Celebrating Christ and Serving Brooklyn
“Christ and the Two Criminals”
Michael Dorr & Evan Schwartz
I have devoted myself these past twelve months to writing only sonnets so when this project began, I sought to represent Christ and the two criminals crucified with Him – not only their views but their very bodies -as sonnets. But one of the condemned speaks a mere nine words, while the other utters forty-two. Christ himself says just thirteen words and only to one of the criminals.
Dear RezYouth Family,
On behalf of myself and all our Leaders, we want to thank you for making this retreat a success. We’re always competing with other youth activities, so we are grateful for all the youth that showed up. Once again we were the largest group!
This year’s theme was an attempt to encourage our youth to think of their lives as extraordinary in the purposes of God. They are “set apart for something bigger than ordinary.” Our group discussions included the topics of being “Set apart by Grace, for the good of the world, and by Jesus” all with a focus on Daniel’s life and his interactions with King Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom.
Join the Arts Ministry on the third Thursday (except for February when we’ll reschedule to the Fourth Thursday) of every month in 2018.
Follow the Arts Ministry on Facebook.
Like most people, I start the new year with a great deal of hope. Personally, I hope my oldest daughter gets into college somewhere…anywhere (Just kidding, Flannery. You will!). Globally, we hope that conflict with North Korea can be avoided. Nationally, we hope the new tax code will stimulate economic growth while enabling us to provide for those who live at risk in our society. Culturally, (and I know I’m speaking for all of us) we hope the third season of Stranger Things isn’t a complete train wreck.
But when we use the word “hope” we often cross our fingers and knock on wood:
Our hoping is sometimes indistinguishable from wishful thinking.
The biblical definition of hope is more concrete.
As we begin this new year, consider what you’ve set your hopes on. Are you hoping for a new job? A smaller waist? A new relationship? Better behaved children (or spouse)? These may be fine desires, and God may grant them to you, but you must distinguish them from what God has explicitly promised. So often we put our highest hopes in things that God has never promised and we get angry when we don’t get them. So let me encourage you to take some time and reflect on those things that God has actually promised to accomplish in Jesus. Put your hope in the forgiveness of sins, in the reconciliation of enemies, in the restoration of broken things, in people coming to faith, in the growth of the church—and expect to see them. Be certain that when God promises salvation he is already making it happen in the lives of individuals, families, cities and the entire world. 2018 is going to be a great year—and that’s a promise.
In Christ,
Matt Brown
Senior Pastor
Share the joy of Christmas! Join us and bring your friends and neighbors to Christmas in the City, Resurrection Brooklyn’s annual special gathering in which we celebrate Christmas through song and story. The program will be followed by a time of food and drinks. Admission is free and childcare will be provided! We hope to see you there.
Pick up some invite cards after church at the welcome table to share with anyone you’d like to invite, or hang it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
This year we will take up a special offering with all proceeds benefiting our Disaster Relief efforts. In the aftermath of three devastating hurricanes this year, please consider how you might be able to give to those in need. For more information on how to help hurricane victims, click here.