From the desk of Fr. Bryan K. Newman
Easter is almost upon us, the most import feast of the Christian year and the day that epitomizes the Christian message, the promise of life beyond the grave. The term for the day on which we celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection was, (and still is in the Eastern Church) known as ‘Pascha’ in the early Church. Pascha was a Greek word that comes from the Hebrew word ‘pesakh’ or Passover. The name Easter comes from the old Anglo-Saxon festival in honor of their goddess named ‘Eostre’, and has been used in English speaking countries for centuries. For us Easter represents new beginnings and new hope, as we celebrate Easter let us keep in mind the new beginning we have made together and the hope we have for our future.
Fr. Bryan Newman
Healing Service for April
Our monthly Healing Service will be conducted on, Sunday, April 29th, after Mass. It is inspired by St. James words, in his New Testament Epistle, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. Pray for one another, that you may be healed.” If you wish to be Anointed and offer your prayers for any that are suffering or are ill please join me after Mass on the 29th for this rewarding and reassuring service.
The Flight of the Eagle
In Fr. Stork’s original newsletter ‘The Spirit of the Eagle’, he had a section called the ‘Flight of the Eagle’ where he related his activities for the past month. Below are the visits I made in the month of March. I prayed with them and gave them Holy Communion and anointed them when needed.
3/4 Visited Shirley Tucker at Christ Hospital.
3/11 Visited Helen Foster in her home.
3/18 Visited Ethel Fahlbush at Villa Springs
3/21 Visited Helen Lenz at St. E’s Edgewood.
3/25 Visited Helen Lenz in her home.
+Holy Week Schedule+
4/1 Palm Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.
4/5 Maundy Thursday Mass: 7:00 p.m.
4/6 Good Friday Liturgy: 12:00 p.m.
4/6 Evening Prayer/Stations of the Cross: 3:00 p.m.
4/8 Easter Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.
April Vestry Meeting
Our Vestry meeting for April will be held on Thursday April 26, at 6:30 PM. If you are a member of the Vestry please make plans to be present. If you are a parishioner with particular business you would like discussed or would like to attend yourself, please approach any member of the Vestry or Fr. Newman and let us know that you will be attending.
Parish Prayer List
There are many, either by illness, infirmity, or adversity, both within and without our parish that are in need of our prayers. Some ask for prayers and others are suggested by loved ones but all are in need of petitions and intercessions for restoration of good health and peace of mind. Please pray for the following:
Ethel Fahlbush, Louise Becker, Helen Foster, Madeline Wright, Trudy Bauer, John Bogenschutz, Helen Lenz, Kevin & Donna Davis, Howard & Shirley Davis, Eileen Hanson, Juanita Marvin, Wilma Herklotz, Robert Hooks, Amy Petrie Shaw, Shirley Tucker, Donna Colyer (back surgery), Larry Funk (cancer), Agnes Harp, Carolyn Holland (Adam Cooks aunt), Donna Lipscomb, Sharon Watt, Lena Hughes, Carson Williams and his father, Fr. Al & Kathy Hougham, Fr. James Ryerson and Dom Benedict Thomas.
St. John’s Tee Shirt Orders
There is a sign-up sheet in the Church hall for the tee shirts we plan on sporting for the Dayton-Bellevue Memorial Day and Ft. Thomas 4th of July parades we will be marching in to promote SJC to the area. We have ordered six sample shirts for you to see them firsthand, so please get your order and money in by Sunday April 29 so the final shirt order can be made in order to receive them in time for the Memorial Day Parade. Make checks payable to St. John’s A.C.C.
Spiritual Tidbits for April from Father Tim
From the time that Christ came to dwell with us, man created according to God’s image and likeness is truly renewed through the grace and power of the Spirit, attaining to the perfect love which “casts out fear” (I John 4: 18) – the love which is no longer able to fail, for “love never fails” (I Cor. 13: 8). Love, says John, is God; and “he who dwells in love dwells in God” (I John 4: 16). The apostles were granted this love, and so were those who practiced virtue as they did, offering themselves completely to the Lord, and following Christ with all their heart throughout their lifetime.
So you should continually keep in mind the great humiliation which the Lord took upon Himself in His ineffable love for us: how the divine Logos dwelt in the womb; how He took human nature upon Himself; His birth from a woman; His gradual bodily growth; the shame He suffered, the insults, vilification, ridicule and abuse; how He was scourged and spat upon, derided and mocked; the scarlet robe, the crown of thorns; His condemnation by those in power; the outcry of the unruly Jews, men of His own race, against Him: “Away with him, away with him, crucify him” (John 19: 15); the cross, the nails, the lance, the drink of vinegar and gall; the scorn of the Gentiles; the derision of the passers-by who said: “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross and we will believe you” (cf. Matt. 27: 39-42); and the rest of the sufferings which He patiently accepted for us: crucifixion; death; the three day burial; the descent into hell.
Then keep in mind all that has come to from these sufferings: the resurrection from the dead; the liberation from hell and from death of those who were raised with the Lord; the ascension to the heavens; the enthronement at the right hand of the Father; the honor and glory that is “far above every principality and power . . . and above every name that is named” (Eph. 1: 21); the veneration of the Firstborn from the dead by all the angels, because of the sufferings He had undergone. As the Apostle says: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Though He is in the form of God, He did not insist on clinging to His equality with God; but He emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man. Being in this likeness, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, things on earth and things under the earth” (Phil. 2: 5-10). See to what a height of glory the Lord’s human nature was raised up by God’s justice through these sufferings and humiliations. St Mark the Ascetic – Letter to Nicolas the Solitary c. 400 AD.
St. Mark the Ascetic sure new how to sum up the life, and especially the Passion of Christ, along with what humanity gained from this “Perfect Love”. You may have noticed that St. Mark the Ascetic never mentioned Easter Eggs or the Easter Bunny. Now I personally have no quarrel with colored eggs or rabbits. Janet and I always enjoyed watching our girls enjoy this particular part of the Easter and spring season. Colored Easter Eggs actually have quite an ancient history entwined within Christianity. However, we need to be careful to make sure we do not get caught up in the non-Christian view of this holiday. Our young ones we love find it much easier, especially because of so much media, to identify with Easter bunnies and their chocolate eggs during this most Holy Week. Actually I know a few adults who are pretty partial to the chocolate aspect of Easter as well. It is left up to us Christian parents and grand-parents to make sure that the REAL focus remains on Christ. We must teach our little ones that without Christ the eggs and bunnies will tragically lose everything that makes them special. The following quote from C.S. Lewis sums this up eggceptionally well:
“There is a stage in a child’s life at which it cannot separate the religious from the merely festal character of Easter. I have been told of a very small and very devout boy who was heard murmuring to himself on Easter morning a poem of his own composition which began ‘Chocolate eggs and Jesus risen.’ This seems to me, for his age, both admirable poetry and admirable piety. But of course the time will soon come when such a child can no longer effortlessly and spontaneously enjoy that unity. He will become able to distinguish the spiritual from the ritual and festal aspect of Easter; chocolate eggs will no longer seem sacramental. And once he has distinguished he must put one or the other first. If he puts the spiritual first he can still taste something of Easter in the chocolate eggs; if he puts the eggs first they will soon be no more than any other sweetmeat. They will have taken on an independent, and therefore a soon withering, life.” ~C. S. Lewis
I pray that you have a blessed and most Holy Easter,
St. John’s next Spirituality Class will be starting soon. Shortly I will start putting together some material pertaining to what in the Church is called the “Four Last Things”. If you have never heard of this term, the Four Last Things are death, resurrection, judgment, and heaven (or hell depending on one’s acquired taste during our short earthly tenure). We had so much discussion during our class on the Intermediate State (which would fall between death and resurrection) I feel it may be helpful to cover some ground around it. Please watch your bulletin for further information. Father Tim
St. Catherine of Siena, VD +++ Feast Day April 30th
The 25th child of a wool dyer in northern Italy, St. Catherine started having mystical experiences when she was only 6, seeing guardian angels as clearly as the people they protected. She became a Dominican tertiary when she was 16, and continued to have visions of Christ, Mary, and the saints. St. Catherine was one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day, although she never had any formal education. She persuaded the Pope to go back to Rome from Avignon, in 1377, and when she died she was endeavoring to heal the Great Western Schism. In 1375 Our Lord give her the Stigmata, which was visible only after her death. Her spiritual director was Blessed Raymond of Capua. St, Catherine’s letters, and a treatise called “a dialogue” are considered among the most brilliant writings in the history of the Catholic Church. She died when at age 33, and her body was found incorrupt in 1430.
Bible Study Class
We are still early in our study of Genesis that we began back in September. While we are taking Easter Sunday off (no Bible Study on that day), other than that we will gather together every Sunday, at 9:30 AM. The book of Genesis is the key that opens the mystery of our Christian faith. So please join me FOR this thought-provoking look into our origins. Our knowledge of God and what He wants for each one of us, primarily comes from Sacred Scripture. If you are still on the fence as to whether to participate keep in mind the words of the words of St. Jerome, “Ignorance of the Scriptures, is ignorance of Christ.”
The Altar Guild is responsible for making the sanctuary ready for all services. Its members maintain the church’s liturgical requirements for services by preparing the altar, laundering linens, preserving the sacred vessels, and arranging the floral displays that beautify the church. If you would be interested in serving on the Altar Guild, or if would like to give flowers for a Mass in memory of a loved one, please contact Joyce Murray.
Our choir member ages now range from ten to eighty-seven. If you would like to sing in the choir please join us on Wednesday evenings. The choir and Chuck our organist would love to have you join us. We are now in the process of preparing for Palm Sunday and Easter and we need voices! Don’t forget to memorialize a loved one by paying only $5 for the cost of making one of the new 1940 spiral Hymnals for our church pews. The sign-up sheet is in the Church hall.
End of the Month Club
The End of the Month Club is a chance for parishioners and friends to meet at a local restaurant to share a meal and fellowship. All are welcome. The only requirement is that you like to eat out and want to socialize with and get to know your fellow parishioners better. Most times, we meet for lunch on the last Thursday of the month. A few times a year we meet for dinner, so people who can’t make the luncheons have a chance to share in this fellowship. Our next gathering will be Dinner at 6:30 on April 26 at Longhorn Restaurant in Cold Spring. Call Fr. Al and Kathy Hougham at (859)331-2951 to make your reservation. If you want to come, but need a ride, please call them. Usually, we can make arrangements so all who want to attend can come.
Easter Egg Hunt at Gil Lynn Park
As part of our community outreach, we will once again be helping out at the Easter Egg Hunt at Gil Lynn Park. If you would be interested in helping out this year’s event, please arrive at the park by noon on Saturday, April 7. Rumor has it that Fr. Bunny Newman will once again be hoppy to make another grand entrance and pose for pictures with the children!
Anglican Church Women
We are working on items to sell or raffle at the Spaghetti Dinner to be held April 28, 2012, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Currently for sale or raffle are plants – hostas and violets. If you have a craft or want to help with plants, please see Judy Hulsey. Attention ladies: The ACW will be having a retreat at Judy Hulsey’s on May 19, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Just a note in closing…..When you are taking a cup of coffee and a couple of cookies, please remember to leave a little money to help pay for these items. Remember only the hole in the donut is free!
April Birthdays & Anniversaries
Brittany Butler – Birthday – April 13
Ethan Whalen – Birthday – April 15
Carol Petrie – Birthday – April 22
Robert Hooks – Anniversary – April 22
Ashley Bouldin – Birthday – April 23
Wilma Herklotz – Birthday – April 25
Mike Murray – Anniversary – April 28
Happy Retirement to Jim Barnett!
Congratulations to Jim Barnett, who officially retired on March 31 from the Transportation Security Administration / Homeland Security. Jim is very excited about reaching this milestone and he is especially glad his days of early exits and dashing down the vesting room steps to report for work on Sundays are over. May you have a long, healthy and happy retirement Jim!
Interfaith Hospitality Network News
The Family Promise Golf Marathon is only 6 weeks away (May 11, 2012). I am proud to be playing as the representative of our Interfaith Hospitality Network host and support churches this year. I have set a rather high personal fundraising goal, but believe with your help, the goal is well within reach. Please consider going to the golf marathon website: www.nkyihngolf.org and making a pledge or donation; either for your church or personally. I am also in need of some support the day of the event at AJ Jolly Golf Course, such as a cart driver. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Kentucky
P.O. Box 72136
Newport, KY 41072
Junior Warden Report
Rather than continuing to lose the ‘Battle of the Killer Weeds”, the open area of the Church yard will get a nice layer of top soil and then K-31 grass seed will be planted. This nice thick grass should prevent the washout of soil that occurs during a hard rain, once it’s established. Thanks to Katie and Sam Longshore, Jim and Kim Marshall, Tina Smith and Judy Boughner for stepping up to help out. Welcome to the St. John’s Garden Club.
At our last Vestry meeting it was decided that we would attempt to fix the back door of the Church hall at a cost of $100+ rather than spend $1200 on a Pella steel door that would last forever. We were forced to do so in order to comply with our budget since we just paid $3400 for new windows. But the Good Lord works in mysterious ways… and I think I know how we can get that new door.
The City of Dayton will be holding their annual City-Wide Yard Sale on May 12 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The last time we participated in this event, we made $600. If you are interested in helping out a good cause by donating any or many usable items you may find as you do your spring cleaning, please drop them off at the Church hall in the open area of the furnace room. You will be surprised at how many nice items you have laying around that you do not use. We’ll take them.
We are a million dollar Church with a twenty dollar door. If we can make $700 on the yard sale, I am hoping the wonderful women of the ACW will consider splitting the remaining balance of the cost of the door with the Church, by donating a portion of their spaghetti dinner profit. Did I mention how wonderful they are?


