Friday, May 30, 2014

To Our Graduates

What words of wisdom would you want to share with a graduate? I was asked this question a couple of days ago. As I thought about it, a few things came to mind that I want to share with our grads as they close the door on adolescence and step courageously out into adulthood.

Keep it simple – Love God, love others, and don’t let anything distract you from your simple devotion to Jesus. Life has a way of getting complicated and there are a lot of distractions out there that you can get tangled up in. You will make it as long as you “fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of faith” and run whole-heartedly after Him. (See Hebrews 12:1-2.) Don’t try to run alone either. Find some other Christ followers to run with, so you can help one another finish strong. 

Be careful with your desires – A wise friend of mine often says something like this: “A man will do about what he wants to.” This is so true. Our desires motivate our actions; therefore, be careful what you set your heart on. Consider your desires and weigh them out to see if they are worth spending your life for.  Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” 

Watch out for empty wells – Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”  But, Jeremiah 2:13 says “For my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”  We all have an inner thirst for life that drives us and until we find something to satisfy it, we will never rest. Watch out for trying to satisfy your thirst with the things of the world. Money, careers, relationships, and stuff are all empty wells and broken cisterns that promise to satisfy, but always leave us empty. Only Jesus Christ, the one who created our life, can satisfy our thirst for it.  He will satisfy your thirst eternally if you come to Him. 

Sin always leads to death – God’s ways are right and lead you to life, joy, and peace. According to Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death”. Sin seems right in the moment, but it ends in death every single time. When you are tempted to sin, remember death is always the result you will end up with. 
  
Know what time it is – There is a right time for everything, and understanding what time it is really helps! (See Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Ephesians 5:15-16.) Learn to manage your time, use it wisely, and make the most of it for the glory of God. 

Be teachable – Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Ephesians 5:17 says, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”  Never stop learning. Seek to grow in your understanding of God’s Word and allow Him to teach you. His Word is the lamp that will guide you down the right path as you seek to navigate this often dark, difficult, and confusing world. 

Shannon Compton
Life Groups Pastor

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Community News 5/27/14



Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!
Pastor Todd will be speaking from the book of John. Join us for snacks at 6 PM and worship at 6:30.

Graduates!
This Sunday we will be honoring our high school graduates!  There will be a presentation for the graduates during both services!

[RE] A New Marriage Ministry Starting!
RE is a Marriage Ministry that seeks to encourage and equip married couples to intentionally live out a Christ centered marriage. This class will start this Sunday, June 1st, and will be held during first worship in the brown house. The marriage ministry will be led by Scott and Jen Livingston and Jason and Cindy Fikes. 

Family Communion!
On Sunday, June 8th, during both worships we will celebrate family communion. Let us join together as we remember Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. 

Mom to Mom!
Join other mothers every Thursday from June 12th to July 24th from 10 to 11:30 AM in the blue room. The study will be “Don’t Make Me Count to Three.” Sign up in the welcome center. Childcare is available. For questions call or text Jolena Cantrell at 577-5140.

Spots Still Available!
Take a trip to the Holy Land this summer from August 30th to September 8th! This will be Pastor Todd’s fifth trip leading groups on this most spiritual journey! If you are interested or have questions contact him at todd@brevardcommunity.org.

Help lead discipleship or training in conversational evangelism in Mazatlan, Mexico. This trip will leave on July 8th and return on July 15th. The cost will be $1300. If you are interested or have questions email alan@brevardcommunity.org



Friday, May 23, 2014

Salt


Do you know that you have the power to improve lives? Not only do you have the power to do it, but God has commanded you to improve lives. Matthew 5:13 tells us that we are the salt of the earth. The purpose of salt is to make things better or to improve things. Is the world you live in better because you are in it? As Christians, I truly believe that the world we live in should be better because we are a part of it. If we were to quit our jobs, sports teams, or were to move away all together, others would be sad, and there would be a void in their world because we would no longer be there.

If you haven’t noticed, we live in a world full of broken and hurting people in desperate need of hope. God has called us to be salt in a salt less world. God is calling us to bring hope to the hopeless. So, I will ask you again. Is the world you live in a better place because you are in it? The truth is, whether you realize it or not, your world is full of men and women who are lost, broken, and hurting. We must realize that God has not saved us from our brokenness and sin just so we can sit around and do nothing with what he has done inside of us. Jesus Christ is the reason we have hope and I believe it is time to share the hope that is in you, to be the salt this world so desperately needs. Who in your life can you be salt for today?

Brad Snipes
Middle School Student Pastor

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Community News 5/20/14


Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!
Alan Perry will be speaking from John 7:14-24!  We will continue our journey together looking at who Jesus is.  Join us for snacks at 6 PM and worship at 6:30.

Graduation Pictures Due Tomorrow!
Parents of high school graduates, we need your help! Please submit 6 to 7 photos of your graduate to the church office by tomorrow or email to brad@brevardcommunity.org. These pictures will be portrayed in the graduation presentation on Sunday, June 1st.

