Happy Friday!

There are a lot of things happening in our world and in our lives recently that seem overwhelming, that are heart-breaking and maybe seem hopeless that they will resolve.  I don’t want to sound trite, but I know a God that is sovereign and in control.  He has proven this to me time and again – HE IS FAITHFUL.  The last verse from a familiar children’s song “He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands” come to mind as I write this:

“He’s got everybody here in His hands, 

He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands

He’s got everybody here in His hands

He’s got the whole world

He’s got the whole world in His hands

I want to share some encouragement with you as we look to gather this Sunday.  There is a lot to pray for in our world and among one another.  As we look this Sunday at John 15, a familair word rings in my heart as I read this passage – Abide.  Abide in Jesus in this moment, this weekend this coming week, this month, etc.  

Abide.  Remain. 

Here is how you can be praying for Ukraine and other needs sent Nazarene Compassionate Ministries: https://bit.ly/3t8mPVJ

Here is my weekly video about my message for this Sunday: https://youtu.be/KJ3PlM7JTSo

I’m praying for you!

-PB

This Sunday we will begin a new series focusing on the “I am” statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. This seven-week series explores the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Each “I Am” declaration illustrates a specific revelation of Jesus’s character and testifies to his divinity. Also, each of the “I Am” announcements reveal our spiritual needs and how Jesus perfectly meets each and every one.

You can watch the video linked below for some more details. I am excited to be with you on Sunday!

Journeying with you,

Pastor Ben

Psalm 119:105 tells us that the Word of God is lamp for our feet and a light for our path. God’s Word nourishes our soul in ways that nothing else can. It is probably safe to say that we all want to read our Bibles more, but we often get lost in bizarre rituals and endless genealogies. Sometimes, we simply don’t know where to start.

As a young Scottish pastor once said, “Prudence would suggest that if you want your people to read the Bible more faithfully, then you need a plan.”

I know that sometimes embarking on a journey to do something challenging is often better with friends, so I thought I would invite you to come along with me.  I thought it would be great for us to do this together!
Our 2022 Bible Reading Plan is titled “One Story That Leads to Jesus.” It will be available digitally through the Bible App (see link below) as well as a physical copy you can download and print (see link below and I will have copies available at the church).

We also have a church Facebook group where we can discuss what we are reading, give encouragement and share prayer requests.  The link to that group is also below.

This journey together begins January 10th!

Structure
This plan takes you through the entire Bible in one year. You’ll read two or three chapters a day and sometimes skim through larger portions that contain genealogies and census information.

Meditate on the Psalms
Each day’s reading includes a Psalm upon which you can meditate and pray. By the end of the reading plan, you’ll have prayed through the book of Psalms two and a half times.

Videos
Every time you begin reading a new book of the Bible, you’ll be directed you to a short animated video on The Bible Project website. These videos will outline the book’s design and overall message to put your reading in context. In addition to these overview videos, you’ll also find helpful theme videos that explore several topics covered in the reading plan.

This can be a significant year of spiritual growth for you if you will dedicate yourself to the reading of the Bible. That means you have to persevere and even overcome discouragement. Don’t quit if you fall behind or even miss a week or two. Just pick right back up where the schedule is and begin anew.

The most important decision you can make about Bible study is the one you can make right now: I will do this. I will not quit. I will not give up. I’m in it for the duration. This year will be the year I set the habit of regularly reading the Bible. Make that determination, set your heart, and let’s look forward to a great year of reading and understanding the Bible!


I am so excited for us to embark on this journey together through the Word of God!

Join the Digital Reading Plan

Download Physical Reading Plan

Church Facebook Group

Ben Beckner
Lead Pastor
Wray Church of the Nazarene

I wanted to post a quick note about our annual meeting we held this past Sunday. I am so encouraged to see the life that is happening at our church and how we celebrated that during our meeting. I am prayerfully anticipating what the rest of this year ahead will look like for us as we navigate forward. God is up to some amazing things and I am looking forward to partnering with Him and you in the days ahead!

I am also excited about our recent election of board members as well. We had a total of three board positions up for election, with one of the positions a new seat on the board. Duaine Dodsworth remains our Sunday School / New Building / Treasure Champion, Keith Chapman is our new Facilities Champion and Aldor Cruz is our New Spanish Ministries Champion. Aldor leads the Spanish Congregation and does a great job. We needed a voice on the board that represents them and I am confident this will be a great addition to our board to provide leadership and insight as we move forward.

God is so good and there are great days ahead! Let’s be praying together for the Lord’s leading as we navigate these days ahead.

Serving Him with you,

Pastor Ben Beckner

We have scheduled our annual member for this Sunday, May 10th beginning at approximately 12:30pm. It will be live-streamed and accessible through our Facebook page, our YouTube Channel and our website. I will be emailing and texting out a link to our online ballot to members for their vote beginning on Saturday. I will have some paper ballots available at the church office for those that would prefer to vote in that manner. They can be picked up ahead of Sunday’s vote with your option of voting at that time or returned on Sunday. Voting will close at 12:45pm on Sunday the 10th so all online votes must be cast by this time or ballots presented in person by this time.
A copy of annual reports will be available to everyone online or in the office.
It would be helpful to me if you could respond to this email that you are INDEED an official member of Wray Church of the Nazarene to verify with information that I have. I am working hard to try and make this process accessible to everyone as much as possible with the limitations we currently have. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am looking forward to great time celebrating what has been accomplished over the year and anticipating great things to come!

Serving Him with you,

Pastor Ben Beckner
pastorbenbeckner@gmail.com
719-480-1887

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrayNaz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJYUOlnlt2tTrKfe3XbQow?
Website: www.wraynaz.com