colors in them on Christmas Eve.  Got questions?  Contact Chris or Tracy at the church!





Friday, November 22, 2013

How to Experience Scripture With Your Students

I read this article this week on the Gospel Coalition about Student Ministry. Our first prayer is not that our students will grow to become well-rounded individuals but recreated ones. Check it out below. 

- Todd 

How to Experience Scripture with Your Students by David Plant

In the story of the transfiguration, Jesus takes his friends high atop a mountain to share with them an unfiltered expression of his glory. And yet, glorious as it was, they didn't remain there. Instead, they returned to the valley. This is an important lesson for those of us who, day in and day out, walk with students and witness their great desire to experience more of the Lord. While "mountaintop" experiences can be an valuable part of the Christian life, most of our relationship with God isn't lived out on the mountaintop. How, then, do we spend time with him on a daily basis? We do this through Spirit-led prayer and community, to be sure, but we experience his presence in these things most vividly and assuredly through the Bible.
bible-study-youth
As John Frame has said, "God's written word has the same power, authority, and divinity as the divine voice from heaven and the word of the prophets and the apostles." In light of this glorious definition, youth pastors have everything to gain, for ourselves and our young friends, when we open up God's Word as a community and experience the glory of Jesus.

Nothing Better to Offer

Doing youth ministry in New York City means you're able to work alongside some interesting and accomplished lay leaders. For a teenager to sit across from any one of them is an enriching experience. Nevertheless, as a team we're aware that the friendship and "common sense" wisdom we provide won't be enough to sustain the next generation "when the days of trouble come" (Eccl. 12:1).
Our first prayer isn't that our students will grow to become well-rounded individuals but re-created ones. Therefore, parents, pastors, and lay leaders must joyfully prepare in advance and make the most of the opportunities involved in ministering to youth.

Know God's Word

Youth leaders must be able to speak God's truth into the given circumstances of a student's life. If you're ready, this can occur spontaneously while riding in a car, playing Settlers of Catan, or taking part in a service project. No formulas. Just two people listening and responding to one another, their stories made sense through his.
Of course, there's no shortage of helpful methods for learning Scripture. One that's shaped me personally is regular group meditation. By "meditation" I mean part rote memorization (chapter and verse) and part prayerful imagination. Beginning on my own, I like to prayerfully consider a cluster of verses based around a particular biblical topic—say, the church.1 Over a week or so, a brief conversational narrative begins to form in my mind that sufficiently explains the topic in a way that's both orthodox and also unique to my personality. My primary purpose is to know God better through his text, then to share it with others doing the same thing. Once I can distill from a cloud of ideas one or two pithy thesis-like statements, I know I've spent transformative time with his Word and am ready to share and discuss with my leader friends.
Sharing is as an act of fellowship. It encourages accountability to the task and is an opportunity to learn from others. As I'm shaped by my time in Scripture, I'm sustained in the valley, and my functional trust in Scripture increases. When we experience and model rich biblical thinking, the incomparable wisdom and power of God's truth is made apparent not only to ourselves, but to others as well.

Know God's Story

At the transfiguration Peter, James, and John witness for the first time what we never want to take for granted: that Jesus is the central figure in the story of redemptive history and therefore the central figure of our lives. Eventually they understand their own cultural narrative through him and interpret every problem—big or small—through the lens of his resurrection. So might our students.
Of course, we're able to see what that inner circle was only beginning to comprehend—that the glory of Jesus is greater than our own expectations for our lives. Youth communities that continually place the stories of students within the ultimate story of God may radically transform identities and usher teenagers into lives filled with grace, hope, and purpose.

