Berea Mennonite Church

We continue to gather each Monday in front of our church property. Here is a song from Sunday's worship service...words from Prayer from St. Francis, adapted b...y Sebastian Temple. MAKE NE A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE Make me a channel of your peace Where there is hatred, let me bring your love Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord And where there is doubt, true faith in you. Make me a channel of your peace Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there's sadness, ever joy. Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled, as to console To be understood, as to understand To be loved, as to love, with all my soul. Make me a channel of your peace It is in pardoning that we are pardoned In giving of ourselves, that we receive And in dying, that we're born to eternal life.

We’ve had lots of calls about a pumpkin patch at the church. We are sorry to say not this year. Thanks for your support in years past.

Our closing song for this evening's worship service on Zoom was "The Lord Lift You Up." The Lord Lift you up, The Lord take your hand, The Lord lead you forth,... And cause you to stand, Secure in God's word, Seeking God's face, Abounding in love, Abiding in grace. May it be so with each of you this week....those of you in your homes and those of you who come to our church property.

John Lewis asked that The New York Times publish this message from him on the day of his funeral. Here is what he wrote to be published on that day: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation...Continue reading

We continue to meet each Sunday via Zoom at a 10:00 informal gathering and for worship at 5:00. This week, Monday at 4:30 p.m., we will gather for a vigil to show support for our Black brothers and sisters. Come join us. Today our worship service ended with the song "The Lord Lift You Up." May it be true for you this week. The Lord Lift you up,... The Lord take your hand, The Lord lead you forth, And cause you to stand, Secure in God's word, Seeking God's face, Abounding in love, Abiding in grace. Attached are photos from our property and a past vigil.

This evening we Bereans gathered with members of our partnerships and members of Atlanta Mennonite Fellowship to demonstrate solidarity for justice for Black lives in Atlanta and around the country. Unfortunately, we were rained out but plan to gather again to demonstrate our grief for lives lost and our desire for change. (Thank you to Brenda Shelby and Kathleen Kennel for photos.)

Healer of our Every Ill, text by Marty Haugen Chorus: Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow Give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow... Verse 1: You who know our fears and sadness, grace us with your peace and gladness, Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts. Verse 2: In the pain and joy of beholding how your grace is still unfolding, give us all your vision, God of love. Verse 3: Give us strength to love each other, every sister, every brother, Spirit of all kindness, be our guide. Verse 4: You who know each thought and feeling, teach us all your way of healing, Spirit of compassion, fill each heart. See more

Pentecost Sunday-a day to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit...that came upon all who followed Jesus but first through Jesus' words to his disciples.... Again, Jesus said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 From a song with words written by Edwin Hatch: Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do.

Because of the coronavirus Berea's church members are no longer gathering on our church property, but those people are finding other ways to connect via phone calls and Zoom meetings. The property, though, is still a busy place with evidence of Spring and the work of the farmers who are diligently creating space for new growth. God's care is still there on the church grounds and among us in our lives even though we are isolated in our different homes. God's comfort to each of you.

Sunday, February 9, we welcomed Matt Pritchard as elder with prayers of blessing for him and his family.

Today, during education hour and worship time, we gathered around a quilt frame to tie knots for a comforter for MCC as well as read scripture, sing songs, and engage in quiet meditation speaking the words, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, giver of the Holy Spirit." We also had a sending prayer for Jonathan and Mary Kay Larson who are moving to North Carolina.

Second Sunday of Advent: Peace is a candle to show us a pathway...and Jonathan Larson challenged us with a message from Matthew 3:1-12 with thoughts and a visual about the seed and chaff in our lives.

Today's treasure was having two former pastors visiting our church community. Thanks, Jonathan Larson, for your message during worship. Thanks, Josh Brockway, for adding us to your day.