So…What Do We Do Now?

These are unprecedented days in our world, our state, and our community. Due to national and statewide restrictions and recommendations, we will be suspending all activities and gatherings at the church facility for at least the next four weeks (until April 14). We are cooperating with the efforts of everyone to try and limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our State Governor yesterday restricted any gatherings of 25 or more people for four weeks. I also saw that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recommended no gatherings of more than 50 people for eight weeks. Today I saw that the White House plan is to avoid groups of 10 or more people. So there are extreme measures being taken to try and avoid overwhelming our health care system.

We read a few things in our daily Bible reading yesterday that are great reminders that as followers of Jesus, we do not need to fear or be anxious. So these steps we are taking in the next number of weeks are more out of love for our neighbor than out of fear. 

  • “Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)
  • “… do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself…” (12:11)
  • “… do not be anxious about your life…” (12:22)
  • “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (12:25)
  • “… nor be worried.” (12:29)
  • “Fear not, little flock…” (12:32)

I want to share links to a couple of places where you can find information, so we will respond to this situation as knowledgeably as we can. Here are a couple sources with updated info: 

What does this mean for our church services? Until the restriction on gatherings is lifted, we will be posting our worship service online. We plan to send/post a link that will include the worship songs (on youtube videos for us all to sing along with at home) as well as a recorded sermon. I believe God directed me to be going through 1 Corinthians at this time, so we are going to continue with our messages from there. You can find our church YouTube page here: FBC YOUTUBE. (There is no content there yet.) We will be able to send an email to you with a link, we can put a link to it on our WEBSITE, and we will post it on our FACEBOOK page. We will be recording the message this week, and it will be available for viewing starting at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday

Of course I am greatly disappointed that this most likely means having our Easter Sunday (April 12) service online only. But I am praying that the Lord will use this time of crisis to draw many people to connect with our church and more importantly connect with Jesus Christ through our online services. Pastor Justin and I also want to suggest that when the restrictions are lifted, and we begin meeting in person again, that we as a church celebrate a belated “Resurrection Sunday”, whatever that date might be! Please continue to EXTEND THE INVITATION to your friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to join us online! They can watch from wherever they are and will be able to watch whenever they want (after it gets uploaded on Sunday)! Also, you may want to invite someone in the church who you know doesn’t have e-mail or doesn’t use the internet to watch it with you (but probably limit it to less than 10 people watching together).

Parents, the discipling of your children can still be taking place during this time. I will include a couple links to some ideas and material:

Obviously we prefer to meet in person, but we can continue to be the church during this event. Please check on one another with phone calls, texts, and e-mails. Please check on your neighbors, and see if there are things we can be praying about for them, or practical things we may be able to do to help them. If you find out about a serious need whether from someone in our church family, or someone in our community, please contact one of the following people. We as a church may be able to make trips to the store for someone, provide food or other resources, possibly help financially, or other tangible expressions of our love and care.

  • FBC office – 541-642-3000
  • Pastor Michael – 541-979-1777
  • Elizabeth Beach – 541-979-1774
  • Pastor Justin – 907-355-5306
  • Erika Marvin – 541-223-9701
  • Gordon Moritz – 541-995-6264
  • Marilyn Neuman – 541-517-4553

Or, you can e-mail me (pr.mbeach@gmail.com) or the church office (fbcbrownsville000@gmail.com).

A couple other ways we are hoping to remain connected:
Pastor Justin and I are both hoping to post videos of us reading (and maybe briefly commenting on) the daily Bible reading that many in the church are following. Hopefully we will each do a few days each week, and post it on our YouTube and Facebook pages. You can follow along with us on the video at your convenience. So watch for those videos (hopefully beginning tomorrow)!

We are both also willing to lead Video-based small groups, using “Zoom“, a service that lets us have a group video-chat. We are both in a discipling cohort that meets this way monthly, and it works very well. We are thinking that we can share prayer requests and pray together, and do a Bible study or devotional reading together, just like a small group (just not meeting in person)! If you would be interested in being in a group like that, please reply to this email and let me know. Also let me know if there is a preferable day & time that would be best for you. If there is enough interest, we could each host a group (or groups)!

