Message from David McIntosh-Mahady

It was a great honor to be appointed President of the Council of Balboa Union Church.

In these changing times the BUC have embarked on a number of exciting projects and I am exceedingly lucky to have such a dedicated professional team to help me carry out these tasks.

All the committees have set extremely high targets but we have all agreed that membership shall be the main focus and I ask the entire congregation to assist our Membership Chair in achieving our goal.

In finalizing, I am following the past President, Beth Ann Gray, who through difficult times led us not only with exceptional energy but also was compassionate in all her work and I will do my utmost to build on her achievements.

David

Council Officers

• President – David McIntosh-Mahady
• Vice President – Betsy Moran
• Secretary – Beth Anne Gray
• Treasurer – VACANCY

Committee Chairs

• Property – Kendra Walker
• Missions – Betsy Moran
• Worship & Ministry – Joel Guerra
• Finance – David McIntosh-Mahady
• Membership – Beth Anne Gray
• Christian Ed – Roland Schnell
• Youth & Adult – VACANCY

 From the Pastors Desk

Some verses from the Hebrew Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday:
Isaiah 40
40:26  Lift up your eyes on high and see:
40:29  Our God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
40:30  Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;
40:31  but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Lift up your eyes – as a young guy I learned this in a rather forceful way. I was riding my bike on the road, lost in thoughts. Luckily I was travelling slowly. I was watching thoughtfully in front of me, directly at the asphalt of the raod, and no higher than the front wheel.
BAM!
Suddenly I was lying down. No, no, the streets in my hometown are fine. I crashed into a parked car. Nothing happened to me; and luckily the car was without a scratch, but I could feel my back side; and I looked quite stupid.
Lift up your eyes: I have learned that lesson.
Raise your eyes, said the prophet. There are not only parked cars and a few bumps in the road. There are plenty of other black things and black holes.
Therefore look far enough; but do not focus on the trenches and dangers. See them, have them in mind, but always look far enough. Focus on God´s promises. Maybe there is no way to realize our wishes, but there is always a way for God´s promises.
God’s people have always experienced that God pioneering a new path. He does both for each individual and for his church. If we don´t see the way, let´s search together. God always prepares something new. He will surprise us; therefore let us strengthen our faith in God.

Reverend Roland

This Sunday at Balboa Union Church

Greeters: Grace and Gerry

Children’s Sunday School Teacher:  Martha De Maduro & Sue Robbins