Happenings at Bear Creek

Throughout the month of March, we continue on our Lenten journey together, mindful of the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and charity.

 In our midweek Wednesday services, we continue to contemplate the words of the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy, where he writes, "If we die with the Lord, we will live with the Lord."  (2 Timothy 2:11) 

 These words were written by Paul near the end of his life, as he was imprisoned in Rome by Nero, and feared his imminent execution.  They were words of encouragement given to his young friend and colleague, Timothy, who was entrusted by Paul with the role of continuing to spread the Good News, in his absence.  These words of reassurance speak loudly to us, in our time, too.  They are a foundational Christian promise, assuring believers that all those who are united in Christ in his baptism to death will certainly be united with him in his resurrection life.

 Each week we reflect on ways that we die to sin by rejecting the temptations of the devil and the lures of darkness, and commit our lives to healthy, life-giving practices that nourish our souls and cleanse our hearts: focusing our efforts on the kingdom into which we have been called.  Taking up our cross and following Jesus by "Dying his Death and Living his Life." 

 As we journey together toward the cross, we are called to remember our own baptisms, the time when we died to sin and were raised to new life in Christ.  Throughout our earthly pilgrimage we seek to live into the promises that were made to each of us in baptism.  Confident that the God who loved the world so much that he gave his only Son will certainly keep his promises to each of us who have been claimed by God as his own, beloved children.

 As we trust in the surety of these promises, we can live into the testimony given by Paul to Timothy, praying and striving that in our lives we will remain faithful, courageous, and committed disciples to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 Peace to you and your families,

Pastor Bob Tewes 

 Council News

 Through January 31st money received in was $7931 with a budget of $8705.46, that is 92% of our budget.  We had a good month of January, many thanks to the congregation for the donations.  Otherwise, it has been a quiet couple of months for the council.

 Look Ahead to Easter Sunday, there will be no Sunday School Classes:

               Sunrise Service 7am                Breakfast 8am             Festival Worship 10am