Bering TodayV o l u m e X L V I I S p r i n g 2 0 1 0

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f B e r i n g D r i v e C h u r c h o f C h r i s t

SPRING TIME IN TEXAS MEANS NEW LIFE

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Dwelling in the Word

Acts 6:1-7

1In those days when the number of disciples

was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them

complained against the Hebraic Jews because

their widows were being overlooked in the daily

distribution of food.

2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples

together and said, "It would not be right for us

to neglect the ministry of the word of God in

order to wait on tables.

3Brothers, choose seven men from among you

who are known to be full of the Spirit and

wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to

them

4and will give our attention to prayer and the

ministry of the word."

5This proposal pleased the whole group.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of

the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor,

Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a

convert to Judaism.

6They presented these men to the apostles,

who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7So the word of God spread. The number of

disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a

large number of priests became obedient to the

faith.

Table of Contents New Life in Jesus 3 -Don Edwards The Jeff Christian Family 4 -Jeff Christian New Life Requires New Birth 5 -Edward Fudge Encouragement Ministry & Daily Bible Reading 8 Celebrating 25 Years of Encouragement 7 -Melanie Simpson Chili Cook-Off 8 Pancake Breakfast & Ministry Fair 9 Youth Activities 10 -Cynthia Michaud Memories Bring New Life 11 -Joan Howard Communion 12 At Bering Drive we believe that: 13 The Point Dinner 14 Recipe for Spring 15 Calendar 16

Administration Team

Tony Brown, tony@bayoucityclinical.com Amos Gregory, antamosgreg@yahoo.com Rod Lide, r.lide@comcast.net Rebekah Riddle, rebekah.riddle@fluor.com Ginny Smith, ginny.smith@memorialhermann.org

Pastoral Team Ann Bayliss, ann.bayliss@yahoo.com Mary Charlotte Elliott, elliotts@swbell.net Carol Johnson, cpjmsw@comcast.net Judy Lide, jlide@comcast.net Lynn Millikan, millikan.lynn@gmail.com Ed Bailey, ejbailey@baileylaw.com Dale Elliott, elliotts@swbell.net Jim Harrod, jkharrod@comcast.net Terry Koonce, BAandKTKoonce@aol.com Paul Riddle, priddle@compassnet.com

Staff Team

Jeff Christian, Preaching Minister Jeff@beringfamily.org Don Edwards, Administrative Minister don@beringfamily.org Cynthia Michaud, Youth Resident cynthia@beringfamily.org Melanie Simpson, Children & Worship Minister melanie@beringfamily.org

Supporting Staff Antero Gutierrez, Custodian Stephanie Lang, Secretary office@beringfamily.org

Other Ministries Joan Howard Director of Bering Dr. Christian School 713.780.1299 school@beringfamily.org

Bering Today may also be viewed online, at www.beringfamily.org.

** If you are receiving this bulletin and wish to be removed from our mailing list, please email

office@beringfamily.org. **

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Editorial

New Life in Jesus! By Don Edwards

My grandmother took my hand, and said “Donald come with me.” So I did. She then led me from her kitchen and out the back door toward this large field of poles, vines, stalks and bushes. In one hand she gently gripped my fingers and in the other hand she carried a small basket. “We are going to the garden to get some fresh vegetables for dinner,” she said. It was both an exciting and an ominous event. The garden was so large, and I was so small. I grew up in the city and only went to grandmother’s house a couple of times a year, and this was my first remembrance of going to “the garden”. But I also remember eating at grandmother’s table and enjoying her cooked vegetables and other treats.

Long, long ago God created a garden and filled it with the best of his earthly endeavors. In it he placed all living things that were good and commanded them to multiply and replenish or in other words he wanted growth and new life. God blessed all that he had made and set in motion for procreation. Later in Hebrew history, God told his people that the “first fruits” of everything belonged to God.

New life is an idea and an action that is exciting, rewarding and involving. When a new child is born, his/her parents, grandparents and extended family rejoice with happiness and react with glee. Joan and I have a new grandson who recently celebrated his first birthday. When buying presents, Joan smiled with satisfaction, because she was able to make him happy. He joined thirty plus other children at the First Colony Church of Christ in an annual baby dedication where they celebrated new life from God.

