Verse for today:

Zechariah 4:6 

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Zerubbabel, governor of Jerusalem, was faced with what seemed to be an impossible task. God had spoken to his heart and told him to rebuild the temple. It is one thing to build something the first time, but to rebuild is almost nearly impossible!  The same is true for each of us individually – one of the hardest spiritual experiences you will have in your life will not be a new experience but “revival” experiences. Refreshing and rebuilding and rekindling the fires: it’s hard to get fired up after being disappointed.  It’s hard to find the enthusiasm after you’ve had months of hard work without results.  

Zechariah reminds us that sometimes, it’s not about how powerful we are (or feel), or how strong we are – but rather by the supernatural that the rebuilding happens to us.  Sometimes we have done all we know how to do and we feel like we’ve given all that we can – and God says “It’s not by your might or power, but by my Spirit”.  “Hand it over”.

There are times in each of our spiritual lives when we face challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths. Zerubabbel faced such a challenge. God sent a prophet to remind him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be won by our power and might. The real question that each of us must face is very simple: in our personal lives, and in our ministry efforts, where do we place our trust and what is the source of our confidence? Are they in our abilities, skills, insight, and strength or God’s?

Perhaps we are placing our focus on the wrong things. We recruit more manpower, we raise more funds, we do this, we do that – all to ensure that our task can be held out smoothly. What are we missing?  That one thing is God. The presence of the Spirit. Being with God. Listening to Jesus.

Indeed, often we struggle to be up to task, but when hiccups occur we see the grace of God. It is through our flaws and our inadequacies that we see witness the greatness of God. Let us not lose sight of God. Not by man’s power, nor by the might of kings – but by the Spirit of the Lord.

THIS SUNDAY AT BALBOA UNION CHURCH

Worship Service at 10 a.m. – ALL ARE WELCOME!

SPEAKER: Special guest speaker – Rev. Robert Smith

Sunday School Teachers: On Vacation

Special welcome – new members

This Sunday we are pleased to formally welcome new members into the congregation (who have been with us and hopefully you all know personally)!  Exciting times for Balboa Union Church.

Annual General Meeting of the Congregation:

Will follow after the service, at 12.00 m.d. downstairs in the small Chapel.

Prayers Concerns

Please Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters from Siria and Iraq

Lord, please remind the world that we are all brothers and sisters and there should be no violence among us, only love and attempts to understand one another.

We also remember in prayer our former pastor:

• Luis Veagra – facing health issue

Up-coming BUC Activities

BUC Patio Sale Saturday – January 30th

The coming weeks will be receiving donations of clothes and shoes of ladies, gentlemen and children, also home appliances in good condition, all that you already do not use or do not have any more space in your house to keep it, please come and donate it to BUC patio sale, our office schedule is of 9:00am to 4:00pm (Wednesday the office is closed) contact to us to 314 1004 or office@balboaunionchurch.org, memebership@balboaunionchurch.org  to coordinate delivery of the donation with the secretary, also we need Volunteers to help in the organization of patio sale

 Volunteers are required for:  starting 7.30 a.m. on Saturday morning – we need teams (usually 2 teams/relays) – that can “walk the floor”, answer questions, and collect the money (we usually have one person helping add up the amount and another with the money).  Where possible, we would like two teams for the “till” at all times, as otherwise we get backed up.  Ideally we need about 10-15 volunteers on the actual day of the patio sale.  Typically we are done by midday (there’s nothing left of any great value).

Sunday, January 31, 2016 – Annual General Meeting

Our annual general meeting should be held on the 1st Sunday of February, but given that this year it is Carnavales weekend, we will be moving the AGM forward to the 31st of January, 2016.  We are asking for nominations to the following positions:

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

Committee Chairs:

• Worship & Ministry
• Christian Education
• Adult & Youth Activities
• Finance & Stewardship
• Property Management
• Missions
• Membership

Our current Council Members and Chairs are looking forward to serving this year on the Council and Committees as the Congregation best sees fit according to their talents and abilities.

Other news:

Building 773:

We continue our work sprucing up Building 773 – the basement, apartment C and other common areas.  We would be happy to have any volunteers that can assist with this, and any donations towards this work would always be appreciated.

Good Deeds Program in Casco Viejo:

In  BUC Missions we are Collaborating with “Good Deeds ” Program: Here is more information regarding the Good Deeds Program. And here is some information regarding their activities, if you want to participate and volunteer more actively.