HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016! Ephesians 4:1-3 highlights a few things we each can do to make ourselves ready and prepared as we face 2016 as ministers for the Lord.
First: we must walk in a manner worthy. This means we need to walk as God has instructed us — leaning not on our own understanding of situations and circumstances — but leaning on God’s direction (knowing He sees the bigger picture).
Second: we must be sure that we’re displaying four essential traits: humility, patience, forbearance, and gentleness. And all these must be bound together in love. No one person can do this unless God enables them — so leaning on the Lord and asking Him daily for these qualities is the way to go.
Third: we must be diligent to preserve the unity of the body. We’re all on the same team going in the same direction. We, at times, may find ourselves being critical or judgmental of someone else — this just cannot happen for when we are critical or judgmental (in negative ways), we destroy the unity of the body.
How can we practically apply the above? Here are some upcoming events in the life of BVC where we have the opportunity to practice!
First: BVC is returning to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank on Wednesday, January 6, from 6-8 p.m. We still have some space available — if you’d like to join us, we’d love to have you! We’ll be meeting at 4001 N. 1st Street (if this is your first time, you’ll need to arrive just a few minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork).
Second: Our weekly Wednesday Bible Study will be returning on January 13 at 7 p.m. (with Janice Austin leading).
Third: Our BVC Annual Meeting is coming on Sunday, January 17. We’ll be laying out where we believe the Lord is taking us in 2016!
Fourth: Women’s Retreat is coming January 22-24. So far 27 have signed up to attend (if you haven’t already done so, please remember that your registration money is due).
Do remember that this Sunday, January 3, is our “New Year Potluck.” This is always a lot of fun — if you can bring either a dessert or salad or main dish, please do!
I’m looking forward to seeing each of you in worship this Sunday!
~~Pastor Chuck
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