All is calm and all is bright.” More than anything else, that’s what the world truly needs this Christmas. A time of peace, a time of serenity, a time of thanksgiving and a time of quiet reflection to honor the birth of the Savior.
Brotherhood has a few Christmas outreach opportunities at nursing homes and senior dinners. We enjoy giving back to the community, bringing some cheer and joy to the hearts and lives of these dear folk at nursing homes. Many have no family, get few visitors and some I could consider as my aunt, uncle or grandparent! Christ has come for ALL so everyone is to hear the Good News – the old, young, men, women and children of all ages. We are all sinners – just saved by grace!
As usual, I get very melancholy as the year draws to an end. It may be just me, but I can almost predict the time when that “change” occurs. In 2010, with November surgery and recovery, that time was delayed and is not as strong. But this “funk” (as I call it) may be due to not one but many factors. The loss of cherished loved ones in November and December (my Mom, Uncle Sam, the Principato’s) that you can’t help but remember. And, you wish they were still here to share life with (good and bad).
Sometimes you wonder why God takes the good and leaves the bad ones here! I believe it’s because their time on earth is done and God wants them to enjoy heaven with Him. The Bible does say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant… enter in…”. That’s my solace until we meet again. I also discovered that Vinnie Cioffi, a member of The Torchbearers, recently passed away. I enjoyed their style of gospel music and we had Vinnie attend our wedding as the musical guest.
Also, our earthly time grows shorter yet there’s so much you still want to accomplish. Right now, there’s too much hustle and bustle for the sake of the “holiday season”. Remember, there are friends, relatives, co-workers right in front of you that don’t know the Christmas story! And so we must continue on until the whole earth hears that Jesus Christ is Lord. May the glorious songs of this sacred season, be imbedded into the minds and hearts of those who need to hear the gospel truth. My most favorite carol to sing is “Silent Night” as it provides the sacred Christmas story in just a few minutes.
Christ has not yet returned because it’s not the appointed time… there’s still much work to do for Him and His kingdom. In His strength and by His power, Brotherhood will continue on, as well.
May you all have a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS
Well, I’m back and ready to go! Brotherhood has been on hiatus for November due to John’s surgery and Phil’s cruise with the seniors from Faith AG. After recovery, Brotherhood will have a few Christmas concerts coming in December.
Never having a stitch in my body, it was my first hospital experience. In hindsight, surgery is a breeze; it’s the recovery that’s a bear! The first week was difficult but, praise God, He made us wonderful bodies that know how to heal with little help. And this Thanksgiving, I’m extremely thankful for a successful recuperation with the aid of my wonderful nurse (my wife, Deborah). I was blessed with the best care giver in the world! Also, it was a time for God to get my attention and slow down while lying flat on my back – what a sense of humor He has!
I pray that everyone had enough food, fun and family fellowship this Thanksgiving season. As we celebrated, did you truly pause and reflect on the goodness of our Lord? He’s provided us food, clothing, a good home, cars, health, careers and so much more. We are blessed more than you can imagine. May we remember the “giving” in Thanksgiving and give back to God, to our community and church. Ask God to help find someone in need before the year ends and be a blessing to them. In that way, you may be the only Jesus that they see! Be the light in a lost and dying world.
God bless until next time!
Never having a stitch in my body, it was my first hospital experience. In hindsight, surgery is a breeze; it’s the recovery that’s a bear! The first week was difficult but, praise God, He made us wonderful bodies that know how to heal with little help. And this Thanksgiving, I’m extremely thankful for a successful recuperation with the aid of my wonderful nurse (my wife, Deborah). I was blessed with the best care giver in the world! Also, it was a time for God to get my attention and slow down while lying flat on my back – what a sense of humor He has!
I pray that everyone had enough food, fun and family fellowship this Thanksgiving season. As we celebrated, did you truly pause and reflect on the goodness of our Lord? He’s provided us food, clothing, a good home, cars, health, careers and so much more. We are blessed more than you can imagine. May we remember the “giving” in Thanksgiving and give back to God, to our community and church. Ask God to help find someone in need before the year ends and be a blessing to them. In that way, you may be the only Jesus that they see! Be the light in a lost and dying world.
