Life After Love

I'm writing this morning from a winter wonderland on Herbert Road. I imagine that's true of wherever you find yourself today, as we were hit with quite a snow storm over the last 24 hours. I know my kids are ready for some sled riding!
This Sunday we'll be wrapping up our study of the book of 1 John. And in the final chapter of John's letter, we'll take a look at life after love - or perhaps more appropriately, life after "Give Love". What does it mean to live in light of the love God has shown us in Christ? Is it possible to really know that we possess eternal life? What does this kind of life look like and how can we experience it to the fullest? These are the kind questions we'll be tackling this Sunday morning.
In preparation for Sunday, why don't you review the book of 1 John through the remainder of the week. Read a chapter or two with your spouse. Ask some questions of the text. Talk about it with your kids or family members that may still be in town for the holidays. 
Lastly, I'd like to thank you again for your support and participation of this year's "Give Love" Christmas campaign. Whether it was ringing the salvation army bell, caroling for our shut-ins, or donating to support Old North's ongoing ministry in Belize, you really stepped up to show our community and our world the love of Jesus.
With that, let's keep going - let's keep loving - and let's keep living to the glory of God and the good of others. See you Sunday!
Chris

As December Comes to a Close

Little did any of us know last week at this time, that there would be an awful series of shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.   We've watched the news, we've heard the stories, and we've hugged our children cognizant again of the darkness of this world.

And yet, at this time of year, we not only look for, but try to live in the light of Christ.
We've been "Giving Love"- in the fashion of good deeds to help other people.  We've been looking for ways to make a difference in peoples' lives; and in the future of eternity we will find if our works and words have brought people to faith.

This Sunday, beginning the fourth week of advent, we will look at I John as well as two  gospel accounts of Christ's birth.  We'll sing and pray and trust that God in His grace will continue to redeem this wicked world.  Then Christmas Eve, at 7:00 and 9:00 PM we'll have time to gather with our church family and celebrate our Savior's birth.

Lori and I wish you a very blessed Christmas and New Year.

In His love,
Brent

"Do not be afraid for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.   Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
                                                                                    -Luke 2:11-12

Giving Love

Last Sunday, I shared with you that I've been invited to become the District Executive Minister for the Converge Northeast, one of the districts of our denomination, The Baptist General Conference. It has been a wonderful and challenging journey that the Lord as put before Lori and me; and I want to thank you for the love you have given to us in this past week. Thank you for your encouragement, your notes, calls and support. The relationships we share with you are the greatest of blessings to us, and I'm glad they don't have to end anytime soon.


I'll be preaching almost every Sunday through the end of April and I look forward to sharing with you what the Lord is doing. Thanks also for your prayers as we sell our house here, pack, and find a new home in Connecticut. If you weren't here perhaps you'll want to check out the podcast from last week on our Old North website to hear more of the story I shared.


This Sunday, Mark Leger and I will update you further about the months ahead. It is also the third week of Advent and we'll update you on the details of our "Give Love" projects. As a matter of fact, Pastor Cyle Young has put together a video we're attaching for those of you who will helping your children send Christmas cards to their school teachers.


Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday!


Brent

The Second Sunday of Advent

Since I've written to you last; the Advent Dinner for residents of the Rescue Mission has taken place, our Dominican Republic Team has returned safely, and the church has been beautifully decorated by Sue Trebilcock and many other volunteers. Thank you!

Now on Sunday evening we get a chance to see what our kids have been preparing to share with us: "The Light Has Come".  It is a wonderful Christmas musical, by Old North's Children and Youth Choir led by Krista Hosler.  Please join them here at 6:00 PM and encourage our kids.

On Sunday morning, we'll be studying part of I John 2, and have a reminder from our Belize team about the need to give generously to that ministry.  Thank you to those who have already contributed to the "Give Love" offering- and please join with us if you haven't.

There are many competing priorities this time of year, as I mentioned to you last week- but Jesus must come first.  I look forward to lighting the second candle of Advent on Sunday and sharing with you some important things that the Lord has been showing us.

Lord willing, I'll see you then,

Brent

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."  -Micah 5:2