Merry Christmas, one and all,
Recently, I have been looking at an old photograph and reminiscing. The photo was of my dad as he drove a sledge filled with rosy-cheeked children, having borrowed a team from my uncle on a day when the snow lay cold and deep upon the ground. I was only about 4 at the time, packed in between all of my cousins who lived on “the hill”, with Gordon standing proudly beside Dad, eager to hold the reins. Through the years I recall several such outings on that old sledge, talking, laughing, or singing “Jingle Bells, as we glided along frozen paths. I think it brought a special joy to Dad to give that very special gift to each one of us. He loved children – his and everyone else’s, and he loved Christmas. I think that Christmas was in his soul. No one was ever merrier putting gifts under a well-adorned tree at 11:30 at night than Dad. On any other night he would have been sound asleep in bed or on the sofa (too tired to make it to the bed), but on Christmas he brought piles of gifts from the corners of my parents’ bedroom with great delight. Memory is a funny thing. . . what starts out as a series of relatively unrated events gets jumbled and mixed together so that one event may be the catalyst for the remembrance of a host of things.
How do you feel when you hear the distant jingling of sleigh bells, slightly increasing in volume and Intensity as they come closer? Do you get as excited as a child who thinks that Santa is on his way, or do you think about a sleigh ride over mounds of snow, through fields and down country roads? I still love the sound of bells, a joyful ringing in my ears as well as in my heart. Every Christmas song that includes the hearty jingling of sleigh bells immediately captures my attention, if not my heart. I love to listen to carol upon carol and sing loudly the melodies and harmonies that fill the air. What is that gets the “Christmas juices” flowing for you? Is it the scent of evergreen, the sight of thousands of lights, the crisp, cold air, or the jingle of the Salvation Army bell? (For me it is all of the above.)
We celebrate the season of Advent and prepare for another Christmas, our minds turning in a thousand directions. We look to the past as a compass that points to Christmas as it “ought to be”, the source of the traditions we still keep. We ponder the present as we seek to minister and to serve, being the hands and feet of Jesus, who came to be Emmanuel, to dwell among us and to change our lives forever. We also are gazing toward the future, and preparing to face the new challenges that will come into our lives. In all of this we rejoice, for Christ, our Lord and Savior came for such ones as we are. As we focus on Christ the glitter and glam of this life pale in comparison with the richness and brilliance of God’s love, mercy, and grace toward us.
As in the past, family is one of life’s central themes for us. We love the gathering in of various members of our family, and we love to draw in friends as if they were family. We rejoice in the grace upon grace that is poured out upon us and our sweet family. Our daughters continue to be a great source of joy; the Lord blesses us greatly through them every day. My husband eagerly tries to call each one at least once a day, and he keeps close contact with all of the relatives in India, too. Each year brings countless minor changes to our lives, but family has been one constant through it all.
In 2010 we traveled fairly extensively. In May we both traveled to Burlington, Vermont, where Janice and Jeremy ran a half-marathon. It was at this time that we learned that Janice was newly expecting a baby. We also delighted to watch Micah as she ran her first race - for four and five year olds. Though she didn't win, she ran the entire distance with her daddy alongside. While in Burlington we all stayed with our good friends, Linda and Warren, who are proficient in spoiling little ones (and adults, too). We had a great time. Between us we made several trips to historic Boston, visiting Janice, Jeremy, Micah, and Simeon, with whom we walked the Freedom Trail, went to the beach, visited the aquarium (one of Micah's and Simeon's favorite places to hang out), took in the fresh air and open spaces of the Arboretum, visited local malls, and so much more. We made multiple trips to the Philadelphia area, where we visited Tom and Jess in their beautiful stone house, walked the acreage of a large estate, and relaxed as we enjoyed their hospitality. We also mad multiple trips to Washington, DC. On one of the trips we visited the museum of American history with six nieces and nephews and took a side trip to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware (brrr - the water was cold!)
What a year for Jessica! On Valentine’s Day she was joined in holy matrimony to Thomas Ross. Jess and Tom enjoyed a fine wintry day which, fortunately, was not one of the days that the Philadelphia area experienced multi-feet of snow. Their mutual friends and Tom’s relatives were able to drive to Binghamton for the wedding. It was a tremendous blessing for us all. After they honeymooned in Panama, the joyful pair went to their new home in Abington, PA. They had purchased a beautiful stone-walled house in the neighborhood where Tom grew up. Praise the Lord.
Laureen is our missionary to Binghamton, New York. This year she began a new job working for Lourdes at Home. She also decided that it was time to move out of our home and into her own once more. By early October she had moved into a beautiful duplex on Grand Avenue in Binghamton, a home with character, charm, and plenty of room for the furnishings that make it homey. (She called on my special talents again as I drove the U-Haul – backing it up is beastly!) Laureen recently helped to organize, direct, and play for the children’s musical at our church, making use of some of her very special talents. (The children were, of course, adorable and it all came together nicely.) The children’s musical kept her very busy, but now she is playing piano for the choir at First Assembly in Binghamton as they prepare for their Christmas program. It is a joy to have Laureen living close to home, and we look forward to each visit from her in our home or with her in hers.
Sunita and Andy continue to reside in our nation’s capitol in their lovely home on S Street NE. Between Sunita’s travels and daily work for World Vision, and Andy’s job at Freddie Mac, both stay (shall we say?) more than a little busy. They are involved together in prayer ministry, the Anglican church that they attend together, which meets at a shelter for homeless men, painting and decorating their house, growing the most prolific butternut squash plant that I have ever seen (with about 50 full sized squash on it), preening the lawn, entertaining a host of out-of-town visitors, welcoming a new pastor from Ireland, and a myriad of other pursuits. They are never too busy, however, to spend time with us, at least by phone. God has been merciful to them in all thins, and they are able to reach out in a tangible way within their community. Soon Andy will write a new chapter, as he soon will begin classes at Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC.
Janice and Jeremy have also kept me dazed with the zest that they have for life and living. Together they have begun to develop their photography passion into a business, Janice specializing in digital photos and Jeremy primarily using film. After second-shooting for a Boston photographic firm this summer, Janice has expanded her business from young children and families to include much wedding photography. We have loved our visits to Boston and their visits to “the country”. We had especially good time with Micah and Simeon, who visited us “sans parents” both during the summer and in the late autumn. We cheerfully wait to greet #3 grandbaby in January. Janice and Jeremy love to take the children on long explores – whether camping in New Hampshire (where the bear got their food), checking out model railroads, or swimming in a heated pool (outdoors) in the middle of winter.
God is so good, and He continues to lead us and direct our paths. Sometimes those paths take us where we would not follow, but He always blesses us on the journey and beyond. My husband has had wonderful visits this year with our “grands” and cannot wait to get them to our home again. His year has been richly fulfilling. A new ministry opportunity in downtown Endicott has been both challenging and exhilarating as we see various Christians from multiple backgrounds come alongside this motley group. He has ventured into a Saturday evening ministry in Endicott, with the aid of various friends and Christian leaders. The Lord has raised up leaders to step in and launch out. Brown also continues to serve in Union Center, and it is hard not to think of this parsonage as home. Union Center has recently decided to begin an addition to the church building here, expanding our fellowship hall, Sunday school space, and gathering room. In the context of the current economic situation it seems illogical to build, but the Lord does extraordinary things through those who love Him. (The historic Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University was built during the Great Depression because of those who loved Jesus, loved the Church, and loved His Kingdom. They launched out in faith and fearlessness.)
In July Brown spent almost three weeks in England, staying in Oxford where he attended a summer school of Biblical studies. He had the thrill of meeting new friends, studying at historic Oxford University, and visiting many places of interest. While there he was able to visit our dear friends, Bruce and Joyce Henry. The day following that visit, Joyce went to be with her dear Savior.
This summer we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. Who could have imagined it as we stood before the altar all those years ago? We spent a lot of time in New Berlin this summer, where I worked on the house, painting and decorating, updating our "old house". It was fun to have nieces and nephews, grandchildren, children, and friends grace our home there. On one weekend Laureen treated her friends to a bed and breakfast experience in our house there.
We have experienced, as everyone over 50 eventually must, some bumps in the road. Most recently Brown has been sidelined by pain as a result of suffering shingles, which first onset on November 16. Though the pain is often debilitating, God is faithful, and I have never heard so much prayer and petition on a daily basis; this setback gives time for investing in the lives of those around us through prayer. He has not been able to preach as much as he would like, especially through Advent and Christmas. We cannot wait for full health to return, though the Lord has raised up leaders in ministry at Union Center, Wesley UMC, and First Church in Endicott.
As I said, we have experienced bumps in the road, but with them come opportunities. I have had the opportunity to bring the Sunday morning message several times this year, mostly at Wesley but also a couple of times in Union Center. Each time that I open the Word in this way the Lord has revealed something new in the familiar passages. Praise the Lord for His ability to speak through even me!
Christmas is rapidly approaching, and in our hearts we hear the jingling of bells, the brisk beat of drums, the trilling of flutes and the voices of thousands as we together proclaim the birth of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Be joyful as you celebrate the gifts of life, hope, and peace through Jesus. As we enter the New Year, may the Lord make us bold and fearless for Him, living our lives purposefully for His Kingdom.
Love and peace to all,
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.Howard Thurman
Brown and Alice
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-22-10
Good morning,
Happy Wednesday of Christmas week. Praise the Lord for the songs of the season of Advent and Christmas. My wife and all of my daughters love the songs of Christmas. They sing the songs of Christmas and they have sung them since they were very little. I love to sing and hear all the songs of Savior's birth.
Our Church Choir presented a very beautiful and sweet Christmas Cantata last Sunday. For many it doesn’t seem like the Christmas season until we start to hear Christmas songs, and as Christians we listen for the sweet and familiar carols. The truth is that songs have been a part of the celebration of the birth of the Savior for a VERY long time. In fact, the central characters in the Christmas story almost instantly responded to the events surrounding the birth of Jesus with songs. The great Bible teacher, G. Campbell Morgan, writes, “Luke, the artist, has gathered and collected, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the stories which reveal the fact that when Jesus came into the world poetry expressed itself and music was reborn.”
As we sing the old and new Christmas songs we can gain a sense of joining hands and lifting our voices with people who have sung them down through the centuries. We become one mighty chorus resounding through the halls of Heaven. In my mind the story of Christmas is all about how God cared for Mary. Mary, just a teenager at the time, was surely overwhelmed with the responsibility that was given to her. Even if she accepted and understood that which the Angel had told her about the birth of Jesus, she needed human support. God directed her to the community of faith, to godly Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Here she found people with a mutual faith, mutual hope, and even a mutual experience. God took care of Mary. It seems obvious that God also directs us to community of people with a mutual belief – a church. Mary’s faith very likely would have faltered without the encouragement and support of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Like Mary, we need to make a priority of placing ourselves in a community of those who believe God’s word.
The greatest way to begin the Christmas season is by submission to the person of Christ. Elizabeth recognized herself as a sinner who needed a savior; that Jesus was that Savior and so she submitted herself to Him. Have you submitted yourself to Him?
Yesterday, I decided to send out some Christmas cards. As I was looking through boxes of cards, I came across an old card in a stained envelope. Inside there was cash in the amount of $115. Somehow we had failed to open the gift. Often in our lives we fail to open the gifts that the Lord bestows, and so we miss out on the tremendous blessings He has given to us. This season, let us not miss the gift of Christmas.
Just a note: this evening there will be no soup supper, Bible study, and Adult Choir at the church. Instead, we can spend some time letting the Christ of Christmas be real in our lives. Read a Christmas story, listen to Christmas music, relax, and enjoy.
Praise the Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU
Happy Wednesday of Christmas week. Praise the Lord for the songs of the season of Advent and Christmas. My wife and all of my daughters love the songs of Christmas. They sing the songs of Christmas and they have sung them since they were very little. I love to sing and hear all the songs of Savior's birth.
Our Church Choir presented a very beautiful and sweet Christmas Cantata last Sunday. For many it doesn’t seem like the Christmas season until we start to hear Christmas songs, and as Christians we listen for the sweet and familiar carols. The truth is that songs have been a part of the celebration of the birth of the Savior for a VERY long time. In fact, the central characters in the Christmas story almost instantly responded to the events surrounding the birth of Jesus with songs. The great Bible teacher, G. Campbell Morgan, writes, “Luke, the artist, has gathered and collected, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the stories which reveal the fact that when Jesus came into the world poetry expressed itself and music was reborn.”
As we sing the old and new Christmas songs we can gain a sense of joining hands and lifting our voices with people who have sung them down through the centuries. We become one mighty chorus resounding through the halls of Heaven. In my mind the story of Christmas is all about how God cared for Mary. Mary, just a teenager at the time, was surely overwhelmed with the responsibility that was given to her. Even if she accepted and understood that which the Angel had told her about the birth of Jesus, she needed human support. God directed her to the community of faith, to godly Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Here she found people with a mutual faith, mutual hope, and even a mutual experience. God took care of Mary. It seems obvious that God also directs us to community of people with a mutual belief – a church. Mary’s faith very likely would have faltered without the encouragement and support of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Like Mary, we need to make a priority of placing ourselves in a community of those who believe God’s word.
The greatest way to begin the Christmas season is by submission to the person of Christ. Elizabeth recognized herself as a sinner who needed a savior; that Jesus was that Savior and so she submitted herself to Him. Have you submitted yourself to Him?
Yesterday, I decided to send out some Christmas cards. As I was looking through boxes of cards, I came across an old card in a stained envelope. Inside there was cash in the amount of $115. Somehow we had failed to open the gift. Often in our lives we fail to open the gifts that the Lord bestows, and so we miss out on the tremendous blessings He has given to us. This season, let us not miss the gift of Christmas.
Just a note: this evening there will be no soup supper, Bible study, and Adult Choir at the church. Instead, we can spend some time letting the Christ of Christmas be real in our lives. Read a Christmas story, listen to Christmas music, relax, and enjoy.
Praise the Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU
Monday, December 20, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-20-10
Praise the for this last full week of 2010. Praise the Lord for the way He makes all things beautiful. I woke up early this morning and looked through the window; it looked crispy and clear and I said "thank you Jesus for this new day, indeed a gift from You". He blessed us with a Soul Full Weekend.
Friday was our Living Nativity. The organizers of the event got suddenly sick, but the Lord provided new leaders crew for it. So many children and parents and the adults came to see the display of the Living Nativity. The scene,nestled beneath the rise of Boswell Hill, appeared to be like the Hills of Judea and the hills of Bethlehem where shepherds kept their watch over their flock by night. The women's singing group, the Four of Hearts, sang live Christmas Carols. The sheep, the goats, and the cows were pleased to welcome the newborn King.
