Newsletter. Growing Through Expectations and Change by Pastor Len Smith. The Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship. First Quarter 2017

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1 Newsletter First Quarter 2017 The Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship Greencastle Pike, Hagerstown, MD Len Smith, Pastor (Church Office) (Residence) Pastor s home address: lensmith@tkimail.com Church s broadfordingcob@verizon.net Official church website: Official Facebook page: Growing Through Expectations and Change by Pastor Len Smith Psalm 5:3, In the morning, O Lord you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests I am sharing many thoughts written by Joe McKeever from an article he wrote in Pulpit Helps. First of all, what role do expectations play in our lives? Do you realize that expectations can be relationshipkillers? A young wife expects her new husband to be the Prince Charming of her dreams. An office manager expects a new secretary to read his mind. Congregations expect pastors to reverse declining attendance, preach short inspiring messages and attend every social function. Pastors expect church members and friends to support him, minimize detractions to church growth, and volunteer to respond to every challenge he throws their way. Do you think it is possible that our high expectations for each other are healthy? Is it possible to have misplaced expectations? Can we find some answers to these questions through a consideration of some events recorded in chapters 6 and 7 of Luke s Gospel? 1. Let s consider Luke 6:32-36 Expectations about other people: Give them up. After commanding us to love our enemies and do good to those who do us wrong, Jesus cautions us to expect nothing from the people to whom we minister. Jesus cautions us not to expect a quid pro quo from the people to whom we minister. Jesus does not say to do things for others and sit back, expecting a proper response. In fact Jesus said, But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Any individual who ministers in a congregation will save themselves a lot of hurt and grief by jettisoning their unrealistic expectations. If people respond to our ministry, fine; if not, that is their choice. Our job is to go on obey- 2. Let s consider Luke 7:1-10 Expectations about Jesus: Lift them up. Here we have the account of the Roman centurion who interceded with Jesus for his ailing servant. The centurion sent a delegation of Jewish elders to Jesus requesting a remote healing of his servant. Why a remote healing? Because the Gentile centurion did not consider himself worthy enough to have Jesus personally come to his home. But this centurion had a very worthy and valuable faith. He believed that Jesus could perform a remote healing by His word without even seeing or touching his ailing servant. The centurion had focused everything on Jesus. That s the point. We never go wrong in looking to Jesus as our Shepherd, Sustainer, Strength, Salvation and Song! Did you know that there are other letters of the alphabet that can also be used to describe Jesus Christ? Jesus can also be our Alpha, Almighty, Amen, Author, Advocate, Brightness, Beloved, Beginning, Bridegroom, Bread of Life, Branch, Chosen, Captain, Comforter, Cornerstone, Chief, and Counselor. We can never expect too much of Jesus who wants to be our all in all. Is it not possible that many congregations and individual Christians are weak because of our expectations about what Jesus Christ can do in our lives? On this topic, John Newton wrote the following words: Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring, For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much. 3. Let s consider Luke 7:18-35 Expectations about the next pastor: Lighten up. This passage revolves around the expectations people had about Jesus and John the Baptist.

