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!

Today is Rally Day at BPC! This day is a great opportunity to celebrate Christian education and comission our teachers for a great year. Make sure to be there if you can; it will be a great day!

Make sure to keep this blog in your favorites so you can check back often. There are many great updates for the fall that will be going up very soon. Check the “News and Info” tab as well as the other tabs and posts. If you have time leave a comment or tell us if you enjoyed the post or page by clicking on the “thumbs up” at the top of every post. Don’t forget to share the blog with family, friends, and co-workers too!

Everyone is preparing for Sept. 20th! That is the day our fall classes start for our Christian Eduction at BPC. Today there is a meeting after church for teachers to review curriculum, share ideas, learn how to better manage classrooms, and foster excitement about the coming fall CE classes. Our teachers are eager and the CE committee is looking forward to this coming season of classes. So what about you? How can you prepare for the fall? Here are some ideas:

Invite a friend: Begin to think about a co-worker, friend, family member, or neighbor you can invite. The fall is a great time to invite families to church and the CE classes are a great reason to do it.

Prepare your family: Talk with your kids about what they should expect from CE classes. Ask what they like, what they don’t like, who they can invite, and how they should act. Begin to pray with them and read Bible stories.

Talk to your child’s teacher:Begin a conversation with your child’s teacher and/or the CE committee members to participate fully in your child’s Christian education.

Foster your OWN Christian education:Make sure that your life is one that emulates Christ’s and model the characteristics you want to see in your child’s life. Take time to pray, read, meditate, care for others, be silent, etc. Your child’s Christian education begins with YOUR Christian education.

We are looking forward to the next few weeks! We know you are too! As your family settles in as summer closes, make sure to take time to foster your family Christian education at home during the week. Make time for discussion, prayer, laughter, and modeling. Most of all HAVE FUN!

Summer is quickly winding down with just a few weeks until kids return to school for the fall semester. Your college student may be settling into his/her dorm room or you may be sending your little one to school via their first ride on a school bus. At BPC we have just a few more weeks of Summer Celebrations before starting our fall CE classes on September 20. Begin to prepare your kids for Christian Education just like you would for school. In the next few weeks make time to read Bible stories (check our resources page for helpful Bible choices), pray with your children, and intentionally emphasize Christ-like values like fairness, love, and mercy. Be sure kids get ample rest and set expectations for Sunday morning learning. Don’t forget to ask questions about what they learned on the ride home! If you need more resources for you family (i.e. a Bible, prayers, etc.) contact the church and we can put more resources in your hands. We want your family to be a disclipeship tool, because Christian Education begins and ends with you!

News and Info:
September 13 is our Rally Day! Be sure to be at church that day for a great kick-off to a wonderful fall of exciting CE classes. This is a great opportunity for you to meet teachers, celebrate CE, and learn more about the fall classes. Make it a point to be a contributing part of your child’s Christian education.