Worship Planning

The Worship Committee works months ahead to plan worship content for Brighton First. The Committee’s four goals include creating excellent worship that is informative, connecting and transformative. The fourth goal, that worship may be transcendent, relies on the work of God’s Holy Spirit. When the first three goals are done well, God has a fertile place to work on our hearts in worship.

Each time the Worship Committee (a combination of clergy, church staff and congregation members), we review worship. We look carefully at how worship reached the goals listed above and the places where we need to adjust to achieve those goals.

We will complete the current worship theme, “Learning Forgiveness”, on Easter Sunday. Through Lent we will have moved through defining forgiveness, setting the foundation for forgiveness, repentance and restoration of relationships.

After Easter, in April and May, our worship theme is “Room to Grow”. We will look at the words of Jesus and discover the ways that he encouraged his followers to grow in faith.

June through August, we’re going to the movies for worship with the series "Reel to Real". Each week we will explore a movie for its biblical metaphors and practical faith application. The Worship Committee decided to invite the congregation to suggest what movies we should talk about from three specific genres, Epic, Sports and Animated. Their suggestions are coming in now through the Connection Cards that congregation members complete on Sunday mornings.

As we work to makes disciples for Jesus Christ, we understand that worship is the primary "door" to our church. Worship is also an essential practice for disciples. The members of the Worship Committee, growing as disciples in the planning process,

are charged with designing worship that opens conversation between worshipers and God.

Worship Planning

The Worship Committee works months ahead to plan worship content for Brighton First. The Committee’s four goals include creating excellent worship that is informative, connecting and transformative. The fourth goal, that worship may be transcendent, relies on the work of God’s Holy Spirit. When the first three goals are done well, God has a fertile place to work on our hearts in worship.

Each time the Worship Committee (a combination of clergy, church staff and congregation members), we review worship. We look carefully at how worship reached the goals listed above and the places where we need to adjust to achieve those goals.

We will complete the current worship theme, “Learning Forgiveness”, on Easter Sunday. Through Lent we will have moved through defining forgiveness, setting the foundation for forgiveness, repentance and restoration of relationships.

After Easter, in April and May, our worship theme is “Room to Grow”. We will look at the words of Jesus and discover the ways that he encouraged his followers to grow in faith.

June through August, we’re going to the movies for worship with the series "Reel to Real". Each week we will explore a movie for its biblical metaphors and practical faith application. The Worship Committee decided to invite the congregation to suggest what movies we should talk about from three specific genres, Epic, Sports and Animated. Their suggestions are coming in now through the Connection Cards that congregation members complete on Sunday mornings.

As we work to makes disciples for Jesus Christ, we understand that worship is the primary "door" to our church. Worship is also an essential practice for disciples. The members of the Worship Committee, growing as disciples in the planning process,

are charged with designing worship that opens conversation between worshipers and God.

Discipleship Team Members Attend Training

Rev. Phil Maynard's definition of a "Disciple of Christ".

On Tuesday, February 9, Bob Fuchs, Karen Wagg, Joann Schmitt and I attended a discipleship workshop. The workshop, which was held at the Bishop's office in Lansing, was designed for Vital Church Initiative Churches that are seeking to improve their discipleship programs.

Rev. Phil Maynard, the presenter, authored the book "From Membership to Discipleship". It is a guide for taking those who are new to the church through a intentional process toward being disciples of Jesus Christ.

Maynard believes that there are four stages to discipleship: Exploring, Beginning, Growing and Maturing. In each stage believers need different types of support from the church. In the Exploring stage, new church members need one-on-one contact with faithful church members who can hear their stories and offer guidance. In both the Beginning and Growing stages, church members need classes and small groups. For those who are at the Maturing stage, spiritual directors and accountability partners are crucial.

Rev. Phil Maynard

Maynard also suggests that mission and outreach work in a church is enriched and strengthened when there is a discipleship program.

Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, along with the members of the Discipleship Team are currently creating a process for discipleship at Brighton First. Their goal is to have a process in place by fall 2016. Part of our Vital Church Initiative commitment is to create a plan for nurturing disciples.

Discipleship Team Members Attend Training

Rev. Phil Maynard's definition of a "Disciple of Christ".

