Explore the 4 Types of Love in the Bible
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At 1 John 4:8, the Bible says that “He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.”
This is a beautiful scripture that helps us understand our Holy Father better. And because we are made in his image, we also have the ability to show love to those around us. But, did you know that there are four types of love mentioned in the scriptures?
Many people say that the Bible is too old to have a modern-day application for today’s living, but this simply isn’t the case. Let God’s timeless word guide you in your journey through life and you will be truly blessed. Explore 4 types of love in the Bible and learn how you can apply this love in your life today.
1. Family love – Storge
Have you ever heard the word storge before? Pronounced STOR-jay, this Greek word describes the kind of love shared within the family unit.
Ask any parent and they will tell you that the loving bond between parent and child is like nothing they had ever felt before.
The Bible highlights the role that both parent and child are to play in the family unit. Family love is the type of love in the Bible that is of prime importance.
Deuteronomy 6:6 says “These words that I am commanding you today must be on your heart and you must inculcate them in your sons [and daughters] and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”
Studies show that children learn by observing those around them, and since you and your spouse are the first examples of love, marriage, and Christian faith that they will see in their lives, it’s important for couples to set a good example about living according to God’s law.
Not only by verbally teaching your children about God but by setting a fine example in your conduct.
Ephesians 6:4 continues by saying “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Therefore, it’s important to set boundaries and teach your children, but you must have balance.
Colossians 3:20 encourages children to be obedient to their parents, while Ephesians 6:2-3 says that they are to honor their father and mother. They can do this by showing respect for their parent’s rules and boundaries and by being kind and courteous.
Older children have responsibilities as well, specifically to care for their aging parents. 1 Timothy 5: 3-4 brings out how children are to care for the elderly. Verse 8 of the same book and chapter says “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Parents deserve all the love that you can give them, there is a great emphasis on this type of love in the Bible
2. Marital love – Eros
The second form of love we will consider if Eros (AIR-ohs). This Greek word refers to the romantic love that is often associated with new relationships. Butterflies in your stomach, intense physical attraction, and general excitement to see your partner. This may not seem like it, but it is a very important type of love in the Bible too.
While eros may mean temptation for unmarried ones, studies show that those who are united in marriage can keep eros from fading by practicing a weekly date night. Not only does this help keep passionate love burning, but a weekly date night has also been shown to boost communication and marital friendship.
Another way husbands and wives can strengthen their marriage is by heeding the beneficial advice for couples found in the book of Ephesians, chapter five. The chapter encourages women to have deep respect for their husbands, while Ephesians 5:28 says “in the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself” (NWT.)
If you love your own body, that means you would take care of it, cherish it, and do things for the good of it. This is the same way a husband is to treat his wife – with love and compassion.
3. Love by principle – Agape
The word love, as found in 1 Peter 4:8, is a reference to the Greek word agape, pronounced Uh-Gah-Pay. This unselfish love is based on principles, not feelings. You can’t force yourself to love someone, but you can follow a principle of love, which is why Peter was able to command the people to “have an intense love for one another” in this instance.
In a study of agape love, Professor William Barclay says that this love has to do with the mind, not necessarily the heart. It is a principle that you live in. He goes on to say that agape “is, in fact, the power to love the unlovable, to love people whom we do not like.”
We have already learned how family, parents, marital spouses, and children can show love for one another. But what about those around us?
At Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus says that the second greatest commandment was “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (NASB)
This type of love in the Bible has great significance in Christian belief.
Jesus set a fine example in showing love to neighbor when he gave his life on behalf of all mankind in order that they might be saved.
As God’s son, it would have been easy for Jesus to escape the persecution he was facing. But because his love for the human race was deep and based on principle, he gladly accepted his assignment as a ransom sacrifice.
4. Congregation and community – Phileo love
This is a unique and wonderful form of love found in the scriptures. Phileo, pronounced Fill-eh-oh, is not romantic or similar to that of family love but is a form of affection and warmth toward another person. Unlike agape love, which God commanded us to have for our enemies, phileo love is reserved for those close to us.
This type of love in the Bible refers to a brotherly love only.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes (NWT) “But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” Therefore, we can show phileo love toward those in our community or congregation by being kind and forgiving toward one another.
From respecting your marriage mate to dealing peaceably with those you don’t necessarily get along with, these types of love in the Bible has some great lessons about love. We hope you now have a better understanding of the four types of love listed in the Bible – storge, eros, agape, and phileo.
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“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3 In this Old Testament scripture, God speaks to the Nation of Israel about his plan to redeem them from their captivity in the future. Inspirationally speaking, God’s love… Read More Do You Have Perfect, Everlasting Love?
It’s not about age, it’s about spiritual maturity… Read More Grown Up Christians
You are a wonder to watch day after day and night after night. How I long to hold you in my arms. You are so beautiful. You are so handsome. Your daily routine, impressive. Your goals are attainable. You demonstrate consistent willpower and keep your focus on the rainbows in your view. I marvel at… Read More But Your Heart
A father of the fatherless … is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)… Read More I Want You, Jesus!
The only infallible Source for a secure life…… Read More Providential Reliance & Security


Mariut desert, District of Burg al-Arab, Gouvernate of Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria)
30.8358° Lat, 29.6666° Lon
Africa/Cairo, EET +0200
Inscribed 1979. The church, baptistry, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops in this early Christian holy city were built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, who died in A.D. 296.


Personal Ministry is the name given to the ministry we have that most know as deliverance and inner healing. However, this ministry is intensive and is a thorough look at one’s whole life from the womb to the present.
The intent is to expose any schemes (Ephesians 5:13) that the devil has perpetrated to hinder the person from walking fully in the purpose God ordained for him before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 2:10). Once identified, these schemes are eliminated through: repentance; forgiveness; dealing with any soul ties, judgments, rash vows and word curses; breaking ancestral iniquities and curses; inner healing prayers; and addressing any areas of demonic control.
Once freedom is attained, a walk in the newly found freedom is monitored to assure the individual can handle any future attack, whereby the enemy tries to come back (Luke 4:13). In addition, all those who have been ministered to are encouraged to learn how to do this type of ministry, so they, in turn, can help others get free (2 Corinthians 1:4-5). People from other churches in San Antonio and other cities come to be ministered to. This is also a refuge where elders and fivefold ministers can receive ministry from the pastor and elders, who will personally take time for these servants of God.
Interested in Having Personal Ministry?
One of the prerequisites to Personal Ministry is to listen to the following audio series. If you are interested in having Personal Ministry, contact the church office to learn about the entire process.
You will need Adobe's Flash Player to utilize the mp3 players below.
Why Personal Ministry? - Bruce Gunkle
Forgiveness - Bruce Gunkle
Curses - Bruce Gunkle
Judging Your Brother - Bruce Gunkle
Honor Your Father and Mother - Bruce Gunkle
The Scheme To Steal Your Inheritance (Spiritual Illegitimacy) - Bruce Gunkle
Water Baptism (Spiritual Circumcision) - Bruce Gunkle
The following audio is recommended for anyone who is married or may get married in the future.
The Sanctity of Marriage Vows - Bruce Gunkle


No Movie theatres
No Problem Relaxing
No Way I Ever Want To Leave Here...
Travel to the
Municipality of Bantayan, just 30 minutes by scooter from Santa Fe:
The first Christian
church to be established in Cebu, Saint Peter and Paul's Church was
June 11, 1580.
Called the "Convento Dela Asuncion De Nuestra Snora" This 500 year old
church was a part of the Archdiocese of Mexico. It is the oldest
continual Christian church in the Philippines and still functions with
church services being performed every week.
Built by an Ilongo priest by the name of Padre Doroteo Andrada del
Rosario who lived from 1839-1863, father Rosario built the walls of the
church from stones cut from the coral around Bantayan Island. The walls
of the church are the thickest of all the churches in Cebu as this
building was not only built for worship but also as a mini fortress to
protect Christians from the constant attacks on the island by the
According to Wikipedia, "The Moro Rebellion (1899–1913) was
armed military conflict between Muslim Filipino revolutionary groups
and the United States military which took place in the Philippines
between 1899 to 1913, following the Spanish-American War in 1898. The
word "Moro" was a term for Muslims who lived in the southern
Philippines, an area that includes Mindanao and its neighbouring
islands. The Moro Rebellion is referred to as the second phase of the
Philippine-American War. Modern Muslim rebels of the southern
Philippines see the Moro Rebellion as a continuing struggle against
During the Easter season when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of
Jesus Christ, Saint Peter and Paul's church on Bantayan Island becomes
the center of attraction for the entire country of the Philippines.
This tiny island is host to thousands of addittional guests from all
over the world who come to celebrate "Holy Week" on Bantayan Island.
During this time of the year all the resorts and hotels on Bantayan
Island increase their price by as much as triple the normal rate.
Plan to book your stay during Holy Week as much as a year in advance as
rooms fill up close to a year ahead of the upcoming Holy Week


