Providence Bible Church

Info Night for Charlene Molino’s Mission Work

info — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:20:54 +0000

Charlene Molino is hosting an information night for those interested in hearing more about her mission work, her journey in raising support and answering any questions. Coffee and dessert will be served.

Friday, May 17 4-6pm

3 Somer Ridge Drive
Roseville, CA 95661

Directions

Sunday Morning Series-1John

info — Sat, 04 May 2013 21:06:31 +0000

Current Series:

1 John
“Love of Another Kind”

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The Following Sermons are archived on line for your listening.
Click here for sermon podcast
Archived Sermons 2010
Archived Sermons 2011
Archives Sermon 2012

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Sermon Schedule:

May 19 – Rick Sisson/1 John 2:1-6 “Jesus Our Advocate”

May 12 – Jim Achilles/1 John 1:5-10 “Fellowship with God”

May 5 – Rick Sisson/1 John 1:1-4 “No Greater Joy”

Pastor Update 4/5/13

info — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:33:05 +0000

Dear PBC Family

I want to take a few moments to update you on where we will be heading over the next several Sundays. But first I just want to thank everyone who faithfully served and gave sacrificially during the month of March. As I reflect back, I am so encouraged to see how many people participated in one way or another. The rule of thumb is that 20% do all the work and that 80% don’t contribute anything. Well I am glad to say that PBC has crashed that barrier. I want to thank the Sunday School teachers, the nursery workers, the set up teams, the musicians, the tech crew, the food team, the kitchen cleaners and the trailer pullers who served the Body to the glory of God.

As I was reading through Acts 16 this morning, I was reminded that Paul encountered much suffering and hardship in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was beaten and put in jail because of his obedience to “Go and make disciples of Jesus Christ.” Yet Luke tells us that at midnight Paul and Silas are singing and praising God while their feet are fastened in the prison stocks. I imagined for a moment what that might have been like. Open wounds, filthy conditions, deranged prisoners and constant darkness. If that were me in that situation I am not sure that I would be “praying and singing hymns to God.” Just keeping it honest here.

I share this with you not to discourage you but to encourage you! I believe God is going to do great things at PBC in the coming months. But it starts with a heart of surrender. Paul and Silas surrender their lives to the will of God. Their entire focus was on glorifying God no matter the circumstances. They had no idea what would happen next. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.” The power of God was on display for all to see.

Jesus’ call is an unconditional surrender to follow him no matter what it might cost. Two weeks ago we were challenged by the life of David Livingston who prayed this prayer:

“Lord send me anywhere, only go with me.

Lay any burden on me; only sustain me.

Sever any tie, but the tie that binds me to your heart and to your service.”

Trust me, it is easy to grow weary and to get discouraged at times when we have to set up and take down every week. Church in a box (trailer) is not always fun or easy or desirable. But it reminds us of our daily call to follow Jesus and to rely upon his strength to accomplish his work. My prayer is that his power would be on display in his people and that we would find joy (sing hymns to our God) in the midst of our circumstances. What God will do with this is up to Him. Our part is to surrender.

In the upcoming months we have many opportunities for people to serve. We need Sunday school teachers for early childhood (ages 4-6) and elementary (ages 7-10). This is a great opportunity to make an impact that can last for several generations. Please email me at rick@providencebiblechurch.org if God lays this on your heart.

In addition – we need trailer pullers, tech geeks, clean freaks, money counters, chair setters, baby holders and floor moppers! If you love God and our willing to serve we have a place for you. I think it would be so cool to be a 50/50 church by this summer. 50% of the body serving together for the glory of God! Please take a moment and pray about how you might serve Christ through serving the Body.

During the next four Sundays we are going to focus on Ephesians 4. The short series is entitled “A Blueprint For Maturity.” God’s plan for his church is that we would grow in unity in our faith becoming mature in Christ. I encourage you to read through the book of Ephesians in preparation for this upcoming series.

Again, I just want to express my gratitude to all of you at PBC. So many of you have given so much. I pray God’s blessing upon our church, our families, our finances, our ministries and our future impact in this community. To God be all the Glory!

Much Love and Grace

Pastor Rick

David Livingston’s Prayer

info — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:13:35 +0000

Brian Morris on the Camino

info — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:53:55 +0000

May 2, 2013

Dear friends,

I am just 2 days or so out of Santiago, the cherished goal of this long walk. 52 km or 32 miles to go. I’ve walked now nearly 680 km / 400 miles.