There is a tourist monument in Jerusalem called “The Garden Tomb”. It probably isn’t the tomb of Jesus, but it is certainly similar in every respect. As you stand and look at the tomb, it triggers words and phrases from the four gospel writings. Words and phrases like: “Do not be afraid…Jesus who was crucified…is not here; he has risen.” Or “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” And “He looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in…He saw and believed.”

We respect and honor new life here on earth, while we press forward to a new life in heaven with Jesus and God. Often, the present time is like an overpowering garden to us, and sometimes the future time seems so remote and ominous, but during times like that, there is always the reassurance of the empty tomb. For the disciples, the emptiness played with their minds and hearts until they came to grips with the reality of the resurrection; then they believed and were comforted.

The Bering Drive Church of Christ is entering a new era, and it is not just because we are going to have a new pulpit minister. It is because life in general brings changes and produces a newness. As humans, we expect and hope for new life whether it is fresh vegetables from the garden or newborn children/ grandchildren. We smile; we are happy; we rejoice; and we share our excitement with others.

Each spring the new grass grows and the bushes produce new leaves. It is a time of thankfulness to God for all the things he has given to us and done for us. God has given us the Jeff Christian Family to be a part of our family, and together we will start a new trek down the road of faith. It will be a new beginning and a journey of hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. His tomb was empty, so we could have a “New Life.”

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Articles

For 364 days a year, people around the world answer our phones

with simple salutations. Hello. Bueno. Moshi-moshi. It becomes

a simple habit almost without thought, obligatory words only

meant to get us to the next stage in the conversation.

But for one morning each year, a section of the globe around the

Mediterranean buzzes with phone calls answered, "Christos

anesti!" The caller responds, "Alethos anesti!" On Easter

Sunday, our brothers and sisters around the world greet one

another with a Gospel exchange that simply means, "Christ is

risen!"... "He is risen indeed!"

When we come together on Sunday mornings, we do so as

Easter people who are made alive in Christ, raised anew in the

one who is, who was, and who is still to come. We worship

alongside those who confess Jesus as Lord, who die to ourselves

in order that we live anew never to die again. The beauty of our

message is the way God has instilled it in us from the beginning.

Even years before the death and resurrection of Jesus, God

made promises to the people in the praises of Psalm 4--"Know

that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him." Today, we still

proclaim this song to one another. We sing and rejoice and lament to a God who hears us. We take on new

eyes to see ancient words in new ways that have everything to do with who God is making us today. Psalm 4

and 1 Corinthians 15 may as well have been written last night, living words shared among the faithful from

generation to generation. What we pass on to one another is of first importance, that Jesus lived, died, and

rose again. Those mercies are new every morning.

My family and I already cherish our new relationship with the Bering church, not only because of the spirit of

welcome and mission, but because we share a confession deeper than time or space. We say with one voice,

"Christ is risen!" We share one baptism in a family where water is thicker than blood. We embrace a common

mission to be salt and light no matter where we are or who we are with, not because of our will, but because of

what the Lord has done in us.

To God be the glory; great things he hath done. To God be the glory; great things are still to come.

The Jeff Christian Family

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Imagine a seacoast, next to green forested cliffs. Imagine mischievous boys discovering turtle eggs in the sand and placing one in an eagle's nest high on the cliff. In time all the eggs hatch, eaglets and turtle alike. Eventually the parent eagles teach the young to fly, pushing them one by one from the nest.

Each baby bird gasps for breath, stretches its wings, responds instinctively and soars into the ocean breezes. Then it is the turtle’s time to fly. The eagle pushes him out of the nest. The turtle flaps his feet feverishly -- and falls to the beach far below. He is not an eagle. He is a turtle. Regardless of his best intentions and efforts, he cannot fly. That is simply not his nature.

So it is, says Jesus, with us sinful, fallen human beings in relation to God's kingdom. To a pious and powerful Pharisee named Nicodemus, a teacher and leader in Israel who supposed that he had a reserved seat at the heavenly table, who thought that he could master any required spiritual curriculum and perform any necessary religious duty, Jesus Christ said: "Truly, truly, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

This word translated "again" can be translated both "again" and "from above." Unless a person is reborn and given a new nature, he or she simply cannot participate in God's reign and salvation. Being religious does not help. Being intellectual is no profit. Being successful in life is no profit. Being self-motivated, self-disciplined and self-organized is no advantage.