On Tuesday, February 9, Bob Fuchs, Karen Wagg, Joann Schmitt and I attended a discipleship workshop. The workshop, which was held at the Bishop's office in Lansing, was designed for Vital Church Initiative Churches that are seeking to improve their discipleship programs.

Rev. Phil Maynard, the presenter, authored the book "From Membership to Discipleship". It is a guide for taking those who are new to the church through a intentional process toward being disciples of Jesus Christ.

Maynard believes that there are four stages to discipleship: Exploring, Beginning, Growing and Maturing. In each stage believers need different types of support from the church. In the Exploring stage, new church members need one-on-one contact with faithful church members who can hear their stories and offer guidance. In both the Beginning and Growing stages, church members need classes and small groups. For those who are at the Maturing stage, spiritual directors and accountability partners are crucial.

Rev. Phil Maynard

Maynard also suggests that mission and outreach work in a church is enriched and strengthened when there is a discipleship program.

Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, along with the members of the Discipleship Team are currently creating a process for discipleship at Brighton First. Their goal is to have a process in place by fall 2016. Part of our Vital Church Initiative commitment is to create a plan for nurturing disciples.

Bob Fuchs Named as Director of Discipleship

Pastor Sherry interviews Bob Fuchs at his
introduction as Director of Discipleship

On behalf of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, it is my pleasure to introduce Bob Fuchs, our new Director of Discipleship. Bob has been hired to this full-time position to lead our adult discipleship and hospitality ministries. He will team with Deacon Loretta and me in congregational care. Bob brings proven leadership skills, the ability to build teams and a passion for the church. Above all, Bob is a faithful man of God who has a heart for bringing others to faith in Jesus Christ.

Bob writes: I joined the Methodist Church the way many have, I married a lifelong Methodist, Sue LePatourel. We returned from the west side of the state and settled in Brighton in 1989. Brighton First has been our home since then. On any given Sunday, you can find us worshiping with four generations of LePatourels. Our two adult children, Brian and Katie grew up at Brighton First. Brian's children, Luke, Alli and Carson, are following in his footsteps.

One of Bob's spiritual
practices is praying during
his daily run.

You may recognize me from the front of the Sanctuary, serving as liturgist, worship host, or delivering the message. I have served on many committees, led mission teams through Appalachia Service Project, been involved in small group studies, brewed coffee, taught Sunday School, etc., etc.  After a successful 35 career in tax consulting, the Spirit has drawn me in a better direction.

I am blessed to be part of the staff at Brighton First and have been given the opportunity to share my spiritual gifts on a full-time basis. Although humor is not listed as a spiritual gift, it is one of my strengths; just ask me. I am rarely at a loss for words and love striking up a conversation with anyone who is nearby. For quiet, I find the solitude of running provides me with uninterrupted time to talk with Jesus.I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with Brighton First and the Brighton community.

Please keep Bob in prayer as he continues his ministry at Brighton First in this new role.

Bob Fuchs Named as Director of Discipleship

Pastor Sherry interviews Bob Fuchs at his
introduction as Director of Discipleship

On behalf of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, it is my pleasure to introduce Bob Fuchs, our new Director of Discipleship. Bob has been hired to this full-time position to lead our adult discipleship and hospitality ministries. He will team with Deacon Loretta and me in congregational care. Bob brings proven leadership skills, the ability to build teams and a passion for the church. Above all, Bob is a faithful man of God who has a heart for bringing others to faith in Jesus Christ.

Bob writes: I joined the Methodist Church the way many have, I married a lifelong Methodist, Sue LePatourel. We returned from the west side of the state and settled in Brighton in 1989. Brighton First has been our home since then. On any given Sunday, you can find us worshiping with four generations of LePatourels. Our two adult children, Brian and Katie grew up at Brighton First. Brian's children, Luke, Alli and Carson, are following in his footsteps.

One of Bob's spiritual
practices is praying during
his daily run.

You may recognize me from the front of the Sanctuary, serving as liturgist, worship host, or delivering the message. I have served on many committees, led mission teams through Appalachia Service Project, been involved in small group studies, brewed coffee, taught Sunday School, etc., etc.  After a successful 35 career in tax consulting, the Spirit has drawn me in a better direction.

