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Volume 46 No. 7 April 2, 2019 Bugle Newsletter

Jesus answered Thomas: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The

BCC Bugle

Our Program: The Woodburn Christian Children's Home promotes spiritual, men-

tal, and physical well-being through the development of Christian faith and values, along with positive attitudes, the exercise of cognitive process and the practice of healthy living principles. WCCH instills these principles on a daily basis as we practice consistent Christian family living with the children in our care.

Outcomes are measured in a variety of ways. When a child graduates from high school or is able to return to his/her home, a major objective has been achieved. Intermediate objec-tives include improving scholastic performance and social interaction. These objectives are measured by our staff and counselors and recorded in each child's Treatment Plan. Our goal is to provide a Christian home and to minister to children and families on physical, educational, emotional and spiritual levels.

Located near Fort Wayne, Indiana, WCCH is a 501-C-3 not-for-profit, state-licensed residential children’s home. We help boys and girls ranging in age from 6 to 21 years old.

Physical Development The physical program incorporates life skill training, physical exercise, nutrition training, recreation, and regular visits with a physician and dentist. Participating in the life of a family with daily chores and activities provide the foundation for development and social interaction.

Educational Development The educational program includes monitoring academic performance and attending to the education needs of each child. Ongoing development is achieved through participation in age-appropriate off-site schooling, on-site academic tutoring, and continual interaction with teachers.

Emotional Development Each child attends individual and group Christian counseling sessions. The program incorpo-rates a three-tier counseling methodology. Each tier reflects different intervention strategies rooted in goal-driven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused CBT therapy. Each child's progress is reviewed weekly during treatment team meetings with counselors, houseparents, and administrative staff. Goals and objectives for each child are developed within 45 days after joining the program, and are maintained through discharge, and follow-up.

Spiritual Development The spiritual programming encompasses all aspects of our program. Development occurs through daily prayer and family devotions, corporate worship, youth group etc.

Address: Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, P.O. Box 459, Woodburn IN 46797 Phone: 260-632-5551

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BUCHANAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH Est. December 17, 1854

112 West Third Street Buchanan, MI 49107-1229 Electronic Service Requested

Tel.: 269-695-6621 Fax: 269-695-6351 Email: office@buchananchurch.com Web Site: http://www.buchanan.church

Office Hours: Mon & Tues: 8-12 & 1- 5 Wed &Thurs: 8- 4; Fri: CLOSED

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Deeper In the Word Nate Babcock, Senior Minister

Be Sure You Suffer as a Christian

Psalm 129, from which I preached this past Sunday, teaches us how to faithfully endure hostility and rejection for the sake of Jesus Christ. The opening line of the psalm – “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth” – draws our attention to Israel’s history of suffering at the hands of enemies and, by extension, to the same kinds of afflictions which the Church has endured through the centuries and does endure around the world today. The cross we have been called to bear (Luke 9:23) is, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in Discipleship, “being rejected for the sake of Jesus Christ, not for the sake of any other attitude or confession.”

We should pay special attention to that final part of Bonhoeffer’s statement. For, it is possible for us to suffer hostility from others while we are Christians, but not specifically because of our Christian commitment. The apostle Peter clearly referred to this possibility when he wrote in his first letter: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed… But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker” (1 Peter 4:14-15, NET). Peter clearly recognized that Christians are capable of doing non-Christian things which will cause them hardship, and he does not want us to think of that sort of suffering as standing in the tradition of Christ’s sufferings. Christ was accused of being a criminal, but he was innocent. “He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). If we are to follow in Christ’s footsteps (1 Peter 2:21), we must guard against assuming that any affliction we endure is because of our Christian faith.

No, it may very well be that others mock us because of a political view-point we hold which has little, if anything, to do with the Kingdom of God. It may be that we are rejected at work, not because we are Christian, but because our behavior is sub-Christian – we are rude, deceitful, competitive, and unkind. It may be that our neighbors don’t like us because our yard is always a mess; they may not know anything about our habit of going to church. And so, we again need to remember Bonhoeffer’s dictum: the cross is “being rejected for the sake of Jesus Christ, not for the sake of any other attitude or confession.” Peter went on to say in his letter,

1 Peter 4:16-19: But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name. 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? 4:18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners? 4:19 So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.

Suffering as a Christian means being afflicted by others because we follow and love Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters, as far as it depends on us - let’s be sure that if we suffer rejection by others, it is because of our loyalty to Jesus, and for no other reason.

Weekly Activities for Growth & Service

> Sundays: 9:20 am, Just Coffee - Come get some coffee, donut or treat.