God bless until next time!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
HARVEST TIME
October and November are special months this year. Besides Phil and John birthdays, there is a major production every October. “The Last Reunion” experienced another successful ministry outreach. I mention it because Brotherhood is quite involved with it. Dan, our resident thespian, has the lead role as the widowed patriarch of a family facing major/tragic issues in everyday life. He’s had the lead for a very long time and LTR has been running for nearly 20 years! With 7 shows in 10 nights, Dan can be worn very thin. And, Brotherhood needs Dan back in full strength! Sunday, October 17, concluded the production run with a standing room only performance. I was told Jan Crouch, from TBN, was in attendance!! Word really spreads when something is really this good and impactful. During the show’s run, more than 1,200 people came to the altars for salvation, healing, reconciliation, etc. May God bless “The Last Reunion” as it continues to reach out to the lost and hurting.
Election Day 2010 is also drawing near and results will be critical for the future of our country. Consider the long lasting impact of those we place in political office during these trying times. Why is this great land called America in trouble? It’s simple – we have turned our backs on God. “If my people would humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, I will heal their land.” That’s what God promised back then and He still promises today. So, this Election Day remember to earnestly pray, then vote and then pray some more. May God bless America again!”
Election Day 2010 is also drawing near and results will be critical for the future of our country. Consider the long lasting impact of those we place in political office during these trying times. Why is this great land called America in trouble? It’s simple – we have turned our backs on God. “If my people would humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, I will heal their land.” That’s what God promised back then and He still promises today. So, this Election Day remember to earnestly pray, then vote and then pray some more. May God bless America again!”
Monday, October 4, 2010
ENJOY THE RIDE
We’re now heading towards the far turn and then… into the home stretch for 2010! Can you believe that another year is quickly passing us by? We will get to the year in review in a later blog. For now, how is Brotherhood doing this Fall? Well, here goes …
On a September Sunday afternoon, our Mayflower engagement was a bit different. We shared the Good News with our elderly friends in an assisted living environment. It was a very beautiful setting that is very deserving for our elder statesmen; it felt like a hotel. Before and after, Brotherhood did some “hands on” work by greeting, conversing and witnessing to the many who attended. They requested some old time songs that we graciously included, such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Bicycle Built For Two”. They clapped and sang along with our “Old Time Medley” (Old Time Religion, Peace Like A River & Praise Him).
Brotherhood was back at it the following evening, as we were featured at “Old Time Gospel Nite”. What a great time we had turning back the gospel clock on soul stirring songs of yester year. Brotherhood sang “Nothing But The Blood”, “Love Lifted Me”, Build My Mansion” and “The Eastern Gate”. Also, “His Name Is Wonderful and “The Longer I Serve Him” brought back memories of our church days as youth. Brotherhood invited others to join us on stage to sing (choir style) with sing-a-long choruses. We distributed hymn books and people called out their favorites singing the first and last stanzas – just like in “church”! How marvelous and wonderful heaven will be!
A soloist sang, “His Grace Is Sufficient” that touched me deeply. It took me back to my early teens when our zone youth choir, Crusader Chorale, sang this song at a CCNA national church convention. My Dad had just passed away and that song gave me strength and hope as we sang “and in Him there is hope for everyday” from the depths of our hearts. It reminded me, once again, that He is truly all I need and is all sufficient. That means Jesus Christ is enough, He’s my in all and makes life bountiful and satisfying. When you get right down to it, everything else in life is peripheral “window dressing”.
The following Tuesday, Brotherhood closed out the month by singing at a Small Group Leaders Training Advance. These quarterly meetings provide instructions and encouragement for new and experienced leaders within the church. The evenings theme focused on “Scaling New Heights” to affect growth within your small group. Well, Brotherhood could answer that real well. Brotherhood is a very unique small group; we are defined by limited members but our growth is experienced (1) musically, (2) personally and (3) by outreach extent.
We all shared a bit, but Mel gave a real, touching response. For a long time, Mel felt limited in his ability to serve God. However, the altar work in NYC touched him so deep and stirred the gift of praying for people. Mel admits it was overwhelming at first but so satisfying to his personal relationship with Christ. He no longer feels inadequate to step forward and pray with a needy soul. What a wonderful praise report of how God works in our lives while we minister to others. It’s truly a 2-way street!!
Until next time… may we desire to love and serve Him more and more each and every day.”
On a September Sunday afternoon, our Mayflower engagement was a bit different. We shared the Good News with our elderly friends in an assisted living environment. It was a very beautiful setting that is very deserving for our elder statesmen; it felt like a hotel. Before and after, Brotherhood did some “hands on” work by greeting, conversing and witnessing to the many who attended. They requested some old time songs that we graciously included, such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Bicycle Built For Two”. They clapped and sang along with our “Old Time Medley” (Old Time Religion, Peace Like A River & Praise Him).
