Serving God Beyond the Church

Brighton First, in cooperation with many county churches, serves residents in emergency need. Churches are connected in ministry through Love INC. Members of Brighton First's congregation have many stories of reaching out to help others. The following article recently appeared in a Love INC news update. It is a story from a Brighton First congregation member:

A Bedding Ministry Volunteer recently shared the following story with us: A gentleman came to their church's ministry to pick up some bedding. At that time the volunteer offered to pray with the client before he left and the client declined.

A few weeks later the same volunteer saw the gentleman at the grocery store. He told her that when he had originally picked up the bedding items he wanted to say yes to prayer. When the volunteer heard this she asked if he would like prayer. He said yes and they ended up praying in the middle of the cereal aisle for him and his situation.

Praise God for the opportunity to give the gift of prayer wherever and whenever it is needed. And praise God for congregation members emboldened by the Holy Spirit to offer the gift!

Serving God Beyond the Church

Brighton First, in cooperation with many county churches, serves residents in emergency need. Churches are connected in ministry through Love INC. Members of Brighton First's congregation have many stories of reaching out to help others. The following article recently appeared in a Love INC news update. It is a story from a Brighton First congregation member:

A Bedding Ministry Volunteer recently shared the following story with us: A gentleman came to their church's ministry to pick up some bedding. At that time the volunteer offered to pray with the client before he left and the client declined.

A few weeks later the same volunteer saw the gentleman at the grocery store. He told her that when he had originally picked up the bedding items he wanted to say yes to prayer. When the volunteer heard this she asked if he would like prayer. He said yes and they ended up praying in the middle of the cereal aisle for him and his situation.

Praise God for the opportunity to give the gift of prayer wherever and whenever it is needed. And praise God for congregation members emboldened by the Holy Spirit to offer the gift!

Prayer Valued in Worship

Brighton First is a community that values prayer. We believe that prayer is a primary way that we grow in relationship with God and experience God’s grace. On Sunday morning, people in worship are invited to complete Prayer Cards. Their concerns are lifted in prayer by clergy and/or our praying community. Prayer Quilts, created by our Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry are tangible evidence of prayer. Worshipers are invited to tie knots in each quilt as they offer prayer for the quilt recipient. 

Words spoken in prayer during worship have traditionally been called “liturgy” which means “the work of the people.” We are very blessed at Brighton First that our worship prayers are written and offered by persons from the congregation. Each week, our worship hosts work to craft prayers that speak for the community and connect with God.

It is our practice to observe an extended time of silent prayer during worship. By measurement of real time, the silence may last 1 – 2 minutes, but in our sound-filled world, the time may seem longer! As we sit in silence together, we can speak our hearts to God or listen for God’s breath to move. The Holy Spirit is powerfully present when a congregation prays together.

In times of worship let the spoken prayers join our voices before our Lord and Savior. Settle into the time of silent prayer and feel God’s presence.

Prayer Valued in Worship

Brighton First is a community that values prayer. We believe that prayer is a primary way that we grow in relationship with God and experience God’s grace. On Sunday morning, people in worship are invited to complete Prayer Cards. Their concerns are lifted in prayer by clergy and/or our praying community. Prayer Quilts, created by our Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry are tangible evidence of prayer. Worshipers are invited to tie knots in each quilt as they offer prayer for the quilt recipient. 

Words spoken in prayer during worship have traditionally been called “liturgy” which means “the work of the people.” We are very blessed at Brighton First that our worship prayers are written and offered by persons from the congregation. Each week, our worship hosts work to craft prayers that speak for the community and connect with God.

It is our practice to observe an extended time of silent prayer during worship. By measurement of real time, the silence may last 1 – 2 minutes, but in our sound-filled world, the time may seem longer! As we sit in silence together, we can speak our hearts to God or listen for God’s breath to move. The Holy Spirit is powerfully present when a congregation prays together.

In times of worship let the spoken prayers join our voices before our Lord and Savior. Settle into the time of silent prayer and feel God’s presence.

Memorial Day Prayers

On Memorial Day I visited a cemetery. It was not a cemetery where any of my loved ones are buried, but a cemetery near where I was staying in Grand Rapids. Since I'd asked the congregation that Sunday to visit the grave of a soldier and give thanks, I knew that wherever I was on Memorial Day, I wanted to take some time for prayers of thanks.

I sought out grave markers with flags flying above them. I looked for markers that had been given by the United States government, uniform bronze plaques, with name, rank, branch of service and, if the soldier was deployed during war or conflict, the name.

I began each graveside prayer with thanksgiving. I prayed for both men and women who had served in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I prayed for one soldier who was killed in Vietnam. I also prayed for their families. I asked that no matter how long ago the person died, that someone on Memorial Day would say their name.

And at each grave I asked God that those who were left behind, children, nieces and nephews and friends, might carry within them the best of the soldier who had died. 

Isn't that something we can all ask for, that the best part of us might be passed on and carried on in others?

Memorial Day Prayers

On Memorial Day I visited a cemetery. It was not a cemetery where any of my loved ones are buried, but a cemetery near where I was staying in Grand Rapids. Since I'd asked the congregation that Sunday to visit the grave of a soldier and give thanks, I knew that wherever I was on Memorial Day, I wanted to take some time for prayers of thanks.

I sought out grave markers with flags flying above them. I looked for markers that had been given by the United States government, uniform bronze plaques, with name, rank, branch of service and, if the soldier was deployed during war or conflict, the name.

I began each graveside prayer with thanksgiving. I prayed for both men and women who had served in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I prayed for one soldier who was killed in Vietnam. I also prayed for their families. I asked that no matter how long ago the person died, that someone on Memorial Day would say their name.

And at each grave I asked God that those who were left behind, children, nieces and nephews and friends, might carry within them the best of the soldier who had died. 

Isn't that something we can all ask for, that the best part of us might be passed on and carried on in others?