Some of our family and friends attended the annual presentation of the Messiah by the Downtown Singers. It has been a Christmas tradition that yearly the Downtown Singers have presented the glorious performance of the Messiah. Praise the Lord we have so much to celebrate and sing about Jesus Who is the Alpha and Omega. He is Reason for all the seasons. He is the epicenter of all Joy, celebration, and worship.
It was great blessing to prepare a special meal for the poor and needy around us on Saturday at First UMC. Part of the former crew of Russell's Steak House, headed by Sam Echorst, prepared and served a delicious meal. Many came for the time of special fellowship and love. I was able to attend this event. Some new friends came to serve the meal and care for cleaning afterwards. They said that it was a great blessing.
Saturday Evening was the youth event. Youths and adults gathered a special Concert by our friend Jared Campbell. Jared is an anointed singer and artist. He is a gifted proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus. Praise the Lord for all those who came and participated, along with for those who organized the event.
Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, was a very Special day. The church was decorated with so many poinsettias. It looked like a poinsettia garden. The Choir presented our annual Christmas Cantata. The Music was anointed and the readings were powerful. After the Second service all the children were blessed with special Christmas gifts. There was a special dinner reception for all the children, the families, and the choir members. The food was delicious, the fellowship was sweet. Jesus, the Lord of Christmas, joined the banquet as the Host. He smiled at each adult and each child, and He said all is well. I was able, by God's grace, to preach at the 8:30, 9:30, and 11:00 worship services. It was a great thrill to be in His house with His people worshipping the New Born King. I preached from Isaiah 35:3 ff "Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, say to them that of fearful heart, be strong fear not, behold your God will come..."
It is always a great blessing to claim verse 10 from Isaiah 35, "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return come to Zion with songs and with everlasting joy upon their heads, and they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away"..
Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish theologian of another century, told the story of a prince who was running an errand for his father one day in the local village. As he did so, he passed through a very poor section of the town. Looking through the window of his carriage, he saw a beautiful young peasant girl walking along the street. He could not get her off his heart. He continued to come to the town, day after day, just to see her and to feel as though he was near her. His heart yearned for her, but there was a problem. How could he develop a relationship with her? He could order her to marry him. It was in his power to do so. But he wanted this girl to love him from the heart, willingly. He could put on his royal garments and impress her with his regal entourage, and drive up to her front door with soldiers and a carriage drawn by six horses. But if he did this he would never be certain that the girl loved him or was simply overwhelmed with his power, position and wealth.
The prince came up with another solution. As you may have guessed, he gave up his kingly robe and symbols of power and privilege. He moved into the village dressed only as a peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language. In time, the young peasant girl grew to know him, and then to love him.
This is what Jesus has done for us. The Word became flesh. The King of heaven put aside his heavenly robes and divine prerogatives. He came to us as one of us. He lived among us, ate with us, drank with us, felt with us — all to win our love. He could have forced us. He could have overwhelmed us, but he chose to romance us. He stands here today with the smile of love and arms extended. He is the God who became real so that we could experience his transforming love. Jesus is not just a truth to believe in, he is a person to be experienced.
As we get ready for this week we are planning for two Christmas eve services. One being at 4:30 pm at the First Methodist Church on McKinley Ave in Endicott. The 7:30 pm one being at the Union Center Methodist church. 28 Maple Drive in Endicott. We would love to have you join is for these services with friends and family. The choir from the Cornerstone Christian church will be singing at the 4:30 service. And there will be other musicians that will be bringing special music for these worship services. "Oh come let us adore him the newborn king"
In Christ
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWrMDd-_sp8
Friday was our Living Nativity. The organizers of the event got suddenly sick, but the Lord provided new leaders crew for it. So many children and parents and the adults came to see the display of the Living Nativity. The scene,nestled beneath the rise of Boswell Hill, appeared to be like the Hills of Judea and the hills of Bethlehem where shepherds kept their watch over their flock by night. The women's singing group, the Four of Hearts, sang live Christmas Carols. The sheep, the goats, and the cows were pleased to welcome the newborn King.
Some of our family and friends attended the annual presentation of the Messiah by the Downtown Singers. It has been a Christmas tradition that yearly the Downtown Singers have presented the glorious performance of the Messiah. Praise the Lord we have so much to celebrate and sing about Jesus Who is the Alpha and Omega. He is Reason for all the seasons. He is the epicenter of all Joy, celebration, and worship.
It was great blessing to prepare a special meal for the poor and needy around us on Saturday at First UMC. Part of the former crew of Russell's Steak House, headed by Sam Echorst, prepared and served a delicious meal. Many came for the time of special fellowship and love. I was able to attend this event. Some new friends came to serve the meal and care for cleaning afterwards. They said that it was a great blessing.
Saturday Evening was the youth event. Youths and adults gathered a special Concert by our friend Jared Campbell. Jared is an anointed singer and artist. He is a gifted proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus. Praise the Lord for all those who came and participated, along with for those who organized the event.
Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, was a very Special day. The church was decorated with so many poinsettias. It looked like a poinsettia garden. The Choir presented our annual Christmas Cantata. The Music was anointed and the readings were powerful. After the Second service all the children were blessed with special Christmas gifts. There was a special dinner reception for all the children, the families, and the choir members. The food was delicious, the fellowship was sweet. Jesus, the Lord of Christmas, joined the banquet as the Host. He smiled at each adult and each child, and He said all is well. I was able, by God's grace, to preach at the 8:30, 9:30, and 11:00 worship services. It was a great thrill to be in His house with His people worshipping the New Born King. I preached from Isaiah 35:3 ff "Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, say to them that of fearful heart, be strong fear not, behold your God will come..."
It is always a great blessing to claim verse 10 from Isaiah 35, "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return come to Zion with songs and with everlasting joy upon their heads, and they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away"..
Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish theologian of another century, told the story of a prince who was running an errand for his father one day in the local village. As he did so, he passed through a very poor section of the town. Looking through the window of his carriage, he saw a beautiful young peasant girl walking along the street. He could not get her off his heart. He continued to come to the town, day after day, just to see her and to feel as though he was near her. His heart yearned for her, but there was a problem. How could he develop a relationship with her? He could order her to marry him. It was in his power to do so. But he wanted this girl to love him from the heart, willingly. He could put on his royal garments and impress her with his regal entourage, and drive up to her front door with soldiers and a carriage drawn by six horses. But if he did this he would never be certain that the girl loved him or was simply overwhelmed with his power, position and wealth.
The prince came up with another solution. As you may have guessed, he gave up his kingly robe and symbols of power and privilege. He moved into the village dressed only as a peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language. In time, the young peasant girl grew to know him, and then to love him.
This is what Jesus has done for us. The Word became flesh. The King of heaven put aside his heavenly robes and divine prerogatives. He came to us as one of us. He lived among us, ate with us, drank with us, felt with us — all to win our love. He could have forced us. He could have overwhelmed us, but he chose to romance us. He stands here today with the smile of love and arms extended. He is the God who became real so that we could experience his transforming love. Jesus is not just a truth to believe in, he is a person to be experienced.
As we get ready for this week we are planning for two Christmas eve services. One being at 4:30 pm at the First Methodist Church on McKinley Ave in Endicott. The 7:30 pm one being at the Union Center Methodist church. 28 Maple Drive in Endicott. We would love to have you join is for these services with friends and family. The choir from the Cornerstone Christian church will be singing at the 4:30 service. And there will be other musicians that will be bringing special music for these worship services. "Oh come let us adore him the newborn king"
In Christ
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWrMDd-_sp8
Friday, December 17, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-17-10
Praise the Lord for the Fabulous Friday.
Sunita called yesterday evening and told me that she and Andy were attending Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center. Laureen and some of our friends are attending the performance of Handel's Messiah at the Binghamton Forum this evening. I am not able to attend the performance but I can enjoy the performance through my children and friends. I am grateful to some of friends from Downtown Singers who provide many tickets to our Church family and friends. Thank you.
We are getting ready for our Living Nativity this evening at the premises of the Wesley UMC. Lynn Rosenbarker and her team are ready for this presentation of the Birth of our Lord And Savior. The Living Nativity will be in display from 5-7 PM this very evening. There will be live animals such as sheep, goats, and cows, and a live cast. The local women's singing group, Four of Hearts, will provide live music.
We are preparing a special Christmas meal for the needy around the area tomorrow, to be served at noon at First United Methodist Church. Our young friend, Chef for the day, Sam Echorst has prepared a very special meal for friends and neighbors. There are many who are getting ready to share the meal and the fellowship.
Our Youth are preparing for their Christmas Concert with Jared Campbell, which will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 18. The doors will open at 4:30. Pizza and drinks will be served. The Concert will start at 6 PM. Members of the Vestal Police Department are providing security measures for the evening. The Boy Scout troop that meets at the Union Center Methodist Church under the leadership of our friend Chris Seavy will be serving the food and drinks to the attendants of the concert. During Morning Worship Sunday our Choir will present a Chistmas Cantata during both morning worship services. There will be a luncheon reception for the children and the choir members and the church family at 12:30.
Yesterday I was privileged to have "the Russians" come to the house and visit me. They sang the Lord's prayer in Russian for me. It ministered to my heart. They will be returning home on December 28, in time to celebrate Orthodox Christmas with their families.
We are set for a Big Weekend of ministry and out reach. May Jesus be praised. May many come to know Him as the New Born King and Lord. "Come to Jesus and Live".
I read about Robert Read, who understands this. He said, “I have everything I need for joy! Amazing!” Most of you have probably never heard of Robert Reed. He’s not some movie star or some great athlete. He did graduate from highschool and went on to graduate from Abilene Christian University in Texas with a degree in Latin. He taught at a junior college in St. Louis and even ventured overseas on five mission trips before moving to Lisbon as a missionary in 1972. He rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restaurant owner who would feed him – because he could not feed himself. Robert’s hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He cannot bathe himself. He cannot brush his own teeth. He cannot even put on his own underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro. His speech drags like a worn out audio cassette. He can’t drive a car, ride a bike, or go for walk. Robert has severe cerebral palsy, but that did not keep him from becoming a missionary to Portugal.
Robert went daily to the park, where he would station himself and with his twisted hands he would pass out brochures about Jesus. Within six years he helped seventy people find the Lord, one of whom became his wife, Rosa.
Robert could have been bitter because of his disease – but he wasn’t. Robert could have asked for pity – but he didn’t. Robert could have a really bad self image - but he doesn’t. Instead Robert holds his bent and twisted hand in the air and yells, “I have everything I need for joy! Amazing!” Robert can do that because he knows that he has value in God’s kingdom. Robert can do that because he has met the Prince of Peace – Jesus.*
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnTQo3WS7rM
Sunita called yesterday evening and told me that she and Andy were attending Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center. Laureen and some of our friends are attending the performance of Handel's Messiah at the Binghamton Forum this evening. I am not able to attend the performance but I can enjoy the performance through my children and friends. I am grateful to some of friends from Downtown Singers who provide many tickets to our Church family and friends. Thank you.
We are getting ready for our Living Nativity this evening at the premises of the Wesley UMC. Lynn Rosenbarker and her team are ready for this presentation of the Birth of our Lord And Savior. The Living Nativity will be in display from 5-7 PM this very evening. There will be live animals such as sheep, goats, and cows, and a live cast. The local women's singing group, Four of Hearts, will provide live music.
We are preparing a special Christmas meal for the needy around the area tomorrow, to be served at noon at First United Methodist Church. Our young friend, Chef for the day, Sam Echorst has prepared a very special meal for friends and neighbors. There are many who are getting ready to share the meal and the fellowship.
Our Youth are preparing for their Christmas Concert with Jared Campbell, which will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 18. The doors will open at 4:30. Pizza and drinks will be served. The Concert will start at 6 PM. Members of the Vestal Police Department are providing security measures for the evening. The Boy Scout troop that meets at the Union Center Methodist Church under the leadership of our friend Chris Seavy will be serving the food and drinks to the attendants of the concert. During Morning Worship Sunday our Choir will present a Chistmas Cantata during both morning worship services. There will be a luncheon reception for the children and the choir members and the church family at 12:30.
Yesterday I was privileged to have "the Russians" come to the house and visit me. They sang the Lord's prayer in Russian for me. It ministered to my heart. They will be returning home on December 28, in time to celebrate Orthodox Christmas with their families.
We are set for a Big Weekend of ministry and out reach. May Jesus be praised. May many come to know Him as the New Born King and Lord. "Come to Jesus and Live".
I read about Robert Read, who understands this. He said, “I have everything I need for joy! Amazing!” Most of you have probably never heard of Robert Reed. He’s not some movie star or some great athlete. He did graduate from highschool and went on to graduate from Abilene Christian University in Texas with a degree in Latin. He taught at a junior college in St. Louis and even ventured overseas on five mission trips before moving to Lisbon as a missionary in 1972. He rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restaurant owner who would feed him – because he could not feed himself. Robert’s hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He cannot bathe himself. He cannot brush his own teeth. He cannot even put on his own underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro. His speech drags like a worn out audio cassette. He can’t drive a car, ride a bike, or go for walk. Robert has severe cerebral palsy, but that did not keep him from becoming a missionary to Portugal.
Robert went daily to the park, where he would station himself and with his twisted hands he would pass out brochures about Jesus. Within six years he helped seventy people find the Lord, one of whom became his wife, Rosa.
Robert could have been bitter because of his disease – but he wasn’t. Robert could have asked for pity – but he didn’t. Robert could have a really bad self image - but he doesn’t. Instead Robert holds his bent and twisted hand in the air and yells, “I have everything I need for joy! Amazing!” Robert can do that because he knows that he has value in God’s kingdom. Robert can do that because he has met the Prince of Peace – Jesus.*
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnTQo3WS7rM
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-15-10
Praise the Lord for this Holy Advent Season. The Lord blessed us with a very beautiful weekend of worship, fellowship, and renewal. I have been reading from Isaiah 35. When the heart is healed by Christ, then "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy". When the Lord heals our hearts, our deficiencies and handicaps will be turned into assets. Our inadequacies will become something beautiful for Him. "Be strong, fear not, behold, your God will come and save you."
The second image which Isaiah offers is the image of a barren wilderness which has become fertile, a burning desert which has become a refreshing spring of water. "Be strong, you who are of a fearful heart; be strong, fear not, for waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water." The healed heart, the transformed heart, the heart in which Christ dwells, looks at the world and sees not so much a desert, devastating and dreadful, deadly and destructive, but instead sees at least the prospect of a verdant garden. The healed heart is a heart of imagination. The healed heart is a heart having hope. The healed heart, the heart which has truly heard God's word, "Be strong, fear not", looks at its world and sees the possibilities.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSKnkqAOhpA
Living Nativity
A Living Nativity will be presented on Friday, December 17 from 5-7 PM at 1000 Day Hollow Road, Endicott, New York. This beautiful event is sponsored by the Wesley United Methodist and the Union Center United Methodist Churches. There will be live animals including sheep, goats, and cows along with a live cast. The "Four of Hearts" A cappella women's quartet will be singing Christmas carols.
