Saturday Connection 3.28.20

“The coronavirus has turned everyday life for most people upside down. America, like most of the world, is in a state of emergency. Millions are faced with unemployment or business loss, and most tragic of all, so many are facing this pandemic without the hope of Jesus Christ. People are filled with anxiety and fear.” – Franklin Graham

Crisis Hotline…please call me (Pastor Mike) or pass my phone number (860-537-3914) on to others who would need prayer or a godly perspective on things at hand. Thank you. [was posted on three ‘Colchester only’ social platforms yesterday as well as for your blessing too!!!]

“I fully believe that the church in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that our nation and the global community faces, has the position, privilege, message, compassion, and sense of mission that our nation and communities need the most. As a result, I am hopeful that, through these uncertainties, how the broader world thinks about the church will be changed, that the credibility, respect, and willingness to hear the message of the church will be increased in our land. . . .The world needs a pastor. They just don’t know it. Now the church has the privilege of being the world’s pastor.”  – Mark Young

Understanding the quote preceding, I will preach tomorrow from John 13:31-34 and titled the message, “The World’s Pastor.”  Brother Kory will post the sermon on our church’s website today for the convenience of your listening anytime.

www.christianlifechapel.org
Eric Swanson’s sister Laurel has tested ‘positive’ for COVID19. She works at Nataug Hospital and is now quarantined in her bedroom at home.  Her husband Bill is in danger due to his double lung transplant six months ago and the medical cancellation of his immune system for life so that his body would not reject his new lungs.  Pray for Bill and Laurel as many of us have heard his testimony of healing this past Thanksgiving.

Pray for my own mother’s (Rachel) protection (Pastor Mike).  The beautiful Pennsylvania Nursing Home she resides in is reporting this morning that three residents now have COVID19.

Baby GIDEON, Brien and Terry’s family, at 1.5 pounds he is fighting for his life! A ventilator is necessary but it damages his lungs at the same time it helps keep him alive.  His eyes and brain are also in great danger. It’s a ‘tightrope.’  Pray for God’s blessing to Gideon, his mother Brieanne, and for all his wonderful caregivers.   

The next  Chapel Friends Conference call (Conversation and Prayer) is planned for Monday evening at 7:00 pm.  

How are you?

To our regular church ‘donors.’  In order to make a tithe/donation to our church please send it to: CLC, PO Box 91, Colchester, CT 06415.  Debbie T will be making a bank deposit.  Thank you.  Also, your own on-line depositing is available. Please give me a call to assist you at 860-537-3914.  
Pastor Mike Brubaker, DMin

Friday Connection 3.27.20

We’ve been praying for Brien and Terry’s niece Brieanne who was 21 weeks pregnant.  She has now had an emergency c-section, GIDEON weighs 1.5 pounds, and is breathing well.  Gideon is considered a micro-preemie. So small for the doctor’s instruments, barely viable.  If this would have happened last week he could not have been treated.  Pray for Gideon and his mother Brieanne.  A miracle indeed! No family is allowed to visit them.

The next Chapel Friends Conference call (Conversation and Prayer) is planned for tonight, Friday evening at 7:00 pm.  

·       Shortly before 7 pm, simply dial on your phone 857-444-6500

·       then enter the ID Code 845-101-528 when prompted, and you are in!!!   

For your study, this coming Sunday’s Sermon text is John 13: 34 A NEW COMMANDMENT I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

This is the same ‘rule’ or different from the GOLDEN RULE? Since the 18th century the “Golden Rule” has been commonly designated as an ethical maxim by most all religions, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” attributed to Jesus by Matthew (7:12) and Luke (6:31).  

For your comfort today… 2 Corinthians 4: 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

How are you?

To our regular church ‘donors.’  In order to make a tithe/donation to our church please send it to: CLC, PO Box 91, Colchester, CT 06415.  Also, on-line ‘virus free’ depositing is available. Please give me a call to assist you at 860-537-3914.  
Pastor Mike Brubaker, DMin

Thursday Connection 3.26.20

Thank you to 14 ‘call-ins’ last evening on our Conference Call Bible Study and Prayer time.  Next meeting will be Friday at 7 pm.
Today is the first day of Colchester Public Schools on-line ‘interim learning program’ for students K-12. Pray for these parents, children and educators getting connected.  We also hear of more parents making the choice of going to one of the many options of excellent home schooling programs or supplements all ready in use nation-wide.  All of this is a major adjustment for everyone involved.  
Homebound conversation:    husband  “honey, can you microwave porcelain?’    wife  “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”    husband  “put it in the oven?”    wife  “can’t you just google this?”    husband  “you’re my google for kitchen stuff.”
Terry Brown and Linda Brubaker have begun making HEPA masks (100+) for friends who have jobs where masks are needed.
Pray for our Chapel Search Committee as they meet tonight.
3 A PSALM OF DAVID      1 O LORD, how many are my foes!
      Many are rising against me;
      2 many are saying of my soul,
      “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah      3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
      my glory, and the lifter of my head.
      4 I cried aloud to the LORD,
      and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah      5 I lay down and slept;
      I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
      6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
      who have set themselves against me all around.      7 Arise, O LORD!
      Save me, O my God!
      For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
      you break the teeth of the wicked.      8 Salvation belongs to the LORD;
      your blessing be on your people! Selah 

How are you?

To our regular church ‘donors.’  In order to make a tithe/donation to our church please send it to: CLC, PO Box 91, Colchester, CT 06415.  Also, on-line depositing is available. Please give me a call to assist you at 860-537-3914.  
Pastor Mike Brubaker, DMin

Wednesday Connection 3.25.20

The next my Chapel Friends Conference call (with Bible Study John 13:1-35 and Prayer) is planned for tonight, Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. 

