Letter from Brother Zanfir - Scott Valley Berean Church

Encouragement to be BOLD for Christ Scott Valley
Berean Church
Summer 2009
From the Desk of Pastor Drew
It was noon and I left my office to take a walk. I walked up Sawyer’s Bar Road for a hundred yards and turned left onto a dirt road after Alderbrook Manor. The dirt road dead ends at a gate which provides access to a long field that lies eastward and parallel to Main Street. I walked through the gate and eastward across the field. Due to lack of rain the grass was dry and course. I approached a fence on the other side of the field and found a low section that I could easily climb over. As I walked I prayed that the Holy Spirit would descend upon Scott Valley. Periodically, I stopped to pick from numerous blackberry vines that were heavily laden with berries. I ate the sweet juicy berries as I picked them. Soon my fingers were darkly stained with the purple juice. Looking to the east is a long low hill on the other side of Etna Creek. As fall approaches the oaks on the hill are turning various colors of yellow, brown and gold. I enjoy the changing seasons. Though there is unrest in our world, my Heavenly Father has His Sovereign Hand on this planet. As summer is followed by fall and fall is followed by winter, God’s purposes will never fail. The Bible says, “The purposes of the Lord’s heart will endure for all generations.” I have enjoyed watching the George Otis Transformation videos these past few weeks. They have encouraged my heart that God can and does work miraculously when His people pray. Could we agree together in prayer for the Holy Spirit to stir the Body of Christ in Scott Valley? The Holy Spirit is a Divine and Eternal Person. He is the Comforter, Counselor and Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit is here on the earth to comfort and encourage us. Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily circumstances. There will always be an element of mystery as we approach the Holy Spirit and as the Holy Spirit approaches us. If we have un‐ confessed sin the Holy Spirit will be inhibited. Let’s live with a reverent awareness of the Presence of God as we pray for Him to divinely move in our church and valley. God Bless You, Drew Written by Mark Peaty This summer the Lord has provided several tangible examples to show me that he is using me to reach others. This won’t be earth shaking news to those of you who are junior “Billy Grahams”, but I hope it will be encouraging to those that are more quiet and shy about their faith. Very early into the start of summer vacation I one day sensed a strong need to pray and uphold someone in the valley who was having several issues. I knew a little about their situation, but no details. For several days they constantly kept coming to mind (and continue to come to mind occasionally) and I faithfully prayed that the Lord would intercede in those situations. I felt the need to send a card of encouragement to this person and to let them know that I was praying for them. It was when I was sitting at the cluttered kitchen table trying to pick just the right words to send to them that a heaviness of reality settled on to me. I suddenly became very aware that my actions and thoughts for the last couple of days had been directed by the Holy Spirit. I slumped under the realization that the Creator of the universe was using me; that my plans and desires had been adjusted to accommodate the Lord wanting to meet the needs of this other person. The Creator of the universe wants to use me. Say that out loud to yourself about 10 times, slowly and with awe. Wow! It takes awhile for that to begin to sink in, but when it does your life changes. Isaiah 55:8-11 "For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways," declares the Lord. “As the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways and my thoughts
than your thoughts. As the rain and the
snow come down from heaven, and do not
return to it without watering the earth and
making it bud and flourish, so that it yields
seed for the sower and bread for the
eater, so is my word that goes out from my
mouth: It will not return to me empty, but
will accomplish what I desire and achieve
the purpose for which I sent it."