The only solution is a new nature, which requires a new birth from above (John 3:3). We must move from religion to relationship, from head to heart, from church to Christ. We must be regenerated to become a new life-form. Nicodemus asked Jesus how this could be. Jesus answered that “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (v. 5). What does Jesus mean?

The biblical background of Jesus’ statement is found in Ezekiel's ancient prophecy of a time when God would give his future people a new nature, symbolized by water (cleansing) and by Spirit (transformation). "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you,” he said. “I will cleanse you .... I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you .... I will put my Spirit within you” (Ezek. 36:25-27).

Jesus’ words also remind us (and probably reminded Nicodemus) of the words of John the Baptist, who said: "I baptize in water" but Jesus "baptizes in the Holy Spirit" (John 1:26, 33). John contrasted "water" -- the outward symbol, and "Spirit" -- the inward reality. Even if Nicodemus had received water baptism from John, that was not enough. He must look to Jesus for inward renewal and a new nature.

This is the context for John 3:16 -- the wonderful promise that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Christians are of two opinions about the exact order of things here. Some conclude that God gives new life and a new nature which enable us to believe. Others conclude that the new life and new nature are God’s gift to those who do believe.

This much is sure: when God tells us to believe, he also gives us the power to do that. And whoever does believe on Jesus will never perish but will have eternal life. Life of the Age to Come. Life that will never end. Let us thank God for giving us new life!

 

Articles

New Life Requires New Birth By Edward Fudge

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Daily Bible Reading

The Encouragement Ministry celebrates 25 years!

Daily Bible Study: A schedule of daily Bible reading has been running in Bering Today for many years. Now we are offering a more condensed version for your use.

April 1-15; Isaiah 65-Jermiah 6

April 16-30; Jeremiah 7-14

May 1-15; Jeremiah 15-23

May 16-31; Jeremiah 24-31

June 1-15; Jeremiah 32-41

June 16-30; Jeremiah 42-50

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In 1985, Samira Fitts read Charles Swindoll’s book entitled, “Strengthening Your Grip”. In a chapter about encouragement, Swindoll wrote, “when we encourage others we come as close to the work of the Holy Spirit as anything we can do in God’s family. Encouragement is the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit or hope.” In that same chapter he wrote that as the Holy Spirit is called alongside to help us, so He is with us when we encourage someone else. The book encouraged believers to consider deeper levels of participation in worship – besides sitting and listening to a sermon and praying. It mentioned that a church in Salem, Oregon started taking encouragement seriously by having cards available for worshipers to write encouraging words during the worship hour.

Samira was so moved and inspired by those words, she took the article to Bill Love, Bering’s preaching minister at that time. Bill was on board and supported Samira in writing a letter proposing the ministry to the elders. The elders agreed and plans were made to move forward!

The card design was developed by Pat Schrader and printed by Gerald Robinson. A note of explanation was printed in the order of worship – and on March 10, 1985, the Encouragement Ministry became a reality. Since then, hundreds of thousands of encouragement cards have been written and mailed and read and treasured. Encouragement cards are a way that people of every generation can participate in being the Church. And in turn, they bless people of every generation as well.

For a little child, they bring the joy of getting mail! To the parent of that child, they bring the security of knowing that you are not alone in raising that child.

For a teen, maneuvering through the maze of adolescence, the demands of part–time jobs and schoolwork, the emotional turmoil of wondering “Am I enough?” these cards say, “Yes! In Christ you are more than enough.” Encouragement cards make their way into lockers and backpacks where they do the work of angels.

For adults, they are a source of strength in times of crises. They are a keepsake on special occasions. Even when you get to the age where people don’t do much for your birthday, not even a cake at the office, you can still count on a small, rectangular envelope in the mail to say, “You are NOT invisible.”

For the elderly, these cards bring the message, “You matter to God.” Encouragement cards have filled the drawers of retirement centers and nursing homes. Even when the physical memory of the sender has vanished from the recipient, the words bring a sense of companionship on life’s journey.

Encouragement cards have lined the walls of hospital rooms. They have been taped to hospital beds, read by loved ones to those in hospice care, allowing them to experience a taste of the heavenly even as they make their way there.

