BYKOTA Circle

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — Matthew 18:20

The words written by Pastor Seth McClymonds perfectly explain what is happening within the BYKOTA circle. Our cup is overflowing with gratitude.

Gratitude is an interesting word.  It comes from the Latin word gratitude and gratus.  It means being grateful or thankful.  A generous life starts with a changed heart and a different mindset.  It continues to grow as we give our time, words, help, and other strengths to those around us, not expecting anything in return.  As we sow those personal strengths, our lives continue to express gratitude.  We are grateful for the gifts we have.  We are thankful to God, who has given us these gifts and strengths.  We are grateful for those who have given to us.  We are thankful for the opportunities to give to others.  Gratitude becomes contagious.  As we show gratitude, the more we are grateful.  The more we are thankful, the more others are thankful.  The more others are thankful, the more we want to be generous.       ~ Pastor Seth

The BYKOTA circle’s current mission project is in support of the HopeCenter in Brackenridge that helps those affected by domestic violence. This year Christmas gifts will be provided to a mother and her 5 year old daughter. The jar marked “Pennies for Hope” at the back of the sanctuary at First UMC Vandergrift throughout the year is used to fund this project. Monetary donations are always appreciated.

BYKOTA Activities

Mission Barn

On September 25th we had 7 members go to mission barn in New Castle. They were the last church group scheduled this season.  The crew of seven set out to batten down the hatches.  For explanation “batten down the hatches” is a nautical term from the 1800’s meaning to prepare for pending trouble, difficulty, or crisis.  This group did just that!

 Each crew member took on many duties to secure provisions for any arising storms.  The first duty was to transfer a shipment of flood buckets which had been doused with cold and heavy rain overnight to inside the barn.  They took on water, as did the crew!  Some became drenched.  However, this crew of Christian women efficiently accomplished the task as well as the next, which was to relocate those buckets.

Katie Peterson, the captain at the Mission Barn, was very informative and explained why certain items are to be utilized or to be put aside, and prayerfully guided throughout the day.  She had the crew break up into pairs and trained them for inspection duty or bucket assembly duty.  A final step in preparing a perfect flood bucket is batting down the lid with a heavy mallet.

 Further into the morning, the ladies were able to tour the barn.  They walked along the dock full of shipping containers ready to ship out when needed.  Also, they viewed and stood amongst the many pieces of ramps of hope.  Shh—there are tools kept in a secret hiding spot.

 Back to work!  Katie gave a demonstration along with recipe cards for two types of hygiene kits.  All hands were on deck.  Several cases of kits were assembled and triple checked.

There was time taken to say prayer, enjoy lunch, and catch up in each others life experiences.  An unexpected delivery arrived to the barn and the crew went about opening boxes, restocking shelves, and sorting available supplies.  At the end of the day, the Mission Barn was left with a complete pallet of flood buckets and many, many more kits ready when needed. 

 Two cases of kits have been given to the food pantry here at First UMC Vandergrift. 

Hillbilly Halloween Tea

The Hillbilly Halloween Tea took place in the fellowship hall on October 23rd. It was a wonderful gathering filled with fun and so much gratitude. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you, Everyone!