The Beacon
Newsletter
February 23, 2024 Volume 66, No 08
This SUNDAY: Second Sunday of Lent: Rescue Me
When Jesus walks on the water, Peter hops out of the boat to go to him. But then he begins to sink. After catching Peter, Jesus says, "You have so little faith. Why did you doubt?" But who does Peter doubt? Is it Jesus, or does he doubt himself? We will explore what losing faith in ourselves means, and what it feels like to be thrown off balance and feel as if we are sinking. To whom will we cry out? Will they catch us?
To prepare, please read: Matthew 14: 22-33 and Psalm 22:23-31.
Pastor Paula Ulrich
Sunday, February 25
9:30 a.m. Meet & Eat
10:30 a.m. Worship
Monday, February 26
Office Open 8:00 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 27
12:30 p.m. Spirit Journey Women
6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Office Closed
Wednesday, February 28
9:30-11:30 a.m. Food Bank
8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Office Open
Thursday, February 29
Office Closed
Pastor Anna Lisa On-Site
5:00 p.m. Worship Preview meeting
5:30 p.m. Sister Song Circle
Friday, March 1
9:00-2:00 p.m. Office Open
Saturday, March 2
Sunday, March 3
9:30 a.m. Meet & Eat
10:30 a.m. Worship
Remember to check the Breeze calendar for upcoming events and activities!
Worship on 2/18/2024:
In-person attendance 73
Offering 2/11 $17,708
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Food Bank on 2/21/2024:
Individuals served: 79
Families served: 27
Note: Pastor Paula will be away for a spiritual retreat February 26th through the 29th.
A Special Thank you!
Thank you to Jane Vorndran for cleaning and organizing the office closet and all the drawers and cabinets! This has made such a difference in ease of finding what is needed. Thank you!
The Gift of Candle-light!
The worship team is grateful for the gift of Luminara candles by George Johnson-Coffey for our worship centers. These candles are battery-operated, and the batteries last for a long time. The candles, of various sizes, are coated in real wax with a visible flickering flame. We know that they will enhance many a worship service. Thank you, George!
Thank You!
The BH staff gives thanks for this faith community. We celebrated with our spouses a holiday dinner out. Thank you to those who contribute to the Pastors Discretionary Fund (which makes this holiday meal possible). And thank you to all who bring BH community and ministries to life!
Pastor Anna Lisa, Office Manager Alexis, Pastor Paula, Music Director Melody
Radio Interviews
Recently, Leslie Sperry did a series of 10 interviews with the CEO of Welcome Corps. Four of the interviews have aired on our local NPR station to date and there are plans for more interviews with Meshack from our refugee family. Here is a link to the interview if you are interested in listening: https://www.delmarvapublicmedia.org/local-news/2024-02-01/thousands-of-americans-sign-up-as-sponsors-for-refugees
Meet & Eat
Join Pastor Anna Lisa this week as we celebrate with Lenten traditions from around the world at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. There will be traditional Lenten dishes from around the world to sample!
"Fight Like Jesus" during
Meet and Eat!!!
During the first four weeks of March, Dan Ulrich will lead sessions based on the book, Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week by Jason Porterfield. The book is engaging, and not difficult to read; although reading it is not required. The cost of the book is $14, and the Education Commission is willing to fund half of the purchase of the book with individuals paying half. If you would like a copy, please let Pastor Paula know by email or text by Sunday, Feb. 18th: pastorpaula@beaconheights.net and 937-467-5672. Please identify yourself in the text.
Paintings for Sale
The paintings currently hanging next to and across from Pastor Anna Lisa's office will be switched out soon to ones with a spring theme. Linda Myers, the artist, is making the current winter themed ones available for purchase, and will donate half of the proceeds to the church's ReFresh fund. The price of each painting in the 16x20 black frames is $80 a piece, and the two smaller ones of the bird and hill top trees are $50. The poinsettia one in the front walkway is also $50, and the large one of snowy winter birches with a stream is $400 and includes a custom frame and mat. Frames and mats are not included with any of the other art pieces, as they will continue to be used for new artwork. Please contact Linda Myers if you are interested in purchasing any of these art pieces at 260-414-2551 or email, lindadaintymyers@gmail.com.
Your Chance to Support the Refugee Family!
Aimerance needs rides to and from her English class on Tuesdays and Fridays. It runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Class is at 1005 West Rudisill (Door A), on the former campus of Fort Wayne Bible College/Taylor University. You can drive her whenever it works for you. Please contact Kyla Zehr as soon as possible if you are available on any Tuesday or Friday. (Aimerance is very friendly and communicates well with smiles for now. She lives very near the church at 2606 Lynn Avenue). Thank you!
Weekly Food Bank Update
Thank you for all your donations! Currently, the most needed items are broth, rice, and pancake mix. Monetary donations are also appreciated.
Shoppers are needed for March 2024, if you would like to sign-up! The sign-up sheet is located on the office countertop.
2024 NIDCOB Women’s Retreat
Join us for another retreat for women and their friends and family members in the Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren!
Saturday, March 16th, 2024 9:00am–3:00pm at Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship - 58362 Beech Rd., Osceola, IN 46561
(between Elkhart & Mishawaka)
Topic: "Giving Your Best Life"
The power of giving and gratitude in helping you get unstuck, taking a step of faith, and letting God write your story.
Speaker: Stephanie L. Jones, motivational speaker & writer of The Giving Challenge. Stephanie is an award-winning author, speaker, podcaster, and coach from Valporaiso, IN.
Our time together will include 2 sessions of musical worship, prayer, teaching & discussion. Light Breakfast items will be provided during arrival check-in, and our Baked Potato & Salad Bar lunch is also included in your cost.
(Vegan & Gluten-Free options are available at both meals.)
Cost: $10/person
Friends & Family welcome! Register them with your church for the same fee. Stephanie will also have helpful resources & materials available for your purchase after the Retreat!
Please register with Mary Wysong by: (forms are in the church office or contact Mary)
by Wed., February 28th, 2024
Shepherd’s Heart is looking forward to seeing you as we connect and learn together!
You may call or email SHF’s Women’s Ministry Leader with questions about the retreat:
Tammy Victor, 574-361-7704, tvictor@kampco.com
Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship
574-679-4519
shfellowship@att.net
www.shfellowship.org
Save the Date!
Nurture has reserved 30 tickets for the TinCaps game on Saturday, June 29. This game also includes fireworks! Put this on your calendar if you have interest and you may let Ruth Ann Bever know if you want your name on the list. The tickets will be $14.00 apiece. Children’s tickets are half price, compliments of Education.
Next SUNDAY: March 3, 2024
Theme: Third Sunday of Lent: Who do you say that I am?
Have you listened to the NPR segment “This I Believe”? These are short essays from a wonderful variety of people and perspectives about the rock on which they build their lives. I'm not sure I've ever heard a “religious” testimony in this segment, but share values with the essayists nonetheless.
In this passage Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am?” And we'll explore Peter's answer (Son of Man, Chosen One, Messiah, Son of God). These answers are stones in the foundation of Peter's faith, a faith that changes with time - just like each of ours. What rocks are you building your life on today?
To prepare, please read: Matthew 16: 13-20 and Psalm 19.
Pastor Anna Lisa Gross
Published by Beacon Heights
Church of the Brethren
Editor: Alexis Shoda
Phone: (260) 482-8595
Email: office@beaconheights.net
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