This post is an abbreviated version of the Bear Creek United Methodist Church monthly newsletter. You can see a complete and prettier one here or subscribe to our Bear Fax emailer.

CONTENTS:

CALENDAR:

  • August 3: Picnic Potluck at Cottage Lake Park
  • August 12: Blood Drive at BCUMC
  • Saturday, August 23: Amazing Grace Seminar

WORSHIP CORNER:

Make worship a regular part of your life of discipleship. Whether the music is loud or soft, the sermon
good or bad, our worship of God and with our brother and sister disciples of Jesus will be just right.

  • August 3-12th Sunday after Pentecost. “What Do We do When Our Mentor Is Murdered?” Jesus has just begun his ministry when he is told that his spiritual director, his mentor, his teacher and friend, John, called the Baptist because he baptized for the forgiveness of sins, has had his head cut off. Now what does Jesus do? Matthew 14:1-21
    Sunday Vespers Mark 8:22-26
  • August 10-13th Sunday after Pentecost. “The Rock, Saint or Sinker?” John Ortberg writes, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” Peter (the rock) gets out of the boat, takes a step, and sinks. And the church is built upon this rock? And now we are the rocks of the church? Is that a good thing? Matthew 14:22-33
    Sunday Vespers Mark 9:14-29
  • August 17-14th Sunday after Pentecost. “Getting Help from God” How do we have the great faith of the Canaanite mother? I think it begins with the admission that we need help. Then we believe there is help in God. And finally letting go of our will, we ask for the help we need, trusting that God answers our cries in God’s way and time. Matthew 15:21-28
    Sunday Vespers Mark 10:46-52
  • August 24-15th Sunday after Pentecost. “Who Is Jesus” Even while Jesus was alive there was debate about who he was-Messiah, miracle worker, charlatan, prophet, devil, and more. Are our times any better in truly knowing who Jesus might be? Matthew 16:13-20
    Sunday Vespers Matthew 4:23-25
  • August 31-16th Sunday after Pentecost. “Jesus Was an Optimist” Peter, in this passage, is a pessimist. In fact, Jesus calls him Satan for his desire that Jesus avoid a suffering
    death. Isn’t Peter’s prayer for Jesus our prayer for each other and ourselves? What has Peter done to be called Satan by Jesus?
    Matthew 16:21-28
    Sunday Vespers Matthew 8:1-4

PASTOR’S MUMBLINGS

Dear Bearcreekians,

“And that’s the truth–blpppp.” (with your tongue flapping out)

As I write this, it is July 8. I will be on vacation when the Bear Fax deadline comes around and Bonnie wants my stuff early. She’s funny that way and keeps me on track as best she can.

But-it is July 8. How do I know what will be important on August 1, 2008? How do I know what we will be thinking about or doing almost a month from now? I could write this now and not agree with myself in four weeks.

Of course, if I stay open to the Holy Spirit, I might not agree with myself as soon as I finish writing. So what do I write? I have decided to write the eternal and transcendent truth as I know it. Hear goes:

God is Love. God is Loving-kindness. God is Servant Action. Which are various ways of saying that God is Love.”

That’s it. That’s all. It doesn’t get any better or more profound. It will be true August 1, 2008, and August 1, 9999. Of course, I have a lot of explaining to do about just what I mean in these three little words. And how we might live this truth could change by 9999. So I try not to think too far ahead but attempt in living with today’s scripture to make some sense of it for this day and maybe even this week.

I have kidded with you that this really is my only sermon. It really is my only sermon, and each Sunday is just a variation on this one truth. It is the truth that I believe is forever and above all other truths.

Now, what do you believe to be the eternal and transcendent truth? What do you believe will still be true in 9999? Why not write your own confession or witness for the Bear Fax? Bonnie, other readers and I would love to have some folks tell of their faith. Are you up to the challenge? What will still be true in 9999?

Shalom,
Dave O

Be a hero-give blood

Every day, there are patients in our community who need blood transfusions. Whether it is due to an emergency or ongoing medical care, there are children and adults who depend on frequent lifesaving transfusions to keep them alive.

Summer is a tough time of the year. High schools are closed, many regular donors take vacations, and more cars on the road can lead to more car accidents and a potential increase in the need for blood. It takes 900 people, registering every weekday, to keep our community’s blood supply at stable levels. When you make your list of supplies for a visit to Mt. Rainier, a barbeque party, a trip to the beach or a ferry ride to the San Juan Islands, consider putting “donate blood” on your to-do list.

Donating blood takes about an hour out of your busy summer schedule, but it is an hour well spent. Each blood donation is a gift of life, potentially saving three lives. Blood donations help not only those who have suffered trauma, but also those with cancer, surgery patients and premature babies.

The Puget Sound Blood Center is an independent, communitybased blood center internationally recognized for its research, medical and blood and tissue services. Celebrating over 60 years of innovation, the Blood Center has a long and unique tradition of blending community volunteerism, medical science and research to improve patient’s lives. The Blood Center, serving patients in more than 70 hospitals and clinics in 14 counties with blood services, provides tissue and transplantation support to 185 hospitals across the Northwest.

All who are able are encouraged to donate. Donors must be 18 or older (16 or 17 with a Blood Center parental permission form), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. A bloodmobile will be here at Bear Creek UMC on Tuesday, August 12, from 1:00-7:00 (dinner break 3:00-4:00). However, because the bloodmobile has limited space, we suggest making an appointment. You can call the church office at 425.788.2953.