Summer 2025
Together In Mission
Monthly Reflections from BCC
Summer Margin
By Phil Rushton
Lead Pastor
“Many people commit to a 120% life and wonder why the burden feels so heavy. It is rare to see a life pre-scheduled to only 80%, leaving a margin for responding to the unexpected things God sends our way.”
- Dr. Richard Swenson
Summer is fast approaching, and with the change of season often comes a change in rhythm for many of us. School is out for kids, vacations are scheduled, and we hopefully have a bit of time to catch our breath. This goes for our church rhythms as well. We are a little less scheduled at BCC and give our volunteers a bit of a breather.
I’ve mentioned before that there are two main categories of spiritual practices in the Christian tradition—practices of engagement and practices of abstinence. Practices of engagement involve taking things on in our spiritual life like bible study, volunteering, small group participation, or serving those in need. Practices of abstinence or relinquishment involve creating margin space for God by engaging in practices like silence, sabbath, fasting, solitude, generosity, or simplicity.
Both types of practices need to be balanced in the Christian life. A great biblical example of this tension shows up in Luke 10. Luke juxtaposes two different stories that promote very different emphases in the discipleship journey. Luke 10:25-37 tells the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable emphasizes the need to engage in active, costly service to those in need. Luke 10:38-42 follows the story of Mary and Martha. Here Jesus tells Martha that a life of contemplation and rest is better than a life of frantic service and hospitality. Fred Craddock responds to this tension in Luke 10 saying, “If we were to ask Jesus which example applies to us, the Samaritan or Mary, his answer would probably be ‘Yes.’” The Christian life requires wisdom to discern how to balance action and rest.
As we enter the summer season, you might reflect on what aspect of the Christian life needs more attention. Some of us may need to hear the challenge of the Good Samaritan and take on some practices of engagement. Others of us may need to hear the challenge of Mary and take on some practices of abstaining or relinquishing activity so that we can simply be present with God.
I find that churches generally tend to focus on promoting practices of engagement. We sometimes cram church life full of programs, service projects, bible studies, and so on. I wonder, though, if we sometimes need to under-schedule our lives in order to leave enough room to attend to what God is saying or doing in our midst. I like Dr. Richard Swenson’s idea of intentionally pre-scheduling our life to 80% so that there is room for us to attend to the holy interruptions or invitations from God.
While we are a little less programmed during the summer at BCC. I hope that this extra space will not be used to disconnect from God or community but to create a margin for spiritual renewal. Perhaps God might fill some of this space with time for contemplation and rest. Maybe there will be time to connect with your neighbors or invite people over for dinner. My prayer is that the margin space of summer will create room for the Holy Spirit to renew our lives and our relationships.
In Christ,
Pastor Phil
Foundation Reflection
Some of our 7th and 8th graders recently reflected on where they are currently at with their faith
What happens when you give teenagers the choice?
By Adria Willett-Leonardo
Associate Pastor
Recently our Missions Catalyst Team and youth staff collaborated on a project to help youth learn about generosity and joining God’s mission.
During March, the BCC Youth focused on “Living a Life of Purpose.” This included hearing from several members and friends of BCC about a variety of ministries and how God had called them into his service. They learned that God’s mission is broad; it can be local or global and involves everything from building relationships to caring for “the least of these.” In fact, anything that involves joining God in the renewal of the world and demonstrating the love of Jesus is mission!
After a month of listening to the guest speakers and talking about lives of purpose, the students were then invited to each choose how to spend $100 of the Mission Catalyst Fund on a community need. Seventeen of our students participated! They elected to send donations to places like the Lighthouse Mission, We Care/Whatcom Love Inc, Brigid Collins Family Support Center, and St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Several of the students chose their own projects, including working with their families or the church to buy food and hygiene kits for the homeless.
We asked the students to research where to send the funds and tell us how the donation would meet a need and/or join God’s work in our world. We also asked them to write cards to accompany their donations, thanking the organizations for their work or encouraging the recipients. Here are some of the things the students said about why they made their choices:
“I believe that people deserve help in all walks of life, and it is our job to help those in worse positions than us.”
“I feel that this is really important to the community because it is very important that kids grow up in a safe, nurturing environment.”
“My donation is going to the Lighthouse Mission, which helps the homeless and turns them towards God for a second chance.”
“Your mission really inspires me, and once I’m old enough I hope to volunteer and help people. You are truly doing God’s work. God bless.”
Thank you, BCC family, for your generosity which keeps on giving, and for investing in the spiritual formation of our youth!
God’s faithfulness to our kids
By Megan Mattix
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Dear Church Family,
As we wrap up the school year, our children’s ministry team has been reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been. We’ve seen God’s hand at work in so many ways, and I wanted to share a few glimpses of that with you.
Some highlights from this year (September 2024 – May 2025):
85 children participated in our ministry.
74 of those kids were regular attenders.
45 volunteers—including storytellers, nursery workers, and gym helpers—helped make it all happen. Their names are listed below—thank you for your faithfulness!
2 new staff members joined our team: Melissa Mueller and Julie Rushton. I’m endlessly grateful for both of you!