In the Valley with Him

I first met Davis when he was 15. Though he'd grown up in the church and professed faith in Christ, he recognized a difference between the more realized faith of certain friends and his own. Convicted by their joy, he began to wonder: What more can I do? Still, however, having had no recognizable "mountaintop" experience he walked hesitantly, believing he didn't possess the willpower to "center his life on Christ." Then he heard from Scripture that God's glory was already being displayed through him in ways he took for granted.
In Philippians 2, Paul exhorts the church at Philippi to unity as he repeats a single word: any. "If there is any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy," he writes, "complete my joy by being of same mind, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind" (Phil. 2:1). Davis discovered in this word that even the smallest amount of God's grace is evidence enough to move forward, to be confident in faith, to do the work of ministry. Realizing Christ is already in the valley alongside him, Davis understood the onus wasn't on him to have some spectacular experience. Recognizing God's work, Davis has reflected God's grace ever since.
This wasn't only freeing for Davis but for many around him as well—even for the pastor. As a newly appointed Bible teacher I learned to trust that when the Lord shapes me through my own careful meditation on Scripture, he uses that process to shape others. As youth leaders, we must understand how our students struggle and think biblically about their lives. In doing so we can walk together through uncertain and often unstable terrain and, because of Christ, move forward with the surest footing and friendship.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Community News 11/19



MidWeek Worship Tomorrow Evening! 
Don't forget!  Join us tomorrow as we study 1 Peter and hear Pastor Marty Burgess teach on grace for temptation.  Come at 6 PM for coffee and snacks, then 6:30 for worship!   

Church League Basketball Sign-Ups Going On Now!
It's almost that time of year again! Church league basketball season is right around the corner! Anyone from kindergarten to 12th grade can participate! Sign your student or child up in the Welcome Center or call the church office to sign up over the phone! 

Thanksgiving Communion Coming Up Next Tuesday, November 26th!
Join us as we celebrate communion on a special date, next Tuesday November 26th at 6:30 PM. We take communion to remind us of the sacrifice Christ paid for us on the cross! Let us join together in this season of Thanksgiving to remember the depths of God's unconditional love for His people! 

Share Your "My Hope" Stories With Us!
The "My Hope" with Billy Graham project was a huge success across the nation. If you hosted a "My Hope" event in your own home, we'd love to hear about it! Send us your stories so we can celebrate all that God has done. Email Todd at todd@brevardcommunity.org to share the good news. 

December 1st is a special Sunday!
Tis the season to give! All tithes given the first Sunday of December will fund both local and foreign missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Also, join us as we welcome our new Worship Pastor Brett Best and his wife Trista to our BCC Family.  

Community Christmas Dinner Wednesday, December 11th!
Our annual Christmas Dinner is coming up December 11th at 6 PM.  We will provide the meat but, we ask that you bring a couple large side items.  We are inviting our neighbors in the community so we need to make sure we have enough food.  

Ladies Christmas Tea Coming Up Saturday, December 14th!
Ladies, you are invited to a Christmas Tea and Ornament Exchange on December 14th from 9 to 11:30 AM. Join us for hot tea, refreshments, door prizes, music, and fellowship.  Purchase your tickets in the back of the worship center this Sunday.  

KidZone Needs A Handyman For A Couple Of Months!    
Do you consider yourself a handyman?  The Kidzone Department needs your expertise.  We need help with repair, installation, and electrical work.  Contact Chris at 828-553-7583 for details.  


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Community News - 11/12/13


MidWeek Worship Tomorrow Evening! 
Don't forget! Our regular MidWeek Worship services have returned! Join us at 6 PM for coffee and snacks, then at 6:30 for worship! Todd will be announcing who the new Worship Pastor will be tomorrow evening as well as Sunday morning during both worships. You don't want to miss it!

Church League Basketball Sign-Ups Going On Now!
It's almost that time of year again! Church league basketball season is right around the corner! Anyone from kindergarten to 12th grade can participate! Sign your student or child up in the Welcome Center or call the church office to sign up over the phone! 

Fall Baptism Coming Up This Sunday, November 17th!
Mark your calendars! The Fall Baptism is coming up this Sunday, Nov. 17th during both worships! Baptism is not salvation; it's the proclamation of it! If you have not been baptized, take the next step in your journey and make your faith known as we celebrate the transforming love and power of Jesus Christ! If you are interested in being baptized, call the church office this week at (828)884-5932. 

Operation Christmas Child Boxes Due This Sunday, November 17th!
Operation Christmas Child is an incredible way to reach children all over the world with the love of Jesus Christ. Through tangible gifts, they learn about the eternal gift of salvation from Jesus Christ! Pack a shoebox with your family and drop it off in the Worship Center by this Sunday, November 17th. For more information, call the office or go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Thanksgiving Communion Coming Up Tuesday, November 26th!Join us as we celebrate communion on a special date, Tuesday November 26th at 6:30 PM. We take Communion to remind us of the sacrifice Christ paid for us on the cross! Let us join together in this season of Thanksgiving to remember the depths of God's unconditional love for His people!