[RE] A New Marriage Ministry Starting!
RE is a Marriage Ministry that seeks to encourage and equip married couples to intentionally live out a Christ centered marriage. This class will start on June 1st and will be held during first worship in the brown house. The marriage ministry will be led by Scott and Jen Livingston and Jason and Cindy Fikes. 

Spots Still Available!
Take a trip to the Holy Land this summer from August 30th to September 8th! This will               be Pastor Todd’s fifth trip leading groups on this most spiritual journey! If you are interested or have questions contact him at todd@brevardcommunity.org.

Help lead discipleship or training in conversational evangelism in Mazatlan, Mexico. This trip will leave on July 8th and return on July 15th. The cost will be $1300. If you are interested or have questions email alan@brevardcommunity.org

My Testimony!
If you haven’t submitted your testimony please do so by visiting www.brevardcommunity.org and clicking on forms on the right hand side then click on my testimony or you can pick up a form in the rear of the worship center. 

Office Closed on Memorial Day!
In observance of Memorial Day, the office will be closed next Monday, May 26th.  

Friday, May 16, 2014

Living Out The Word

Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

As the church, we are called to share with one another through difficult times.  I love reading this passage because it is an incredible picture of how the church should help one another as needs arise.  Over my time at Brevard Community, I have seen examples of this over and over again.  We are blessed to be a part of a body of believers that takes these verses to heart and puts them into action. 

One example of this passage is Adrianna Henderson.  She is sixteen years old and has suffered with Lyme disease and other co-infections for almost three years.  She struggles daily with all over body pain, paralysis in her joints and muscles, headaches, extreme fatigue, muscle seizures, cognitive problems, light and sound sensitivity, anxiety, and trouble gaining weight.  She is leaving for Germany on May 28 for a very successful treatment that is not offered here in the states.  The total cost for the travel and treatment is $20,000.  She still needs $6,000 more for the complete nine weeks of treatment. 

What is so impressive about Adrianna and her family is that through this challenging time in their lives they have not stopped honoring and glorifying Christ through this struggle.  If you have spent any time around Adrianna you wouldn’t even know that she is sick and you would quickly be impressed with her passion and love for Jesus.

Brevard Community has helped in numerous ways with raising support for Adrianna and her family.  We are almost there we just need to finish strong.  If you are willing and able to give, please consider sponsoring me as I run in the White Squirrel 10-K race to raise support for Adrianna. 

Checks can be made out to Adrianna Henderson with the memo Lyme Fund.

Also, please be in prayer for Adrianna and her family during her treatment.  Please pray that God would use whatever means necessary to heal her.

Thank you for your support,

Brent Metcalf
High School Student Pastor

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Community News 5/13/14


Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!
Pastor Todd Alewine will be speaking from John 7:10-13!  Pastor Todd encourages you to invite a friend to midweek worship! Join us for snacks at 6 PM and worship at 6:30.    

Life Group Meeting This Sunday!
Are you currently leading a life group or are you interested in starting a new group?  Please make plans to attend our life group leadership meeting this Sunday on May 18th in the worship center after second worship.  Lunch and childcare will be provided.  Come join us as we refocus on why life groups are vital to our mission here at BCC.  We will look at key principles from scripture about how we are to pursue community with insiders.  We will also be looking to what is coming up this summer, share resources, ideas, and prayer requests.  Please RSVP to Shannon Compton, the Life Group Pastor at shannon@brevardcommunity.org.  

Middle School Mission Trip Meeting This Sunday!
An informational meeting will be held this Sunday, May 18th after second worship in the student center for the middle school students planning to go to War, West Virginia and their parents. 

Child and Baby Dedication This Sunday!
This Sunday, May 18th parents will be giving their children back to God during both worships by trusting in Him.  If you are interested in participating please contact Lauren at 884-5932 or email her at lauren@brevardcommunity.org.

Graduation Sunday!
Parents of high school graduates, we need your help!  Please submit 6 to 7 photos of your graduate to the church office by the 21st of May or email to brad@brevardcommunity.org.  These pictures will be portrayed in the graduation presentation on Sunday, June 1st.

[RE] A New Marriage Ministry Starting!
RE is a Marriage Ministry that seeks to encourage and equip married couples to intentionally live out a Christ centered marriage.  This class will start on June 1st and will be held during first worship in the brown house.  The marriage ministry will be led by Scott and Jen Livingston and Jason and Cindy Fikes.  

Spots Still Available!
Take a trip to the Holy Land this summer from August 30th to September 8th!  This will be Pastor Todd’s fifth trip leading groups on this most spiritual journey!  If you are interested or have questions contact him at todd@brevardcommunity.org.