The church has ample parking in its well-lit parking lot. Hot coffee and hot chocolate will be served along with cookies.
The Ignite Youth Group of the Union Center United Methodist Church is hosting a Holiday Concert and Youth Rally by locally known artist, Jared Campbell. The Concert will be held on Saturday, December 18 at the First United Methodist Church, 53 McKinley Avenue, Edicoott. The doors will open at 4:30PM for ticket holders. The cost of the tickets are $5.00 in advance, $5.50 at Arrowhead Parable Christian Book Store, and $7.00 at the door. The Ticket price includes pizza and soda. For Information call: (607)-235- 0652.
The Union Center United Methodist Church will be sponsoring two Christmas Eve Services on Friday, December 24.
At 4:30 PM there will be a Christmas Candlelight Worship Service held at the First United Methodist Church, 53 McKinley Avenue, Endicott. The Service will include readings of the lessons and singing of traditional Christmas Carols. Aric Phinney will be accompanying at the Piano. The Congregation of the Cornerstone Christian Church will be joining in the service, and their Choir will bring a special number. Various members will be reading the lessons.
A traditional Christmas Candlelight Communion Service will be held at the Union Center United Methodist Church at 7:30 PM. The Church is located 128 Maple Drive, Endicott.
The Public is invited to join both of these services. For Information call: (607)-748-1358.
The second image which Isaiah offers is the image of a barren wilderness which has become fertile, a burning desert which has become a refreshing spring of water. "Be strong, you who are of a fearful heart; be strong, fear not, for waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water." The healed heart, the transformed heart, the heart in which Christ dwells, looks at the world and sees not so much a desert, devastating and dreadful, deadly and destructive, but instead sees at least the prospect of a verdant garden. The healed heart is a heart of imagination. The healed heart is a heart having hope. The healed heart, the heart which has truly heard God's word, "Be strong, fear not", looks at its world and sees the possibilities.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSKnkqAOhpA
Living Nativity
A Living Nativity will be presented on Friday, December 17 from 5-7 PM at 1000 Day Hollow Road, Endicott, New York. This beautiful event is sponsored by the Wesley United Methodist and the Union Center United Methodist Churches. There will be live animals including sheep, goats, and cows along with a live cast. The "Four of Hearts" A cappella women's quartet will be singing Christmas carols.
The church has ample parking in its well-lit parking lot. Hot coffee and hot chocolate will be served along with cookies.
The Ignite Youth Group of the Union Center United Methodist Church is hosting a Holiday Concert and Youth Rally by locally known artist, Jared Campbell. The Concert will be held on Saturday, December 18 at the First United Methodist Church, 53 McKinley Avenue, Edicoott. The doors will open at 4:30PM for ticket holders. The cost of the tickets are $5.00 in advance, $5.50 at Arrowhead Parable Christian Book Store, and $7.00 at the door. The Ticket price includes pizza and soda. For Information call: (607)-235- 0652.
The Union Center United Methodist Church will be sponsoring two Christmas Eve Services on Friday, December 24.
At 4:30 PM there will be a Christmas Candlelight Worship Service held at the First United Methodist Church, 53 McKinley Avenue, Endicott. The Service will include readings of the lessons and singing of traditional Christmas Carols. Aric Phinney will be accompanying at the Piano. The Congregation of the Cornerstone Christian Church will be joining in the service, and their Choir will bring a special number. Various members will be reading the lessons.
A traditional Christmas Candlelight Communion Service will be held at the Union Center United Methodist Church at 7:30 PM. The Church is located 128 Maple Drive, Endicott.
The Public is invited to join both of these services. For Information call: (607)-748-1358.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-13-10 Christmas for Orissa, India
Dear friends,
As some of you may already know, I have been sick over the past four weeks. I am slowly coming out of it now. In the midst of my illness and afflictions I was unable to get around to writing about the great needs that still exist in Orissa, India. This is the third Christmas since the persecution of Christians began in Orissa in the summer of 2008. Since that time thousands of Christians have been displaced from their homes, and many are still living in refugee camps with the poorest of lodging, food, and clothing. We continue to support 25 girls at the girls' home, and we also support the training of "LPN" level nurses in a Christian training school. We are also trying to reach out to some of the pastors who have continued to preach, teach, and minister wherever they can.
It is our desire to be able to send a special gift for the girls at the girls' home, the nurses in training, and some of the pastors during this Christmas season. Any gift that their receive from their Christian brothers and sisters here would be a tremendous blessing to them. As in the past, as you are led by the Lord you can make a check, payable to "Union Center United Methodist Church", designated "Orissa, India". Your check can be mailed to 128 Maple Drive, Endicott, NY .
May the Christ of Christmas bless each of our hearts as we share, as we serve, and as we give. Thank you for caring and sharing.
In Christ,
Pastor Brown
As some of you may already know, I have been sick over the past four weeks. I am slowly coming out of it now. In the midst of my illness and afflictions I was unable to get around to writing about the great needs that still exist in Orissa, India. This is the third Christmas since the persecution of Christians began in Orissa in the summer of 2008. Since that time thousands of Christians have been displaced from their homes, and many are still living in refugee camps with the poorest of lodging, food, and clothing. We continue to support 25 girls at the girls' home, and we also support the training of "LPN" level nurses in a Christian training school. We are also trying to reach out to some of the pastors who have continued to preach, teach, and minister wherever they can.
It is our desire to be able to send a special gift for the girls at the girls' home, the nurses in training, and some of the pastors during this Christmas season. Any gift that their receive from their Christian brothers and sisters here would be a tremendous blessing to them. As in the past, as you are led by the Lord you can make a check, payable to "Union Center United Methodist Church", designated "Orissa, India". Your check can be mailed to 128 Maple Drive, Endicott, NY .
May the Christ of Christmas bless each of our hearts as we share, as we serve, and as we give. Thank you for caring and sharing.
In Christ,
Pastor Brown
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-08-10
Praise the Lord for this beautiful snowy morning. It is wintry, to say the least. Gathering for the mid-week service is at 6 PM, with a warm, nourishing meal by Rodney Haines. We will spend time singing Christmas carols, and reading from the familiar prophetic passages regarding the birth of our Savior. We may also be sharing some personal memories. Come and join us.
The Adult Choir will be practicing their Christmas cantata, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Praise the Lord for the season of Advent. This season is always full of hope and expectation. Even amid defeats and disasters we see the hand of Jesus. We serve a mighty King who always goes before us in battle. He is the King of kings, who has never lost a battle.
In 1755, a series of natural and political disasters swept across the continent of Europe. In June of that year the Seven Years War broke out. There was also a poor harvest and a severe earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal. A cattle plague devastated western Europe. Even the very thoughtful felt that, perhaps, the end of the world was at hand. England called for a national day of fasting, to be held on February 6, 1756. Charles Wesley, the prolific hymn-writer of the Christian Church was commissioned to write a hymn for that occasion. In fact, he wrote 17 hymns, vigorous in their descriptions of the disasters that had befallen Europe. The disasters were portrayed as acts of a Righteous God, who was baring His arm in judgment. Throughout all of this Wesley could write,
"Whatever ills the world befall
A pledge of endless good we call,
A sign of Jesus near."
Though there may be disaster all around us, we can, as Wesley did, hold to God's "pledge of endless good". We, as Christians, see God through the eyes of Jesus, as a loving and benevolent Father whose will is for the good of His children. "Whom He loveth He chasteneth." Yet, He must work withing the boundaries of discipline, and sometimes that means that His children are reproved and chastened. However, since His purposes for us and for His world are always good we can say, as Wesley did,
"The famine all thy fullness brings,
The plague presents thy healing wings."
Even when Jesus looked at the signs of the times he promised that summer was on the way. He said, "Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." All of these signs, according to Jesus, are like leaves bursting forth on a fig tree. That is, when you see them you know that "summer is already near".
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcjP4LgW0Rw
The Adult Choir will be practicing their Christmas cantata, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Praise the Lord for the season of Advent. This season is always full of hope and expectation. Even amid defeats and disasters we see the hand of Jesus. We serve a mighty King who always goes before us in battle. He is the King of kings, who has never lost a battle.
In 1755, a series of natural and political disasters swept across the continent of Europe. In June of that year the Seven Years War broke out. There was also a poor harvest and a severe earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal. A cattle plague devastated western Europe. Even the very thoughtful felt that, perhaps, the end of the world was at hand. England called for a national day of fasting, to be held on February 6, 1756. Charles Wesley, the prolific hymn-writer of the Christian Church was commissioned to write a hymn for that occasion. In fact, he wrote 17 hymns, vigorous in their descriptions of the disasters that had befallen Europe. The disasters were portrayed as acts of a Righteous God, who was baring His arm in judgment. Throughout all of this Wesley could write,
"Whatever ills the world befall
A pledge of endless good we call,
A sign of Jesus near."
Though there may be disaster all around us, we can, as Wesley did, hold to God's "pledge of endless good". We, as Christians, see God through the eyes of Jesus, as a loving and benevolent Father whose will is for the good of His children. "Whom He loveth He chasteneth." Yet, He must work withing the boundaries of discipline, and sometimes that means that His children are reproved and chastened. However, since His purposes for us and for His world are always good we can say, as Wesley did,
"The famine all thy fullness brings,
The plague presents thy healing wings."
Even when Jesus looked at the signs of the times he promised that summer was on the way. He said, "Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." All of these signs, according to Jesus, are like leaves bursting forth on a fig tree. That is, when you see them you know that "summer is already near".
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcjP4LgW0Rw
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-7-10
Isaiah 12:6
"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
Last night, I watched a portion of the Monday night Football game between the Jets and the Patriots. My granddaughter Micah likes the Patriots. It is frequently said that the side with the loudest shouting is the winning side. In a football match or other contestsl, one recognizes the side that has an upper hand through the ambit and atmosphere. The side that is doing well will be vibrant and the supporters that are watching will be hailing them and probably dance and sing. The other side, the one that is treading the path of defeat, will struggle to put in their best; undoubtedly they will be sweating profusely. Their faces will not be bright but their supporters will be encouraging them to strive on. They are not likely to be dancing. They could sing but the songs would probably be asking for God’s intervention.
At the front during a time of war, the winning side is vibrant and will shout the songs of victory. The side that is being defeated will not be able to shout because there are corpses of their comrades lying on the ground here and there. This means the army has reduced in number and even if they shout, their voice will not be as loud as that of the winning side. Their song will not be one of victory; it would either be of supplication to God or of surrender. In Isaiah 12: 6 Israel had felt God’s hand of salvation and could not but shout for joy. A shout is not a silent sound, it is a loud sound that is heard by other people and from the intonation, the hearers will know what it is announcing.
The Psalmist said: “In the day that l cry, then shall my enemies turn back this l know, for God is with me”
What is the power behind the cry of the Psalmist? It is found in Isaiah 12-“Great is the Holy one of Israel”
Jacob was the first person to utter a holy cry in the Bible. After he had cheated his brother and left for the foreign land where he took refuge (so that his brother would not kill him), he decided to come back home after many years. He repented before the Lord and prayed. He sent forth his family and was left alone. That night, he wrestled with an angel and as the day was breaking, the angel wanted to leave, but Jacob cried out that he would not let go of him, except if He blessed him. That marked the beginning of a new thing in the life of Jacob. The angel first changed his name and then blessed him.
This account is found in Genesis 32:24-26. The children of Israel were in bondage and when they cried unto the Lord, He heard them and delivered them out of the land of Egypt.
We received a very sad news around 7 PM last night. One of the beautful saints of Jesus died sudeddenly last night. He her name is Donna Netherton. Donna had started coming to the Saturday Evening worship services recently. She has gone forward to the altar one Saturday during the altar call. She was prayed over. She committed her life over to Jesus. She wept and stood up forgiven, clean, and freed. She gave her testimony two weeks later, saying that the Lord has changed her life completely. She was a new person desiring to serve Christ. One Saturday she came to worship with her 5 month old granddaughter. We dedicated the little girl during the worship services. Both the grandma and the granddaughter looked brilliant in the presence of Jesus.
Donna had started attending the Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Thursday Prayer Meeting. She was always radiant. She gladly cooked two 20 pound turkeys for our Thanksgiving Banquet, and she also had baked several homemade pies for the event. She had worked joyfully, serving so many during the banquet.
On Thanksgiving Eve Donna had stopped at the parsonage unannounced. She spoke with my wife and they prayed together, and then sang at the piano with Laureen. She was preparing to sing during the Christmas Eve service one of my favorite songs, "All Is Well". That night she said that she was hosting her entire family for Thanksgiving dinner, close to twenty.
My wife told me this morning that last night, out of no where a white feather fell from of her black leather jacket. It was a few minutes prior to the call that we received around 7 PM. Donna went to be with Jesus. This is our sure and certain hope.
Please pray for Donna's parents, children, and grandchildren. Donna shared that it was her deep desire for her children and grandchildren to come to Jesus. Also, pray for the Saturday evening fellowship, that they will be comforted and encouraged.
In Jesus the Risen One,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAyplzXmjVE
"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
Last night, I watched a portion of the Monday night Football game between the Jets and the Patriots. My granddaughter Micah likes the Patriots. It is frequently said that the side with the loudest shouting is the winning side. In a football match or other contestsl, one recognizes the side that has an upper hand through the ambit and atmosphere. The side that is doing well will be vibrant and the supporters that are watching will be hailing them and probably dance and sing. The other side, the one that is treading the path of defeat, will struggle to put in their best; undoubtedly they will be sweating profusely. Their faces will not be bright but their supporters will be encouraging them to strive on. They are not likely to be dancing. They could sing but the songs would probably be asking for God’s intervention.
At the front during a time of war, the winning side is vibrant and will shout the songs of victory. The side that is being defeated will not be able to shout because there are corpses of their comrades lying on the ground here and there. This means the army has reduced in number and even if they shout, their voice will not be as loud as that of the winning side. Their song will not be one of victory; it would either be of supplication to God or of surrender. In Isaiah 12: 6 Israel had felt God’s hand of salvation and could not but shout for joy. A shout is not a silent sound, it is a loud sound that is heard by other people and from the intonation, the hearers will know what it is announcing.