These cards have gone where you and I cannot go – to drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, prison cells, and even to boot camps and war zones. They bring with them love from home – and even more importantly - the unconditional love of the Father.

As we celebrate 25 years of encouragement, we give thanks to God, the God of all encouragement, who has taken a simple, rectangular card – and used it as His tool of His faithful, enduring love.

Current members of the Encouragement Ministry include: Tommye Barker, Doris Brewer, Shirley Garner, Kathy Harrod, Marcielle Ledbetter, Jackie Lyles, Carol Ann Paddock, Gina Rebman and Tamara Thompson.

Past members include: Nelda Billingsley, Marilyn Browning, June Fallin, Jan Henry, Tambrey Sims, Ginny Smith, Martha Jo Smith, Nedra Smith and Elise Tapp.

The Encouragement Ministry leader is Samira Fitts.

Thanks to all of you who participate in this precious ministry! And to God be the glory.

Article

Celebrating 25 Years of Encouragement! By Melanie Simpson

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Chili Cook-Off

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Ministry Fair & Pancake Breakfast

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Youth

The BDCOCYG attended the Soul Link Conference the last weekend

of February. The theme was "i love Jesus". We enjoyed the week-

end of fellowship, worship, and spending time in thought and discus-

sion about why we love Jesus. Thanks to the Herd family and the

Elliots for hosting, feeding, and driving!

We've had a blast so far this Spring, from House2House

to the Superbowl Party to the Photo Scavenger

Hunt. Thanks to the many who have hosted, prepared,

driven, and supported the BDCOCYG!

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Christian School

Memories Bring New Life by Joan Howard

Do you remember the first Bible story that you ever heard as a

child? Stop just a minute in your busy day and really think about

it. Which story was the most intriguing for you? For me the story

that I can first remember was the story about David and Goliath.

I just could not imagine how brave that little boy must have been

to go out there and face that gigantic man. Of course, when you

are a child nine feet tall is huge! My imagination went crazy

looking at the people around me at the time and figuring out how

big Goliath might have been! I remember thinking that God

must be so powerful to be able to take care of David and there-

fore pretty big as well. On occasion I wished he would show up

right then to help protect me from whatever major trauma I might be having at the time. It was a

comforting story to think that God took care of that child and therefore I know he would also take

care of me. This was the beginning of the love I had of hearing the many stories from the Bible. I

can remember being between three and fours years old. How old were you and what was the story

that caught your imagination?

I have many memories of songs from Sunday School classes like “Jesus Loves Me” and many others.

The most fun was the Wise Man that built his house on the rock. I loved getting to slap my hands

together when the foolish man built his house on the sand and smash it went down. How silly that

man was in my mind not to build his life on Jesus.

I am sharing some of my early childhood memories of Bible School Classes to help us remember

what we are doing on a daily basis in our school. We are simply laying the ground work, God will

grant the increase in the minds of these little ones.

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Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood ...poured out for the forgiveness of sins.’

Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’

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Around Bering

At Bering Drive we believe that: There is one God, known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He made all that exists and delights in all he made. He has revealed himself in our conscience, through creation, through the prophets, but most fully in Jesus Christ. He rewards those who seek him and is faithful to those who trust him. He is over all, through all and in all. In the end, he will complete his saving purpose. Romans 8:18-39; Ephesians 4:6

Jesus of Nazareth is the image of the invisible God, in whom the fullness of God is pleased to dwell. He was conceived without human father and was born from the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose from the dead, appeared to chosen witnesses, and ascended into heaven as our mediator, sacrifice and high priest. He will come again to judge the world and to bring salvation to his people. Colossians 1:15-19; Matthew 1:18-25; I Corinthians 15:4-8

The Holy Spirit is the personal, powerful Presence of God the Father and of the Risen Christ. The Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates sinners and gives repentance and faith. He lives in believers, empowers them for service, charges them into Christ’s likeness and distributes gifts by which they serve each other. His presence assures us that we are God’ children. John 14-16; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 1:11-14

Salvation is God’s gracious rescue of human beings and his whole creation, which he accomplished through the sinless live, atoning death and powerful resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because God reconciled the world to himself, we urge all people to be “reconciled” to God. We cannot earn or pay for our salvation, but can only trust God to be gracious to us for Jesus sake. This is what it means that we are saved by grace through faith. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Ephesians 2:8-9