God created humans to live in community with Him and with each other. We believe the Gospel makes that possible. The church then is more than just a place to feel good about yourself or to see friendly (but unknown) faces. It is a home, a safe place to know and be known by others and to serve others with the love of Jesus.
The ministries at Grace begin with what is true of God and true of us in the Gospel. As we embrace those truths by faith in Jesus, God transforms us into people who love Him and love others with hearts that are being made whole. We believe that we embrace God's truth best when we receive it from His Word, the Bible, and so all of our ministries seek to be rooted in the Scriptures.
The Scriptures teach that God has truly redeemed us, but He has redeemed us for a purpose. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:1-3). We are saved so that we can tell others about God's salvation made possible by Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). We are chosen by God so that we might join Him in the restoration of this world by the works He gives to us (Ephesians 2:10).
Toward that end, our ministries seek "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..." (Ephesians 4:12-13). Maturity in Christ is the goal of our ministries...maturity that leads to love, obedience and service of God and others.


About EDDIE LUISI: Founder FCD
Eddie has been blessed & honored to work with many of the "BEST OF THE BEST" in all fields of the entertainment industry. He has made lifelong friendships and contacts, so he may continue his calling to help others.
He has been a musician for over 40 years. Starting out as a church musician at the age of 12. He has ministered to thousands over the years at:
conferences, retreats, services, concerts, prisons, hospitals & at Mass.
He currently leads the music at 3 local churches over the weekend.
He founded “Partners in Prayer,” a daily email prayer community…
“Friends in the Spirit,” a weekly email spiritual community…
"The Joy Mass,” a monthly gathering for Young Adults in the Archdiocese of NY...
And, “Jammin’ With Jesus,” one of his current musical groups who played at the Papal Youth Rally in NY.
Eddie has also been blessed to become an ASCAP Composer and Publisher with his company “Faith, Family & Friends Music.”
(He also wrote a song with the same title and is currently shopping it around.)
So now, let's talk television. Eddie has been doing LIVE TV since 1981.
His career has included producing, directing, composing and stage managing.
He has worked at: ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, MTV, VH-1, HBO, COMEDY CENTRAL, UNITEL, NEP, MTI, EUE, AMV,TELETRONICS, NEXUS VIDEO, BOB GIRALDI PRODUCTIONS, IMERO FIORENTINE PRODUCTIONS, PIERRE COSETTE PRODUCTIONS, BRAD LACHMAN PRODUCTIONS, CHILDREN’S TELEVISION WORKSHOP and a whole lot more!
For his credits, check out his LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ed-%22eddie%22-luisi/23/776/28
He has been additionally blessed with a beautiful wife and four wonderful children!
GOD IS GOOD…Eddie is GRATEFUL.


WELCOME TO THE ONLINE HOME OF MIRACLE WORSHIP CENTER
Whether you are someone completely new to church or a veteran saint, we are here at Miracle to help you RE-THINK CHURCH, your relationship with Jesus Christ and to "Win the Lost at Any Cost". You are welcome to join us at any of our worship services or fellowships. We pray that the presence of God will bless you, and that you will come and worship with us often. We know you won't leave the same.


October 2, 2018
Our world today is so full of hate and greed! It seems to be everywhere from our high government officials to men and women walking the sidewalks next to us and yes, even the bullying on the playground and in the classroom! Where does so much evil and malevolent behavior find it’s way into our society? How can we deal with it and change it for the better?
Austin Swayne, the Youth Director at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, preached a sermon entitled; I Will Serve the Kingdom. You can hear this thought filled and thought-provoking sermon by going to www.CGUCC and clicking on sermons. Austin asks the question, “How can this world filled with brokenness, pain, and evil be healed”? The simple and yet problematic and challenging answer is “one step at a time, one brick at a time and one person at a time”!
So how do we do this? How do we make this happen? Or better yet, how do I do this? How do I make this happen? My answer is by being the change we want to see happen!
Respond to this post and let me know how you will finish this sentence. I will . . .


Christmas often is a time when people want to give to those in need. Which is great but its something that should be thought about all year. I want J to grow into a giving, caring person so helping others is something I want him to really experience at a young age. Christmas is the perfect time to start this with him. I wish for him that he sees Christmas is about others and showing love and giving to others. It's not all about us. So I decided for us to donate to the Pure Mercy campaign at our church. I don't mind giving money but I also like to donate tangible things. So today we went and bought tooth brushes and toothpaste for the kids this campaign is for. This cause really tugged at my heart from being a former teacher and my love for kids who need help and might not have the happy home they deserve. So we are doing what we can. Jman approved of the toothbrush selection. We will take the donations to church tomorrow.
We also played with our Christmas pompoms mats. He did really well putting the pompoms on the dots. These are really great. This set came with 16 different mats. You can find them at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BUSYLITTLEBUGSshop?ref=seller_info. She has so many great printables to use. I want them all! And on her website she offers Freebie Friday!


Who Are We
Child outreach is a non- profit organisation working in a charitable capacity to help the poor and hungry children in and around Accra(Ghana).
The organisation offers spiritual life by Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to the children and their families in the village’s by evangelism. The Charity aims to improve the live’s of the children and their families and win them to Christ (Matthew 25:42;45)
Look at the pictures to see the happy faces of the children who are fed