The Psalmist said: “In the day that l cry, then shall my enemies turn back this l know, for God is with me”
What is the power behind the cry of the Psalmist? It is found in Isaiah 12-“Great is the Holy one of Israel”
Jacob was the first person to utter a holy cry in the Bible. After he had cheated his brother and left for the foreign land where he took refuge (so that his brother would not kill him), he decided to come back home after many years. He repented before the Lord and prayed. He sent forth his family and was left alone. That night, he wrestled with an angel and as the day was breaking, the angel wanted to leave, but Jacob cried out that he would not let go of him, except if He blessed him. That marked the beginning of a new thing in the life of Jacob. The angel first changed his name and then blessed him.
This account is found in Genesis 32:24-26. The children of Israel were in bondage and when they cried unto the Lord, He heard them and delivered them out of the land of Egypt.
We received a very sad news around 7 PM last night. One of the beautful saints of Jesus died sudeddenly last night. He her name is Donna Netherton. Donna had started coming to the Saturday Evening worship services recently. She has gone forward to the altar one Saturday during the altar call. She was prayed over. She committed her life over to Jesus. She wept and stood up forgiven, clean, and freed. She gave her testimony two weeks later, saying that the Lord has changed her life completely. She was a new person desiring to serve Christ. One Saturday she came to worship with her 5 month old granddaughter. We dedicated the little girl during the worship services. Both the grandma and the granddaughter looked brilliant in the presence of Jesus.
Donna had started attending the Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Thursday Prayer Meeting. She was always radiant. She gladly cooked two 20 pound turkeys for our Thanksgiving Banquet, and she also had baked several homemade pies for the event. She had worked joyfully, serving so many during the banquet.
On Thanksgiving Eve Donna had stopped at the parsonage unannounced. She spoke with my wife and they prayed together, and then sang at the piano with Laureen. She was preparing to sing during the Christmas Eve service one of my favorite songs, "All Is Well". That night she said that she was hosting her entire family for Thanksgiving dinner, close to twenty.
My wife told me this morning that last night, out of no where a white feather fell from of her black leather jacket. It was a few minutes prior to the call that we received around 7 PM. Donna went to be with Jesus. This is our sure and certain hope.
Please pray for Donna's parents, children, and grandchildren. Donna shared that it was her deep desire for her children and grandchildren to come to Jesus. Also, pray for the Saturday evening fellowship, that they will be comforted and encouraged.
In Jesus the Risen One,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAyplzXmjVE
Monday, December 6, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-06-10
Good morning,
I trust that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that you are enjoying getting ready for Christmas. Alice has almost finished decorating the house - with only the main tree to go. Each room and each area is festive with lights and ornaments.
The concert by the Russians touched many over the weekend. The church in Endicott was nearly full, each one there for a rich musical and cultural experience. Many say that it was a treat for them. Though I could not attend personally, our friends Dave and Jane Hettinger, and Shawn and Lynn Rosenbarker, were able to care well for the event.
Yesterday our children of the church presented the program, "Inside the Outside Inn" in both of the morning services. The angels were radiant, the heavenly "host" told the story, the wise men and shepherds attended the glorious event, and the "animals" (2's and 3's) were unbelievably cute and winsome. A great score tied it all together. Shannan and Laureen did many hours of preparation for this program, and it was a complete success.
The Lord has blessed us with a new Nativity set for the church, which is so beautiful upon the blanket of snow.
On Saturday, once again we will gather for the Saturday evening service, with music and with Earle Cowden preaching.
"The Christ of Bethlehem stands at the door of (our hearts). His coming is much as it was two thousand years ago. He comes, but he does not force. He waits, just as he waited then. Now as then, it must be the Innkeeper who opens the door. After all, the Innkeeper is master of his inn - he as the freedom to say 'Yes' or 'No' to any visitor. He said 'No' or a partial 'No' that first Christmas. The holy family was not given the best room. The stable was their lodging place. There was no room - then; what of now?"
"Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart."
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-XAjkKQup8
I trust that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that you are enjoying getting ready for Christmas. Alice has almost finished decorating the house - with only the main tree to go. Each room and each area is festive with lights and ornaments.
The concert by the Russians touched many over the weekend. The church in Endicott was nearly full, each one there for a rich musical and cultural experience. Many say that it was a treat for them. Though I could not attend personally, our friends Dave and Jane Hettinger, and Shawn and Lynn Rosenbarker, were able to care well for the event.
Yesterday our children of the church presented the program, "Inside the Outside Inn" in both of the morning services. The angels were radiant, the heavenly "host" told the story, the wise men and shepherds attended the glorious event, and the "animals" (2's and 3's) were unbelievably cute and winsome. A great score tied it all together. Shannan and Laureen did many hours of preparation for this program, and it was a complete success.
The Lord has blessed us with a new Nativity set for the church, which is so beautiful upon the blanket of snow.
On Saturday, once again we will gather for the Saturday evening service, with music and with Earle Cowden preaching.
"The Christ of Bethlehem stands at the door of (our hearts). His coming is much as it was two thousand years ago. He comes, but he does not force. He waits, just as he waited then. Now as then, it must be the Innkeeper who opens the door. After all, the Innkeeper is master of his inn - he as the freedom to say 'Yes' or 'No' to any visitor. He said 'No' or a partial 'No' that first Christmas. The holy family was not given the best room. The stable was their lodging place. There was no room - then; what of now?"
"Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart."
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-XAjkKQup8
Friday, December 3, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-03-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for the glorious hope we have in Jesus Christ. Since the dawn of civilization, men have borne the sorrow of suffering, poverty, war, and hatred. Is there a possibility of salvation from this type of day by day existence? Is there no "Balm in Gilead"?
The French artist, Luc Oliver Merson, painted an inspiring work, which he called "Repose in Egypt", in which the Holy Family just arrived at the Banks of Nile, following their flight from King Herod. The painting contains a night scene, when they were sleeping, Joseph resting by a small camp fire, with the donkey nearby.
Sweet and winsome Mary is depicted as holding the infant Jesus in her tender arms, sleeping quietly between the stone paws of a replica of the Sphinx, the light of the fire illuminated the face of the statue. One sees its lips of stone which have never uttered a word yet, there in the arms of the Sphinx rested a child who is the Word of God, in flesh revealed to the world.
Jesus Christ, in the fullness of time, "revealed to mankind the ultimate significance of life. In the Christ Child the questions of the ages find meaning. Because of him life is transformed from an enigma to a glorious affirmation. . . Christmas brings the fulfillment of centuries. For thousands of years men have searching - searching with honest reverence. Amid the fragrance of smoking incense, prayers have been made before stone idols by light of flickering lamps. Prayers uttered in the nighttime, only to have the wind answer. Such prayers have been heartfelt and sincere. There was nothing false, save the object of the incantation. Though the fervent pleading continued through long hours, no answer ever came. They experienced the hopeless waiting for a voice which was never heard - no promise - no answer - vain waiting. Unanswered prayer - unrealized dreams - futile hope." (Warren Thomas Smith - At Christmas)
In the fullness of time, according to the Bible, the Lord has come. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." It is an exciting time to be alive, and to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop, Marcus Matthews, of our new conference has challenged us to win a soul for Jesus Christ over the coming year. We are excited about serving Christ, sharing the good news, and making the love of Christ tangible to those around us.
We have begun to receive Christmas cards from various of our friends. Thank you to each one. My wife has begun to decorate the parsonage, set up trees, and deck them. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere.
Let us get excited about sharing, serving, and witnessing.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZFxG6-WSnI
Praise the Lord for the glorious hope we have in Jesus Christ. Since the dawn of civilization, men have borne the sorrow of suffering, poverty, war, and hatred. Is there a possibility of salvation from this type of day by day existence? Is there no "Balm in Gilead"?
The French artist, Luc Oliver Merson, painted an inspiring work, which he called "Repose in Egypt", in which the Holy Family just arrived at the Banks of Nile, following their flight from King Herod. The painting contains a night scene, when they were sleeping, Joseph resting by a small camp fire, with the donkey nearby.
Sweet and winsome Mary is depicted as holding the infant Jesus in her tender arms, sleeping quietly between the stone paws of a replica of the Sphinx, the light of the fire illuminated the face of the statue. One sees its lips of stone which have never uttered a word yet, there in the arms of the Sphinx rested a child who is the Word of God, in flesh revealed to the world.
Jesus Christ, in the fullness of time, "revealed to mankind the ultimate significance of life. In the Christ Child the questions of the ages find meaning. Because of him life is transformed from an enigma to a glorious affirmation. . . Christmas brings the fulfillment of centuries. For thousands of years men have searching - searching with honest reverence. Amid the fragrance of smoking incense, prayers have been made before stone idols by light of flickering lamps. Prayers uttered in the nighttime, only to have the wind answer. Such prayers have been heartfelt and sincere. There was nothing false, save the object of the incantation. Though the fervent pleading continued through long hours, no answer ever came. They experienced the hopeless waiting for a voice which was never heard - no promise - no answer - vain waiting. Unanswered prayer - unrealized dreams - futile hope." (Warren Thomas Smith - At Christmas)
In the fullness of time, according to the Bible, the Lord has come. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." It is an exciting time to be alive, and to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop, Marcus Matthews, of our new conference has challenged us to win a soul for Jesus Christ over the coming year. We are excited about serving Christ, sharing the good news, and making the love of Christ tangible to those around us.
We have begun to receive Christmas cards from various of our friends. Thank you to each one. My wife has begun to decorate the parsonage, set up trees, and deck them. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere.
Let us get excited about sharing, serving, and witnessing.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZFxG6-WSnI
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-02-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for He comes to the world as The Prince of Peace. Occasionally we get glimpses of what the peace of Christ on earth looks and feels like… it does not happen often but it does happen and when it does we are reminded of what may be and what will one day be.
Before the days of modern warfare, which uses satellites, armed drone aircraft, inter-continental ballistic missiles, smart bombs, and all of that war was fought in the trenches. In WWII much of the war was fought as hand-to-hand trench warfare. Soldiers lived, fought, and died in trenches filled with mud, blood, and vermin. The trenches were dug in the fields of France and enemies could actually hear each other talking, so there was no need for satellites to locate the enemy. The enemy was right over there.
There is an old story that has been told and retold. (Though it has been embellished here and there) on a cold, moonlit Christmas Eve a British soldier with a beautiful tenor voice began to sing Silent Night, Holy Night. Then, from the German trenches, a soldier with a rich baritone voice joined in singing Silent Night, Holy Night in his German tongue. They sang and they sang and then there was stillness.
On Christmas morning some British soldiers climbed out of their trenches into the no-man’s-land that separated the enemy lines and began to kick a football about. Then some German soldiers climbed from their trenches and there, in the middle of a battlefield, enemies played a pickup football game on Christmas day.
Peace can happen and it does happen and one day it will be. Meanwhile it is in this Season of Advent that we are reminded to long for, hope for, pray for, and work for that day when Christ will judge between the nations and will settle the disputes for the many peoples. They will "beat their swords into plough shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore, and every man will sit under his own vine and no one will make them afraid, and they all will walk in the light of the Lord."
May He make us instruments of His peace.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ1vXATVF6I
Praise the Lord for He comes to the world as The Prince of Peace. Occasionally we get glimpses of what the peace of Christ on earth looks and feels like… it does not happen often but it does happen and when it does we are reminded of what may be and what will one day be.
Before the days of modern warfare, which uses satellites, armed drone aircraft, inter-continental ballistic missiles, smart bombs, and all of that war was fought in the trenches. In WWII much of the war was fought as hand-to-hand trench warfare. Soldiers lived, fought, and died in trenches filled with mud, blood, and vermin. The trenches were dug in the fields of France and enemies could actually hear each other talking, so there was no need for satellites to locate the enemy. The enemy was right over there.
There is an old story that has been told and retold. (Though it has been embellished here and there) on a cold, moonlit Christmas Eve a British soldier with a beautiful tenor voice began to sing Silent Night, Holy Night. Then, from the German trenches, a soldier with a rich baritone voice joined in singing Silent Night, Holy Night in his German tongue. They sang and they sang and then there was stillness.
On Christmas morning some British soldiers climbed out of their trenches into the no-man’s-land that separated the enemy lines and began to kick a football about. Then some German soldiers climbed from their trenches and there, in the middle of a battlefield, enemies played a pickup football game on Christmas day.
Peace can happen and it does happen and one day it will be. Meanwhile it is in this Season of Advent that we are reminded to long for, hope for, pray for, and work for that day when Christ will judge between the nations and will settle the disputes for the many peoples. They will "beat their swords into plough shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore, and every man will sit under his own vine and no one will make them afraid, and they all will walk in the light of the Lord."
May He make us instruments of His peace.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ1vXATVF6I
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 12-1-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for the first day of December. Many of you know that I have been ill with shingles for about two weeks now. Thank you for praying for me. I praise the Lord for the many members of the church who are caring for the various ministry needs of the church family.
Our mid-week services will meet tonight, beginning at 6:00 PM with soup supper. Linda Geer will lead the Bible study. The choir will be practicing for the Christmas cantata at 7:30 PM.
Plan to attend the concert by the St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble on Saturday at 6:30 PM. The doors will open at 6:00 PM. Dave and Jane Hettinger, Lou and Terri Pasquale, Earle and Bonnie Cowden, and Shawn and Lynn Rosenbarker are the ministry team in charge of the service (and concert) this Saturday. For information, call (607)748-1358 or (607)748-6329. Come and be blessed.
Praise the Lord for the Advent season in the life of the church. One of the readings for last Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, was taken from Isaiah 2. Isaiah 2:1-4 gives us a wonderful picture of God’s peace. Verse 4 poetically states that the weapons of war will be transformed into items that are constructive. Swords will beaten into plowshares. Spears will be beaten into pruning hooks. At that time, nations will no longer train their militaries for war any more. These weapons as instruments designed to kill are transformed into tools that are used in farming. They become instruments that support life, not death.
It is God who gives us the fruits of the field. It is also God who makes peace possible. German theologian Karl Barth once said that in Christ both creation and humanity are reconciled.
It is written so powerfully and beautifully, "the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains." This speaks of Mt. Moriah in northern Jerusalem, where the temple sat in Old Testament times. That mountain was the gathering place for God’s people. It was where the Israelites went to hear God’s word, to sing God’s praises and to bring him sacrifices. It became a symbol for the gathered people of God -- for what we know today as God’s Church.
Mt. Moriah is not very high, but it is really just a big hill. Even so Isaiah said that in the last days it will suddenly be raised up until it’s the highest mountain on earth. That’s a poetic way of saying that God’s Church--the gathering of God’s people--will be lifted up, glorified and exalted.
The Church’s ruler, Jesus, has ascended to God’s right hand. Jesus said, in the book of John, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." Jesus is reigning over the Church with his love, his wisdom, and his power. The Church, that is, the people of God, is now as solid and immovable as a mountain, and as glorious and beautiful as a mountain is high.