In the early and medieval Christian tradition, the gendered body was understood as an obstacle to the cultivation of virtues on the one hand, and as a potential medium for transgressions on the other. Contemporary Catholic anthropology has another view of the subject’s body and its senses and desires. This article is concerned with the pastoral project of increasing vocations and the way it is realized within Russian Catholic parishes. It also focuses on its rhetoric, placing significant emphasis on gendered embodiment. Based on participant observation materials and interviews with Catholics who have been “called,” the author analyzes the strategies for making a calling to celibacy genuine and persuasive. By including gender and sexuality within the concept of vocation, such rhetoric not only makes it possible to show consecrated life as something attractive, intelligible, and real, but also to raise awareness of true masculinity and femininity. Even though Church discipline prescribes solitude, in this rhetoric, celibacy does not require one to become a disembodied and asexual angel. Conversely, by applying gendered embodiment, religious specialists aim to emphasize its utmost importance for vocation, which presupposes celibacy, thereby confronting both the early Christian perspective on the sinful body and secular views on constructed gender.


In case you haven't heard yet, my family has suffered another loss.
As of 3:30 AM on Saturday October 6th; my grandmother (Lillian DeShields) passed away. She was in the hospital for over a week undergoing dialysis. The most I can tell you about my grandma is that she was a kind loving woman. She cared about family and loved spending time with us. She was a very spiritual woman. She loved God and praised him every chance she had.
I don't know if I can handle any more losses. I've lost 2 very special women in my life in the past 2 1/2 months. I'm not too upset because I know grandma's in heaven right now and she's in good company.
It's been a rough year for my family, but life continues.
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“Family” is not a one size fits all term, as is evident in this sweet group. I asked Jennifer to share her story, and I hope that you will all get as much of a blessing out of it as I did.
“I want to start out our story by giving God all the glory for blessing us with these two children. I would have never planned my life this way so I am thankful that The Lord did not let me have my way. Jacob and I always planned to adopt. We just thought it would be on our time table. We had discussed adoption as an after thought– Definitely something we would do but definitely after we had biological children. Jacob and I had been married six years when I became pregnant the first time, and it was an exciting time for us. I miscarried at 14 weeks. This was a devastating journey that The Lord took us on for the next two years of our marriage. It was all for God’s glory that we miscarried. I miscarried again the following year at 8 weeks. At this point, God used the death of our second child to help us totally surrender to the call of adoption. We applied through Holt international’s Korea program. We felt God leading us to this country and we fell in love with the Korean people. We submitted our application to adopt in March of 2009 the same month and year Jonathan was born in Korea. We did not know about him until 6 months later when we were matched with him. After another 6 months of waiting to travel to Korea to go get our son we got a call that we could go. We traveled to Korea two days before Jonathan turned one. We stayed in Korea several days and were able to return home with our son Jonathan on his birthday. We have been home three years and honestly at times I forget he was adopted. He is so much a part of us I can’t remember a time when he was not with us.
Fast forward a year or so… Jacob and I had decided that we wanted to apply to adopt again once Jonathan turned three, which was fast approaching. We had completely given up on getting pregnant again and just trusted that The Lord would grow our family through adoption. We found out we were pregnant with Joshua in November 2011. I honestly thought I would not carry him full term because of past experience but God had other plans. We saw several doctors, including specialists, because of my past miscarriages. At about 14 weeks the doctors all said the same thing to us: Joshua has a serious heart condition that will need immediate surgery and he most likely has Down syndrome. The news deflated a lot of our joy at first, but God truly spoke to us about Joshua and reminded us that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. Joshua was created perfectly to bring God the most glory. Joshua was born one month early on June 26, 2012. Joshua is a beautiful perfectly created child that happens to have had a serious heart condition and a 21st chromosome. Joshua had open heart surgery at 3 months old. He recovered well after several scary issues with his lungs and has been growing stronger every day.”


