UPCOMING MESSAGES. January 6 Sunday - By Accident or on Purpose?

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1 January 2019 :: Sunday Worship Services :: Sunday Worship 8:00 Services a.m. Traditional 9:30 a.m. Contemporary 8:00 a.m. Traditional 11:00 a.m. Contemporary 9:30 a.m. Contemporary 11:00 a.m. Contemporary :: Mailing Address :: 1601 Mailing Highway Address 25 North 1601 Buffalo, Highway MN N Buffalo, MN :: Phone :: Phone :: : office@buffalocov.org office@buffalocov.org :: Website :: buffalocov.org Website buffalocov.org UPCOMING MESSAGES January 6 Faith@Home Sunday - Faith@Home: By Accident or on Purpose? As we begin a new year, it is important that we resolve to put the truly important things first. How important is it to take time to pray and to read the Bible, especially at home. Life is chaotic and it is hard to find time or energy to be intentional about personal or family devotions. How important is it? Does it really matter? January 13 The Thread of Redemption Arrives: Jesus and Nicodemus: the New Birth John 3:1-15 This is a very familiar story that occurred rather early in His ministry. This secret encounter with Nicodemus took place following the first of many miracles that Jesus performed. The wedding at Cana was the setting for the first miraculous moment water was turned into wine. We want to ask ourselves this question: Why was this the first miracle of Jesus? Leaving Cana, Jesus goes to Jerusalem where He creates quite an uproar in the Temple itself. Perhaps it was this display that caused Nicodemus, a religious leader, to seek out Jesus. Jesus quickly turned the conversation to focus upon the real need of Nicodemus: he needed to be born again. We often use this term so glibly, but what does it really mean? How can a person truly be born again? January 20 The Thread of Redemption Arrives: A Conversation with a Woman at a Well - John 4:1-38 TThis is another familiar story sharing Jesus first encounter with someone outside of the Jewish faith. In this text we witness the character of Jesus: we see the reality of His humanity and we see the breaking down of social barriers that had inhibited the advancement of truth. What Jesus offered to this woman is what society needs today: living water and living worship. Jesus offers that same living water to us as He did to that Samaritan woman so long ago. And He challenges us to offer living worship to God. This woman accepted that living water and offered living worship to the Messiah. She found her Messiah and she did not keep it to herself. Continued on Page 2

2 PAGE 2 January 27 The Thread of Redemption Arrives: Jesus: Addressing a Crisis of Faith- Luke 4:14-30; John 4:43-5:15 Jesus is now on His way back home following His baptism. He has gone through Jerusalem and the region of the Samaritans. But, before He arrives home, He visits Cana, the place where the wedding had occurred. While there Jesus is approached by a very distraught father whose son is near death. Jesus tells the man what he wants to hear, but will the man obey? That is a crisis of faith. Jesus then enters into the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. He reads the scripture, makes comment upon it a comment that causes the people to turn against Him. This is a crisis of faith. Finally, Jesus goes back to Jerusalem where He encounters a paralytic man lying beside the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus challenges this man to get up and walk. But will he? This is a crisis of faith. Whenever we face those moments when our faith is challenged, what do we do? Do we rely upon our own instincts, or do we trust the words of Jesus? ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING Sunday, February 10 4:00 p.m. BCC s Annual Meeting will be Sunday, February 10 at 4:00 in the Worship Center. At this annual meeting, we will be approving the 2019 budget, approving new members to BCC, and hearing an update on the year ahead. IN THE COMMUNITY LOVE INC - BIG WOODS Love INC-Big Woods has a need for more volunteers as many of our faithful helpers leave for the winter. Here are some volunteer opportunities for families or singles: 1. We have a need for people willing to move a family or single client, usually from one apartment to another. 2. We can use more drivers to take clients to their medical appointments, the food shelf, grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions. This can be done in your free time with your own car. 3. Work at our Thrift store in Maple Lake, either unpacking donations, checking people out as a cashier or moving displays. This can be done almost any time during the week when the Clearinghouse or Store is open. If any of these opportunities sound like fun to you, call Connie at the Love INC office, or leave a message at

3 ROD HAIRSTON BRYAN LORITTS DAN SEABORN GORDON MACDONALD STEVE SONDERMAN 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Men, save the date! BCC will once again host this powerful conference for men, and young men (ages 12+). The No Regrets Men s Conference is an annual event designed to create an environment for men to be challenged in their relationship with Jesus at home, in the workplace, and in their ministry. Online registration is open now at buffalocov.org/men. No Regrets is free with a free-will offering at lunch. Invite your son, friend, dad or neighbor to join us! For more information contact Pastor Geoff: geoff@buffalocov.org. buffalocov.org/men