A couple of years ago at the end of the Men’s Retreat the speaker challenged the men to be bold for Christ. Sometime after that I decided to add a couple of scripture verses to the signature area of my emails. A signature in an email program is some pre‐saved text that you have created. The software adds that signature information to the bottom of every new email that you create and to any emails that you send a reply to. My decision to add scripture as a signature came about because of the men’s retreat challenge and because of the meaningless, but cute, signatures a lot of people use. I decided that if I was going to have to read their opinions and thoughts then I was going to make them read something that could change their life. For someone who is shy and cautious about sharing their faith, sending scripture out, when it might offend, is a bold step. Some of you know that feeling. But I decided that the power of these scripture verses were more important than my insecurity about offending someone. For several years now my emails and replies have included the verses. Because the software adds it automatically you don’t think too much about whether you should include it or not. There were occasions when I wondered if it was appropriate and there were some emails that were never answered. I wondered if the verses had caused that person to not return my email. But I still realized that it wasn’t those people that get offended that I was trying to reach. I knew that sometime someone was going to read those verses and it was going to be just what they needed at that moment. A couple of weeks ago I was emailing a high school kid in southern California. I had listed my VW bus for sale on Craigslist and the only way to get in touch with me for that ad was through email. He and I emailed back and forth several times as I filled him in with info and pictures about the bus. We finally settled on meeting in Chico. A few days before the meeting I received this email: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Mark, Hi, my name is Teresa. I am Josh’s Mom. I wanted to let you know how the Lord is working through you to touch others in His name. I sent this email to my sister today: "so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10, 11 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5, 6 Joshua has been negotiating online to purchase a VW bus. So far the plan is that my guys will go to Chico this weekend to pick it up. He left his hotmail acct up on my computer this morning. I was just perusing his line of emails regarding the bus, and the seller had this from Philippians and Proverbs as his footnotes. DON’T YOU LOVE IT!!! I needed the tap on my shoulder, and the Holy Spirit said to tap yours, also! Love ya, Teresa
Her response: I sit here with tears in my eyes. I can not explain it because it was between me and God and I told Him I wanted an exact answer from Him directly... It was exactly answered in scripture you sent. One more time...thanks sis for being here in some of my most difficult spiritual hours. You will never know how much I give God thanks for you. ‐ Helen ~~~~~~~~ I still can’t read that without getting misty‐eyed. The Creator of the universe used me to send ancient scripture to someone who I don’t know who prayed for an exact answer from God. It boggles the mind to try to comprehend the intricacies involved with all of that: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the
Lord. Amen!
I encourage you to find your own way to be bold for Jesus Christ. Submitted by Pastor Drew Healing for Today
Rene Resentes is hosting a class in her home
on Wednesday nights from 6pm-7:30pm on the
topic of healing. Attendees will need to have a
copy of the textbook, "Healing Power, Voice
Activated." A study guide will be provided for
participants. Alternate weeks will be spent
discussing the next segment of the book with
questions provided by the study guide. All weeks
will have a dedicated time for healing prayer for
the sick: emotionally, physically and/or spiritually.
If you have a desire for healing prayer, either to
give or receive, you are most welcome to attend.
The class began on September 9th and will
continue until December 16th. Submitted by Gloria Goeckermann Youth Update
What are we talking about?
and Susan Houg
This semester at youth group we will discuss the
topic of “The Body”. This is playing out in a couple
ways. We are currently talking about our own bodies
and the different parts affect our walk with God. When
we are letting less than worthy stuff into our minds
through our eyes and our ears we can feel the effect on
our relationship with God.
We also are going to be looking about the larger
church body. We are more than just one church or one
believer in Christ. We are all brothers and sisters of
faith and those who are a part of our family live all over
the world. We are excited about what God is going to be
teaching us about what it means to be apart of his body.
We are using Romans 12 as a jumping point for our
discussions around these topics. Our desire is that we
would get a better grasp of how to love God better and
how to love those around us as Christ calls us to.
Prayer …
Thank you to everyone who prayed for Kaleo!
It went extremely well. It was great to see a variety of
churches in the area come together and seek growth.
Here are a couple ways that you could be praying for
the youth ministry:
1.
That everything we do would
be done on God’s strength and not our
own.
2.
For Jenn getting started in the
ministry and getting connected with
students.
3.
A clear vision and purpose with
some new ideas that we are trying to
get launched.
4.
Youth group would continue to
be a place where students can grow in
their faith.
No up coming events… But youth group Sunday nights
@ 6pm in the “Old Church”.