//William Wilberforce (1759 - 1833)
Wilberforce was an English member of parliament and social reformer who was very influential in the abolition of the slave trade and eventually slavery itself in the British empire. //
//John Newton wrote the words to - Amazing Grace - one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm.
Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.
In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807.//
1/Enlightenment - Self Realization - Liberation - Salvation - Happiness - Peace - Bliss - Scientific path - to become free forever - Dada Bhagwan


Hello and welcome to my website,
my name is Robert Weiß and I am a Christian preacher. That is, I have made it my business to teach and spread the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as he commanded his disciples to do in the 1st century of our era:
18 Then Jesus approached them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go to all nations and make people my disciples. As you do so, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And be sure, I am with you every day until the end of time!" (Matthew 28:18-20)
The discussions, explanations and statements on the website "believe-bible-religion.com" correspond to the knowledge of the respective author, narrator and his current biblical understanding and do not claim to be correct in all points.
There are also articles published on and by other websites, of course with the origin or source reference.
The website "glaube-bibel-religion.com" is organized, continued and administered exclusively by me personally.
"glaube-bibel-religion.com" would like to encourage you to think.
I wish you much joy and blessing while viewing/surfing on "glaube-bibel-religion.com".


BELLEVIEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Transforming lives one at a Time!
Belleview Christian Church has been actively involved with the greater Belleview community since 1981. We are an independent nondenominational Church or as we like to say we are a Chruch FAMILY.
EPIC Youth Group
Everything is Possible In Christ
The EPIC middle and high school group meets on Sunday at 5:00 PM. We do monthly events and outreaches. We plan fundraisers to offset the cost of the events. All middle and high school kids are invited.
Watch us live!
Watch us live at 11:20 am Sunday morning on Facebook at Belleviewchristianchurch.
Men's Group / Women's Group
Every second Saturday of the Month.
The men meet at 9 AM. All men in the community are invited for a time of prayer, Bible study and fellowship. The woman meet at 11 AM for bible study, prayer, crafts and potluck luncheon.
ABOUT BELLEVIEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Committed to Spiritual Enlightenment
Belleview Christian Church is one of the leading congregations in the Belleview area. We are a vibrant congregation dedicated to serving the spiritual, educational, and cultural needs of the surrounding community. Our Church is deeply rooted in the holy word, and our doors are always open to community members who are looking for a quiet place to worship. Contact us, or visit us to learn more about how to become a part of our Church Family.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Come Worship with Us!
Sunday Worship 10:45 am - 12:00 am
Wed Bible Study for all ages 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."


Welcome to the NBC eCampus
NBC eCampus – An Online Ministry of Northside Baptist Church Murfreesboro, TN
Live Worship Every Sunday, 10:30 am
Join Online Bible Study Groups
Join Short Term Groups Online
The eCampus community is for anyone who is unable to attend a church in person.
- On Demand Worship & Adult Bible Study
Northside Baptist Church
Come on in by clicking below.
Live Worship – Sunday 10:30
Online Bible Study Schedule
On Demand Worship
On Demand Bible Study
Special Online Events
Join us in person when you are able…
Northside Baptist Church has one physical location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Northside is a place where individuals and families, in all age groups, can find heartfelt worship, practical Bible study and encouraging fellowship. Whatever your background or life experiences, we believe you will find in this place, a clear message about God and what He can do in your life.
In obedience to our Lord’s ‘Great Commission’, we believe that our priority is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world.
Welcome to our eCampus
Sharing and Showing the Good News of Jesus
We were created for community. We would love for every guest and member to experience exactly that. Our Connect Groups are designed to help you “Learn Together: To Love God and Others”
GOD’S PERFECT DESIGN
God has a design for our lives. We see God’s design all around us: in the beauty of creation and in the unique creation of our own bodies. The Bible says God knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139). God personally designed us and has a purpose for our lives.
A BROKEN WORLD
Unfortunately, we can’t experience God’s perfect design because we live in a sin-broken world. We see evidence of this everywhere – in every crime, in sickness, and even in death. These all are results of sin. Our own sin takes us all to a place of brokenness. We try fixing our brokenness by focusing on other things such as careers, wealth, pleasure or other things. But all this just leads to more brokenness.
THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS!
God demonstrated his love towards us in that while we were still sinners (broken), He sent His Son to live a perfect life, die for our sins, and arise from the grave to conquer death. God gives anyone the promise of a restored and unbroken relationship with Him if they will admit they are a sinner, believe Jesus is God’s Son who paid for their sins, and believe God raised Him from the dead.


Il Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is an amazing sight to behold and is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. In fact, the only cathedral of any style in the world that are larger are St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. Although construction on the building began in 1386, it wasn’t until less than a hundred years ago that the final details were completed with its last gate being inaugurated on January 6, 1965. In 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte was about to be crowned King of Italy, he ordered the façade to be completed. Thanks to this order, within only seven years the Cathedral has its façade completed. As a form of thanks, a statue of Napoleon was placed at the top of one of the spires.
Located in the main square of Milan, you will notice that the city’s roads follow a spider web patter with the Duomo di Milano being the focal point. This incredible cathedral is adorned with 135 beautiful marble spires and well over 2,000 magnificent marble statues. The interior of the cathedral is filled with numerous monuments and artwork including the sarcophagi of the archbishops Ottone Visconti and Giovanni Visconti which were created back in the 14th century. Another main highlight of the cathedral interior are the three magnificent altars by renowned Italian architect & artists, Pellegrino Pellegrini. Be sure to check out the Renaissance marble altar which is decorated with gilt bronze statues in the right transept adjacent to the monument to Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano also called “Medeghino”.
Another must see during your visit to Duomo di Milano is the cathedrals rooftop, which is open to the public. The roof lets visitors enjoy many up close views of some of the most spectacular sculptures in the world and is most famous for the forest of openwork pinnacles and spires set upon the flying buttresses. Even to this day the cathedral is still constantly being repaired and maintained, from 2003- early 2009 the cathedral main façade underwent renovation and as of February 2009 it is once more showing the glorious colors of the Candoglia marble it is made of. The Cathedral of Milan is open to the public every day from 8:30 AM to 6:45 PM and is free to all visitors.
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COUN`TERFEIT, Forged; fictitious; false; fabricated without right; made in imitation of something else, with a view to defraud, by passing the false copy for genuine or original; as counterfeit coin; a counterfeit bond or deed; a counterfeit bill of exchange.
2 Assuming the appearance of something; false; hypocritical; as a counterfeit friend.
3 having the resemblance of; false; not genuine; as counterfeit modesty.
American Dictionary of the English Language
Noah Webster 1828
This is a brief description of the definition of counterfeit. But you get the idea of the word.
I write again today with sadness. I recently listened to a pastor who sounded so good that I all most fell for his sermons.
The thing is I know my bible well enough that I snapped to his false teaching of the "Rapture" of the Church.
Had I not known the "real" truth of the bible I would have fell for the counterfeit word that he preached.
The counterfeit is taught in seminaries world wide. Here is a brief definition of a seminary. According to Websters 1828.
A place of education; any school, academy, college or university, in which young persons are instructed in the several branches of learning which may qualify them for their future employment.
I would also say a seminary is a place of indoctrination. Which is being taught or instructed in a teaching of some sort. Could be science or religion, etc.
When a person is indoctrinated they are pretty much sold out to what they were taught. Assuming no need to check out what they were taught. Trusting can be dangerous.
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
That sounds serious. So do not trust in any one with your soul.
In the case of a bible seminary the pupil may be taught false or counterfeit teachings, man made doctrines.
As a young Christian 22 years ago I assumed that ALL preachers were telling me the truth. To my advantage I was in the bible all along. It was and is today the word of God that separated me from the counterfeit preaching and teachings.
About the "rapture". This is a counterfeit teaching, a man made doctrine. Which probably started late 1700s. 1830 was the year that it really took off through Darby and Margret McDonald. Do your own home work on this. It is not top secret.
The seminary twist the scripture so bad and the student who does not know any better takes what they are taught as being correct. The student, from what I have seen over 22 years never studies the whole bible. So they do not know what they were taught IS NOT compatible to the "real" word of God. The counterfeit gospel is taught there and then the new pastor teaches it to his congregation and the pew sitter repeats what he was taught.
The pew sitter rarely reads the bible. It is mainly for show. They dust it off once a week and carry it but they only know what they are being taught. IF they were here, pointing to my bible, they would not be sitting in a pew under counterfeit teachings. They have nothing to compare what they are being taught to. The lie, the counterfeit, goes on and on through the centenaries to be repeated over and over.
So this is how the counterfeit gospel is spread world wide. Satan, the father of lies, has his mission accomplished.
If only a person would not be so trusting. After all we are talking about our soul and where it WILL spend ALL eternity. We are told over and over in scripture to beware to take heed. We are told about the prophets in sheep`s clothing ( Matt 7:15).
2 Corinthians 11:13-14 v 13 For such are apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. v `14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
So here we have it. You should beware of what you are being taught. Remember a little leaven does leaven the whole lump. Know your bible well enough that you will know the counterfeit gospel from the real gospel.
Ezekiel 3:20-21, Ezekiel 18: 24, Ezekiel 33:12-14 tell us to warn the righteous
when they sin, notice it says when not if. So when someone teaches another gospel, 2 Corinthians 11:4 also Galatians 1:7-8-9 warn them.
Things will get worse so hold fast to the word of God. Remember the word of God will separate you from the apostate church.
Read Amos 8:11-12 and remember you are not alone. God always sees you and knows what is going on with you.
Secure In Christ,


