Our Easter service was a wonderful experience this year. It always is, but for me it was very refreshing in the midst of recent difficulties that I and others have experienced. We had many familiar faces and some new ones as well. I messed up the Call to Worship, but other than that everything seemed to go well, and even my mistake garnered a good laugh from the congregation. It was terrifically cute to watch the kids hunt for Easter eggs, and we even had the Easter Bunny present to join them. The breakfast was delicious and filling, and the bell choir did a fantastic job with their anthem. Of course, the main blessing was having the opportunity to come together as a congregation to remember and celebrate the gift of Christ’s resurrection.
All of the aspects of the service were delightful, but one that stood out was the children’s moment. I was asking the kids for examples of where they see the living Christ in the world, and towards the end, one of the children said that she saw Christ in Ms. Jeannette. Well, kids say the darnedest things, don’t they. Yes, one of the ways we see Christ is in others, especially those who share the gospel with us, and share in a life in Christ. Paul in fact speaks about how the body of Christ in the world is the church assembled. All of us have our place and part in that body. Not only does such scripture inform us that we should respect others as part of that body, but it also reminds us that each one of us is called to be examples and expressions of the Good News.
Easter Sunday has come and gone for this year, but the season of Easter is still upon us. In fact, it will be Easter until May 19th when we celebrate Pentecost. We therefore have many weeks to celebrate the Resurrection and the salvation we gain from it. Easter season is also a good time to try and focus on those actions and habits which best express the love of Christ and show that we are part of Christ’s body. Perhaps that can be done through volunteer work, or helping neighbors in need; perhaps we can be quicker with a kind word, and more reserved with criticism. Regardless of which way you work to express the Body of Christ in your life, know that your work has value and is important. All of us together can be the living Christ through our lives and help usher in God’s kingdom.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Watch Past Worship Services
Videos of each week's service are available – click here. Sermons from past years are available on The Pastor's Page™.
April 7 - “Questions you always wanted to ask” Sunday
Once again, on Sunday April 7th, we will have a special Sunday where the church gets to ask the pastor questions. Instead of a regular sermon, Pastor Brian will pick several questions out of a basket to answer. The congregation is asked to think of some good questions. Perhaps there is some theological question that you just are burning to have answered. We will have pieces of paper and pens out in advance for you to write your questions on. For those online, questions can be asked via Facebook, or sent to Pastor Brian in advance via email.
April 7 - Special Congregational Meeting - 12:30 PM
We will be having a special congregational meeting on April 7th at 12:30pm in the sanctuary and on Facebook Live. The meeting is to further discuss the repair and replacement of the fire alarm system that was approved at our annual meeting. The congregation originally approved an expenditure of up to $6,500, and after getting quotes it seems that the new system will cost between $11,000 and $13,000. We will discuss what is involved with replacing the system, and ways in which the church wishes to fund the new system if it approves it again. Please try to attend so that we get input from many members and meet our required quorum to hold a meeting.
April 8 - Solar Eclipse - 1:53 PM - 4:25 PM
Dayton is one of the top 12 sites in the US for observation of the total solar eclipse. Great site for more details is located here. Please remember to NOT look at the sun without proper eye protection!
April 21 - Celebration for Margaret’s 50th Anniversary
In April of this year Margaret Puckett has worked for Beaver Church for 50 years, a fantastic achievement in any line of work. We will be celebrating her anniversary on Sunday April 21st during our lunch after church. Please join us in congratulating her.
Changes for Beaver UCC’s Organist Position
We will be having organist substitutes in April and May, while we look for a new organist. The church will be looking for someone trained on the organ, but as those musicians can be hard to find, we will also be open to a pianist who is willing to learn to play the organ. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have them get in touch with Pastor Brian.