Front and Centre

2021 is panning out to be an exciting year in the Brigades. The pause that was forced upon us last year was a great chance to reflect upon the activities that we do and place a high emphasis on the activities that are important to achieving the aims and objectives of Brigade. I know that within BB, we have had numerous changes in the activities that we do over the years but the purpose behind the activities have not. This is the main reason that the movement has existed for so long.

Within our company it has been great to see the development of new leaders in the last few years. The most pleasing aspect is to see how they learn skills and can implement these practically through multiple areas of the program. This year we have seen significant changes in how the company operates, both in terms of people and structure.

This reminds me of Galatians 6:7 (parable of the sower) that tells us that we reap what we sow. While we are concentrating on sowing seeds, it is equally important to nurture the seeds that we have sown and that have had the pleasure to see germinate. Without any guidance and continual nourishment these germinations will shrivel and die off. This is a major factor as to why BB has been around for so long worldwide and a long-term program at Emmanuel.

Noel Pinkerton

Boys' Brigade Company Captain

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Front and Centre

Last week I was reminded once again of why I am so glad to be here at Emmanuel. The strength of any church is its people, and last week as we commissioned our elders and our group leaders and our volunteers in our various ministries and groups I could see the strength of our church. It is great to work with amazing people as they respond to the call of God in their lives and express that through their daily living, and through their involvement within the Christian community. Last year was a challenging year and many things were put on hold. As a result many things were paused. As we enter this year it is time to hit the play button. The issues of COVID will continue to be with us, and I doubt that a vaccine will change that very much, as we will always be trying to respond to the latest variant or mutation. The result is that we are entering the new normal and as a church we want to tackle that proactively.

The Church Council and Ministry Team have met over the last 2 Fridays doing a disciple making seminar. The question we are grappling with is how we create a disciple-making culture within this new normal that COVID has given us. We want to re-launch our small group ministry through lent and will be encouraging people to form into groups either face-to-face or on-line or a hybrid of both.

As Sunday school resumes it is exciting that we have more children, and as a result need more leaders, what an awesome problem. The way we band together and work together and share ministry together is the strength and potential that we have. As we keep a clear sense of purpose and vision, as we remain focussed on developing a disciple making culture, as we seek God’s wisdom and direction, we will flourish and grow as the church God is calling us to be. This is not an unrealistic dream but it is grounded in our own experience of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.

As I said I was excited last week as so many people were affirmed and commissioned into roles, and our desire for the Holy Spirit to bless and lead us in those roles. Friends it will be an interesting year, and one that I believe that God will bless and use us.

Blessings,

Brian

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Front and Centre

What an exciting week we have ahead. School has resumed and so this Sunday we have our Kickstart which sees the launch of our children and youth activities for the year. Combined with that will be the commissioning of all of our ministry leaders and volunteers. As the year begins we will be commissioning our elders and Church Council members, and the various leaders and volunteers in our groups and ministries. It is our belief that we do not do this in our own strength but rather that is about being called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Therefore the commissioning includes time to pray, asking for God’s blessing. As I think about Sunday I am again amazed at the amount of talent and commitment that people have and are prepared to contribute to make Emmanuel the community that it is. Paul refers to the body of Christ (1 Cor 12) and reminds us that every member of the body is important and has a role to play. If you haven’t found your opportunity yet please think about how you would like to be involved. What are the skills and gifts that you bring and how would you like to offer them. If you aren’t sure or you want to volunteer please talk to one of the ministry team. As a church we believe in every member ministry, and that God has a calling on everyone. Part of our role as a ministry team is to facilitate people’s engagement and involvement. My hope and prayer is that everyone feels 1. Connected and 2. Fulfilled as we move into 2021. As a part of our commissioning and commitment service we will be invited to share the words of John Wesley’s covenant prayer. I leave you with those words to reflect upon:

I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;

let me be employed for you or laid aside for you;

exalted for you or brought low for you;

let me be full, let me be empty;

let me have all things, let me have nothing;

I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things

to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

you are mine and I am yours, to the glory and praise of your name. Amen.

Blessings,

Brian

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