Women have many roles and relationships. We are friends, neighbors, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, co-workers, and most importantly, daughters of God. Join with other women and discuss these roles that God has given us to fulfill. A series of 12 videos from well-known presenters will help us unwrap the many aspects and responsibilities of these relationships.
Offer women the chance to attend meetings with no preparation needed. Just show up to view the 20 minute presentation, and spend the next 20-40 minutes exploring, sharing, laughing, and sometimes crying, with your fellow sisters in Christ as you help each other become truer versions of yourself.
For fifty women or five. Parish center or living room. These presentations can be used in a weekly or monthly meeting format. They can also be used for a weekend retreat or as break-out sessions at a conference.


“Bombs every day, every day,” was Wasan’s answer when I asked why she, her husband, and their two little boys had to leave everything behind and flee their country.
I met Wasan, a Christian refugee from Iraq, four years ago this month. She and her family lived in Mosul until the bombs became too much and her husband got death threats from ISIS. In neighboring Jordan, they eked out a daily living and applied to be resettled to any third country where they could safely, legally rebuild their lives. After a long and rigorous vetting process, eventually these refugees were placed in the United States, in a small apartment just a few miles from my house. Today, their boys are tall and lanky, and they’re living in relative peace, praying for their loved ones still enduring persecution back home.
I’ve been befriending refugees in Arizona for more than 16 years, helping them integrate into American society and reaping the rewards of rich cross-cultural relationships. Today, I lead Phoenix Refugee Connections, a 12-year-old network of Christians across Phoenix walking in love with our refugee neighbors. We include about 800 people from 150 Valley churches, volunteering through a variety of local organizations and advocating for policies that honor our nation’s tradition of being a refuge for the oppressed — “a beacon of hope,” in the words of Ronald Reagan.
Prior to the Trump administration, when the U.S. led the world in resettling refugees, still less than 1% of the world’s refugees got the chance to resettle to a third country like the United States. Now, that fraction is even smaller. President Trump boasts that he has “done so much for religion,” but the numbers reveal he has done far less for persecuted Christians than any recent administration.
Recently, two Christian ministries — Open Doors USA and World Relief — released a shocking new report. “Closed Doors: Persecuted Christians and the U.S. Refugee Resettlement and Asylum Processes” details how drastically the U.S. has stepped back from offering refuge to those fleeing persecution on account of their faith. For example, in 2015, more than 18,000 Christian refugees were resettled to the United States from the 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution. Midway through 2020, fewer than 950 Christian refugees had arrived from these countries, on track for a decline of roughly 90%. The report also outlines harm done to other persecuted religious minorities. Our commitment to religious freedom must be for all, not just those who share our faith.
The decline is particularly stark for Christians from Iran, Iraq and Burma, all countries where Christians face especially harsh persecution. I have beloved refugee friends from all these nations — several of whom worship beside me at church on Sunday morning. As survivors of persecution, these people bring a faith that has been tested by fire, and our post-Christian American society needs them.
How can we boldly say we stand for religious liberty, but then cower and close our doors when it comes time to act on our values? “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Let us act on faith, not fear, and hold our leaders accountable to “not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in [our] power to act” (Proverbs 3:27).
Mary Kaech is executive director of Phoenix Refugee Connections and a member at Christ Church Anglican.


Imagine every local school working in partnership with a local church in their community with the support of the school district. With your support Shine will work to partner schools in need with churches in their community. Shine will resource the church with training, ongoing coaching, and materials to make their partnership a success.
By supporting Shine, you will make these partnerships a reality.
We believe there is a good news solution to the bad news problems in our city. Shine exists to bring together the mission and needs of the school with the resources of the church for the common good.
By providing teacher support, student enrichment, and family development our hope is that Shine partnerships will be a valuable, flexible resource for the school, while providing a context for the church to demonstrate love and serve the community. We believe that when students, their families, and teachers flourish, individual communities are strengthened. And we hope that as communities are strengthened, our city will become a safer, more compassionate place for generations to come.
DONATE BY CHECK
6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE Ste F-1
Albuquerque, NM, 87109
*All donations are tax deductible as prescribed by law; see your accountant.


Now Hiring: Administrator
Edinburgh City Mission was established in 1832 by David Nasmith, 6 years after he founded the first City Mission in Glasgow. Edinburgh City Mission looks very different today than it did in 1832, gone are the missionaries to the hansom cab drivers but the ethos of David Nasmith is with us today:
Edinburgh City Mission is directly involved in evangelistic outreach and aims to also be a catalyst for individuals and churches to engage in mission, endeavouring to show the love of God through sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, introducing people to a personal saviour, and making disciples.
About the Role
The Administrator, under the direction of the CEO will take responsibility for the running of the administration function including Admin and Financial recording, and is responsible for ensuring administrative and secretarial support to the CEO.
This post represents an opportunity for someone with previous experience to be involved in the redevelopment of Edinburgh City Mission’s existing administration department - co-ordinating and overseeing multiple areas of responsibility whilst aligning the department with the strategic aims of the organisation.
The post-holder will be expected to contribute to the organization’s overall strategy and operations.
This is a Part-Time role: 20 Hours/Week
Like us, you love it when things get done and you want to enable others to help you do it. You’re keen, motivated and enjoy a challenge. You are a good all-rounder with a can-do attitude. You understand the charity world and know how to help solve their problems.
All enquiries addressed to Interim-CEO Steve Wright
Download the Job Description & Person Specification and the Application below.
Please submit your Application & CV to email@example.com by noon Friday 23 June 2017.
Interviews will be scheduled w/b 17th July.
Please Note: Due to expected number of applications only shortlisted candidates will be notified of a successful application.


Cambridge University, England, published a three-volume work of solid scholarship entitled, The Cambridge History of the Bible. It is a gold-mine of information on that important subject. In the final and concluding volume of this work is a great tribute to the Bible written by one of the editors of this work, S. L. Greenslade:
“Any attempt to measure the moral influence of the Bible would be presumptuous. We must be content to indicate some of the ways in which it has been at work, if possible without injustice to the moral teaching of Greece and Rome and of other civilizations. Some of its simplest lessons have been among the most far-reaching in effect, lessons which could have been learned from elsewhere, but were in fact taught to most western men by the Bible, either directly or indirectly in the simple moral instruction of the Church. Thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness; speak the truth, hold to your word, help other people, look after the poor, the widow and the orphan—the simple elements of personal ethics on which a decent society depends—these are not specifically biblical, but they have been drummed into us through the Bible, and, despite St. Paul’s excellent psychology in the seventh chapter of Romans (‘I had not known coveting, except the law said, Thou shalt not covet’), there must have been multitudes of beneficial moral decisions taken ‘because the Bible tells me to.’ That for centuries, generation after generation of Europeans and Americans have learned by heart the Commandments and the Beatitudes and the Parable of the Good Samaritan is a major, though incalculable, factor in their history. . .. When every necessary qualification and admission has been made, it remains surpassingly true that the Bible has been the preeminent source of moral reform, individual and social, for the western world.”
Great words about a great Book. One never wastes time reading the Classic of all classics.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!


