Jesus answered Thomas: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

The Buchanan

Bugle

Buchanan Christian Church 112 W. Third St. Buchanan, MI 49107

BCC Office

Office: 269-695-6621 Please leave your name, phone

number & a brief message

The BCC Bugle Newsletter - Volume 46 No. 23 - December 17, 2019

BCC

DECEMBER / JANUARY

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Weekly Activities for Growth & Service > Sundays: 9:20 am, Just Coffee - Come get some coffee, donut or treat.

9:30 am, Bible School - Classes for all ages

10:30 am, Worship Service - Nursery provided Evening: 5 - 6 pm, Adult Choir Practice, 5-6 pm, Heroes (grades K-5th)

> Wednesdays: No Programs meet on Christmas Day or New Years * 5:30 - 6:30 pm, GloryMakers Children’s Choir (grades K-6th) * 6:00 - 7:45 pm, Teen Illumination (grades 6th-12th) 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Special Prayer Time & Adult Bible Study

— > 12/21, Sat: 10 am-12 pm, Children’s Program Rehearsal

> 12/22, Sun: 10:30 am, CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS

MUSICAL

“A TREE LOT CHRISTMAS”

> 12/24, Tues: 7 pm, Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

> 12/25, Wed:

May you have a special time with family and friends.

(The BCC office will be closed for the holiday. From 12/24/2019 through 1/1/2020)

> 12/31, Tues: 6:00 - 12 midnight, Come have fun! > 1/1/2020, Wed:

> 1/2, Thurs: 1:30 pm, Ladies Fellowship meets

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BUCHANAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH Est. December 17, 1854

112 West Third Street Buchanan, MI 49107-1229 Electronic Service Requested

Tel.: 269-695-6621 Fax: 269-695-6351 Email: office@buchananchurch.com Web Site: http://www.buchanan.church

Office Hours: Mon & Tues: 8-12 & 1-5

Sunday Service

Bible School: 9:30 am (for all ages!)

Worship Service: 10:30 am

Deeper In the Word

Nate Babcock, Senior Minister

A Light in the Darkness The subtitle to astronomer Carl Sagan’s book Demon-Haunted World is “science as a candle in the dark.” Sagan means to present science as the light of rationality which dispels the darkness of myth, superstition, gullibility, and faith. But it turns out that in Sagan’s worldview science only illuminates a cold and dying cosmos devoid of God, of goodness, of hope, and of meaning. Modern science has brought many wonderful benefits to humanity. In many ways it is a candle of relief, healing, convenience, and efficiency. But people who are groping about in the darkness of addiction, oppression, violence, and despair need more than a candle. They need the full light of the sun.

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. – Isaiah 9:1-2

At Christmas we celebrate that “the Light of the World stepped down into darkness.” Jesus Christ is the One who drives away the shadows of sin, alienation, and death. Christ shines on us the light of God’s goodness, glory, and grace. He is the one who mends the wounds of the broken. He is the one who embraces those who have always been rejected. He is the one who forgives the guilty. He is the one who sets prisoners free. Let us rejoice in His light. Let us reflect His light to others. In former times, before electricity, lamplighters would ply their trade as darkness set in. They would go about town and city streets lighting candles in lamps, which would burn as the night wore on to provide points of illumination for any who might be out and about during those dark hours. Brothers and sisters, we could think of ourselves as lamplighters whose task is always before us. In a time when sin still hold sway over so many, the hour is always late, and the need for light is always at hand. This Christmas let’s take to the streets and allow the light which Christ has ignited in us to shine brightly.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they

may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

First, I learned a lot from Deep Focus about: the historical relationship between the church and Hollywood (chapter 2), about how movies are made (chapters 3-4), about the varieties of film criticism (chapter 5), and about the MPAA film rating system (first part of chapter 8). All this information gives depth and context to the theological work the authors are doing as they engage with movie-making as both an industry and an art-form.

Second, I found myself being prodded in new directions as I read Deep Focus. The book is filled with examples of how the authors themselves have been spiritually affected by movies, as well as with examples of how they enter into theological conversation with movies. As I read through their “wrestling” with how God can be present in and speak through film, I was repeatedly inspired to interact with movies in similar ways. One principle the authors argue for in this regard is “appreciation before appraisal” (p 167-168). That is, Johnston, Detweiler, and Callaway urge that we experience movies on their own terms and “hear” what they have to say before making our theological and/or ethical judgments. This is not a call to leave one’s Christian convictions at the door of the theater, but rather to practice the “ethical patience” (p 166) to allow the film to be what it is before entering into some kind of judgment or evaluation of it.