I sat in the chapel having finished Morning Prayer and I was struck once again by how beautiful our Episcopal liturgy is written. Today I recited:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
I will recite those words every day for the next fifty days and I will never tire of their poetry and truth. I will recited the same prayers that I have recited for months and years.
Earlier this week a friend who is Baptist asked me curiously, “Don’t you ever want to have variety in your worship?” For a moment I felt like an ecclesiastical conservative, a creature of dull habit and unimaginative routine.
But this morning I emerge from the chapel with the words of thanksgiving still ringing in my ears:
We bless you for our creation, preservation
and all the blessings of this life;
The scripture readings and responses change day by day. The prayers change by the day and week and season. Yes, they are all written down, in a book of common prayer, but my spirit prays them anew each time.
It is not as if I am unacquainted with other ways of worship. For several years I worshipped with the Quakers in silence. I went to a Lutheran kindergarten and lived in Lutheran housing in seminary. I have worshipped with Presbyterians, Baptists, and Congregationalists. I have attended some very original, creative liturgy (if you can even call it ‘liturgy’). And yet, I always come back to the words of our prayerbook.
There are two ways to live, wide or deep. Sooner or later we have to decide whether and where we want to land. We have to choose the people and the place we call home. We have to choose how we want to pray.
Others may need much more variation in their worship. But today I felt God touch my heart with the familiar words of Psalm 18. That’s all the variety I need.
Godly Play – Post Easter Season
(Grades Pre-K-6) -
(This group leaves with their teachers after the Rector's children's message, and return to participate in the sacrament with their families.)
During Lent we recreated the stories of Jesus’ birth, life, ministry and death, and celebrated his resurrection. In the weeks since, we have found ways to recreate the stories of his post-resurrection appearances to the disciples, focusing particularly on the story of Jesus helping the disciples with a large catch of fish on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
We told the story with the Godly Play manipulable figures, cooked fish fajitas, and built a boat with blocks to sit in and imagine ourselves in 1st century Palestine.
During the month of May we will celebrate Cinco de Mayo and imagine ourselves again in 1st century Palestine as the disciples gathered for Pentecost.
Youth Group – May & June
(Grades 7-12 @ 9:00am) -
George Woodzell & Peter Nelson
George Woodzell continues to provide the youth group with articles for discussion from newspapers and magazines and to guide the conversation with his customary skill and humor. Karol Augspurger, a GE attorney and trained Kripalu yoga instructor, will visit on May 12 and 19 to lead the group in a lively yoga practice. Youth will participate in the CROP Walk on May 5 and provide entertainment for the picnic on June 9. They will soon be selling shares to raise funds for Workcamp, when you are approached, please give generously.
There will be no education classes on May 26, due to the Memorial Day weekend.
Our sessions will end for the season with a church-wide picnic lunch in Begley Hall following the 10:15 worship service on June 9.
The Feast of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter Festival in the Liturgical year, but it is not the end of anything, but the beginning of that new life in Christ. In our prayer book Pentecost is properly designated as the fiftieth day of Easter the celebration begins with the day of Resurrection and ends with the gift of the spirit to the Church. That giving of the Spirit is to be understood as a resurrection appearance.
The import of Pentecost as the final Resurrection appearance is that through the gift of the Spirit, Christ's presence is forever insured for the community of the faithful. This we indeed celebrate!
We will celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 27th. This feast is as important as Christmas or Easter and St. Stephen's is hoping to have everyone present for the celebration. There will be a renewal of our Baptismal vows, especially appropriate on this day, and special music. Please wear something red to commemorated the coming of the Holy Spirit “in tongues of flame”, and listen carefully as the gospel is read in over a dozen different languages!
CAPITAL REGION THEOLOGICAL CENTER COURSES
Do you know about CRTC scholarships? In partnership with your church board or denomination, we could pay up to half the cost of your next CRTC course! Contact us to apply today!
ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND: Unity & Diversity in the Theology of the New Testament: New Testament III, Dr. Peter Bedford, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Scotia. Explore the theological ideas and themes that unify the New Testament, as well as the ideas and themes over which the New Testament authors differ. Among the topics to be discussed will be various early Christian confessional formulae: Jesus as Son of Man, as Messiah, as Son of God, as Lord. All are welcome to join in this advanced study; students should have completed some New Testament study before taking this course. A Lay Theological Education Program enrichment course. Reg. deadline: Immediate
All's Well That Ends Well: The Transformative Work of Retirement, Alban consultant Larry Peers, May 8 & 9, St. Edward the Confessor, Clifton Park. This workshop will provide pastors with tools for practical and spiritual questions that lead 2-10 years into retirement; prepare your congregation and yourself. $165 by April 10; $190 thereafter; Reg. deadline: Immediate
SAVE THE DATE! CRTC 2013 Spring Event aboard the Captain JP Cruise Line-- Monday, May 20, 2013, 6-9 pm. Bring a team from your church and join the fun when CRTC casts off on the Captain JP Cruise Line in Troy. Find "The Hidden Treasures of Resourcing!" $225 for your team of four; Ticket deadline: May 1.
Faith Seeking Understanding- Introduction to Theology, Rev. Dr. Gregg Mast, Saturdays July 13 and 20, 9am - 3:30pm; Sundays July 14 and 21, 1- 5pm. This course will be an introduction for those who want to learn more about the central theological tenets of the Christian Church. A Lay Theological Education Program 20-hour core course. $275 ($225 to audit); Reg. deadline June 27.
Canoeing Through Creation, Rev. Kent Busman, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 through 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Camp Fowler in Speculator, NY. Enjoy the beauty of the earth and reflect upon your place in nature. Discover how to live better live as stewards of God's good Creation. $350 (Sorry, no discounts.); Reg. deadline: August 23.
Faith Shaping the Western World: Introduction to Church History,
Rev. Dr. James McDonald, 20 hours beginning 9/18 (6 Wednesday evenings and 2 Saturdays), St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Schenectady. Survey the history of Western Christianity from the age of the apostles to the present day. A Lay Theological Education Program core course; open to all. $275, or $225 to audit; Reg. deadline: September 2
Register online at www.crtc.org or by phone at 518-462-2470. Watch our website and our Facebook page for information on these and many other courses available in 2013. Scholarships and group discounts available for most classes.
Choirs are made up of people who assemble together, rehearse, and produce the singing which takes the Sunday anthem from an abstract concept to a sonic reality. No amount of hand waving or direction from the choir director can produce any useful sound in and of itself. The essential component here has been and always will be the individuals comprising the chorus.
From time to time choir members may have to be away to visit relatives, go on a vacation, attend to business, or they may become ill. This has the effect of changing the sound of the chorus simply because those producing the vocal tones are now absent.
Imagine if on a given Sunday a certain portion of the pipes in the organ were removed. The resulting sound of the organ would change.
A versatile choir, which I feel St. Stephen's choir is, can adapt and accommodate such absences. But it can become stressful, on occasion, to the members and detrimental to the morale of the group.
The answer...more choral members. With a larger pool of singers, this accommodation of absences will become a non-issue.
Please see a choir member or contact me if you have any information on this which you might share.
It feels good to give.
Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their donation.
Why? Because helping others in need just feels good.
There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive in Begley Hall,
Friday, May 24th, between 1-6PM.
Donations are greatly appreciated and save lives!
It is open to everyone so please recruit your friends and family!
Please contact Roseann Caruso at 688-9524 or go to
www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood to schedule an appointment.
The ECW met on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 to assemble baby care kits for Church World Services. These kits provide assistance to mothers and their newborn babies in areas of extreme poverty or following a natural disaster. The ECW assembled the kits using items donated by St. Stephen's members. Many kits were assembled and packaged so that they can be taken by Richey and George to the distribution center in western New York. Attached are photos from the evening.
The ECW also discussed next month's wrap-up meeting. The group will be having a guest yoga instructor who will teach a chair yoga session to the group. The cost is $5.00 and all are welcome to join us. After the yoga session, we will have a potluck wrap up dinner to celebrate all of the hard work that was done by the members throughout the year. An important change is that the yoga session will begin at 6:00 rather than 7:00 on Tuesday, May 28th. And if you can't make the yoga session, please join us for the potluck. A sign-up sheet will be going around soon.
Finally, it was announced that Claudia will not be organizing the ECW next year. She would like to give everyone an opportunity to impart their ideas on the group and to shape it in a variety of ways. The group looks forward to new ideas and another great season of good deeds from the ECW.
St. Stephen's ECW is looking for someone to lead the Episcopal Church Women starting next September. I'm going to keep to the tradition of a one- term organizer in order to give everyone an opportunity to share their ideas for the group. I have enjoyed organizing the ECW this year and I am proud of all the hard work and good deeds that we have accomplished as a group. Many people, in communities near and far, have benefited from our efforts. I hope that the group continues to grow and expand its endeavors to help others who are in need of services. So I hope you thoughtfully consider taking on this position so that others can be helped.
Join the Hunger Fighters!
When: This Sunday, May 5, 2013
Walk begins at 1:30 (after brief opening)
None, collecting funds “upfront” is “rain insurance”
Where: Emmanuel Friedens Church
218 Nott Terrace
Start and end Route loops up State Street, then downtown to return. One rest stop approximately half way –
5 K Walk - Optional “Golden Mile” available - Runners welcome but not an official race
-walkers get Sponsor Records from Priscilla Sprague 393-9262 or SICM office at 1055 Wendell Avenue,
374-2683 or Email – email@example.com
SO! We can all join in by walking, supporting the walkers with a contribution, and praying for the success
of the walk. Let’s all join in making this 32nd anniversary walk the BEST YET!
The May SICM Assembly will focus on health and wellness in the community. We will be meeting on Wednesday May 8 at First Unitarian Society on Wendell Avenue. There will be light refreshments at 6:45 and the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Our guest speaker that evening will be Jim Connelly, CEO of Ellis Hospital, to bring his fresh vision on health care on a community and collaborative basis.
Amy, Eunice and Marti
|26||Phyllis Chapman, Allison de Kanel, Emmy Grub, Marilyn Humphrey, William Schlansker|
|31||Dawn Kaler, Lisa McDonald|
|May||3||Vincent & Norma Piscitelli|
|23||Dave & Denise Crates; Brian & Kate Riordon|
|28||George & Richey Woodzell|
|30||Robert & Phyllis Chapman|
1935 The Plaza, Schenectady, New York 12309
The Rev. Dr. James R. McDonald, Rector,
The Rev. Patricia L. Jones, Deacon,
Miranda Rand, Christian Education Director,
Robert Acosta, Director of Music,
Cathleen Knauf, Administrative Assistant,
Sr. Warden, Scott Kilbourn
Jr. Warden, Carole Merrill-Mazurek
Class of 2013:
Treasurer: Denise Crates
Class of 2014:
Class of 2015:
The Church Office
Our office is located at 1229 Baker Avenue.
The telephone number is (518) 346-6241
If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a message.
We will call you back as soon as possible.
The Rector's email is: firstname.lastname@example.org
Our website is www.saintstephenschenectady.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Stephens-Episcopal-Church-Schenectady-NY/239025559532317#!/pages/St-Stephens-Episcopal-Church-Schenectady-NY/239025559532317?fref=ts
The Messenger is published September - June.
Please submit articles to Cathleen Knauf -
Sunday Morning Adult Education:
The Kingdom of David
The Saga of the Israelites
This course tells the epic story of the Jews and the creation of the world's first and most profoundly influential monotheistic religion. The stories of the patriarch Abraham, the liberator Moses, the poet-king David and his son Solomon all come to life in the dramatic tale of loss and triumph that shaped humanity's basic moral struggle for more than three millennia.
May 5 - This class deals with Judea under Roman rule and the ensuing civil war among the Jews when Herod. It also explores those who refused to fight, especially the Essenes who withdrew from civilization and spent most of their time copying religious texts and hiding them in caves near Qumran.
May 12 – This class explores the world of Judea during Jesus’ time, especially how the people of Jerusalem were deeply divided until the Roman governor launched a siege of the city which led to the destruction of the Temple.
May 19 – This class deals with the aftermath of Jesusalem’s destruction and how the rabbis rebuilt Judaism from the ashes of the destroyed temple. They transformed the synagogue into the main center of worship and instituted the Seder meal celebrated in the home. Finally the class will explore a second rebellion led by Bar Kochba crushed by Rome and led to a diaspera to all parts of the Roman Empire.
May 26 - The final class explores how the rabbis organized and wrote down the oral tradition of laws, rituals and customs that eventually formed the Talmud, which is a set of ethical commandments meant to compliment the ritual commandments set forth in the Hebrew Bible.
All classes are held on Sunday mornings between 9am and 10am in the Conference Room.
The rector will be the discussion leader.
Between Athens…….and Jerusalem
A Seminar of Theological Reflection on the
Great Ideas of the Western World
Tuesday Mornings 10:30-Noon in the Conference Room
May 7 Descartes and the Authority of Reason
Descartes is remembered for "I think, therefore I am." With his work, the
authority of revelation, history, and title was replaced by the weight of
May 14 Newton—The Saint of Science
In the century after Newton's death, the Enlightenment's major architects of reform and revolution defended their ideas in terms of Newtonian science and its implications.
May 21 Hobbes and the Social Machine
As the idea of social science gained force, Hobbes's controversial treatise helped to naturalize the civil realm, readying it for scientific explanation.
May 28 Locke’s Newtonian Science of the Mind
If all of physical reality can be reduced to elementary corpuscular entities, is the mind nothing more than comparable elements held together by something akin to gravity?
In This Issue
St. Stephen’s long term desire is to always seek better ways to serve our community and to serve our members. Now that we are relatively settled in our new building, having almost completed a full program year here, the parish council is beginning to make plans for next year, but not before we hear from you. Please consider and pray about your answers to these questions. You will have a chance to formally answer them on Sunday, May 19th during both Eucharist’s.
Please join us and make your voice heard.
What do you see as St. Stephen’ strengths?
What do you see as St. Stephen’ weaknesses?
How does St. Stephen’s support your spiritual journey?
Share with us ideas of how you help others on their spiritual journey?
What current St. Stephen’s program should be enhanced or expanded? How could you contribute?
What current St. Stephen’s program should be enhanced or expanded? How could you contribute?
What new programs to you suggest for St. Stephen’s? How could you contribute?
What resources do you need?
How do you see St. Stephen’s serving the greater community in the future? How do we get there? What can you contribute?