9:30 am, Sunday School; 10:30 am, Worship Service

5:45 - 6:30 pm, Choir Practice; Heroes (K-5 gr)

6-7:45 pm, Small Groups (Supper and classes) 4/7: No Class 4/14: Last Small Groups Class > Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 pm, Glorymakers Children’s Choir (K-6th)

6-7:30 pm, 4/3: No Teen Illumination (7th-12th)

6-7:30 pm, Special Prayer Time & Adult Bible Study

April / MAY Events & Opportunities

> 4/4, Thurs: 1:30 pm, Women’s Fellowship meets

> 4/13, Sat: 6 pm, Welcome Home Banquet for Impact Campus Ministry All are welcome to attend a time of worship, prayer and testimony, and catered dinner. During our time together, gifts and pledges will be received. The banquet is free, but an RSVP is encouraged. You can bring your gift or first pledge payment to the Welcome Home Banquet at the Deer Run Church of Christ, 2730 S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN 46614. You can also contribute by becoming a Champion of Impact, helping us raise up additional supporters for the cause. Simply invite others to fill your table at the banquet. For the last seven years, the Impact Campus House has provided a place of belonging where students can live and be mentored as they understand how God has shaped them to be his presence in the world, wherever they are sent.

Will you help us continue to make this dream a reality? Will you consider giving to preserve a place of community and belonging through the Impact Campus House? We are seeking to pay off the land contract on the campus house, and the goal is to raise $190,000 in the next ten months. The “Welcome Home” campaign has begun! You can join this campaign by contributing a substantial gift now or pledging to give monthly for the next ten months.

> 4/19, Fri: 7 pm, BAMA Good Friday Service at First United Methodist Church located at 132 S. Oak St., Buchanan

> 4/21, Sun: The musical "One Day" By Russell Mauldin including drama and multimedia will be presented by the BCC Choir on Easter Sunday, April 21 at 10:30 AM > 4/25, Thurs: 6 - 8 pm,

Come have fun!

> 5/4, Sat: 8:30-12 noon, Growing Strong - Where? At Michiana Christian Camp led by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler. 8:30 am: Coffee & Fellowship; 9am - Noon: Prayer teaching and Practice.

Our Nation, *BCC Leaders & Teachers *Those hurting from loss of loved ones *Our shut-ins & home bound *Victims of tragedy in our nation & elsewhere *President Trump & family, *US Troops *Lord to send forth laborers for the Kingdom *Africa Fire Mission Team & Trip Oct.19-28

*Our Nation, *BCC Leaders & Teachers, *Those hurting from loss of loved ones *Our shut-ins & home bound, *Victims of tragedy in our nation & elsewhere *President Trump & family, *US Troops, *Lord to send forth laborers for the Kingdom

ATTENDANCE Bible School: 9:30 AM Worship: 10:30 AM

FACTS & FIGURES for MARCH: Attendance & Offerings

1,435.00 1,485.00 1,525.00 1,605.00 2,480.00

TITHES & OFFERINGS (Budgeted Amounts)

(General Fund: 4,476.00) (Faith Promise: 787.50) Building Fund Received

13/03 13/10 13/17 13/24 3/31

1,703.00 1,678.00 1,635.00 1,710.00 362.00

8,073.50 3,759.81 3,542.15 4,119.00 4,335.10

13/03 13/10 13/17 13/24 3/31

13/03 13/10 13/17 13/24 3/31

465.00 50.46

150.001.50

Benevolent Fund Michiana Christian Camp Youth Fund American Heritage Girls

20.00 100.00 170.00 100.00

25.00

Life Plan (formerly PCC)

Whitefields World Minis. Impact Campus Ministries Memorial - Kenny Parm Memorial - Terry Metzger

“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

BCC PRAYER NEEDS

Prayer Focus: The Church

Mission of the Month: Woodburn Christian Children’s Home

Please Remember in Prayer:

Dawn Ackerman - bone cancer, rehab, healing, homebound, Linda Klinedinst req. Pat Barbour - health concern, mom of John Barbour

Jamie Becker - biopsy, coming surgery 4/25

April Belcher - health concerns, test results, David Belcher req.

John Blaylock - burst appendix surgery, son of Bobby & Julie Blaylock Lindsey Boucher - cancer, niece of Cheryl Lowery

Janet Craw - cancer surg & jaw reconstruction recov.

Stephanie Fain - personal needs, better paying job, self req.

Precious Furst - diabetic/pregnancy concerns, Kr. Furst

Grandfather - surgery, Stephanie Fain req. Rebecka Hoyt - college, stress, self req.

Beverly Kniola - surgery soon, Nancy Bicard req.

Unspoken request - Michele Clayton req. Unspoken request - Roy & Tilly Mark req.

Mike & Elsje’ Morgan - Elsje’s immigration court case, 4/3 Detroit

Emma Lynn Rowe - 19 mo old, croup, Betty Cornwell req. Barbara Walker - illness recovery, K. Adolph’s daughter

Rich Watson - infection and hand surgery recov.

