10 YEARS & COUNTING!

This is one update or "news from the 'Hood" I never thought I'd write. I can't believe it but Brotherhood has spent a decade together in music ministry! It all started in September 2004 and the lineup hasn't changed either which is quite rare these days. We praise God for ALL He has done... to God be the glory!

To commemorate this milestone, a special 10th anniversary concert is set for Sunday, September 28th at Church Alive at the 10:30 AM service. The church is located at 970 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708. 

Brotherhood will feature songs they've enjoyed singing throughout that 10 year span and believe they are some of your favorites, as well. We will also reminisce a bit, share some ministry memories along the way and preach the Word. We've made so many friends in our travels and, if you live in or are visiting the central Florida area, we hope to see you there.

P.S. If you can't attend... send an email telling us that you're praying for Brotherhood, have a special thought/ encouragement/ memory to share, etc. Make sure to tell us the church or event you saw Brotherhood. That would mean so much to us as we continue on.

Mark your calendars now!!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

MOVIN' & GROOVIN'

 Yes, yes, yes. I know it’s been a while since my last post. But have no fear, Brotherhood is still alive and kicking! We are busily working on a variety of new music, writing songs that are being used in the church body and mentoring those around us. The past few months have been excitedly different as we focused on individual needs and other ministry projects.

Phil and his wife have been very occupied as senior pastor of a growing church and doing the unthinkable these days. He does door-to-door evangelism in the community! Phil has assembled a small group of those willing to be trained and conduct this hands-on ministry. It’s been a wonderful experience and many have been added to God’s kingdom, even healed, as a direct result of faith in action. “Many are called but few are chosen.”

Mel has taken some quiet time away at his North Carolina retreat. But before leaving, he has been a huge help to those needing everyday assistance. For example, Mel offered his truck and strong body to move a large dining room set – that was an answer to prayer. He & his wife have also opened their home to relatives needing temporary shelter as they go through a difficult time in their lives. “Little is much when God is in it.”

Dan and his wife, former full time missionaries, are “on the road again” with the Jesus Film Project. As part of the translation team, they have been to areas in many foreign countries having multiple tongues or dialects. After returning from Guatemala, Dan is now part of the team in Papa New Guinea planning their next mission. Ironically, that’s where he started as missionary, so it’s “going back home time”!! We can’t wait for his return either. “The fields are ripe unto harvest.”

John has been busy with the preparation of his in-laws home for sale. Since they’ve passed away, his wife has been serving as general contractor and doing smaller jobs herself. She’s done so well that it looks like a model home. And the hard work has paid off – the home sold in 4 hours, praise God! John has been also writing new material in new uncharted waters. Besides the strong gospel emphasis, God has given him songs about mothers and the mission field. In fact, one particular song with a contemporary sound (Faithful One) was sung by a P&W ensemble for the mission offertory during church service. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

Brotherhood is re-energized and excited as we rehearse new songs that will impact those who hear. They are songs that offer encouragement, to remain faithful, stand up for your belief and continue loving others as God has loved, and still loves, all of us. We are “chomping on the bit” and ready to go! A few dates remain on the 2014 calendar highlighted by our 10^th anniversary concert in September (details later). “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel...”

So you see, God’s work is never ending and not conformed to a box (you can only do one thing). Remember what the Bible says. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” See you on down the road. Until then, be blessed and be a blessing!

SPREAD A LITTLE LOVE AROUND

If the Christmas decorations are all down, then it must mean Valentine's Day has arrived. Did you treat your special someone well? Why wait until February 14th to spread that love around? That treatment should be the norm rather than the exception. If we have the love of Christ living in us, then let it rise to the top and be visible more often to everyone around us! You'd be surprised at how contagious that happy, sweet spirit can be. Wouldn't that be a nice epidemic shared around the world!! 

In February, Brotherhood had a wonderful time back at Victory Church in Lakeland and made some new friends and saw some old ones. It's been awhile but it "felt like home" singing to such grand folks! Some were regulars, some were snowbirds from up north as far as Canada (they're smart). Our doo-wop song, "Jesus You're So Wonderful" has now been given another name. Pastor Brock referred to it as the Beach Boys type song (thanks pastor) and thought "Give It Away" was a perfect song choice right before offering time! "Roll Away" continues to be a crowd favorite as well. So long as people remember them and are blessed by any of our songs, it's all worth it. Praise God!

Stay well, be blessed and be a blessing. FYI... remember to "make friends" with Brotherhood on Facebook.

NEW YEAR, NEW MILESTONE

A belated Happy New Year to everyone and pray that 2014 be extra special for you. This year is very significant for Brotherhood; it marks our 10th anniversary in gospel music ministry! It started as a one- time singing event that has blossomed, with God's grace and favor, into a gratifying experience of reaching the lost and encouraging the body of Christ in word and song. Each member is part of the "original foursome" who have grown in Christ and brotherly bonded love during that time.

We anticipate a great year of celebration and anticipate "reunion concerts" at a few familiar churches. Recently, we made a last minute "unplugged" appearance at an inaugural senior event. We mixed some old and new music that was accapella and mainly with piano accompaniment. That's how quartets originally sang - 4 voices and 1 piano. Also, Brotherhood is looking forward to doors being opened at new churches. It's always exciting to visit these places to share our branded style of gospel music and make new friends! Lord willing, we are planning a special anniversary concert that will feature Brotherhood material over the past decade. We hope to see you sometime this year! Look for special emails and our website for calendar dates and times.

