Berea Update for May 1, 2026
As we continue stepping forward together, I want to take a moment to gently refocus our hearts on something we all desperately need—hope. This season has required much from us. It has called for patience, grace, and trust in the Lord’s leading. And yet, even in the midst of all that is still being worked out, we are not a people without hope. In fact, Scripture reminds us that our hope is not rooted in circumstances going smoothly, but in the unchanging character of God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13, ESV). That is the kind of hope we cling to—not fragile or temporary, but steady and sure.
As we enter the month of May, I want to remind you that you are not walking through this season alone. One of the ways we care well for one another as a church family is through our Care Deacons. If a need arises—whether practical, spiritual, or personal—I want to encourage you to reach out to your Care Deacon. They are ready to listen, pray, and help, and they will communicate with me as needed so that we can care for you well, even during this month of adjusted rhythms. This is one of the ways we live out what it means to be the body of Christ together.
I also want to express appreciation for God’s provision in a very practical way. We are thankful for Pam Drewery, who has graciously stepped in to serve as our Office Manager two days per week (Thursday and Friday) beginning this week. This is a real help during this season, and we are grateful for her willingness to serve. At the same time, we continue to pray that the Lord would provide the right person to step into this role on a full-time basis in His perfect timing. To contact our Office Manager, you can use this email address: officemanager@bereabiblechurch.org.
As we look ahead, there is much to be hopeful for. The summer months are often filled with joy—especially for our children as routines shift and days open up with new opportunities. But even beyond that, we have deeper reasons for hope. God is at work. He is faithful. He is building His church—not just in what is seen, but in hearts, in relationships, and in the quiet ways He shapes us day by day. This week’s devotional is centered on that theme: hope in the Lord. My prayer is that it will help anchor your heart, lift your perspective, and remind you that no matter what lies ahead, our hope is secure in Him.
You are loved, and I am praying for you.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, we'll be joined again by Dr. David "Pete" Peterson from Cedarville University, who will be preaching a message called, "The Prayer of Jabez" from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Again, we will be combining the adult Sunday School classes into one class for the remainder of the Spring quarter, which will be held in the Family Life Center. We'll be continuing through the Sermon on the Mount.
2. We have a Resurrection Garden Work Day scheduled for tomorrow morning, Saturday, May 2, from 9:00-Noon. We will be hosting a wedding on May 9 and then having the Garden Dedication service on May 17, so we want to make sure everything is prepared for both events! On Satuday, we'll be putting up the tent, and also mulching, as well as doing some other clean-up tasks.
If you are able to come, we do need some additional items to make the job go more smoothly, so if you have any of these items, please also consider bringing them:
-A ramp or planks in order to get the wheelbarrows up into the garden area
-Rakes, shovels—we have only a very limited supply.
-Buckets
-Wheelbarrows
Thanks in advance to all who can come to help! Many hands makes lighter and faster work!
3. Thursday, May 7 will be a National Day of Prayer. The Clark County Prayer Committee has several events scheduled throughout that day that you are invited to attend. Please see the flyer below for more information.
4. For those who participate, there will be no Rev & Flow exercise class on Tuesday, May 12.
5. We would like to invite any Berea mom with toddlers or babies to join a newly formed moms' group on Thursday, May 14 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM here at the church. Come for a time of fellowship and playtime together! If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Koranek.
6. Please join us for a special morning on Sunday, May 17, as we dedicate the Resurrection Garden during our morning worship service. The worship service will be followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch. Make sure to bring along a lawn chair that day!
7. There will be a brief meeting for all who are a part of the worship team, or would like to become involved on Sunday, May 31 after the morning worship service.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Please pray for our college students who are either graduating or headed back home for the summer!
2. Please pray for our church, as we continue to look ahead to the future that God has planned for Berea! Pray for the leadership, and for everyone in the body as we work to bring the Lord honor and glory!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — The Source of Our Hope
Romans 15:13 (ESV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…”
Our hope does not begin with us—it begins with God. He is not just the giver of hope; He is the God of hope. That means hope is rooted in His character, not our circumstances. When situations feel uncertain, we don’t have to manufacture hope—we receive it by trusting Him.
Reflection Question: Where have you been tempted to place your hope in circumstances instead of in God?
Day 2 — Hope That Holds Steady
Hebrews 6:19 (ESV): “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…”
Life can feel unstable at times, but hope in Christ is an anchor. It doesn’t remove the storm—it keeps us from drifting in it. When everything else feels uncertain, our hope in Him remains firm and secure.
Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to anchor your heart in Christ this week?
Day 3 — Hope in Waiting
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…”
Waiting is often where hope is tested. It’s easy to grow discouraged when answers don’t come quickly. But Scripture reminds us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted. He is strengthening us even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to wait on Him right now?
Day 4 — Hope That Endures Trials
Romans 5:3–4 (ESV): “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…”
Trials don’t destroy hope—they can deepen it. As God works through difficulties, He builds something lasting in us. The very things we would avoid are often the tools He uses to strengthen our hope in Him.
Reflection Question: How might God be using a current challenge to grow your hope?
Day 5 — Hope Rooted in God’s Word
Psalm 119:114 (ESV): “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”
God’s Word feeds our hope. When we fill our minds with truth, our perspective begins to shift. Instead of being shaped by fear or uncertainty, we are grounded in what God has said and promised.
Reflection Question: How can you intentionally spend time in God’s Word this week to strengthen your hope?
Day 6 — Hope That Overflows to Others
2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV): “…who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction…”
Hope is not meant to be kept to ourselves. As God comforts and strengthens us, we are able to encourage others. Your hope in Christ can become a source of strength for someone else this week.
Reflection Question: Who in your life might need encouragement, and how can you share hope with them?
Day 7 — The Future of Our Hope
Titus 2:13 (ESV): “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…”
Ultimately, our hope is not just for today—it is for eternity. We are looking forward to the return of Christ, when all things will be made right. This future hope gives meaning and perspective to everything we face now.
Reflection Question: How does the promise of Christ’s return shape the way you live today?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Please note: The blog will take a break during the rest of the month of May, and will return in June!
Have a great weekend! See you Sunday!
Mark