February 2021
Rev. Brown, preaching at the first in-person service after the church’s third lockdown. January 24, 2021.
In-Person Services Resume
As of this week, the entire region of Lombardy has returned to the “yellow zone”. This means that we are not under lockdown (i.e. “red zone”), nor a semi-lockdown (“orange zone”). The good news is that all of our in-person church services can recommence, with adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing. Likewise, schools, restaurants, museums, and stores have reopened, provided that you wear a mask and have your temperature taken upon entrance.
The bad news is that the multiple closings and reopenings of our church, as well as the numerous restrictions on gatherings, has unsurprisingly taken a toll on our fellowship. This is now the third time that we have reopened after a lockdown. Most likely, it will be difficult to resume all aspects of congregational life and outreach to the city. Moreover, some members are naturally concerned about the risks of gathering for worship in such a small building with low ceilings and limited ventilation, even if we are wearing masks. In-person attendance has dropped.
Of course, these challenges are common to churches all over the world during this pandemic. Ultimately, our confidence is in the power of the Word to do its work just as God has promised. Whether or not we see numerical growth this year, our desire is to be faithful servants of Christ to his beloved flock here in Milan.
Ministry
I am currently preaching through the book of Genesis on Sunday mornings. In our afternoon catechism service, I am teaching a new course on apologetics and how to share your faith with unbelievers. My goal is to help equip our congregation to have evangelistic conversations so that they feel more confident in talking about the gospel and the truth of Christianity. We will cover this subject throughout 2021.
In our Friday night Bible study, I am teaching a survey of the biblical covenants and how they apply to our daily lives as believers. I am drawing upon material from Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, which I co-wrote in 2012 with my colleague Rev. Zach Keele. The book has been translated and published in Italian as Il Vincolo Sacro.
We also hope to restart the free English classes for the community sometime after Easter (provided we do not have a fourth lockdown!).
Writing in Italian
I am working on a couple of writing projects this year, seeking to transform my Italian sermons into easy-to-read commentaries for Italian laypeople so that they can study the Bible and Reformed theology on their own or in group discussions. Several Italians who have contacted me over the past year have inquired about such resources. Sadly, there is very little good Reformed material in the Italian language. I want to use my writing skills to help meet this need.
Janie is in School
Janie is in school full-time at the moment, completing the Cambridge Celta course to become certified as an English teacher. We are very excited for this opportunity as we believe it could open up more doors for our mission here in Milan. We covet your prayers for her. :)
Our Son Isaac Moving to Milan
Our older son, Isaac (23), is scheduled to graduate from Providence Christian College this May. Given that we do not want him to live isolated in Los Angeles after graduation, as well as the fact that there seems to be limited job opportunities due to the pandemic, we believe that spending a year with us after he finishes school would be beneficial to him, as well as helpful to the life and mission of Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia. He is eager to help out in the church, using his experience in audio-visual technology. He will be a welcome asset to our mission, and joy to have in our midst.
As always, we are tremendously grateful for your prayers, encouragement and support, apart from which we would not be able to keep our hand on the plow. May the Lord Jesus continue to strengthen your faith, hope, and love!
~ Pastor Mike
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” ~ Acts 20:24
If you would like to help by making a donation, please send a check to:
Escondido United Reformed Church
1864 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
Attn: Mission Milan
Checks should be made out to Escondido United Reformed Church. Please indicate that the support is for Rev. Michael Brown as a missionary to Milan, Italy.