Now what are your plans for a new year? Reduce clutter, increase Bible reading, reduce weight, increase prayer, start a new hobby, etc. Some churches start with a Daniel Fast which is a great way to align your body, mind and spirit with our heavenly Father. It will be a time of refreshing, reenergizing and renewed covenants. Some need a good "kick start" to get focus and clarity that will prepare/allow us to serve the Lord in new and different ways. Decide what you can do to make 2014 productive and a blessing. You never know what He has in store for you to do!

Stay well, be blessed and be a blessing. FYI... remember to "make friends" with Brotherhood on Facebook.

GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

What a wonderful opening statement! "Good tidings" means there is good news to share and, when we hear it, "great joy" or jubilant excitement will result. The birth of our Savior was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy. It was highly anticipated but no one really knew when that day would come. Imagine living in Biblical times to witness the current events take place. That headline would be #1 in all tabloids and street corner talk for a LONG time. Wise men chose to travel a very long way to see the new Babe, bring gifts, bow down and worship the Promised One. Others felt threatened by a new ruler and sought to "eliminate the intruder".

But how would Jesus be received today? In similar circumstances, it just might be the same - no fanfare, mixed emotions, some come to worship and some seek to kill Him. Let's celebrate the new life and hope Jesus has given to us. He's no longer that baby in a manger but our soon coming King of Kings. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season! Take time to thank God for the wonderful gift of His Son.

Brotherhood is anticipating "great joy" in 2014 as we spread the "glad tidings" through gospel music. Lots to do for Him as we walk in the path He makes for us. We trust the Lord to open church doors and share the right words and songs with those in need of inspiration, encouragement and life everlasting opportunities. He's done so before and He will continue to do so... if we are faithful. We look forward to seeing you at a Brotherhood concert in your area soon.

Stay well, be blessed and be a blessing. A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! FYI... remember to "make friends" with Brotherhood on Facebook.

MUCH THANKS, MUCH NEWS

Time to get caught up with the latest happenings with Brotherhood and gospel music. There is late breaking news from the New Gaither Vocal Band. Mark Lowry and Michael English have left the group to continue their solo artist ministry. Trying to balance both schedules became a hardship for both. We wish them all of God's blessings in all that they do for His kingdom. Russ Taff and Guy Penrod are among those returning to fill those spots! Also, The Perrys have signed with Stow Town Records, Ernie Haas's record company in Ohio. Continue to keep their bass singer, Tracy, in prayer as he recovers/rehabs from a stroke suffered earlier this year.

The past few months have been busy for Brotherhood, as well. As Thanksgiving rolls around, we want to thank Him and give God all the honor and glory He deserves. More ministry doors have been opened and more will come. We were just at a new church, First Baptist of Central Florida, and had a wonderful concert time with those folks. Pastor Charles was such a gracious host and made us feel as if we'd known each other a long time. The people really showed the love of Christ as they served the body and conversed with us later on. And, no matter where we go, Brotherhood always finds transplants from our home states - Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska and, of course, New York! Our mixture of new gospel, classics and hymnal favorites energized the people that made us feel right at home! We could have sang for hours and hours. What a great time we had and look forward to returning next year. We also sang a few selections during a missions convention at Church Alive. The guest speaker was Owen Carr, a 90 year old minister who still pastors a church in Springfield, MO!! It was a blessed time for all who attended that Sunday service. Many gave a faith promise in which you pledge to support missions and trust God to provide the funds. It's happened many times before and will continue, praise God!

It is so wonderful to have that common bond and relationship with other believers. Thank God, one day it will be over and we will spend eternity in heaven with Him. My father-in-law has just entered those gates, as well. It's sad for those who remain but wonderful for those who depart. Thank you Lord for that promise!

Stay well, be blessed and be a blessing. A Happy Thanksgiving to all! FYI... remember to "make friends" with Brotherhood on Facebook.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!

Well, the summer's gone and we head into fall. Boy, the time seems to fly by faster than ever before! But as the world seems to whiz by, we need to stop and "smell the roses" along the way. Let's not get caught up with the fast paced, need-it-now, self-centered life that can draw us farther away from time with God. We need to stay focused on daily conversation and communion with our Father. It's very precious time that will help us through every day, every trial and bring peace, love and joy to our heart and soul. It's ME time with Him - no one else matters and we should look forward to the time we set aside for that purpose. If you haven't done so, get started and make it a routine you cannot break!

 Again, we had a blast on our return visit to the New York City area. Seeing old friends, making new friends, sampling NY food (pizza, bagels, pastries), laughter and fellowship were cake icing to Brotherhood's concert dates. We even saw a street stick ball game in the Bronx - that brought back memories! Ministering at 4 churches in 3 days, these warm, gracious people quickly became family and they enjoyed good gospel quartet music. Many have heard us before and requested a favorite or two. "Roll Away" has become a sing-a-long chorus and "Jesus You're So Wonderful" is now referred to as the do-wop song. We packaged a variety of tunes from our recent CD project among others that included new gospel, hymns, accapella and gospel classics. We also added a Retro Praise segment of uplifting, hand clapping, revival time medley songs for all to sing. They loved it! Brotherhood's blend of music & message touched many lives as evident by those who came forward during altar call. We love NY and God loves NY, too!

Stay well, be blessed and be a blessing. FYI... remember to "make friends" with Brotherhood on Facebook.