Y ears ago before I was asked to be an elder I began

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1 New Hope ~ New Life ~ New Purpose Connecting ~ Transforming ~ Serving Brooklyn Reformed Church, 9014 Biddulph Road, Brooklyn, OH Transform Connect Serve UP IN OUT By Jim DeValve Y ears ago before I was asked to be an elder I began forming a vision for the future of Christ s church. This vision has grown over the years and developed specific language, forms, and strategies. The main ideas are that the church would grow the togetherness (community) of God s people as it took them on a mission to disciple others. It would also continue to develop a closer relationship with God in individual people - and as a body - through corporate worship, and time with God s people (when we grow closer to the people of God, we grow closer to God; and when we draw nearer to God, we draw nearer to those He loves). God intended for us to disciple one another in the community of believers, even as we reach out to make new disciples. When Nexus developed the vision summarized in the words Transform (UP), Connect (IN), and Serve (OUT), I was amazed at how closely this described the vision that had been growing in me. When the elders and Nexus met in a summit last year, I was amazed at how closely the ideas coming from that meeting resembled the vision that had been growing inside me. The (Continued on page 2) Volume 18, Issue 7 July 2018 God s truths are not bricks to throw at people they are bread to feed people. Inside this issue: T-C-S continued 2 & 3 Outreach Information 3 Giveaway Information 4 CASA Information 5 Treasurer s Report 6 Anniversaries & Birthdays 6 Sunday Schedule 7 July Calendar 8

2 (Continued from page 1) forms and strategies are different; the language I use is different, but it is essentially the same vision. Before the Saturday workshop earlier this year, I developed a presentation for my vision that had a basic outline summarized in 2 PowerPoint presentations I have since added a 3 rd. This would require the same type of format and time to present to people as the workshop that occurred earlier this year. The ideas are the same as the ones presented in the workshop at church, though the language, forms, and strategies are different. I began to implement my vision before the house church began, and prior to the most serious conversations about the future of BRC and its leadership. The church is wherever God s people meet in parks, senior centers, rec centers, corporate lunch rooms, conference rooms, retirement homes, restaurants; yes, and even in people s homes and in church buildings. The idea that worship and service can develop spontaneously from these gatherings, and that growing closer to God, to other believers, and to non-believers would become as natural as breathing. That discipling one another would occur even without conscious effort (though I believe effective discipleship needs a structure and a plan). This is all a part of the vision I have for the church. I have been reluctant to share my vision with the church at BRC for several reasons: 1) The few times I have hinted at it, or asked for prayer for it, I have sensed little interest at BRC. 2) Though I believe the vision is the same as the one the church is currently pursuing; because the language, forms and strategies are different, it would likely only confuse people, appear to be a different thing, and seem like just one more thing to do. 3) This is a vision for Christ s church (in general) and not specifically for BRC. 4) God has called me to do this (and I have been and will continue to), but He has not told me to include anyone else specifically. 5) I am reluctant to request anyone to give up any more of their valuable time. I recognize that in the Bible, God made promises and gave visions to many people (patriarchs, prophets, kings) that were never fulfilled in their lifetimes. There were others who felt strongly that they were following God s plan, when in fact they were not (e.g. Paul before his conversion). Sometimes he asked people to lead in a certain direction even when nobody wanted to follow. I m OK with any of these, and I might be someone like those I just mentioned. Nobody needs to follow me, and nothing needs to happen (that I see) in my life- (Continued on page 3) New Hope ~ New Life ~ New Purpose Connecting ~ Transforming ~ Serving Page 2

