Birchwood BeaconA Publication of Birchwood Presbyterian Church

December, 2017

We Watch for Christ’s Arrival

With Thanksgiving in our Hearts,

Some friends recently gave our family one of those Fisher-Price nativity sets especially for our toddler to enjoy. She actually squeals when she sees some of those little figurines. I can’t stop marveling that even before she can really talk very much, she has figured out that (Baby-in-the-manger) Jesus is the central figure in the midst of all that adorable plastic cuteness. She sometimes snatches him up into her arms, hugs him tight, and rocks him like a baby. (No, I’m not making this stuff up!) Occasionally, since a toddler’s home is in a constant state of disarray, Baby Jesus will go missing for day or two. When that happens, our daughter goes on the lookout for Him. Then, when she finds him, she cries out “Gee!” (she can’t quite manage 2 syllables yet) and beams with the delight of rediscovering Jesus.

Witnessing this purity of heart in our daughter makes me wonder whether everyone at Birchwood could recover our child-like attitudes towards Jesus. Maybe we all could once again keep a constant watch for Him to show up in our lives--in the places where we live, work, study and play. Maybe when we see Him, we could once again give thanks and rejoice with unbridled enthusiasm. After all, we’ve just (with the Thanksgiving holidays) had a great opportunity to reflect on how many different things we have to thank God for. This turn of the calendar from November into December may be the ideal time of year for us to become both thankful and primed to watch for Jesus’ arrival, and not just on Christmas Eve, but throughout the month and the year ahead.

My prayer for all of us at Birchwood is that we will make this our constant habit: thanksgiving, watching for where the Lord is at work, and rejoicing. May the abundance of God’s love and goodness give each of you cause to give thanks and to delight in Him.

Thankfully and joyfully,Pastor Greg

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REMEMBER

Pledge Sunday is December 3rd.

Please bring your pledge card to Sunday Worship Service.(If you forget your pledge card,

extras will be available in the foyer.)

You may also email your pledge amount to Amber Bernardy at: amber@bpchurch.org

or mail it to the church, Attn: Amber Bernardy,400 Meadowbrook CourtBellingham, WA 98226

Love INC Seeks BlanketsRecently Love INC has received a large

number of requests for blankets to keep needy families warm during these cold nights, so a clean blanket drive is underway. If you have any blankets to spare, please bring them to church and deposit them in the designated box in the foyer.  Donations will be delivered to the Love INC office after the second Sunday in December.

Winter session of 1 on 1 Manage Your Money (financial coaching) will start with an introductory class the first week after the New Year.  If you know of anyone needing this help, have them register by calling the Love INC office at 360-671-6201.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes and Bake Sale Successes!

The truck hauling 170 cartons of Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes left our parking lot on Tuesday, November 21. It was filled with 2,983 shoe boxes dropped off at the OCC Drop Off and Collection Center in the Chapel of BPC. The cartons will be delivered to the Operation Christmas Child Distribution Center in Corona, CA, and ultimately are headed to Native American children as well as children in Mongolia, the Philippines, Peru, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

Birchwood collected 105 boxes, bulging with gifts such as toys and school and hygiene supplies. It is truly heartwarming to think that children far away will be making a connection with families here at our church.

Special thanks to those that helped in the Drop Off and Collection Center: Sher Ross, Gary and Nina Buma, Rich and Sally Emerson, Marc and Robbie Whitlock, Harold Scott, Mike Langey, Mike and Kathy Kettman, and Jim and Nanci Zander.

The Bake Sale generated $591 towards helping to pay the postage on the boxes. That is fantastic! Did you know that if you were to send just one box from the post office to a far off land it would easily cost you $75? How wonderful that Samaritan's Purse is blessed with transport companies that donate much of their expense.

Operation Christmas Child partners with churches worldwide to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After receiving shoebox gifts, many children are discipled through the OCC Bible study course, The Greatest Journey, where they learn to become faithful followers of Christ and share their faith with others. As members of Birchwood, we can be proud that we have had a small part in reaching the far corners of the world with the message of Jesus Christ.

Making New Year Resolutions? Consider providing flowers for Worship. Sign-ups will begin again in January at the table in the foyer for the Sunday of your choice. Bring your flowers before 10:00 am so they are in place before Worship service begins. If you are bringing them in memory of a loved one, be sure to note the information when signing up. Thank you.

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BPC Treehouse Tidings

We begin a new winter quarter teaching unit this month called “The Church on a Mission”. The Treehouse kids will be studying the book of Acts from December, 2017, through February, 2018, with a pause for the Christmas story on December 17th and 24th.

