Happenings at Bear Creek

A Message from Pastor Bob:

Lingering warm weather is dampening the usual climatological feelings of Autumn.  But with the yellowing soybean fields and with leaves starting to change color and fall from tree branches, there is no denying that Summer is coming to an end and Fall is close at hand.

On September 7th we, along with many other churches across the ELCA, marked that morning as “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday.  Across the nation churches use that Sunday, each Fall, as an intentional reminder that, as the Church’s Program Year resumes, everyone should take a personal inventory of their own spiritual condition and reflect on their personal call to discipleship.  Are there new ways that I can use the talents that I’ve been given to help spread the gospel?

This is a question that each of us, as baptized children of God, need to ask ourselves regularly.  The mission field is vast.  The need is great.  God has placed each of us in the specific locations in which we live to make a difference in the world, by using the gifts that have been given to each of us, in service of others.

As the confirmation ministry begins this Fall, we are deliberately dove-tailing with this “God’s Work, Our Hands” sentiment, launching our Fall startup with a mission project event.  On September 17th, this year’s seventh and eighth graders gathered at the Grand Meadow United Church, joining forces with volunteers from other area churches to pack food pouches to be sent to hungry people in Haiti.  Some 15,000 packs of food were prepared in this one-day event.  Each of the youth who participated shared in the success of this venture.  Their hands were used to do God’s work in a meaningful and necessary way.  This shared experience will be remembered as we begin our weekly study of Luther’s Catechism.  Our faith is not just about head knowledge.  It compels us to act on behalf of others in need.

As we look forward to the start of Sunday School on October 5th, I invite everyone to continue to look for ways that you can lend your hands to the mission which we share: Becoming Disciples for Christ in a world that cries out in need. 

Perhaps you can help teach a Sunday School class.  Perhaps you can help with props or costumes used in the upcoming Christmas Program.  Perhaps you can help with the quilting ministry or serve on the Altar Guild; or help serve a meal or deliver food to people in our community through the meals on the go program. 

Whatever you do in the name of Christ, God promises to bless our efforts.  May you feel the blessings of God in your life, and find joy and purpose in serving, with your own hands, that God’s work may be done throughout the world.

God Bless,

Pastor Bob