Berea Update for April 18, 2025
Happy Easter! What a blessing it has been to gather together this week in a time of prayer, and also during our communion service as we prepare for Sunday's resurrection services!
As we approach Sunday, here are a few reminders about upcoming Easter events. We'd love to have you join us!
TODAY: Friday, April 18
6:30 PM Good Friday Service at the crosses near Resurrection Garden. Each of our pastors/elders will be sharing a brief message about the various characters in the crucifixion account. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, but chairs will be provided.
Sunday, April 20
7:00 AM Sunrise Service at Resurrection Garden- I will be preaching a message from Luke 24:1-12 called '"Hesed' at the Empty Tomb." With the weather forecast what it is, a decision will be made at 6:00 PM on Saturday as to whether this will be held outside or in the Family Life Center. If this service is moving indoors, a message will be sent to the church family. If outdoors, you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, but like Friday, chairs will be provided.
8:00 AM Breakfast in the Family Life Center--everyone is invited!
10:00 AM Regular Worship Service (No Sunday School and No Junior Church) in the Family Life Center. Pastor Miller will be preaching a message called "The Great Commissioning" from Matthew 28.
Other Upcoming Events
1. Young adults! We will be having a college/career lunch after church a week on Sunday, April 27! Please plan to stay after and join us as you wrap up the school year, and look forward to summer! A taco bar will be provided by the church. The lunch will be held in the Youth Room, followed by games throughout the church.
2. College seniors! We will be recognizing all of our college graduates next Sunday, April 27 during the morning worship service. If you have not already informed the office that you are graduating this year, please contact Eliza this week at berea@bereabiblechurch.org! We will need a picture and your future plans as well!
3. April continues to be "soccer ball month" for our OCC collection and we would love to be able to include a soccer ball in 400 boy boxes this year! Rather than having you purchase the soccer balls, we are asking for donations to cover the cost ($6 per ball--includes pump). Throughout the month of April, you will find a soccer net in the Gathering Area with commitment tags hanging from it, where you can choose to sponsor one, three, five, or ten soccer balls. Donations can be given by check or cash in the offering (please mark it as "OCC Soccer Balls") by the end of April. Donations can also be given through Berea's online giving system.
Also, as mentioned last month, we are trying to get any small filler items you can find at great prices. We put together an Amazon Wish List to give ideas that you can view throughout April. To view that wish list, click here:
OCC Amazon Wishlist Items aren't limited to just that Wish List though! Anything small will work!
Finally, to help cover the shipping for our OCC boxes we are collecting change as we've done in the past. Containers are available at the Welcome Center in the foyer, and can be returned to the church office.
It is amazing to see how God is blessing the OCC ministry here at Berea through each of you who are involved. Thank you for all your support!!
4. AWANA is almost over for the year! We have just two weeks remaining! You are all invited to join us on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center for our AWANA Awards Night! We'll be celebrating the hard work of each of our clubbers that evening!
5. If you want to watch the Berea Service online, we recommend using BereaBibleChurch.org instead of Facebook, which has become unreliable. On Sundays at 10 AM, go to our website’s homepage, where you’ll see a live video window near the top.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Continue to pray for those who do not know Christ. Easter season provides many opportunities to share the Gospel. Be praying for opportunities to reach those in your circle who need to hear the "Good News!" Pray for each of the activities planned the remainder of this week!
2. Pray for the college students that attend Berea. They are quickly approaching the end of their semester which means final exams, and for some graduation! Pray for the Lord's continuing protection and leading in their lives.
***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
For this week's devotions, we continue on with the rest of the story following the empty tomb! Follow Jesus as He appears before His disciples, on the road, and as He gives the Great Commission!
Day 1: The Risen Lord Appears
Scripture Reading: John 20:11-18
The week after Easter begins with Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus. She was weeping, thinking all was lost, until Jesus called her by name. The resurrection transforms despair into hope, reminding us that Jesus knows us personally and meets us in our sorrow.
Question to Ponder: Where in your life do you need to hear Jesus call your name today?
Day 2: Doubt and Belief
Scripture Reading: John 20:24-29
Thomas struggled to believe without seeing, yet Jesus met him in his doubt, offering tangible proof of His resurrection. The week after Easter invites us to bring our questions and uncertainties to Jesus, trusting He will reveal Himself.
Question to Ponder: What doubts can you bring to Jesus, and how might you seek His presence in them?
Day 3: The Road to Emmaus
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Two disciples walked away from Jerusalem, disheartened, unaware that Jesus was with them. It was in the breaking of bread that their eyes were opened. The resurrection means Jesus is present, even when we don’t recognize Him.
Question to Ponder: How can you look for Jesus in the ordinary moments of your day?
Day 4: Peace Be With You
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-23
Jesus appeared to His disciples, offering peace in their fear and commissioning them with His Spirit. The week after Easter reminds us that the resurrection empowers us to live with courage and share God’s forgiveness.
Question to Ponder: Where do you need Jesus’ peace, and how can you extend His forgiveness to others?
Day 5: Breakfast by the Sea
Scripture Reading: John 21:1-14
Jesus met His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, providing for their needs and restoring their purpose. The resurrection shows us that Jesus cares for both our physical and spiritual needs, inviting us into fellowship with Him.
Question to Ponder: How can you respond to Jesus’ invitation to come and dine with Him today?
Day 6: Restored and Redeemed
Scripture Reading: John 21:15-19
Jesus restored Peter after his denial, entrusting him with a new mission to feed His sheep. The week after Easter is a time to embrace Jesus’ grace, knowing He redeems our failures and calls us to serve.
Question to Ponder: What past mistakes can you surrender to Jesus, trusting in His redemptive love?
Day 7: The Great Commission
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus’ final words to His disciples were a call to go and make disciples, promising His presence forever. The resurrection isn’t the end but the beginning of our mission to share His love with the world.
Question to Ponder: How can you live out the Great Commission in your community this week?
"Kids (and Kids At Heart) Korner"
I am encouraging families to do the devotional above to continue where you left off with this past week's devotions!
Let us know if there is something we can pray for you about! Have a good week! See you Sunday!
He is RISEN!
Mark