Third, Deep Focus has the potential to build up the body of Christ. The chapters on “discerning mystery” through a theological lens (chapter 7), on “expanding our field of vision” through an ethical lens (chapter 8), and “encountering the other” through a cultural lens (chapter 9) provide a biblically grounded and wise model for Christian interaction with one of the most influential industries and art forms of our time. Here is neither a “retreat” or “defend” mentality, but something far better: the humble convic-tion that Christian theology can stand on its own two feet to critically engage what film offers us, even and especially when film challenges our beliefs or pushes our ethical boundaries. In chapter 8 the authors quote what Daniel Defoe once said about literature and apply it to film: “To give the history of a wicked life repented of, nec-essarily requires that the wicked part should be made as wicked as the real history of it will bear, to illustrate and give beauty to the penitent part, which is certainly the best and brightest, if related with equal spirit and life” (p 162-163). Some films put evil and wicked things on display only to revel in them. Others, however, deal with wickedness in ways that are difficult to watch, not in order to glorify wickedness, but in order to be honest about it. One good example of this latter path is Flight (2012) starring Denzel Washington. Most of the movie is taken up with Whip Whitaker’s (Washington) debauchery. The presentation of his continuing disregard for others and his descent into self-destruction is not pleasant, appealing, or titillating. It is, frankly, disgusting. But this honesty about Whitaker’s sinful condition makes his sudden turn toward repentance at the end of the movie all the more surprising and powerful. The authors of Deep Focus would have us encounter such films with both genuine openness and biblical wisdom.

Deep Focus: Film and Theology in Dialogue by Robert Johnston, Craig Detweiler, and Kutter

Callaway Reviewed by Nathan Babcock

JANUARY BLESSINGS to CELEBRATE

(Please notify the office if you’d like to have your birthday or anniversary included.)

Birthdays

Kay Craw - 4

Lindsay Weldy - 6

Christiana Belcher - 8

Jason Furst - 9

Bonnie Hauser - 9

Ryan Rininger - 9 Dick Crettol - 12

Natalie Schmeling - 13

Ruth Barbour - 16

Bernie Klinedinst - 19

Steve Kingery - 22

Randy Vergon - 23

Christie Kuehn - 27

Nancy Holmes - 29

Charlotte Tillman - 30

Dale Weldy - 30

Tabitha Wheat - 31

Anniversaries

Nate & Brandy Babcock - 17

Don & Betty Cornwell - 20

— Thank You Note —

Dear Church Family at BCC, I just want to say “Thank You” for all your prayers and love in the passing of Steve and my hip replacement surgery. Also for the cards, flowers, food, home visits and prayers. Steve loved you all and so do I. Linda, Matt & Shana Quick

Our Nation, *BCC Leaders & Teachers *Those hurting from loss of loved ones *Our shut-ins & home bound *Victims of tragedy in our nation & elsewhere *President Trump & family, *US Troops *Lord to send forth laborers for the Kingdom *Africa Fire Mission Team & Trip Oct.19-28

Cole Balog - unspoken req., grandson of Danny & Jenny Ferris Meredith Barbour - John Barbour req. Chuck Brunke - continued healing, Ed & Linda Brunke req. Daniel Furst - headache cause unknown; Kristin Furst - teeth concerns Thom Hubbell - back pain, Phil Weldy req. Becky Kelley - foot surgery recovery Jennie Mann - very ill, hospital, friend of Rebecka Hoyt Ruth Metzger - RSV, Memorial Hospital Denise Peterson - health concerns, Linda Brunke req. Possible job internship soon - Rebecka Hoyt Jim Strzyzykowski - diverticulitis, Carrie Strzyzykowski req. Unspoken request - Jamie Becker req. Barbara Adolph Walker - needs kidney transplant Family of: Debbie Wieczorek, Rebecka Hoyt’s friend’s mother

BCC PRAYER NEEDS

Prayer Focus: Businesses

Mission of the Month: Eden Children’s Village

Please Remember in Prayer: *Our Nation, *BCC Leaders & Teachers, *Those hurting from loss of loved ones *Our shut-ins & home bound, *Victims of tragedy in our nation & elsewhere

*President Trump & family, *US Troops, *Lord to send forth laborers for the Kingdom

Praises: Passed college exams! R.H.