The truly amazing thing about this mountain, the Church, is that rivers flow into it. Rivers normally flow down a mountain, but these flow up. The reason, of course, is that these aren’t rivers of water. They are, in fact, rivers of people. "All nations will stream to God’s mountain", Isaiah says. "The word of the LORD goes out" from the mountain. The good news about Jesus goes out from the Church to the far corners of the earth. People hear it, and they respond. "A Savior? Forgiveness for my sins? Sounds good to me!" They say to each other, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths."
The good news about Jesus pulls people in from every land, nation, tribe, and people under the sun. You can be sure this news shocked many of the Israelites at Isaiah’s time, but these people who are gathering on God’s mountain aren’t just Jews. They come from every race and color imaginable. They include the young and old, rich and poor. They come from different backgrounds and speak different languages. Yet, the same good news, the good news of a Savior, has brought in every one of them.
We who are Christians belong to a world that is really changed. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. We are part of it. It is part of us. When the king returns, it will be here for all to see.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO_bKR2Wzhk
Praise the Lord for the first day of December. Many of you know that I have been ill with shingles for about two weeks now. Thank you for praying for me. I praise the Lord for the many members of the church who are caring for the various ministry needs of the church family.
Our mid-week services will meet tonight, beginning at 6:00 PM with soup supper. Linda Geer will lead the Bible study. The choir will be practicing for the Christmas cantata at 7:30 PM.
Plan to attend the concert by the St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble on Saturday at 6:30 PM. The doors will open at 6:00 PM. Dave and Jane Hettinger, Lou and Terri Pasquale, Earle and Bonnie Cowden, and Shawn and Lynn Rosenbarker are the ministry team in charge of the service (and concert) this Saturday. For information, call (607)748-1358 or (607)748-6329. Come and be blessed.
Praise the Lord for the Advent season in the life of the church. One of the readings for last Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, was taken from Isaiah 2. Isaiah 2:1-4 gives us a wonderful picture of God’s peace. Verse 4 poetically states that the weapons of war will be transformed into items that are constructive. Swords will beaten into plowshares. Spears will be beaten into pruning hooks. At that time, nations will no longer train their militaries for war any more. These weapons as instruments designed to kill are transformed into tools that are used in farming. They become instruments that support life, not death.
It is God who gives us the fruits of the field. It is also God who makes peace possible. German theologian Karl Barth once said that in Christ both creation and humanity are reconciled.
It is written so powerfully and beautifully, "the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains." This speaks of Mt. Moriah in northern Jerusalem, where the temple sat in Old Testament times. That mountain was the gathering place for God’s people. It was where the Israelites went to hear God’s word, to sing God’s praises and to bring him sacrifices. It became a symbol for the gathered people of God -- for what we know today as God’s Church.
Mt. Moriah is not very high, but it is really just a big hill. Even so Isaiah said that in the last days it will suddenly be raised up until it’s the highest mountain on earth. That’s a poetic way of saying that God’s Church--the gathering of God’s people--will be lifted up, glorified and exalted.
The Church’s ruler, Jesus, has ascended to God’s right hand. Jesus said, in the book of John, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." Jesus is reigning over the Church with his love, his wisdom, and his power. The Church, that is, the people of God, is now as solid and immovable as a mountain, and as glorious and beautiful as a mountain is high.
The truly amazing thing about this mountain, the Church, is that rivers flow into it. Rivers normally flow down a mountain, but these flow up. The reason, of course, is that these aren’t rivers of water. They are, in fact, rivers of people. "All nations will stream to God’s mountain", Isaiah says. "The word of the LORD goes out" from the mountain. The good news about Jesus goes out from the Church to the far corners of the earth. People hear it, and they respond. "A Savior? Forgiveness for my sins? Sounds good to me!" They say to each other, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths."
The good news about Jesus pulls people in from every land, nation, tribe, and people under the sun. You can be sure this news shocked many of the Israelites at Isaiah’s time, but these people who are gathering on God’s mountain aren’t just Jews. They come from every race and color imaginable. They include the young and old, rich and poor. They come from different backgrounds and speak different languages. Yet, the same good news, the good news of a Savior, has brought in every one of them.
We who are Christians belong to a world that is really changed. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. We are part of it. It is part of us. When the king returns, it will be here for all to see.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO_bKR2Wzhk
Friday, November 19, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-19-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for the gift this new day in His Kingdom. I trust that you had a very blessed week and that you are getting geared up for this weekend of rest, refreshment in the Lord, and a great time or renewal. It is a great blessing to get reconnected with the Lord of Life who infuses us with His authentic life and power. He is IMMORTAL, He is INVISBLE, and He is WISE. Let His GRACE come upon us. Those who live in the area join us for our FRIDAY evening TV OUT RACH at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable channel 4. We will gather for our weekly SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP at the historic First United Methodist Church, Endicott at 6 PM for Coffee Fellowship and at 6:30 PM for worship. Join us in praying that the Lord would pour out His anointing upon all of us. We are claiming blessings of miracles and healings. Rev. William Puckey will be preaching. Those who are able please join us an evening filled with the Fresh Fire and Fresh Wind of the Holy Spirit. Plan to prayerfully invite someone to join you for worship on Sunday, the Lord's Day, as we worship the Living Lord. Remember that we serve under a captain who has never lost a battle.
We are getting excited about a entering the season of Thanksgiving. Looking at the Book of Philippians we find joy in the midst of personal pain. This is truly a mystery, both personal and theological. Unfortunately, we live in a world where tragedies like this have become commonplace. I do not think that Philippians offers us a final answer to the mystery of suffering, but it does point the way to a genuinely Christian response. As we read these four chapters, Paul tells us in many different ways that, while we cannot control what happens to us, we do have total control and responsibility regarding our response. Tragedy strikes, children die, planes crash, good men go to jail, people gossip, marriages break up, and people lie about their behavior. This is an ongoing consequence of living in a fallen world.
The heart of the letter begins in Philippians 3:1 with Paul’s thanksgiving for the Philippians. This paragraph (which runs through verse 8) gives us a glimpse into Paul’s heart and shows why Paul loved this church so much. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for all that the Philippian believers meant to him. He remembered his friends—and that memory led him to give thanks to God. His thanksgiving led naturally to joyful prayer on their behalf. Paul chose to focus on the positive. I wonder how many of us could say the same thing about our own prayers. Often we focus only on the negatives. We pray to “correct” something in other people or to ask God to change them more to our liking.
George Buttrick once advised praying for your enemies this way, “Lord, bless this person whom I foolishly regard as an enemy. Keep him in thy favor. Banish my resentment.”
Paul’s thanksgiving for the Philippians was centered in the gospel. In verse 5 he mentioned their “partnership in the gospel.” The Greek word for “partnership” is koinonia—sometimes translated “fellowship.” In our day “fellowship” means something like a social gathering where we drink tea and eat crumpets and share casual gossip. To most of us “fellowship” means warm friendship with other believers. While it is true that drinking tea and eating crumpets has its place, this does not begin to attain to the New Testament meaning of “fellowship.” The word originally had commercial overtones. If two men bought a boat and started a fishing business, they were said to be in koinonia — a formal business partnership. They shared a common vision and invested together to see the vision become a reality. True Christian fellowship means sharing the same vision of getting the gospel to the world and then investing personally to make it happen.
There are financial overtones in the word koinonia as well as a call to personal sacrifice. When Paul thanked God for the “fellowship” of the Philippians, he was thanking God that from the very first day of their conversion, they rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the advance of the gospel. True fellowship means putting the gospel first as the controlling motive of your life and then doing whatever it takes to spread the life-changing message to the ends of the earth.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Many people consider this one of the greatest verses in the entire Bible. Theologians use it to defend the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Perhaps it is better to say that I believe in the “perseverance of God” and the “preservation of the saints". We will be “reserved” to the end because God will always “persevere.” What our Lord God starts he always finishes.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA7ujUJCIdEbrow
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
Praise the Lord for the gift this new day in His Kingdom. I trust that you had a very blessed week and that you are getting geared up for this weekend of rest, refreshment in the Lord, and a great time or renewal. It is a great blessing to get reconnected with the Lord of Life who infuses us with His authentic life and power. He is IMMORTAL, He is INVISBLE, and He is WISE. Let His GRACE come upon us. Those who live in the area join us for our FRIDAY evening TV OUT RACH at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable channel 4. We will gather for our weekly SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP at the historic First United Methodist Church, Endicott at 6 PM for Coffee Fellowship and at 6:30 PM for worship. Join us in praying that the Lord would pour out His anointing upon all of us. We are claiming blessings of miracles and healings. Rev. William Puckey will be preaching. Those who are able please join us an evening filled with the Fresh Fire and Fresh Wind of the Holy Spirit. Plan to prayerfully invite someone to join you for worship on Sunday, the Lord's Day, as we worship the Living Lord. Remember that we serve under a captain who has never lost a battle.
We are getting excited about a entering the season of Thanksgiving. Looking at the Book of Philippians we find joy in the midst of personal pain. This is truly a mystery, both personal and theological. Unfortunately, we live in a world where tragedies like this have become commonplace. I do not think that Philippians offers us a final answer to the mystery of suffering, but it does point the way to a genuinely Christian response. As we read these four chapters, Paul tells us in many different ways that, while we cannot control what happens to us, we do have total control and responsibility regarding our response. Tragedy strikes, children die, planes crash, good men go to jail, people gossip, marriages break up, and people lie about their behavior. This is an ongoing consequence of living in a fallen world.
The heart of the letter begins in Philippians 3:1 with Paul’s thanksgiving for the Philippians. This paragraph (which runs through verse 8) gives us a glimpse into Paul’s heart and shows why Paul loved this church so much. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for all that the Philippian believers meant to him. He remembered his friends—and that memory led him to give thanks to God. His thanksgiving led naturally to joyful prayer on their behalf. Paul chose to focus on the positive. I wonder how many of us could say the same thing about our own prayers. Often we focus only on the negatives. We pray to “correct” something in other people or to ask God to change them more to our liking.
George Buttrick once advised praying for your enemies this way, “Lord, bless this person whom I foolishly regard as an enemy. Keep him in thy favor. Banish my resentment.”
Paul’s thanksgiving for the Philippians was centered in the gospel. In verse 5 he mentioned their “partnership in the gospel.” The Greek word for “partnership” is koinonia—sometimes translated “fellowship.” In our day “fellowship” means something like a social gathering where we drink tea and eat crumpets and share casual gossip. To most of us “fellowship” means warm friendship with other believers. While it is true that drinking tea and eating crumpets has its place, this does not begin to attain to the New Testament meaning of “fellowship.” The word originally had commercial overtones. If two men bought a boat and started a fishing business, they were said to be in koinonia — a formal business partnership. They shared a common vision and invested together to see the vision become a reality. True Christian fellowship means sharing the same vision of getting the gospel to the world and then investing personally to make it happen.
There are financial overtones in the word koinonia as well as a call to personal sacrifice. When Paul thanked God for the “fellowship” of the Philippians, he was thanking God that from the very first day of their conversion, they rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the advance of the gospel. True fellowship means putting the gospel first as the controlling motive of your life and then doing whatever it takes to spread the life-changing message to the ends of the earth.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Many people consider this one of the greatest verses in the entire Bible. Theologians use it to defend the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Perhaps it is better to say that I believe in the “perseverance of God” and the “preservation of the saints". We will be “reserved” to the end because God will always “persevere.” What our Lord God starts he always finishes.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA7ujUJCIdEbrow
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-18-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord that He is our wonderful provider. God always provides for our needs. We tend to get caught up in the material or monetary aspects of God’s provisions. Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote, "Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. . . He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China, but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. . . Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply."
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be His wonderful Name. May He provoke us to trust Him fully today we might live in utter confidence in His power and in His promise. He is able and He is available.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
Praise the Lord that He is our wonderful provider. God always provides for our needs. We tend to get caught up in the material or monetary aspects of God’s provisions. Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote, "Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. . . He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China, but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. . . Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply."
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be His wonderful Name. May He provoke us to trust Him fully today we might live in utter confidence in His power and in His promise. He is able and He is available.
In Him,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
Monday, November 15, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-15-10
Good morning,
The Lord blessed us with a wonderful weekend with a blessed gathering on Saturday evening at the First United Methodist Church, Endicott. Some of our dear friends from years past attended the worship. A young couple whom I joined in marriage on January 1, 1984 attended the worship with her parents, who live in Ithaca at present. The mother of the bride retired recently from active ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. The young bride and her husband have relocated to Vestal now. She is a very successful owner of local franchise here in Vestal, an RN by training but a very good business woman by birth. She and her husband have been blessed by three grown children.
It is gratifying in ministry to see young people together living raising families. It is gratifying to see families who are together through thick and thin, knowing that we serve a captain who has never lost a battle. The Race is worth running.
On Saturday one woman gave her testimony how the Lord delivered from drug addiction; now Jesus is her Lord she is having the best of her days, serving Christ and loving the Lord. Our Daughter led the worship with much joy and fervor. I did not get to preach at all but the priesthood all believers was demonstrated during the worship. People gave their testimonies how the Lord has been faithful to them. It is a great wonder to love the Lord and serve Him.Wow!
A Moslem Couple have been coming to the worship. This man is almost very close to the Kingdom. He said he is one of 14 children. One of his sisters is dying with AIDS. He had a daughter, 7 years of age, who died tragically, but he was too much into drugs to know about her death. He composed a amazing piano piece after her death, which he played on the Grand piano of the church. It was moving and powerful. Jesus reigns. He is upon the Throne.
Today we focus on a lesson from Isaiah, Ch 65, ( Part of the reading from Yesterday) who gave us a beautiful vision of the future. It is a message full-to-overflowing with joy, and hope, and peace. Our future, says the prophet is not something to be dreaded or feared; rather, it is something to get excited about. The prophet sees a beautiful future which is not our doing, but God’s doing. God, says the prophet, is going to act in a wonderful and surprising way. God is going to create a new heavens and a new earth and a new Jerusalem. God is going to take great joy in this new creation, and the people too are going to be full of joy and celebrate God’s new creation.
The prophet then describes something of what such a new creation is going to look like: there will be no more weeping and crying, no more tragic deaths of infants, no more premature deaths of adults, people shall enjoy building homes and living in them. There will be no more homeless people. People will eat the fruit from vineyards that they planted, enjoying the work of their hands—no more hungry people. God will bless people of all ages, and prayers shall be answered even before people pray them. This is a picture of a society where perfect equality, freedom, justice and peace prevail. Even the whole created order of nature shall be changed as enemies shall become friends, so that even wolves and lambs, lions and oxen, even serpents shall live in perfect harmony and peace.
