Berea Update for June 27, 2025
This week, I've been preparing for teaching my adult Sunday School class in Matthew 5, where Jesus talks about our individual and collective responsibility to be light to the world. So, I've been thinking a lot about light this week. Aren't you thankful for light? There's such a sense of hopelessness when you're stuck in the dark. I don't know about you, but I often pull out my phone and use it as a flashlight! Light serves several distinct purposes--it exposes things, but it also gives life. Right now, the crops are growing quickly because we've had so much hot sun!
Jesus describes Himself as "the light" and its because He both exposes evil, while at the same time offering eternal life. If you've experienced the light of truth, and have given your life to Christ, Jesus commands you to be a light-bearer--being the image of Jesus to those who are lost. But in order to be light to the world, we have to be walking in the light ourselves, so this week's devotions below will hopefully challenge each of us to dwell in the light of who God is!
Make sure to check out the rest of this week's blog to learn more about what's coming up here at the church!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, I'll be preaching a message called, "Rest, Assured!" in the promises of God series. It will be based on Hebrews 4:1-13, Matthew 11:28-30 and several different portions of Scripture. I look forward to seeing us all gathered together as a church family! Looking ahead, Pastor Tom will be preaching on July 6, and Pastor Miller will be launching a new sermon series on the book of Philippians on July 13.
2. There will be a mid-year business meeting held after the morning worship service on Sunday, July 13. A mid-year financial update will be provided, along with some other updates about the building.
3. As Pastor Tom officially retires on June 30, we want to celebrate all that he's done for the Lord here at Berea with an open house style celebration on July 13 from 4:00-6:00 PM here at the church! Please plan to drop in sometime that afternoon to say thank you, congratulation Tom and Theresa, and fellowship together!
4.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the OCC workday this last week! It was great to see so many helping prepare items for the boxes we plan to ship out later this year! With July comes the flood of school supply sales--a great reminder of how vital these items are for children worldwide. Imagine a child eager to learn, but unable to attend school because they lack a simple pencil or paper. In some countries, this is a reality! When we pack our OCC boxes, we include what we believe are essentials: pencils, pens, crayons and notebook paper. We're well-stocked on crayons, but we desperately need the rest. This month, can you help us fill our giant shoebox in the Gathering Area with pencils, pens, and notebooks? Every item makes a difference! We also still looking for about 60 more cars that are larger than hot wheel size but not too big as they will be fitting in shoeboxes with a soccer ball and a water bottle. The BIG BOX in the foyer will have an example of what we are looking for, and here is a link to Amazon for another idea:
Amazon OCC Cars (6 for $7.99).
The OCC Amazon Wish-List has also been updated! Amazon Prime Days are coming up July 8-11! Please consider shopping those days to help with our OCC boxes! To view the Wishlist, please click here:
OCC Amazon Wish List
Thank you for your desire to fill our OCC shoeboxes for great gifts to show the love of Christ to these boys and girls and their families.
5. "Christmas in July" will begin on Sunday, July 6! Each year, we set up a Christmas tree in the Gathering Area with ornaments. On each ornament are local missionaries and organizations that we support! We encourage you to take an ornament (or more than one) and return it with your donation sometime during the month of July. Donations can be dropped in the offering plate or box, or given directly to someone in the office. At the end of the month, we'll send the money that's collected for each missionary and organization to them as a way to encourage them for the rest of 2025!
6. In observance of Independence Day, the church office will be closed on Friday, July 4.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for Pastor Tom as he concludes his time on staff here at the church. Pray that he finishes strong, and that the Lord might continue to provide for he and Theresa.
2. Pray for Berea's youth group, who are working diligently to prepare for their upcoming mission trip at the end of July. They will be leading a VBS in inner-city Cleveland the week that they are away. Pray that the last-month preparations go smoothly, and be praying now for the connections they will make while there!
***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 Light of God’s Presence
Psalm 27:1 (ESV): "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
God’s presence is a radiant light that banishes fear and despair. When darkness—whether doubt, anxiety, or uncertainty—threatens to overwhelm, His light remains constant, guiding us to safety and strength. Trusting Him as our stronghold transforms how we face life’s challenges.
Reflection Question: What fear or uncertainty in your life can you bring before God’s light today, trusting Him to be your stronghold?
Day 2: The Light of God’s Word
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
God’s Word is a steady guide, illuminating each step we take. In a world filled with competing voices and distractions, Scripture offers clarity and direction. By immersing ourselves in its truth, we find the wisdom to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence.
Reflection Question: How can you make time today to let God’s Word light up a specific decision or challenge you’re facing?
Day 3: The Light of Christ
John 8:12 (ESV): "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’"
Jesus is the ultimate light, dispelling the darkness of sin and confusion. Following Him means aligning our lives with His truth and love, which bring life in abundance. His light not only guides us but transforms us to reflect His glory to others.
Reflection Question: What area of your life feels dark or unclear, and how can you actively follow Jesus’ light to find life in it today?
Day 4: Shining as God’s Light
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
As believers, we are called to reflect God’s light through our actions and words. Our lives become a testimony when we live with integrity, kindness, and courage. Shining brightly isn’t about perfection but about pointing others to God’s glory through our everyday choices.
Reflection Question: What is one specific way you can let your light shine today to reflect God’s love and draw others to Him?
Day 5: Walking in the Light of Fellowship
1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Walking in God’s light fosters authentic community with others. His truth exposes our sin but also offers forgiveness, creating space for honest, grace-filled relationships. Fellowship rooted in Christ’s light strengthens us to love and support one another.
Reflection Question: How can you pursue deeper, more honest fellowship with someone in your life by walking in God’s light together?
Day 6: The Light That Overcomes Darkness
John 1:4-5 (ESV): "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
No darkness—whether evil, despair, or chaos—can extinguish the light of Christ. His life and power are unstoppable, offering hope in the bleakest moments. When we cling to Him, we find assurance that His light will always prevail.
Reflection Question: What darkness in your life or the world around you feels overwhelming, and how can you trust Christ’s unconquered light to sustain you?
Day 7: Guided by the Light of Eternity
Revelation 21:23-24 (ESV): "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it."
God’s eternal light, shining through Christ, is our ultimate destination. This hope reorients our priorities, reminding us that every step we take in His light prepares us for eternity. Living for His glory now shapes us for the day when His light will be all we need.
Reflection Question: How can the promise of God’s eternal light inspire you to live with purpose and hope in your daily choices today?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week! See you all Sunday!
Take care,
Mark