Central Presbyterian Church Brantford
97 Wellington Street N3T 2M1 Brantford, ON, Canada

Thank you to all the family members who came to Zoom worship on Sunday to surprise their Mom's for Mother's Day!

Weekly Message from our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Acts 10:44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5:1-6...Continue reading

Central Presbyterian Church getting in on the sign wars.....

Weekly Message from our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22:25-31 1 John 4:7-21... John 15:1-8 As a resident chaplain at McMaster University Hospital while I was repeating my last course at Knox I had the privilege of walking beside many patients and family members experiencing traumatic circumstances. One such was a young couple whose first child, 2 months old, had died of ‘shaken baby syndrome’ at the hands of a trusted sitter. At the end of the evening, the parents were comforting family and friends who had come to support them. On another occasion many years ago when I was much younger, I was visiting a man in the final days of a painful terminal illness with the local Salvation Army officers. It seemed to me that he was more at ease with his condition than the officers who had come to comfort him. It always amazes me how people in pain and distress could maintain such a positive attitude. The psalmist in today’s reading seems to be of the same attitude. The last part of this poem projects an outlook of praise and confidence in the faithfulness and protection of God that is the complete opposite of the sentiments expressed in the first 21 verses. The Psalm begins with a cry of raw dereliction and most of the first half is all about torment and the triumph of enemies and about a God who seems remote, aloof, and unwilling to do anything to help the hapless poet. Yet he is able in the end to burst forth with a song of unrestrained praise for a benevolent and generous God who raises the poor to equal the rich, a God who provides a rich feast for those who look to him as the source of all life. The whole earth echoes the praise of God, and his reputation is so glowing that it will reverberate down through the ages. The truth is that having faith in God is no shield against hurt or sickness, loneliness or alienation from other people. Jesus himself suffered the agony of abandonment and isolation. There will be times when we may feel lost and alone, times when it seems that God is far from us, even in these times of lock-down because of the scourge of Covid-19. It can be hard to feel like praising God. With the exiles in Psalm 137 we say, How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? Jesus, on the night of his arrest, knew that his disciples would soon be faced with a severe test of their faith. In preparation for this he took the time to encourage them to hold on to their trust in him and to maintain their connection with him and with God. So we, today, need to hold on to the faith we profess and hang on to our connection with God (and with each other). While we cannot gather in person, we do have the ability to gather ‘virtually’ through the technology of ZOOM and worship together though we are apart.

Weekly Message from our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6...Continue reading

Weekly Message from our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c 1 Corinthians 9:16-23...Continue reading

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Deuteromony 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13...Continue reading

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 7:29-31...Continue reading

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Read Psalm 5 Psalm 5 is a prayer for guidance, protection and direction amid a sea of oppressors and false advisers. The Psalmist feels alone and without support in this life, and yet he knows he can turn to God who will guide and protect him. ... While our situation today may not be the same as that of the Psalmist, yet as we once again (or is it still) face the restrictions of a provincial lock-down to try and control the spread of the Corona-19 virus many of us may feel isolated and abandoned. So, the words of the hymn we often sing, based on Psalm 5:2, may give some comfort: Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. The words of this hymn, though, do not reflect the struggle of the Psalmist that gave rise to this prayer. As all my books are still packed from our move to our new home I had to revert to the internet to find he hymn, and in so doing, I stumbled across a contemporary praise song that I think more closely reflects our situation in this lock-down. May these words comfort you and support you through these days. Lead me Lord. Lead me by the hand and help me face the rising sun. Comfort me through all the pain that life may bring. There's no other hope that I can lean upon. Lead me Lord, Lead me all my life. Walk by me; walk by me across the lonely roads that I may face. Take my arms and let your hand show me the way. Show the way to live inside your heart. All my days, all my life. You are my light, you're the lamp upon my feet. All the time, my Lord I need you there You are my light, I can not live alone. Let me stay by Your guiding love All through my life lead me Lord Lead me Lord, even though at times I'd rather go along my way Help me take the right direction; take your road Lead me Lord and never leave my side All my days, all my life You are my light; you’re the lamp upon my feet All the time, my Lord I need you there You are my light,I can not live alone. Let me stay by Your guiding love All through my life You are my light; you're the lamp upon my feet All the time, my Lord I need you there. You are my light, I can not live alone. Let me stay by Your guiding love, all through my life, all through my days So, lead me, oh Lord, Lead me Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: De Pano Nathanael Arnel Lead Me Lord lyrics Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp., Unichappell Music Inc., New Spring Publishing, Inc., For Everyone Just Coming Music, Ltd. CCLI # 11419641