Who Is Jesus? By Roland Earnst

Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus, but why is the birth of a baby two millennia ago relevant today? The answer to that question depends on the answer to another question. Who is Jesus? People have various ideas of who Jesus is. Some say He is God. Others say he was just a man who was a good moral teacher. But, if Jesus is not God, he could not have been a good moral teacher. Let me explain why. There is no doubt that Jesus was born a human being. The shepherds who saw him in the stable and the people who watched him grow up in his hometown of Nazareth could verify that. He grew to be a rabbi, a teacher, and he had many followers. His select group of disciples who talked with him and ate with him and lived with him knew that he was a man. But his teaching was like no other man. He taught with the authority of God. He claimed to be God. He claimed to forgive sins, which only God can do. Thus, if that baby born in Bethlehem were merely a human being who grew to be a man and said the things he said, he would not be a good moral teacher. He claimed to teach the truth, and he even claimed to be the truth. He claimed to be God! If he were not God, he would be a liar or a madman, but he would not a good moral teacher. So who is Jesus? What do we celebrate at Christmas? We remember that God took on flesh as a baby who grew to be a man. He lived a sinless life because he is God. But he did not come just to show us how to live a sinless life. He knew that we could not. He came to redeem us—to be a sacrifice for our sins. When Jesus was on Earth, he was truly man and truly God. He could be the sacrifice for sins only because he was God. Although Jesus was sinless, he was not a third-party victim selected to bear our punishment. It would be immoral to punish an innocent man for the sins of all the guilty people. He was also the divine lawgiver and judge, so he could choose to suffer the penalty of His own law and bear the sins of all people. One man could only bear the punishment for his own sins. God can bear the punishment for all. So who is Jesus? On that night near Bethlehem, the angel did not merely announce the birth of a baby boy. The angel said, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people...a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 CSB).

1/05

1/12

1/19

1/26 Family Sunday

12/29

Bible School

J. Blaylock Bible School

C. Benson P. Anderson

Bible School

P. Brackett Bible School

R. Neal Birth-2 yrs: C. Blaine/G. Britton 3 yrs - Pre K: P. & J. Brackett K-2nd Gr.: D. & K. Furst 3rd-5th Gr: S. Weldy & A. Weldy

Bible School

J. Blaylock Bible School

C. Benson P. Anderson

Bible School

P. Brackett Bible School

R. Neal Birth-2 yrs: J. Ferris / S. Galaske 3 yrs - Pre K: R. & T. Wheat K-2nd Gr.: B. Smith

3rd-5th Gr: S. Weldy & A. Weldy

Bible School

J. Blaylock Bible School

C. Benson P. Anderson

Bible School

P. Brackett Bible School

R. Neal Birth-2 yrs: R. & T. Wheat 3 yrs - Pre K: M. & N. Mitchell K-2nd Gr.: P. & J. Brackett

3rd-5thGr: S. Weldy & A. Weldy

Bible School

J. Blaylock Bible School

C. Benson P. Anderson

Bible School

P. Brackett Bible School

R. Neal Birth-2 yrs: B. Smith 3 yrs - Pre K: B. Smith K-2nd Gr.: B. Smith 3rd-5th Gr: L. Klinedinst & R. Heiser

Bible School

J. Blaylock Bible School

C. Benson P. Anderson

Bible School

P. Brackett Bible School

R. Neal Birth-2 yrs: D. Bybee & TBA 3 yrs - Pre K: B. & C. Schmeling K-2nd Gr.: Family Sunday 3rd-5th Gr: Family Sunday

BCC COMPREHENSIVE SERVING CALENDAR: JANUARY

BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS & CHILDREN’S CLASSES

Birth-2yrs / 3yrs-Pre K / K-2nd / 3rd-5th / Worship Hr.

Contact: B. Smith

J. Brackett N. Mitchell M. Mitchell P. Brackett

M. Kitchell C. Benson C. Kuehn

R. Earnst

Z. Anderson

K. Entwistle D. Weldy P. Weldy T. Entwistle

M. Kitchell C. Benson C. Kuehn

B. Babcock Br. Babcock

K. Roberts J. Brackett P. Brackett D. Ferris

M. Kitchell C. Benson C. Kuehn T. Wheat

T. Entwistle K. Entwistle

G. Britton S. Weldy D. Ferris M. Mitchell

M. Kitchell C. Benson C. Kuehn T. Wheat

R. Wheat

G. Brackett

Praise Team Accompanist Sound Tech Projection Tech

G. Britton S. Weldy D. Ferris M. Mitchell

M. Kitchell C. Benson C. Kuehn

R. Wheat Z. Furst

MUSIC MINISTRY

1/05

1/12

1/19

1/26 Family Sunday

12/29

Contact:

J. Earnst

SERVING AT THE LORD’S

TABLE

Contact: P. Brackett

1/05

1/12

1/19

1/26 Family Sunday

1/05

1/12

1/19

1/26 Family Sunday

PRAYING FOR THE WORSHIP SERVICE

Contact: T. Anderson

B. Babcock S. Weldy

COMMUNION PREPARATION Contact: T. Young

January

BCC SECURITY LOCKUP Contact: N. Mark

D. Furst January

J. Pugh R. Young

N. Babcock R. Wheat

C. Boyer K. Pratt

B. Klinedinst

T. Irwin

SERVING HOME

COMMUNION

Contact: T. Irwin

1/05

1/12

1/19

1/26 Family Sunday

R. Earnst D. Weldy

D. Weldy R. Earnst

R. Earnst D. Weldy

D. Weldy R. Earnst

R. Earnst T. Entwistle

Meditation Prayer

Prayer Warrior

T. & P. Anderson

G. Britton

K. Pratt

D. Weldy

N. Dunning