Am I tired? You bet! But I’m not broken. Thus far no serious injuries. Not even a blister.

My son-in-law, Brian Tullius, joined me two days ago. It’s been glorious sharing the Camino with him. It’s an excellent way to get to know a person. And the theological discussions are great, too.

If I’m struggling with anything it’s mental/emotional fatigue. I’m definitely road weary and want badly to be done. I miss my beloved wife. I miss my life in California. So it’s time to wrap it up.

When I return I plan a get together at my house w pictures and stories and wine! No date set yet.

Love you all, see you soon, Brian

April 18, 2013

Friends and Family,

After a short rest break in Leon, a beautiful city, I am on the trail again and expect that I will now walk everyday till I reach Santiago. My best guess for the Santiago arrival will be May 4. In just over a week I will be joined by my son-in-law, Brian Tullius. Together we will traverse that final 115 km. I expect it to be a grand final week!

Rest days are good and certainly needed, but in fact they are in many ways harder than walking. Emotionally and in every other way pilgrims are geared to be in forward motion. And sitting in one place for 24 or 48 hours can be a challenge. Even after you visit the cathedrals, museums, and plazas, pilgrims (as I know them and myself) experience a restlessness.

I know that today when I hit the trail I was ready and happy to do so. Today I did about 14 miles (including a mile I was lost walking the wrong Camino!) to Villar de Mazarife. Yes, my feet hurt. You get thirsty, tired, and generally beatup but in the end I was in the Camino, walking with various peoples, crossing immense sections of country. It was an easy decision to say “No more rest days.”

Today I walked most of the way with two fellows from England.

Of course I always have to say I will do this or that with God´s blessing. Many pilgrims succumb to sickness or injury. Injuries usually involve tendinintis or blisters. So far I have none. But at any time it can happen. If it does I will stop and nurse myself back to walking health. Then continue on.

In some ways the rest days are the places where I really get aware of who I am. Without the physical exertion, you thoughts go toward home, personal motivations, and the larger questions that haunt everyone´s life. So, I conclude, rest days are absolutely necessary but not as easy as they sound. But in them is an opportunity to ask God for His guidance, His help in deciphering my weaknesses and finding His will.

The next 2+ weeks I will walk. Probably averaging 20km (13 miles) a day. And along the way I will listen for God´s voice, and continually offer myself as a servant to his pleasure. There have been many opportunities to talk of God, love, salvation, Jesus and sin with folks here. Though I am a broken and flawed vessel, God keeps finding places and people for me to be of service. It´s been nothing less than remarkable.

Another report soon, I hope. I am looking forward to returning to my wife and home!

Your friend and brother, Brian

April 9, 2013

Dear Friends,

Another day on the road and I am very happy the place I am staying has a desktop computer which makes these updates to everyone possible. Normally I do it with my phone, which leaves many of you out.

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After a three day break in Burgos due to a head cold, I have just completed my 4th day back on the trail. I have traversed nearly 300 km, or about 190 miles. I have met many people, all kind and friendly. When you meet someone on the Camino it is a much deeper event than what usually occurs back home which after a quick hello we are all on our way in different directions. Not so here. Often a hello turns into a walk together for 10 or more miles. As you can imagine friendships are born here by the score everyday.

I´ve walked the last couple days with a young German girl, Katharina. We have talked about everything from God to music to family. The last 10 km (everything here is thought of in kilometers, 1 equals about .62 miles) a man from Austria, Franz, joined us. The conversation then went more political. As always, the conversations are friendly and frank without judgment or hurt emotions.

The weather has been cold with a harsh wind. But it doesn´t stop us from walking. We just bundle up with layers, gloves, hats, and scarves and soldier on. The next few days are expected to be sunnier and warmer. I look forward to that!

Amazingly, the Camino, with all its Christian history and roots, there are few Christians on the route. And when you combine that with the average pilgrim´s desire to chat that makes for a fine mission field. I listen to their views and they listen to mine. Like the tall kid from Prague, Jan. Though we walked together for only a short time, we talked of God´s love, something he hadn´t really heard much about.

The Camino gets everyone to think about their lives. Helps them get to the bottom of the things going on in their lives. And when pilgrims get together they are not shy about sharing their thoughts.

As you can guess I love it here though it is not easy. Every day is a serious effort that tests us physically and mentally. For instance the trails are often full of loose rocks. Step on one wrong and you´re trek can be over. So you are forced to live in the here and now: where you will put your foot next, where you will lie your head down to sleep that night. Though we are headed for Santiago, we rarely think of it or speak of it. It´s too far in the future. We stay in the moment. And I think that would be a very good discipline to bring home.