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Every new appliance or piece of furniture we purchase comes with a user manual or assembly instructions. But, after the appliance has been installed or the piece of furniture is assembled what do we do with the user manual or assembly instructions? Most of us probably throw them out or maybe stuff them away and never look at them again. God has given us a user manual for life perhaps the most important manual you will ever ...have. Many of you likely read portions of that user manual fairly regularly, but how many have ever read the whole Bible? I did that a number of years ago when I was commuting two hours each way to work. I bought a pocket-sized Bible and began reading on the train and bus on my way into work each day and over time got all the way through it. But I’m sorry to say, lately I haven’t paid it much attention beyond the weekly lectionary selections. I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions. (Why bother, they don’t last more than a couple of weeks anyway.) But this year I decided I would read through the Bible in one year. I would invite any of you who are interested to join me in this challenge. (you can help me keep going for more than the usual couple of weeks.) And while we are at it maybe we could meet once a week on Zoom to talk about what we have read. I am following a daily reading plan published by the International Bible Society at https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans. If you would like to join me in reading through the Bible in one year, please let me know at [email protected] and we can talk about setting a day and time for our weekly Zoom meetings. Who knows, perhaps God will have something to say to us as we meditate on his word and meet with friends in this time of social isolation. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water. (Psalm 1:1-3) I look forward to hearing from you.

Weekly Message from our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23...Continue reading

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Judges 4:1-7 Psalm 90:1-8 (9-11), 12 I Thessalonians 5:1-11...Continue reading

My 2021 Wildlife Calendar is now available! Once again, all proceeds will go to Arcady's music education program (visit www.arcady.ca to learn more about the gr...eat work that this non-profit organization does!). On behalf of all of the musicians who benefit from the free musical training Arcady provides, thank you! Calendars are $26 each (+$3 if I have to mail it). Payment options are e-transfer, online payment, or cash if picking up in person. Message me or leave a comment to order :) Thank you! See more

First and Second World War Honour Roll plaques in sanctuary at Central Presbyterian Church. We will remember them.

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Psalm 70 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18...Continue reading

Weekly message from Rev. Larry Amiro: Deuteronomy 8:718 Psalm 65 2 Corinthians 9:615... Luke 17:1119 This Sunday is Thanksgiving. This is a time when, under normal circumstances, many of us would be celebrating with extended family members around a table laden with the good things of this earth. However, with the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic such gatherings, if happening at all, will be by virtual means ZOOM or SKYPE on the internet or through telephone calls. With the restrictions imposed because of Covid and fears of infection it may seem that we have little to be thankful for. Thanksgiving used to be a celebration of the harvest. I remember as a young boy going around to the farms around our town with the corps officers of our local Salvation Army to collect donations of fruits and vegetables for display at the front of the sanctuary on Thanksgiving Sunday to remind us of God’s continuous provision for his people. These donations would subsequently be distributed to those in need in our community. Today, the harvest part of Thanksgiving is not as prominent, but we still celebrate this day as a reminder to be thankful for God’s goodness. At Mount Sinai, as Moses was telling the Israelites of God law for them, he urged them to always remember how God had released them from slavery in Egypt and made provision for them in the wilderness. When you come into the land that God has promised you, and you become strong and prosperous, he warns them not to begin to think that all their wealth is their own doing but to remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. Throughout their wandering in the wilderness it seems that the People of Israel were hard pressed to see any benefit from God. All their focus was on the struggles and hardships they were enduring. So too, today, we may be focused on the restrictions we are forced to abide by and the inability to meet with family and friends face to face. Yet we are called on this day, and all days, to remember that, in the words of that old Gospel hymn made popular by George Bernard Shea: God is still on the throne, And he will remember his own. Though trials may press us And burdens distress us, He never will leave us alone. (Kittie L. Suffield) Remember today, and give thanks to God who cares for us and will see us through these troubled times.

Weekly message from Rev. Larry Amiro: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14... Matthew 21:33-46 The parable of the tenants and the vineyard is a hard parable to hear. The farmer’s vineyard had been let out to tenants who were expected to look after it and pay the owner his portion of the produce. But when the time came, they decided that they owed the owner nothing and did away with the servants sent to collect the rent, even the son of the owner. The land and the farm they worked had been prepared for them by the owner and given to them in trust, but they thought they had the right to its profits. At the end of the parable Jesus asks his hearers (the chief priests and elders of the Temple) what they thought the owner should do with the unfaithful tenants, and their response was exactly what Jesus expected. His hearers were rightfully incensed at the actions of the tenants and insisted that the owner should turf the tenants out and let the vineyard to others who would do what is right. It is obvious that they didn’t understand who Jesus was talking about. Maybe they thought of the Roman occupiers who were at that time oppressing their people. But Jesus makes it abundantly clear that he was targeting them when he tells them that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce it’s fruit. This is exactly what we might expect Jesus to say. But before that Jesus inserts a quote from Psalm 118. The stone the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This seems to be out of context on the surface. But when you think about it, this parable really is about rejection. The tenants first reject the owner by rejecting the entire sharecropping arrangement. Then the tenants reject the owner’s emissaries and servants. Finally, they reject even the heir, the owner’s only son. But God is about to do a double-reversal: the son who got rejected will emerge as a highly powerful figure who will, in turn, reject the rejecters! The problem with the tenants of Israel in Jesus’ day is that they had long since given up on true faith. They had decided they could run God’s kingdom without God. So when in history God had tried to redirect them through the prophets, they ignored, battered, and sometimes just killed those prophets. Their insularity was so complete they had concluded that unless someone said things that affirmed what they were already doing and believing, then that person could not represent God. They were so sure they had God cased that they found it easy to reject anyone who did not sing the party line. And whenever we religious types reach that point vis-à-vis our God, that is a bad, fatal moment indeed.