I am blessed to be part of the staff at Brighton First and have been given the opportunity to share my spiritual gifts on a full-time basis. Although humor is not listed as a spiritual gift, it is one of my strengths; just ask me. I am rarely at a loss for words and love striking up a conversation with anyone who is nearby. For quiet, I find the solitude of running provides me with uninterrupted time to talk with Jesus. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with Brighton First and the Brighton community.

Please keep Bob in prayer as he continues his ministry at Brighton First in this new role.

Praying for Our Church and Our Community

As part of Pastor Sherry and Deacon Loretta's continuing education, we are reading Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick. Our reading is part of our on going work with a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentor Group.

Prayer-walking begins by establishing prayer walking as a biblical practice. Abraham, Joshua and Jesus all prayed as they walked.

The authors, Hawthorne and Graham, suggest that the practice of prayer walking can bring our spiritual focus to our church and community. It can also prepare a community to receive the movement of God's Holy Spirit.

"Ordinary believers are stepping into the streets to pray effectively for their neighbors. With eyes open to real needs and with ears open to the promptings of God's Spirit, intercession becomes an adventure."

I remember Bishop Ott, a former United Methodist Bishop for the Michigan Area, telling the story of walking around and around a new church building with an entire congregation. They prayed intentionally for powerful ministry and outreach in their neighborhood before dedicating their new church building.

What would happen if we begin to walk in our own neighborhood, intentionally praying for our neighbors and asking God for opportunities to connect with our neighbors?

Praying for Our Church and Our Community

As part of Pastor Sherry and Deacon Loretta's continuing education, we are reading Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick. Our reading is part of our on going work with a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentor Group.

Prayer-walking begins by establishing prayer walking as a biblical practice. Abraham, Joshua and Jesus all prayed as they walked.

The authors, Hawthorne and Graham, suggest that the practice of prayer walking can bring our spiritual focus to our church and community. It can also prepare a community to receive the movement of God's Holy Spirit.

"Ordinary believers are stepping into the streets to pray effectively for their neighbors. With eyes open to real needs and with ears open to the promptings of God's Spirit, intercession becomes an adventure."

I remember Bishop Ott, a former United Methodist Bishop for the Michigan Area, telling the story of walking around and around a new church building with an entire congregation. They prayed intentionally for powerful ministry and outreach in their neighborhood before dedicating their new church building.

What would happen if we begin to walk in our own neighborhood, intentionally praying for our neighbors and asking God for opportunities to connect with our neighbors?

Improving Communication at Brighton First

"I didn't know about it." "Who made that decision?" "How long have we been doing that?" These are questions that I've heard concerning events, on-going programs, mission efforts that I've heard from congregation members at Brighton First. On Tuesday evening of this week, Brighton First's Administrative Board (the governing body of the church), determined that members of the congregation need more information concerning the direction of the church, its mission and ministries.

In an effort to assist church leaders in sharing information, the church staff is compiling a directory of communication avenues, including who to contact, who is reached by each form of communication and format for communicating. The directory includes directions for submitting weekly announcements and monthly newsletter articles, as well as submitting announcements for the church's Facebook page and website. There are also directions for creating fliers, posters and mailings.

Church leaders, those who are leading programs, mission events and special gatherings now have directions and assistance for reaching the congregation and the community with news and information.

Part of feeling connected at Brighton First is knowing what the church is doing!

Improving Communication at Brighton First

"I didn't know about it." "Who made that decision?" "How long have we been doing that?" These are questions that I've heard concerning events, on-going programs, mission efforts that I've heard from congregation members at Brighton First. On Tuesday evening of this week, Brighton First's Administrative Board (the governing body of the church), determined that members of the congregation need more information concerning the direction of the church, its mission and ministries.

In an effort to assist church leaders in sharing information, the church staff is compiling a directory of communication avenues, including who to contact, who is reached by each form of communication and format for communicating. The directory includes directions for submitting weekly announcements and monthly newsletter articles, as well as submitting announcements for the church's Facebook page and website. There are also directions for creating fliers, posters and mailings.

Church leaders, those who are leading programs, mission events and special gatherings now have directions and assistance for reaching the congregation and the community with news and information.

Part of feeling connected at Brighton First is knowing what the church is doing!