- Phillip Johnson
SCOTT WESLEY BROWN AT VERY SPECIAL FALL MISSIONS CONFERENCE…HERE!! Scott Wesley Brown, singer/songwriter will be
coming to Scott Valley Berean Church in Etna October
10-11.
The past three decades have seen Brown’s
signature on no fewer than nine number one singles in
Adult-Contemporary and Inspirational music rankings.
His songs have been recorded by Sandi Patti, Amy
Grant, Bruce Carroll, Pat Boone, The Imperials, Mark
Lowery, Petra and international opera star Placido
Domingo on his album with John Denver. Scott has
recorded 24 albums in all. But his heart is missionminded and his actions display just that, with travels in
over 50 countries to work with Compassion
International, Youth with a Mission, OPEN DOORS,
Operation Mobilization and Campus Crusade for Christ
(Jesus Film). He has also been the featured singer at
Promise Keepers and written several songs for these
events.
Join us on Saturday, October 10 for a gathering of
Praise and Worship along with Scott, missionaries
temporarily living in our area, singer-songwriter Laura
Marshall Komarek and daughters, and an exciting
though brief history of missions at SVBC as told by
founder Marilyn Seward. Our evening will start with a
potluck at 5:30 pm and the praise service at 7:00 pm.
On Sunday morning at 10:00am, Scott will lead us in
worship and share with us from God’s living word.
Bulletin Boards: A ton of thanks to Jerry Silva, Emily
Loogman and Brooke, Luba, Hannah and Valentina
Travis for keeping missions lively in the lobby! We’re
always looking for other artistic/design conscious souls
to contribute to this prong of the info fork.
Minute for Missions: Have you noticed? Almost
every Sunday, some member of the Missions Team
reports on one of the missionaries or mission projects
our church supports either through the budget, special
gifts, or with prayer. We’re excited about the prospect
of FAMILIES in our church taking over this prong of the
fork. How would YOUR family like to “adopt” a
missionary, pray for them when you have your
dinnertime blessing, email them – mom to mom, dad to
dad, and child to child? Stay tuned for more on this
opportunity to make the spread of God’s kingdom very
real and personal to each member of your family. We
got his idea from Carolyn and Ary Velloso, who are
having great success with this approach in their
Londrina, Brazil church plant. Here, Suzie Birch is
heading up the project.
From the Field: To protect our missionaries in
foreign countries, this report has been deleted.
Bruce/Denise Beckhart were here early summer,
challenging us at “Church in the Park” to see the
Muslim world through God’s eyes. Several of us were
blessed by Denise’s sharing re: what she has learned
about being quiet before God over a several-year bout
with immune-system diseases. Rob/Jeanie Bennett
will be here in October to report to Missions Team on
major changes in their mission (away from
broadcasting, into “helping hands”) and to reapply for
support. Chuck/Sue Cushman enjoy new grandbaby
and continue encouraging rural churches in Montana to
partner with similar churches in other countries.
Dan/Lisa Downey are encouraged by zeal of Croatian
pastors and lay leaders to plant churches in the
northern suburbs of Zagreb and pray for patience to
match their personal pace to that of a more laid-back
culture. Barry/Ronah Francolino are excited about
taking the Kairos course on World Missions into
Moldova earlier this year and a short-term team from
Romania to Kenya in July. Glenn/Marcia Gero on
home assignment in Indiana where Glenn teaches in a
Christian high school and Marcia has resumed work on
Jola (Senegal) translation of the Bible. Kelly/Cherie
Green enjoying much needed vacation after working
24/7 to help prepare Colombian churches for Franklin
Graham “Festival of Hope” this summer. Kelly has
turned over his leadership role in their mission to
nationals, moving behind the scenes but staying close
to the action. Greg/Jan Griffin led a short-term youth
mission group from Colorado on a construction mission
(80-foot bridge!) to the Blackfeet nation of Montana. At
the debrief afterwards, Greg shared these thoughts with
the visiting youth group. We think this is a hugely
important principle in all our missions thinking, but
especially as we have opportunities to send our youth
out on summer projects (e.g. Emily Carlson, Simpson
College sophomore, to Montenegro for six weeks this
summer, with great support from your love offerings,
had life-changing experiences teaching English and
interacting with summer camp locals). Back to Greg’s
debrief!
