We at Big Trees Community Bible Church Welcome You
Hi, I’m Pastor Jeff.
Many people attempt to read through the Bible but get bogged down in Leviticus or Numbers and struggle to understand much that is going on in the Old Testament. We will be spending time in April and May trying to make sense of the Old Testament by looking to some of its key themes. I think you’ll find it helpful in reading and understanding scripture so that you can apply it in life. I hope you’ll join us each week.
My Current Sermon Series
Find my sermon schedule with details here.
April 28 Will Be Our “Mission Sunday”
We’ll welcome one of our church’s missionary families on Sunday, April 28. Meet TJ, Charissa, and the entire Morris family when they join us for our Sunday morning service. They’ll also take part in our monthly after-service Sandwich Sunday event so we can we can get to know them.
TJ is currently the program director for Forward Bible Camp. He’ll preach and tell us about their ministry. He and Charissa serve as missionaries with InFaith Ministries. Please join us for this very special Sunday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) Set for July 8 through 12
Kids — ages 5 to 12 — should plan to join us for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year’s theme is “Around the World for Jesus.” It’s scheduled for July 8–12, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. More information and a link to preregister will be available soon.
Murphys Life Group Begins a New Study
The Life Group, which meets once a month at Tammy Walczak’s home (441 Pennsylvania Gulch, Murphys), will begin a new series beginning April 25. This month, Pastor Jeff will lead a session in which he’ll introduce the book “The Will of God.” For more information or directions give Tammy a call at 209-417-4603.
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study group that will begin a brand-new study topic: “Relying on the Holy Spirit” by Charles Stanley.
The group meets on Thursday mornings, starting at 10:00 a.m., at Jan Sabo’s home: 340 Allen Court in Murphys. Sue Souza, the group’s coordinator, can be reached at 209-419-1489. [See our group’s Web page for details.]
To make giving easier in the present environment, we've set up an online giving option.
Please click the link to our giving portal if you'd like to give online.
https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/btcbc
Our Prayers Are Very Important!
“When Christ ascended into heaven, all He left behind was a prayer meeting. The early Church didn’t have a prayer meeting; the early Church was the prayer meeting.”
— Armin Gesswein, Founder of College of Prayer.
“Lord, teach us to pray, . . .” — Luke 11:1
For nearly six years, we’ve asked the Lord to “Teach Us to Pray.” We’ve learned much, but it’s time to take what we’ve learned and take it to the next level. After teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus called them to The Upper Room.
They went to the upper room where they joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:13–14).
Armin Gesswein wrote: “The Upper Room was Jesus’ master plan, which He masterminded to be the masterpiece and centerpiece of history.”
The book of Acts documents that a church lives in the presence and power of God, experiencing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a church born in a prayer meeting and devoted to prayer. Each success and each new challenge brought the disciples back to the upper room to pray. That’s a pattern that we better not miss.
We'll ask the Lord to continue to teach us to pray and build on what we’ve learned. We’ll worship and wait to experience his power and presence, blessing and ministering to each other in prayer, as we intercede. And we'll come with high expectations, eager to create a place where others will come with their needs and concerns, looking forward to finding a venue that overflows with grace and hope.
“God never made anyone who couldn’t pray . . . including you.” Armin Gesswein.
Note: The Upper Room will resume in March.
You can also find my Daily Devotionals on my blog: "Pastor Jeff's Neighborhood."
More of our ministries have found creative ways to meet and/or function. for more information.
The elders and I are eager to serve and help you in any way we can. Feel free to reach out to us with any needs or concerns you may have. Thank you.
I hope you'll join us "indoors" and/or "online" at our Sunday worship services.
Pastor Jeff