Several years ago it was my privilege to travel to the land of Israel. And while I was there, one of my favorite things to do is to go out to the desert and watch the Bedouin shepherds work. You’ll see them leading the sheep through those crevices in the desert.
Our bus stopped at one large camp and our guide introduced our group to the shepherd in charge and we were invited in his tent. When you step into one of those tents, it’s like getting in a time machine and going back 3,000 years because those shepherds live exactly the same as they lived so long ago.
So when we walked in, the shepherd sat down cross-legged and talked with us. It truly was a thrilling experience!
That is the picture here in Psalm 23. Our heavenly Shepherd has prepared a table before us and has invited us to share in all its abundance. So when it seems like things aren’t going your way and that no one is there for you, remember that you are so precious to God that he has prepared a table for you to have fellowship with him!
God invites you to enjoy His peace and comfort. So sit down and have fellowship with Him at the table He’s prepared for you today!
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:18-20
Every person has experienced a decision or a time in their lives when they’ve just been torn. Both choices have their benefits and their drawbacks, but deep down you always feel there is one that is better than the other.
It has been debated whether in today’s passage the apostle Paul is describing believers or unbelievers torn between obedience and sin. But the most popular, and I think correct, view is that Paul is, in fact, talking about believers who are struggling with disobedience.
Now, I’m going to be completely honest with you. Sin has its benefits. If you’re in a position where you can lie to get rich, then the sin of lying will reap the benefit of financial gain. Because of that, even believers fall into sin, just as Paul is describing here, when they make decisions in their flesh.
But don’t ever be under the impression that sin is still your master. The same person who wrote this also wrote, “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2).
Though you will surely struggle with sin, understand that your sin has been nailed to the cross and you can have victory over it by the Spirit of God inside of you!


Anne Dew Brown, 69, of Garden City, Kansas, died May 18, peacefully at home in her sleep. She was born July 27, 1939, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Elizabeth (Dibs) Dew and Theodore (Ted) Dew, and she grew up on their ranch, the DC Bar. She attended high school at Wasatch Academy in Utah. She received her BA in psychology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. She moved to San Francisco where her husband attended seminary and was ordained a Presbyterian minister. Their first parish was in Logan, Utah, where her husband joined the US Navy and they received their fist orders to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. She held various positions in the many places she lived over the next twenty years. Fairly settled in Oyster Bay, NY, she was purchasing agent at the Coil Winding Equipment Company from 1978 to 1980, and then served as an applications engineer with them until 1989. From 1989 to 1992 she was a fluid power instructor and curriculum developer for Festo Corporation in Hauppauge, NY. She moved to Garden City, KS in 1993 to work for the Mid American Manufacturers Technical Center, assisting small manufacturers all over western Kansas. She retired from MAMTC in January, 2008, to establish her own marketing consultation firm. She was a volunteer with Navy Relief, the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and was an operator on the MARS Network. She was a member of the American Marketing Association, the American Society of Quality, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the American Philatelic Society. She was ordained a deacon, and then an elder in the Presbyterian Church and remained very active in serving the church at local and national levels, particularly in fund management and stewardship. She remained involved with Wasatch Academy and Lewis & Clark College and served on Alumni Boards at each institution. She was a devoted genealogical researcher and enjoyed maintaining relationships with the hundreds of extended family across the nation and in Canada. Survivors include her children, Carey Leigh Brown of St. Louis, and Paul Scott Brown of Juniata, NE, and her brother Theodore Patrick Dew of Pinedale. A small graveside service will be held August 8th at the family plot in the Pinedale Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the VFW. Condolences may be sent to email@example.com. Memorials to the Anne Dew Brown Memorial Fund may be sent care of Carey Brown, P.O. Box 440184, St. Louis, MO, 63144.For the complete article see the 07-24-2009 issue.
Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-24-2009 paper.