A few other encouraging links I’d like to share (since we all have extra time to watch such things!):

“Behind the Song” CHRIST OUR HOPE IN LIFE OR DEATH

David Jeremiah’s message “FACING CORONAVIRUS”

FREE teaching videos from R.C. Sproul’s LIGONIER MINISTRIES

Even though we will not meet in person for awhile, we all still have the privilege and responsibility of giving to the Lord out of all He has given to us. Please remember that during this time the financial obligations of FBC will continue to go on. Along with the normal bills and expenses, we support 20 missionaries and missions organizations around the world, along with our church staff. So if you are able, please consider giving online here: ONLINE GIVING. You can bring it in to the office (check to make sure someone is here). You may also mail your offering in to P.O. Box 537, Brownsville, OR 97327. Thank you for being cheerful and generous givers!

Lastly, let’s make the most of this difficult situation. Let’s truly be the church and continue to love and care for one another. Let’s be praying diligently for each other, for our friends, for our nation, and for our world. Take advantage of any extra time you have to dive into the spiritual disciplines deeper than normal: Bible reading, prayer, journaling, reading good Christian books, fasting, worshiping, and witnessing. Don’t waste the extra time on endless scrolling through Facebook, mindless and fruitless television, etc. Watch something instructional and good! If you were too busy to pray, you were too busy. Maybe now you’re not too busy! If you were too busy to read your Bible, you were too busy. If you were too busy or too distracted by lesser things to read good books, maybe now you have more time for all that good stuff! When we have good weather (like today), get outside! Get some exercise! Play games! Make the most of it!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2 ESV)

I trust you all had a very Merry Christmas yesterday! Of all the gifts we have received, the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ Himself! This Sunday we will continue to celebrate the Christmas season, as the sermon will be “Wise Men Still Seek Him: The Magi Meet Jesus.” We will be looking into Matthew 2:1-18, a familiar passage for us at this time of year. I hope you will prayerfully read that passage before our Sunday morning worship service, and come with hearts prepared to worship Christ the King!

To all who helped make the Children’s Christmas Program last Sunday, and the Christmas by Candlelight Service last Tuesday, special events for our FBC family, THANK YOU! And to all of you who so generously blessed our family again, I am running out of ways to say thank you and tell you how much we appreciate your love and support of us! We are humbled and honored by your generosity.

Once again I am inviting you all to join me in a Bible reading plan for the coming year. This coming year (2020) I will be using a “Dual Chronological One Year Plan”. Erika has put together the plan on blue paper folded to fit in our Bibles, available on a table in the church foyer. If you want to take a look at the plan now, you can click HERE. You will see that “this plan was compiled … from One Year Bible Online but adjusted so that the Old and New Testament are read each day in their respective chronological order.” I’m excited to get started January 1!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 ESV)

6 days until Christmas! This Sunday, the 4th week of Advent, we will be enjoying “A Super Christmas”, our Children’s Christmas Program! I hope you will join us at 10:30 to support the kids and gain a fresh perspective of the Christmas message.

Once again, a few reminders of key upcoming events:

This Saturday, Dec. 21, at 8am – Men’s Breakfast. Join us guys, for great physical food, spiritual food, and a time of fellowship!

Also this Sunday, Dec. 22, from 3pm to 6pm – Open House at the Beach family home! Come enjoy a sweet time of goodies, fellowship, Christmas music and decorations, and a giant tree! Call me for directions if needed.

Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6pm – Christmas by Candlelight. A beautiful annual tradition, where we sing Christmas songs, reflect on the coming of the Light of the World, Jesus, and light our candles as we sing Silent Night. Pastor Justin will be sharing a brief message out of Philippians 2.

Dec. 28-30 – Winter Youth Celebration in Portland (for high schoolers – see Pastor Justin for info).

Sunday, Dec. 29, from Noon to 3pm – Membership Class. You must RSVP for this opportunity so we know how much lunch to prepare! Call me or let me know this Sunday.

