Our Dwelling Place

I’ve been thinking about the security of dwelling places in recent days. We have seen the images of destruction left in the path of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and we have been reminded of the fragility of the dwelling places we construct.

I am in awe and give thanks to God for the overwhelming response we have shown for those recovering from wind and water damage. To date we have given over $8,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Together we are bringing comfort and rebuilding shattered and damaged homes for those in need.

I have also been in prayer for the dwelling place of this congregation. This summer we discovered that much of our flat roof had deteriorated and was in critical need of repair. Reroofing and repairs has cost $52,820. Unfortunately, we have no financial reserve for the unbudgeted cost of the roof. This is a challenging time and I give thanks for church leaders who lead by faith and a vision for what Christ is calling us to. I also give thanks for the continued generosity of this faith community.

In the midst of my concern for those in distress in the wake of storms and the challenge of needed repairs to the church roof, I have found comfort in remembering the strength of the dwelling place offered to all. Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

God is our dwelling place in times of upheaval and uncertainty, today and for our tomorrows. Praise be to God.

Our Dwelling Place

I’ve been thinking about the security of dwelling places in recent days. We have seen the images of destruction left in the path of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and we have been reminded of the fragility of the dwelling places we construct.

I am in awe and give thanks to God for the overwhelming response we have shown for those recovering from wind and water damage. To date we have given over $8,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Together we are bringing comfort and rebuilding shattered and damaged homes for those in need.

I have also been in prayer for the dwelling place of this congregation. This summer we discovered that much of our flat roof had deteriorated and was in critical need of repair. Reroofing and repairs has cost $52,820. Unfortunately, we have no financial reserve for the unbudgeted cost of the roof. This is a challenging time and I give thanks for church leaders who lead by faith and a vision for what Christ is calling us to. I also give thanks for the continued generosity of this faith community.

In the midst of my concern for those in distress in the wake of storms and the challenge of needed repairs to the church roof, I have found comfort in remembering the strength of the dwelling place offered to all. Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

God is our dwelling place in times of upheaval and uncertainty, today and for our tomorrows. Praise be to God.

New Designated Children's Area Coming this Fall

Currently, Brighton First’s Sunday School classes are held in four different areas of our main building. Our nursery is on the upper level and classrooms are scattered throughout the lower level. Many parents must travel to two or three places in the church to  locate their children after worship.

Since equipping our children and youth to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ is a priority for Brighton First, our Administrative Board has determined that  we would move all of our Sunday morning children’s ministries to one location. The Children’s Ministries Team and the Board of Trustees have developed a plan for a consolidated children’s ministry area in the lower level that is inviting, dynamic, and secure.  

It is our goal that by September 2017 we will offer a dedicated space for our children which  allows parents to SAFELY check children in and out at one location. It will allow children to meet together in the central common area for worship and joint lessons. This will encourage co-operative learning, peer mentoring, and opportunities for fellowship among children of different ages. In addition,  Sunday School teachers will be able to team teach with other teachers and classes. 

The renovation includes fresh paint in welcoming and fun colors, new flooring, age-appropriate furnishings, and a nursery bathroom.  Brighton First’s Music Ministries will move to the current nursery on the upper level, and The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry will continue in its current location.

We currently estimate that we will need an additional $15,000 to complete the first phase of this renovation. Please prayerfully consider contributing to this exciting project. Giving envelopes are available.

New Designated Children's Area Coming this Fall

Currently, Brighton First’s Sunday School classes are held in four different areas of our main building. Our nursery is on the upper level and classrooms are scattered throughout the lower level. Many parents must travel to two or three places in the church to  locate their children after worship.

Since equipping our children and youth to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ is a priority for Brighton First, our Administrative Board has determined that  we would move all of our Sunday morning children’s ministries to one location. The Children’s Ministries Team and the Board of Trustees have developed a plan for a consolidated children’s ministry area in the lower level that is inviting, dynamic, and secure.  

It is our goal that by September 2017 we will offer a dedicated space for our children which  allows parents to SAFELY check children in and out at one location. It will allow children to meet together in the central common area for worship and joint lessons. This will encourage co-operative learning, peer mentoring, and opportunities for fellowship among children of different ages. In addition,  Sunday School teachers will be able to team teach with other teachers and classes. 

The renovation includes fresh paint in welcoming and fun colors, new flooring, age-appropriate furnishings, and a nursery bathroom.  Brighton First’s Music Ministries will move to the current nursery on the upper level, and The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry will continue in its current location.

We currently estimate that we will need an additional $15,000 to complete the first phase of this renovation. Please prayerfully consider contributing to this exciting project. Giving envelopes are available.

Brighton First Entrances Equipped with Automatic Openers this Week

Brighton First seeks to be a hospitable congregation for all. One way we do this is by making sure that the church is open to people of all abilities. The Trustees of Brighton First determined that our commitment to hospitality will include increased accessibility at two of our entrances. This week Joel of Security Lock (picture at left) installed automatic door openers, with control buttons, at the main entrance of the church and at the inner door at the lower level handicap entrance to the church. The installation of the automatic door openers allows people who would normally have difficulty opening doors and/or passing through the doors greater ease of access.

We are thankful for the generosity and welcoming spirit of Brighton First congregation members. We have made hospitality a priority. With projects like this we demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions.

There is now an additional automatic opener at the lower

level handicap entrance. This allows ease of access to the elevator.

Brighton First Entrances Equipped with Automatic Openers this Week

Brighton First seeks to be a hospitable congregation for all. One way we do this is by making sure that the church is open to people of all abilities. The Trustees of Brighton First determined that our commitment to hospitality will include increased accessibility at two of our entrances. This week Joel of Security Lock (picture at left) installed automatic door openers, with control buttons, at the main entrance of the church and at the inner door at the lower level handicap entrance to the church. The installation of the automatic door openers allows people who would normally have difficulty opening doors and/or passing through the doors greater ease of access.

We are thankful for the generosity and welcoming spirit of Brighton First congregation members. We have made hospitality a priority. With projects like this we demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions.

There is now an additional automatic opener at the lower

level handicap entrance. This allows ease of access to the elevator.