Established in 2005, a Christian 501(c)(3) ministry dedicated to bridging the gap between oceans and people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fueled by the Great Commission, Bridge Builder’s efforts are directed toward humanitarian aid while applying and sharing the teachings of the Bible.
The organization has grown out of friendship, brotherly love, and Christian service. It’s beginnings can be traced back to a shared burden for the ministry building up of the Cuban people in and around Pinar del Rio, Cuba.
Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.”
Copyright 2006 © Bridge Builders for the Cross, Inc. All Rights Reserve
Statement of Faith:
Trusting in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior
- There is one living and true God
- In the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- That the Holy Bible is God’s Word given to us here on Earth
- We believe in Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life,
death on the cross, resurrection, second coming, and
that it is through Him, and Him only, that we are saved.
Facilitate mission trips for churches, organizations and individuals.
Edify Christ by building relationships with the people within other cultures.
Educate groups and individuals spiritually and emotionally for the purpose of the great commission.
Distribute materials and funds for physical, emotional and spiritual needs


Church of Our Lady – Dresden Frauenkirche
Built 1726-1763 – destroyed during WWII
Built in the 18th century, the church was destroyed in the bombing of Dresden during World War II. The remaining ruins were left as a war memorial, following decisions of local East German leaders. The church was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany. The reconstruction of its exterior was completed in 2004 and its interior in 2005. The church was reconsecrated on 30 October 2005.


The preface informs us that "eighty-two percent of the words ascribed to Jesus in the gospels were not actually spoken by him.". This means that they take a while to load. Michael J. Wilkins and James P. Moreland, editors, Craig L. Blomberg, "The Seventy-Four 'Scholars': Who Does the Jesus Seminar Really Speak For? Although the publicity hounds of the "Jesus Seminar" have apparently fooled many television and newspaper reporters into thinking that they represent the great majority of biblical scholars, in fact this is not the case at all, as may be seen in the literature listed below. Provide us with the bread we need for today. "The Five Gospels" is a major work of biblical scholarship that gives new dimensions to the historical Jesus. You slam the door of Heaven's domain in people's faces. • Gospel of Thomas – The Gospel of Thomas (also known as the Coptic Gospel of Thomas) is a non-canonical sayings gospel. This volume is a product of the ultra-liberal Jesus Seminar which has received so much undeserved publicity in recent years.  The term originally meant the Christian message itself, but in the second century, it came to be used for the books in which the message was set out. You scholars and Pharisees, you impostors! Other examples of the version's colloquial style (in which it often resembles Eugene Peterson's The Message, published in the same year) are: Matthew 5:3-10. It's the sick who do" [Mark 2:17] has the right ring to it. Some of these have left considerable traces on Christian traditions, including iconography. They explain that the story is included because the editors "assigned the words and story to a special category of things they wish Jesus had said and done.". Graphics are not the problem. ; Through a dramatic and action-packed sequence of events, the Gospel of Mark shows Jesus Christ as the suffering servant and Son of God. When Jesus once again becomes a stranger to the modern temper, he will be able to command a fresh hearing.  Congratulations to the poor in spirit ... Congratulations to those who grieve ... Matthew 15:16. The editors falsely assert, along with other recent translators who have catered to the debased taste of our generation, that the Greek New Testament itself is written in a style that corresponds to what we know as "street language." "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Robert Funk's book Honest to Jesus (San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1996) includes a chapter on "Translation and Text" in which he discusses the translation principles of the "Scholars Version" at some length. The Five Gospels is the extraordinary report of the Jesus Seminar on the sayings attributed to Jesus. "Since when do the able-bodied need a doctor? 5.2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: § The Beatitudes 5.3. To run all five Gospels takes only 25k of graphics (less than 5% of the total data). By Lesli White lesli white This volume is a product of the ultra-liberal Jesus Seminar which has received so much undeserved publicity in recent years. (p. 81). The Jesus presented in this book is not our Lord Jesus Christ. Although the New Testament is not written in the refined style of the Greek tragedians, and uses the simpler Greek of its time, it is not written in an informal and colloquial style. Flipping through the pages we see that the red and pink rarely appear, with page after page of the text being entirely black. But then, in stark contradiction to the "defamiliarization" principle, he emphasizes the need to stay "close to the modern ear," by avoiding anything "quaint" or "sexist," and by using expressions that "we" would use in the circumstances: It is important to capture, if possible, the style and texture of the original. Checking a few passages, we find that in general the oldest manuscripts are followed. The gospel references the Essenes a lot, and is allegedly written by an elder of the Essene order who was a close friend of Jesus'. The scholars of the Seminar analyzed the likely authenticity of the more than 1,500 sayings attributed to Jesus in the gospels. The five Gospels : the search for the authentic words of Jesus : new translation and commentary by Funk, Robert Walter, 1926-2005 ; Hoover, Roy W ; Jesus Seminar This Harmony Jesus seminar and the sayings of Jesus recorded in the five gospels This is a major work of Jesus seminar, a group of academics of leading universities and colleges that evaluated the authenticity of the parables, aphorisms and sayings of Jesus recorded in five gospels; Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and Thomas. The gospel purports to be an old manuscript found in an old Alexandria Library giving a graphic and detailed account of Jesus as a friend of Jesus. To substitute the one for the other is to gloss over the difference. The document was discovered in a building in Alexandria, but since then, the document has disappeared. When someone has been especially favored by circumstances, we do not say "blessed are you" in English idiom, we offer them congratulations. LibraryThing Review User Review - Kushana - … It is a good example of how variations of idiom sometimes signal a real semantic and cultural distance. The one redeeming virtue of it is that the editors have been so honest concerning their unbelief, and about their desire to aggressively promote this unbelief among the common people who are still ignorant of "the assured results of critical scholarship" (introduction, p. 34). The New Testament has four canonical gospels, which are accepted as the only authentic ones by the great majority of Christians, but many others exist, or used to exist, and are called either New Testament apocrypha or pseudepigrapha. 5.1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. red: Jesus undoubtedly said this or something very like it, pink: Jesus probably said something like this, gray: Jesus did not say this, but the ideas contained in it are close to his own. The king came in to see the guests for himself and noticed this man not properly attired. A gospel (a contraction of Old English god spel meaning "good news/glad tidings", comparable to Greek εὐαγγέλιον, evangelion) is a written account of the career and teachings of Jesus. If it is the same as the Acts of Andrew, then it was written around 150–250 AD and is not lost, and is kind of a Christian retelling of the Odyssey, only with St. Andrew in the lead role. False Gospel 5: The Gospel of Interfaith Dialogue Our culture has chosen to submit to Islam, and there’s pressure on the church to follow suit. They show us the same Jesus but portray him from different perspectives. The translators have "shunned pious terms" because they are impious. And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). Their purpose in creating this version was to promote their skeptical views concerning the authenticity of sayings attributed to Jesus Christ in the four Gospels, and in the so-called "Gospel of Thomas"—an ancient gnostic document which they believe preserves some sayings of Jesus. This reviewer, who was studying at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary when The Five Gospels appeared, remembers the derisive comments made by several liberal professors in that school concerning the work of the Jesus Seminar, which they characterized as a fringe element. Let me say from the outset that I am not opposed to those who engage Muslims in conversations about the difference between the two religions outside the setting of the pulpit. This phrase is found in the Decree of Gelasius wherein certain gospels are condemned by that title. “There are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the life of Christians. ; Luke's Gospel was written to give a reliable and … The initial step in overcoming that barrier is to defamiliarize the words of, and stories about, Jesus. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! "Those who promote themselves will be demoted, and those who demote themselves will be promoted" [Luke 14:11] strikes a note close to the modern ear, in contrast to "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (New International Version), which sounds a little quaint, in addition to the sexist "himself" and "he who."
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The 51 individual parishes that make up the Diocese of Norwich are being asked to choose either to pay a yet-undetermined sum of money as part of the diocese’s bankruptcy settlement or risk responsibility for both legal fees and the cost of settling any future lawsuit brought against individual parishes.
A committee of three pastors in the Diocese of Norwich, in conjunction with legal counsel, is asking the individual parishes to join the court proceedings as a group, as a way of protecting themselves from potential future lawsuits. In order to do this, each parish will have to pay $5,000 in advance in legal fees, plus an unknown sum of money that will be part of the diocese’s bankruptcy settlement.
Parishes are not required to join the group, which is officially called the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut. However, Fr. Ted Tumicki, one of the members of the committee, told CT Examiner that he expects that all the parishes will agree to join.
The three priests on the committee — Tumicki, of St. Mary Our Lady of the Rosary in Jewett City, Fr. Laurence LaPointe of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Willimantic and Fr. Dennis Perkins of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Pawcatuck — drafted a letter that was presented to the parishioners of various churches in the diocese this past weekend explaining the reasoning behind the strategy.
In July, the Diocese of Norwich, which spans Windham, Middlesex, Tolland and New London counties, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bishop Michael Cote of the diocese said in a letter released in July that the diocese was unable to pay damages for over 60 claims of abuse alleged to have taken place at the Mount Saint John School, a former residential school in Deep River.
The recent letter explained that when sexual abuse cases have been brought forward in the past, the people who made the claims would typically sue both the diocese as a whole and the individual parish where it occurred. When that happened, the diocese would step in and take care of the costs involved.
“In such a case, the Diocese sought legal counsel on behalf of the parish, negotiated a settlement on behalf of the parish, and paid all the legal expenses of the parish as well as any financial settlement leveled against the parish that was not covered by insurance,” the letter reads.
As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the court will eventually issue an injunction setting a date after which people can no longer sue the Diocese of Norwich for events that happened before July 15, 2021.
The problem, the letter goes on to explain, is that individual parishes then become responsible for their own legal costs and for any settlements if someone should file a lawsuit against a particular parish.
Being included in the injunction would mean that individual parishes, along with the diocese, could no longer be sued for events that happened before July 15, 2021. Tumicki told CT Examiner that this would give the parishes some protection, especially given gaps in insurance coverage.
“The insurance coverage would provide very little, if anything, because the insurance payouts will have been exhausted due to the bankruptcy settlement,” the letter reads.
Tumicki said that joining the injunction would be a two-part process: first, the court would determine the total sum that the group of parishes would have to pay as part of having been included in the injunction. Then, he said, the committee of three pastors who wrote the letter will work together with the pastors of the individual parishes to determine how much each individual parish will pay into that amount.
According to Tumicki, the amount each parish contributes would be pro-rated. He said they are asking pastors to devise a formula to determine how much each parish will pay, but he said one idea might be basing the amount on the annual income of the parish, or on the amount that parishes receive from offering collections. He also said pastors could consider taking out loans from neighboring parishes.
Tumicki did say that parishes could find themselves in difficulty if they were not able to pay their share of the court-ordered sum.
“It does put the parishes in a questionable position if they have trouble coming up with a payment,” he said.
In the case of the $5,000 for legal fees, Tumicki said, each parish will need to decide on a source of funds. Tumicki said that for his three parishes the money would be drawn from either the parish checking or savings account.
Tumicki said that the committee had informed the bishop of the group’s intention to form an association of parishes.
“The bishop has indicated that since we are separate parishes, he will let us do this,” said Tumicki.
The Diocese of Norwich did not respond to a request for comment from CT Examiner.
Counsel for the group Mark A. Mintz of the New Orleans-based firm Jones Walker LLP and local counsel Jeffrey Hellman of the Law Offices of Jeffrey Hellman, LLC in New Haven declined to speak with CT Examiner.
A document that Mintz and Hellman filed to the court on Nov. 8 affirms the creation of the Association, which the document said was formed “to address the concerns of the Parishes, to advance the positions of the Parishes as a group, and as necessary to defend the legal interests of the Parishes in the Debtor’s chapter 11 case.”
The court has not yet set a date by which people are required to bring forth claims against the Diocese of Norwich. The next court hearing for the Diocese’s case is scheduled for November 9.


