On December 18, 2022 the choir from Blue Ridge Community Church delivered a presentation of “A Promise Kept” from Marty Parks. The vocalists provided an uplifting evening of Christmas music with an overall theme that what God promises, he delivers.
We thank Jackie and all the singers and folks working behind the scenes who delivered a wonderful evening for our community.
Below is a video copy of the presentation for your enjoyment.
It was amazing how a simple idea to bring some joy to the children of Winslow grew into a wonderful outpouring of love once we let God take over. The idea grew to include both of our churches here on the mountain and included multiple churches, businesses and local organizations from Winslow as all came together to gather gifts, food and sharing our love with a few hundred children and families.
Thank you to all the volunteers who served and gave of themselves to help make this a success.
This year’s Community Carnival was a huge success! On July 4th weekend we coordinated with our local Blue Ridge Fire Department to provide entertainment and games for the local community. Pastor Danny kept cool on the splash pad, while children and adults enjoyed games and prizes, along with getting to know our fellow community up here on the mountain.
Here are some highlights…
As Jesus is finishing His earthly ministry He tells His disciples a parable about a King who is going away for a while. While he is away he gives his servants 10 Minas and asks them to “engage in business” with them. Some are successful and have multiplied their return. Jesus tells about one who held on to what he was given and did not deliver what the king had anticipated. That outcome was not as pleasant.
The definition of Minas can be perceived in different ways. A good analogy is the Minas are Assets. We are given assets from God in our personality, “Spiritual Gifts”, passion, and our story. We have a choice on how to use these assets for ourselves, or for the Kingdom. As stewards, we need to be willing to take some risk in order to get a good return for our King.
We like to think about Jesus’ love, healing and peacefulness, but this passage in Luke raises some thoughts that can be confusing. He mentions bringing fire, disrupting peace and causing division. Many of us have taken this as an opportunity to justify separating ourselves from unbelievers. However, Jesus’ message is more of a warning of how we should be prepared.
This preparation is not just about the end times when Jesus will literally bring fire to purify the earth, but a warning that following Him may bring division within our own families and those close to us. In Matthew Jesus also mentions having a sword to help be prepared. This is not likely a literal sword, but another reference to the Word of God as our sword. This is not a sword used to attack others, but for our defense, as Jesus demonstrated when He was tempted by Satan.
Matthew also mentions that we need to not only prepare for division regarding those close to us, but we need to be prepared to put Jesus above all others in our life, without diminishing the love we have for those around us. We can find that if we give everything to God, He will help us use it for His purpose. What do you have that you are keeping to yourself, that God can use?
This week’s message is about the Parable of the Sower and how the same Word from God can affect each of us differently based on our perspective. As long as we hang on to our Kingdom of Earth perspective we will not be able to produce mature and effective fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Danny points out that the whole purpose of producing fruit is that when it is mature it leaves the tree and is left behind. Regardless of what happens to the fruit, its fragrance and sweetness when fully mature will have an impact for the Kingdom. Are we producing mature fruit to draw others into the Kingdom of God?
Looking back at 2021 we had a very active year. From the 50’s Diner meal and entertainment, to potlucks, Womens’ Tea, the Carnival in July, the First Annual Car Show on Labor Day Weekend and the Christmas Party.
A lot of time was put in by volunteers to help pull off the events, and the attendance by our members and community helped make them a huge success. Here are a few reminders of the great time we had up here on the mountain.
This year’s Christmas Party and White Elephant gift exchange was a big hit. The Pizza and appetizers filled our stomachs, while the gift exchange shenanigans provided the entertainment.
As before Steve’s commentary during the scramble for the “perfect” gift (card) allowed the real personalities show. A great time was had by all and we went away with growing love for each other as we shared great fellowship.
September 4th kicked off a new era in BRCC’s Men’s Ministry as the First Annual Blue Ridge Community Church Labor Day Car Show. Entrants rumbled, roared, snarled, purred, whirred, or sputtered into the parking lot. Thirty masculine machines from most American automotive periods and genre were directed into their spots from their hiding places in Happy Jack garages.
The event shared the date with the neighboring Blue Ridge Fire Department Bazaar and Breakfast as spectators wandered back and forth. “Look at that!”, “I remember . . .”, “I had . . .”, could be heard everywhere. There was something for everyone, from the 20’s coupe through the early hot rods, street rods, trucks, surfing safari searching-for-the-perfect-wave rig, touring bikes, muscle cars, Corvette-powered sand rail, NHRA Altered Roadster drag racer, and this writer’s Best-of-Show peach-lacquered ’65 Pontiac Grand Prix cruiser.
Attendees were asked to vote for their First, Second and Third Place entrants and over 300 votes were cast (the Pontiac took second). Except for the BRFD Red Hot Mamas’ breakfast burritos, it was the weekend highlight for hundreds of Happy Jack residents. As word spreads we look forward to a larger event next year.
Some photos of the entries can be seen below…
The annual Ladies’ Tea held on August 21st was a great success. We had over 00 women attend from the area, and several invited guests. Here are a selection of photos from the event.