Martin Luther, commenting on this passage, said, "Through his Gospel God can make the supreme tyrants of the world subject to a simple man and preacher, even though these tyrants were lions and wolves. God can turn enemies into friends. They shall feed together ... The kingdom of peace follows. They shall not hurt. The sum of everything: There must be a reign of peace among themselves. There will be peace without sword or force or tyranny, because there will be love, they will have the same inheritance, and everything will be the common possession of friends.
Indeed, this is a beautiful vision of a future bursting with perfect peace. This vision of the future is what the New Testament writers describe too, as they point to the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and God’s mighty act of raising him from the dead three days later. The resurrection of Christ, which we joyfully celebrate today, is God’s sign to us that such a future of perfect peace is possible. One day, we too shall share in a resurrection like Christ’s and live with him in perfect peace.
Until then, we are blessed with small glimpses of that future whenever Christ’s love and peace shine in us and through us. In Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we look forward to that future time, that day of our resurrection, when all violence, hatred, sin, death, and evil shall end. Then, as the prophet so beautiful describes it: “They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.” Amen! Hallelujah, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
The Lord blessed us with a wonderful weekend with a blessed gathering on Saturday evening at the First United Methodist Church, Endicott. Some of our dear friends from years past attended the worship. A young couple whom I joined in marriage on January 1, 1984 attended the worship with her parents, who live in Ithaca at present. The mother of the bride retired recently from active ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. The young bride and her husband have relocated to Vestal now. She is a very successful owner of local franchise here in Vestal, an RN by training but a very good business woman by birth. She and her husband have been blessed by three grown children.
It is gratifying in ministry to see young people together living raising families. It is gratifying to see families who are together through thick and thin, knowing that we serve a captain who has never lost a battle. The Race is worth running.
On Saturday one woman gave her testimony how the Lord delivered from drug addiction; now Jesus is her Lord she is having the best of her days, serving Christ and loving the Lord. Our Daughter led the worship with much joy and fervor. I did not get to preach at all but the priesthood all believers was demonstrated during the worship. People gave their testimonies how the Lord has been faithful to them. It is a great wonder to love the Lord and serve Him.Wow!
A Moslem Couple have been coming to the worship. This man is almost very close to the Kingdom. He said he is one of 14 children. One of his sisters is dying with AIDS. He had a daughter, 7 years of age, who died tragically, but he was too much into drugs to know about her death. He composed a amazing piano piece after her death, which he played on the Grand piano of the church. It was moving and powerful. Jesus reigns. He is upon the Throne.
Today we focus on a lesson from Isaiah, Ch 65, ( Part of the reading from Yesterday) who gave us a beautiful vision of the future. It is a message full-to-overflowing with joy, and hope, and peace. Our future, says the prophet is not something to be dreaded or feared; rather, it is something to get excited about. The prophet sees a beautiful future which is not our doing, but God’s doing. God, says the prophet, is going to act in a wonderful and surprising way. God is going to create a new heavens and a new earth and a new Jerusalem. God is going to take great joy in this new creation, and the people too are going to be full of joy and celebrate God’s new creation.
The prophet then describes something of what such a new creation is going to look like: there will be no more weeping and crying, no more tragic deaths of infants, no more premature deaths of adults, people shall enjoy building homes and living in them. There will be no more homeless people. People will eat the fruit from vineyards that they planted, enjoying the work of their hands—no more hungry people. God will bless people of all ages, and prayers shall be answered even before people pray them. This is a picture of a society where perfect equality, freedom, justice and peace prevail. Even the whole created order of nature shall be changed as enemies shall become friends, so that even wolves and lambs, lions and oxen, even serpents shall live in perfect harmony and peace.
Martin Luther, commenting on this passage, said, "Through his Gospel God can make the supreme tyrants of the world subject to a simple man and preacher, even though these tyrants were lions and wolves. God can turn enemies into friends. They shall feed together ... The kingdom of peace follows. They shall not hurt. The sum of everything: There must be a reign of peace among themselves. There will be peace without sword or force or tyranny, because there will be love, they will have the same inheritance, and everything will be the common possession of friends.
Indeed, this is a beautiful vision of a future bursting with perfect peace. This vision of the future is what the New Testament writers describe too, as they point to the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and God’s mighty act of raising him from the dead three days later. The resurrection of Christ, which we joyfully celebrate today, is God’s sign to us that such a future of perfect peace is possible. One day, we too shall share in a resurrection like Christ’s and live with him in perfect peace.
Until then, we are blessed with small glimpses of that future whenever Christ’s love and peace shine in us and through us. In Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we look forward to that future time, that day of our resurrection, when all violence, hatred, sin, death, and evil shall end. Then, as the prophet so beautiful describes it: “They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.” Amen! Hallelujah, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU
Saturday Evening Worship Service
Location: First United Methodist Church
53 McKinley Avenue
Endicott
Sponsored by the Union Center United Methodist Church
128 Maple Drive
Endicott
6 PM: Gather for Coffee and Fellowship
6:30 PM: Worship
Special Music: The Worship Team from Hawleyton United Methodist Church Preacher: The Rev William Puckey
Friday, November 12, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-12-10
Good morning,
One of finest blessings of this week was to have our grandchildren with us by ourselves. It was very rich and sweet. The Lord blessed us with their childlikeness. We played and did many childlike things. It is a very blessed gift to see the world again through the eyes of children.
Last weekend's conference on prayer was a wonderful time of waiting on the Lord and dwelling in His presence. Kelly's sweet spirit and her closeness with the Savior pervaded the weekend. We were so blessed to have Sunita and Andy with us for the weekend, to have time to sit with them and simply share their presence. Laureen also spent much of the last week with us, for the prayer event as well as time this week with Micah and Simeon.
On Wednesday, Janice and Jeremy arrived for their little ones. Micah was barely able to keep her eyes open until their arrival, but eagerly greeted them and then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. We made the most of our hours together, chatting and antiquing, before they headed out yesterday afternoon. It was a sweet time with their sweet family.
We looked into Mathew 20 during our Wednesday Evening Bible study. In his book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace,” Phillip Yancey points out that part of our problem is in the nature of grace itself. Grace is scandalous. It’s hard to accept, hard to believe, and hard to receive. Grace shocks us in what it offers. It is truly not of this world. It frightens us with what it does for sinners.
Grace teaches us that God does for others what we would never do for them. We would save the not-so-bad. God, however, starts with prostitutes and then works downward from there. Grace is a gift that costs everything to the giver and nothing to the receiver. It is given to those who don’t deserve it, barely recognize it, and hardly appreciate it. That’s why God alone gets the glory in our salvation. In the end grace means that no one is too bad to be saved. God specializes in saving really bad people.
Matthew 20:1-2 relates, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.” This would have been a typical scene in the days of the Bible. Just as we have employment agencies today, in the first century, there were places where day laborers gathered to seek work. These workers were unskilled at a trade and were near the bottom of the social-economic scale. In fact, many lived at a level not far above beggars. They worked from job to job, many of which lasted no more than a day. Because they had no guarantee of work beyond what they might be doing at the time, they would gather in the market place before dawn to be available for hiring.
Working in a vineyard was not easy work. The Jewish workday began at 6:00 AM. This was called the first hour. The third hour began at 9:00 AM, the sixth hour began at noon, the ninth hour began at 3:00 PM, and the eleventh hour at 5:00 PM.
At this point that the parable takes a dramatic turn. By the eleventh hour--5:00 PM --the work on most plantations would have been winding down. The laborers waiting for work at this time would have lost hope. Yet on this particular day it was different because of the generosity of the landowner. It is clear that he is interested not only in his vineyard but also in the unemployed.
So we see that there are two groups of workers, those hired early who went to work after negotiating a wage and those hired later who went to work without a contract, choosing to trust the goodness of the master.
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'” This was contrary to the more typical payment back then, which was “first come first served.” Not surprisingly, Jesus turned it around to, “last come first served.” I am certain that those who worked all day were beginning to get a bit confused at this point.
“The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each of them also received a denarius.” Though Jesus did not say it, the implication was clear that ALL the workers up to those hired first were paid a denarius. Because of human nature, we can imagine how the laborers who worked all day felt as all the workers got paid one denarius. The natural thought would have been, “If the owner gave them 50 bucks for working one hour, those of us who have worked twelve hours stand to gain a bundle!” However, their hopes were dashed. They received the same pay.
Working in a vineyard was very hard work. It involved laboring on a hillside in the heat of the day with few breaks! We can sympathize with these workers. We can understand their complaint. Their joy turned to anger as they realized that they received the same pay as those who had worked for only one hour. As such, they were determined not to leave until they received “satisfaction” from the landowner. However we find that this is only a symptom of the real problem, which was that they were upset that the landowner had made the other workers equal to them.
“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Here the owner completely refutes the workers’ argument with a crushing blow. The word friend is not the term for a close friend, but rather a casual companion. Since the landowner only addresses one person the implication is that this “friend” probably was the spokesman of the group. The owner then clearly stated, “ ...I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree to work for a denarius?” Before 6:00 that morning, they had “agreed” with the owner on a price for their labor. At that time 50 bucks was a fair, generous wage for their work. Both sides had lived up to their end of the bargain.
What the landowner paid other laborers, or what the landowner did with his own money, was no business of anyone else. In fact, if the landowner had wanted to give half of his wealth to one of the workers, he would not be unjust and we would admire him for his generosity.
Then Jesus brought the parable to its appropriate end in verse 16, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” In the kingdom of God, our perceived position makes no difference because God shows no partiality. In God’s economy, things are often just the opposite of what we expect.
Grace offers us a fresh start. The Christian life is really a series of new beginnings. That’s what grace is all about. No one is first, and no one is last. I’m not better than you and you’re no better than me. You’re no worse than I am and I’m no worse than you are. We’re all covered by the grace of Christ.
When we get to heaven, there will be no contest to see who was the most deserving of God’s grace, because no one deserves it. There will only be one contest in heaven. When we look back and see what we were before, when we see the pit from which he rescued us, when we recall how confused we were, when we remember how God reached out and hired us into His family, and how he held us in his hand, and when we see Jesus who loved us and gave himself for us, the only contest will be to see which of us will sing the loudest, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
We will meet for our weekly Saturday Evening worship this Saturday at 6 PM for coffee, and for worship at 6:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church, Endicott. Laureen Naik will be leading in worship and I will be preaching. Come, Share, and Rejoice. Join us for our weekly TV outreach this Evening at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable Channel 4. We will meet for our Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11:00 at Union Center and at 9:30AM at Wesley UMC.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAyKmYD2Zg8
Please note: we are currently planning the various events of the Christmas and Advent seasons.
We will "kick off" the Christmas celebrations with a Christmas banquet on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the First UMC in Endicott. The meal will begin 5 PM. Chef Justin Clark will prepare the meal. We are inviting many of the civic and business leaders of Endicott for this meal. Dan Babcock will be speaking at the dinner.
Following the dinner, at 6:30 PM, there will be a service in the sanctuary at First UMC, which will be a concert by the St. Petersburg ( Russia)Men's Ensemble. "The Russians", a quartet of gifted musicians, will be presenting a musical feast which consists of sacred, classical, and Russian folk music. If you have never heard them before, come this time and be fully blessed.
The children of the church will be presenting a delightful musical program, "Inside the Outside Inn" on Sunday, December 5. Please watch your bulletin and newsletter for further information as the day approaches.
The adult choir will be presenting the cantata, "Follow the Star, Follow the King" at both morning worship services on Sunday, December 19. This program is a beautiful mix of timeless Christmas carols, many of which are set to other melodies, both rich and sweet.
The Handles Messiah , will be presented by the Down Town Singers on December 17at 8PM at the Forum.
We will be presenting A Living Nativity on Friday December 17 from 5-7 PM at The Wesley Premises. 1000 Day Hollow Road, Endicott.
Joy to the World.
One of finest blessings of this week was to have our grandchildren with us by ourselves. It was very rich and sweet. The Lord blessed us with their childlikeness. We played and did many childlike things. It is a very blessed gift to see the world again through the eyes of children.
Last weekend's conference on prayer was a wonderful time of waiting on the Lord and dwelling in His presence. Kelly's sweet spirit and her closeness with the Savior pervaded the weekend. We were so blessed to have Sunita and Andy with us for the weekend, to have time to sit with them and simply share their presence. Laureen also spent much of the last week with us, for the prayer event as well as time this week with Micah and Simeon.
On Wednesday, Janice and Jeremy arrived for their little ones. Micah was barely able to keep her eyes open until their arrival, but eagerly greeted them and then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. We made the most of our hours together, chatting and antiquing, before they headed out yesterday afternoon. It was a sweet time with their sweet family.
We looked into Mathew 20 during our Wednesday Evening Bible study. In his book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace,” Phillip Yancey points out that part of our problem is in the nature of grace itself. Grace is scandalous. It’s hard to accept, hard to believe, and hard to receive. Grace shocks us in what it offers. It is truly not of this world. It frightens us with what it does for sinners.
Grace teaches us that God does for others what we would never do for them. We would save the not-so-bad. God, however, starts with prostitutes and then works downward from there. Grace is a gift that costs everything to the giver and nothing to the receiver. It is given to those who don’t deserve it, barely recognize it, and hardly appreciate it. That’s why God alone gets the glory in our salvation. In the end grace means that no one is too bad to be saved. God specializes in saving really bad people.
Matthew 20:1-2 relates, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.” This would have been a typical scene in the days of the Bible. Just as we have employment agencies today, in the first century, there were places where day laborers gathered to seek work. These workers were unskilled at a trade and were near the bottom of the social-economic scale. In fact, many lived at a level not far above beggars. They worked from job to job, many of which lasted no more than a day. Because they had no guarantee of work beyond what they might be doing at the time, they would gather in the market place before dawn to be available for hiring.
Working in a vineyard was not easy work. The Jewish workday began at 6:00 AM. This was called the first hour. The third hour began at 9:00 AM, the sixth hour began at noon, the ninth hour began at 3:00 PM, and the eleventh hour at 5:00 PM.
At this point that the parable takes a dramatic turn. By the eleventh hour--5:00 PM --the work on most plantations would have been winding down. The laborers waiting for work at this time would have lost hope. Yet on this particular day it was different because of the generosity of the landowner. It is clear that he is interested not only in his vineyard but also in the unemployed.
So we see that there are two groups of workers, those hired early who went to work after negotiating a wage and those hired later who went to work without a contract, choosing to trust the goodness of the master.
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'” This was contrary to the more typical payment back then, which was “first come first served.” Not surprisingly, Jesus turned it around to, “last come first served.” I am certain that those who worked all day were beginning to get a bit confused at this point.
