Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Blessings

Greetings Fellow Pilgrims

Sunday’s service was awesome and God’s presence was felt. The music was quite inspiring. I really enjoy it when Teddy leads us in a mini hymn-sing; and the songs the Helen, Stanley and Diane choose seemed to be just what I needed to hear and went along very well with my message. God was at work.

The Thankfulness Time was very special to me, whereas a couple of people expressed their thankfulness for their new pastor and that pastor living in the community – and being done university. No one is more thankful (for this) than Peggy and I.

Dixon was thankful for the sun and Allison was thankful for the rain. It’s nice to know that whether the weather is good or bad, someone is thankful for it. Peggy and I were thankful for Peggy’s sister (Donna Rand) and her husband (Alvin Rand) coming to visit. Others were also thankful for family and friends.

In my offering introduction, I used the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I then connected that with my poem. It went something like this:

***Tithes and Offerings – Intro***
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, once asked:

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- And, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”


How do I love thee Lord? Let me count the ways.
I love thee enough to serve,
I love thee enough to sing,
I love thee enough to bow,
I love thee enough to repent,
I love thee enough to praise,
I love thee enough to honor,
And, I love thee enough to give, so that others may have.

***
The rest of the service was quite powerful. The sermon was about how some people go missing from our community, our society and our churches without anyone every noticing. I focused on how people feel; lost, alone and unfulfilled. Check out the sermon on the “From the pulpit” link.

This past Sunday night was our first night for our Marriage Enrichment course; 7 couples came. The Ladies Auxiliary (of our church) provided the food for us and we are truly thankful to them. Overall, I think the night went well. It was harder for some and scarier for others; but all finished the evening without any broken bones. Well done all you couples.

In today’s society, marriages are in trouble. It takes hard work to stay married and a lot of couples divorce because they are not willing to work at their marriage. These 7 couples should be praise for their efforts and willingness to find tools that will help them.

Monday (my day off and a holiday), Peggy and I spent our “marriage time” taking drive. We drove to Digby, got coffee and drove out Digby Neck to end, got on the ferry went across to Teverton, then drove across that island, got on that ferry and went to Brier Island and did some exploring. I did not like the ferries, Peggy did – I felt kind of sick on the way back – but got home safe and sound none-the-less. A good day for us.

Blessings on you this day.
Pastor Brian

Friday, May 18, 2007

Special Times

It’s been a busy few days for me. Over this past weekend I attended my Commissioning Dinner and Service at Acadia Divinity Collage (ADC) and Convocation Exercises; and graduated from Acadia University with my Bachelor of Theology degree. I am so blessed that God lead me to ADC, helped me through and guided me to New Tusket Baptist Church.

I was very pleased and honored as all my brothers and sisters (and spouses), along with my wife (Peggy), my daughter (Tanya), friends and church family from Cambridge and New Tusket came and shared in my joy. Without family and friends our accomplishments seem less.

Thank you to all who helped and aided me along the way. Blessings, upon you.

So, in my absence from church last Sunday, Mr. Jonathan Thompson preached a message on fear. The service was very special in a lot of ways. First, Jonathan was preaching. Then, it was his birthday as well. And finally, it was Mother’s Day. Everyone I talk with says the service was amazing. To read Jonathan’s message, please go to the “From the pulpit” link on this page.

Well done, Jonathan, and thank you.

This Sunday’s message is all about feeling lost, lonely and unfulfilled. Title: MIA. Also, Sunday night is the beginning of our Marriage Enrichment course, here at the church, beginning at 6:00. All are welcome. The only stipulation is that you must be married to attend. So, you still have 2 days to find and marry someone to attend.

The course is designed to help you communicate (talk) better with your spouse, spend some quality time together (date), as you share a meal together (food). All discussions are between you and your spouse and you will not be asked to share anything with the group. This course is for you and your spouse. Please come☺

God loves each and everyone of you and wants nothing but the best for you.

Peace be with you;
Pastor Brian

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Response from May 9 question

On May 9, I left you with this verse to think about:
Colossians 3:16; "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom."

Then I asked this question:
Question; What's the difference between the "word of Christ" and the "Word of God?"


And finally someone decided to try and answer the question.
Donna Jean wrote:
"The Word of God = Scripture
The word of Christ = the words Christ spoke while here on earth"

Which is a pretty good guess, but little sister may I direct you to John 1:14.
How does this verse reflect on your answer?

Thought provoting.
Blessings
Pastor Brother Brian (B.Th)

Monday, May 14, 2007

I Am So Blessed

Hi All;
This past weekend went way beyond my expectations. I am so, so tired and will post all the happenings in a day or so. Goto Tanya's blog for some pics.

Blessings
PBB

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Off, Off and Away

Well going to the valley today - got a lot going on in the next few days. Peggy and I are spending the night at Tanya's house; we will be watch survivor and most likely eating Greco Pizza, since Peggy hasn't had any of their pizza since moving to NT in December. Tomorrow night is the Commissioning Dinner (at Wheelock Dining Hall - Acadaia U.) and Service (Wolfville Baptist Church). Then after those festivities, we will drive back to NT, so Peggy can work Saturday. Then get up bright and early Sunday morning and drive back to the Valley for Convocation exercises in the afternoon. Then drive back home and crash.

It has been a very long 3 years and I am so glad to be done. I couldn't have made it with my wife Peggy and my daughter Tanya. God put them in my life for a reason and I am so thankful for them. Love you both, very much.