One more thing… on getting sick, etc. At times I find myself worrying a lot about the weather, the cold, the stones on the road. Too ften I voice my concerns out loud. But my new conviction is, while being reasonably careful, not to worry about sickness or injury. If it happens I will stop and recuperate. If it doesn´t I will walk on. There´s no need to worry. It doesn´t help or change a thing.

Your friend, Brian

April 7, 2013

On the Road Again:

I got stuck in Burgos, a big city, for three days to shake a cold I picked up. The stop paid off as I feel free of sickness now.

Yesterday I left Burgos and walked 17 miles to a place called San Bol. It’s a “town” w just one building and no inhabitants. A guy named Enrique stopped in to take our money to sleep there (5 Euros) and cook us a wonderful paella dinner (7 Euros).

There was just one other pilgrim for the night: Victor from Holland. We really enjoyed our lonely outpost, especially when told it used to be a leper colony back in the 16th century.

We had electricity for just one hour, when Enrique turned the generator on. And then it was truly lights out. In the darkness, Victor made some tea, then went out to enjoy the stars, something you never see in Holland because of the abundance of lights on the ground.

During dinner some folks dropped by to check out our hotel. One of them was familiar w the American Pilgrims association which led to a lively conversation and an exchange of emails.

The next morning as Victor and I prepared to walk, I mentioned I’d like to learn to cook paella. He said he was a teacher of cooking and promptly emailed me his recipe for paella.

This is the sort of day that happens nearly everyday on the Camino. I guess it’s a bit like life. If you are alert and available there are gifts, each day, waiting to be unwrapped.

Walking across Spain into territories unknown, willing to receive what the day gives, trusting The Lord for your needs, is a recipe for active living, in the here and now.

I think this is why people do it and keep doing it. It’s risky and it’s difficult. But the payoff is big.

I’m still learning what the Camino is about. These are just my first impressions. God is at work here in me and all the rest of the peregrinos. I am sure of that.

We’ll see what tomorrow beings, Brian

Brian L Morris

April 1, 2013

I’m in Obraneja today. Tomorrow we reach Burgos. Taking a day off there. Then onward.

No blisters. Still strong tho very achy and weary at the end of the day. Did 17 miles today. Altogether about 130 miles down the road in 10 days. That’s about a half marathon a day.

Came over 4 big hills today. Still walking w my Scottish friends, Dave and Joe. Joe will leave us in Burgos to go home. Dave and I will likely soldier on together. It really helps to walk w someone.

Today we walked into a 30 knot wind, all day. But it’s clean mountain air and quite refreshing. There was a brief hail storm too.

It can be discouraging at times. All the issues of a trip like this can make you wonder if its worth continuing. Especially at night when I find it hard to sleep, which I often do. But then in the morning at first light I get back on the trail, pushing thru the fugue, and within a km or two I’m feeling great, tapping my stick on the road. Often my best times of prayer, even tears of gratitude, come in these “tough” moments.

The Camino drains you, breaks you down, day after day, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I don’t mean it destroys. What it does do is take you to the bottom of yourself and enables you to take a good look. It’s an excellent place to be when you come before God.

I always ask people why they are doing this walk. Most have answers that have little to do w spiritual matters. They have nothing else to do; they have a question to sort out; or its a sporting thing to do.

For me it is 450 mile prayer/meditation interrupted frequently w chances to talk to others.

I will be in Burgos tomorrow and will do another update then. It’s hard to get these out regularly because for the most part this week I’ve had no wifi and particularly no desktop computer to type this on.

-Brian

March 27, 2013

Day 5 – My friends and I decided to do just a half day of walking today. I´m walking again with my Scottish friends. Ít´s been very good. We will be in LoGrogno tonight, then a long leg again tomorrow.

My legs are stronger, my feet tougher. So each day I get along the trail in a bit better shape.

Went to mass in this 500 year old church last night in Viana. Those people sitting down, and about a 100 more around the church were waiting for their chance at confession. Quite a thing to see so many taking their sins seriously. They brought in extra priests to handle the crowd.

I will write more later today, your friend, Brian

March 25, 2013

Dear Friends and Family,

My third day is complete (13.1 miles today) and another good day it was.

Everyone loves being on the Camino but in truth much of the conversation on the walk is about foot, leg, and back pains. In truth we all agree it is much harder in reality than we thought it would be. The hills, rocks underfoot, and chilly breezes can really punish.