AFRICA NEW LIFE DREAM BEAUTY ACADEMY
Since 2001, Africa New Life, a Rwandan-founded-and-led nonprofit, has shared the gospel using two hands: the hand of compassion and the hand of evangelism. Their goal is to see lives transformed through meeting basic needs, to give hope for the future for those living in poverty in Rwanda, and to share the freedom and hope found in Christ. One of the ways they bring transformation and hope is through vocational and entrepreneurial training in for women facing vulnerability, poverty. The Dream Beauty Academy, part of the New Life Family Center, provides this training in the area of cosmetology, providing employable skills for women who desire to provide for themselves and their families, and providing childcare for their young children while mothers are in class! A polished look is important in Rwandan culture, and women with discretionary income often spend considerable time at the salon. As a result, salons in Rwanda are plentiful and pay hairstylists well. The Dream Beauty Academy was founded with the intention of empowering women unable to access traditional education with the skills necessary to build a career in the beauty industry. The Dream Beauty Academy is a non-profit cosmetology school in Kigali, Rwanda. It opened in 2012 and is a sister school to the vocational sewing program. Both operate at Africa New Life’s Ministry Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Fifteen women are enrolled annually in hair braiding, cutting, styling, and coloring courses, as well as manicures and pedicures. All women attend weekly devotionals and intensive entrepreneurship training from an accredited trainer. After graduation, all students receive a kit of supplies, and six top students are invited back for an intensive internship. However, all 2019 graduates found gainful employment so easily that none were available for the 2020 internships!
GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION
Classes are offered to women for a nominal charge, and Africa New Life relies on donated scholarships to make classes happen. You can provide a scholarship to an individual woman today! Partial and full scholarships make a valuable impact. A full scholarship for the year-long program is $1,800, and partial scholarships can be provided beginning at $25/month. www.africanewlife.org/dreambeauty


Undoubtedly one of the most influential contributors to early Christianity, and the ultimate traveller, carrying the word of Christianity to lands such as Cyprus, Asia Minor (modern Turkey), mainland Greece, Crete and Rome, St Paul was born to a Jewish family in Tarsus in what is now modern-day Eastern Turkey.
St Paul visited Ephesus twice, and on the second visit stayed for at least two years in Ephesus as part of his missionary work in Asia Minor. It was from Ephesus that Paul wrote his famous First Letter to the Corinthians. While in Ephesus Paul worked with new converts to Christianity and worked hard to get more.
Eventually Paul’s preaching caused trouble. The local silversmiths made their living selling effigies of the Anatolian fertility goddess Artemis (Cybele/Diana) to pilgrims and tourists coming to visit the gigantic marble Temple of Artemis. The more the Ephesians listened to Paul, the less they believed in Artemis—and so the sale of effigies rapidly decreased. Eventually the silversmiths started a riot against Paul which resulted in dramatic scenes in the Great Theatre
As you walk the streets of Ephesus, it is easy to imagine Paul walking them too, thinking about what he might write in his letters, and appearing in the theatre trying to defend himself against the silversmiths.
At some point during his time in Ephesus Paul was imprisoned, possibly in a cave which was discovered in 1906 and contains some frescoes of St Paul, the Virgin Mary and Thecla, who was a female disciple who accompanied him on some of his journeys. It is unclear what charges he was arrested for. It appears that at some point the cave was also used as a place of worship. Unfortunately, the grotto is not generally open to the public, although at times it is available to visit by special arrangement.


Our Connection Groups are an integral part of accomplishing our mission - Helping People Reach Their Full Potential In Christ. Connection groups are designed to help people to connect with people through Fellowship, Biblical Learning, Encouragement, Accountability and Prayer. Whether you are a Christian or curious about Christianity, our Connection Groups are safe places to discover genuine relationships, encouragement and care.
Connection Groups will reconvene in September 2020. Until then, check out other ways to connect listed below
- Gary Scott is teaching Sunday School via Zoom (11am-12pm). Please contact Gary for more information at firstname.lastname@example.org.
- Pastor Chad will host a sermon discussion each Sunday at 11amish via Zoom. Please contact the church Office for Login and Password.
Thursdays at 6:30pm: June 4 we will begin our study of Michael Heiser's book, Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World - and Why It Matters. We'll be meeting in home and/or on Zoom. Be sure to order a copy as soon as possible. You can read more about Dr. Michael Heiser and a Divine Council worldview at https://drmsh.com.
Contact Pastor Chad for more details at email@example.com


Annual Back2School Bash!
Each year a couple of our local churches in Rangely team up to help the kids in the community, and give them a fun filled day as they anticipate the first day of school. I go every year to this event, my son has a blast, but beyond that, it also gets him excited for the upcoming school year. I am so thankful our small community focuses on coming together in all ways, I couldn't imagine living anywhere but Rangely because it is just an amazing place to live... and visit! Come out on July 29th, at 6 pm for food, friends, games, and more!


