BOCF Sabbath Report – June 27, 2026

This Sabbath was one of heartfelt reflection, honest conversation, and encouragement as we examined not only why our congregation exists, but also why each of us chooses to gather together every Sabbath.

Our day began with Bible Study led by Skip Martin, continuing the Harmony of the Gospels (Part 17). As always, the discussion challenged us to see the life of Christ through a fuller biblical perspective and reminded us how beautifully the Gospels work together.

Following worship, Reda Brower shared our Scripture Reflection before Jasmine Brower delivered a thoughtful and deeply personal message that encouraged everyone to look inward with humility and grace.

🌿 Message Reflection

Why Did We Start a Church?

Jasmine invited us to consider questions that many believers carry but don’t always voice:

Why did we begin this congregation?
Why do we personally come each week?
What kind of church are we striving to become?
How do we move beyond wounds from previous church experiences without allowing those hurts to shape the way we treat others?

Many people have experienced disappointment, hurt, misunderstanding, or even betrayal in churches throughout their lives. Those experiences are real, and they can leave lasting scars. Yet Scripture continually calls believers toward forgiveness, restoration, and unity.

Rather than allowing past pain to define the future, Jasmine encouraged the congregation to view our fellowship as an opportunity to build something different—a community centered on Christ where grace is extended freely, differences are handled with love, and growth happens together.

The message reminded us that church is more than a building or a weekly gathering. It is a family of imperfect people learning to follow a perfect Savior. As we continue growing together, we are challenged to extend patience, choose understanding over assumptions, and become the kind of church where others can find healing rather than hurt.

Growth isn’t always comfortable, but healthy growth requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to walk alongside one another through every season.

📖 Bible Study

Host: Skip Martin

Study: Harmony of the Gospels – Part 17

The congregation continued exploring how the Gospel accounts complement one another, giving a richer understanding of Christ’s ministry and His purpose.

🎶 Worship Through Song

This week’s worship included:

The Blessing – Kari Jobe
None Like You
Soul on Fire
Holy Spirit

Each song beautifully pointed our hearts toward God’s faithfulness and His presence among His people.

👧 Children’s Class

Teacher: Devan

Lesson: The Fifth Commandment

Our younger members continued studying God’s commandments, focusing on honoring father and mother and understanding how respect for those God places in authority reflects our relationship with Him.

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please continue lifting these individuals and families before the Lord:

Darrel as he prepares for surgery and works toward lowering his A1C.
Darla and Roger for physical health, financial provision, and spiritual encouragement.
Larry Moore as he battles leukemia.
Families grieving the loss of loved ones, including Ericka’s aunt.
Safe travels for those traveling this week, including Aunt Melody.
Continued prayers for visitors joining us, that they would feel welcomed and encouraged.
Peace, strength, and comfort for families facing difficult circumstances.
Continued prayer for believers in India, especially widows and persecuted Christians who faithfully continue serving despite tremendous hardship.
Continued prayers for Sidney and Skillet.

🙌 Praises

We rejoice together over God’s blessings this week:

Praise God for continued growth within our congregation.
A celebration that Whinrey was released from the hospital.
Happy Birthday to Elisia
Praise reports of answered prayer.
Praise for visitors worshiping with us.
Praise for prayers that have been answered.
Praise that Darrel’s headache has improved.

📢 Announcements

Fourth of July Fellowship
- Please watch the church group text for details regarding what everyone is bringing to share.
🧺 Rushings Visit
- The Rushings will be visiting next week. We look forward to spending fellowship time together.
🍽️ After-Service Fellowship Meal
- Continue checking the group text for food sign-ups and what is still needed.
🎲 Game Night
- Stay tuned—details coming soon!

🌏 Ministry Focus

This week we also remembered our brothers and sisters in India, especially widows and families enduring persecution. We were reminded that many believers continue faithfully serving Christ despite tremendous hardship, and we were encouraged to remain persistent in prayer for them.

Closing Encouragement

Every church has a story, and every believer carries one as well. While our past experiences may shape us, they do not have to define us. As we continue building the Body of Christ Fellowship at Vaughns Chapel, may we choose compassion over criticism, grace over bitterness, and unity over division.

May our church always be known as a place where people encounter Christ, find genuine fellowship, and grow together in faith.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25