2 Growing Through Expectations and Change, continued and describe the life-transforming miracles they had witnessed. After the delegation left, Jesus addressed the crowd in defense of John s preaching. Jesus clearly treasured the rough-edged prophet, whereas the nice people of the day were put off by John s clothing (what there was of it), his diet, and his rude ways. The Lord asked, What were you expecting in John? Someone who would take polls to find out where to take a public stand? Someone wearing the latest fashions from the king s tailor? Whatever you were looking for, you got it and a whole lot more! Try throwing away your expectations when the next permanent pastor comes to Broadfording. The Lord already knows who that individual is; and He does not need to ask our permission. Liberate the new pastor from the former pastor s job description for a while. Encourage him by working with him in evangelism and outreach as you support Him in your daily prayers. 4. Let s consider Luke 7:36-50 Expectations about yourself: Wake up This text describes a woman who slipped into a home where Jesus was the guest of honor. She proceeded to weep over His feet, anoint them with a costly perfume and then wipe them with her hair. The host, a Pharisee named Simon tactfully said nothing, but his acidic thoughts could peel the paint off a wall! He probably thought that if Jesus was really who he claimed to be, He would reject the attention and adoration of this sinful woman. Simon probably thought, look at her! Look at Him! As with each one of us, Simon would have been better off if he had directed his high expectations towards himself. At times church people get this backward so easily expecting everything from the people around us and the As a result some individuals go through life frustrated and critical toward the people around them. Why aren t they doing their job? Why isn t the preacher more effective? Why does the church put up with members who also happen to be hypocrites? Why doesn t the Sunday school teacher come with a better prepared lesson? Yes, it s the old Speck in your eye, but I can t see the railroad cross-tie in my own approach. Yes, we may admit we have weaknesses, some areas that give us problems from time to time, but we easily accept ourselves, cut ourselves slack, and pour on the grace. Yes it can all sound so noble. So how do we expect to deal with change in 2017? Well, first of all, certain concepts will not change. According to James 1:17 unlike the changing shadows on a sundial, God s character doesn t change. Malachi 3:6 indicates we can count on the Lord, I the Lord do not change But when the Lord returns we shall be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-53). Philippians 3:20-21 gives us perspective and promises that we can look forward to a time when the imperfect bodies we now possess will be changed into glorious holy bodies. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Daniel 2:20-22 informs us that God institutes change when it pleases Him to do so, even political change. As we expect change in 2017 may these words from Hebrews 13:7-8 motivate our thoughts, our words, and our actions: Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission: Excerpts from end-of-year letter As we close out this year and look forward to the challenges of 2017, I look back with awe and thanksgiving for the provision of God s hand. And as I reflect on this year, one thought stands out in my mind 2016 was a year of caring and giving by many of the most generous people in the world friends like you who support God s work here at The Hope Center. So, on behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and those we serve, I want to thank you for giving the gift of love and compassion in such a personal and caring way. You are a blessing to so many! Although 2016 was not without its difficulties and struggles, we rejoice in the good things that happened here at The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission. As of free groceries (171 bags given thus far); 44,326 meals were served; 11,637 were given safe shelter; 381 different men were provided overnight lodging. Throughout 2016 hundreds of kids attended our Wildside Kids events, including four weeks of Camp Wild. And just recently on Thanksgiving Day we served a traditional turkey dinner to approximately 200 people! But the greatest joy of 2016 is the transformation that has taken place in the lives of many of the men enrolled in our long-term recovery program. I wish you could meet each one of the men and see the change that God is making in their lives. The offering of $ from our Thanksgiving Eve Service on Nov. 23, 2016 supported the Hagerstown Rescue Mission.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) responds to Hurricane Matthew in Haiti Time has passed since Hurricane Matthew hit, but Haiti is still on our minds.

No breadfruit trees. No coconut trees. No almond trees. Not only are they a source of income, they are also a source of food for many, many people.