“The questions for those thinking
about going into missions are
sometimes confusing. It can end up
leading some to ask why churches
even do short-term missions trips.
Why do you go and serve these
people? Did the children touch your
heart and make you cry? Did you
see the hopelessness and poverty
and feel moved to make a difference
to help improve their standard of
living? Do you end up coming away
from the experience feeling like you
have a deeper connection with these
people? Do you love them? These
question all focus on the wrong
point. We don’t go into missions
because we love people and expect
them to love us back. We go into
missions because we love God.”
As Greg went on to say,” yes, all
those other things may happen, but
they are not the starting place. The
starting place is obeying God’s
call, continuing with those who
are obeying. ☺”
Russ/Sylvia Lambert carry heavy agency-wide
responsibilities at OC in Colorado Springs, in both
administration and finance. The agency has had to cut
back staff at the same time that opportunities worldwide
are exploding. The Brazil OC, e.g. wants to send out
60 new missionaries. Pray for God to endow these
obedient hearts with the funds to follow His call.
Clint/Natalie Moerer Clint is still working full time at the
Baptist Village and International Sports Properties and
also coach’s basketball at Josh’s middle school plus a
H.S. age baseball team from Jerusalem, and Tyler’s
baseball team. Natalie is trying to get permission to
volunteer in Tyler’s school in grade 1 to practice easy
Hebrew. Joash/Grace Mutua are planting and leading
churches in Nairobi, Kenya with more opportunities
than they can keep up with. Ed/Cecilia Murphy (Twain
Harte, CA) fulfill a mentoring role for OC. Paul/Nancy
Neumann (NC and PA) present Biblical worldview
seminars for OC in Guatemala and Mongolia.
Jim/Sheilia Nickel (BEE World Facilitators, CO) taught
several intensive seminars for business leaders, Bible
teachers, and marriage counselors in Asia the first eight
months of ’09. There are so many calls for their
services they have already used up a year’s worth of
travel budget. Gary/Cathy Opfer (Triple Cord, CO)
travel periodically to Kosova to supervise church plant,
prepare DVD’s for instructing Kosova believers in
English language, and supplement income by
substitute teaching. Ary/Carolyn Velloso (OC Brazil)
have watched their new church in Londrina grow
numerically and spiritually; they are ready to hand it
over to national pastoral team. Ary has vigorous
internet teaching ministry (in Portuguese) and many
mentoring commitments.
LOOKING AHEAD: Operation Christmas Child (Sept.
and Oct.), Month of the Persecuted Church (Nov.)
Wednesday Morning
Bible Fellowship
9:45 a.m. at the Church Library
We might be called a Senior Group, because
most of us have grandchildren. However, we are
young in spirit, and our weekly meetings appeal to
both our spiritual and social lives.
On Sept. 2, we are going to start reading and
discussing a book called “Telling Yourself the
Truth.” It is written by two Christian
psychologists who base their teaching on the Bible.
They show how you can identify your misbeliefs
and replace them with the truth.
There is always room for one more, and you
are welcome to join us. For further information, call Wanda Kiep at 467­3255 or Jo Marshall at 467­3575. Submitted by Jo Marshall
Together on
Planet MOM
MOPS, a ministry to Mothers of Preschoolers, is beginning its 4th year of ministry this fall at the Scott Valley Berean Church. The goal of MOPS is to provide support and resources for those in the early stage of mothering. The leadership team is excited to implement new ideas for reaching moms outside the normal church community, as well as continually blessing those who have come in years past. The theme from this year’s MOPS International is “Together on Planet Mom,” and encourages healthy relationships in marriages, parenting, friendships, and all areas of life. At MOPS, childcare is provided so that moms can have a time to laugh and learn together. There will be speakers on topics such as time‐management, child‐
training, and dealing with crises. MOPS meets from 9 ‐ 11a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month in the youth building. Please pray… for moms to be encouraged in their
relationships with Jesus and their families, and thank
God for adequate childcare workers for this fall.