The church is the fellowship of all saved people, the body of Christ on earth. It is commissioned by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy spirit to proclaim the gospel, to baptize believers, and to help them become conformed to the likeness of Christ. Ephesians 3:6-11; Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus himself was baptized, and he ordained that those who believe the gospel should also be baptized. Jesus’ baptism publicly indentified him as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. Our baptism publicly identifies us as believers in Jesus as God’s Lamb who took away our sins. We teach and practice believer baptism by immersion, seeing it as the most consistent with baptism’s meaning and with apostolic example. Respecting individual consciences, we also receive believers who were baptized by another form. John 1:29-31; Matthew 18:18-19; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4

The Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist, was established by Jesus to commemorate and to “re-present” his body and blood given for us. Each Sunday we receive the bread and wine, through which, by faith, we feed on Christ with thanksgiving. Matthew 26:26-29; John 6:50-56; I Corinthians 11:23-26

The Bible includes the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. Although written by humans, it is inspired by God and is therefore useful. Its chief purpose is to point us to Jesus our Savior. As the church’s canon or rule, the Bible is our final authority for life and for doctrine. John 5:39-40; 2 Timothy 3:15-17

At a time which God alone now knows, Jesus will return in person and in power. The dead will be raised; some in immortality to eternal life; others for condemnations and the second death. Because we know in Jesus how the story ends, we are motivated to live with hope and courage until we die or Jesus returns. John 5:25-29; I Corinthians 15:58

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First Annual UH Campus Ministry Dinner

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Around Bering

1 – 15 ounce can apricots–drained (Save Juice)

1 – 20 ounce can crushed pineapple–drained (Save Juice)

2 Packages peach gelatin

2 Cups boiling water

1 Cup miniature marshmallows (more if desired)

Drain juices from both fruits into a large measuring cup. Save 1 cup for topping. To remaining juices

add enough water to make 1 ½ cup of liquid.

Dissolve gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water, then stir in the 1½ cup of liquid. Add the drained fruit to

this mixture. Pour mixture into an oblong dish (9 x 13). Sprinkle marshmallows over top and chill

until firm. Cover with topping (below).

Topping:

1 Slightly beaten egg 2 Tablespoons margarine

3 Tablespoons flour 1 Cup heavy cream, whipped (or equivalent of Cool Whip)

½ Cup sugar 1 Cup grated cheddar cheese

1 Cup reserved fruit juice

Mix flour and sugar, then stir in beaten egg. Add juice and margarine. Cook over low heat, stirring

until thick. Cool thoroughly, and then fold in whipped cream. Spread topping over salad. Sprinkle

with cheese and refrigerate until serving time.

Note: You can change the gelatin flavor, use different fruits, add chopped nuts to gelatin or put nuts

on top instead of cheese.

Marcielle’s mother made this recipe at Easter Time for many years.

Recipe for Spring Congealed Salad By Marcielle Ledbetter

Bering Drive Church of Christ 1910 Bering Drive Houston, TX 77057 www.beringdrivechurchofchrist.org 713.783.2340

Non-Profit Organization. U.S. Postage Permit No. 8073 Houston, TX

Upcoming Calendar of Events

April 2, Good Friday

April 4, Easter, Christian Family’s first Sunday

April 9, Movie Night

April 16 & 17, Men’s Retreat at Camp Allen

April 23-25, Women’s Retreat at Brenham

May 7, Movie Night

May 14-15, Teen Lock-in

May 26, Bering Drive Christian School’s Pre-K graduation

June 12-18, Youth Mission Trip to New Orleans

June 21-25, Vacation Bible School

Thanks, Leslie!

Leslie Hughes is chair of the Benevolent Ministry, and although

she has a full-time job, Leslie finds time to help Bering members

with their financial needs and problems. Her motto is “Teach

them to fish” not just give away fish. Bering is a very caring and

giving family of believers, and as a family it stands ready to

assist whenever needed. However with some coaching and

pointing in the right direction, Leslie goes beyond the immediate

need and assists in the long range scheme of things. She knows

all the organizations that distribute food and goods to those in

need, and she helps with those organizations whenever she can.

Leslie is a bright and shining star in Bering’s crown.