Berea Blog Update for August 8, 2025
It's amazing how our "internal clocks" work. For my entire life, I've been conditioned to order my years around a school calendar. Once the calendar hits August, I immediately go into "back to school mode." It's funny, even two years removed from that school schedule, my internal clock still says that it's time to be getting ready for something. In a way though, the church calendar aligns with a school-year calendar in so many ways--when school has a break, church ministries often take a break. So even though the events may be different, the internal clock says "get ready for fall!" As we move into September, many of our ministries will launch again. It's an exciting time, and it's a time where I would encourage all of you to prayerfully consider getting involved. Find out more below!
This week's devotion plays on the theme of "back to school." My hope is that we all use this season to focus on what's most important--our relationship with the Lord. May we all commit to being students of the Word throughout the year, being in fellowship with Him and one another!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday Pastor Miller will be continuing sermon series on the book of Philippians called "Holding Steady in our Storms." This week's message is from Philippians 2:19-30 and is called "Light Bearers."
2. As Fall quickly approaches, many of our ministries with launch once again after a summer break! We are excited about another year of small groups and AWANA! Registration information will be coming soon for both of these, which will begin in September, but for now, we need help! If you've been thinking about helping with AWANA, but haven't in the past, we are in need of several volunteers in different areas of our ministry. If you'd like to join us each Wednesday to help share the Gospel with boys and girls from ages 3-sixth grade, we'd love to have you be a part! Please reply to this email, or stop by the table in the Welcome Area on the next two Sundays to let us know that you'd like to assist! We have openings for club assistants, game helpers, and even for those of you who just desire to pray for the clubbers and help behind the scenes. I'd love to answer any questions that you might have!
3. Why do we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child? Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus to children in need around the world who need to hear of Christ's love. Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God’s immense love for the child. Please help us fill these boxes to spread the Good News. Summer is well underway, and we are taking advantage of school supply sales. We are collecting supplies to fill our 800 shoeboxes for OCC. We need just over 400 more notebooks, approximately 1,500 ink pens, and more than 3,000 pencils. Please help us fill our GIANT SHOEBOX which is located in the church foyer.
4. Join us in equipping our newly acquired shed in Resurrection Garden! We're our Tool Harvest to collect new or gently used tools for our Berea volunteers to use. We have tags suggesting items we need or you can let us know what you might like to donate. Pick up tags at our display in the Gathering Area. This is a perfect time to make purchases, as tax-free days run from August 1-14 in stores and on Amazon for items under $500. For those preferring to give monetarily, envelopes are provided at the display—simply place your donation and selected tag inside and drop it in the offering box. We will be accepting donations through Sunday, August 24. For more information, contact Wendy May or Michael Greenwood. A special thanks is extended to all volunteers who have worked at Resurrection Garden this summer and to those who donated to the purchase of the shed!
5. Would you like to learn more about how you can protect yourself while using the internet?
Mark your calendars now for August 17, immediately following the morning worship service, as Howard May is preparing an informative session on internet security for anyone who would like to attend. Space is limited. To register, please click here:
Internet Safety Course
6. On August 22, Berea will be having a booth at Cedarville University's Involvement Fair. This booth allows us to meet university students and share with them all about Berea, as they look for a church family away from home. This year, we'll be handing out soft pretzel bites as a gift, and need your help! If you'd like to help prepare those items on August 21 and 22, please sign up at the Welcome Center this Sunday. We also need individuals who would be interested in being at the booth that evening from 6:00-8:00 PM to share about Berea. If you're interested in being there, please reply to this email. Our goal this year is to do more intentional events and activities for college/young adults, so if you have a heart to serve in this way, please let me know!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. We have some students who attend Cedarville and other local colleges that will be coming back to campus over the next week. Pray for their safety as they return, and that they might start their school years on a positive note!
2. Pray for protection from Satan! He wants nothing more than to destroy. Pray that God provides all we need to face the spiritual battle each day! There is strength in unity, and when we all commit to praying for one another, Satan flees!
***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: Seeking God’s Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 (ESV) – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
The back-to-school season highlights our pursuit of knowledge, but true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Unlike worldly knowledge, which can fade, God’s wisdom aligns our hearts with His eternal purposes. Whether you’re a student tackling algebra, an adult navigating career decisions, or a senior mentoring others, seeking God’s wisdom means humbling ourselves before Him, trusting His Word over our limited understanding. This week, commit to seeking His wisdom through prayer and scripture before making decisions, big or small.