3 (Continued from page 2) time. God does not owe me anything, and He does not need to bless my life or work in any way at all. I still need to follow Him, to the best of my ability and knowledge, regardless. I m learning to do that (slowly, fumbling and stumbling, but still learning). I have said all this to say a few things very clearly, and hopefully to clear up some misunderstandings. The house church is not a separate group with a vision separate from the church. The house church is the church and is in very concrete and specific ways implementing the vision of the church. The home base is the church, and is meeting (and will continue to meet) at BRC for corporate worship. Corporate worship, however, cannot accomplish all the things we are called to do and be as the people of God. God s people need to have a family community in order to grow closer to each other and closer to God. They need to have a mission to make disciples that reaches beyond the building they meet in. Mission (OUT), community (IN), and becoming disciples (UP- growing closer to God and bringing others with us) will continue to be developed in both the house church and at home base as we plan for the future. The future leader of the church (who we are currently seeking) will need to embrace this vision in order to be the one chosen to lead this body of believers. Please pray with me that we can find a suitable leader very soon to fulfill God s purpose among us and lead us in the direction God has called us to follow. In the meantime, please follow me as I (try to) follow Christ. One last thought: A single candle may seem small and may not give off a lot of light, but a single candle can be seen a long way off on a dark night. A single candle may be all that some lost souls need to find their way out of the darkness and into the light. Be a candle in the night. Invite someone to the party in heaven. I know we are all very busy with vacations and family events during the Summer months, but if you are in the Brooklyn area, some people from BRC will be at the South Creek Pavilion at Brooklyn Memorial Park on June 23 and July 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Please stop by for 3 minutes or a few hours and talk to us and have something to eat or drink. Jim DeValve Page 3 Volume 18, Issue 7

4 Christ s Cupboard has been blessed with so many donations that we asked for and received permission to have a giveaway in July. We would love to have you join us! We can use help: Mon-Sat: Sorting/Set-Up Fri-Sat: Donate Bakery Sat: Show Compassion to Our Guests Sat: Pray with Our Guests Sat: Help Pack-Up Starting Now Pray Page 4 Volume 18, Issue 7

5 Take a stand ~ Make a difference ~ Change a life ~ Get Involved Today! CASA of Cuyahoga County, a program of Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County, is searching for volunteers to advocate for kids who have been neglected and abused. CASAs are everyday citizens who are trained and appointed by the court to advocate for the safety and well-being of children. CASAs collect information that helps the Court make the best decision for a safe, caring, and permanent home for children involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The CASA is responsible for investigation, facilitation, advocacy, and monitoring of the assigned child s case and to represent the child s best interests. Those interested in becoming a CASA, visit to apply or call for more information. Page 5 Volume 18, Issue 7

6 Average attendance May 2017: 81 May 2018: 43 April 2018 Year to Date Financial Summary Total giving $72,605.00* Total expenses $78, Budgeted expenses $77, *Of this amount $17, was given online July Celebrations 01 Jen Karban 14 Ben Coleman Stephanie Lis Brandon Rader 21 Carl & Brenda Czirr 21 Daniel & Brianna Czirr Ashley Coleman Marc Coleman Bill Kovar 31 William Wilhelm "Satan weaves evil. God reweaves it together for good."--max Lucado Page 6 Volume 18, Issue 7

7 July Schedule 01: Jim DeValve Jubilee Sunday 08: Jim DeValve 15: Jim DeValve 22: Chaplain Bill Goodrich 29: Chaplain Bill Goodrich 01: Mark Elsesser 08: Mark Elsesser 15: Andrew Berardi & Christina Kovar 22: Andrew Berardi & Christina Kovar 29: Andrew Berardi & Mark Elsesser 01: Karen Koliha 08: N/A 15: Sandi Condle 22: N/A 29: N/A Jesus said, Let the little children come! All children are welcome to remain with us and we pray that God will meet them right where they are at! The nursery is available for use; however, a parent/guardian must remain with their child/children at all times. Come, Lord Jesus: lessons : Paul Magnifies Christ in Prison (Col. 1: :3) 08: Grace to a Runaway Slave (Philem. 8-22) 15: The Church That Forgot Its Hope (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11) 22: Living with Change (Hebrews 13:8) 29: A Lasting Hope (Luke 24:13-24) New Hope ~ New Life ~ New Purpose Page 7

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Jubilee Sunday Elders 6:45 Deacons 7:15 Consistory 8: FREE Men s Haircuts 10:30 1:30 You must arrive by noon 15 August newsletter, calendar & schedule information due today 22 Chaplain Bill Goodrich shares the message today 29 Chaplain Bill Goodrich shares the message today Giveaway Set up for Summer Giveaway! Consistory Meeting 7/10 Devotions: Steve Barnhart Closing Prayer: Andrew Berardi 11:00AM to 4:00PM Outreach at Brooklyn South Creek Pavilion from 1:00-4:00

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