Announcements

Church Retreat


The date has been set for next year's church retreat. It will be held on September 14-16, 2012 at Camp Susque. If you have any ideas for a topic or speaker, please talk with Pastor Eric.

Penny Power - “Helping Children Learn”


We will again be collecting conis and bills for Mennonite Central Committee's (MCC) Penny Power now through April 1. This year's theme is “Helping Children Learn.”

In addition to collecting funds, we will collect school supplies for Global AID Network (GAIN). A list of supplies needed is posted on the bulletin board.

On Wednesday, April 25 both small groups will have a meal together at the church and assemble the school packs as a service project. Everyone is invited to help.

Seder Meal


A Soup Supper will be held on Maundy Thursday, April 5 at 6 PM followed by a traditional Jewish Seder Meal, communion, and foot washing (for those who wish to participate). All are invited to learn more about this Jewish symbolism and its ties to our celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Small Group Update


Both groups are meeting Wednesdays from 6:30-8 PM and are studying “The Forgotten God” by Francis Chan about the role of the Holy Spirit. The next study for Eric & Sherri's group will be “Balancing Life's Demands” by Chip Ingram.

Community Yard Sale


Our Community Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, June 2 (rain date of June 9).

BIC Emblem

The Meaning Behind the BIC Emblem

The Brethren in Christ denominational emblem, composed of the cross, the dove, and the basin and towel, provides another way of understanding several key truths, which are at the heart of our faith.

The Cross

The cross depicts God's free gift of salvation, available only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By His suffering and sacrifical death for us, Jesus Christ provided complete atonement for sin. His death and resurrection opened the only way for reconciliation between a holy, just God and sinful humanity. His life-blood freely given on the cross provided pardon and ratified the New Covenant. (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)

The Dove

The dove has a dual symbolism for the BIC. First, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us in our daily walk of Christian discipleship. The Holy Spirit enables us to live a new life of holiness and obedience to God, showing love and goodwill to others. In the words of our doctrinal statement, We believe that God's grace provides for more than forgiveness of sin. As the Spirit works in the life of the believer, he or she is led forward in sanctification to a full surrender and commitment of the motives and will to Christ. This results in freefom from control of sin and in empowerment to live the holy life. The Holy Spirit fills persons yielded to God and equips them for effective witness and service. (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)

The dive also reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, rejecting violence and working for reconciliation. Christ brings a spirit of gentleness, long-suffering, and forgiveness to replace hatred, violence, and vengeance. Christ loved His enemies and He calls us as His disciples to love our enemies. We follow our Lord in being people of peace and reconciliation, called to suffer and not to fight. While respecting those who hold other interpretations, we believe that preparation for or participation in war is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ. Similary, we reject all other acts of violence which devalue human life. Rather, we affirm active peacemaking, sacrificial service to others, as well as the pursuit of justice for the poor and oppressed in the name of Christ. (Articles of Faith and Doctrine)

The Towel and Basin

Sacrifial service to others is also reflected in the towel and basin, which Jesus used during the Last Supper to wash His disciples' feet. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus responding to the needs of those around Him. He said, The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… (Matthew 20:28). As His disciples, we are called to a life of selfless service–to other believers and to those who have not yet acknowledged Christ as Savior. He commissions us to share both the cup of cold water (compassionate service to others) (Matthew 10:42) and the Living Water (their invitation to find salvation in Jesus Christ) (John 4:14). The church is called to share the gospel in every culture and stratum of society…. The people of God are also called to be a redemptive influence in the world,… a voice for righteousness, peace, and justice. (Articles of Fith and Doctrine)