Christmas Eve: We will have regular Treehouse times the morning of December 24th. Families are invited to return at 4:30 pm for a special pre-service fellowship time in the foyer followed by a 5:00 pm family friendly Christmas Eve service which will include advent candle lighting, an interactive telling of the Christmas story, choral anthem, and closing candlelight worship song.  

Sunday Mornings: BPC Treehouse WINTER Unit: “The Church on Mission”

12/3 - The Holy Spirit Came (Acts 2:1-4, 22-47) 12/10 - Peter Healed a Beggar (Acts 3:1-10; 4:5-31) * The CHRISTMAS Story: 12/17 – Angels Spoke to Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26-56)12/24 – Jesus Was Born (Luke 2:1-20)

12/31 – Stephen’s Address (Acts 6:8-7:60)

“Treehouse Teachers” Training Info: If you missed the BPC Treehouse Teacher Training last month but still would like more information about the various ways to participate in this rewarding and vital ministry, please contact Bonnie Hollingsworth: bonnie @bpchurch.org

*Stay up to date on weekly lessons and Bible verses by following us on Facebook at BPCTreehouse.

Youth Ministry Update

In November, we had a great time discussing what it means to be STUCK. Stuck in bad relationships, stuck in a bad mindset, or stuck in a bad situation. We all learned from one of the wisest men, King Solomon, about what he had to say on each of those topics. As we move into the Christmas season, we will be starting a series called "Who Needs Christmas?" This series will talk about why we need Christmas, why God needed Christmas, and why Jesus calls us to live life to the fullest. I'm excited to talk on this topic and hopefully shed some new light so that our students may think about Christmas in a different way. 

As part of Birchwood's God Sightings last month, our very own junior, David Conard, was asked to share part of his testimony. I'm so grateful that his story was able to move so many people. It is such a treat to do life with each of our Youth week in and week out, so thank you for having him share for the entire congregation to hear. We are all so proud of him!

The Grove will meet weekly this month with our last meeting being on December 13. The Path will hold its monthly gathering on December 8, so tell all the 5 - 7 graders that you know! We will have no Youth activities December 20 - 31 and look forward to sharing some news with you all in January. Our team is constantly looking for ways to grow and improve our Youth gatherings, and with such great feedback recently, we will be tweaking our normal gatherings a bit so that they are more inclusive for teenagers.

Thank you, Nathan Shorb, Director of Youth and Operations

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Birchwood Christian SchoolNovember Reflections:

BCS Preschool classes have been learning all about God’s great creation. Many wonderful songs, prayers, and craft projects filled the preschoolers November school days.

The BCS Kindergarten Class’ Veterans Day program honored many visiting veterans at their special program last month. This annual event is a delight for all who attend as well as for the young performers. One highlight was an adorable tiny portrayal of President Lincoln reciting the first line of the Gettysburg address.

December:BCS Presents: “God’s Indescribable Gift”

Please join us on Thursday, December 14th, at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center as we celebrate the story of God’s great plan of redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Afterward, we will gather for a short time of fellowship in the foyer. *This lovely program was cancelled last year due to snow. Everyone is hopeful for a clear weather forecast this year!

Important BCS Dates:December 14: Christmas Program (6:30 pm)December 15 - January 1: No School - Christmas Break

Bellingham High Showstoppers Come to Birchwood for Christmas

The Seasonaires dinner will feature Christmas music presented by the Bellingham High Showstoppers this month. Join us on Tuesday, December 12th, at 5:30 pm in the Family Life Center for a delicious dinner of spiral ham with chutney of mango basil, and red pepper, scallop potatoes, Sicilian vegetables, and pumpkin cream brûlée, prepared by our wonderful chefs, Scott and Ann Coffinger.  Visitors are welcome either for dinner or to join in the extra seating just for the joyous music which will begin around 6:00 pm.  This is a popular event so be sure to reserve your place either by e-mail to Jeannine Olivier (ljolivier@comcast.net) or at the sign-up table in the foyer after worship.

Unique Gifts from Guatemala

Hope for the Pokomchi is one of our regular mission partners, ministering among the poorest of the poor in remote areas of Guatemala. You can support Pokomchi families by making a purchase with a purpose. Stop by the Pokomaya table in December where you’ll be able to view and purchase beautiful products made by some of the Pokomchi women. The crafts will be available after services on December 10th and 17th.

New this time around:* New 2018 designs including pillow covers and mother/daughter aprons.* Purchase and take home SAME DAY! (No longer necessary to preorder unless I run out of stock.)

I will have just returned from the Hope of The Pokomchi annual Dallas board meeting. Stop by the table and learn about all of the wonderful work being done and how lives are being changed because of your continued love and support. Thank you!

Brenda Risser Hope of the Pokomchi Board Member

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Meet New Member Jeff Crnich

Jeff Crnich (pronounced "sir nich") was born in Seattle and grew up in Anchorage where his Dad had a grocery store. Jeff worked in his Dad's store while going to school and later worked for Safeway Stores in Anchorage and Albertson's in Seattle.

