Hi BVC’ers! Time after time in my life I’ve been brought back to the truth that is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” There have been times when I’ve had numerous items on my plate and thought, “OK, Lord, how is this going to work out?” Each time, the Lord has showed His grace and mercy and majesty. Here’s the funny thing — I look around and think, “Hey, this seems good.” God gently taps me on the shoulder and says, “I have something better.” I look around and think, “This might work.” God again taps and says “I have something better.”

So how do you go about trusting the Lord? As humans we tend to worry and grow anxious. So trusting the Lord involves prayer because as Philippians 4:6-7 states we’re not to be anxious but bathe everything in prayer. As humans we tend to look for avenues and ways to get things done … God says trust and He will make the path straight. So trusting the Lord involves patience (and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…..). We may not be good at prayer and we may not be good at demonstrating patience but I encourage you to take a look back at your life and see the “signposts” which God has given you over the years which shows He’s at work in your life. I think you’ll be surprised the next time worry or anxiety comes upon you!

What’s on tap for this Sunday? The youth will once again be providing music and I’ll be speaking from Colossians 2:1-5 on “My Responsibility.” The Apostle Paul reminds us of some very important issues in this text! Don’t miss it!

What’s on the horizon? First, COMMUNITY FAMILY FESTIVAL on Saturday, October 31, from 5-8 p.m. This is going to be a great event whereby we have the privilege of welcoming our neighbors to our campus! I can’t wait to see all who come. But I do have a need and hope that someone who reads this can help me out: we’ve arranged for some extra lighting from Sunbelt Rentals but I need someone who can go over to Sunbelt and get the lights and bring them to the church. Does anyone out there have a truck or vehicle which can be used for that? If so, please let me know!! We also need lots and lots of candy — you can bring your donation to the church this Sunday, October 25 (look for the huge basket in the house foyer). Thanks so much!!

Second, we’ve been collecting shoe boxes and shoe boxes as we prepare for our November 22 “PACKING PARTY”! Our goal is to pack 500 boxes — each one will minister to a child in an underprivileged country. Lori Serpa, our point person for OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, has a few boxes left which you can take and fill up with all sorts of items a child could use. You can bring your completed and filled boxes by November 22 and then help out at the PACKING PARTY!!

Third, Christmas is right around the corner — so plan on attending our CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE at 7:30 p.m.! If you would like to participate in the service musically, please see Ramir Ramirez!

Have a great rest of the week and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!!

Love, Pastor Chuck

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