To this end, we give thanks on this special day to the Lord our God for the bounty of gifts from his abundant grace. In all that we are experiencing, we are reminded to be mindful of our God’s loving kindness and grace towards us. You are and have been a blessing to your church through your faithfulness to the Lord and we want you to know we appreciate you.
It is the Lord’s will that we continue to look to him for our help (Ps. 121:2) and give thanks for how he is being glorified through our lives. However, we spend this day, be safe, considerate and mindful to let our light so shine through the works we do and are ordained to do (Eph. 2:8-10). We love you in the Lord and pray for your steadfastness
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” Acts 4:32
Looking forward to meeting and greeting and fellowshipping and worshiping together this Sunday
Fitly Joined Together in Love – A Church United – Ephesians 4:16
Don’t forget to be apart of the Missionary Ministry by picking up some of the suggested item for the “Blessing Bags”. This year the Missionary ministry is asking for your support to help be a blessing some of those in need by providing items for the bags. On December 4th, we will gather to assemble your gifts as only New Berean can. The collection box will be in the Welcome Center and thanking you in advance.
Happy Thanksgiving
We thank God always for your love towards the brethren and your display of love in service. Be encouraged to know that we are thankful for you New Berean Family
This Sunday is our “Missionary” Sunday which we celebrate, honor and recognize the efforts of our Missionaries and challenge one another to be about our Father’s business. The business of sharing the good news of God’s love and grace as extended through the shed blood of Jesus Christ is the good work for which we have been saved (Eph. 2:4-10).
New Berean’s vision is the same as “The Lord’s Commission“. We count it an honor and privilege to both share in his work and support it. To take the message of God’s eternal grace and love which has been extended through the person of his only begotten son, Jesus the Christ is why we exist. This month we celebrate the work of Christ through our Missionaries at home and abroad are doing.
You the members of New Berean support Missionaries in Costa Rico, India, Curacao, West Africa, The Philippines and well as some local agencies. Please remember them in your prayers and as you give support for the further success of the work God has called them and us into. Here are some of their praises and prayer requests:
Stability in their financial support
Growth in access to virtual meetings, internet access and tech support
Safe protection and medical support for everyone
Continue to pray for the Reynons (The Philippines) , whose son Nathan was killed in a car accident in September. He had been married only for a couple months. Prayer for her and the Reynons to fine grace in God’s love and comfort for them
Pray for acceptance and softness of the people to receive the good news
For the preparedness of the Saints as they are being trained
The Kumars ask for us to pray for their daughter and new son-in-law’s marriage
Let Us All Be About Our Father’s Business
May the Lord continually bless us as we share in the mission work He has called for us as a church.
If there are things we can do differently during the COVID enhanced times, share them with Ministry Leader Sister Gwen Reid or your Deacon. Thank you again for being the blessing you are for the cause of Christ.
As we continue on our weekly Bible Study series (The Local Church and Why It Matters), the Lord is helping us to see the difference between fellowship and worship and the importance of both elements in membership at a local church.
Unity within the local church, as intended by the Lord is properly manifested in his children “gathering” together. The local assembly was the place where God’s people gathered or met to fellowship, to hear sound, accurate biblical teachings designed to feed them that they would grow up. The early church gathered to encourage one another while being persecuted by the various religious sects and Roman authorities. They met to ensure all their needs were being met since they couldn’t depend their various homes and communities (Acts 2:44). As outcasts, they felt obligated by the spirit of God to take care of their own brothers and sisters.
Fellowship in the local church is vital to the maturity and spiritual development of us all (Eph. 4:11-16). Fellowship in the local assemblies is what God desires and intended. Yes, they were scattered through persecution and other reasons, but God still wanted them to meet regularly and fellowship with one another.
Membership is Fellowship
Worship is one thing and fellowship is another. Worship can be done anywhere and should be done not just in a building or place. But fellowship as ordained by God is and should be done regularly and purposefully (Heb.10:25) in the presence of other like-minded saints. It created an atmosphere of accountability for both the Leaders and Believers (Heb. 13:17). Throughout the development and growth of the early church, the Acts of the Apostles chronicles God’s instructions to local assemblies in Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Philippi and Titus in Crete and not so-called individuals deliberately detached from the local assembles.
We are encouraged to follow the model of the early church and glorify the Lord our God. It is intended that we look out for the spiritual welfare of our godly family as a means to honor the Lord. As Hebrews 10:25 states, do not adopt the ungodly mindset some had in deliberately not gathering to fellowship.
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus," Phil. 2:1-5
Every October, we take out and set aside this special time to honor, celebrate and recognize the gift God has given to the Ministry of New Berean
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-17
We are gifted with a pastor, teachers and leaders chosen by the Lord to lead this local assembly in love. Their purpose is for our edification and spiritual maturity that we would eventually grow closer together to the glory of God. We thank the Lord for our gifts and want to encourage them in the work they are doing for us.