Every year at this time, I like to encourage you all to join me in a Bible reading plan for the coming year. This coming year (2020) I will be using a “Dual Chronological One Year Plan”. Erika has put together the plan on blue paper folded to fit in our Bibles, available on a table in the church foyer. If you want to take a look at the plan now, you can click HERE. You will see that “this plan was compiled … from One Year Bible Online but adjusted so that the Old and New Testament are read each day in their respective chronological order.” I’m excited to get started January 1!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20 ESV)

13 days until Christmas! This Sunday, the 3rd week of Advent, we will be looking at “Divine Interruption: Joseph & the Angel” from Matthew 1:18-25. We will consider how we can respond appropriately to life’s divine interruptions. Please read the passage ahead of time and join us Sunday morning!

Once again, a few reminders of key upcoming events:

Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10am to 12pm – Secret Sister Christmas party. Food, fun, and the revealing of your Secret Sisters!

Sunday, Dec. 15, following the worship service – Annual FBC Christmas Dinner followed by our Annual Business Meeting. Ham is being provided, please bring side dishes and desserts to share. We will be voting on the 2020 budget, new members, and church officers in the meeting.

Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4pm to 8:30 – FBC Youth Christmas Party (both middle and high school). Dinner will be provided, there will be fun games, and a gift exchange. (Contact Pastor Justin for more details.)

Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Noon – Christian Adventurers (our 55+ group) will meet for a potluck and special reunion performance by the Alpine Echoes band (which includes our own Hank & Carol Kraemer)!

Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10:30am – FBC Children’s Christmas Program! Experience the wonder of Christmas through the eyes (and talents) of our kids.

Sunday, Dec. 22, from 3pm to 6pm – Open House at the Beach family home! Come enjoy a sweet time of goodies, fellowship, Christmas music and decorations, and a giant tree!

Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6pm – Christmas by Candlelight. A beautiful annual tradition, where we sing Christmas songs, reflect on the coming of the Light of the World, Jesus, and light our candles as we sing Silent Night.

Dec. 28-30Winter Youth Celebration in Portland (for high schoolers – see Pastor Justin for info).

In these last couple weeks before Christmas, may our hearts be especially drawn close to our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we share with family and friends sweet times of fellowship as we reflect together on the great love of God displayed in the sending of His Son to earth to become one of us!

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 ESV)

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30 ESV)

Can you believe it is only 20 days until Christmas?! I trust you are pursuing ways to keep CHRIST as the focus of your Christmas season!

One of the best ways to keep that focus of course is to be at FBC Sunday at 9am for Sunday School and 10:30 for Worship Service! This week, the 2nd week of Advent, I will be speaking on: “Nothing is Impossible: Mary & the Angel” from Luke 1:26-56. Our goal will be to experience with Mary the joy and terror of being called and favored by God! Please read the passage ahead of time, and join us Sunday morning!

This season of the year also provides many opportunities for special events and activities. Here are a few I wanted to make sure you are aware of:
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Love From Your Pastor

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:2 ESV)

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray you have a wonderful time with family, friends, food (and maybe football)!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent! I will be speaking on “Waiting & Hoping: Zechariah & the Angel” from Luke 1:1-25, 57-80. The purpose of the message is to deepen our faith that God always fulfills His purposes and promises. Please read the passage prayerfully before Sunday. Hope to see you with us Sunday at 10:30!

Our Shepherding Commission is putting together Encouragement Baskets, and they asked me to remind you that this Sunday is the last opportunity to bring items to be included in the baskets. They will be assembling them Monday morning. Thank you so much for all that has already been provided!

I’m thankful for all of you and for this church family! See you Sunday!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” (Acts 15:7 ESV)

This Sunday we will be “Learning to Learn” with Peter as we look at Acts 15:1-12 & Galatians 2:11-16. We will see how much we need the accountability of a community of God’s people to help us learn to live like Jesus. This will be the final message in our series on Peter. Please read these passages and join us Sunday at 10:30!

Thank you for your generous giving to our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering last Sunday! We received a total of nearly $8,000! I definitely set our goal ($5,000) way too low! We are thanking the Lord for the help we will be able to provide to Haiti Foundation of Hope and Child Evangelism Fellowship through our generosity.