M
Submitted by Corrie Johnson
oldova Report
Our partnership with Christ’s Church of Moldova slowed
a bit this summer as leadership on both sides had a
hectic time of travel, camps, family time and vacations.
Progress has been made in several areas. First, we
now have an official “Moldova Fund”. You can make
contributions to this fund by simply making out a check
with a sticky note saying “Moldova”. These funds will
be used for ministry needs, bringing Moldova teens to
Kidder Creek Camp and helping to send some of us to
Moldova. Please remember that giving to this fund
should be over and above what you normally give to
the church.
Second, Glenda Hubbard has agreed to be the one in
charge of “Pen Pals”. This is for four year olds up to
teenagers. Kids will be assigned a pen pal to write to
on a regular basis. Please contact Glenda if you know
of a child or teen that would be interested. If any of
you adults would like to write someone in their church,
just let Glenda know. This could certainly be for more
than just kids.
Third, Susie Birch has agreed to be the contact person
on our end for prayer requests. Pastor Igor is the
Prayer Pastor for their church. They put a high priority
on prayer and are strong prayer intercessors. Susie
will be sending them prayer requests from us and also
receiving their prayer needs. Contact Susie if you have
a request you would like the Moldova church to be
praying about. She will be sharing their requests at our
morning services.
Fourth, we are excited about the possibility of some of
their youth coming to Kidder Creek Camp next
summer. Be praying with us and Julia, their Youth
Pastor, about who God would want to come. Our
desire is that it would be kids who have a heart for
Moldova and would not be enticed to come back and
stay in America.
Fifth, we will be going to Moldova in May and teaching
the book of Romans. Pray about your part in this trip.
Maybe God wants you to come with us, or He may
want you as a prayer warrior for this trip and/or He may
want you to help financially. Spend time listening to
how He wants you to get involved. Sixth, there is a
need for someone to take on the responsibility of
sending our church news to the Moldovan church. It
would involve emailing news to them each month about
what we are doing. If the Lord is leading you in a
ministry like this, please contact Bill Birch. Our long
term goal for this partnership is to see ALL of us in the
Scott Valley Berean Church involved in some way.
Enclosed is a letter from Pastor Zanfir. You will really
catch this man’s heart for Jesus as you read it.
- Bill Birch
Letter from Brother Zanfir
Brother Bill, Brother Drew and the whole Church,
Greetings!
So long time we didn’t write to you. This
summer was the time of vacations. But now we
are returning to the regular tempo of life.
Although it was vacations’ time and many
members of church took leaves of absences, the
church continued to work. The youth and
teenagers, being in vacation’s time, used their time
very effectively. They very often have met for
relationship, prayers and for outreach.
In June, a team of 12 people were at “School of
Christ” (founder Bert Clendennen) for 3 weeks, in
Ukraine. I also was there. Seven persons from this
team were young people. This school had a really
good effect in our life of prayer and in dedication
to God. There was a time of teaching, prayer with
fasting, practice of outreach, and relationships
with our brothers and sister from that city.
We returned from there filled with enthusiasm,
ideas and Holy Spirit. We started to pray every
morning in the office of church between 7 and 8
o’clock. Surely, more zealous are young people.
Now we are continuing in this prayer.
Every month we go out for outreach and we
feel that it is easier to preach the Gospel to the
people. I believe this is also a result of our prayers.
People are very open to hear the Gospel.
Every Sunday, our youth have sport club and
many unbelievers come. Some of them have
repented. One of them even was baptized 2 weeks
ago. (Two weeks ago, 8 persons were baptized in
the water.)
As usual, every summer our kids, teenagers
and youth go to a Christian camp. This year we
decided to send there more from unbeliever
friends. Some of the people that were in need we
helped pay their way there. Many of the
unbelievers received the Lord in their hearts. Even
youth from the church who were cold, were
touched by the Holy Spirit. The director of the
camp said that our church fulfilled their vision.
