By Doris Abdullah
Thanks be to God for the immigration work of former Brooklyn (N.Y.) First Church of the Brethren pastor Phill Carlos Archbold. Brooklyn First added seven new members into its community on Saturday, April 11. The group included the third generation of the Juarez family to join the congregation. All glory and honor belong to the Lord!
In a special service, the congregation welcomed the new members including from the Juarez family Anthony, Gabriel, Jacob, Nicole, and Sonia, and also Erick Ortiz Castillo and Isaiah Cruz. The service also included consecration and dedication of seven children ranging in age from 7 months to 7 years old.
Scripture verses read during the service included Exodus 13:1 and 14, and Luke 2:21-22. Said the bulletin: “Just as was done for thousands of years, we come today as a church body, for presentation to our Lord and Savior these children. We celebrate these gifts of new life coming from God and we give thanks. Thanks for Seven (7) new humans born in the image of God. In the presence of family, friends and neighbors. We join hands with parents and relatives of these little ones to nurture, encourage and lift in prayer Jesus command to love one another.”
Music, lunch, and sharing were part of the special event.
— Doris Abdullah is a minister at Brooklyn First and also serves as the Church of the Brethren denomination as its representative to the United Nations.
———-
Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Grant of $500,000 to the Church of the Brethren will support Brethren Disaster Ministries
- Conference business includes resolutions on weapons transfer, care for immigrants and refugees, polity adjustments for licensed and commissioned ministers
- Essential services of ordinances now available online as For All Who Minister prepares for reprinting
- Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding Program serves Hurricane Helene and Western Maryland storm survivors
- Shine Everywhere free six-week worship series helps churches nurture faith at home