Reflection Question: What specific decision or challenge in your life needs God’s wisdom, and how can you actively seek His guidance through prayer or scripture?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to fill you with His wisdom, humbling your heart to trust His knowledge over your own, and thank Him for His understanding that guides all ages.
Day 2: Courage for New Seasons
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) – “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
New seasons—whether a new school year, job transition, or life change—can stir fear or anxiety. God’s command to Israel as they faced an uncertain future reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the presence of faith in God’s unchanging promise. His covenantal faithfulness ensures He walks with us through every classroom, workplace, or quiet moment at home. For children, this might mean facing a new teacher; for adults, embracing a new role; for seniors, navigating change. Root your courage in God’s presence, which never fails.
Reflection Question: What fear or uncertainty is holding you back in this new season, and how can meditating on God’s presence give you courage to move forward?
Prayer Focus: Pray for boldness to face new challenges, trusting in God’s promise to never leave you, and ask for a deeper awareness of His presence.
Day 3: Shining God’s Love
Matthew 5:14 (ESV) – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Jesus calls us to be light in a world darkened by sin, a call that resonates in every sphere of life—schools, workplaces, and communities. This isn’t about grand gestures but about reflecting Christ’s love through consistent, intentional acts of kindness, integrity, and grace. For a child, it might be sharing with a classmate; for an adult, showing patience at work; for a senior, offering wisdom to family. Our light points others to God’s glory, fulfilling our purpose as His image-bearers. Consider how your daily choices can illuminate Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
Reflection Question: What specific action can you take this week to reflect Christ’s love in your daily environment, and how might it point someone to God?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for courage and creativity to shine His light through your actions, praying that your life glorifies Him in every interaction.
Day 4: Persevering Through Challenges
Galatians 6:9 (ESV) – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Perseverance is a mark of faith, especially when life’s challenges—academic pressures, workplace demands, or personal trials—threaten to drain us. Paul’s words remind us that doing good, even when it’s hard, aligns with God’s redemptive work. Our efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, bear eternal fruit, whether we see it now or later. For students, this might mean studying diligently; for adults, serving faithfully; for seniors, praying persistently. Trust that God sees your labor and will bring a harvest in His time.
Reflection Question: What area of your life feels exhausting, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to sustain your commitment to doing good?
Prayer Focus: Pray for endurance to continue doing good, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your strength and keep your eyes on God’s promised harvest.
Day 5: Growing Through 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 more than a guide; it’s a transformative force that shapes our minds and hearts (Hebrews 4:12). In the busyness of life—whether studying for exams, managing schedules, or reflecting in retirement—Scripture provides clarity and direction. It reveals God’s character and aligns us with His will. For children, this might mean memorizing a verse; for adults, applying scripture to decisions; for seniors, sharing biblical wisdom. Make a plan to engage with God’s Word daily, letting it illuminate your path through this season.
Reflection Question: How can you deepen your engagement with God’s Word this week, such as through study, memorization, or teaching others?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of His Word and pray for discipline to let it guide your decisions and transform your heart.
Day 6: Supporting One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
The body of Christ thrives when we build each other up, reflecting God’s design for community. The back-to-school season is a reminder to strengthen relationships across generations—children cheering classmates, adults mentoring younger believers, seniors praying for the church. Encouragement isn’t just kind words; it’s an act of love that points others to Christ’s hope. By investing in others, we participate in God’s work of edifying His people, creating a ripple effect of faith in our communities.
Reflection Question: Who in your community needs encouragement, and what specific way can you build them up to strengthen their faith?
Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart to encourage others, asking God to show you opportunities to build up His people across all ages.
Day 7: Resting in God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 36:5 (ESV) – “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.”
God’s steadfast love (hesed) is the foundation of our hope, unchanging across all seasons of life. In the whirlwind of school, work, or daily routines, His faithfulness offers rest for our souls. This covenant love assures us that God is working for our good, even when life feels chaotic. For students, it’s a reminder God sees their efforts; for adults, His provision in trials; for seniors, His presence in reflection. Rest in His love, knowing it extends beyond our circumstances to eternity.
Reflection Question: How has God’s steadfast love sustained you in past seasons, and how can resting in His faithfulness renew you now?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for His unending love and pray for a heart that finds rest in His faithfulness, trusting Him through every challenge.
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
I'm keeping the same word search link here for this week that I've used in the past, as it goes so well with Pastor Miller's sermon series!
Philippians Word Search
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week!
Take care,
Mark