Berea Update for January 16, 2026
As a church family, we are entering an important weekend. This Sunday we will gather for our annual business meeting—a time to reflect, to ask questions, and to consider what lies ahead. Moments like these naturally invite discussion about plans, priorities, and decisions. But before we talk about what the church will do, it is wise to pause and remember who the church is called to be. The devotional below is meant to help us do just that. I encourage all of you to turn to Scripture to remind yourselves of our identity as God’s people—built on Christ, united in love, devoted to His Word, and led by Him alone. Please pray now for Sunday that as a church family we can demonstrate humility, unity, and trust in the Lord who faithfully shepherds His church.
Upcoming Events
1. This week, Pastor Miller will continue his short series from the book of Ecclesiastes called "Passing the Torch." This week's message is called "Empty Pursuits" and will be drawn from Ecclesiates 2-6. This Sunday is also "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday," and we will briefly recognize this day in prayer as a part of the morning worship service. We hope you'll all be able to join us!
2. As mentioned above, we have the Annual Business Meeting coming up this Sunday after the morning worship service. During this important meeting we'll be recapping 2025, presenting goals for 2026, sharing financial updates, providing an update on the building renovation plans, and also electing elders and deacons. Please plan to attend! There will be lunch provided between the morning worship service and the start of the meeting. If you were unable to pick up an informational packet on Sunday, there will be copies available this week.
3. We will be electing elders and deacons during the annual business meeting. The names of the men who are up for election were not included in the packets, however, I want to make sure that you all have an opportunity to prayerfully consider the men who have been nominated for each role prior to Sunday. Per the Berea Constituion, the Elder board makes recommendations for each of these leadership positions. The men listed below have been evaluated in light of the biblical qualifications. If elected, each man will be serving in that role for a two-year term, and they may be nominated for additional two-year terms after that. Please see the names of the men who have been recommended for each role below. For those who are nominated for a "new" term, I have included a brief biography as well.
Elder
Tom Wolverton-- Two-year renewal term
Deacon
Daniel Koranek-- Two-year new term; Daniel and his wife Lauren were married in 2021. They have two children, Lydia (2) and Andrew (14 mo.). Daniel attended Cedarville University, where he majored in Computer Science. He currently serves as a professor of Computer Science at AFIT, the USAF grad school. Daniel was saved as a child, and has been actively involved in church and other ministries throughout his life. He's been the lead in the kitchen of a homeless shelter in Dayton, has worked with international students at Wright State University, and recently taught ESL classes with Haitians in Springfield. He enjoys outdoor activities, such as running in any free time that he might have.
Andy Kitselman-- Two-year new term; Andy has attended Berea for 40 years. He's been married to his wife Tammy (high school sweethearts) for 40 years as well, and they raised both Ross and Andrea (Berrien). Throughout his time at Berea, he has served in a variety of roles and committees, including AWANA and youth activities. Andy has worked in construction, and is now semi-retired (since 2019). He's used his construction background in many ways here at the church, helping with various building projects throughout the years.
Phil Berrien-- Two-year renewal term
4. There will be a worship team meeting on Sunday, February 1 following the morning worship service in the front left room in the Family Life Center. This meeting is for anyone who already is a part of the team, or for anyone who would like to join in the worship team. So, if you enjoy singing, or can play an instrument, please consider participating in this meeting!
5. Looking for a fun way to stay active and connect with others? Pickleball will continue on Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Family Life Center. All skill levels are welcome! We had a good turnout the first week, but would love to have you join in the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Mike Greenwood.
6. There have been some questions about small groups now that we've moved into the new year. Due to the staff transitions taking place, the elder board has decided to not have small groups until at least the month of March. An update will be provided as we move into February. Looking ahead, if you are interested in leading a small group, or potentially hosting one, please contact me (Pastor Mark).
7. Sermon journals are available in the Gathering Area. If you have a sermon journal from the first week that we distribtuted journals that doesn't have enough pages and would like to have your journal corrected, please make sure your name is on it, and it can be dropped off in the church office for correction.
8. If you like to read IFCA's magazine, "The Voice," there are two new issues available at the Welcome Center. For some reason, we received two different issues in the recent mailing, so these issues cover four months.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for the upcoming annual business meeting! Pray for wisdom for our church family as we make several important decisions for 2026 and beyond!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — A People Belonging to God
Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
The church is not first a building, a program, or a schedule—it is a people. Paul reminds us that believers are “no longer strangers and aliens,” but members of God’s household, built together on Christ Himself. Before we consider what the church should do, we must remember who we are. We belong to God, and we belong to one another. In seasons of change, it’s easy to feel unsettled. But our identity as God’s people is not threatened by transitions. Christ remains the cornerstone, holding everything together.
Reflection Question: How does remembering that you belong to God—and to His people—shape the way you view the church right now?
Day 2 — A Body with Many Members
1 Corinthians 12:12–27 (ESV): For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
God designed the church to function like a body—many parts, different roles, one purpose. No member is unnecessary, and no role is insignificant. When one part suffers, all suffer; when one part is honored, all rejoice. Unity in the church does not mean sameness. It means dependence on Christ and appreciation for one another. God uses diversity within the body to display His wisdom and care.
Reflection Question: What role has God given you in the body, and how can you serve faithfully in it this week?
Day 3 — A People Devoted to the Word and Prayer
Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
The earliest believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers. These were not optional extras—they were foundational. Healthy churches are built on God’s Word and sustained through prayer. When plans feel uncertain or decisions feel weighty, returning to these basics brings clarity and peace. God shapes His people as they listen to His Word and depend on Him together.
Reflection Question: How are you personally engaging with God’s Word and prayer as part of the life of the church?
Day 4 — A People Marked by Love
John 13:34–35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus said that love for one another would be the defining mark of His followers. Not agreement on every issue. Not perfect execution of plans. Love. This kind of love is patient, humble, and sacrificial. It listens carefully. It assumes the best. It seeks unity rather than winning arguments. In times of tension or transition, love becomes our strongest witness to the world.
Reflection Question: What is one practical way you can show Christlike love to someone in the church this week?
Day 5 — A People Who Bear One Another’s Burdens
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Church life is meant to be shared life. Scripture calls us to carry one another’s burdens, reflecting the compassion of Christ. That means walking with one another through grief, uncertainty, joy, and growth. No one is meant to navigate difficult seasons alone. God often provides His comfort through the presence and care of His people.
Reflection Question: Whose burden might God be calling you to help carry right now?
Day 6 — A People Who Shine as Light
Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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."
The church exists not only for its own encouragement but also as a witness to the world. As we live out our faith together, God uses our good works to point others to Him. Faithfulness in ordinary moments—serving, loving, persevering—becomes a powerful testimony. Even in seasons of uncertainty, the church can shine brightly when it reflects Christ.
Reflection Question: How can your life and involvement in the church point others to the goodness of God?
Day 7 — A People Under the Headship of Christ
Colossians 1:18 (ESV): "And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Above all else, the church belongs to Jesus. He is the head of the body, the beginning, and the one who holds all authority. Leadership changes, plans shift, and circumstances evolve—but Christ remains firmly in control. Our confidence is not in human leadership or perfect strategies, but in the risen Savior who loves His church and leads it faithfully.
Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to trust Christ’s leadership over His church today?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Lettuce
Lettuce who?
Lettuce in—it’s cold out here!
Have a great week! Hope to see you Sunday!
Mark