Their vision is that children who repent this year
might be instructors next year. And some persons
who repented last year served in the camp this
year. They had a good time in this camp.
I want to tell you a testimony of a young man
in our church. Two years ago, a boy (Edic)
repented in the Detention Place, where our “Street
Children Ministry” used to serve. He was with his
sister and his brother. They didn’t know where
their parents were. He was 16 years old and others
were younger. Also he was illiterate – he didn’t
study anywhere. But by himself he learned to
write and read a little bit. Last year he started to
read the Bible and by now he is finishing to read
it. Also last year he was at a professional school
and studied car mechanics. He had good results in
this study. Then somebody inspired him to go to a
missionary college, and he tried to enter it. When
they heard he had no classes they were amazed.
At the end, he became a student of this college.
Praise the Lord!
How was your summer? What prayer requests
do you have? We love you and pray for you!
Blessings, Your brother Zanfir
Pastor of Christ Church, Kishinev, Moldova.
youth sacrificing their morning sleep and coming at 7 am and seeking the Lord. And the whole August we were busy at the children, teenager and the youth camps. It was not easy, we had many nonbelievers but they were touched, many gave their lives to Christ! Julia (Youth Pastor) Book of JAMES - Join Bob and Ida
Scranton as they begin their study of the
Book of James starting on Wednesday,
September 16th. This study meets at the
Scranton’s from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Join these
wonderful senior adults to study God’s
Word. 467-5458, 1316 S. State Hwy 3
AWANA
Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed Letter from Youth Pastor Julia Hello dear friends, This summer is over and I believe we’ve planted seeds and we harvested too. This was a very busy time. The summer has started with Christ School in the Ukraine which was a deep blessing to us. For 3 weeks youth leaders and leaders of the church had spend in unity and Spirit every morning waking up at 6 am for 2 hours prayer and then teaching the whole day, then again powerful prayer. God was moving so powerful! Amen! The youth woke up! They saw and felt the move of God; they have tasted how good He is. Other part of the youth leaders went to the villages of Moldova to help holding the day camps in 3 villages. They came back so inspired and said they want to become missionaries! For me it was a break through, because this is what I really want to raise up missionaries, pastors, evangelists, teachers that would go into this world and make disciples. As soon as we came back from the Ukraine we have started morning prayers, and I was excited seeing (2 Timothy 2:15). Our hope for Awana is that kids might come and enjoy learning God’s Word and what it means for their lives every day. God has given us a picture of His character, His love, and His purposes through the Bible, which is the center of Awana. Kids are more confused than ever about what is right and true and Awana takes every chance to point them toward a solid Rock they can stand on, Jesus. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word” Psalms 119:9. I would ask your prayers for our volunteer leaders even right now as you read this. They give so much, so faithfully, and want to see God work in kids lives. Pray that they have strength, patience, and wisdom with the kids they oversee each week. Thank you! Phillip Johnson Treasurer’s Thoughts - The last few month's
economic craziness has revealed an American
tendency to depend on our own financial plan. Whoops!
It only took instability and poor judgment by people
we could neither contact or control, to profoundly affect
our checkbook and our dreams. The Lord gave us so
many examples of how He himself could provide for
every need. The coins in the fish's mouth for temple
taxes, water turned to wine to protect the host from
embarrassment, the widow out of oil obeying the
prophet, a few loaves and fish to feed a whole crowd He encouraged us to trust His love for us, in every
area of our lives.
Many of us have learned a big lesson that will serve
us in the days ahead. Our biggest need is not
financial. Our biggest need is to know and trust the
only person (who was God in the flesh) who stood
between hell and us. If He did that, no other part of our
life is at risk and none of our needs are beyond His
reach. He challenges us to hold all possessions with an
open grip, give generously and deliberately, and to
learn what is pleasing to Him and then do it. With this
kind of cooperation - He will build His kingdom - right
here, right now !!!!