Adult Faith Formation at Brighton First Gets Focused

The Vital Church Initiative Report directed Brighton First to examine it's faith formation programming for adults and intentionally create a plan for making disciples for Christ. Over the summer of 2015 as Discipleship Task Force met to review current adult faith formation opportunities and practices and to create and implement a plan. The task force sought to keep what was working in faith formation at Brighton First and to enhance programming.

Beginning this September, there are three paths toward faith formation and strengthened discipleship. The paths are Discovery Groups, Life Groups and Study Groups.

Discovery Groups are formed to gain information and understanding about specific topics over a short time frame. They are designed specifically for visitors, the unchurched, the new believer and the mature believer newly involved at Brighton First. They are a starting point for connection to God, to others and to Brighton First. Discovery Groups will meet primarily on Sunday morning and will include Discovery Tours of the church campus, Methodism 1010, Q and A with Clergy and Sermon discussion.

Life Groups are intentional groups of people committed to doing life together for a minimum of one year in order to navigate the highs and lows of their faith journey and explore the Jesus way of living with others. Life groups may meet around different interests, they can be groups for men or women only or co-ed. Life groups may meet in the church, in another public place or at people's homes. Some will meet weekly and others monthly. Life group leaders have volunteered and training begins in October. It is the goal to have 20 life groups in place by the end of 2015.

Study groups meet regularly for a specific amount of time to discuss topics of interests, books, Bible study, or Advent or Lenten studies. These groups are formed and offered with the intent to deepen understanding of God and God's work in them and the world. These study groups will be offered on Sunday morning as well as various times during the week.

Please consider which of these groups most interest you? Are  you drawn to be a part of a life group? To join a study group or even lead a group? How could you be part of the discovery group team? If interested, please contact Deacon Loretta.

Adult Faith Formation at Brighton First Gets Focused

The Vital Church Initiative Report directed Brighton First to examine it's faith formation programming for adults and intentionally create a plan for making disciples for Christ. Over the summer of 2015 as Discipleship Task Force met to review current adult faith formation opportunities and practices and to create and implement a plan. The task force sought to keep what was working in faith formation at Brighton First and to enhance programming.

Beginning this September, there are three paths toward faith formation and strengthened discipleship. The paths are Discovery Groups, Life Groups and Study Groups.

Discovery Groups are formed to gain information and understanding about specific topics over a short time frame. They are designed specifically for visitors, the unchurched, the new believer and the mature believer newly involved at Brighton First. They are a starting point for connection to God, to others and to Brighton First. Discovery Groups will meet primarily on Sunday morning and will include Discovery Tours of the church campus, Methodism 1010, Q and A with Clergy and Sermon discussion.

Life Groups are intentional groups of people committed to doing life together for a minimum of one year in order to navigate the highs and lows of their faith journey and explore the Jesus way of living with others. Life groups may meet around different interests, they can be groups for men or women only or co-ed. Life groups may meet in the church, in another public place or at people's homes. Some will meet weekly and others monthly. Life group leaders have volunteered and training begins in October. It is the goal to have 20 life groups in place by the end of 2015.

Study groups meet regularly for a specific amount of time to discuss topics of interests, books, Bible study, or Advent or Lenten studies. These groups are formed and offered with the intent to deepen understanding of God and God's work in them and the world. These study groups will be offered on Sunday morning as well as various times during the week.

Please consider which of these groups most interest you? Are  you drawn to be a part of a life group? To join a study group or even lead a group? How could you be part of the discovery group team? If interested, please contact Deacon Loretta.

Worship Team Continues Work to Enhance Worship Experience

The Brighton First Worship Team met earlier this week in order to accomplish two tasks. The first was to evaluate worship services over the last month and the second, to create a worship theme for Advent and Christmas.

The Worship Team, which began meeting in the spring, meets for these purposes:

1. Work as a creative think tank for all Brighton First worship services.
2. Plan for excellent worship that connects, transforms and transcends, from initial theme development to all aspects of worship
3. Support worship leaders in implementing worship design that connects, transforms and transcends.
4. Review worship honestly and critically, assisting in adjustments toward excellence.

In discussions this week they honestly and critically considered all aspects of worship. The evaluated worship based on its ability to connect people with one another and with God. They looked how worship has opened the way for transformation and transcendent experiences.