He spent two years in the Army and was trained in artillery ballistic meteorology. This meteorology measures the effects of wind speed and direction at different levels in the atmosphere, increasing the artillery's accuracy. Jeff served in Texas and Germany while in the military. He is thankful he didn't have to go to Viet Nam.

When asked if he had any memorable adventures, he recalls a time after he returned to Alaska from Germany. There was a rock cliff just south of Anchorage, Rainbow Falls, that Jeff had always wanted to climb. He was near the top of this cliff when the rock started disintegrating. Each time he had a handhold or foothold the rock crumbled and fell away. Looking down from this perch, he could see an old tire in the bottom of the pond below, and he wondered if that tire marked "the spot". All he could do was pray and keep going. Miraculously, he was able to continue and make it up over the top. Afterwards, laying on his back in the deep grass, he said, "Thank you. Lord!"

Jeff has two sons, Chris and Casey, and a daughter, Tammi, all of whom have children of their own. There are seven grandchildren in all. A couple of years ago Chris and his wife Suzette adopted a girl from China, who was almost two. Everyone enjoys little Jade.

In 2014 Jeff retired from twenty-nine years of route sales with the Frito/Lay Company. Jeff now enjoys a more casual pace including hiking, scenic bike riding and time with his kids and grandkids. We're glad to have you with us at Birchwood, Jeff.

Birchwood Missions: They're Working!!!

Birchwood, through its Missions Outreach Committee, currently supports 16 missions --- local and international. One of them is the Far East Broadcasting company. Although based in California, FEBC airs Christian radio broadcasts throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia. The following is a letter from the company president, who helps us understand how even the smallest amounts help so many hear The Word who otherwise would not be able to hear it. The letter from President/CEO Edward W. Cannon reads:

Jang-mi is the reason. She's the reason your support of FEBC is so important. She's the reason 1,000 FEBC broadcasters and

staff came to work today and why they'll be there the day after too. Born and raised in North Korea, spiritually one of the most hungry and hopeless places in the world,

Jang-mi came to faith by listening to FEBC on the radio – a crime that would have gotten her killed or thrown into a brutal, forced labor camp with other Christians.

I am relieved to share that Jang-mi escaped to another country, but she will never forget all she endured...or the unreached millions she left behind. That's why every Sunday, when she tunes in to FEBC, she does it exactly the way she did when she first came to faith back in North Korea.

“I turn off all the lights, cover myself with a blanket, hold the radio in my arms and pray in tears. I pray over and over for the brothers and sisters of North Korea....”

People like Jang-mi suffer in silence in scores of countries throughout Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Eurasia. Their homelands are hostile to Christianity, and they are forbidden to declare their faith in Jesus. And, they have very few, if any Christian witnesses with whom to share the good news.

Jang-mi came to faith because of the support of friends like you who help keep FEBC broadcasts on the air.

For more information on Birchwood’s Missions Outreach, contact Rich Emerson, Elder.

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Missions Report: Light of the World Prayer Center…Dr. Jason Hubbard

Located at the corner of James St. and Sunset Dr. the LOWPC is supported by BPC as a local mission but is having a global impact for the Kingdom. Their vision is a Biblically based strategy to cover all of Whatcom County in 24/7 prayer. It continues to grow as LOWPC pursues and maintains this practice. Jason Hubbard, who for a time attended BPC with his family, founded and directs this ministry in obedience to the vision God laid on his heart. We, as a congregation, also participate in this mission along with more than 30 other churches in Whatcom county by committing to cover the third Thursday of each month in 24 hour prayer (our Day2Pray). Nine strategic areas are focused upon to impact all aspects of our community and society through prayer: Church, Government, Family, Education, Health, Business, Media, Social Services, and specific Strategic Missions. So effective and powerful has been God in answering our prayers, communities and cities across the globe, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, have requested and been visited by Jason and staff to share the LOWPC story and train churches to replicate this effort. One key outcome of this effort is Pastors-Praying-for-Pastors. Quarterly, pastors from 60 different churches meet to pray for one another, including Pastor Greg. To learn more, visit www.lowpc.org and to join in the Day2Pray commitment, send me an email at marc-rob@msn.com or contact me at church.