Help lead discipleship or training in conversational evangelism in Mazatlan, Mexico.  This trip will leave on July 8th and return on July 15th.  The cost will be $1300.  If you are interested or have questions email alan@brevardcommunity.org. 



Friday, May 9, 2014

First Connections Ministry

Did you know that a first time church guest will make up his or her mind within ten minutes of arriving at the church property whether they are coming back to church or not? Before they hear the great music or the convicting message they have made up their mind. So, showing the love of God through welcoming all is imperative! With that in mind, we are working on taking the hospitality ministry to the NEXT LEVEL, with the formation of First Connections Ministry. Not "first impressions", because we are not trying to impress anyone. We are trying to connect them with God!

Under the umbrella of First Connections there are four major ministries.

1. Greeters - those welcoming faces at all the doors of the church. They greet you with a "Good Morning & Welcome to Brevard Community Church" as they hand you an announcement sheet. This ministry also includes our kitchen ministry. Isn't it great to have HOT coffee on a Sunday morning? 

2. Guest Services - these volunteers welcome our first time guests, escort them to any location they may need, answer any questions, and distribute gifts to guests. The Guest Services desk is located at the back of the Worship Center.

3. Host Ministry - these dedicated men and women are in the Worship Center every Sunday, welcoming all, and helping you find a seat.

4. Traffic Team - these volunteers manage the flow of traffic, allowing for easy access to and from our facilities. These volunteers really are the "first connection" to our guests.

All of these ministries are vitally important to Brevard Community Church. And besides that, they are just plain FUN! So come join a great team. If you are new to the church these ministries are a great place to start serving!

If you have an interest in serving in First Connections please call Kathie Briola at 862-8069. I would love to speak with you!

You may be someone's first connection with Jesus Christ and Brevard Community Church.

In Christ,
Kathie Briola

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Community News 5/6/14



Missionary Speaking Tomorrow Night!
David Crook, a missionary from Thailand, will be sharing inspiring stories from the mission field tomorrow night.  Snacks will be provided at 6 PM and worship begins at 6:30 PM.

Life Groups!
Are you currently leading a life group or are you interested in starting a new group?  Please make plans to attend our next life group leadership meeting on Sunday, May 18th in the worship center after second worship.  Lunch and childcare will be provided.  Come join us as we refocus on why life groups are vital to our mission here at BCC.  We will look at key principles from scripture about how we are to pursue community with insiders.  We will also be looking to what is coming up this summer, share resources, ideas, and prayer requests. Please RSVP to Shannon Compton, the Life Group Pastor at Shannon@brevardcommunity.org.  

Middle School Mission Trip Meeting! 
An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18th after second worship in the student center for the middle school students planning to go to War, West Virginia and their parents. 

New Guest Services Desk!
Do you remember your first time at Brevard Community Church?  The unknown can be a little scary!  Where do I go?  Where do my children go? Where can I get information on classes offered? These questions and more can be answered at the NEW Guest Services Desk at the back of the worship center.  Our guest services volunteers also have a first time guest gift that they give out!

Baby Dedication!
On Sunday, May 18th parents will be giving their children back to God during both worships by trusting in Him.  If you are interested in participating please contact Lauren at 884-5932 or email her at lauren@brevardcommunity.org.

Graduation Sunday!
Parents of high school graduates, we need your help!  Please submit 6 to 7 photos of your graduate to the church office by the 21st of May or email to brad@brevardcommunity.org.  These pictures will be portrayed in the graduation presentation on Sunday, June 1st.


Friday, May 2, 2014

Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, But Nobody Wants To Die

I am so grateful to have been able to attend a wonderful conference in Atlanta with Tracy and Sheila called Orange the last three days. I have learned so much and now face the task of choosing from all the ideas gathered.  I have to chose one or two that I will work on for the next several months. Pray I hear God's voice on that!

One of my favorite artists is here-David Crowder. I love how he blends true musical talent with authentic faith with poetry and a splash of quirky. At the beginning of the Collide album there is a short "jingle" in which he sings the words "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die." I have always appreciated the depth of that statement.

When we become a Christian we die.

Don't breeze past that thought. Everything we were about, what we thought was important, our desires DIED.  And we asked for it.

This must take place because while death still lives in us through sin, life cannot take its place. Our death filled existence must die, end, cease, so that life can begin. Consider Romans chapter six or even the concept that we are born again. What a wonderful, glorious death!

Now consider who I work with as the children's pastor. Should a child die in the same way I am referring to BEFORE they receive eternal life? It is obvious that careful words are to be chosen, but I am becoming more and more confident that kids need to die to live just like adults do.

I wish I could have a conversation with all of you about this. Maybe we could help each other arrive at a place of insight for the leadership of our kids that would be helpful. I would love some company as I walk this path with God, and I imagine you do too.

In the end I trust God is big enough to even explain to a child how to die so they can live. I invite your thoughts!

Chris Schlender
Children's Pastor