4 PAGE 4 BCC There are multiple weekly and monthly opportunities to connect with others, to grow spiritually and to be supported through participating in a Class, Bible Study, Prayer Group, Support Group or Social Gathering. GROUPS PRAYER TEAM Mondays 12:00 p.m. Room 200 Members of this group meet weekly to pray for BCC, the pastors and staff, and the needs of the BCC congregation. This prayer time is open to all of the BCC family. S.A.L.T. (SENIOR ADULTS LIVING TRIUMPHANTLY) Tuesday, January 15 1:30 p.m. Youth Room Pastor Max will be sharing that afternoon a program titled, How Did We Get Our English Bible. He will share the stories of such men as John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, King James I, and John Calvin - all who played a role in the advent of the English Bible. Pastor Max will also share why there are so many translations today and help us to sort through translations and paraphrases. Following the program there will be those delicious treats and a time of fellowship around the tables. Mark this date on your calendars. Invite a friend to come and share with you that afternoon of inspiration, worship, and fellowship. PROPEL WOMEN Thursday, January 10 6:30 p.m. Youth Room HOPEKEEPERS LIFE SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, January 29 Room 200 6:30 p.m. WOMEN S MISSION CONNECTION Thurs, January 31 9:00 a.m. Room 108 SOUP & PRAYER Sunday, January 13 12:15 p.m. Room 201 Please join us for a simple meal of soup and bread and a time of prayer. Upcoming Soup & Prayer date is February 10.

5 PAGE 5 MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT SEMINAR WITH DR. RICHARD MARKS March 1 & 2 BCC Marriage can be a source of great joy and great pain. Every couple wants a great marriage and we need encouragement and tools. Two years ago Dr. Richard Marks presented a fantastic Marriage Conference at BCC, and the response was tremendous. We have invited him to return! Dr. Marks will encourage and equip us to continue to grow in our relationships as couples. Complete details will be released soon. UPDATE ON PERSPECTIVES CLASS We are excited about the interest many have shown in taking the Perspectives class at BCC! Because of the prep work still needed to make the class the best experience possible, we have decided to postpone the class until fall of We will continue to keep everyone updated as we make plans for a fall class. If you are interested in more information on the class or have any questions, please feel free to contact Reid at reid@buffalocov.org. Thank you! UPCOMING MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES Leon, Mexico : July 20-28, Appalachian Area Mission Trip/ Noah s Ark Visit : August 3-11, 2019 Save the dates. More details coming soon!

6 PAGE 6 WINTER/SPRING ADULT WEEKDAY CLASSES Mondays UNDERSTANDING EPHESIANS AS A KETUBAH Mondays, January 21 - March 11 7:00-8:45 p.m. Room 201 Instructor: Dr. Oliver Blosser Cost: Free-will offering In ancient Jewish custom, before the bride and groom went under the chuppah (the canopy under which the marriage ceremony was performed), the ketubah (the marriage covenant) was read to them by the officiating rabbi. The ketubah was then signed and properly witnessed by those present. The ketubah represented a bill of rights for the Jewish woman. LIVING SACRED LIVES IN A SECULAR WORLD Mondays, March 18 - May 6 6:30-8:00 p.m. Room 201 As followers of Jesus we are called to live holy, distinct lives that honor God in every way. But we live in a world that is filled with varied beliefs about life, faith and God. Much of what we see around us does not acknowledge or honor God and it is often difficult to understand what to think and how to best respond. We will study and discuss how the world tends to squeeze us into its mold and how to respond to that challenge. We will discuss how to discern the impact secular thinking is making upon our lives as individuals and as a church. We will also study and discuss how to live sacred lives that impact those who do not yet know Jesus. Come and join the conversation. The scroll of Ephesians can be viewed as a ketubah for the Bride of Messiah. Ephesians 1-3 outlines what Messiah Jesus has done for His future Bride, the Church. This is the wealth of the Bride her every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 4-6 states what Messiah Jesus expects of His Bride. This is a call for the Bride to walk faithfully in light of her spiritual wealth. The Hebraic marriage patterns will be examined in order to better understand the ketubah in context as well as the Second Coming of Jesus. Join us for this 8-week study of Ephesians.

7 PAGE 7 Tuesdays CHURCH HISTORY: PENTECOST TO THE REFORMATION Tuesdays, January 8 - March 19 7:00-8:30 p.m. Room 201 Instructor: Pastor Max Frazier The birth of the Church is recorded in the books of Acts and we learn a lot about the early Church, its struggles and how it grew. But then the biblical account ends and the Church continues. The history of the Church is amazing, filled with great triumphs and failures. Learn how the Church defined its core beliefs, faced various threats, spread to different parts of the world and split into different groups. It s an amazing story come join us! Wednesdays DEEP WATERS YEAR TWO: THE PASTORAL EPISTLES AND BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP Wednesdays, January 9 - March 26 6:00-7:30 a.m Room 200 Instructor: Pastor Max Frazier Does God have any criteria for those who desire to be leaders within the local church? What is that criteria? Does the New Testament offer any insight into God s expectations for those in leadership positions within the local church? The Pastoral Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, give us guidance into leadership roles within the local church. We will spend time exploring words that describe such roles. We will also conclude with the final 11 laws of leadership with John Maxwell. This Wednesday morning class is open to all men who would like to further develop their leadership abilities and gifts.

