SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY

FELLOWSHIP - Getting to better know others from Berean, in a friendly setting
STUDY - Getting to know God better and to know His
will for us and for His Church

This group meets at the church, led by Bill Dodson, on alternate Tuesday evenings at 7:00.

The studies are in-depth with opportunity for questions and discussion.  The focus is always on God, His Word, and how He wants us to act within our lives.  Always open to new members.

BEREAN WOMEN'S MINISTRY

The Women's Ministry at Berean somewhat defies description in that their purpose is to earn money for needs that aren't included in the church budget.  Funds are raised by means of Spring and Fall salad luncheons, a yearly soup luncheon, a cookie sale the first Saturday of December, and selling recipe books containing delicious tried and true recipes from Grace members.  Even though organized meetings are seldom held, they have purchased such items as chairs, tables, & coat hangers, given donations to local missions, and provided for funeral luncheons, among other things.  No criteria must be met to pitch in, and every lady in the church is welcome.

SUNSHINE MINISTRIES

Under the leadership of Judy Dodson, this group was begun with the mission of making and delivering baskets of gifts to people who need a pick-me-up.  Each is tailored to the individual and offers a bit of sunshine to those undergoing trials and illnesses, those who have had a new baby, and  even to our servicemen.  The gals exchange duties on a monthly basis with one doing the packing and two the delivering.  They stay to chat with each person, if so desired, also have a card ministry, and deliver meat and cheese trays for funerals.

WIDOWS AGAPE FELLOWSHIP

A ministry, under the leadership of Pat Apel, that has been around awhile and going strong, these ladies meet at various restaurants on the third Friday of each month, with the primary focus being Christian Fellowship!  With an average attendance of 25-30 and two or three new people each time, they have Bible study, hymn singing, and each buys her own lunch.  Sometimes there are trips for special events.

These ladies have a wonderful "ministry within a ministry", called Faithful Pals.  These pairs of friends stay in touch with each other by phone, visits, and any number of ways.

ONLINE WITH GOD

Online With God is the online prayer line for our church.  When requests are submitted through the church office or by individuals, they are sent out to 75 members of the prayer line for immediate and confidential prayer.  This is an excellent way to "stay in touch" with our church family throughout the week and to remind us to support each other through prayer.

This great ministry, under the leadership of Joyce Storms, gets out prayer requests and praise in a hurry via email.

ALL-CHURCH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS

Jane Reed realized a supper was needed on Wednesday nights before the children's program.  Many of the teachers, our mothers who worked all day, didn't have time to fix suppers at home and still get to church at 6:30.  Some came right from work or were gobbling a sandwich on the way.

Jane and the Mission Committee (Jane, Pam Haglund, Sally Heindrichs and Margaret Griman) started making suppers September 21, 1994, charging $2/person or $5 for a family.  The church bulletin asked for more helpers; hearing and seeing the need, Alice Dekker felt led to volunteer.

In February, Dwight and Jane's daughter (in Uruguay as a missionary) became very sick and needed help.  Jane left for Uruguay to take care of her two little granddaughters and her son-in-law, Jerry.  As you know, when the boss is gone, the kids experiment!  Sally said her mother used to make a shepherd's pie, but Sally didn't know the recipe.  Sally and Alice looked through all their cookbooks, and one was found that sounded similar but only served six.  Thanks to a calculator and some experimenting, they put it together.

The next September, Pastor Dwight asked Alice to be chairman of Wednesday Night Suppers.  Some of the helpers since then have been Mort and Winnie Clark, Chuck and Sue Tallman, Jayne Fifolt, John and Joyce Vanderstelt, Bud and Joanne Hoeker, Wally and Elaine Haglund, Ken and Emma Lou Anderson, Marva Tousy, Marvin Vandermolen, Tony Koteles, Rene Greer, Kim Adams, Deb Ogal, and Heidi Bickel helped as she would get credit for volunteering through her class in school.  Darlene Stidham and Ginny Henry have helped as subs, too, and Norma Bayne worked several years even though she didn't go to church here.

Some of the most asked-for suppers are shepherd's pie, Mort's pancakes, soup and sandwiches, baked potato bar, spaghetti and goulash.

In 2007, because of rising food prices, we had to increase the price to $3/person and $7/family.  At times we have been able to give funds to the children's and youth programs.

BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE
FELLOWSHIP

A wonderful Bible study, done by mail, founded by Joe Mason, that we are blessed to take part in.  Carolyn Raymond is the Director of Bible Correspondence Fellowship, and she, along with four other Berean members, corrects the studies as the students complete them.

This ministry includes Bible studies, correspondence, answers to questions, encouragement, and birthday and Christmas cards for the students. 

We are thankful for those members of our church who contribute to this ministry through Faith Promise giving.  Without their support this ministry would not be possible.

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There are so many more, including our TEACHERS, HELPERS, PRAISE CHOIR, CLEAN-UP,  LIBRARIAN, MUSIC DIRECTOR, SHUT-IN VISITATION, TECHNICIANS, COOKS, and SO MANY OTHERS .... there is no lack of ways to serve the Lord and one another.