Church Update and Encouragement
encouragement
Dear Church Family,
We are blessed with clean air in recent days, so I did a run early Thursday morning. I get recharged just observing and feeling God’s creation, the stars, the Bay, and later on, the clouds. I remember feeling a slight breeze and hearing and seeing different birds flying. Some birds were flying solo. Others were flying in a “V” formation. Whenever I see birds flying in “V” formation, I’m reminded they fly that way to cover very long distances together. In fact, it is the ONLY way they can make a long migration journey. They take turns leading because the leader has to work harder than the others. And in formation the birds can “draft” off each other; each bird in front is essentially pulling the bird behind it and therefore conserving energy for the whole group over the “long haul.”
God encourages us that following Christ is for the “long haul” through the ups and downs of life. Indeed we have had our share of these in 2020. One of the ways God encourages us in the long run is through mutual spiritual encouragement. I am encouraged that some of our small groups, informal fellowships, and Sunday school adult classes are growing. The Apostle Paul said it this way:
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" 1 Corinthians 15:58
Notice the Apostle Paul was encouraging the corporate church, brothers (= spiritual siblings), to together keep on doing Jesus’ work no matter the adversity. And be encouraged that He will remember and reward your service to Him! Church, let's continue to follow and serve Jesus together through 2020!
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
Please feel free to contact the church for any questions or prayer requests through info@bacbc.org.
Update
Outreach and community service opportunity: The Alameda Food Bank needs volunteers!
Some of their regular volunteers have returned to work and so they are trying to fill shifts.The minimum age requirement is 18 and the work can be labor intensive; therefore, we require some strong and sturdy helpers.
If you are interested, please contact the Warehouse Manager Lucia at warehousemanager@alamedafoodbank.org.