Brotherhood was back at it the following evening, as we were featured at “Old Time Gospel Nite”. What a great time we had turning back the gospel clock on soul stirring songs of yester year. Brotherhood sang “Nothing But The Blood”, “Love Lifted Me”, Build My Mansion” and “The Eastern Gate”. Also, “His Name Is Wonderful and “The Longer I Serve Him” brought back memories of our church days as youth. Brotherhood invited others to join us on stage to sing (choir style) with sing-a-long choruses. We distributed hymn books and people called out their favorites singing the first and last stanzas – just like in “church”! How marvelous and wonderful heaven will be!
A soloist sang, “His Grace Is Sufficient” that touched me deeply. It took me back to my early teens when our zone youth choir, Crusader Chorale, sang this song at a CCNA national church convention. My Dad had just passed away and that song gave me strength and hope as we sang “and in Him there is hope for everyday” from the depths of our hearts. It reminded me, once again, that He is truly all I need and is all sufficient. That means Jesus Christ is enough, He’s my in all and makes life bountiful and satisfying. When you get right down to it, everything else in life is peripheral “window dressing”.
The following Tuesday, Brotherhood closed out the month by singing at a Small Group Leaders Training Advance. These quarterly meetings provide instructions and encouragement for new and experienced leaders within the church. The evenings theme focused on “Scaling New Heights” to affect growth within your small group. Well, Brotherhood could answer that real well. Brotherhood is a very unique small group; we are defined by limited members but our growth is experienced (1) musically, (2) personally and (3) by outreach extent.
We all shared a bit, but Mel gave a real, touching response. For a long time, Mel felt limited in his ability to serve God. However, the altar work in NYC touched him so deep and stirred the gift of praying for people. Mel admits it was overwhelming at first but so satisfying to his personal relationship with Christ. He no longer feels inadequate to step forward and pray with a needy soul. What a wonderful praise report of how God works in our lives while we minister to others. It’s truly a 2-way street!!
Until next time… may we desire to love and serve Him more and more each and every day.”
Monday, September 20, 2010
AS FALL COMES, CHANGE IS GOOD
Labor Day weekend is typically known as the last weekend of summer fun for kids and an office break for workers. Well, Brotherhood had a little bit of both – some fun and some relaxation before our fall season begins. John and his wife went away for a beach getaway and Mel “headed for the hills” with his wife.
But, before that started, we had a wonderful, lively concert ministry at The Garden of Grace Church in Winter Park on Friday evening (9/3). Internet and street announcements billed it as a family gospel music night filled with cotton candy, popcorn and beverages. That made for a casual, comfortable atmosphere and allowed the spirit of God to minister easily. Brotherhood provided an eclectic mix of gospel music that’s become our signature style in reaching everyone! Our runaway hit, “Roll Away” was requested and “He Made A Change” had everyone standing, clapping, dancing and waving praise banners. “Turn Your Eyes” was sung at the altar call. It brought those who needed a touch in their life and people were slain in the Spirit, praise God! When God moves, He moves. To make the night even more special, our wives were with us, too! We had some good food and fellowship afterwards (just the Brotherhood family).
Brotherhood is adding to our eclectic style that we believe will directly reach and touch the unbeliever. “Amazing Grace” is as popular and well known as any secular or Christian song ever. We switched it up from the traditional by using a 1960’s pop/rock melody that was overwhelmingly received. Dan introduced that melody to me awhile back and I was quite taken by surprise. I know the original song but that tune made me listen to “Amazing Grace” with new ears. Some other songs on the horizon (including originals), will take you back to doo-wop, good ol’ camp meeting and foot stompin’ R&B soul gospel.
Exciting times lie ahead for Brotherhood. Our prayer is that those who don’t know Jesus Christ as savior will listen, receive the message and be transformed by His power! As that old chorus says, “God can do anything but FAIL!”
But, before that started, we had a wonderful, lively concert ministry at The Garden of Grace Church in Winter Park on Friday evening (9/3). Internet and street announcements billed it as a family gospel music night filled with cotton candy, popcorn and beverages. That made for a casual, comfortable atmosphere and allowed the spirit of God to minister easily. Brotherhood provided an eclectic mix of gospel music that’s become our signature style in reaching everyone! Our runaway hit, “Roll Away” was requested and “He Made A Change” had everyone standing, clapping, dancing and waving praise banners. “Turn Your Eyes” was sung at the altar call. It brought those who needed a touch in their life and people were slain in the Spirit, praise God! When God moves, He moves. To make the night even more special, our wives were with us, too! We had some good food and fellowship afterwards (just the Brotherhood family).
