We at Big Trees Community Bible Church Welcome You
Hello: I’m Pastor Jeff.
It’s beginning to look like “spring has finally arrived.” While we’re thankful for winter’s snow and rain for which we’ve prayed, we look forward to spring’s beautiful blossoms that point to new life.
I‘ll continue to press forward this spring with my sermon series on the book of Romans. The series is called, “The Transforming Power of the Good News.” I hope you’ll join us when we worship Jesus each Sunday, starting at 10:30 a.m.
See my collection of sermon titles for “Romans” — past, present, and future — on this page.
Ladies’ Luncheon
Our Raye of Sunshine ministry will host its annual Ladies Luncheon on Saturday, June 3, starting at 1:00 p.m., at Millwoods Clubhouse. Everyone looks forward to the great food and fellowship, both of which are legendary for this event. Because space is limited, reserve your place. Please RSVP, ASAP, to Teri Aspesi at 209-768-7009.
VBS Is on the Horizon
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun week of games, crafts, stories, songs, and activities for kids, ages 5 to 12. Each day, VBS will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at noon. VBS is our gift to the community and it’s free to all who attend.
Pre-registration is now open. It helps us plan and prepare for this summer’s Vacation Bible School. It also speeds up the registration process on the first day your child attends.
Please pre-register your children by clicking here.
On the first day of VBS, you’ll complete the registration process when you drop off your children. So please come a few minutes early.
Church Family Camp is Coming
One of our best traditions is Church Family Camp at Spicer Reservoir. Some of us camp from Sunday through Thursday, others come up for a day or two to enjoy fellowship in this beautiful outdoor setting.
R.V., Camper or Tent Camping spots are limited, so sign up now to make sure your spot is reserved. Email .
We meet up at the Group Campground at Spicer Reservoir from July 30 through August 3. The nearby lake provides ample opportunities for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and other water sports. The wooded area surrounding the campground provides room to hike. Others prefer to play board games, talk, or relax in the shade of the picnic area. Most of the time is unstructured, and you are responsible for your own meals. But we always look forward to a pancake breakfast, and to the “Big Breakfast” where everyone brings something to share. The evening campfire is always a highlight of the day.
So come, join us: July 30 through August 3, at Spicer Reservoir Group Campground.
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.
Please come to The Upper Room, Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. at the church.
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