8 PAGE 8 WINTER/SPRING ADULT SUNDAY CLASSES 9:30 a.m. EVERYTHING THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT Sundays, January 13 - March 17 9:30 a.m. Room 201 Instructor: Dr. Oliver Blosser We live in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. That is why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth the following exhortation, Now concerning spiritual gifts (or matters pertaining to the Spirit ) I would not have you ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1). This study includes a complete classification of all the passages in the New Testament containing references to the Holy Spirit or to spiritual things. The New Testament offers 166 different facts about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and there are 75 different truths about the holy Spirit s relationship with all believers. Join us for this study of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit! DESIGNED TO SERVE Sundays, January :30 a.m. Room 108 As Christians we are each equipped and encouraged to follow Jesus as servants. But how do we know when and where to serve? How can we understand how God has equipped us? What are some ways we can effectively serve, at home, at church, at work and in our community? What mindset are we to have as we live out our faith in daily life? Join us as we discuss how to live as effective servants! CHRISTIAN ETHICS - PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE Sundays, January 13 - March 17 9:30 a.m. Room 106 Instructor: Bill Everett Have you ever asked yourself, How do my faith and the Bible s teaching relate to this situation? Applying biblical truth to real-life situations is often challenging and confusing. Lawyer and teacher Bill Everett will introduce and explain Christian ethics and how it differs from secular philosophy. He will also lead a discussion on the real-life challenges of applying biblical teaching to everyday decisions. What has God given us for guidance beyond the 10 commandments? Are there different ways of approaching the moral question you are trying to answer? When faced with a moral question, should you look beyond the easy answer for the best answer? Bring with you some real-life questions and be prepared to think about how you think! ĠOOD PARENTS CAN RAISE GREAT KIDS! Sundays, February 10 - March 3 9:30 a.m. Room 108 Every parent wants to do a great job raising their child! And yet, we quickly discover parenting is an incredibly big challenge and there are no easy answers. But, there is no need to be overwhelmed or discouraged! While parenting can be confusing and challenging, the Bible does provide a lot of guidance for parents that helps us train our children in the way they should go. In this class we will look at biblical teaching and wise counsel from helpful teachers. We will also spend time encouraging each other through discussion and prayer. Please join us!

9 PAGE 9 LIVE A LIFE OF WORSHIP Sundays, March 10 - April 7 9:30 a.m. Room 108 & Christine Passig Oftentimes people assume that worship just refers to the music part of a worship service. The Bible teaches us that worship is meant to be so much more! Join us as we unpack what the Bible teaches about worship and the role it is meant to play in all parts of our lives. Consider what some of the challenges are that discourage us from weaving worship into our lives and learn some practical ways to meet those challenges and grow in this part of your relationship with Jesus. CURRENT EVENTS AND PROPHECY Sundays, February 3 & April 7 9:30 a.m. Gym Instructor: Dennis Lingo In Mark 13:37 Jesus said, What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch! But what exactly are we to watch for? Jesus and the prophets told us of events that would be happening in the future as the 2nd Advent drew near. Is it possible that this generation is witnessing many of these events that were foretold? Let s discuss these things using our Bibles and today s headlines as we encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH-DRIVEN WORK Sundays, April 14 - May 12 9:30 a.m. Room 108 Everyone is a worker. God is a worker and He has created us to work. Work can be a source of incredible joy and satisfaction. Work can be a way to show God s love to others, to contribute to building a strong community, to creating goods that are necessary and good, and to providing money for meeting the costs of daily life and blessing others. Work can also be the source of great frustration, stress, discouragement and strife. How can we reclaim our work so that it honors God, blesses others and brings joy to us? In this course we will study what the Bible teaches about work and how our faith can guide the work we do, whether at home, in the community, at church or in a job.