September 21-22, 2023
HICC Novotel, Hitec City
Unique landmark gathering of business leaders from all over South Asia!
A MOVEMENT OF BUSINESSES TRANSFORMING PEOPLE AND NATIONS-FOR GOD’S GLORY!
TO INVIGORATE THE BUSINESS AS MISSION MOVEMENT SOUTH ASIA
Beyond Business is the new name of BAM South Asia Conference and Trade Fair. It is a network of marketplace and workplace ministry networks across South Asia. We connect and support business owners and marketplace leaders as they glorify God and serve people in and through business by seeking a quadruple bottom line of social, economic, environmental, and spiritual impact.
We invite you to join us.
Business has a God-given power and potential for good in the world. Yet too often Christian business people have not been affirmed in their call to business.
We want business women and men to understand God’s redemptive work through business in the world. We want to help change the message that Christian business people are hearing and mobilize them for action. We want to serve the church as it rethinks business.
What if the untapped business resources in the church in South Asia were released for missional impact? What if Jesus-following business people were world leaders at tackling South Asia evils? What if more and more companies were intentional about lifting communities out of social, economic and spiritual poverty – all for the glory of God?
Our mission is to continue to invigorate the business as mission movement worldwide — as the power of business is released for God’s glory, the gospel and the common good.
Through our initiatives we CREATE SOCIAL & INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL and CONNECT HUMAN & FINANCIAL CAPITAL in the business as mission movement in South Asia. Adapted from BAM Global.
At BAM South Asia, we champion the pivotal role of business in God’s plan for the world, empowering and affirming businesspeople within the church. We are devoted to upholding the essential distinctive of BEYOND BUSINESS, ensuring alignment, and fostering increased engagement in other powerful concept.
We create and curate resources to equip and encourage the BEYOND BUSINESS community. We create connections and gather people face-to-face and virtually, in collaborative online forums, consultations and events.
We collaborate and partner with individuals, businesses, organisations, institutions, churches, and networks inside and outside our movement. We leverage our convening, connecting and community-building power to enable others to collaborate.


Content is of type video
Original goodness, rather than original sin, should inform a more human approach to Christian faith and life.
In a new series of online study resources developed for the Open Church Network, Steve Chalke argues that the popular doctrine of Original Sin, that has informed much of Western Christian thought for over 15 centuries, misappropriates the biblical view of God’s relationship with humanity and has resulted in untold misery for generations of church goers.
When Steve published his ground-breaking article – A Matter of Integrity – in 2013 and affirmed his support for loving, faithful and monogamous same-sex relationships it was described by one national newspaper as ‘sending shockwaves down the evangelical community.’
As such, it was no surprise that many people had sincere and honest questions about Steve’s position, theological approach and perspective on Biblical interpretation. In this video, Steve answers a number of the core questions that were received.
Gay sex is a sin. The New Testament makes that abundantly clear.
Or does it?
According to one of the UK’s most prominent evangelicals, if Christian scholarship engages with archaeological evidence from the rediscovered ancient city of Pompeii, much of St Paul’s teaching on sexuality must be radically reinterpreted.
When Steve published his ground breaking article – Restoring Confidence in the Bible – a number of people had questions. How can we dialogue with scripture while maintaining a firm view of its authority? How can we reconcile ourselves to some of the more controversial stories without adopting a ‘pick and mix’ approach to the Bible? In this video, Steve explores these questions and more.
Hope imagines what is possible and won’t give up until it happens...
Hope is bold. It says that things don’t have to be the way they are...
Hope stands up for the forgotten and the lonely and the ignored...
We've developed Awe & Wonder reflection resources for each of the 9 Habits. Here's a reflection resource about Hope, which can be used alongside the church resources that you can find here.
In 2014, Steve Chalke published 'Restoring Confidence in the Bible' - a ground breaking piece looking at how we interpet scripture and apply it to the 21st Century. In this video, Steve talks about the article and how we deal with difficult chapters of the Bible that seemingly justify slavery, sexism and homophobia.


My worldview has seen considerable change. I grew up in a home where faith was never discussed or practiced. I hung around mostly irreligious friends. I practically never went to church. Raised in a single-parent family, my grandparents were prominent role models. Grandmother loved to play chess and I have many fond memories of our time together. But we never dug deep into any topic. My grandfather was a staunch pragmatist who introduced me to science on Christmas day at the age of ten. From that day forward, it was a primary indoor pursuit. As for the outdoors, there were no role models or rules. As a young man I had my last conversation with Granddaddy at a St. Petersburg, Florida diner. He emphasized that morning the importance of being practical and taking charge of one’s future. Sadly, he died not long afterwards from cancer, having rarely discussed with me anything beyond the tools of worldly success. But I could not have agreed with him more at the time about the value of practicality and expediency. It was upon this foundation my worldview was built.
During my childhood I was also introduced to Christianity. I don’t recall the details, but I joined my best friend for a few Sunday morning services. It shouldn't surprise anyone a handful of hours in church do not stack up against years of secular pursuits and influences. By the time I reached my mid-twenties, I had shed most of my openness to anything supernatural. In my late twenties I was firmly nontheistic. I was never an activist who promoted atheism. I did not go around claiming God’s nonexistence. This may be due to doubting the rationality of such an unsubstantiated position. I was more of a condescending weak-atheist. If asked to summarize my position, I would say: God probably does not exist, but whatever works for you makes little difference to me. Though I could describe the Christian Gospel in theory, I believed it was a harmless delusion in reality.
I did not expect the extreme worldview makeover on my horizon. I thought things were going exceedingly well. My career in software development was taking off. I met my wife and married her at the age of twenty-eight. We had just built a new house together. Surely this was what my grandfather meant by “being in charge.” No question as to what I believed at the time: I was the master of my fate; I was the captain of my soul. So when I began to have troubles in marriage, I did not view it much differently than running up against a defect in software - I just needed to fix things and move on. With enough skill, intellect and effort, I thought I could face any problem and solve it. But it did not turn out that way. I reached a point at the age of thirty-one when I knew my marriage was terminal. I could not undo the damage. I believed divorce was inevitable and this change in perspective opened the door to a wider view.
My rebirth happened one night as I was contemplating the sale of our house. My wife had moved out and I was at home alone. A Florida thunderstorm rolled in that evening as I was lying in bed brooding over things. Suddenly a nearby lighting-strike knocked the power out. As I lay there I began to realize how much of my life was really beyond my control. The notion of being in charge of one’s destiny seemed utterly foolish as I stared into the dark that night. I thought there had to be a greater purpose which transcended my matter-of-fact life. I thought back to my childhood on the Christian message of the sacrifice of Jesus and the reconciliation with God for those who believe. While I dwelt on that thought, it was like a light switch turning on. It happened that fast. What seemed untrue and irrelevant before was now true and momentous. As quickly as the lightening had taken out the power, I was transformed. The words of Paul reflect my experience well: If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
With transformation came a mission. I went to a nearby church and met with the pastor. I did not know at the time he would become a mentor to me over the next decade. He explained some of the basic tenets of Christianity and we prayed together. I also tracked my wife down and brought her home. We spent the next year rebuilding our relationship. More than twenty years later our marriage is as strong as ever and full of blessings including two beautiful daughters. But returning to just a few months after becoming a follower of Christ, my wife and I joined a study group together. One evening we were talking about faith and reason and I emphatically proclaimed they were utterly incompatible. I half-jokingly professed how my left brain would handle reason and the right half would be in charge of my new faith. At the time I honestly believed the two domains did not intersect. What I omitted that evening was how unsatisfying this arrangement was for me. I thought it was just a burden I would have to carry. Yet I was on a mission, a path with Christ I had no intention of deviating from. A little intellectual dissonance was something I thought I could work out later.
A book by C. S. Lewis was a young woman’s response that night to my proclamation of the incompatibility of faith and reason. It was titled The Problem of Pain and looking back it hardly seems like a proper first-choice. But it did the trick. After reading Lewis and several other excellent writers, I was excited to learn of the congruity between Christian truth-claims and a reasoned view from science and philosophy. My previously perceived conflict was a matter of ignorance. This was so liberating that I dove head first into further study to unite the true aspects of my previous worldview with the Christian faith. The book Reasonable Faith, by William Lane Craig, was a significant growth point. It not only dealt with many of my misunderstandings, but it also helped me put faith and reason into their proper role. I also learned about the reality of doubt. The truth is; anyone with a substantive worldview will encounter epistemic tension and conflict. I certainly had to deal with this as a nontheist and I still do as a Christian. But today I enjoy a significant unity between how I see the world through the special revelation of the Christian faith, and how I see things through the deliverances of reason. I have learned there is compatibility.
It is a misconception to think apologetics is only good for pre-evangelism: Tear down the roadblocks to the Gospel and more will be saved. Remove the obstacles at the doorstep and the door will be opened. To be sure, this happens. I have met several Christians over the years where apologetics played a significant role leading up to their conversion. But my testimony tells of another aspect of the apologetic enterprise. You may have heard the parable of the sower in Mark 4 where some of the seed fell on rocky soil. In such conditions the roots cannot take hold and the plant dies under the slightest environmental pressure. The same goes for a faith that is not integrated well into one’s worldview. Here apologetics helps to till the soil and tear down the fictions which prevent the flourishing of our faith. In the same parable, other seeds fell among the thorns which choked the plants springing up. I believe today the thorns are not just worries and temptations, but ideas. The cultural milieu we find ourselves in today, with its books, movies, social media, and education, is full of thorns contrary to the Christian worldview. Again, apologetics plays a critical role in clearing away falsehoods so our faith can grow with less impediment.
In conclusion, I offer a warning. As much as I appreciate the benefits of philosophical study over the last fifteen years, I also recognize some pitfalls. As a new apologist I was enamored by the ability to annihilate atheist arguments. But I have since learned nothing ever good comes out of a heated engagement. Today I rarely debate staunch unbelievers unless there are third-party observers who may be persuaded by cordial and rational discourse. Merely winning arguments is not profitable. On the other hand, discussing philosophical issues with honest seekers using 1-Peter-3 gentleness and respect has proven beneficial. All of this being said; we ought to consider our dedication. Spending a disproportionate amount of time in apologetic activities, neglecting other Christian disciplines, is a mistake. It has in the past taken me out into the arid desert for a dark night of the soul where one yearns for a single draft of living water. We should not neglect meeting with the Saints for encouragement and worship. Wrapping up a debate online or posting a blog is incomparably disappointing to one moment in the still presence of God. But if God occasionally chooses to use an apologetic approach through me, I'm good with it.