Let them know, our Pastors, Teachers, Deacons and other ministry Leaders you are praying for them. Be accountable (Heb. 13:17), support them and are growing as a result of their efforts
On October 24th, we will acknowledge the these Leaders during our morning worship service. If you want to recognize a particular leader who has ministered God’s grace in your life, this will the time to do it publicly.
This local church has been gifted with Pastors and Teachers for purpose of discipling the Believers the doctrines of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). Everyone of them is different in the own right and are uniquely equipped and trained themselves for the ministry. As we grow and mature in our walk with the Lord, we are encouraged to encourage these faithful ministers in their labor of love.
To all of you, please look within your ministry for the person or persons you would like to recognize. On the 4th Sunday of this month (October 24th) we will give time for the ministry presentations
The concept of the appreciation is expanded beyond the work or service of the Pastor but includes the work of those who have labored in the word and in deed. Take a moment this month to call out that person who has ministered Christ to you and helped mature you in your faith. If you have a special person you would like to recognize this month, we can recognize them on the 24th during the Morning service.
October is Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month
"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves."
I Thessalonians 5:12, 13
Stanley Lee Eley – Pastor (December 31, 1959 – September 7, 2021)
With respect to Sister Carolyn Eley and family, we announce the Homegoing service for Stanley Lee Eley, former Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church here at New Berean Baptist Church.
Memorial Service Details:
Viewing Friday, September 17, 2021 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 (Directions)
Service Saturday, September 18, 2021 11:00 am New Berean Baptist Church 3600 Bamboo Road Portsmouth, VA 23703 (Directions) Seating is limited and audio will be transmitted on FM frequency 107.5
Interment, Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens 4569 Shoulders Hill Road Suffolk, VA 23435 (Directions)
MASKS and FACIAL COVERS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE OF METROPOLITAN and NEW BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH (please click here specific details for New Berean guests)
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:17-18
Every Sunday morning we invite you to join with us in prayer. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare which simply means we need to be equipped, suited and trained in the discipline of prayer. Prayer is a tool given to us by the Lord to be used to combat the many things we are confronted with. With illnesses, spiritual rebellion, depression and people who are just struggling to connect the with the Lord, we are commanded to always pray.
At New Berean, we have opened up a time for “Corporate Prayer” where we can collectively approach the throne of grace in our time of need (Heb. 4:16). Join us this Sunday and let us encourage someone in prayer.
Masks and face coverings are to be worn at all times while inside the facility
Practice and encourage safe fellowshipping
Surface body temperature reading upon entering the facility
Sanitizers and hand cleansing station (washrooms) are available
Signages to provide additional directions, instructions are posted throughout
We also ask you to monitor your own health and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risks of illness
We offer audio transmitter service for those who choose not to enter the facility as well as provide a frequently cleaned and disinfected facility.
We encourage biblical and corporate fellowship (Heb. 10:25) but if you cannot we understand. Your health is our combined concern. If you have any specific issues, contact one of our Trustees *property managers”. Looking forward to your continued fellowship with us in prayer.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:17b
Isolation, separation and ignorance are not the answers to reducing the risks associated with the COVID and other viruses our world is battling. But vigilance, knowledge of the facts and compliances do help. Let us help you and your family be as safe and conscience of our responsibilities to be the light of this world. The CDC (Center For Disease Controls) has provided us some valuable information for us to us and share (Workplace and Businesses guidelines)
The CDC recommends maintaining safe distances between one another while attending events and other social gatherings. We must recognize and accept that viruses such as the COVID-19 are transmitted through the air from one person to another. If we maintain safe distances no less than three feet, we can help reduce the risks of transmission. Other elements of safe practices like each of us wearing face masks along with distancing further reduce the risks.
Masks and face coverings are another tool we can and are expected to use to help minimize the spread of these viruses to help protect our family and friends. The use of masks is strongly encouraged to be worn by all of us.
Above all, it is imperative we remain vigilant and aware of our own health and the things we need to do to maintain good health. The body we’ve been given are the Lord’s and we are to be found faithful as good stewards with these things entrusted.
Know your health condition and take care of your body, God’s body.
Monitor changes in your health.
Consult your personal care or a competent medical physician when things change or are unexplainably different.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID virus, you should immediately get tested as well.
Follow your doctors advice.
Read and know the facts regarding your health, protecting yourself and the health of others near and dear to you. We who are believers are members of the body of Christ (Roms 12:4, Eph. 2:19) have a biblical mandate to care for and be considerate to one another especially those of the “household of faith“. Let us both give and receive consideration in prayer, comfort and supplying the needs of each other. STAY CONNECT and in touch with your church and biologically family.
Our responsibility and commitment to you comes from the Lord.
We, your New Berean family will keep you informed as we are provided with factual information.
We, your New Berean family will ensure our facility is safe for small and manageable gatherings and events.
We, your New Berean family will remain faithful and committed to “The Commission of Christ” as we ask you to do the same. The Lord expects us to rescue the perishing, comfort the hurting regardless of the circumstances for his glory.