The Family of: Firmer King, father of Scott King

13/03 13/10 13/17 13/24 3/31

152 145 150 130 138

61 57 67

7054

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Judy Earnst Director of Worship Arts

Thought for the month “The Lord Is My Salvation”

The words to the praise song “The Lord Is My Salvation” express the greatness of God’s grace and that He is Lord of our salvation. He reaches out to those in the “raging sea” and places them on “solid ground.” In times of fear, waiting, need, loss or when we are weak His grace and strength will renew. We can always find hope in God’s word because His promises are true. Even in our final day He will not leave us “in the grave” for we “will rise” and be with God for eternity. Truly there is no one like “the Lord our God”. He is “strong to save, and faithful in love.” He paid our debt on Calvary and the “vict’ry won.” Let us daily proclaim “Glory be to God the Father, Glory be to God the Son, Glory be to God the Spirit; The Lord is our salvation.” SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Glory Makers will present a program for the residents of West Woods Nursing Home on Wednesday, April 3rd at 2:00 pm. We will meet in the church parking lot to car pool at 1:30 pm and return around 3:30 pm. April 21 - (Easter Sunday) - 10:30 AM

The BCC Choir will present the musical “One Day.” The message of this musical not only tells of God’s promise to save us through the death and resurrection of Jesus but also of another promise that one day those who believe and obey will be united with Him in heaven. Invite someone to celebrate the risen Savior with us.

Thank You to the Mitchell family for their special music on Family Sunday.

Easter is right around the corner. This is the best time of year in my opinion. More than Christmas, more than birthdays, more than family gatherings, even more than National Ice Cream Day. Easter reminds us of the most important essential cornerstone of our faith.

We weekly reflect on the sacrifice Christ went through during our time of Communion, taking on the call to “Do this in remembrance of me”. However, we use this time of year to reflect more intensely on the death and resurrection of Jesus specifically. We remember the sacrifice of the cost. We remember the pain, the hurt, the betrayal. We reflect on the punishment dealt and the suffering servant portion of His life. We recall the words of Isaiah that like a bruised reed, he wouldn’t break. He would receive an intense amount of punishment, but he would continue to bear it. It is overwhelming.

It is in the middle of this we look to the resurrection and we see hope. No longer are we surrounded with death. No longer do we say so and so lived so many years and then they died. We know they are living again in Christ. Death can’t stop us anymore. Paul reflects that without the resurrection, we would be hopeless, still in our sin and deserving of even worse punishment form God. Praise God this isn’t our message. We have a message of life, and that’s why this is the best time of the year. Our suffering and pain, which Christ can relate to, culminates in the Cross. The cross bears these pains and points us to the empty tomb. A tomb empty of a body, but full of hope.

Lesson

Read: John 6:1-14 Discuss:

- What did Jesus use to feed 5,000 people! If you were very hungry, would you give up all your food? - Who was affected by the child’s decision to give his food to Jesus?

Pray:

Dear God, I pray that I may have the same faith as the child in our story. I want to be able to trust you completely. You are more powerful than any-one can understand.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Do:

Share what we have with God and others. Watch what can happen then!

Brandon Smith Associate Minister

April Focus: Praying For The Church

Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand. Forgive us for our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us draw near to You with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let Your Word dwell in us richly. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that we may live and conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of You, fully pleasing You, and being fruitful in every good work. And, by being renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering: bearing with and forgiving one another. That we dwell together in the unity of the faith, recognizing those who labor among us, esteeming them highly in love for their work's sake. I pray we all speak the same thing, with no divisions among us, standing fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith. That we're not carried about with various and strange doctrines, But we study, rightly dividing the word of truth. That we're not murmurers, complainers, walking after our own lusts, but are rich in good works, ready to give and willing to share. I pray that the whole body be knit and joined together, and that every part does its share causing growth to the body. As each one has received a gift, let him minister it, looking out for the interests of others. Let us all fervently love one another with a pure heart, so that we do not lose the things we have worked for. Let us become serious and watchful in our prayers, redeeming the time, for the days are evil. Running with endurance the race that is set before us, setting our minds on things above and not on things on the earth. But pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God. Putting on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the devil. That we will speak forth Your Word with great boldness and that You will stretch forth Your hand to heal, that signs and wonders may be done in the name of Your Son Jesus.

1Pet 5:6 1Jn 1:9 Heb 10:22 Heb 10:22 Heb 10:22 Col 3:16 Col 1:9 Col 1:9 Col 1:10 Col 1:10 Eph 4:23 Col 3:12 Col 3:12 Eph 4:13 1Thes 5:12 1Thes 5:13 1Cor 1:10 Phil 1:27 Heb 13:9 2Tim 2:15 Jude 1:16 1Tim 6:18 Eph 4:16 Eph 4:16 1Pet 4:10 Phil 2:4 1Pet 1:22 2Jn 1:8 1Pet 4:7 Eph 5:16 Heb 12:1 Col 3:2 Phil 3:14 Eph 6:11 Acts 4:29 Acts 4:30 Acts 4:30