“The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each of them also received a denarius.” Though Jesus did not say it, the implication was clear that ALL the workers up to those hired first were paid a denarius. Because of human nature, we can imagine how the laborers who worked all day felt as all the workers got paid one denarius. The natural thought would have been, “If the owner gave them 50 bucks for working one hour, those of us who have worked twelve hours stand to gain a bundle!” However, their hopes were dashed. They received the same pay.
Working in a vineyard was very hard work. It involved laboring on a hillside in the heat of the day with few breaks! We can sympathize with these workers. We can understand their complaint. Their joy turned to anger as they realized that they received the same pay as those who had worked for only one hour. As such, they were determined not to leave until they received “satisfaction” from the landowner. However we find that this is only a symptom of the real problem, which was that they were upset that the landowner had made the other workers equal to them.
“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Here the owner completely refutes the workers’ argument with a crushing blow. The word friend is not the term for a close friend, but rather a casual companion. Since the landowner only addresses one person the implication is that this “friend” probably was the spokesman of the group. The owner then clearly stated, “ ...I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree to work for a denarius?” Before 6:00 that morning, they had “agreed” with the owner on a price for their labor. At that time 50 bucks was a fair, generous wage for their work. Both sides had lived up to their end of the bargain.
What the landowner paid other laborers, or what the landowner did with his own money, was no business of anyone else. In fact, if the landowner had wanted to give half of his wealth to one of the workers, he would not be unjust and we would admire him for his generosity.
Then Jesus brought the parable to its appropriate end in verse 16, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” In the kingdom of God, our perceived position makes no difference because God shows no partiality. In God’s economy, things are often just the opposite of what we expect.
Grace offers us a fresh start. The Christian life is really a series of new beginnings. That’s what grace is all about. No one is first, and no one is last. I’m not better than you and you’re no better than me. You’re no worse than I am and I’m no worse than you are. We’re all covered by the grace of Christ.
When we get to heaven, there will be no contest to see who was the most deserving of God’s grace, because no one deserves it. There will only be one contest in heaven. When we look back and see what we were before, when we see the pit from which he rescued us, when we recall how confused we were, when we remember how God reached out and hired us into His family, and how he held us in his hand, and when we see Jesus who loved us and gave himself for us, the only contest will be to see which of us will sing the loudest, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
We will meet for our weekly Saturday Evening worship this Saturday at 6 PM for coffee, and for worship at 6:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church, Endicott. Laureen Naik will be leading in worship and I will be preaching. Come, Share, and Rejoice. Join us for our weekly TV outreach this Evening at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable Channel 4. We will meet for our Sunday worship at 8:30 and 11:00 at Union Center and at 9:30AM at Wesley UMC.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAyKmYD2Zg8
Please note: we are currently planning the various events of the Christmas and Advent seasons.
We will "kick off" the Christmas celebrations with a Christmas banquet on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the First UMC in Endicott. The meal will begin 5 PM. Chef Justin Clark will prepare the meal. We are inviting many of the civic and business leaders of Endicott for this meal. Dan Babcock will be speaking at the dinner.
Following the dinner, at 6:30 PM, there will be a service in the sanctuary at First UMC, which will be a concert by the St. Petersburg ( Russia)Men's Ensemble. "The Russians", a quartet of gifted musicians, will be presenting a musical feast which consists of sacred, classical, and Russian folk music. If you have never heard them before, come this time and be fully blessed.
The children of the church will be presenting a delightful musical program, "Inside the Outside Inn" on Sunday, December 5. Please watch your bulletin and newsletter for further information as the day approaches.
The adult choir will be presenting the cantata, "Follow the Star, Follow the King" at both morning worship services on Sunday, December 19. This program is a beautiful mix of timeless Christmas carols, many of which are set to other melodies, both rich and sweet.
The Handles Messiah , will be presented by the Down Town Singers on December 17at 8PM at the Forum.
We will be presenting A Living Nativity on Friday December 17 from 5-7 PM at The Wesley Premises. 1000 Day Hollow Road, Endicott.
Joy to the World.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-08-10
Praise the Lord for a very incredible weekend He gave us! Thank you for praying for us. Praise the Lord for all those who were able to participate in it. The Lord met us in so many ways. The Lord used Kelly, our young and beautiful friend from Memphis, Tennessee, to stir our hearts and to provoke our lives to love Jesus in a deeper way and to have a closer walk with him. Every time we met it appeared that the Lord Jesus met us where we were at that particular time. So many people were prayed for . So many gave their lives to Jesus for the first time. So many recommitted their lives to Jesus. I recommitted my life to Jesus to glorify Him in my life and to enjoy Him for ever. I praise the Lord for all of our people who labored with great love throughout the weekend . They prepared 22 turkeys for the big Thanksgiving banquet Saturday evening under the leadership of the Chef Lou Pasquel and the the able team . There were over 30 home made pies and hundreds homemade rolls . It was a super Thanksgiving- over 260 people were served. There was still an over abundance left to serve more people this Tuesday evening and the Wednesday evening. The Smith Boys prepared the Sunday Buffet after the Morning worship and it was a great blessing with amazing food. We had a group of women prepare and serve a special breakfast Saturday Morning. We praise the Jesus the Lord of the banquet. He is the Host at every meal. We are His honored guests at every meal.
Some one said as a general rule women live longer than men. The reason being that women have more friends than men.We all need friends, but few understand the basics about forming quality friendships. A true friend is someone with whom we enjoy mutual affection, interests and respect. The best friends are those who are helpers in times of trouble. Those who are our advocates when we find ourselves in need are the kind of friends that are worth their weight in gold. Solomon once wrote, "A brother is born for times of adversity, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother - that is God our closest companion."
By friendship you mean the greatest love, the greatest usefulness, the most open communication, the noblest sufferings, the severest truth, the heartiest counsel, and the greatest union of minds of which brave men and women are capable.
Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I have called you friend for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." Christ’s friendship gives us everlasting love, direction and revelation of His will for our life. Friendships are enhanced when we shared mutual goals, values and power. Jesus knew that the best kinds of friendships would come from an intimate relationship with Him. Nothing comes close to the satisfaction we get when we are in close communication with the Lord Jesus.
One of my favourite hymns is "There’s not a friend like the humble Jesus. No not one. No not one. None else can heal all our souls diseases. No not one. No not one. Jesus knows all about our struggles. He will guide till the day is done. There’s not a friend like the humble Jesus. No not one. No not one." A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Friendship provides the relationships that bring about 90% of the people into the family of God. Consistently, statistics tell us that about 90% of the people who become Christians do so through a friend or a family member. Friendship evangelism provides a warm relationship where people are able to feel the affection of a loving Christian before they are presented with the hard truths of the gospel.
May the Lord help us to be kind to all, friendly, and willing to serve those around us by extending a helping hand. The Lord befriended many as a way of demonstrating the love that gives even when others misunderstand, ignore or criticize the giver.
In Christ,
Brown
One of the special blessings that we have this week is to spend lots of time with our two grand children who are visiting us from Boston.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxcJaOooPI
Some one said as a general rule women live longer than men. The reason being that women have more friends than men.We all need friends, but few understand the basics about forming quality friendships. A true friend is someone with whom we enjoy mutual affection, interests and respect. The best friends are those who are helpers in times of trouble. Those who are our advocates when we find ourselves in need are the kind of friends that are worth their weight in gold. Solomon once wrote, "A brother is born for times of adversity, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother - that is God our closest companion."
By friendship you mean the greatest love, the greatest usefulness, the most open communication, the noblest sufferings, the severest truth, the heartiest counsel, and the greatest union of minds of which brave men and women are capable.
Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I have called you friend for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." Christ’s friendship gives us everlasting love, direction and revelation of His will for our life. Friendships are enhanced when we shared mutual goals, values and power. Jesus knew that the best kinds of friendships would come from an intimate relationship with Him. Nothing comes close to the satisfaction we get when we are in close communication with the Lord Jesus.
One of my favourite hymns is "There’s not a friend like the humble Jesus. No not one. No not one. None else can heal all our souls diseases. No not one. No not one. Jesus knows all about our struggles. He will guide till the day is done. There’s not a friend like the humble Jesus. No not one. No not one." A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Friendship provides the relationships that bring about 90% of the people into the family of God. Consistently, statistics tell us that about 90% of the people who become Christians do so through a friend or a family member. Friendship evangelism provides a warm relationship where people are able to feel the affection of a loving Christian before they are presented with the hard truths of the gospel.
May the Lord help us to be kind to all, friendly, and willing to serve those around us by extending a helping hand. The Lord befriended many as a way of demonstrating the love that gives even when others misunderstand, ignore or criticize the giver.
In Christ,
Brown
One of the special blessings that we have this week is to spend lots of time with our two grand children who are visiting us from Boston.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxcJaOooPI
Friday, November 5, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-05-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this fabulous Friday. Kelly Johnson, the feature speaker for the weekend's prayer Conference, flew in yesterday from Memphis. Sunita, Andy, and their friend drove in last night. Micah and Simeon will be coming in this evening. We have been visiting with Kelly and she has been sharing about how the Lord has been at her work so faithfully and wonderfully during last few years of her life. We are so excited for this weekend, anticipating rich blessings from the Lord. The prayer conference will commence with some authentic Indian and Italian cuisine this evening at 6 PM. Those who live in the area, join us. It is a great blessing to host people, particularly those who love hot and spicy Indian foods. Pray for our weekly Television Out reach this eve at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable Channel 4.
I have been blessed to have been able to attend several Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades over the years, starting in May, 1982 in Baltimore where I met Joni Earekson as a young woman. In every Billy graham Crusade, George Beverly Shea sang a special song before the preaching by Dr. Billy Graham. One of the Hymns he sang was "Amazing Grace". Every time that "Bev Shea" sang this sweet hymn he made a reference to the epitaph of John Newton. In a small cemetery of a parish churchyard in Olney, England, stands a granite tombstone with the inscription, “John Newton, clerk [pastor], once an infidel amd Libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the Faith he had long labored to destroy.” You may not remember his name, but all of us know the song he wrote as a testimony of his life, “Amazing Grace.”
Amazing Grace finds it’s lasting legacy in the simplicity of the words & the universal understanding of man’s need for grace. This beloved song bears witness to a multitude of testimonies from all corners of the world and all types of sinners who found forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The list could go on and on. In my own ministry over the years I have seen alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves, homosexuals, adulterers, atheists, and motorcycle gang members give their lives to Christ.
The Bible records the conversions of the maniac at Gadara, the despised tax collector and traitor to his people, Matthew, blind Bartimaeus, the adulterous Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, the Roman centurion at the crucifixion, Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch, the Philippian jailer, and Lydia, among others. Yet, of all the conversions ever recorded, none was more remarkable than that of Saul of Tarsus. This bitter enemy of the cause of Christ, in his own words "the foremost of all sinners", became the greatest evangelist and theologian the world has ever known. Acts 9, 22, 26, Galatians 1-2, Philippians 3, and 1 Timothy 1 all describe aspects of his conversion. Paul never lost the wonder that God could and did redeem someone like him. He viewed himself as the supreme example of God’s saving grace. Paul's story is very much our story. Every one of us was lost, each one of us was blind, but now we are found and now we see.
John Newton told often the story of his early life and conversion experience, and wherever he preached, large crowds gathered to hear the “Old Converted Sea Captain” as he was called. He is quoted, not long before he died, in a message saying, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember 2 things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”
As the apostle Paul wrote to his dear Timothy, he did not write this to show how bad he was, but rather how good God is! Paul’s testimony is nothing short of miraculous. Grace is used in the original Greek language to convey the idea of a free gift. It has at its root the concept of joy. It is a delight to receive something you do not deserve, but it’s even more joyful to give something to someone in this way. The theological impression of grace speaks of God’s loving forgiveness, which he gives freely to those deserving only condemnation and judgment, and transfers them from darkness to light, from death to life without any worthiness on their part, based on nothing they have done or failed to do.
The grace of God was especially vivid in Paul’s mind because of his past. As a great sinner, he knew that he needed great grace. In Acts 9:1, Luke describes Paul as “breathing out murderous threats against believers.” It’s as if he lived and breathed to destroy what he considered to be the enemy, like a warhorse who sniffed the smell of battle. He was a frightening, violent adversary. Further, he was a callous, pious, self-righteous, bigoted murderer hell-bent on a full-scale inquisition. Read how he later described his behavior to Agrippa, in the words of Acts 26:9-11.
In the middle of his wretchedness, Paul was met with the Lord's boundless compassion. He could say with the hymn writer, “And from my smitten heart with tears, two wonders I confess: The wonders of redeeming love & my unworthiness.”
In His Amazing Grace,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Praise the Lord for this fabulous Friday. Kelly Johnson, the feature speaker for the weekend's prayer Conference, flew in yesterday from Memphis. Sunita, Andy, and their friend drove in last night. Micah and Simeon will be coming in this evening. We have been visiting with Kelly and she has been sharing about how the Lord has been at her work so faithfully and wonderfully during last few years of her life. We are so excited for this weekend, anticipating rich blessings from the Lord. The prayer conference will commence with some authentic Indian and Italian cuisine this evening at 6 PM. Those who live in the area, join us. It is a great blessing to host people, particularly those who love hot and spicy Indian foods. Pray for our weekly Television Out reach this eve at 7 PM on Time Warner Cable Channel 4.
I have been blessed to have been able to attend several Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades over the years, starting in May, 1982 in Baltimore where I met Joni Earekson as a young woman. In every Billy graham Crusade, George Beverly Shea sang a special song before the preaching by Dr. Billy Graham. One of the Hymns he sang was "Amazing Grace". Every time that "Bev Shea" sang this sweet hymn he made a reference to the epitaph of John Newton. In a small cemetery of a parish churchyard in Olney, England, stands a granite tombstone with the inscription, “John Newton, clerk [pastor], once an infidel amd Libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the Faith he had long labored to destroy.” You may not remember his name, but all of us know the song he wrote as a testimony of his life, “Amazing Grace.”
Amazing Grace finds it’s lasting legacy in the simplicity of the words & the universal understanding of man’s need for grace. This beloved song bears witness to a multitude of testimonies from all corners of the world and all types of sinners who found forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The list could go on and on. In my own ministry over the years I have seen alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves, homosexuals, adulterers, atheists, and motorcycle gang members give their lives to Christ.
