Word from Bear Creek
A weekly podcast from Bear Creek United Methodist Church, Woodinville WA. Pastor Brook McBride
Faith in the Wilderness
In this look at Jesus' life we see how he was tempted in the wilderness just after his baptism.
Beloved: Named Before the Wilderness
Pastor Brook looks at Mark 1:1-11 and reflects on how we are named, "Beloved"
Look from Brook, Part 1: When Immigration Separates Families We Know
Here’s an op-ed piece i sent to seattle times today. Concerning a wonderful child i baptized and confirmed who is now being held by ICE. Tragic. It’s long but trying to share my Christian conviction for the world. Praying for Nathan’s family
Look from Brook, Part 2: When the Running Stops, a Lenten Invitation to Pause
Most of us are running harder than we realize.
We keep moving — finishing one task, solving one problem, carrying one more responsibility — rarely stopping long enough to ask what all this running is doing to our souls.
There is a moment near the end of the film Forrest Gump when Forrest, after running across the country for years, simply stops. No dramatic music. No grand speech. He turns to the people who have been running behind him and says, almost casually, “I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now.”
And that’s it.<...
Stronger Together
In our final K-pop-themed sermon, we see how much we need each other.
Look from Brook: Micro Joys (A Valentine's Reflection)
One of my favorite stories about my parents is wonderfully simple.
One night my dad went to bed early and, as a joke, turned himself around so his feet were on the pillow and his head was at the foot of the bed. When my mom came in, she followed her nightly ritual — leaning over to give him a gentle kiss goodnight.
Only this time, she kissed his feet.
The funny thing came next.
She didn’t even notice.
What Is Your Name?
So many things in our world are trying to give us names, but what does Jesus name you?
Look From Brook: The Whole Head is Sick
I wrote earlier this week about a small ritual I’ve fallen into over the years. Every Sunday morning, before I leave for church, I stand in front of the mirror for a few quiet seconds.
Not to fix anything.
Not to judge.
Just to notice.
It’s a way of asking a simple question: am I actually here? Or am I about to step into the world performing a version of myself I’ve learned to play?
Lately it feels like something simila...
Look From Brook: The Retirement I'm Actually Afraid Of
Take a listen to Pastor Brook's Look From Brook!
Behind the Perfect Performance
Psalm 139 and 1 Samuel 16:7
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Christian life doesn't come easy. It takes practice.
Look from Brook: When the World Feels Like It's Spinning
These are tough times. Pastor Brook has something to say about it.
Look From Brook: After Further Review
Let me start off with a secret confession this morning: I’ve been losing my soul to Seahawk football lately. I mean who can blame me! One more game and the Seahawks are in the Super Bowl! Amazing! I love this team!
One of the fascinating aspects of football these days is the challenge flag! What,!?! you mean you can challenge a referee’s call!?!? That was unheard of in my day! Challenging a referee’s call got you one thing back in my prime…kicked out of the game!
Listen to hear more!
Loosening Your Grip
Fear shows up as control.
Look from Brook: Happy Birthday, Mom!
A tribute to my mother on her 96th birthday!
The Courage to be Seen
Change happens when we stop hiding. Fear teaches us not to say too much.
Look from Brook: Blessing the End Zone?
This week's audio version of Look from Brook
When Comfort Becomes the Cage
Familiar doesn't mean faithful. Last week we talked about fear. Today we name fear's silent partner: comfort.
Look from Brook: Two Babies, Five Post-its, and the Art of Not Knowing
Pastor Brook clarifies a few things for himself.
The Long Journey
Enjoy this Las Posadas style journey into Bethlehem!
Make Room
Pastor Brook looks at the Innkeeper and ways we can make room for Jesus in our hearts. Plus, our choir sings Night of Silence.
Look from Brook: During Floods Like This the Best Prayers Aren't Spoken
Listen to this week's blog-cast!
The Dream Catcher Catches the Heart of Mary and Joseph
Join us as we see how Mary and Joseph are caught up in the dream.
Look from Brook: What Barn Cats Can Teach Us About Christmas
Check out this week's Look from Brook!
The Dream Begins
Happy Advent 1! today we see how the Dream Catcher casts the dream.
Can We All Take 8 Minutes?
Join us for our final Wonder-filled Life week!
Look from Brook: Combines, Outhouses, and Community (or lack thereof)
Pastor Brook reflects on ministry and life.
Time: Moving from Chronos to Kairos
Shifting our priorities so we can experience time the way God made it.
Look from Brook: Learning to be the Cal Raleigh of Wonder-Catching
This week's Look from Brook in audio form!
Wonder-filled Life Week 1
This week we look at how we use our money helps to discern our priorities.
Look from Brook: Why I Lean Towards John Lennon
This is a special version of our podcast and Look from Brook blog, together as one!
Having the Right Stuff
with Rev. Charlie Lewis
Changemakers: Empowerment
Pastor Brook talks about how being empowered to make change is a great gift.
Changemakers: Creativity
Pastor Brook discusses how God made us to be creative and how we can use our creative energies to make changes for good!
Changemakers: Collaboration
How working together helps us as we are seeking change.
Changemakers: Compassion
We look at how compassion drives us forward into making change.
Moving from what's WRONG to what's STRONG
Join us as we hear the story of the feeding of the 5000 one more time with an emphasis on learning about strength.
Giving God Our Imperfections
Pastor Brook looks at how we navigate life with imperfections and experiencing God's grace in the midst of them.
When there doesn't seem to be enough
Join us as we look at being blessed and broken when there doesn't seem to be enough.
In Between the Blessed and the Broken
Join us as we take a look at what it means to live in between the blessed and the broken.
