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Connect Newsletter 🎶

August 2024


Dear BIC Family,


Unplanned by us, this month’s newsletter features two stories about praising the Lord with music, so let’s consider music’s role in our life and worship.


Musical traditions fill the pages of scripture and Church histories. They connect people to God, facilitate corporate adoration, and remind us of his truths. Our BIC history is enriched with musical traditions, many of which were evident at General Assembly as our worship spanned genres and languages. 


This month, may you meet God through music. May lyrics and melodies remind you of his goodness and promises. With the author of Psalm 98, may you “Shout for joy before the Lord!”

General Assembly Recap

More than 500 people gathered in Ohio for General Assembly 2024. The theme, Formed to Follow, positioned attendees to celebrate and pursue discipleship individually, congregationally, and denominationally.




 

Medical Collaboration: Zambia & Zimbabwe

The Mtshabezi and Phumula Mission Hospitals in rural Zimbabwe often struggle with staffing. Now through a new collaboration, medical professionals in Zambia are stepping in to fill the gaps.

READ MORE
 

Musical Instruments for Thai House Churches

Teenagers and young adults in the Thai BIC Church have a heart, passion, and skill for leading musical worship. They are now extending the impact of their skills by teaching younger students and leading larger groups of people in praise to the Lord! Learn more»

BIC U.S. Songwriting Initiative 2024

Attention aspiring songwriters! Join us for the 2024 BIC U.S. Songwriting Initiative, a project designed to encourage creativity in the denomination through new worship songs that reflect our 10 Core Values. Submissions are open through November 1. Get all the details»

 

NEW Youth Savings Certificate

Current 6% interest rate | New investors get $100 match, details below👇

Specifically designed for the special kids in your life, these custodial investments are great for teaching kids about financial stewardship, investing in their future, and supporting BIC ministries.


To celebrate the launch, the Foundation will match up to $100 of your first investment through August 31, 2024. Take advantage of the current 6% interest rate (variable) and contact Sean Kleckner, account officer, at skleckner@bicfoundation.org to get started!

YOUTH SAVING CERTIFICATES

Sign up to receive news and updates from the BIC Foundation.

 
 

Featured on the BIC Blog

A Tale of Two Building Projects


Amid their own building project, Revolution Church in Kansas chose to raise funds to complete the building fund of another congregation in India. Why this sacrificial step? “We realized that no Christian is exempt from sharing with the Saints,” writes Pastor Jeff Piepho. Read on»

Resource Corner: Upcoming Webinars

Estate Planning 101: Making Plans that Accomplish Your Goals and Glorify God

August 14, 1 PM EST


Have you ever thought of financial and estate planning as an act of stewardship? Join Development Officer Mark Templeton to learn the function and importance of estate planning documents, how they help your loved ones best follow your wishes, and how planning can increase your bequests to loved ones and the charitable causes you care about. Register now»

Financial Leadership for Church Treasurers: Beyond the Basics

September 18, 1 PM EST


Join Director of Finance Mitch Martin for an in-depth exploration of key financial topics for church treasurers. This webinar equips you to maximize your church’s resources, think beyond salary, and build financial stability. Register now»

Updates: Global Compassion Fund


Motivated by the love of Christ, the Global Compassion Fund exists to meet practical and urgent needs around the world. Recent distributions include:


  • $4,200 to help the BIC Church in Nepal rebuild more than twenty homes (five of which belong to BIC families) following an electrical fire.


  • $2,955 in collaboration with BIC Zambia to assist the widows and children of BIC pastors who have gone home to Jesus.



  • $10,000 to help Macha Mission Hospital create a community garden – with more than 200 plots and reliable water access – to combat severe famine.


Read more about these distributions»

Living as Disciples of Jesus

The latest issue of Shalom! examines what it means to make lifelong disciples, one of the five priorities for Project 250. This issue includes one congregation’s “roadmap” for making lifelong disciples, descriptions of what discipleship means in various contexts, and stories from individuals who are trying to live as disciples of Jesus. Read current issue»

 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn — shout for joy before the Lord, the King.



Psalm 98:4-6

 

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