Positive experiences in worship have included more opportunities for participation by congregation, the baptism remembrance service (late August) and the relevance of the the "screen-driven" world theme in September.

Concerns included adequate amplification for congregation members who speak, using language that is "churchy" or "insider", the size and visibility of worship images, and transition into worship at the beginning of the service.

The group worked together to develop solutions to concerns.

The time spent developing a worship theme resulted in a December worship series. Wanted: The Best Gift.

Look for the quality of Brighton First worship experiences to increase through the work of this team.

Worship Team Continues Work to Enhance Worship Experience

The Brighton First Worship Team met earlier this week in order to accomplish two tasks. The first was to evaluate worship services over the last month and the second, to create a worship theme for Advent and Christmas.

The Worship Team, which began meeting in the spring, meets for these purposes:

1. Work as a creative think tank for all Brighton First worship services.
2. Plan for excellent worship that connects, transforms and transcends, from initial theme development to all aspects of worship
3. Support worship leaders in implementing worship design that connects, transforms and transcends.
4. Review worship honestly and critically, assisting in adjustments toward excellence.

In discussions this week they honestly and critically considered all aspects of worship. The evaluated worship based on its ability to connect people with one another and with God. They looked how worship has opened the way for transformation and transcendent experiences.

Positive experiences in worship have included more opportunities for participation by congregation, the baptism remembrance service (late August) and the relevance of the the "screen-driven" world theme in September.

Concerns included adequate amplification for congregation members who speak, using language that is "churchy" or "insider", the size and visibility of worship images, and transition into worship at the beginning of the service.

The group worked together to develop solutions to concerns.

The time spent developing a worship theme resulted in a December worship series. Wanted: The Best Gift.

Look for the quality of Brighton First worship experiences to increase through the work of this team.

Brighton First Vital Church Initiative, Summer Summary

I will be married on July 19 and leave for a honeymoon. I will return to Brighton First on August 16. During that time I do not plan to make any blog entries. If you have questions about the progress of Vital Church Initiative, I invite you to talk with church leaders who are part of the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team. You will find their names and biographies in past blog postings.

VCI Summer activities:

• During the summer Larry Job continues to lead the Hospitality Team, with the goal of having a intentional welcoming strategy in place by September 6. 
• The Faith Development Team, led by Loretta Job, is currently designing classes, workshops and small groups for the purpose of increasing discipleship at Brighton First. The classes will be announced by mid-August. 
• Rev. Cathy Townley, a worship consultant, has been engaged to assess our worship services and offer guidance. She will offer us a report with her findings by the end of summer. It is our hope to host a worship workshop in the fall. 
• Brighton First's Staff has finished reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and they are currently planning a full day retreat on Wednesday, September 16 to work through the team building exercises. The staff will begin reading the book, Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, in the coming weeks.
• The VCI Implementation Team will be meeting in August and September for team building.

My hope is that we will all continue praying for the implementation of the VCI report. Pray also that God might prepare you to be part of Brighton First's mission and ministry in a way that meets your gifts, talents and passions.

Brighton First Vital Church Initiative, Summer Summary

I will be married on July 19 and leave for a honeymoon. I will return to Brighton First on August 16. During that time I do not plan to make any blog entries. If you have questions about the progress of Vital Church Initiative, I invite you to talk with church leaders who are part of the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team. You will find their names and biographies in past blog postings.

VCI Summer activities:

• During the summer Larry Job continues to lead the Hospitality Team, with the goal of having a intentional welcoming strategy in place by September 6. 
• The Faith Development Team, led by Loretta Job, is currently designing classes, workshops and small groups for the purpose of increasing discipleship at Brighton First. The classes will be announced by mid-August. 
• Rev. Cathy Townley, a worship consultant, has been engaged to assess our worship services and offer guidance. She will offer us a report with her findings by the end of summer. It is our hope to host a worship workshop in the fall. 
• Brighton First's Staff has finished reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and they are currently planning a full day retreat on Wednesday, September 16 to work through the team building exercises. The staff will begin reading the book, Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, in the coming weeks.
• The VCI Implementation Team will be meeting in August and September for team building.

My hope is that we will all continue praying for the implementation of the VCI report. Pray also that God might prepare you to be part of Brighton First's mission and ministry in a way that meets your gifts, talents and passions.