As I sit in the hospital watching my dad as the nurses and doctors come and go I wonder what he is thinking. My dad has a tumor on his brain that is causing seizures and short term memory loss. I think he has to know something is wrong but his memory won’t let him remember what that is. I thank God for that. It breaks my heart to see such a vibrant man a few months ago be so lost.
My dad served in the Navy and supported seven kids through some tough times.
He is a great man of faith in God. He knows that God is watching over him. My mom told me yesterday that he is not afraid of dying and that he knows where he is going. What a great reminder of where our faith should be. That we should not be afraid of death or any other worldly enemy or disease.
I thank God for all the lessons that my Dad has taught me. Even today as I watch him I see lessons. You smile and laugh even in the worst of times.
One thing for sure he is surrounded by family.
Categories: Rants and Raves


Success in the Workplace: Discovering God's Plan for You
We are each uniquely gifted with certain skills and abilities. We have been given those gifts in the mixture that we have to serve God and further His Kingdom. Unfortunately, so many of us miss the boat in finding where and how to apply those skills where we spend the majority of our time in the workplace!!
Most people spend more time with their co-workers than their own families. Isn't it time you learned where and how that time should be spent? Join us to learn God's purpose for you in the workplace - what has He equipped you to do? Where has He called you to serve through your job?
What do I need?
Come have your hope restored and vision focused. The only textbook required for this course is your Bible. BRING IT!! You'll need it.
When is it?
The next session starts September 19th. It will be held on Sundays at 12:30pm.
Other opportunities may be announced so check back often!


Reverend Ann L. Ott is a pastor, international minister, prophet and teacher, founder and director of In His Presence Ministries Church and Ministries. Ann has a powerful testimony of God's saving and healing power. Ann has been healed of cancer, hypoglycemia, depression, colitis, arthritis, and allergies. Ann comes from a family line rich in Christian ministry leadership including being the daughter of a Christian pastor.
Ann has founded the In His Presence Ministries Church. Ann has led many mission teams on short-term mission trips to lead crusades and provide Christian leadership training in many countries in Africa, the Philippine Islands, and India. The Crusades experienced crowds as large as 40,000 with many miracles and healings reported. Ann teaches equipping conferences in the U.S. and around the world where hundreds come to understand how to recognize the Voice of God in their lives and be trained to minister the revelation of God.
Ann has written Christian training manuals and pamphlets. Ann and the IHP Leadership train and ordain Christian ministers. Ann’s teaching and preaching messages are available to purchase or view through the website and in the church services. The church streams and archives videos of the church services and training which are available on the website.
For information on scheduling a conference, crusade, seminar, or a single speaking engagement, please contact Rev. Ann Ott at 281-804-8890 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
In His Presence Ministries
Rev. Ann Ott
Founder & President


So, today I was driving home from a friend's house and this song came on the radio.
*Come As You Are - Pocketful Of Rocks*
He's not mad at you
He's not disappointed
His grace is greater still,
than all of your wrong choices
He is full of mercy and he is ever kind
Hear his invitation, His arms are open wide
You can come as you are,
with all your broken pieces
And all your shameful scars
The pain you hold in your heart,
bring it all to Jesus
You can come as you are
Louder than the voice that whispers your unworthy
Hear the sound of love,
that tells a different story
Shattering your darkness and pushing through the lies
How tenderly he calls you,
His arms are open wide
This song really reminded me of my experience with YWAM and how I was so broken and scarred before I went. God really healed me and washed me white as snow.
Something I have been really trying to give up to God since I have been home is not looking back. I have an ugly past, I know this. But what I have to keep reminding myself of is "I am a new creation in Christ." What I did in the past doesn't matter anymore. Satan tells me lies all the time like: "You're broken, you're unworthy", or "Nobody could ever love you, you're filthy." Those are such lies. What matters is that I live for Christ now. Everything I do revolves around Him and I have nothing to be ashamed of anymore. Since I have been home, I have heard comments that just break my heart, but like I said, I have to keep reminding myself to look forward and focus on who I am now. Whatever people say about me, I must focus on the Lord, and what He has brought me through and how He has brought me to be the person I am now today. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO GO BACK TO MY OLD WAYS. I LIVE FOR CHRIST NOW.
On another note, it's been so hard being home and hearing friends talk about stupid things that don't matter in the kingdom of God. We are here for ONE reason and that is to bring others to Christ. That is the ONLY reason. Get it through your heads people. It doesn't matter who you're dating, how much money you have, what outfit you're going to where to a party...IT DOESN'T MATTER. The Lord wants our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. That means our hearts should hurt for things His heart hurts for, and that our minds our pure and holy like His, and that our bodies are serving Him, and our souls are in tune with His. God is our only hope. And there are people our there who have never heard about Jesus. That's a challenge to me. I want to go out there and find those people, as hard as it might be, I have the Lord on my side. How much better can it get?
I don't really know what the main point of this post is. I guess it's that I am so madly in love with my Christ Jesus that I want to scream it from every mountain top (so cliche, but true). He is who I rely on everyday, not myself. Like, the other night when I sang in front of about 75 homeless people. I had to sing 12 songs! That's a lot for a voice that's never been trained or for a person who was nervous as heck. ha ha. But I had to rely on the fact that I was worshipping our Almighty God and He deserves everything I can give Him. So as bad as my voice sounded, I worshipped Him with all my heart. I just love how God provides for us in such mysterious ways. It keeps me longing for more and more of Him.
"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. O, Lord I give my life to you, I trust in you, my God! The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness, all who keep his covenant and obey his demands."


Crossroads Kids: Where teams are committed to equipping a new generation to serve Jesus wherever they go. We invite those who are willing to invest in kids from infants to fourth graders. Most opportunities take place on Sunday mornings.
Crossroads Youth: We invite leaders who will equip students to find refuge and transformation in Jesus through authentic community. Weekly gatherings take place Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, plus various events.
Worship & Tech
Worship at Crossroads is designed to be one aspect of a whole life of worship. This team includes people who sing or play an instrument; run live sound, media, or video; and prepare for communion.
Our team strives to worship in such a manner that both leads the congregation and yet gets out of the way and avoids distracting the congregation from worshiping God.
Connections is focused on providing hospitality and refuge. This team consists of greeters and connectors, who intentionally engage with people to make them feel welcome on Sunday mornings.
This is the arm of the body that commits to pray for the expressed individual requests/needs of our Crossroads family. Many people serve by praying throughout the week, and during services.
So many important behind-the-scenes tasks are carried out each week by these teams. These teams tidy up the sanctuary, answer the phones, input data, provide hospitality, support Family Ministries, and more!
When someone in our community experiences a major life event, we want to come alongside them with support. This team joins a contact list to assist with providing meals or small gifts, as well as opportunities for one-on-one support through Stephen Ministry.
These teams exist to meet the needs of our local and global communities through school partnerships, missions, and with our partner organizations. Some examples of how people on these teams serve include: create supply kits, serve at special events, short-term mission trips, and serve with local organizations.