This year, our Preschool–5th-grade classes explored these incredible stories from Scripture:
The Story of Creation
God’s Great Family (Abraham’s journey and conversation with God)
Boy Jesus in the Temple
The Exodus from Egypt
Jesus’ Baptism
The Israelites in the Wilderness
Jesus in the Wilderness (Temptation)
The Israelites’ Exile & Return
All the Stories of Advent
The Story of Hannah
The Parable of the Good Shepherd
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Jesus and the Children
Jesus and the Tax Collectors
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Story of Jonah
Jesus Calms the Storm / Walking on Water
Jesus and Lazarus
The Woman Who Anoints Jesus
Jesus the King (Triumphal Entry)
The Last Supper / Communion
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Jesus Recommissions Peter
Dorcas Helps the Poor in Judea
The Ascension
Pentecost
Acts of the Apostles
A Year of Change and Grace
This year, we transitioned from having kids for a continuous hour and forty-five minutes to a new rhythm: a 30-minute breakout during each service with a 50-minute time of Worshipful Play in the middle of the two services. This shift brought challenges and required a lot of logistical coordination and a lot of flexibility from all impacted.
Parents and Volunteers: Thank you for your patience and willingness to try something new alongside us. You’ve shown so much support as we navigated this transition together.
As I reflect on this year I am encouraged by the maturity of our congregation to try a new church format with an open heart. Regardless of what the future holds- I am blessed to see a congregation willing to inconvenience themselves for the sake of trying to discern where the Spirit is leading.
Your grace toward me as a leader has been a gift too.
Kids, thank you for your flexibility—with new routines, new groups, and new spaces.
Looking Ahead with Hope
May God continue to be glorified in every corner of our church family—from the youngest to the oldest. May we keep choosing openness to the Spirit, even when it feels uncomfortable, trusting that God’s joy is our strength and that in His presence there are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16)
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support for BCC kids and families!
With gratitude,
Megan
A Huge Thanks To Our Amazing Children’s Ministry Team from 2025-2025!
Ben Taylor, Carlene Jean, Diane Majors, Doreen Olson, Heather Merchant, Cara Forhan, Jessica Taylor, Joy Soltis, Julie Rushton, Katie Meeks, Amy Keiper-Gowan, Kim Schlomer, Kristyn Crawford, Lauren Bentley, Lisa D'Hondt, Melissa Miller, Robin Thompson, Ruth Mitchell, Solera Hurley, Stella Taylor, Teresa Parsons, Zachary Mayer, Ashley Owens, Daniel Howard-Snyder, Gwen Graham, Nancy Lewis, Ann-Marie Hylton, Becky Smith, Caleb Barrett, Feiyan Rasmussen, Gwyn Pooleon-Fix, Jeff Hurley, Jeremy Chatelain, Kristin Chatelain, Jonathan Huegel, Justin Mattix, John Kerl, Rachel Silves, Rebecca Furrow, Rob Crawford, Shirley Burns, Susan Park, Tamaryn Mount, Sabrina Barrett
Celebrating our Global 6K for Water
By Ruth Mitchell
Thank you to the 50 participants and donors on Team BCC who raised over $2000 for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in DR Congo. What this means is there will be 40 more children who celebrate water for life because of your love and generosity! Imagine the joy in those families and new life-changing possibilities for health, education, and growing crops.
We had three walks in three areas: Bellingham, Ferndale, and Lynden. Even though it rained, we had good conversations and fun anyway!
You can still donate by writing a check to BCC with a memo of “Missions G6K.”
The Chatelain family preparing to walk in Ferndale.
Heather Merchant, Dottie and Marvin Marston, Jan Taylor, Nancy and Roy Taylor, and Mike Merchant (taking picture) walked in Bellingham.
From your BCC library
By Nancy Henderson
As difficult as it is to believe – at least for me -summer is almost here. And with summertime comes extra time for reading. But what to read? Well, what have you been wanting to delve into? The place of Christianity in the world? Your place in the world of Christianity? A book of the Bible you’ve been wondering about, or that has special meaning to you? Guidance for devotional time? A biography of someone you’ve heard about but don’t really know about? Missions or evangelism – local or world-wide? Family or marriage? A good novel or historical fiction? Your BCC Library has a wide range of topics.
And for the youth and children? Bible stories, Jesus in my life, living like Jesus, biographies, stories from history.
What about family time? Read-aloud stories or jigsaw puzzles bring family together and provide common ground for summer relaxing.
We’d love to have you take advantage this summer of all your beautiful BCC Library has to offer.
Up next:
Shop for a Cause Garage Sale
Friday & Saturday, June 5th & 6th
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Prime Timers Brunch
Thursday, June 12
12:30 pm in the Dining Room
*Prime Timers is a ministry for those who are 60(ish) and above.
2nd Cup of Coffee
Saturday, June 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!
Car Wash Fundraiser!
Saturday, June 15
10:00 am-11:00 am in the BCC Parking Lot
*This is a fundraiser for our Middle School summer trip! Come and support our amazing students!
All Church Camping Trip
Thursday - Sunday, June 19-22
More information Here
*Come out for the morning and worship with us on Sunday, June 22 or worship at BCC at 10:00 AM
Beginning of our one service on Sundays for summer
Sunday, June 22
10:00 am in the Sanctuary
BCC Play Date with World Relief
Saturday, June 28
1:00 pm-4:00 pm at Whatcom Falls Park
*This is for anyone who would like to connect with World Relief participants, play at the park, and share a snack potluck…bring some snacks to share!
BCC Play Date with World Relief
Saturday, July 12
1:00 pm-4:00 pm in the BCC Parking Lot
*Bring your bikes/scooters/skates
*This is for anyone who would like to connect with World Relief participants, bike in our parking lot, and share popsicles together!