·       Shortly before 7 pm or after, simply dial on your phone 857-444-6500

·       then enter the ID Code 845-101-528 when prompted, and you are in!!! 

[If you wish instead to join us on your computer and use video please let me know and I will send you an email with all the easy set up information].

If we want to experience the security of God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty and impending trials, we won’t find it by endlessly checking Facebook, Cable News, and blogs. We will fix our minds and hearts on what is true about God.

Singing is one of the ways God has given us to remember these realities. It enables the word of Christ to dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16). 

We are freshly reminded that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39, ESV)

Search: Google or You Tube or iTune or Sirius or Spotify any one of these songs

A Christian’s Daily Prayer

All Creatures of Our God and King

All Must Be Well – Indelible Grace

All My Ways Are Known to You – CityAlight

All Praise to Him

Ancient of Days – CityAlight

Behold Our God

Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor – Matt Boswell & Matt Papa

God is For Us – CityAlight

Christ is Mine Forevermore – CityAlight

Christ My Glory

God is Good – The Modern Post

God Moves

Great is Thy Faithfulness – Public Domain

He Will Hold Me Fast – Matt Merker

How Firm a Foundation – Public Domain

How Vast the Love

I Have a Shelter

I Will Glory in My Redeemer

In Christ Alone – Getty Music

Is He Worthy? – Andrew Peterson

It is Well – Public Domain

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken – Indelible Grace

My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness – Getty Music

My Redeemer’s Love

O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love

Our Great God – Mac Powell/Fernando Ortega

Our Song From Age to Age

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – Public Domain

Rejoice – The Modern Post

The Father’s Love

The Goodness of Jesus – CityAlight

The Lord is My Salvation – Getty Music

The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built) – Public Domain

Turn Your Eyes

We Look to You

When We See Your Face

Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me – CityAlight

How are you?

To our regular church ‘donors.’  In order to make a tithe/offering to our church please send it to: CLC, PO Box 91, Colchester, CT 06415.  Also, on-line account banking is available. Please give us a call to assist you at 860-537-3914.  

Pastor Mike Brubaker, DMin

Tuesday Connection 3.24.20

“Lord, give us the strength to endure this difficult season, and deepen our connection with You and Your people”

Others need encouragement to.  Some are forwarding these emails and the Sunday Sermon link Chapel Sermons  to friends who have no church connection in order to bless them.  Thank you.

How does God encourage his people during times like these? He points us to who he is and what he has promised.

He reminds us that he is sovereign.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20, ESV)

He reminds us that he is good.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29–31, ESV)

He reminds us that he is all-wise.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36, ESV)

He reminds us of the gospel. 
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, ESV)

He reminds us that the glory to come far exceeds our trials.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18, ESV)
If we want to experience the security of God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty and impending trials, we won’t find it by endlessly checking Facebook, Cable News, and blogs. We will fix our minds and hearts on what is true about God.

How are you?

Claudia L is recovering amazingly well from surgery last Friday.  Thank you Lord for our answered prayer.

The next Chapel Friends Conference call (Bible Study John 13:1-35) is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm.  Simply dial on your cell phone 857-444-6500 then enter the ID Code 845-101-528 when prompted, and you are in!!!

To our regular church ‘donors.’  In order to make a tithe/donation to our church please send it to: CLC, PO Box 91, Colchester, CT 06415.  Also, on-line account banking is available. Please give us a call to assist you at 860-537-3914.  

To the Praise of God’s Glory

Chapel friend,

I just recorded tomorrow’s SERMON which brother Kory will post on our church website for you to listen to at your convenience.  It will be there in the morning.  Thank you Kory.

    SERMON TITLE:  “to the praise of God’s Glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

    WEBSITE LOCATION: Click on this link http://www.christianlifechapel.org  

Last evening during our on-line connection call with church friends, Meredith Clark (experiencing good health, melting mountain snows and lots of mud in Maine) read the following encouragement to us.  Thank you Meredith! So wonderful to hear your voice. (Samuel Davies, “The Nature and Universality of Spiritual Death”)

Psalm 121
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
 The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.
 The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.
 The Lord will protect your coming and going, both now and forever!”

God is the guardian and deliverer of His people!
From how many dangers has He preserved us!
From how many calamities has He delivered us!

Dangers, distresses and deaths crowd upon us–and surround us in every age and every place! The air, the earth, the sea, and every element–are pregnant with numberless inlets of pain and death ready to seize and destroy us!

Sickness and death swarm around us! Nay, they lie in ambush in our own constitution, and are perpetually undermining our lives–and yet our divine Guardian preserves us for months and years unhurt, untouched. And how many ‘salvations’ of this kind has He wrought for us! Salvations . . .
  from accidents,
  from sicknesses,
  from pains,
  from sorrows,
  from death!
Salvations from seen and unseen dangers!
Salvations in infancy, in youth, and in matured years!

These things we cannot deny, without the most stupid ignorance, and an atheistic disbelief of divine Providence.

Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise,
All my times are in Your hand,
All events at Your command!

His decree, who formed the earth,
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place, and time,
All appointed were by Him.

He who formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb.
All my times shall ever be,
Ordered by His wise decree!

Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of poverty, and of wealth;
Times of trial, and of grief,
Times of triumph, and relief.

Plagues and death around me fly;
Till He bids, I cannot die!
Not a single shaft can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit!
(John Ryland)

Psalm 91:3-7
“Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear . . .
  the terror of night,
  nor the arrow that flies by day,
  nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
  nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you!”
ALL GOD’S PEOPLE SAY, “AMEN!!”
Pastor Mike Brubaker, DMin