10 PAGE 10 WINTER/SPRING ADULT SUNDAY CLASSES 11:00 a.m. EVERYTHING THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT Sundays, January 13 - March 17 11:00 a.m. Room 106 Instructor: Dr. Oliver Blosser We live in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. That is why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth the following exhortation, Now concerning spiritual gifts (or matters pertaining to the Spirit ) I would not have you ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1). This study includes a complete classification of all the passages in the New Testament containing references to the Holy Spirit or to spiritual things. The New Testament offers 166 different facts about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and there are 75 different truths about the holy Spirit s relationship with all believers. Join us for this study of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit! THE MISSION OF GOD S PEOPLE Sundays, January 13 - May 5 11:00 a.m. Gym DVD series featuring Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright Facilitated by Pastor Reid Gilbert Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright is international ministries director of the Langham Partnership. In The Mission of God s People, Dr. Wright presents God s overarching mission in the world and the role we play as Christians and as the Church. Biblically based and addressing the needs of today, each week we will watch a presentation by Dr. Wright and then discuss the role we can play as ministers of God s grace in a hurting, complex world. BUILDING PREVAILING MARRIAGES Sundays, January 13 - February 10 11:00 a.m. Youth Room At every wedding the bride and groom make profound promises to love each other forever. And then the inevitable challenges of life and love arrive and it gets tough. The challenges are no-mal, and couples can learn and invest in their relationship so they can overcome the challenges when they arrive. Join the conversation as we study how to build a marriage that honestly deals with life s challenges and prevails!

11 PAGE 11 THE EVANGELISM TOOLBOX Sundays, February 17 - March 3 11:00 a.m. Youth Room One of the incredible privileges God gives us is the opportunity to introduce people to Jesus. It is one of the best gifts we can give anyone and yet we often pause before talking about Jesus because we are not sure what to do and are afraid to fail. Join us as we study God s heart for all people and how we can personally and effectively be a witness for Jesus, so others will know the hope and joy we already have found through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. LIVING A GENEROUS LIFE Sundays, March 10 - April 7 11:00 a.m. Youth Room God is so generous! He so loved the world that he gave His Son. He has held nothing back and has blessed us in every way. So, how do we respond? As God explained through His covenant with Abram, he has blessed us so we can be a blessing. In this class we will look at the variety of ways we, following God s example, can be a blessing. What are the various ways we can live generously? What are the challenges to living generously? How do we cultivate an attitude of generosity in ourselves and with each other? GOD S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH Sundays, April 14 - May 12 11:00 a.m. Youth Room The Bible speaks of the Church as the bride of Christ and He loves it dearly. As followers of Jesus we are the Church and it is important to know what the Bible teaches about the Church and its purpose. How is the local church meant to function? What are to be our priorities as a church? What are the challenges that threaten the church? The world desperately needs the Church to be healthy and strong because its impact is meant to be world-changing. Join us as we study and discuss this important part of the work of God in His world!

12 PAGE 12 MILESTONE: SALVATION CELEBRATION Sunday, January 27 12:00 p.m. This milestone is for all ages. The Salvation Celebration celebrates the new birth of children who prayed to trust Christ during the previous year. Pastors and elders join with the families of those children to give thanks for the gift of salvation. If your child prayed to trust Christ last year, please let Pastor Mary know so your child will be included in this milestone event - mary@buffalocov.org. NEXT CHILD DEDICATION Sunday, February 24 The Bible says that a child is a blessing from God. When you decide to dedicate your son or daughter, you are acknowledging the awesome responsibility God has given you in raising your child. A dedication is a ceremony that expresses your desire as parents to raise your son or daughter in the ways of the Bible and to ask God to use your son or daughter for His purposes. You submit your will for your child to His will. A dedication will have three emphases: 1 The blessing of the child. The word blessing simply means favor. We are asking God to grant His favor upon the children. 2 - A consecration of the parents. The word consecration means to set apart for God s ministry. 3 - A consecration of the congregation. The congregation will be called upon to be the child s spiritual family for nurture and support. The next opportunity for dedications is on Sunday, February 24th. If you would like to have your child or children dedicated, please call the church office

13 PAGE 13 BCC ADVENTUROUS CHRISTIANS YOUTH RETREAT January For those youth registered to go to AC. Final Payments are due for AC by January 13th. WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 p.m Wondering how to fit supper in between school and Wednesday night Hang Time or AWANA? Come to church to eat! For just $5 per person, you can eat supper from 5-6:00 p.m. at church and be right there for either Hang Time or AWANA. January 2 - Homemade pizza, salad, and dessert January 9 - Scalloped potatoes and ham, hot dogs, and dessert January 16 - Beef stew, homemade bread, and dessert HANG TIME SNOW TUBING AT POWDER RIDGE Wednesday, February 6 5-9:00 p.m. Bus departs at 5:00 p.m. from BCC and returns at 9:00 p.m. Please arrive by 4:45 p.m. Cost: $15. You may bring money for snacks. To sign up, you need: Permission Slip (download from our website) & $15. January 23 - Chicken wild rice or Chicken Noodle soup, homemade bread, and dessert January 30 - Chicken Alfredo, salad, homemade bread, and dessert