One of the hardest things about waiting is… waiting. At the school where I teach computers, a first grader taught me this lesson well. One afternoon in the lab, I had a rather chatty and noisy group. Trying to be calm and be a model of good behavior, I quietly asked the class to stop talking and waited silently for their attention. Staring at the group (mostly at a few students who were still talking) and waiting for the class to quiet down, I stood at the front of the room for several seconds thinking my brilliant plan had worked. Just then my waiting was interrupted by a child in the front row asking, “Are you okay Mr. Bielik,” thinking I had slipped into some sort of trance, perhaps.
Waiting can be tough. We’re scared of silence. We’re always looking for what’s coming next. We might think something’s wrong if someone is “just waiting.” It’s so easy to be distracted. So don’t feel guilty if you’ve forgotten about advent this whole week. Just take this time right now to clear your mind again and continue to prepare the way for Christ in the world. The best thing you can do is “just wait.”

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

Activities:
Mon.  -   Give thanks for the children in your life.
Tues.  -  Talk about the gifts you’d like to receive, like time to read, or some time off, etc.
Wed.  -  Choose one thing in your house that you can donate.
Thurs. – Human Rights Day: pray for those without freedom.
Fri.  -  Take a walk. Give thanks for the beauty of nature.
Sat.  -  Fast for a meal, determine the savings, and put it in your giving jar.

This is the season of Advent. The season of waiting; waiting for Christ to come into our lives. But this isn’t the sort of waiting you do at a traffic light, sitting idle until the next turn of events. This is the sort of waiting you do when a friend is coming over to your house. It’s that anticipatory waiting, the preparing sort of waiting. As enter into the season of Advent, consider these thoughts and activities:

Isaiah 2:4
We are preparing ourselves for the days when the nations shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hoooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Activities:
Mon.  -   Research a group that helps others and learn how you can help too!
Tues.  -  Decorate a can to collect money for your cause.
Wed.  -  Make gift tags from used Christmas cards or scrap paper.
Thurs. – Gather recyclable material for wrapping gifts.
Fri.  -  Dinner question:  How am I getting ready for Jesus?
Sat.  -  Send an email greeting card to a friend.

News and Information:

The advent season is right around the corner and we want to help your family be prepared. Advent is a time of celebrating Christ’s birth and preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ into our lives. Come learn more about advent at our Advent Workshop next Sunday, November 22nd after church. A light lunch will be provided. This workshop is for all members of the BPC community, especially families with children. We will be making wreaths together to take home to use during advent. We will also have some helpful information about advent and how to make the most of the season with your family at home during the week. Sign up in the fellowship or call the church office to let us know you’re coming.

Discussion Point:
If you went to this year’s Annual Pumpkin Party this past Friday at BPC, please share your comments and thoughts. Let us know what you liked or what your kids enjoyed the most! Also, if you have any pictures you can send them to me to post. You may share your own personal Halloween moments as well. We would love to hear from you. Just click below to add your comment!

Check out this wonderful Autumn Living resource from the PCUSA website (it also appears in the Resources section): https://www.pcusa.org/justliving/seasons/autumn.htm

I always think of Halloween marking the beginning of the “holiday season.” First tons of candy, then tons of turkey for Thanksgiving, then tons of parties and gifts for Christmas. Not a bad deal, if you think about it. Of course, the focus can quickly switch to me, me, me and you could find your self consumed with nothing other than numero uno. Make sure that this holiday season is one that is spent caring for others and making time for your family. Enjoy the holidays, just don’t let them get the best of you… save that for your family.

News and Info:
This Friday is our Annual Pumpkin Party at 7:00 pm at BPC. Pumpkins and dessert will be provided. Bring your pumpkin carving tools if you have them. Fun will be had by all! Don’t forget to invite your friends and neighbors. Let Brenda know if you’ll be attending.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Family Advent Workshop on Sunday, November 22nd after church from 11:45 to 1:15. There will be a light lunch and activities for kids and families! We will be making advent wreaths for your family to take home so you can more fully experience the advent season. We will also be telling stories about what advent is and generally having a great time! Signs up will be in the fellowship hall in the next few weeks. If you have any questions see David or Rod.

Fall is a time that is full of busyness with sports schedules, school assignments, work loads, and household chores. It can also be a time for loads of family fun!

Discussion Point:
What is something that your family has done for the fall season? What things do you wish to be doing this fall? Perhaps your kids are grown and you can reflect on fall experiences you had when they were younger. What tips can you share with other families about your experiences? Click on the title of this post or the “comment” link below to comment. If you are having trouble, please refer to the “how to comment” tab above. Take a second to comment and share your experiences!

In the spirit of our own American President winning the Nobel Peace Prize this week (you can hear President Obama’s reception speech here), let us be inspired to promote peace in our homes. October 2009 is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can come in many shapes and sizes and affect all different kinds of households, even those that strive to live as Christ did. Stress, finances, job loss, depression, rejection, fear, anger, and family history are just a few of the many reasons that nearly 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year. (For more resources and statistics click here.) As a church community, and especially as one that supports families, we should be at the forefront of the quest for peace in our own homes. Silence is one of the biggest threats to peace and the elimination of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don’t let it go unnoticed. Tell someone. Use the resources above and get the help you need.

From the words of Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Philippians (Chapter 4),
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

There is a lot coming up for families at BPC. Mark your calendars for the Food Drive on Sat. October 17, the Annual Pumpkin Carving Party on Fri. October 30, and an Advent Workshop on Sun. November 22. Check out the News and Info tab more information. Make sure to make time for your family at BPC as the busy holiday season approaches. Remember, we are here to help. If there’s anything we can do. Let us know!

Also, check the Resources tab for some new Bible/prayer resources for young readers and even pre-schoolers! We love your feedback and ideas. Keep them coming!

Most of all… have fun with your family this fall season!

The Fall lunch last Sunday was a great success and it was great to see so many families and other church attendees interacting over delicious soup and friendly conversation. Thanks to all who prepared and served the food!

Attention families! Mark your calendars for an Advent Workshop for all families on Sunday, November 22nd after church. We will be making advent wreaths to take home. There will be fun activities for younger and older kids alike. More information to come!

Ministry Note:
Make the most of the fall harvest. Take your family apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn maze”ing”, etc. The fall has many outdoor activities that are great for kids. It is also a great way to connect with local farms and find what foods and services they offer. These fall events can be a great teaching tool for where food comes from as well as a great lesson about God’s earth and our stewardship. Plus, it can be really fun! Get out and enjoy what your local community has to offer.

Well, fall is almost officially here. In fact, this is the final weekend of summer. Today at BPC, fall CE classes are starting and we are celebrating the annual Fall Lunch with food and fellowship. Schools are back in session and the weather has begun to dip below “shorts and t-shirt” temperatures. 

Ministry Note:
As a family, try to make the most of the season. For cold nights, cuddle up for a movie or game night. Positive interactions with your family are essential for your children’s developement and behavior. During the day, enjoy the weather, the leaves, and the harvest by making a day trip out of apple picking or hay rides. You could even make household chores a family event by letting kids rake and jump into leaf piles. Make time for unforgettable memories and positive reinforcement.

Don’t forget to check the “News and Info” tab often for upcoming events!