Vacation Bible School

Children across America have been looking forward to the end of June since the beginning of September. They all know that the end of June equals summer, and that means vacation. Time to drop the books and uniforms and get ready to play!

Well, life isn't all about playing, and summer isn't about doing nothing. The children need something constructive to do with their time and talents. True, children need to play. And it's also true that they need recreation. But temperance should prevail: don't give them too little to do and don't give them too much to do.

We at South Brooklyn believe that one of the most wholesome activities children can immerse themselves in during the summer months is Vacation Bible School (or just VBS for short). Our VBS this year is based on the "Castles & Crowns" evangelism curriculum. It runs for two weeks, from June 5 to July 16, 2010, from 8:30AM to 1:00PM. During that time, the children sing Bible songs, play Bible games, engage in physical activity like bike and skateboard riding, meet new friends, create arts and crafts, and make new friends, all under the watchful eyes of dedicated staff in a Christian environment.

You should see the children. They're enjoying themselves so much they don't want to go. Instead of reciting the words to songs that talk about negative lifestyles they're singing about Jesus being good to them. Instead of talking about the Diary of a Wimpy Kid they're talking about King Joash. Instead of running the streets they're riding bikes and skateboards.

Click the white triangle to see a slideshow


Elder Marcia Phillip, our Sabbath School Superintendent, implemented the program this year. She is supported by Sisters Diana Cato, Akesia Phillip, Anika McShine, Akilah Phillip, and a few volunteers. They are responsible for sharing Jesus Christ and a safe, Christian environment with your children.

Do you have children that would benefit from such a program? Maybe you know someone with children who would do well to enroll their children? Come out and join us. Spread the word. It's better for your children to be in such an environment instead of places where they would not get the same nurturing.

There's only one week left, so take advantage of the opportunity while you can. Once it's over there won't be another VBS until next year. We have a graduation planned at the end for all of the children who participated. Why not come out and support them? They would love it. (Stay tuned for details of the graduation.)

God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton

Baptism: Welcome to Our Newest Member!

We baptized a lovely candidate last Sabbath and now welcome her to our membership. She is now a full-fledged member of South Brooklyn, enjoying all of the privileges of membership.

Being a young woman, we take extra concern for her well-being. It's obvious that there are evil forces throughout that would love to quench her young fire. We, on the other hand, will do our best to protect the tender soul placed into our care.

By God's grace, she will grow into a mighty woman of God, bringing many more individuals to a face-to-face decision with Jesus, just as she did. Please take a moment to watch the video of her baptism. Join us in celebrating with her.

God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton

Baby Dedications at South Brooklyn

We take our responsibilities seriously at South Brooklyn. Very seriously. We don't want there to be an opportunity where we did not get our work done successfully.

One of our most important works is to dedicate children back to God, much the way Hannah did Samuel, or Elizabeth did for John (the Baptist). While we are responsible for the dedication and the charge to the parents to do right, the ultimate training comes from the parents, themselves. We do offer extended support and resources to the parents, so they are not left totally alone.

We recently had our first baby dedication for the year and look forward to following up with the families in the near future. Please join us in congratulating them and offering the Christ-like support that they will need in order to train their children in righteousness. Children don't come with instruction manuals, but the Bible does provide a roadmap for life.

Photos from the dedication are provided below and can be seen on our Flickr page.








God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton

A Successful Failure, part 2

Last week we embarked upon an urgent concern surrounding family success or failure. The point was made by defining success as "fortune" and failure as a careless regard for the original institution. Marriage and family failure has reached epidemic proportion in today's society.

There are many families who have a sincere concern for marital maintenance or marriage recovery. The major cause of marital failure is the lack of respect for, or the understanding of, the marriage institution. Since marriage originated with God, it is reasonable to assume that God must always be in the marriage. A loss of respect for the creator and originator of marriage is a sure recipe for a marriage failure.

The best approach to marital maintenance or recovery is to establish or renew your relationship with the Creator. Trust Him to begin the process for full recovery to a normal, healthy marriage.

Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life both in this world and in the life to come. A sincere partner will not advance his plans in the direction of marriage without the knowledge that God approves his course. Weigh every sentiment and watch every development of character in the one with whom you are thinking of linking your life destiny.

You may have a very successful marriage. A successful marriage is a happy one and breeds happy, successful offspring. Thus you are building a strong foundation for future success for many generations. Take the time to nurture your partner. It takes love, patience, and hard work to achieve true success in your marriage and family.

God bless you,
Pastor Jones

A Successful Failure

It appears that the fortune of a very wealthy golfer is threatened by any number of external variables, both public and private. You can decide for yourself what you believe the variables to be. No, I do not speak of the sponsors who are dropping him one by one.

We sometimes use the word fortune to describe wealth or material accumulation. The truth of the matter is that each of us has inherited a God-given fortune that should be treasured: life and family. It is my opinion that family is the most vital source of wealth and fortune one could ever realize in this life. It is an extension of God Himself. God created human fortune on the sixth day of creation week when He created family. Family may not only be considered a fortune (by some) but it is a treasure. This is much more than the wealthy golfer can ever earn after 18 holes.

There is too much at risk when a man allows a temporary thrill or fling to threaten the fortune that he certified with an oath at the altar. This may very well be the beginning of many lives heading toward a dysfunctional future. The wife and children in the family are an essential part of the wealth and happiness to one another and to society. It is always disastrous to gamble with a life. Life is too precious, it is not ours to give, to take or to destroy.

I am personally thankful to be fortunate enough to be born into wealth. Please don't misunderstand, I am part of a very humble family with hardly any material wealth. We are still fortunate to be part of a strong family foundation.

You too are wealthy. Please be sure that you do not squander this treasure. I intend to expand upon this blessing of fortune of which you are also recipients. Let's talk again soon.

God bless you,
Pastor Jones