Belton Church of Christ

05/31/2026

05/24/2026

03/20/2026

- Daily Encouragement for Peace & Rest for Friday -
Take a moment to listen/watch this short video featuring "A Lithurgy For Going On A Walk".

03/19/2026

-- Daily Encouragement for Thursday --
Often times, we can retreat from the world to find peace and rest through music. Music and songs can transport us back in time, cause us to stop and be in the moment, and/or take us to a calming place. We asked some members of our Praise Team to share some of their favorite songs that they turn to when they are in need of peace and rest. We invite you to take some time today to sit, be still, and listen to these encouraging and uplifting songs.

Song - “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong United (Approx. length: 7:00)
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7HAMOncV54OLHqXuKRBXIh?si=47edf19bae734ce6

Song - “The Goodness of God” by The Worship Initiative (Approx. length: 5:15)
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgoPHQNTy0M
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/55TW6H9X6pMfiOhmPk4luE?si=35f916e87e3b4697

Song - “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley (Approx. length: 3:15)
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ind7BEZgWJU
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7vggqxNKwd6xdRoYS0pQtM?si=1d01410a843b4f72

03/18/2026

-Daily Encouragement for Peace & Rest for Wednesday-

Time Flies ~ A Reflection by Robert Elliott

We’ve all heard the tired old phrase, “Time flies.” Often it’s followed by the words, “when you’re having fun.” But what does that really mean?

Just ask anyone over seventy. They’ll tell you exactly what it means.

To a child, a week can seem like forever—especially when Christmas is at the end of it. I remember feeling that way when I was little. The excitement grew with every passing day. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Yet time seemed to move at the speed of a snail.

But just wait.

As you get older, time begins to speed up. Weeks pass so quickly that sometimes I joke, “Someday I’m going to meet myself when we pass on the road.”

Maybe it would be good if we chose one day each week to do nothing—like Israel and the Sabbath. If we rush through everything, we may end up with very few memories of the life we lived.

One day, I’m thirty years old, surrounded by the precious things of life. Then suddenly I pause for a moment, and I’m eighty-eight. And I ask myself, “Where did the time go? I don’t remember getting old.”

Time is a blessing. To waste it is a terrible shame, because once it’s gone, we cannot reclaim it.

When I was in high school, I couldn’t wait to graduate and join the world outside. But it didn’t take long for me to reverse that thinking. Demands on my time came like a flood. Responsibilities appeared that I couldn’t ignore.

Sometimes I wish I could go back to that time. Would I do things differently? Not everything—but some things, yes. I’d especially want to do the father—“daddy”—things again.

Like they say, time marches on. It will not wait for us.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

03/17/2026

-Daily Encouragement for Peace & Rest for Tuesday-

Creating or enjoying art offers a quiet space where the mind can slow down and breathe. Whether through painting, music, writing, or simply observing beauty, art invites us to step away from constant demands and be present in the moment. In that stillness, art can also draw our hearts toward God, reminding us of His creativity and goodness reflected in the beauty around us. What begins as a moment of creativity can become a moment of rest, reflection, and deeper connection with Him. Spend a few minutes reflecting on these pieces of art by Raymond Chapman and Karen Smith.

The Cross at Cow Creek by Raymond Chapman
"My escape to a place of stillness is through a brush and canvas. While working on this familiar scene from Camp K and other places around our area, God reminds me of my need to slow down and listen to his voice. He shows me His creation, and I attempt to replicate it. The awareness of time is lost at the easel."

Jesus Water by Karen Smith
"As an artist, water always helps me center myself with the Spirit. Take a moment to watch water and the Spirit that hovers over. Where do you see movement? Life? Light? Ask the Spirit to speak truth, beauty, and peace over you as you rest."
http://www.karenfletchersmith.com

Lake House by Karen Smith
"Nature is one way that God communicates his love. Let him invite you to a sacred space to talk, resting on his front porch. Spend time with the one who created it all."
http://www.karenfletchersmith.com

03/16/2026

Tell us how you like to rest!

03/15/2026

“There is a realm of time where the goal is not to have but to be, not to own but to give, not to control but to share, not to subdue but to be in accord.” Abraham Joshua Heschel

While Spring Break may not be a Christian holiday, it can be an invitation to embrace a few holy-days.

As the first practice of our mission states, we live in a world that is too busy. So, this coming week of Spring Break is a gift. It is an opportunity to resist the tyranny of our busy schedules. It is a chance to subvert a culture consumed with doing one more thing. It is an occasion to Sabbath. And we can do this through small, intentional acts of rest and recreation.

As A. J. Swoboda beautifully explains, “Sabbath is time for creation to play in the world of God once again–as re-creation.” So, this Spring Break (whether or not you officially have a break from school or work), we invite you to slow down, to rest, to re-create. Spend a few minutes in silent prayer, enjoying time with the One you love. Get out in nature and breathe in God’s good world. Read that book. Play a game with friends or family. Take a nap. Whatever you do, though, don’t be in a rush. Instead, rest.

And so that you do not feel like you are doing it alone, we will be sending out, via email and social media, daily encouragement. Our hope is that you will find life and life abundant as you take a break–as you slow down and rest in God.

01/24/2026

Due to the severity of the forecasted winter storm, all church activities scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 25) will be cancelled, including worship, classes, LTC practices, and the High School devo. Next Steps and the Grace Works meeting will meet next Sunday (Feb. 1). The Men’s and Boys’ Chili Supper new date is TBD.

Our current sermon series is inviting us to become a people of prayer and we encourage you to spend time in the morning in prayer. Below is a guide you and your family can follow. We hope you will be blessed by some unforeseen time to be still and quiet in the presence of God.

We pray everyone stays warm and safe this weekend, and we look forward to gathering next Sunday to lift up the name of Jesus together. Grace and peace.

---Prayer Guide---

- Read this morning prayer

God of endless beginnings,
today is a blank canvas
for you to create something new.

As I start this new day, I remember
your love–loyal and constant–
and your mercies that never come to an end.
They are reestablished every morning.
Great is your care for us.

I come to you exactly as I am today,
for you love to hear my voice.

You are not surprised by my worries and doubts.
You are not disappointed in my humanity.
You invite me to share the full weight of who I am with you:
my joy and my sadness,
my loneliness and my grief.
For you know my feelings from afar
and perceive my thoughts before I do.
I begin this day with an honest exhale,
knowing I do not shoulder my burdens alone.

As I listen to the even cadence of my breath,
I release my worries to you,
for you provide my daily bread–I lack nothing.
Quiet my inner being and allow me to be still.
Transport me to our secret place
where I sense your nearness,
where I am held firmly but gently in your arms.

This morning, and every morning,
may I be thrilled to remember
that you are making all things new.

As the day hastens forward,
may I remain aware of your sacred presence.
And when I temporarily forget you,
may the distance to reconnection be short.
May I know the way to our place of peaceful communion,
and may you become easier to find with with each passing day.

Amen.

- Pray the Lord’s Prayer - say it slowly and maybe multiple times

- Spend time in silence with God (2-5 minutes)

- Lift up prayers for each of the following. (These prayers can include gratitude, lament, or calling out to God in need.)
Yourself
Your family/loved ones
Our church and your brothers and sisters in Christ
Our community and neighbors
The world

- Read Psalm 103

01/14/2026

A part-time office staff position has been posted online and you can find the description at beltonchurch.com. If you are interested, we invite you to apply. Or, if you know someone who would be a good fit for this position, please share the job description with him or her.

This role is critical for the effectiveness of our church’s operations and ministries, and we look forward to seeing who God raises up.