3 Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) responds to Hurricane Matthew in Haiti Time has passed since Hurricane Matthew hit, but Haiti is still on our minds. One resident of Dame Marie (a town on the westernmost coast) expresses her distress: I don t know how people are going to feed themselves. The vegetation is completely wiped out. No mango trees. No breadfruit trees. No coconut trees. No almond trees. Not only are they a source of income, they are also a source of food for many, many people. Mangos are a huge source of food when it s mango season. There are no mango trees left. She went on to emphasize how important it was for Dame Marie (and many other villages) to rebuild quickly. Families need shelter. That first week, it looked like wash day because all the clothes they could find were laid out to dry. But where would they put the clothes after they dried, when there was no house to put them in? Schools need to rebuild, or the students are in danger of losing months of school. As the people of Dame Marie start rebuilding, one major obstacle is that the road, a national highway, has been destroyed. Constructing a new road will take time. Until then, flights from MAF will continue as a lifeline, providing a way to rebuild towns like Dame Marie. During this phase of hurricane disaster response, headquarters has been hopping with activity. Some of us have gone to Haiti to fly planes, do maintenance, or help with logistics and communications. Back at headquarters, many of us have extra duty as is fitting during an emergency situation. We are privileged to be a link in the chain of a team working together to make a lasting impact. Your partnership in the mission encourages us as we press on in good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Doug & Janie Heidebrink A portion of Broadfording s outreach giving each week helps to support the work of the Heidebrinks who have served Global Food Initiative E-news of the Global Food Initiative Fall 2016 Goat Project: Nigeria Zakariya Musa, project officer for the Disaster Relief Ministry of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), shared news that a goat project began near EYN headquarters in Kwarhi, Adamawa State. This project is a three-way partnership between EYN s Integrated Community Based Development Program (ICBDP), Brethren Disaster Ministries and the GFI, starting with a small group of randomly selected ICBDP employees. Employees have worked without pay since the occupation of EYN headquarters by Boko Haram in Earlier in 2016, several ICBDP employees attended a Christian agricultural conference in Ibadan, Nigeria, sponsored by Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization. Conference attendees returned excited to implement what they learned. One idea that sparked great interest was that of zero-graze goat raising. Brethren Disaster Ministries agreed to fund this trial in which participants will receive three goats and building materials for pens, to be built by the recipients. Forages were planted to go along with the trial, and offspring will be used to supply other families with goats. If successful, GFI will seek to enlarge this project in Prayers are welcomed for these families and their goats! Community Development Exchange: Haiti and Honduras In August, staff of Proyecto Aldea Global (PAG) from Honduras traveled to Haiti to spend a week sharing ideas with the community development staff of Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Church of the Brethren in Haiti). In 2014, Haitians visited Honduras and learned of the excellent work being undertaken by PAG. They returned to Haiti and began translating written materials from Spanish to Haitian Creole before implementing several initiatives including safe drinking water projects, women s economic opportunities, and community pharmacies. Also traveling to Haiti were several staff members from the Church of the Brethren in the United States, including GFI manager Jeff Boshart. The entire group visited five communities throughout the week and spent evenings in debriefing and training sessions. An unexpected treat A portion of Broadfording s outreach giving each week helps to support the work of the

4 Become a Shepherd s Spring Volunteer Thank you for your interest in becoming a Shepherd s Spring Volunteer. At Shepherd s Spring, we recognize the importance of our local churches, their commitment and their passion to use their individual gifts in service to Christ. We continue to need your support in order to provide our campers and clients with the source of renewal found in the evidence of His handiwork on display in our outdoor space and retreat center. Our goal is to build relationships with and involve as many congregations as possible, so that together, we can share the gospel of Christ while providing for the physical needs of people who are sharing our space and participating in our summer camp, Heifer Global Village, Road Scholar and retreat center programs. This only happens through a partnership with people like you. We are looking for people from our district s COB churches to volunteer. These are men and women who regularly attend their church, have a heart for our mission and are willing to commit to our programming. The time commitment for this will vary based upon your preferred area of interest. Our volunteer opportunities include Kitchen/food service assistance; Housekeeping assistance; Hosting of retreat groups; Facility/maintenance assistance; Summer camp program assistance; Heifer Global Village assistance; Road Scholar assistance; Board of Directors (one board position and the Treasurer position Special committees including the 2017 Golf Tournament and 5K Run planning committees as well as our ongoing board committees for finance, development, personnel policies, and program. If you would like more information on the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer, please see our Volunteer Policy, Guidelines, and Position Descriptions available on our website, To apply for one or more of our volunteer opportunities, contact Robin Haywood, HR & Volunteer Coordinator, at or at Thank you for praying for Shepherd s Spring and asking God to encourage our current and future volunteers who support us with gifts of time and talent that they may be blessed with enthusiasm for our continued ministry. Draft Budget Outline for Brethren Disaster Ministries Haiti Response Emergency Relief - $30,000 Activities: food distributions, tarps and temporary shelters, emergency medical care, drinking water Short-Term Recovery - $50,000 Activities: three months of food distributions, transportation and distribution of material aid, home repairs, animal distribution, water supply Long-Term Recovery - $100,000 Activities: largest focus will be on agricultural recovery (including distribution of seeds and tools), additional animal distribution, water supply repair/construction, home construction (as needed) Food insecurity in northeast Nigeria verging on famine Most of Nigeria s estimated 2.6 million IDPs (internally displaced persons) are subsistence farmers, most of whom have been unable to plant for at least two years. Those that planted in narrow edges along the road are selling what little they harvest and will still have no food for the future. What little food is available has doubled or quadrupled in price. In the northeast, 9.1 million people are food insecure. Four million are in desperate need of food, with 2.2 million of these trapped in areas that are still insecure and/or where Boko Haram is operating. EYN has helped to distribute food but the need is very great. An estimated 400,000 children under 5 will suffer from severe acute malnutrition. As many as 75,000 children may die over the next year if they do not receive aid. Support the Church of the Brethren response to the Nigeria crisis Give to the Nigeria Crisis Fund. Donate online at Volunteer at a Workcamp. Join a workcamp in Nigeria and help to repair and restore churches and church facilities, while encouraging the Nigerian Brethren through worship, prayer and fellowship. Camps are now forming for January and February-March of The estimated cost is $2,600. For more information go to or contact Kendra Harbeck at kharbeck@brethren.org or Support the Church Rebuilding Fund. Nearly 70 percent of EYN s churches have been destroyed. A special fund has been developed to provide resources for EYN s church rebuilding program. Give online at or send a check to COB Nigeria Church Rebuilding, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL A portion of Broadfording s outreach giving each week helps to support Shepherd s Spring and Brethren Disaster Ministries.