Brotherhood is adding to our eclectic style that we believe will directly reach and touch the unbeliever. “Amazing Grace” is as popular and well known as any secular or Christian song ever. We switched it up from the traditional by using a 1960’s pop/rock melody that was overwhelmingly received. Dan introduced that melody to me awhile back and I was quite taken by surprise. I know the original song but that tune made me listen to “Amazing Grace” with new ears. Some other songs on the horizon (including originals), will take you back to doo-wop, good ol’ camp meeting and foot stompin’ R&B soul gospel.
Exciting times lie ahead for Brotherhood. Our prayer is that those who don’t know Jesus Christ as savior will listen, receive the message and be transformed by His power! As that old chorus says, “God can do anything but FAIL!”
Monday, August 23, 2010
ROLLIN', ROLLIN', ROLLIN'
Well, as summer rolls into fall, Brotherhood’s schedule just keeps rolling on. Summer is usually a slow season, but it’s been sizzlin’ hot (figuratively and actually) as God has opened up the doors for added ministry! Brotherhood kicked off August at the Navair Prayer Breakfast where we ministered to military personnel in an office setting. This has become an annual event that we enjoy even though it’s very early in the morning! Dan had the opportunity to share from his heart, as well. Phil had to wait his turn until Saturday…
Then, we rolled into successive weekend concerts in the Central Florida area: a Women’s AGLOW benefit in Winter Park and an Encounter Rally in Mascotte. These are two “opposite of the spectrum” outreaches – one towards women and the other geared to men. We had a wonderful, spirit-filled time in concert in both places and food and fellowship followed. Just before we left Mascotte, a young woman gave her heart to the Lord, praise God! Pray with Brotherhood, that the message delivered in song and word continues to reach out to touch bodies, heal past wounds and draw all men (and women) closer to Him!
Then, we rolled into successive weekend concerts in the Central Florida area: a Women’s AGLOW benefit in Winter Park and an Encounter Rally in Mascotte. These are two “opposite of the spectrum” outreaches – one towards women and the other geared to men. We had a wonderful, spirit-filled time in concert in both places and food and fellowship followed. Just before we left Mascotte, a young woman gave her heart to the Lord, praise God! Pray with Brotherhood, that the message delivered in song and word continues to reach out to touch bodies, heal past wounds and draw all men (and women) closer to Him!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
SUMMER SIZZLE & CD RELEASE
Well, Brotherhood vacation time may be drawing to a close but ministry never stops. Mel and Dan travelled to the deep South and Midwest to “scout the territory”, John is coordinating the PromiseKeepers conference in Orlando and Phil is heading out west… to West Africa! He, along with a team of men, will lead a Men’s God Encounter in Ghana later this month. It is believed that 500 - 1,000 men will gather for this countrywide event. What an awesome experience and rare opportunity He has allowed!!
Discounting the NYC tour, Brotherhood has now officially released our inaugural studio CD, “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven”! On Monday night, we held a CD Release Celebration at a senior dinner. These baby boomers plus have been our biggest supporters and we decided to offer the CD to them first at this concert. We selected certain songs – each members’ favorites plus a few that we ALL just love to sing. It’s apparent that “Roll Away” is the CD hit single! No matter where we go (incl. NYC), that’s the most requested song. It’s loved by young and old alike; even those who favor R&B, hip hop and rock can’t get that song out of their head, praise God!! The CD is now in stock at the church bookstore and will soon be made available online at the Brotherhood blog site along with other inspirational products.
And… although the 4th of July has passed, may we continue to pray for God’s hand of protection on our great nation, our troops fighting for our freedom and for God’s wisdom and guidance for those in office. God bless America now and always!!
Discounting the NYC tour, Brotherhood has now officially released our inaugural studio CD, “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven”! On Monday night, we held a CD Release Celebration at a senior dinner. These baby boomers plus have been our biggest supporters and we decided to offer the CD to them first at this concert. We selected certain songs – each members’ favorites plus a few that we ALL just love to sing. It’s apparent that “Roll Away” is the CD hit single! No matter where we go (incl. NYC), that’s the most requested song. It’s loved by young and old alike; even those who favor R&B, hip hop and rock can’t get that song out of their head, praise God!! The CD is now in stock at the church bookstore and will soon be made available online at the Brotherhood blog site along with other inspirational products.
And… although the 4th of July has passed, may we continue to pray for God’s hand of protection on our great nation, our troops fighting for our freedom and for God’s wisdom and guidance for those in office. God bless America now and always!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
