The BVEC welcomed new community members at 4th Day on November 8, 2026 and we are THANKFUL for the testimonies and fellowship! Winners of the baking contest: Sherry Sprott, Sonia Young, and Jamie Leach.

January Gatherings

January 10, 2026, 5p - 7p

Grace Methodist Church

408 S Magnolia Street

Hearne, Texas

Praise, Worship, Fellowship, Potluck Dinner

January 17, 2026, 6:00p - 8:30p

Life Family Bastrop

1096 HW 71 West

Bastrop, Texas

Praise, Worship, Fellowship, Potluck Dinner

Child Care Provided

EVERYONE is invited and welcome!

Invite anyone you'd like - it's a great way to introduce Emmaus!

A BIG, heartfelt shout out to Nick III and Gretchen Lutz who are coming off the board at the end of this year. Thank you both for your love of Emmaus and all that you do for the community.

And, votes were tallied, and we welcome Jeanne Prestwood to the BVEC Board of Directors starting January 1, 2026.

Gratitude

There are many Bible teachings on giving thanks throughout the scriptures. One of my favorites is found in Luke 17.

The Biblical Account - As Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee, he entered a village where ten men who had leprosy stood in the distance and called out to Him asking for mercy. Jesus responded to their plea by instructing them to go and show themselves to the priests. This is significant because, according to Jewish law, only a priest could declare someone healed and allow them to reintegrate into society. As the lepers obeyed and went their way, they were miraculously cured of their leprosy.

The Return of One Leper - Out of the ten men healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This man, a Samaritan, fell at Jesus' feet and praised God for his healing. Jesus noted the absence of the other nine and remarked on the faith of the Samaritan, stating, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." This highlights not only the physical healing but the deeper spiritual restoration that comes from gratitude and faith.

Lessons from the Story

Faith & Obedience - The lepers demonstrated faith by following Jesus' command before they saw any physical evidence of their healing. Their obedience was crucial to their healing.
Gratitude - The story emphasizes the importance of returning to express gratitude. Only one leper returned to thank Jesus, illustrating that acknowledgment of blessings is vital in our relationship with God.
God's Grace - The fact that the grateful leper was a Samaritan, a group often marginalized by Jews, underscores the messages that God's grace is available to all.

Practicing Gratitude

Fulfills God's Will - 1Thessalonians 5:18

Recognizes the Goodness of God - Psalm 103:2-5

Increases our Contentment - Philippians 4:12-13

Decreases anxiety and increases faith - Philippians 4:6-7

Wishing each of us a few extra minutes each day to thank God for the prayers He has answered and the gifts He has given.

All Things Chrysalis

What Happens at a Chrysalis Flight?

Three days of singing, learning, laughing, worshiping, reflecting, praying and participating in small groups. Discussions center around fourteen talks given by youth, adult laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God's grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community and how it is expressed in the world. Youth discover how grace is real in their life, how to live a life of grace, and how to share that grace with others.

Like the Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis is open to all Chrisitan denominations.

More information is available at bvemmaus.org/chrysalis

Do you know a youth you would like to invite? It is time to start the conversation.

Dates: Girls Flight #10, January 2-4, 2026

Boys Flight #11, January 17-19, 2026

Registration is OPEN -- time to invite and sign up! Registration forms here.

Chrysalis Candlelight Service

Plan to attend Candlelight on Saturday, January 2 and/or Sunday, January 18 at 7:30p

HUS Encampment

3635 CR 225 Caldwell, TX

Chrysalis Candlelight Service is generally the same as the Walk Candlelight Service except no white shires requested. Wear your favorite color instead!

A little holiday humor...

What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving?

The letter 'g' brahahaha

Happy Thanksgiving!

De Colores!