Marc Whitlock, Prayer Coordinator BPC

Scenes around Birchwood

Angela Mills Watson Serenades at Seasonaires Thanksgiving Dinner

Left: Missions Outreach-Sponsored Halloween Party at

MeadowsAbove: Dave Ruble’s

Amazing Maze

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“Many Hands Make Light Work”A huge thanks to our many faithful volunteers who helped with this summer’s five outdoor work parties

and adopt-a-plot efforts! Among other things, this year we added 20 yards of beauty bark to our landscaping beds and courtyards, trimmed all the hedges, mowed and trimmed the lawns, planted many new plants, flowers, and bulbs, and kept things as neat and tidy as possible.    In addition to these five BPC work parties, many of you also volunteered at some of Sam Risser’s five Eagle Scout project work parties.  That project is now largely complete, thanks to your help.  Here a few pictures of the end product.  What’s more, Blake Zimmerman is planning some additional trail work as part of his own Eagle Scout project.  He plans to kick off that effort in the spring. The next INDOOR work party (Yay, Painting!) will likely be sometime in January, so look for further communications on that in the coming weeks.

Finally, many thanks to Tom Linvog and his band of merry men who completed some important repairs and replacements of our building’s 23 skylights.  These important repairs were completed in the nick of time, with lots of through-wall rot discovered but no significant interior leak damage.  The work was also finished well under budget – just $7,600 versus our $12,500 budget…and as compared to an initial 3rd party estimate of $24,600.  Thank you Tom!

Thank you volunteers for your incredible service to the Lord, our church, and our community. John Risser – Facilities Elder

BeforeAfter

Thank You!It means so much to me that I was able to work with Birchwood to complete my

Eagle Project.  I feel really lucky to have had my "Birchwood Family" helping me along the way throughout my project, volunteering and giving me advice when I needed it.  I'll be spending the next couple months finishing some paperwork, then I'll finally be done with Eagle Scout.  Thanks so much for everyone's help; I couldn't have done it without you!

Sam Risser Soon to be Eagle Scout

Thank You! From Interfaith Coalition 

Interfaith Coalition extends heart-felt thanks to the Birchwood Presbyterian congregation for your generosity to our neighbors in need.  The 3 large boxes of toiletries you collected were given to the CAST program to distribute to guests, and the many wonderful coats were joyfully received by families who needed some help this winter. Our CAST coordinator said: “I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is to have so many wonderful toiletries – I love offering them rather than having to hoard them and wait for someone to have to ask.”  When you are cold, or hungry, or struggling to make ends meet, to have help freely and lovingly offered is a gift far beyond the physical item; it touches the heart and soul, as well as the body.  Many thanks to you all for your continued faithfulness to our neighbors.  Janie Pemble

Outreach Director Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County

Personal Note from Lynne McCutchen:When Ed and I took BPC donations to Assumption at 8:30 am Saturday, there were people already lined

up to get clothing at 10:00 am! It broke our hearts and inspired us to do more for the homeless. 

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Save the Date

Birchwood Beacon - a publication of: Birchwood Presbyterian Church400 Meadowbrook Court, Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 733-8860 or beacon@bpchurch.orgwww.bpchurch.org

Saturday, December 9, 8:00 am, Palm Room, Men’s Breakfast - See below.

Tuesday, December 12, 5:30 pm, Family Life Center, Seasonaires - See page 4.

Thursday, December 14, 6:30 pm, Worship Center, BCS Christmas Program - See page 3.

Friday, December 15, 6:00 pm, Family Life Center, Family Fun Night - See below.

Sunday, December 17, After Worship, Family Life Center, Sunday Fun Lunch with Neighborhood Caroling After - Join the BPC community after worship for our monthly “Fun-day Lunch”. After lunch, there will be Christmas caroling around the neighborhood ending back at BPC with hot cocoa and candy canes.

Sunday, December 24, 10:15 am, Worship Center, Christmas Eve Morning Worship Service

Sunday, December 24, 4:30 pm, Foyer, Fellowship 5:00 pm, Worship Center, Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Men Gather Saturday Morning Just Once in December

Due to Christmas activities, Men’s Breakfast will occur just once in December on Saturday, the 9th, 8:00 am.  Expect the usual gourmet food and great fellowship.  Newcomers always welcomed. Gary Buma will be leading our time of reflection and discussion.   In January we return to the normal second and fourth Saturday. Contact Rich Emerson at dremers@msn.com if you are not receiving email announcements as occasionally there may be a change in schedule.

Friday Christmas Fun NightDecember 15, 6-9p

Decorate cookies, gift wrap, or register the kids to hang out

while you do last minute shopping. For more info, visitour website (bpchurch.org).

Thank You

A special thank you to Margaret Rudy for her help in pricing, ordering and delivering our beautiful Advent poin-settias. We couldn't do it without her.

The Visual Arts

Thank You

I am doing really well... back at home with visiting home health nurse working with me 3 days a week so I can get my leg back to being strong. I wanted to thank everyone who visited me, said prayers sent cards brought food and called...it is so appreciated !  My church family means the world to me.

Lorrie Thon