- Andrea Miller, Treasurer
When: Thursday nights at 7:00 PM
Where: Frank and Sarah Jenner's
1524 Island Road in Etna 467-4180
“Jesus…said, I am the light of the world. Whoever
follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Celebrate Recovery is here for you! If you find yourself having a hard time living life on life’s terms, adjusting to hurts habits and hang‐ups that haunt you from the past and inhibit you from experiencing joy in the present, don’t just sit on your tail and pray about it! Get up and go to a meeting where you can find support, hope, and encouragement. Where? Right here at the Berean Church When? 6:00 pm Friday evenings We fellowship during dinner at 6 pm, followed by singing worship songs and reading from our workbooks around 7 pm, then we break into small men’s and women’s groups from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. We fellowship around desert and leave with HOPE instead of the baggage we came in with. Don’t worry we won’t share your secrets, this is a safe place to share. I won’t even tell you who will be there, you will just have to come and see for yourself. Just remember, Friday 6:00 pm @ Berean church. Submitted by Glenn Johnson Meet Me in the Stairwell “You say you will never forget where you were
when you heard the news on September 11, 2001.
Neither will I....
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke-filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'
I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him
the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it,
but it is OK; I am ready to go.'
I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as
she tried to understand his words and as she
realized he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking
on the door of your heart for 50 years,' I said. 'Of
course I will show you the way home only believe in Me now.'
I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I
took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of
the believers there, comforting and assuring them
that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan,
Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you
heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face. I
knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met
Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some
sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't
hear Me calling to them through the smoke and
flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I
was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you
were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you
have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And
I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I
may be found.. Then, at any moment, you know
you are 'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final
moments.” - GOD
Article submitted by Andrea Miller
Kidder Creek Camp
Faith Lessons
This summer God again impressed on all of us that He is the one in charge of every aspect of the Kidder Creek program. In planning the schedule, we knew it could be a fairly sparse year for campers. Camps all over the country have felt the effect of our struggling economy as families have had to cut back on summer activities. We tried to prepare to weather this “storm”, without sacrificing the quality of ministry that has been the hallmark of Kidder Creek programs throughout the years. And God, as always, made it His own and brought all of the elements together for a season of blessing kids in mighty ways. One major element of camping is, of course, getting campers here! I will admit to being a bit nervous as the summer began, since our numbers for many of the later weeks were pretty low. But as the summer progressed, parents continued to call, youth group leaders made “last minute” plans for a meaningful trip with their kids, and by the time the camping season was over the number of campers exceeded the 2008 season! Add to that another amazing staff of dedicated and caring young adults, along with a surprising number of volunteers to the program, and the results were obviously God’s handiwork. The stories around the staff circle at the end of each week were of real connection with campers, with serious life changes going on. The staff members also shared their own stories of personal growth in their walk with God, and many of them went away from Kidder Creek with a more defined and intentional faith than when they arrived. And now we begin to look to the future. On September 26, at the Lov’n Kids Campaign Celebration Banquet, Kidder Creek will unveil the new Master Site Plan that has been in the works for the last 5 years. Much prayer as well as purposeful energy has gone into the look of the future of Kidder Creek Camps, and we are excited to share it. Another major event is the Christmas Spectacular Concert, November 17, 18, 19, and 21 and the Grenada Community Berean Church., with all proceeds donated to Kidder Creek. The music is composed and /or arranged by Mike Hendryx and features talented local singers and instrumentalists. Don’t miss this incredible music and “decadent dessert.” Tickets go on sale Monday, September 28 at 8:00am, and are usually sold out within the first couple of days! Call the Grenada church office 436‐2529 early on the 28th and reserve your tickets! ‐ Gayle Ely Loyal and Carol Friesen will begin their fall
Bible study on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a potluck at
6 p.m. and the study to begin at 7 p.m. We will be
meeting in our home at 1825 N. Kidder Creek
Road, Greenview (468-2478). We would love to
have you join us as we begin Ray Vander Laan’s
DVD series, “Faith Lessons,” exploring the
importance and value of the Word of God in the
hearts and lives of God’s chosen people. The
Holy Land is the backdrop for each lesson. The
first lesson is from “The Promised Land.” We will
be meeting each following Tuesday at 7 p.m. to
continue our study.
