Churches

The early evening of December twenty-second at the First Universalist Church of Brooklyn witnessed a celebration of community spirit during the holiday season as Christmas Day approached. An evening musical ensemble entertained with a variety of vocal and instrument community-based performers from throughout Susquehanna County. Following the performance a reception held in the church social hall entertained with seasonal home baked delights, including the famous Welsh cookies made by the Association of Universalist Women (AUW).

Pictured (l-r) are: Joe DiBuono and Maddie Murray, Greeters at First Universalist Church of Brooklyn

The church is a welcoming congregation and welcomes visitors each Sunday at its 10:00am service. For more information on this sole remaining historic Universalist church in Susquehanna County, visit us on Facebook or https://firstuniversalistnepa.com.

Inside the church sanctuary during the service

Since Pastor Hal Hallam announced his retirement, East Bridgewater Community Church has been praying and searching for a new Pastor.

Pastor Daniel John and his wife, Elizabeth (Beth)

God has answered prayers, and sent Pastor Daniel John and his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), residents of Montrose for the past 10 years.

Pastor Dan's Installation Service will take place at the East Bridgewater Community Church, 9575 State Route 167, Montrose on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 10:30am (no Sunday School for the day).

There will be a fellowship dinner downstairs following the Installation Service.

Please plan to join us and celebrate God's goodness and provision of this dear couple's ministry here.

Regular Sunday Services are as follows: 9:45am, Bible Study and Prayer (Sunday School); 11:00am, Morning Worship.

Good day dear hearts, I love you. Throughout the Christmas season the word "Innocence" kept crossing my mind. There was the thought of a baby brought into this world to sacrifice himself for us, or maybe because of the alarming statistics of nearly one million kids who are abused or abducted in our country every year, or maybe it was the four kids in Susquehanna that had to be pulled out of their homes a few days before Christmas and put into emergency foster homes. Innocence refers to the quality of being free from guilt, sin or moral wrong. It often implies a sense of purity, naivety or simplicity and is frequently associated with childhood or a state of being untainted by the complexities and corruptions of the adult world. Innocence can be applied in various contexts: 1) Legal Innocence. Being found not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. As Christians we believe, through Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection, we could be found not guilty. When you have time, read Romans 3:21-26. 2) Moral innocence lacks knowledge of evil or wrongdoing, often seen as pure and virtuous. Many, if not all of us lose our innocence, our faith for example when we get crushed by the loss of someone. Think about the families of those killed in New Orleans, or if we get a serious illness. 3) Childhood innocence is the natural state of children, who are typically seen as innocent because they have not yet been exposed to the harsher realities of life. In this context, childhood innocence could mean how we innocently look at the goodness of the world and have it shattered by someone only to see the harsh reality of life. Isaiah the prophet gives us a vision of a world that portrays a scene of perfect peace, where natural predators and prey coexist without fear. Read Isaiah 11:6-10. The image of a child leading these animals emphasizes innocence, trust and the transformation of nature under divine influence. There is the theme of harmony among traditionally hostile creatures, indicating a radical change in nature and behavior. Isaiah's prophecy declares that violence and destruction will be non-existent in God's holy realm. A golden age is yet to come! President-elect Trump speaks about a golden age to come in America, but I'm talking about a Spiritual golden age of eternity. It will be a time of peace where children can play safely with formerly dangerous animals. Not all of this was fulfilled at Christ's first coming. Such perfect tranquility will be possible only when Jesus reigns over the entire earth. At that point all the innocence, the purity, the positiveness of good will return to us.

The heart of innocence often refers to the purity, simplicity and genuine goodness that children and uncorrupted aspects of human nature possess. It's about seeing the world with wonder, trust, and an open heart, free from cynicism and malice. It's also about maintaining a sense of wonder, genuine kindness, and the ability to find joy in simple things. Again, while we hear the words childhood innocence, remember that's a context. We can and have lost that childhood innocence during our life. Losing our innocence can feel like a harsh transition from a world of simplicity and purity to one where complexity and sometimes harsh reality emerge. It often involves deeper understanding of the world, including its imperfection and challenges.

In 2022 approximately 559,000, more than half a million children were victims of abuse and neglect. The most common form of maltreatment was neglect, followed by physical abuse and sexual abuse. That's just here in our country! On top of that approximately 460,000 children are reported missing each year in the United States. There are family and non-family abductions and then there are the kidnappings for slave trade and other purposes. These are sobering statistics, and it underscores the importance of community vigilance. Pay attention to what's going on around you. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Where did all this violence and hate come from? From a Christian perspective, from what God's Word tells us it all began with sin and the fall of man as described in Genesis chapter 3. The act of disobedience by the bite of the apple shattered the innocence of the world and has become inherent in us. In a more personal context, when an individual strays from the path of innocence, be it through sin, deceit or other moral failings, it's seen as a departure from the pure and righteous state that God intends for His people. This could lead to feelings of guilt, shame and spiritual separation from God.

The good news for all of us is our path to redemption and healing through Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament Jesus tells us He's going to His Father's house to prepare a room for us, the offer of Salvation, the forgiveness of all our sins, the promise of living in a childlike world with our creator eternally. Revelation 21:1-8 confirms what I just wrote. God Bless.

Father, we ask your blessing upon our little town. Send your Spirit and touch the broken-hearted, give peace to the sick, bless the poor. Join us for our free Community Dinner "Smorgasbord of Goodies" Saturday, January 18 at 12:00pm.

Contact me anytime. Pastor Vince Chiaramonte, 570-853-3988, Susquehanna Christian Community Church, 1361 Main Street, email clearmountain2158@gmail.