Did the Star of Bethlehem really exist?
What was the star of Bethlehem? Did it really exist? And could there be an astronomical explanation for the story of the star that guided the Magi?
Around December, in the run-up to Christmas, talk turns once again to the story of the Christmas Star, or the Star of Bethlehem, that supposedly guided three wise men - the 'Magi' - to the birth of Jesus Christ.
But who were the Magi and what was the Christmas star that persuaded them to travel across hundreds of miles of desert? Did the star of Bethlehem really exist?
Is there any reference to the story in the history of astronomy?
The Gospel according to Matthew contains one of the most famous passages in the Bible: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and we have come to worship him.”
If we're serious about considering the possibility of an actual star of Bethlehem having existed and incorporated into the story of the birth of the son of God, we can immediately rule out the blazing celestial orb that adorns our Christmas cards.
But what was the Star of Bethlehem? Did it exist, and can astronomy find an explanation?
Possible explanations for the Star of Bethlehem
Since 221BC, Chinese astronomers had been recording everything that unexpectedly disturbed the tranquility of the night sky, including ‘broom stars’ (comets) and ‘guest stars’ (novae and supernovae).
But there’s no mention of any such ‘guest stars’ around the time that Jesus was supposedly born.
The Chinese did report a ‘broom star’ that swept across the sky in 12BC – none other than Halley’s Comet.
An unforgettable view of Halley’s Comet in 1301 inspired Giotto di Bondone to paint one of the most famous depictions of the Star of Bethlehem, as a blazing comet hanging over the stable. But 12BC was too early for Halley’s Comet to have been the Star.
More like this
Cambridge scientist Colin Humphreys believes Chinese astronomers spotted another comet in 5BC, but oriental records tell us it was a dim specimen, unlikely to coerce the wise men away from home.
Who were the three wise men?
The very phrase ‘wise men’ gives us a clue to what might have triggered their great journey. This is a modern translation of the word Greek ‘magi’, which also gives us our words ‘magic’ and ‘magician’. The wise men were actually astrologers.
They were not interested in exploding stars or comets, but looked instead at the motion of the planets. And in 7BC, the planets Jupiter and Saturn performed a very unusual tango, much like we saw in 2021 with the the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December.
Three times that year – in May, September and December – they came close together, and then parted again. This triple conjunction would have intrigued the magi, but would have meant nothing to Herod’s counsellors or to the Chinese skywatchers.
It was the German astronomer Johannes Kepler who first mooted this idea. He based it on a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars that he observed in 1604, when a brilliant star – a supernova – suddenly appeared near them. More on this below.
Exploring the Star of Bethlehem mystery
Sheffield astronomer David Hughes championed a version of this theory in his 1979 book The Star Of Bethlehem Mystery.
Dismissing the idea of the supernatural star, he proposed that the magi were inspired by the triple conjunction of Jupiter (the King of the Planets) and Saturn (Planet of Justice) in Pisces: the zodiacal sign of the Jewish nation.
The magi didn’t even need to see the conjunction, though, as they could have calculated what the planets were up to.
This prompted American historian Michael Molnar to calculate all the planetary conjunctions at that time. The result? An even more remarkable event invisible to the naked eye.
On 17 April 6BC, Jupiter was rising just before the Sun (an important time known as heliacal rising), when it was occulted by the Moon.
It was a rare and astrologically important event, supposedly foretelling a royal birth. However, none of the explanations is particularly convincing.
The planetary conjunction doesn’t match Matthew’s description of a single star, nor the fact that the star “went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the child was”.
There’s another problem too, as Matthew’s gospel repeats almost exactly an ancient Jewish account of the birth of Abraham:
“When the astrologers of Nimrod left the house, they lifted up their eyes towards Heaven to look at the stars, and one great star came from the east and ran athwart the Heavens.”
Matthew was writing soon after a genuine expedition of Eastern magi, led by the Armenian king Tiridates, had arrived in Rome.
They had fallen at Nero’s feet, exclaiming: “I have come to you, my god, to worship you” – just as the wise men, according to Matthew, “saw the Child with Mary, and fell to the ground and worshipped him”.
This was in AD66, when Halley’s Comet was blazing in the sky. So perhaps, ironically, Halley’s Comet did have a role in the Nativity story, in inspiring Matthew.
It prompted him to furnish his account with a special star that matched Abraham’s prenatal spectacle and upstaged Tiridates’s adoration of the pagan Nero.
As a devoted biographer, Matthew was compelled to write a brilliant Star of Bethlehem into his script. Ultimately, however, it’s unlikely we’ll ever know the true mystery of the star of Bethlehem for sure.
Was the Star of Bethlehem a great conjunction?
This was the cause put forward in 1603 by the great German astronomer and mathematician, Johannes Kepler, after he had observed a Great Conjunction himself.
Today, we know of Kepler because of his groundbreaking work on the orbits of the planets and his three laws of planetary motion published in 1609 and 1619, but he was also an accomplished astrologer.
It was this, coupled with his own Christian beliefs that led to his fascination with the true identity of the Star of Bethlehem.
He began to wonder if the ‘star’ the Magi followed in the story of the nativity was actually a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and soon began work tracking the planets’ motions backwards through space and time to see if a plausible event could be found.
He came to the conclusion that the giant planets were indeed in conjunction in the year 7 BC, in the constellation of Pisces, with a separation of a degree at best.
And this happened not just once but three times, on 27 May, 6 October and 1 December. The genius of Kepler may hold the answer to one of Christianity’s biggest mysteries.
This article originally appeared in the December 2010 and December 2020 issues of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.


The characteristic and the main thrust of our ministry is preaching and teaching the scriptures rightly divided and getting people to maintain a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Two key scriptures are.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:18-19 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Statement of Faith
The ministry, activities and employment at the at George and Ruth Ryland Ministries is always based upon and at all times consistent with the following beliefs.
The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament, in their original writing, are fully inspired of God, and are therefore the supreme and final authority for life.
There is one eternal God, who exists in three Persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God created all things and also created man in His own image and His own likeness.
Adam, the first man, sinned and thereby incurred the penalty of sin, which is death physical and spiritual; that all human beings, sin at the age of accountability, and are thereafter personally guilty and responsible for their sin before God.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and was conceived, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by a virgin named Mary, and His deity and humanity are fully taught by scripture.
The Lord Jesus Christ made atonement for the sins of the world through the shedding of His blood, His substitutionary death, burial, bodily resurrection, ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God.
All those who turn away from all false hopes of salvation, believe that atonement for sins was made by the Lord Jesus Christ, confess Him as Lord and immediately demonstrate their faith, receive salvation as a present possession, having been justified by His shed blood.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, is a promise for all believers, throughout the church age, and is received with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues, with the potential for the manifestation all the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and the ministry gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher and the various motivational gifts.
The Lord Jesus Christ will rapture the church from the earth when He will appear at the end of the gospel era.
There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust, the eternal blessedness of the redeemed in heaven, and the eternal banishment to hell of those who have rejected the offer of salvation.
There is only one true universal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth with the other part in heaven, and it is comprised of all those who have been born again.
All believers should belong to a local church and submit under the authority of its leadership as they endeavour to implement the Word of God.
The Lord Jesus Christ appointed two ordinances for the Church, namely, Immersion in Water and Communion, that are to be regularly observed as acts of obedience and as perpetual witnesses to the cardinal facts of the Christian faith.
The Lord Jesus Christ has a dynamic present-day ministry as Advocate, Intercessor and as High Priest over the House of God receives tithes and offerings.
Divine healing was provided for in the Old Testament and is an integral part of the Gospel and the New Testament.
The Bible teaches, that without holiness, no man will see the Lord and that sanctification must commence at the time of the new birth and continue until death or the coming of Christ.
The Church is open to any further truth, which the Holy Spirit may illuminate from the scriptures.
Heterosexual relationships are to be between a natural man and a natural woman within the lawful confines of one marriage. Adherence to this stated principle of sexual behaviour is an inherent requirement for membership of and employment at George and Ruth Ryland Ministries.