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13...Continue reading

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Exodus 16:2-15 Psalm 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30... Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus tells a story. A story about the kingdom of heaven. In this story the kingdom is likened to a landowner who hires workers daily to harvest his grapes. Jesus says he hired some early in the morning, and others later in the day, some even in the last hour before the quitting whistle. Then, when it came time to pay them, they all get the same day’s wage one denarius. Even the ones hired in the last hour get the same full days wage. In the story, the labourers who had worked all day and received no more that those who worked or only one hour were justly upset. And we should be too after all shouldn’t we all receive compensation commiserate with the effort and time spent? At least that is the understanding we have of justice in our world. But Jesus tells this story to make a point. The point is that the values of the kingdom of heaven are not the same as the values of this world. It’s what Donald B. Kraybill calls the Upside Down Kingdom. Isaiah tells us: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Jesus tells his hearers [in the kingdom of heaven] the last will be first and the first will be last. This is a complete reversal of the way of the world. We expect that if we are first in line we should be served first, and would be very upset in Timmy’s if the server called the one at the end of the line before us at the head of the line. In chapter 18, when his disciples asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven Jesus takes a little child and tells them Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:3-4) In Mark’s gospel, when the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest Jesus tells them, Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. (Mark 9:35) In his book, the Upside Down Kingdom Donald Kraybill makes the point that worldly authorities seek power and prestige, but Jesus' counter-cultural message is a clear call to turn the social ladder upside-down. Jesus demonstrates radical opposition to the dominant culture by making friends with social outcasts and rebelling against authorities. Jesus tell his parable to show how God’s caring heart works, how he gives a depth of love to each person in this world, especially to ones who suffer and are left behind?

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Exodus 14:19-31 Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 Romans 14:1-12... Matthew 18:21-35 How many times must I forgive someone? This question from Peter seems to come from out of nowhere. But it suggests that we tend to put limits on our patience and forgiveness. It is true that we can sometimes get frustrated and downright angry if, as we try to reconcile with someone who has hurt us, and who continues to get under our skins, and there comes a point when we just want to end the friendship and move on with our lives. Our forgiveness, it seems, does have limits. Forgiveness does not always come easy. Brandon Leake is a contestant on America’s got Talent, with a unique talent. He is not a singer or dancer or magician or comedian, He is a poet with a passionate story to tell. On this week’s first semi-final show he described the struggle he had with the pain of trying to get his absentee father to acknowledge his existence, reading letters to his dad inviting him to his 5th, 10th and 16th birthdays. In his letter for his 16th birthday he wrote I’m tired of trying to earn the title of being called your son . . . I’m done . . .all I ever wanted was for you to acknowledge my existence . . . this is my last letter . . . goodbye. He wrote another letter at age 25, as he was preparing for his wedding. In it he describes the rage he had felt for years, and how his anger was eating him up, preventing him from turning the page. Then he wrote these passionate words: Pain and secrets can only control you if you hold them within . . . I forgive you I forgive you so I can finally be free . . .I love you. Your son, Brandon. Holding in resentment and anger can be debilitating and can only be cured by being able and willing to forgive. But God calls us to forgive, not for the release that we might receive, but as a natural response to the forgiveness we have received from God himself. We pray forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. God’s forgiveness is limitless and so our forgiveness should also be unlimited. Not seven times, but seventy-seven times (or, depending on the translation you are reading, seventy times seven}. As Scott Hoezee says, forgiving would make us more human in the sense of making us better bear God’s image. (P.S. If you want to hear Brandon’s full presentation search Brandon Leake on the internet and watch his semi-final presentation on you tube.)

Tickets for the 1:30pm performance of Arcady's Music in the Gardens on September 12 are still available. Limited to 100. Incredible scenery, fountains, musician...s! Concert ticket includes same day pass to Whistling Gardens, so come early or stay late! Email [email protected] for tickets. Arcady Whistling Gardens See more

From Our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14...Continue reading

Friday Funny.... On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."... The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" And God said that it was good. On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?" And God, again said that it was good. On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years." The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?" And God agreed it was good. On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years." But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?" "Okay," said God, "You asked for it." So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone. LIFE HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO YOU... See more

From our Pastoral Care Minister; Rev. Larry Amiro: Scripture Readings Exodus 3:115 Psalm 105: 16, 2326, 45b... Romans 12:921 Matthew 16: 2128 When reading Paul’s words of advice to the Roman Christians I recalled the words of a poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. The words of Paul, and the words of Ehrmann’s poem complement each other and are very appropriate in these times of pandemic and unrest surrounding the issues of equality and racial discrimination. Certainly, in these times we need to be reminded that we are not alone, and we are not above anyone else. So, I thought I would just let these words speak for themselves this week. Desiderata GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. By Max Ehrmann 1927 Original text