Share Your "My Hope" Stories With Us!
The "My Hope" with Billy Graham project was a huge success across the nation. If you hosted a "My Hope" event in your own home, we'd love to hear about it! Send us your stories so we can celebrate all that God has done. Email Todd at todd@brevardcommunity.org to share the good news. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Correction: Chris' Bike Trip This SATURDAY!


Sorry for the confusion, folks! Chris' bike trip will be this Saturday, NOT Sunday! Tis the season to get outdoors! Bring a kid to go mountain biking with you this Saturday, November 9th in the Dupont State Forest! Contact Pastor Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org if you want to join or if you need a bike! Meet at BCC at 10 AM!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Community News - 11/05/13


MidWeek Worship Returns Tomorrow! 
What an incredible semester of MidWeek University we had! God showed up and showed off in incredible ways in all 4 classes! Now let's continue celebrating Him with the return of MidWeek Worships tomorrow evening! Join us at 6 PM for coffee and snacks, then at 6:30 for worship! We'll see you there! 

My Hope with Billy Graham Project This Thursday, November 7th!
This Thursday, people in our Body and across the nation will be taking part in the My Hope With Billy Graham event in order to reach and impact the pre-Christians or struggling brothers or sisters in their life. For more information on how you can get involved, go to www.myhopewithbillygraham.org. Let us commit to praying as a church for boldness and wisdom for all those taking part in this project, and open, prepared hearts for those they are reaching. 

Bike in the Woods with Chris this Sunday! 
Tis the season to get outdoors! Bring a kid to go mountain biking with you this Saturday in the Dupont State Forest! Contact Pastor Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org if you want to join or if you need a bike! Meet at BCC at 10 AM! 

Church League Basketball Sign-Ups Start This Sunday, November 10th!
It's almost that time of year again! Church league basketball season is right around the corner! Anyone from kindergarten to 12th grade can participate! Sign your student or child up in the Welcome Center this Sunday or call the church office to sign up over the phone! 

Fall Baptism Coming Up Sunday, November 17th!
Mark your calendars! The Fall Baptism is coming up this Sunday, Nov. 17th during both worships! Baptism is not salvation; it's the proclamation of it! If you have not been baptized, take the next step in your journey and make your faith known as we celebrate the transforming love and power of Jesus Christ! If you are interested in being baptized, call the church office at (828)884-5932. 

Operation Christmas Child Boxes Due Next Sunday, November 17th!
Operation Christmas Child is an incredible way to reach children all over the world with the love of Jesus Christ. Through tangible gifts, they learn about the eternal gift of salvation from Jesus Christ! Pack a shoebox with your family and drop it off in the Worship Center on Sunday, November 17th. For more information, call the office or go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Friday, November 1, 2013

My Hope

"A Crusade in your living room" is the way the My Hope Outreach with Billy Graham has been described.

Next  week beginning November 7, which is Billy Graham's 95th birthday, our nation has the opportunity to hear about the Hope that is within us. However Billy Graham will not be speaking in a large arena or stadium; he will be using the homes of Christ-followers like you and me. He is asking us to invite some of our family and friends who need a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ to come to our homes and share a meal together. After the meal we will watch a program telling them about Hope. In this program our guests will hear testimonies from folks whose lives have been changed by entering into a relationship with Jesus. They will also hear Billy Graham explain the Gospel. After the program, we will then tell them our story of how we were born again and how Jesus Christ has changed our lives. We will then give our guests an opportunity to trust Jesus as Savior and enter into an eternal relationship with Him.


So "Look Around" for those who need Jesus. "Look Up" by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to direct you to those folks. "Look Out" for opportunities to build relationships with those around you. "Look Forward" by preparing yourself spiritually; abiding in Christ. "Look After" by planning to disciple those who trust Jesus as Savior. 


Please join together with Christ followers all over our nation in reaching our friends with the Gospel. For more information go to myhopewithbillygraham.org or call the church office at 884-5932.

Grace and Peace,
Alan Perry 
Missions Pastor