The Bible records the conversions of the maniac at Gadara, the despised tax collector and traitor to his people, Matthew, blind Bartimaeus, the adulterous Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, the Roman centurion at the crucifixion, Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch, the Philippian jailer, and Lydia, among others. Yet, of all the conversions ever recorded, none was more remarkable than that of Saul of Tarsus. This bitter enemy of the cause of Christ, in his own words "the foremost of all sinners", became the greatest evangelist and theologian the world has ever known. Acts 9, 22, 26, Galatians 1-2, Philippians 3, and 1 Timothy 1 all describe aspects of his conversion. Paul never lost the wonder that God could and did redeem someone like him. He viewed himself as the supreme example of God’s saving grace. Paul's story is very much our story. Every one of us was lost, each one of us was blind, but now we are found and now we see.
John Newton told often the story of his early life and conversion experience, and wherever he preached, large crowds gathered to hear the “Old Converted Sea Captain” as he was called. He is quoted, not long before he died, in a message saying, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember 2 things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”
As the apostle Paul wrote to his dear Timothy, he did not write this to show how bad he was, but rather how good God is! Paul’s testimony is nothing short of miraculous. Grace is used in the original Greek language to convey the idea of a free gift. It has at its root the concept of joy. It is a delight to receive something you do not deserve, but it’s even more joyful to give something to someone in this way. The theological impression of grace speaks of God’s loving forgiveness, which he gives freely to those deserving only condemnation and judgment, and transfers them from darkness to light, from death to life without any worthiness on their part, based on nothing they have done or failed to do.
The grace of God was especially vivid in Paul’s mind because of his past. As a great sinner, he knew that he needed great grace. In Acts 9:1, Luke describes Paul as “breathing out murderous threats against believers.” It’s as if he lived and breathed to destroy what he considered to be the enemy, like a warhorse who sniffed the smell of battle. He was a frightening, violent adversary. Further, he was a callous, pious, self-righteous, bigoted murderer hell-bent on a full-scale inquisition. Read how he later described his behavior to Agrippa, in the words of Acts 26:9-11.
In the middle of his wretchedness, Paul was met with the Lord's boundless compassion. He could say with the hymn writer, “And from my smitten heart with tears, two wonders I confess: The wonders of redeeming love & my unworthiness.”
In His Amazing Grace,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-04-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for the way He ushers in a new day, with a bright new morning. Great is His faithfulness. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful Wednesday evening gathering for delicious food and sweet fellowship and refreshing Bible Study. The Lord of the Church visits us with His refreshing Touch every time we come before Him. We looked into the Greatness Of the Forgiveness Jesus offers to us in His wonderful grace. There is something so amazing about His Grace and mercy. It is wonderful to be transferred to the grace-based culture from sin-based culture.
We are gearing up for the weekend Prayer conference that commences tomorrow evening. Our friend Kelly Johnson is arriving from Memphis this afternoon. Sunita, Andy, and one of her friends are coming from Washington, DC
tonight.
We spoke to our grand daughter yesterday on her 5th birthday. She is 5 years now, and is a big girl. She is home-schooled in Boston. She and her brother Simeon are coming down to Endicott as "fresh air kids" from Boston. Alice is meeting up with Janice and Jeremy near Lee, Mass near the Great Berkshires in Massachusetts.
We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving Banquet this Saturday. We are planning to serve approximately 250 people. We are so blessed. Our people are excited in fixing and preparing the food with much love. We praise the Lord for the way He offers us His extravagant hospitality so that we can be the channels of His hospitality to others. Please pray for us that the Lord would bless the gathering and bless all the laborers in His Kingdom.
As part of the study from Mathew 18 and 19 we looked into that late great saint of the Christian Church, Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom (1892-1983). She testified that from the greatest hell man could create the Nazi concentration camps of World War II. She and her beloved sister, the late great Elisabeth "Betsie" ten Boom (1885-1944), paid the price for hiding Jewish people in the attic of their home in Holland! Through torture, humiliation, and pain, they turned to the Christ, who lived in them, and testified to His peace! Their witness was backed by credentials of a suffering that few of us have ever known! Betsie died in that concentration camp; Corrie was released as a result of a clerical error! In Betsie’s dying hours, she spoke of a message that her sister, Corrie, would carry around the world for nearly forty (40) years. Betsie said, "Tell them that there is no pit so deep but that God’s love is deeper still." Corrie and Betsie has tasted what it means to be "more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" The peace that Christ brings is that strong!
This is the Word of the Lord to all the combat veterans of the world, that is, the permanent cure to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is Jesus, the Christ - "by His stripes we are healed!" Excessive guilt and sorrow can only lead to depression, to despair, to defeat, and, sometimes, to destruction! Don’t let that happen to you; turn to the "Prince of Peace". Let Him take the guilt and sorrow away. It works. He did it for me!
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT) tells us, "And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing His Will. May He produce in you, through the Power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him." Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an Everlasting Covenant, signed with His Blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
In Jesus our Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhmrb3uFYwI
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Praise the Lord for the way He ushers in a new day, with a bright new morning. Great is His faithfulness. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful Wednesday evening gathering for delicious food and sweet fellowship and refreshing Bible Study. The Lord of the Church visits us with His refreshing Touch every time we come before Him. We looked into the Greatness Of the Forgiveness Jesus offers to us in His wonderful grace. There is something so amazing about His Grace and mercy. It is wonderful to be transferred to the grace-based culture from sin-based culture.
We are gearing up for the weekend Prayer conference that commences tomorrow evening. Our friend Kelly Johnson is arriving from Memphis this afternoon. Sunita, Andy, and one of her friends are coming from Washington, DC
tonight.
We spoke to our grand daughter yesterday on her 5th birthday. She is 5 years now, and is a big girl. She is home-schooled in Boston. She and her brother Simeon are coming down to Endicott as "fresh air kids" from Boston. Alice is meeting up with Janice and Jeremy near Lee, Mass near the Great Berkshires in Massachusetts.
We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving Banquet this Saturday. We are planning to serve approximately 250 people. We are so blessed. Our people are excited in fixing and preparing the food with much love. We praise the Lord for the way He offers us His extravagant hospitality so that we can be the channels of His hospitality to others. Please pray for us that the Lord would bless the gathering and bless all the laborers in His Kingdom.
As part of the study from Mathew 18 and 19 we looked into that late great saint of the Christian Church, Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom (1892-1983). She testified that from the greatest hell man could create the Nazi concentration camps of World War II. She and her beloved sister, the late great Elisabeth "Betsie" ten Boom (1885-1944), paid the price for hiding Jewish people in the attic of their home in Holland! Through torture, humiliation, and pain, they turned to the Christ, who lived in them, and testified to His peace! Their witness was backed by credentials of a suffering that few of us have ever known! Betsie died in that concentration camp; Corrie was released as a result of a clerical error! In Betsie’s dying hours, she spoke of a message that her sister, Corrie, would carry around the world for nearly forty (40) years. Betsie said, "Tell them that there is no pit so deep but that God’s love is deeper still." Corrie and Betsie has tasted what it means to be "more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" The peace that Christ brings is that strong!
This is the Word of the Lord to all the combat veterans of the world, that is, the permanent cure to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is Jesus, the Christ - "by His stripes we are healed!" Excessive guilt and sorrow can only lead to depression, to despair, to defeat, and, sometimes, to destruction! Don’t let that happen to you; turn to the "Prince of Peace". Let Him take the guilt and sorrow away. It works. He did it for me!
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT) tells us, "And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing His Will. May He produce in you, through the Power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him." Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an Everlasting Covenant, signed with His Blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
In Jesus our Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhmrb3uFYwI
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Brown's Daily Word 11-3-10
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this new day, the morning after the mid-term elections in this America, the Beautiful. Jesus is Lord. We will gather for our Mid-week fellowship and Study today at 6 PM.
Our favorite grand daughter Micah,celebrates her 5th birthday to day in Boston . We praise the Lord for her. Our Lord reigns and He rules. He is upon the Throne. We worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords. May the Lord of all the nations heal our land and turn us back to Him. One of the beautiful cities I visited few years ago is Copenhagen, Denmark. Outside the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark’s Parliament building, there are three stone figures guarding the entrance. They represent the earache, the headache, and the stomach ache. They were placed there to suggest that if you enter politics, you will have all three.
I think that most of us would agree that entering politics is likely to cause a great deal of stress. David gives us the Lord’s prescription for dealing with the stress in our lives...
Psalm 4:1-8, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him. Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord. Many are saying, 'Who will show us any good?' Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety."
Many scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 4 as he was about to retire for the evening. He could not do much about the war around him, but he could do something about the war within him. Instead of lying in bed fretting, stewing and worrying, he committed himself and his situation to the Lord. Psalm 4:1, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer."
He started by saying, "O God of my righteousness!" David was praising God for who He is. It is important sometimes for us to take our eyes off ourselves and realize the goodness and greatness of our God. "Be gracious to me and hear my prayer." In these words, David asked for grace in his situation. Perhaps David realized that his trouble was, at least in part, a result of his past sins. Sometimes deliverance from our distress is as simple as saying, "God, if I brought this trouble on myself. I am asking You to forgive me." It is truly amazing how gracious God is willing to be to us, if only we would ask Him.
Psalms 4:6-8 (MSG)
6 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God’s more-than-enough,
7 More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.
8 At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.
David indicated the intensity of this search by repeating it over and over. “More, more, more, more.” We see the answer at the end of verse 6. “I have God’s more-than-enough.” The way out of the more-more cycle is to receive and celebrate God’s more-than-enough. A main theme throughout scripture is our Lord's absolute sufficiency, the fact that if He who is our Emmanuel, is with us, and that is all we will ever need. In verse 7 the Psalmist assigned a word to this “more-than-enough” presence of God. He called it “joy.” Joy is an awareness of God’s more-than-enough presence in our lives.
There is more joy in one ordinary day serving Jesus than we can ever get in all our shopping sprees. Jesus is indeed our Eternal Joy.
Blessed be His Name.
In Him,
Brown
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
• Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
• 6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
• Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
• 9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
• 5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
• 6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
• Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
• 12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Speaker: Kelly Johnson from Nashville, TN.
Praise the Lord for this new day, the morning after the mid-term elections in this America, the Beautiful. Jesus is Lord. We will gather for our Mid-week fellowship and Study today at 6 PM.
Our favorite grand daughter Micah,celebrates her 5th birthday to day in Boston . We praise the Lord for her. Our Lord reigns and He rules. He is upon the Throne. We worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords. May the Lord of all the nations heal our land and turn us back to Him. One of the beautiful cities I visited few years ago is Copenhagen, Denmark. Outside the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark’s Parliament building, there are three stone figures guarding the entrance. They represent the earache, the headache, and the stomach ache. They were placed there to suggest that if you enter politics, you will have all three.
I think that most of us would agree that entering politics is likely to cause a great deal of stress. David gives us the Lord’s prescription for dealing with the stress in our lives...
Psalm 4:1-8, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him. Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord. Many are saying, 'Who will show us any good?' Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety."
Many scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 4 as he was about to retire for the evening. He could not do much about the war around him, but he could do something about the war within him. Instead of lying in bed fretting, stewing and worrying, he committed himself and his situation to the Lord. Psalm 4:1, "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer."
He started by saying, "O God of my righteousness!" David was praising God for who He is. It is important sometimes for us to take our eyes off ourselves and realize the goodness and greatness of our God. "Be gracious to me and hear my prayer." In these words, David asked for grace in his situation. Perhaps David realized that his trouble was, at least in part, a result of his past sins. Sometimes deliverance from our distress is as simple as saying, "God, if I brought this trouble on myself. I am asking You to forgive me." It is truly amazing how gracious God is willing to be to us, if only we would ask Him.
Psalms 4:6-8 (MSG)
6 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God’s more-than-enough,
7 More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.
8 At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.
David indicated the intensity of this search by repeating it over and over. “More, more, more, more.” We see the answer at the end of verse 6. “I have God’s more-than-enough.” The way out of the more-more cycle is to receive and celebrate God’s more-than-enough. A main theme throughout scripture is our Lord's absolute sufficiency, the fact that if He who is our Emmanuel, is with us, and that is all we will ever need. In verse 7 the Psalmist assigned a word to this “more-than-enough” presence of God. He called it “joy.” Joy is an awareness of God’s more-than-enough presence in our lives.
There is more joy in one ordinary day serving Jesus than we can ever get in all our shopping sprees. Jesus is indeed our Eternal Joy.
Blessed be His Name.
In Him,
Brown
Once You Encounter Jesus – You Will Never Be The SAME!!
In Zechariah 4:6 it is written, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." As we approach the end of the year, the Lord has placed before us many open doors - for worship, for ministry, and for service. We have been blessed to have many prayer warriors in the life of the church, who are faithfully and joyfully engaged in lives of fervent prayer.
Sunita and Andy's church in Washington, DC goes on retreat together twice a year. Sunita always returns from these events blessed, refreshed, and inspired. We attempted to have our church's prayer retreat at Sky Lake, but scheduling conflicts prohibited it, so we are planning to have our upcoming prayer retreat at our own church here in Union Center. We invite all of you to come and be a part of this event. Keep praying for the Lord to refresh our hearts and renew our minds.
Praise the Lord for each one who has offered his or her time, talents, and treasures to make the upcoming prayer weekend possible. The schedule follows:
• Friday, November 5 - 6 PM Supper, with Indian and Italian dishes. A love offering will be received.
• 6:30 PM The Prayer Conference convenes.
• Saturday, November 6, 8:30 AM breakfast, prepared by Kathy Dence and team. A love offering will be received.
• 9:00 AM - 13 noon The Prayer Conference continues.
• 5 PM Thanksgiving Banquet, held at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue. The menu includes homemade pies, rolls, turkey, and the trimmings. Lou Pasquale is the head chef, together with Rodney Haines as his sous chef. Sign-up sheets for the banquet are located in the Narthex, or reservations can be confirmed by calling the church office at 748-6329.
• 6:30 PM Worship service in the sanctuary at First UMC, Endicott. Music will be provided by Aric Phinney and the team. The speaker will be Kelly Johnson.
• Sunday morning worship services will be at UCUMC at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, with Sunday School at 9:50 AM. Kelly Johnson will be speaking to a combined Adult Sunday School at that time. Worship service will be held at Wesley UMC at 9:30 AM.
• 12:30 PM There will be a meal immediately following the 11:00 AM service. Chefs for the meal are Jeremy and Matt Smith. The menu includes Carribean pork, braised chicken, candied sweet potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls.
November 6, 2010 - ( Saturday) There will be a Thanksgiving banquet. At 5 PM a traditional Thanksgiving menu will be served, including home made rolls and pies. Chef: Lou Pasquale and team. (Reservations: Call the Church office (607)-748-6329 or email at umcgospel@aol.com
The banquet will be followed by 6:30 PM Worship
Music: Aric Phinney and the team
Speaker: Kelly Johnson from Nashville, TN.
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