Dear BCC friends
Dear BCC friends:
It’s disappointing that we will not be together tomorrow. But you can watch a short greeting from me and Pastor Jim here.
Now don’t let the fact that we are not meeting as a church keep you from taking time to worship the Lord on his day, the Lord’s Day. Like believers in nations where to publicly name Jesus as Lord is to risk one’s life, you can remember the Lord at home alone or with your family.
It can be as simple as this short service, to which you could add responsive readings, more songs and scriptures, the Lord’s Table, ?
A SERVICE FOR WORSHIP AT HOME
PRAYER
PRAYER
Thank the Lord for his mercy. Recognize one or two of his attributes for which you are particularly grateful. Ask that his Holy Spirit fill you with assurance in the face of the uncertainties of COVID-19 life. Pray these Psalms:
“Hear me Lord and answer me for I am poor and needy.” Ps. 86:1
“Establish my steps in your word.” Ps. 119:133
“Let you compassion quickly meet our needs for we are on the brink of despair.” Ps. 79:8
“Protect me God because I take refuge in you.” Ps. 16:1
“I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High.” Ps. 9:2
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 103 and Matthew 6:25-34 would pair nicely under these circumstances.
VIDEO
Joni has released an encouraging video, especially given her lifelong dedication to men and women and boys and girls who are the very most vulnerable to the virus (5 minutes). Watch it here.
John Piper answers the question, “How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus?” (17 minutes). Listen to it here.
SONG FOR THE YOUNGER SET
Watch “God Always Keeps His Promises” with motions for kids (and the young at heart) here.
SONG
1 Standing on the promises of Christ my king,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
SERMON
Steven Lawson: “Our Sovereign God” (48 minutes). Watch here.
SONG
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank the Lord for his promises, like those described in Matthew 6. Ask His blessing on our leaders, our church, your loved ones, our ministry partners near and far.
and..
“What can I say but this, Lord: my heart admires you, and adores you, and loves you.
My little vessel is as full as it can hold, and I would pour out all that fullness before you to receive more and more.
You are my hope and my help, my glory, and the lifter-up of my head (Ps. 3:3). My heart rejoices in your salvation (Ps. 13:5).
And when your Spirit allows me to converse with you, a thousand wonderful thoughts flow into my should with refreshment and joy. They seem to crowd the happiness of many months into every single moment.
In humble wonder, I bless you for the knowledge and grace that lifts and sanctifies my soul… even now, through your grace, I feel your supporting arm leading me toward heaven. I await your salvation with a blend of passionate desire believers cannot help feeling, and a calm surrender born of your unchanging promise.
Amen.” – Philip Doddridge
Do Not Be Anxious
It’s been quite a week, yes? We have much to be thankful for, and much to pray about. One prayer request is that the Lord would build our confident faith in him through every unnerving trial:
“Lord, use this event to chip away at every last bit of my self-reliance and replace it with a confident hope in you and your sovereignty in all things. Give me wisdom to do what’s best and help me to demonstrate your love to others, especially in times of great need.”
Earlier this week, I wrote you about the importance of continuing to meet as a church family. In the hours since, our world and our circumstances have changed. As a result, the Elders have decided to cancel any meeting this Sunday.
We were thinking about how to meet on Sunday when we received word – late yesterday – from our hosts at St. Mary’s that they didn’t want us to meet there for a while. They are rightly thinking of their students first and we honor that. Later in the day came the Governor’s decree that all schools are closing for a time.
So Bill, Steve, PJ and PB and I agreed that we ought to sit it out this weekend and see what happens next, and what are our alternatives for meeting. We’re looking at a couple ideas, but will have to see what the wise choice is as this virus takes its course. Your input is invited and welcome, so let us know if you have thoughts.
A few weeks back, we looked at John 4:34, the verse where Jesus dismissed efforts to get him to have tacos with the disciples, saying “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.” As he noted, the fields are “ripe for harvest” to this very day. In what soul-winning ways can we make Jesus’ priority our own, as we serve others and post on social media and love our neighbors?
If you need help of any kind do let us know. We are here to serve and may be able to pitch in if you’ll make us aware of the need.
We will keep you apprised of our church’s situation going forward! It hurts to not collect this weekend, and hopefully won’t be long before we can gather in some manner, but suggest that you enjoy some family worship this Lord’s Day!
Pastor Dale
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times including during a global pandemic, you may abound in every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8 (amended!)
Sometimes Miracles Hide
Sometimes Miracles Hide is an elegant luncheon for mothers of children affected by disability, where they will enjoy a fabulous meal, warm fellowship, an encouraging program, a gift, and much needed rest and respite. Their children, typical or affected by disability, will be paired with a buddy, and together they will have fun at the carnival filled with games, crafts, and activities for all ages and abilities.Time and Location: Noon – 2pm at FBC, 649 Crater Lake Ave., Medford
Family Information: Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you must RSVP by April 27. Call: 541-897-0482 Email: bolstad@joniandfriends.org With your reservation, we will need to know: Your name and phone number; Names and ages of children attending; Specific disability/diagnosis and any pertinent info to make your children feel comfortable; If your child can eat the lunch we are providing – if not, we ask that you provide your child’s lunch. Children’s Menu: Jelly sandwich, bag of potato chips, cheese stick, fruit juice, apple slices and a cookie. Nursery: Nursery/toddler care is available for children 0-3.
Volunteer Information: There are many ways to serve at Sometimes Miracles Hide. By serving for a few hours you make an eternal impact on families affected by disability. CLICK HERE to sign up – follow directions below:
- Click on any of the “Sign Up” buttons in the right-hand column.
- Click the “Submit and Sign Up” button on the bottom of the page.
- Log in to your existing account, or…
- Create a free account and choose the 1st option “Create an account at SignUpGenius…”
- Complete the “Additional Info” fields and click the “Sign Up Now” button.
For more information call 541-897-0482 or email bolstad@joniandfriends.org
Donations: Your donation of $25 will be used to bless a mother with a gift. You may also purchase a gift card to a restaurant, store, or service that would be meaningful to a mother. Please send donations to PO Box 113, Jacksonville OR 97530 or drop it off at our office – 405 E. California St., Jacksonville OR (1st floor of the historic Presbyterian Church). Include your name and address. All donations are tax deductible under current I.R.S. regulations.