This is not a typical project for me to blog about. Lately I’ve been rather captivated by paper cutting. I created this piece for the 11th International Art Competition of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’ve always wanted to submit something for the competition, and the theme inspired this tunnel book. It’s done well in the competition so far… I made it through the first round of jurying. I created the general design in Illustrator and then cut out the sheets by hand with an Exacto knife. I also built the box. Here is the description I submitted with the piece:
“Thousands of years ago, Joseph, son of Jacob, began dreaming unusual dreams. He dreamed his brother’s sheaves of wheat stood up and bowed to his. He dreamed that the sun, moon, and 11 stars (representing his brothers and parents) made obeisance to him. With visions like these, the future must have looked pretty bright! And then young Joseph found himself trapped in a pit, his own brothers responsible for his capture, some even hoping to kill him. This betrayal must have been especially bitter and confusing considering the visions God had given him of his own future glory. How did Joseph keep believing in God’s promises when his life was headed in the opposite direction? Perhaps it is no coincidence that wheat, stars, the sun, and the moon might have actually been visible from his place in the pit. Perhaps this was one of God’s tender mercies, helping Joseph know that his promised blessings could not be taken by his brothers. In any case, we know for certain that Joseph kept believing. And if he could find faith in a brilliant future from the depths of a pit, we can too.
The first 10 pages of the tunnel book form the walls of Joseph’s pit and represent the 10 brothers who imprisoned him. The sun, moon, and eleven stars in the background represent Joseph’s father, mother, and brothers. Three of the stars are slightly bigger than the rest, representing the privileges later earned by Judah, Benjamin, and Levi to father Jesus Christ, build a temple, and hold the priesthood. “


We pray for those we love and commit ourselves to their well being and spiritual growth. But sometimes situations, conditions and events do not seem to retract its torturous grip in their suffering souls.
It is so hard to see this suffering so we are driven into our prayers zones for relief; not only for these loved ones but also for ourselves to gain understanding and patience.
We feel Father God’s presence and we can feel His power as we review all He has done for us (and others) in the past. But, regardless of these many blessings we still ask; Why! How long this suffering?
Recently I experienced this kind of waffling in my own mind and it is not a good feeling. I know the Lord understand, but I did ask Him “How long the wait?”
What I did learn was His depth of understanding of our positions and conditions in life; obviously because He lived as one of us here on earth. So nothing is a surprise to Him (Thank you Lord for your love!) Oh, and never try to hide your feelings because He already knows what you feel.
As I was driving along, in this sad condition of disappointment that things had not changed after much prayer and declaration of His promise, I was quieted by His presence with me as if He was going to say something I needed to hear. And in that quietness and peace I heard Him say so softly into my spirit, “TRUST ME.” That made all the difference, as He lifted my melancholy state of mind. My spirit leaped into emotional healing and hope.
As soon as I could I retreated to my study closet to read the Word and feel His presence. And these are some verses I found. It would help if you could memorize these verses as words against Satan’s attack.
Malachi 3:10 the Father says “Test me and prove me. He wants our fears and doubts so He can shower us with His love.
1 Peter 2:6 NIV and Isaiah 26:16 “the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame”
1 Peter 1:7 NIV trials come so that you faith …may be proved genuine.
Job 13:15 KJV
As I was wrestling with my study books tonight an envelope popped out and hit my arm. I remembered it was sent to me last year by my best friend as an encouragement to me. I slid the card our and it read in big bold letters Psalm 40:14 HOW BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO HAS MADE THE LORD HIS TRUST! I love the way He talks to us – keep seeking Him, you will never be disappointed!
Dear Reader be blessed in Him
Bro Walt © 2016


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We had another great day in Forest City!
Lots of work was accomplished as some of the squads joined one another to help finish up at some of the worksites. As our week comes to a close, our squads are finishing up their worksites and have done an amazing job!
Rain or shine, our squads have given it their all this week!
Tonight during worship our speaker Rusty talked to us about how we’ve all been a lot of different things, but none of us have ever been unloved. He then read from Hebrews 4:13 which says that “Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God’s sight.”
This was related to how God can see through the filters that we often make towards others when we look at them. We were also reminded that if a person has a pulse, they have a purpose. Because of this, we need to seek the Lord wherever He sends us.
Please pray for a safe and wonderful last day on the worksites.
Your Summer Staff,
Jordan, Pat, and Lindsey


Our team is going to have the incredibly unique priviledge of meeting with the First Lady while we are in Uganda. Janet Kataha Museveni has been the First Lady of Uganda since 1986 when her husband, Yoweri Museveni came into presidency. She is a born again Christian, which is clearly evident in the ways in which she has served her country. She formed the Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), and has also been working hard to promote abstinece among youth in order to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. Since beginning her campaign to fight HIV/AIDS, the nation's percentage of those infected by HIV/AIDS has so dramatically decreased that other countries have invited her to campaign in their countries as well.
Please be praying for the First Lady, that God would grant her wisdom and peace within the leadership role He has given her. Also pray that she can lead from a place of humility and that God will receive the glory from all the work he is doing through her. And lastly, please for the success of her campaign to raise money for wells for her country. Pray that people would be touched to give and that the campaign would positively impact the lives of many in her country.