5 186 Miles: A Celebration of a Life Too Short Arthur Drew Carbaugh Many who knew Arthur didn t know that he loved being out in the woods and rivers as much as he loved video games and science. This started with fishing when he was too little to hold a fishing rod and became more so when he took up photography as a 6th grader. My most treasured memories of Arthur are of he and I exploring some new area, laughing and joking with each other the whole time. Even in places that I know well, I cherish the experience and memory of seeing them with renewed wonder through his eyes. One of the many photography/writing projects that Arthur and I talked about doing was a series of photo-journalistic articles to showcase the scenic beauty and history about specific areas on the C&O Canal that he and I visited. Shortly after he left us, I was feeling particular miserable one evening and went out to McCoys Ferry. I sat down in the dark at the base of my favorite beech tree and had a good cry, but, I also had an idea. The idea was this: walk the entire one hundred eighty-four and a half miles, plus one more (and a bit) to go that extra mile, of the C&O canal with some of Arthur s ashes (so he can go, at least in spirit, to places he never got to in life), photograph the trip and write about it. His mother and I will produce a book to celeside trips to other sites he loved like Green Ridge State Forest and Antietam Battlefield, places that have a connection with the Potomac River and the Canal. All proceeds from this book will go to anti-bullying programs and teen suicide prevention. A great man once told me that if you can make a difference in just one person s life for the better you have accomplished something to be proud of. I aim to do a bit more. Words cannot express the pain we are in, a great brilliant light in the world has been taken away. We have not just lost a son we have lost the greatest of friends. And I have lost my beloved partner in adventures. Everyone, family, friends, classmates, or those that just want to make a difference, are invited to participate in this project. Walk along with me for part of the way, help with logistics, publicize awareness, find corporate sponsors to donate to the aforementioned causes, anything we can do as a community to stop our children being hurt is of the utmost importance. Twenty-one Chibok schoolgirls reunite with families In April 2014, 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Chibok Secondary School by the militant group, Boko Haram. The majority of these schoolgirls, ages 16 to 18, were from EYN (Ekklesiyar Yan uwa a Nigeria, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), although the group included both Muslim and Christian girls. While some girls escaped on their own, 219 remained in captivity, with each girl being prayed for by Church of the Brethren congregations in the U.S. On Oct. 16, there was much rejoicing when 21 of the girls were released and reunited with their families. The joy was tempered with the knowledge that 197 did not return home. We continue to pray for the girls who are still missing, as well as their families. Copyright The Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship All Rights Reserved. The Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship Greencastle Pike Hagerstown, MD FIRST CLASS MAIL 2017 A NEW YEAR AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE LORD

Disturbing the Peace 1

Disturbing the Peace 1 Disturbing the Peace Westminster Presbyterian Church John 17:20-26 Pastor Doug Browne Acts 16:16-34 April 22, 2018 (Easter 4) John 17:20-26 I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those