- Carol Friesen
Small Group Bible Study
Don and Sandra Murphy’s home ‐ Tuesday @ 7:00 pm. We are currently being blessed by a DVD presentation put out by Focus on the Family entitled "The Dust of the Rabbi" by Ray Vander Laan. It will continue through September, and then plans are to study Rick Warren's book "The Purpose of Christmas," which came out last Christmas season. Our core group of about 15‐20 always welcomes newcomers, and totally understands when other commitments occasionally arise. However, we have been meeting for about five years and share a precious support bond that has seen many of us through some rough times. I can't imagine life without a small group of believers who truly care about each other. ‐ Don and Sandra Murphy Bible Boys
It can be healthy to have a difference of
opinion and still feel great respect and love for the other
guy. Often the Bible Boys hit on a subject that has to
be chewed on from all perspectives. Life teaches
different lessons to each of us - which serve us well at
these times. Building a strong man of faith who knows
what he believes and why he believes it is our goal.
In a male only setting, being honest and imperfect is
not a problem. Sometimes a healthy belly laugh guides
us all thru what could be an awkward personal
revelation. Always using the Bible to validate and guide
us, we strive to encourage us guys to grow up
spiritually. Our time together has fostered an authentic
brotherhood.
We meet Thursday nights @ 7:00 pm in Greenview
at my home.
- Don Miller
CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009
Bible Studies at a Glance
Elder Board - 1st Monday 7 pm
7 pm
Trustee Board - 1st Thursday
Deaconess Board - 2nd Tuesday
3:30 pm
Youth Group - Sundays 6:00-8:00 pm
6:00 pm
Celebrate Recovery - Fridays
nd
th
MOPS - 2 & 4 Tuesday 9:00-11:00
am
Senior Fun Day - 1st & 3rd Thursday 1:00 pm
Missionary Prayer Group - 1st & 3rd Tuesday 1:00 pm
Prayer & Intercession - Saturdays
7:00 pm
Thomas Family Fundraiser
September 19 - Scott Valley Loves the
@ Etna City Park 5:00-8:00 pm, Dinner & Auction
Tickets $15/Single, $25/Couple, $5/children 10 & under
September 22 – First Day of Autumn
September 23 – AWANA CLUB (Snack Drive)
Pero & Newborn Nevaeh
September 28 – Baby Shower for Tyree
@ Corrie Johnson’s, 6:30
pm (467-3563 for gift ideas)
September 30 – AWANA CLUB (Parent Night)
October
10 – Missions Harvest Dinner with Scott Wesley Brown
@ SVBC, 5:30 pm Potluck & Worship and Praise
October
11
–
Scott Wesley Brown will lead in Worship
& Share from God’s Word
November
1 – Daylight Savings Time Ends (fall back one hour)
November 8 – Church Family Potluck @ SVBC
November
11 – Veterans Day
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
Scranton's Bible Study - Wednesday 1pm @ Scranton's
Bible Boys - Tuesday 7pm @ Miller’s
Murphy’s Bible Study - Tuesday 7pm @ Murphy's
Group Study - Wednesday 6pm @ Resentes
Men's
Breakfast & Bible Study - Friday 6:30am @ SVBC
Friesen’s Bible Study - Tuesday 7pm @ Friesen’s
Young
Adult’s Bible Study - Thursday 7pm @ Jenner’s
Senior’s Bible Fellowship – Wed 9:45am Church Library the Berean Youth Building. We meet the 1st and 3rd
Thursdays of the month at 1:00 p.m. The October
st
th
dates
are the 1 and the 15 .
Games are your choice, whether it be card
games
or board games. We also provide great
refreshments and coffee.
We have been asked by the City not to park on
the street, but to use the church parking lot.
Let’s see a big turn-out on Oct. 1st at 1pm !
Don’t ever say the Seniors don’t know what
fun is! Come and be a part of a great afternoon at
Senior Fun Day