Yet it is not all hard work. The views are over and over again spectacular. Everyday you meet new people from all over the globe and the conversations are always rich.

Today I walked the whole way with a Scottish gentleman, Dave, 64, and a man of deep faith. We shared many stories and talking so helps to pass the miles without always thinking of your feet. We also took time to pray in a chapel in Villa Mayor.

Yesterday I witnessed something great. I was slogging up a long steep hill when I noted an older couple struggling ahead of me. The man in particular was in some trouble, so he dropped off his backpack, which his wife immediately picked up in a bear hug and hiked (along with her own pack) it to the top of the hill. He followed slowly, relieved of his burden. At the top I talked with them. They were from Finland and she told me how her husband had a bout with cancer a couple of years before. He was a rather large fellow, she much smaller and yet her love gave her great strength.

I’ve thought of them many times since leaving them. Service to those who are around you, especially the weak, sacrificing your own desires, was the hallmark of Christ, and should be evident in those who follow Him now.

So far I have walked roughly 10% of the way to Santiago. I am tired; I ache from the knees down. But I am encouraged by all I´ve reported and look forward to another tough march tomorrow.

There are always people in sight before and behind me, and I am encouraged to be a part of their train. Everyone has different reasons to be here. Some confess they don´t really know why. I think mine is slowly coming true. More on that next time.

By the way, if you´d like to see a lot more pictures, ask to “friend” me on Facebook. Look for Brian L Morris,

Your pilgrim, Brian

March 23, 2013

Dear friends, I have begun the Camino. Today, my first day, I walked
from Pamplona to Puente la Reina,16.7 miles. Highlights were visitin
a pilgrim monument at the top of a mountain ridge (a 1,000´ climb)
then a detour to Eunate, a 12th century chapel that is wonderfully
preserved.

First day impressions:

1. People, both Spaniards and pilgrims are almost all very helpful.
Three times I had people on the street walk up and ask, “Camino?” And
when I said yes they pointed out the correct direction to go.

2. I had decided to take time to talk to people, so when a local,
walking the opposite way, stopped me on the trail and talked my ear
off in good English, I was happy to listen.

3. For a few miles I walked with a couple from Holland and Michigan.
And I expect this to happen over and over again. To me the Camino
must be about relationships, sharing, and service rather than simply
marching off the miles in seclusion.

This “adventure” will be grueling. But I am encouraged by how well the
first day went. I will update as I can. Internet desktops are not
always available.

Till then, thanks for the prayers,Brian

Today is a good day…

info — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:25:27 +0000

Dear Providence Family

I have been truly convicted through my time in the Word that the message, mission and strategy of Jesus to make disciples has not changed in the last 2000 years. It starts and ends with loving people into the kingdom and then helping them grow to become more like Jesus. It’s about building relationships and doing life together. During his three years of public ministry, Jesus gave himself to equipping men and women who would one day change the world by putting into practice what they witnessed and learned. Because of their boldness, courage and willingness to proclaim the gospel and make disciples the church exists today. So what are we afraid of?? Jesus is on the throne! What can separate us from his love? Nothing! What will it cost us to follow Jesus? Everything! What is our reward? Jesus Himself!

Who has God placed in your life that you can share the gospel with today? Who has God placed in your life that you can minister grace to today? Who has God placed in your life that you can pray for today? Who has God placed in your life that you might need to speak truth in love with today?

Today is a great day to be on mission with Jesus. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples.” Disciples making disciples is Jesus’ idea but we still have to obey. This is our privilege. This is our joy. This is our mission. Think what God can do with some misfits. He already has…now it is our turn to change the world one person at a time. Today is a great day to be on mission with Jesus!!

Pastor Rick

Weekly Events

info — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:04:22 +0000

Week of May 20th – May 26th

Tuesday

Men’s Bible Study @ Panera on Douglas – 6:30-7:30am

Wednesday

Dawson’s Home Group – 6-8pm

UC Elevate @ the Bolin’s home - 6:45-9pm This will be the last week to meet at the Bolin’s home

20 Something Girl’s Gathering: 7-10pm @ Suzzanne Bonn’s

Men’s Fellowship:Workshop Wednesdays: 7-9pm @ Mark Bonn’s

Thursday

Women’s Bible Study @ 9am @ Lynda Spencer’s

Sunday

NO SERVICE THIS WEEK

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A. Bartlett/T. Bonn’s Home Group - 6:30-8pm @ The English home

Achilles’ Home Group – No Meeting