Easter at Friendship

Easter Sunday

Pastor Dennis Brown

When Jesus suddenly appeared in his resurrection body, the disciples hid behind locked doors for fear of arrest. Suddenly Jesus came through the doors in his resurrected body. It was an OMG (“Oh my gosh”) moment. Actually all the resurrection stories have that quality about them. When he meets some women on the road, he says, “Ni-hao-ma!”  What I mean is the term used as the common greeting of the day. Imagine, Jesus is dead. There is no thought that he could be resurrected. Suddenly, Jesus shows up and says “Hi.” It blew them away. Have you had an OMG moment? Why? Jesus is on the loose, looking for people, to draw them to himself!

This Sunday, the international students will lead worship. They will rock the house with love for Jesus.  I will share a message from John 20 on “Jesus Finds Thomas.” Thomas had said eight days earlier that he wouldn’t believe without objective evidence. Well, Jesus is listening to him and eight days later shows up and takes him “on.” It was a real OMG moment. Also during Sunday School, the children will have an Easter Egg hunt. Come and join us for this high day of celebration.

Good Friday Service

Join us Friday for the Good Friday Service on the fourth floor chapel at 7:30 pm. It’s a simple service of hymns, readings from the crucifixion, a message and the Lord’s Supper. The title of the message is, “Why did Jesus have to die?”

Newcomer’s Luncheon, April 10

If you are new to the church in the past couple of months, you are invited to a newcomer’s welcome at Pastor Dennis’ home on Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 pm. Just gather at the main doors of the church, and we will walk together to the apartment. At the last newcomers welcome we started a new small group from this gathering. If there is interest we may begin a new Christianity Explored group from those of you who attend.

“Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?”

How are we to understand Islam?  How can we be a community like Jesus who respond with both grace and truth? Christianity and Islam are two of the three Abrahamic faiths, and have a shared history of key figures. An Islamic caliphate was recently re-established in the Middle East by ISIS, the first serious effort at rebuilding a global political Islamic government since the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920’s. Come and discuss this important question and how we can reach out to our Muslim neighbors. This discussion will be led by Jason Warren on Sunday, April 10 in room 501 from 1:15 to 2:30 pm. Get your lunch and join us.

Children’s Ministry Social, April 16

If you are part of the children’s ministry, come join us for a social evening at the Pastor’s house on April 16. More information to come. 

JANUARY 2016 --NEW BEGINNINGS

Reflections at the beginning of a new year

I began my eighth year at Friendship in early November. As I look back, it’s with such joy for the community that the Lord has built during that time. We are a basically young, multi-cultural, international church. I have watched us grow in unity, growing spiritual maturity, and numerically. This last year we recaptured the momentum of previous years after a difficult 2014. Many of you stepped up to assume positions of leadership. I cannot tell you how much joy it gives me to be here every Sunday and throughout the week with you. I see all the cultural diversity and it truly is a little taste of heaven.

Our plans for now are to transition at the end of 2016. As such, I am working diligently to insure that you have the best leaders in place, and to seek to find, and train a senior pastor who can continue the great journey together. The search team is meeting regularly to accomplish that objective. I saw the end of Downton Abbey last night, and I was struck with Carson’s word (who was in transition) that he wanted to hand the abbey over to the right person. I have that same deep goal and desire.

We also say goodbye in the next two months to two of our leaders:  Rick and Erin Chamness and Jerry & Bebe Chiao. Jerry became our worship director almost five years ago, and changed the tone of the entire church with his leadership. No one knows how valuable his service has been more than me. Along the way, he and Bebe met in the worship team and were married. Rick served as an elder during a difficult period and along with Kin Chong guided us through some choppy waters. Erin was always a big help in the Sunday School. We will miss them. Be sure to greet them and thank them. Also don’t forget to thank Kin even though he is still with us (on sabbatical) as his leadership genius was invaluable in strengthening the church in the past year.

I am also so grateful for Anna Furness who is always looking to lighten my load and serve you in a 1000 ways. Along with all the elders and deacons, I couldn’t be happier with our leadership team.   Let’s pray together for a year in which in greater ways “we glorify God for the good of Taipei.”

Christmas at Friendship

Christmas and the Book of Revelation

This year, our BSF friends are studying the Book of Revelation. Someone said that people all over the world are flocking to BSF to study this book. It’s no wonder. With the world in crisis, people want to know if there is a meaning to history. Is there a plan? Is there an end--and is it a good one? Is anyone in charge? This Sunday, I will begin a special holiday season titled “Christmas and the Book of Revelation.”

Another word for Christmas is Advent which has to do with waiting. At the first Christmas, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna were all looking for a Messiah. He came in the person of Jesus. Today we look back to Bethlehem and wait in anticipation for his second coming--the second Advent.

Revelation says that there is one who is in charge--the lamb who was slain, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Let us draw hope for our lives and world from this book. After the holidays, we will resume our series “Dig Deep: Doctrine for Life” looking at great leaders in church history

Sunday December 20, Children’s Program, Indonesian Choir, Holiday Meal

On Sunday, December 20, the children under the direction of Yufen Ming, Alan Fiol, Anna Furness and some of our Indonesian students are diligently preparing for a special Christmas presentation. After the worship service, you are invited to an all-congregational meal. The church will provide the ham, and the potatoes, but we are asking you to sign-up this Sunday to bring sides and a desert. We will also need to organize three teams--set-up, serving and clean-up. Step up, serve and celebrate!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Our candlelight Christmas Eve service is Thursday, December 24 at 7:30 pm in the4th floor chapel. It will be a service of lessons and carols, readings in different languages from friends from all over the world, and meditation on the Christmas story. Afterward (weather permitting) we will gather on the roof to sing carols, light candles and drink hot cider together. Bring friends and introduce them to Jesus.

Shida Night Market Caroling

On Saturday, December 19, get your dinner and come to the fifth floor at 5:30 pm. We will eat together, practice the carols and then go to the Shida Night Market at 7 pm to announce to our friends and neighbors that Jesus Christ is born! At the end you are invited to come to my home nearby for hot chocolate.