The Gift of the Holy Ghost/Spirit
As time broadens the gap between Creation and the present day, the further this world drifts away from God and the truth: Prayer has been taken out of our schools, evolution is taught instead of creation, the Ten Commandments are not permitted in the courts, “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is claimed offensive, morality is at an all time low, and spiritual wickedness is flourishing. The list goes on and on. Any one who denies this must be spiritually blind or in self-denial.
The topic of this study is two-fold: (One): What is the “Gift of the Holy Ghost / Spirit”? The most common answer being, the gift of everlasting life, but is that the right answer? And (Two): Should this “Gift” be called the “Gift of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit?”
In the early English translations “Holy Ghost” was always used in conjunction with the “Gift.” It was not until the 1900’s that “Holy Ghost” was changed to “Holy Spirit.” It seems that answer has been lost in all the translations and opinions that have surfaced. If we will just focus on WHAT this “Gift of the Holy Ghost / Holy Spirit” is, and the spiritual understanding, the proper translation should take care of itself. Now, for the purpose of consistency, from this point forward the term “Holy Ghost” will now be used, and all scripture quotes will come from the 17th century KJV.
THE “THING RECEIVED” OR THE “GIVER”
A gift is an un-earned object or action, freely given by someone to another. Since “The Gift of the Holy Ghost” is the topic of this paper, we need to establish one major thing before we continue any further: Who or what is the “Holy Ghost” part of the phrase? Is the Holy Ghost (1) the gift that is received , or is the Holy Ghost (2) the one who gave the gift? This will make a huge difference discerning this topic. Think about it for a minute…
For an example: God has created an olive seed. There is no place to plant the olive seed, so God creates a garden just for the seed. The seed can’t produce a tree or the fruit of the tree unless that seed dies and is buried. Afterward, it becomes a beautiful olive tree loaded with olives so everyone who chooses can partake of the fruit. Now, one of these perfect olives has been given to you. As you hold up this precious object, rejoicing over the favor shown to you, should you say: “I have received the “Gift of the Olive” (meaning the thing received), or, “I have received the “Gift of the Seed” (meaning the one who gave the gift)? In Matthew 23:17-19, Yeshua Himself gives us the answer.
Matthew 23:17-19 [Ye] fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. [Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater,the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
Yeshua makes it very clear, the one who sanctifies is greater than the gift. The Holy Ghost sanctifies the gift. The Holy Ghost is not the Gift but rather the Holy Ghost identifies the one who gave or sanctified the gift:
The Gift (thing received) of the Holy Ghost (the Giver)
SIN ENTERED GOD'S DWELLING PLACE
Now, to understand what this “Gift” is that’s given by the Holy Ghost (the giver), we need to start at the beginning. We are God’s creation, God breathed into Adam's nostrils and he became a living soul, and God wishes to dwell with us.
Gen. 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Mat. 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us.
Rev. 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
When sin entered the world, Adam, who was created a living soul, became mortal and died. Through this sin, we also became mortal (Rom. 6:12). How then can God dwell with us?
The blood of bulls, goats, calves, and heifers cannot take sin away. Sin entered in by man and must be taken out by man. For this cause, God gave His only begotten Son, who freely gave His own life, so that by Him, where in there was no sin, came the only acceptable sacrifice for the death of sins in our own lives. Our sins are blotted out with His own blood.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
THE LIFE OF THE SON
In John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him SHOULD-not-perish [no idle words] but have everlasting life [opposite of perishing].” Is just believing enough? In James 2:19 we read that devils believe too, and tremble. They even said to Yeshua, “I know who you are, you’re the Holy One of Israel.” This is where the “should-not-perish” comes in. As stated before, a gift is an un-earned object or action, given by someone. The transfer and acceptance of the gift needs to take place completing the transaction.
If the gift is refused, denied, or unused by the intended person, he does not have the benefit of the gift; it is of none effect. Thus, he should not have perished; all he needed to do was receive the gift, allowing it to work in his life. This is the difference in just believing (not having the gift, Yeshua) compared to your spirit confessing Him in both faith and works (receiving the gift, Yeshua). It is written that you cannot please God without faith; but also, faith without the works is dead (of none effect). Works is the outward evidence of your faith.
In Hebrews chapter 9 we find, when there is a testament made, there also must be the shedding of blood. That shedding of blood seals the testament. It is the blood of the testator (the one making the testament) that is shed and thereby resulting in the death of the testator. Yeshua said that except a seed dies and goes into the ground it cannot bring forth fruit; Yeshua is that Seed. The gift God gave was His Son and the gift the Son gave was His own life for the remission of sins so that in turn we might give ourselves to become a Holy dwelling place for the Living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The fruit [harvest, or results] of the life [the works] of Yeshua [Holy One of Israel] and the shedding of His blood [the life of the flesh] resulted in His death [giving up the Ghost, last breath] for the remission of our sins [blotted out with His own blood] unto everlasting life.
As said before, the “Gift of the Holy Ghost” is that which came through the sacrifice of Yeshua, who took our place in death, blotting out our sins with his own blood so that we might be able to stand before God as a new Creature, without sin, to becoming a Holy dwelling place for the Living God, a place not made with hands.
Now, since our God is the one True God, the Eternal God of the Living, and Yeshua, His Son, is alive for evermore, the fruit or result of the Father and the Son dwelling in us just happens to be eternal life. Eternal life is NOT the Gift; Eternal life is the record that God gave to bear witness that you have the Son in your life. Yes, eternal life is a precious thing beyond words, but what made it possible is truly The Gift (“The Gift of the life of the Son or Holy Ghost”).
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Acts 7:48-51 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and un-circumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: and your fathers did, so do ye.
Yeshua said the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, couldn’t come except that He goes away.He understood this and willingly endured the pain of being beaten, tortured, and humiliated, only to be nailed to tree later that same day until He was dead. He freely gave His life in exchange for ours.
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost…….
AND HE BREATHED
After His resurrection, Yeshua appeared to His disciples and did something very unique, which usually goes totally un-noticed. He did the very same thing His Father did in the beginning at creation:
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [the Comforter, or Holy Ghost (Yeshua) dwelling in them]
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. …[The Holy Ghost is a “he” not a thing]
God gave the “first breath” and man became a living soul. Sin crept in; man became mortal, and died. The “second breath” represents receiving the Comforter (Holy Ghost, or Yeshua) dwelling in us.
When we are submerged in the water of baptism, we symbolically enter into His death, showing the death and burial to sin in our own lives. When we are raised (resurrected) out of the water, the first thing we do is spiritually draw in that breath receiving the Comforter or Yeshua to dwell in us. As Paul said, ”I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Surely a “third breath” is yet to come when the dead in Christ are raised and we are changed in the twinkling of an eye, putting on immortality.
John 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Instead of looking at the “Gift” as “what we get,” we should see and understand the “Gift” as: what was done and who did it. Yeshua’s (Jesus’) unselfish gift makes it possible for those who will, confess Him with their mouth, believe with their heart unto righteousness, and ask Him to enter our lives, to receive the Father and the Son dwelling in us. God writes His laws in our hearts instead of on stone tablets inside a box.
Hebrews 10:15-17 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covanant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their heats, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
IS IT THE HOLY GHOST OR THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Now, should this be called the gift of the “Holy Ghost” or the “Holy Spirit?” The books called the “Old Testament” were translated from the original Hebrew into English. In our English translation, the English word: “Ghost” was translated from the Hebrew word: [Gava` (gaw-vah')] and the English word: “Spirit” from the Hebrew word: [Ruwach (roo'-akh)]. Both are translated as two entirely different words having similar meanings but yet, not totally the same.
Take for instance, an apple. If the “Old Testament” calls it an apple in one place, but in another place calls it fruit, both are correct. But when it is called an apple, it applies directly to a certain particular word picture and meaning. God said that Jacob was the apple of His eye. It takes on a whole new meaning to say that Jacob was the fruit of His eye. We understand how special Jacob was when the word apple is used. God has sanctified Jacob by saying that he is the apple of His eye.
We are not so fortunate in the New Testament. The Greek does not firmly distinguish between Ghost and Spirit, as if to say: “There is no such word for apple, all of it is called fruit.” So, to which understanding should we lean, the Hebrew or the Greek?… NEITHER, we need to remember what the Messiah said back in Matthew 23, “the Altar sanctifies the Gift.” The proper understanding of the phrase “Gift of the Holy Ghost” is the “Gift of Who Gave It,” or who sanctified it.
The very message portrayed by using the phrase, “HOLY SPIRIT,” tends to make one think in terms of a gift or thing that’s received, instead of the Giver or Sanctifier. On the other hand, “HOLY GHOST,” even by the very word picture itself, shouts the very message of the Altar, Sacrifice, and Death that was endured by Yeshua who is the “Sanctifier” of the real Gift which is the remission of our sins, blotted out with His own blood, by laying down his own life for us.
The early English translations that were known by our great grandfathers, including The Tyndale 1525, Bishop’s Bible 1568, Coverdale 1535, the Great Bible (preceeding the KJB), The Geneva Bible (the Pilgrims Bible) and yes, the Old King James, all which, by the way, is accepted to be the Word of God by Divine Guidance and Inspiration, always translated and used the phrase as “Holy Ghost” when pertaining to the Gift, Comforter, and Salvation through the sacrifice of the Messiah.
Comforter: Parakletos (par-ak'-lay-tos); Noun Masculine, Strong #: 3875 summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid
Ghost: Pneuma (pnyoo'-mah); Word Origin: Greek, Noun Neuter, Strong #: 4151 3.b. a human soul that has left the body
THE SUBTLE CHANGES AND BY WHO’S ATHORITY?
Since the 1900’s, additional Bible versions have evolved, all claiming to offer a better understanding without corrupting the meanings. Many words have been changed, entire phrases, and even whole verses have been blotted out! Please, consider the source of these changes and the theories they want you to adopt.
These men who, quote: “want to give you a better understanding,” are the same ones making and enforcing changes that walk hand in hand, embracing the rapture theory, and, while doing away with the Commandments of GOD, tell you “the church has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people,” making Him out to be a liar! By whose authority do they make these changes? (Notice: All of the changes to so-call “modernize the scriptures” seem to target our Messiah, attemptimg to lessen or de-value His work!) Adopt God not traditions of men.
Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
In Genesis we read, the serpent is more subtle than the other beasts. These men or committees, who ever they are, have taken phrases such as: “Holy Ghost,” which by the-very-word-picture-itself, directly signifies the Messiah’s death and His blood that took away the sins of the world, and using replacement theology, have changed it to the phrase: “Holy Spirit.”
This word change, intent ally or not, subtlety dilutes the spiritual significance and cushions the impact of this unselfish sacrifice freely given to us by the Son of God; thereby, lessening and even potentially undermining the very meaning of the work of the Messiah. This word substitution is so subtle that it falls suspect to an attempt being made by the enemy of GOD to fade the Son, His blood, His death, and His resurrection out of the equation of our Salvation. If they can do that, we are yet dead in our sins; No one comes to the Father except by the Son.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
As a brother in the faith said, “Satan will tell you 97% of the truth to get that 3% worth of lies by you.” There is more than enough truth to conceal the lies of confusion he wishes to spread. Satan and his one-world-order cults are predators; the world is the goal; and God’s people are his prey.
At the time of the apostles, not everyone may have known about Yeshua just yet, but everyone in the whole known world had heard of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the miracles of this Holy God. Now, with the entire world having heard of this God, who is a Spirit (John 4:24), how can the men of Acts 19:2 sound so spiritually blind especially since they already believe in God and they had already been baptized? It just doesn’t make sense using the post 1900’s translation:
Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit.
Using the original translation, we see a noticeable difference in the interpretation and meaning:
Acts 19:2-6 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The verse below also makes sense when the proper word understanding is used; choose for yourself:
John 7:39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet [given]; because that Yeshua was not yet glorified.
John 7:39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Yeshua was not yet glorified…
WHERE IS THE HEAVENLY RECORD?
A more blatant display of post 1900’s change is found 1Jonh 5:7, Or should it be said NOT found? Try and find it in any NIV or RAS…The HEAVENLY RECORD has been stripped out!
1John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one….[This entire verse has been deleted!]
If verse 7 were there, it wouldn’t match the post 1900’s theme. Because in verse 8 we find three Earthly Counterparts that match the Heavenly Record, confounding their whole theory:
1John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Using Holy Spirit, try to match the Heavenly Record with their Earthly counterparts:
Heaven: FATHER WORD HOLY SPIRIT
Earth : WATER BLOOD SPIRIT
Match the Heavenly three with their Earthly counterparts using the original translations. This is easily done using Holy Ghost.
Heaven: FATHER WORD HOLY GHOST
Earth : SPIRIT WATER BLOOD
If this paper included a detailed study comparing the Spirit of God and the Holy Ghost, we would see where it is by the Spirit we are wooed, led, sanctified, drawn, or sealed, but it is the Holy Ghost who does the work: creates, teaches, instructs, reveals, prophesies, or comforts. The Spirit pertains to the Father, and the Holy Ghost pertains to work of the Son. Who created us? God did. Who did the work? The Son did. It is written; “by Him [the Son] and for Him all things were created.”
To blaspheme against the Holy Ghost is refusing or denying the gift that came by the life of the Son of God in His death, burial, and resurrection. That gift is the remission of our sins blotted out with His own blood that we might be able to stand before the Living God as a new creature without sin, becoming a dwelling place for GOD, not made with hands. Eternal life is not the gift; eternal life is the record (1John 5:11-12) that God gave to bear witness that we have the Son in our life. Those who refuse, reject, or speak against the Holy Ghost, should-not-have-perished had they only accepted the life of the Son dwelling and working in their own lives.
Mat.12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge…