Tonight is the youth Talent (or no talent) Show and Soup & Chili fundraiser for Winter Youth Celebration! The fun and yummyness starts at 5pm. Please come support our youth, and be prepared to vote for your favorite performances, chili, and soups with your cash donations!

For those who have not heard (and those who need a reminder) the memorial service for Gini Bramlett is this Saturday (tomorrow) at 10am at FBC. Come and support Ron Bramlett and the rest of the family and celebrate the life of our sister in Christ. There will be light refreshments after the service.

Sunday night at 6pm will be the Community Thanksgiving Service at FBC. Please come and share in the worship and expressions of gratitude to God with our brothers and sisters from various Christian churches in our community. If you are able to bring cookies to share for after the service, that would be great too!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. (Acts 10:45 ESV)

This Sunday we will be “Learning to Change” with Peter as we look at Acts 9:36–10:48. We will see the faithfulness of God’s work in His servants to overcome all “walls” between the people He loves. Please read this powerful passage and join us Sunday at 10:30!

Happy 166th Anniversary FBC (11/16/1853)! Praise God for His faithfulness to this church family for these many years and for all the ways He has used this body of believers to make disciples of all nations!

Please remember that we are receiving our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering this Sunday! This year we will be contributing funds to Haiti Foundation of Hope, due to all of the unrest and enormous challenges there, as well as the local chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, which has been enduring some financial challenges while also searching for a new Director. Please consider a generous gift for these important ministry causes! Be in prayer in this next week and ask the Lord what kind of sacrificial gift He would like you to share. Last year’s offering brought in over $4,600; Let’s shoot for at least $5,000 this year!

Along with our giving to Haiti Foundation of Hope, we have also been asked to participate in a special day of prayer & fasting for them on Monday, November 18. Here are some of their prayer requests:



Love From Your Pastor

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)

This Sunday we will be “Learning to Witness” with Peter as we look at Acts 3:1-21. We will see that the Christian witness is an eye-witness account of how the work of Jesus Christ changes lives. Read the passage and be sure to join us Sunday at 10:30!

Thank you so much to everyone for all of the help making our 9th annual Trunk-or-Treat a success!  I don’t have exact numbers, but we know that hundreds of people from our community enjoyed the dinner, the costumes, the decorated trunks, and the 400 lbs. of candy!

Please also remember that we are receiving our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering on November 17! This year we will be contributing funds to Haiti Foundation of Hope, due to all of the unrest and enormous challenges there, as well as the local chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, which has been enduring some financial challenges while also searching for a new Director. Please consider a generous gift for these important ministry causes! Be in prayer in this next week and ask the Lord what kind of sacrificial gift He would like you to share.

Central Linn is selling tickets for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help Lizzie Leopard (who experienced extensive burns in a backyard accident), Tickets are 1-$10 or 2-$18. 100% of profits will go to the Leopard family. Tickets can be purchased at Central Linn. Dinner is at Central Linn HS on Saturday, Dec. 7th. They will be serving from 4:30pm until 9:00pm. You can also get tickets by contacting Elizabeth: 541-979-1774.

There is also a Papa’s pizza fundraiser for the Leopards at the Coburg Road location on November 13th. There are green flyers in the foyer at FBC that must be brought into the restaurant for the family to receive a portion of the funds.

Lastly, Elizabeth and I want to thank you with all our hearts for your generous and loving cards and gifts for pastor appreciation month. We couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of a church family that shows so much care and love for our family. May the Lord continue to bless you all!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael



Love From Your Pastor

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15 ESV)

This Sunday we will be “Learning to Start Again” with Peter as we dive into John 21:1-19. We will recognize the grace offered through Jesus’ love that allows us to start over after failure. Please read the passage and join us Sunday at 10:30!

Today is the day for Trunk-or-Treat! Please be in prayer for all of the children and families who will be here on our campus tonight (6:00–7:30pm). We will be serving hot dogs, chili, and cookies in the fellowship hall, and of course LOTS of candy in the parking lot! Thank you for all of your generous donations! If you are having a vehicle involved, remember that we are aiming to eat at 5pm, pray together at 5:30pm (in fellowship hall), and be ready to man our stations! Please remember to greet everyone with a smile and the love of Jesus!
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