October 2023
Together In Mission
Monthly Reflections from BCC
Balancing the Inward & Outward Journey of Faith
By Phil Rushton
Lead Pastor
For the past two months, we have been exploring the various practices of the faith that enable us to abide in Christ and grow spiritually. While this series included conversations on some of the missional practices of generosity and service, we have been focusing a lot on the inward journey of spiritual formation. During October, we are going to balance out this conversation by focusing on our outward journey of missional engagement.
A healthy spiritual life holds in balance the inward and the outward journey. We need to tend to our souls both personally and corporately if we are to bear good fruit in the world around us. During the sermon on Sabbath a few weeks back, I referenced Wayne Mueller’s observation, “The world aches for the generosity of well-rested people.” Simply put, we can’t give what we don’t have. Effective outreach will flow out of a deep inner life that is nourished by an ongoing connection to the Lord.
At the same time, we can get out of balance if we are so focused on our spiritual formation that we neglect God’s call to be engaged in the community around us. God calls us to be involved in our world. After the resurrection, Jesus discovers his disciples locked away and huddled together in a room out of fear. He empowers them with his Spirit and says, “Just as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
To facilitate a conversation on how we ought to engage the world outside the walls of the church, we are going to spend the month of October and November studying the book of Jonah. Jonah is a rich story that powerfully communicates God's heart for the world, and the barriers that get in the way of us moving out in mission. Jonah is reluctant to preach to the Ninevites. Instead of heading to Nineveh, he goes to Tarshish, which represents the furthest possible place from Nineveh. Later in the book, we see that Jonah is angry that God wants to save and forgive the Ninevites. They were the arch-enemies of the Israelite people and were known for their brutality and evil.
The book of Jonah helps us encounter God's great mercy and love for those that we consider to be our enemies, or those we see as radically different from us. In these polarized times, we are being formed to demonize those we disagree with. The church is often caught up in partisanship and divisiveness. My hope is that this study of Jonah might help us discover God's desire to bless all people and nations through us. My prayer is that this study might help us discern the ways God is calling us to move toward our community with the love of Christ.
Meet Your New Associate Pastor of Outreach and Formation
This past Sunday, our congregation voted to affirm Rev. Adria Willett-Leonardo as our new Associate Pastor of Outreach and Spiritual Formation!
Adria is an ordained Covenant pastor who feels called to help people draw closer to God and experience his goodness. She seeks to do this through loving others, teaching, preaching and studying Scripture, facilitating spiritual formation, empowering others for mission, and helping build community inside and outside the church. She is in her final year of training to be a spiritual director at North Park Theological Seminary and has been researching using art with spiritual practices.
Adria received a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing from Houghton College (now Houghton University) in Houghton, N.Y., and a Master’s of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. She was ordained to word and sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2006 and has served as intern, youth director, pastor, and interim pastor at churches in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Adria worked with a non-profit organization that advocated for immigration reform and provided humanitarian assistance for migrants crossing the Mexico-U.S. border. She also spent several years as a chaplain in hospice and hospital settings.
Adria grew up mostly in Mexico and Arizona since her parents worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She speaks Spanish as a result. She also spent a summer in Tanzania and a college semester in London. She and her husband Jim currently live in Chicago. In her spare time Adria enjoys reading, art, crafts, board games, and hiking.
Please be in prayer for Adria and Jim as they spend the next month wrapping up their time in Chicago and moving to Bellingham. We are excited to have her join our staff team!
BCC Youth | Parents
By Jeff Grosskopf
Youth Pastor
BCC Youth | Parents
1st Wednesday of each month
6:30-8:00 PM
I understand how life can often feel like a whirlwind of endless tasks and responsibilities, especially when it comes to looking after your kids. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, it's easy for your own well-being and friendships to take a backseat.
With the growing number of families at BCC, I’m excited to introduce a monthly opportunity for youth parents to connect with others and find community and support with those who share similar parenting journeys.
I want to invite you to join us for a monthly event, taking place on the first Wednesday of each month. We'll come together over food to not only get acquainted but also delve into discussions on parenting topics that can empower and encourage you to keep at it!
So, instead of simply dropping your kids off at the door for youth group, I encourage you to step inside and spend some quality time with us. Let's strengthen our community, support one another, and grow together in faith.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Jeff G.
Pie Fest! We need your help!
October 29th, following the worship service
One of the things we love to do here at BCC is spend time playing and having fun together as a church family! It’s so important to us that we intentionally schedule time to make it happen! That’s why every 5th Sunday of the month, we spend our Life Together Hour (from 10:30 to 11:45) doing something fun and playful! The next one is just around the corner! We’ve decided to have a Pie Fest to celebrate all the goodness fall has to offer! We’re really hoping you all bring some sweet and savory pies! So get your cookbooks out, look up your favorite recipes, and get to baking!
Up Next…
Prime Timer’s Potluck Luncheon
Thursday, October 5th
12:30 PM in the Dining Room
Retirement Celebration: Brian Aronson
Sunday, October 8
In the foyer after the Worship Service.
*Brian is retiring after over 2 decades of dedication & serving our church as Director of Building and Grounds. Thanks for all your hard work, Brian!
Second Cup of Coffee
Saturday, October 14
10:00 AM in Cafe Fika
*Ladies, join us for coffee and fellowship! If you are new to BCC, this is a great way to get to know other ladies in our church!
Pie Fest
Sunday, October 29
Following the worship service in the Multi Purpose Room
*Please bring a pie! Sweet or savory, the choice is yours!
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 11
9:00 AM-4:00 PM.
*Volunteer sign-ups will be in the foyer on October 22nd, 29th, and Nov. 5th.