Greater Bethesda Christian Center

Pray for the state of Oregon as we are moving to extreme risk due to the surge of COVID-19. Prayer is needed for the families that are impacted by illness, job loss and mental health challenges. Please keep our local business owners up in prayers as many are suffering to maintain open during this unprecedented time.

On July 15, 2017, BYD distributed 200 sack lunches to the downtown community. An anonymous donor contributed all food items needed to prepare meals for our Portland Homeless population. Each lunch contained the following items:

1. Sandwich- Ham & Cheese or Peanut Butter and Jelly

2. Fruit snack

3. Crackers/chips

4. Cookies/granola bars

5. Napkins;handy wipe

6. An encourage note 

We had a total of 30 volunteers who helped prepare and distribute lunch sacks. We thank everyone for your support! 

 

I hear frequently that it’s hard to get the younger generation to serve in the church.  I don’t think it’s because they don’t want to serve, however. I think we may simply need to reconsider the circumstances under which they are willing to serve or the structure that works to attract them to serve.

Here are 7 ways to get young people to serve:

1. Don’t just talk about it … do it. They truly want to be active. They want to be doers of the word … not just hearers.

2. Reward progress … not people. Humble service is a valued character trait to the current younger generation. That’s why they love teams so much.

3. Think people impact…not project completion. They want to help others … make a difference in someone’s life … and add value to the world around them.

4. Make meetings social events. Boring meetings won’t work anymore, but they’ll get together for pizza … and organize a cause in the process.

5. Use teams more than committees. They tend to rebel against bureaucracy and embrace working together through fellowship.

6. Give ownership more than assignments. They want a seat at the table. They want to do something of importance now. They want to help shape their own future. Make them feel welcome.

7. Be inclusive, not exclusive. They aren’t looking for the country club environment, as much as a collaboration of differences.

None of these mean we have to lessen our values to work with the younger generation, but our values should be Biblical, and clearly identified. This newer generation is more tolerant. It’s not a buzzword for them … it’s in their DNA. The good news is they are more willing to work with others, even if they don’t completely agree with them. If they know people are being transparent with them and others, and are working to address a concern in which they believe needs addressing, they are eager to serve.

What have you learned about getting a younger generation to serve?

Did you know that Matthias Evans has been our sound technician on Sunday Mornings? Not only has he done an amazing job keeping our microphones working efficiently, but he brought his own equipment to play gospel music during our services. In addition, he helps our hospitality/usher department set-up for Sunday Morning Worship Service. We are so proud and blessed to have Matthias Evans as an important member of our youth department and our church family.

Did you know that Josh Lawrence has been playing for our church for 4 years now? His drumming skills are unmatched and his dedication to both Praise Teams has been a blessing to our church family.

Did you know that Elise Cochran has been a part of the Usher department for approximately 6 months? Her professionalism and support to our congregation and the President of the usher department Sis. Adams. The bible says that if we teach a child in the way he/she should go, they will not depart from you. We are training our young people to make a difference in the Kingdom of God and they will see and reap the benefits naturally and spiritually in life.

Did you know that Jazmon Lawrence is very active in youth ministry? Not only does she dance with Praise Dance Productions, put the lyrics to praise and worship songs on the overhead, so the congregation can read and learn the worship songs, and but she also sings with the Youth Praise team.

When you see our young people, give them a hug and word of encouragement. 

GBCC's church family is proud to announce that Destinee Love received a scholarship opportunity to go to San Francisco, California to do community service during spring break. She will be leaving on March 23rd, 2014. Most young people use spring break as an opportunity to relax and hang out with family and friends, but Destinee chose to do work in Kingdom building. Can you imagine how filled our churches would be if we all did more for the lost, down trodden people in our community? Let's celebrate our youth for stepping up Jesus and thinking beyond one's self to help others. What have you done lately for your community?

Our church family is blessed to have Sis. Debra Adams leading and coordinating the Singles Ministry. Being singler herself, she understands some of the barriers and issues that single people are challenged with daily. She listened to God's call and decided to walk in her passion by bringing the singles together to talk, celebrate and support the singles in GBCC's church family. If you have any ideas or want to be involved, then please talk to Sis. Debra Adams. You are not alone, because you always have Christ and you have the fellowship of like minded single christians.

The youth ministry coordinated an awesome service in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. The theme of the service was called, "Liberty in Christ." Pastor Marcus Shambri was the guest speaker and he brought a word of encouragement that resignated with the congregation. If you missed this service, you do not want to miss the next youth service. Keep checking the upcoming events for future dates. If you want to be involved, please talk to Lady Khandice Lawrence and/or Sis. Brittinie Love.

Some of our youth have been serving in the community and representing our church.  The bible says to preach and teach in the highways and byways and to the uttermost parts of the earth and Destinee and Kearah have been stewarts of God's Word.  When you see these ladies, make sure you tell them how proud you are of their hard work and how it is a positive reflection of Jesus and the ministry.  Some of the projects include feeding senior citizens at Loaves & Fishes, shopping for people with disabilities through an organization called, "Store to Door," cleaning a home for single mom's with cancer and more...This is what reaching out is about!

In Fall of 2012, Pastor Lawrence will start Leadership classes for ministerial staff and leaders in the church.  These trainings are mandatory and all leaders and ministerial staff are required to attend.  It is important to equip our leaders  to serve in ministry. The growth of our church is based on the effectiveness of leadership.  The classes will be held once a month.  Please check our website, church bulletin and/or weekly announcements for more details as we get closer to the season.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact First Lady Khandice Lawrence.

On April19th-21st, 2012, the women of GBCC attended our first annual Women's Retreat!  The theme was called, "A Quiet Encounter."  Retreat scripture Psalms 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."  The focus or purpose of our retreat was to get healing through rest, renewal and balance.  Our guest speaker was Evangelist Nike Greene.  We not only had a Holy Ghost good time, but the women got to know each other on a deeper level and developed a deeper connection with one another that we had not experienced before. Walls were broken down, wounds were healed and emptiness became filled with love, joy and peace.  This truly was a "God Factor Experience."  We look forward to what God will do in our lives until our next retreat.  GBCC has some amazing women with stories of miracles, an abundance of gifts and a shared experience that will not be forgotten.  God is amazing!  If you missed this year's women's retreat, then make sure you don't miss it next year!