Brighton First Hosts Worship Consultant Rev. Cathy Townley on July 12

Worship Consultant, Rev. Cathy Townley

Brighton First will host worship consultant Rev. Cathy Townley this weekend, July 11 and 12, as part of our commitment to Vital Church Initiative. Rev. Townley will meet with members of the Worship Design Team on Saturday evening for dinner. She will attend our three worship services on Sunday morning and meet again with the Worship Design Team at 12:30 to informally share her findings. She will write a formal report, with suggestions for enhancing our worship experiences, that we will receive by summer's end.

The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Team that was with us in March 2015, suggested that we hire a consultant to assist us with creating passionate and inspiring worship. We engaged Rev. Townley after searching for a consultant with experience in consulting with church's our size and assisting with worship, both traditional and contemporary.

Cathy is a United Methodist Deacon serving in Minnesota. You can find out more about her work at townleycoaching.com.

Brighton First Hosts Worship Consultant Rev. Cathy Townley on July 12

Worship Consultant, Rev. Cathy Townley

Brighton First will host worship consultant Rev. Cathy Townley this weekend, July 11 and 12, as part of our commitment to Vital Church Initiative. Rev. Townley will meet with members of the Worship Design Team on Saturday evening for dinner. She will attend our three worship services on Sunday morning and meet again with the Worship Design Team at 12:30 to informally share her findings. She will write a formal report, with suggestions for enhancing our worship experiences, that we will receive by summer's end.

The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Team that was with us in March 2015, suggested that we hire a consultant to assist us with creating passionate and inspiring worship. We engaged Rev. Townley after searching for a consultant with experience in consulting with church's our size and assisting with worship, both traditional and contemporary.

Cathy is a United Methodist Deacon serving in Minnesota. You can find out more about her work at townleycoaching.com.

Possible Sale of the Associate Pastor Parsonage, Church Conference on Sunday, July 12 at Noon.

As of July 1, Brighton First does not have an appointed associate pastor. Rev. Paul Hahm has been appointed to Urban Villages in Chicago and Rev. John G. Park has been hired (not appointed by the bishop) as an assistant pastor. This means that we have an unoccupied parsonage.

Several years ago, when the associate parsonage was unoccupied, Brighton First rented the home. After six years as a rental home, the house needed extensive repairs and upgrading. The Board of Trustees of Brighton First have determined that it is not good stewardship of the church's resources to rent the home at this time. Instead, the trustees propose that the house be sold and that the proceeds of the house be held in reserve for housing costs for future pastoral appointments.

Many churches, including United Methodist Churches, are offering housing allowances in lieu of houses for pastoral residences. When clergy purchase their own home, it allows them to build equity while they are in service to the church. In addition, church's are released from the maintenance and upgrading of housing property.

There will be a Brighton First Church Conference on July 12 at noon. The purpose of the meeting for all members of the church is to vote on whether or not to sell the parsonage. By United Methodist Discipline guidelines, the vote will be determined by the majority present. There are no absentee or proxy votes.

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Welton, the chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Possible Sale of the Associate Pastor Parsonage, Church Conference on Sunday, July 12 at Noon.

As of July 1, Brighton First does not have an appointed associate pastor. Rev. Paul Hahm has been appointed to Urban Villages in Chicago and Rev. John G. Park has been hired (not appointed by the bishop) as an assistant pastor. This means that we have an unoccupied parsonage.

Several years ago, when the associate parsonage was unoccupied, Brighton First rented the home. After six years as a rental home, the house needed extensive repairs and upgrading. The Board of Trustees of Brighton First have determined that it is not good stewardship of the church's resources to rent the home at this time. Instead, the trustees propose that the house be sold and that the proceeds of the house be held in reserve for housing costs for future pastoral appointments.

Many churches, including United Methodist Churches, are offering housing allowances in lieu of houses for pastoral residences. When clergy purchase their own home, it allows them to build equity while they are in service to the church. In addition, church's are released from the maintenance and upgrading of housing property.

There will be a Brighton First Church Conference on July 12 at noon. The purpose of the meeting for all members of the church is to vote on whether or not to sell the parsonage. By United Methodist Discipline guidelines, the vote will be determined by the majority present. There are no absentee or proxy votes.

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Welton, the chairman of the Board of Trustees.