God is still empowering his people even in a time like this and you are one of them. You will victoriously come through this season of challenge.

Thank you, thank you for your prayers and participation during these trying weeks where we have not been able to gather as normal in our sanctuary. Hats off to our media team which consist of Richard Thompson and Jonathan Smith. These guys are due honor for their tireless efforts in helping us continue to reach beyond the four walls of Berkeley Mt. Zion into the world of the internet and cyberspace. I am still learning how to do church via the various digital platforms, but I could never do it without these gifted partners and their teams. We thank God for our church staff as they continue to work and keep us informed and going in the right direction. Kudos to Kathryn Ballard, Nicky Davis, and Cassandra Kitchen. Thank you for your tireless efforts during this time.

Additionally, I want to thank you Berkeley Mt. Zion family and friends for your continued financial support of our ministry. We have been able to continue the operation of our various ministries because of your faithfulness in giving, thank you, thank you.

I encourage you to continue to check our website as there will be updates and directives located there. Please take advantage of the resources on our Facebook page, and as you shop please use Amazon Smile which benefits our ministry.

Again, the one thing we are certain is what we don’t know. But even in the midst of all that is happening I STILL encourage you to honor the “Stay In Place Order” and abide by the guidelines given to us by our government officials. God is still in control and this too will pass. Hold on Child of God!

Looking To Him

Reverend Brian D. Hunter,
Pastor-Teacher

ARE WE STILL HAVING CHURCH?

Although WE CANNOT GATHER IN OUR BUILDING,  yes we are still having church and still doing ministry.  We are asking all those who can to join us online @ 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and @ 10:00 a.m. Sunday.  So please plan to join us via our streaming venues:

BERKELEY MT. ZION WEBSITE:
Visit: www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org

BERKELEY MT. ZION FACEBOOK PAGE:
Visit: www.facebook.com/BMZMBC

BERKELEY MT. ZION YOUTUBE PAGE:
Visit: https://bit.ly/2UTHPOZ

THE BMZ TOUCH

One of our top priorities as we walk through this time is to ensure that we remain connected, and that no one feels neglected, that we are still here to help in whatever way we can.  During this time it is our endeavor to give all our members the “BMZ TOUCH”.  We will continue to touch our members in various way by:

  • Mailings with updates and pertinent information.
  • Our T.O.U.C.H. Ministry will continue call.
  • Our Deacons and Deaconesses will continue to shepherd the members of their tribes.
  • Visit our website:  www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org
  • Online Church Services: Sunday’s @10:00 a.m. and Wednesday’s @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Facebook Groups – BMZ ask Pastor Brian; BMZ Nutrition Group; BMZ Fitness Group.

HOW DO I CONTINUE TO GIVE?

There are six ways to continue to give during this time:

  • Via our website:  www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org
  • Text your giving to (510) 924-0042.
  • Via our BMZ giving App: Visit www.simplegive.ministryone.com/landing/Z6P0 to download MinistryOne APP on Apple store or Google Play. After downloading app, search “Berkeley Mt. Zion”
  • By mail:  1400 8th St. Berkeley, Ca. 94710.  Please do not mail cash.
  • Drop giving envelope in church mailbox. Please include name and membership number.  Do not put cash in the mailbox.
  • Every Tuesday between 12 noon – 3:00 p.m. a designated deacon/member will come to your residence to pick up offering envelope. You must call the church to arrange pick up.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES

COVID-19 NEWS & RESOURCES

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick: https://bit.ly/2ztUlxJ
Emotional Support: https://bit.ly/3bIekqN

On Tuesday, April 14 Govenar Gavin Newsom provided six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order. They are:
  • The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
  • The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
  • The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
  • The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
  • The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
  • The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

You are encouraged to stay at home and stay safe. If you must go outside please make sure you wear protective gear.

CARE and FERA are PG&E discount programs that help eligible customers pay their energy bills. Over 1.4 million customers are receiving a bill discount through these two programs. Simply complete the online CARE/FERA enrollment form online at PGE.com and they will let you know if you are eligible.

California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE). A monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs.

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). A monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be a household with three or more people. Participants qualify through income guidelines. For additional information and to apply go to PGE.com.

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) offers a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to help pay a portion of the water bill for qualified low-income residential customers and eligible homeless shelters.

For additional information call Customer Service at 866-403-2683 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) to request an application.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

BMZ Ask Pastor Brian
BMZ Nutrition Group
BMZ Exercise Group
BMZ Prayer Group

31 Bible Verses to Remind Us - We Do Not Have to Fear

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 94:19

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”
Proverbs 12:25

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…”
Isaiah 35:4

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Luke 12:22-26

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
Psalm 55:22

“Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”
Mark 6:50

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

“‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 41:13-14

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”
Psalm 118:6-7

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:39-40

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
Psalm 34:7

“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.”
1 Peter 3:14

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
Deuteronomy 3:22

“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’”
Revelation 1:17

“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’”
Mark 5:36

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Romans 8:38-39

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…”
Psalm 91:1-16

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