Last night was Bible study. We have just started looking at Daniel and how in the midst of struggle, he maintains his faith and his intregety towards it. Good discussion last night and a very large group. Choir practice is always fun. With Larry and Teddy in the back row 'hamming' it up, it is always a crack-up. Of course Larry and Teddy would be perfect gentlemen, if it weren't for the ring-leader Arthur Thompson. The music was just wonderful though.

Jonathan Thompson is preaching this Sunday (since I will be elsewhere). Jonathan's sermon is entitled "Fear." His scripture is from Luke 2:39-52. This is where Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple for the festival and then head back home - only to find Jesus not with them. So for a few days they search, only to find Him in the temple talking with the 'teachers' of the day. I assume Jonathan will tie Jesus missing and the fear that Mary (His mother) went through: since it is Mother's Day and also Jonathan's birthday.

Well Off, Off and Away. Have a great weekend and may God richly bless the service on Sunday.
PBB

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Blaze, Spirit, Blaze

Well Spirit and I went to the Valley yesterday. I had to get my glasses replaced (long story), and I had to check on my daughter who is sick and lost one of her cats (Scrat). Well I called 6 times in an hours, went to her new apartment (very cozy) and then to find out she was working - so I missed her. Then I went to my brother Rockey's to try and get him out of his rutt - finally got him talked into a bike drive.

So, at mid afternoon we drove to Coldbrook, stopped in to see our friend George (CarQuest Auto Parts), and to show him our bikes. Left there and drove to Kingston and stopped off at the Honda Motorcycle place and after looking and sitting on a few bikes, we left. I am very glad I bought the bike I did and not one of those. Then drove towards Annapolis Royal to the leather shop - Rockey needs a new coat. Stopped at Tim's in Bridgetown and ventured on. Finally met up with our friend Dave and his wife (on their bile - Kawasaki 1300) coming the other way. Turned around and drove with them back to Pearl's Takeout and had some fish -n-chips; and then I left for home. The head wind was very strong and I had to fight it all the way.

Funny, my bike is a 250 cc and I usually drive the speed limit (or a little over - but safely), but Rockey and Dave with thier 900 cc and 1300cc drive soooo slow. I was leading on the way to Pearl's, and I had to slow down so they could catch up.

A verse for you to think about today: Colossians 3:16; "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom."
Question; What's the difference between the "word of Christ" and the "Word of God?"

Blessings upon you all and remember (as April says, welll I said it first, but she stole it) God loves you so much.
Pastor Brother Brian

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Exhausted

Well here I sit, totally exhaused but the events of the day. Today was Communion Sunday and the message was 'The Art of Being a Sinner." The point was to connect our sins, with God's love and Christ's death. I thibnk I accomplished that, and people walked away knowing that yesterday's sins don't matter to God today, as we have salvation through Christ and a hope for tomorrow. Salvation, forgivens of past sins and life ternal takes only a few simple words of the heart; "Please God forgive me. Please Jesus, come into my heart. Please Christ, be the Lord of my life."

My sister Linda Lou and her husband Duck came to the service this morning, stayed for lunch (she made homemade pizza) and then went to the evening service of music. The evening service was highlighted by the musical talents of the New Tusket Baptist Church Quarette and the Haveloch Trio. Both groups sang the praises of Christ. We sang 4 congregational hymns; and the finale, was a jam session with both groups. Oh, yeh, I gave a short message on Committment to Christ. All-in-all, a very exciting night of music and praise.

Some days I have doubts, as Satan finds that crack to get inside your head. But then there are days like today, when I feel that God has sent me to New Tusket, He has given me a job to do and the ability to do it and He has affirmed today. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.

Please read the messages from today, on the "From the pulpit" link.

Blessings all you children of God.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Bike Name

Well I have finally decided on a name for my motorcycle; I can't keep calling her Vroom, Vroom - so from now on my bike's name is "Spirit." On of my fav. praise songs is "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and the one line in that song that I draw the name of my bike from is "Blaze, Spirit, Blaze."

Spirit and I took a drive this afternoon; lookinh for Hebron Baptist Church. Peggy and I will be attending a pastor's and spouses retreat there, in June. So I found it, very nice church, quite a new building. Then I took the old road, along the French shore and then cut 'cross county through Consessions, then back on the 340 to home. 2.5 hours and 145 kms later, we are home. Now, she will sleep until Saturday, when I will travel with mu brother, Rockey and the rest of his biker-buddies to Truro for a "Bike Blessing."

Right now, I will rest until 6:45, then off to Bible Study. We are just starting Daniel and the topic is Compromise (within our faith). Should be quite interesting.

This Sunday is Communion and the message is called; "The Art of Being a Sinner." I hope to connect our sins, with God’s love, and Jesus’ death. A good topic to invite a friend to came and hear. I encourage you to do so, ask someone you know/or don't know, someone you care about, to come hear this message. Then, Sunday night we will have a muscial service, at 6:30. Come one, come all.

Also if you or someone you know would be interested in the Marriage Enrichment course, please contact me to sign-up. The course is all about communication and spending time with your spouse - good quality time. The course is laid out for 7 sessions, 7 Sunday nights, with you and your spouse discussion your marriage and how you can stay marriage. There will be NO GROUP DISCUSSION - just you and your spouse. Please come, I highly recommend it and I think you would enjoy it. Think about it:)

Blessing PBB