|Welcome to our website!|
The Southern New England Presbytery is committed to being an AUTHENTIC expression of a regional church wherein Christian charity,
orthodoxy and mission are expressed in and through our formal and informal deliberations and activities together as becoming
of those called by God to be the mediatorial body of Christ.|
As a regional church, we desire that all three marks of the church be genuinely expressed at the presbytery level
as through the ministry of word, sacraments and discipline/care giving in order to mediate
the redeeming presence of Christ into the lives of our teaching and ruling elders together with the people of our local churches.
We are further committed to shepherding, mission and leadership development for the glory of Christ as expressed through our ministry teams.
Therefore, as a church committed to Christian charity, we seek to guide our discussions as after the counsel of God
's word concerning love, humility and fairness in Christian conversation and especially we seek to honor the implications of the
ninth commandment as noted in the Westminster Larger Catechism.
As a confessional church, we desire a vision for ministry that is more theologically driven and less procedurally driven-- albeit with procedures that respect
Christian charity, trust, orthodoxy and mission as noted above. As a missional church, we recognize that Southern New England is a "frontier" region relative to the PCA,
and that the church is an essential element of the gospel such that our first priority for mission is church planting in Southern New England in a cooperating manner.
We also target those campuses within proximity to PCA churches and/or church planting efforts in order to reach the "nations" that have assembled in our
many Universities in Southern New England. We also recognize that as of yet, the PCA in Southern New England does not reflect the ethnic "face"
of our region as especially represented in our cities such that an effort is being made to better approximate the multi-national complexion of the
heavenly church "on earth as it is in heaven."


As a member of St. Andrew, I love serving the congregation through my role as secretary. God has truly blessed me through my work here.
In addition to working at the church, I also play saxophone with the Praise Team. I am a wife and a mother who finds great joy in taking care of my family and in my free time, I sell Premier Designs Jewelry and enjoy many crafting hobbies.
For years, St. Andrew has helped me grow and mature in every area of my life and I am truly thankful to God for such a great church home!
Shannon G. Morris


Alaskan Adventures, Vol. 6
|Sunset last night was gorgeous. King Ranch/Kingdom Air Corps is the light green patch along the river.
After my last post, some of you may be wondering how the Lord is working in my heart. I merely hinted here and there that He was leading me towards missions in these far-north villages. For now, I'll just say that I'm starting to make steps in this direction.
|The Wickers visiting Kingdom Air Corps :)
One of these steps was attending the SEND North Conference in Anchorage this week. It was really good to connect with the leadership and missionaries serving in Alaska and Northern Canada. Below are some excerpts from my journal of the conference.
Today was the first day of SEND North Conference in Anchorage. It was a really good experience for me as I start pursuing missions in northern Alaska. Spent most of the day with the Wickers, but also connected again with Brad Fox and others. Warren Janzen initiated conversation with me during the group picture and continued talking with me through lunch. I really appreciated his initiation to see where I was at and what the Lord is doing in my heart this summer.
It's definitely a different feeling here than at our Russia conferences. Perhaps because I don't know anyone, but for sure a different atmosphere. Each village is different with different cultures and different strategies/methods. I think it's easy for people to feel alone and disconnected more than other fields.
I also met Derek, who went to college with my dad. He said my dad was key for him pursuing missions through SEND.
Had another good day at Conference. Aaron, Tisha, and Oksana came today for the morning session. I was able to meet some more neat people like Steven who is in the media/fundraising side of things. He mentioned the need for help in that department, which I could maybe help with in addition to ministry. Video stories would be great to share with people in the lower 48 to raise awareness of village life and needs for funds.
Talked with Mark who is serving on Kodiak island. The people there are majority Russian orthodox influenced. Share many of the same struggles that we have in Russia.
The last day of conference was very encouraging. I appreciated the guest speaker's message about boasting in our weaknesses. His message was a huge encouragement to many in the room feeling discouraged in their ministry. He was very down-to-earth about the realities of ministry.
I talked with Don Ernst over lunch, who was really helpful. He is the director of ministry or something like that - he assigns people to locations and travels a lot to keep track of how each missionary is doing in their area. He has lots of wisdom and experience in village life in Alaska.
We played softball after lunch, and had a great time. I hit a couple homers and earned the name "slugger" from Brad Fox. Warren Janzen was also impressed and said, "After seeing the way you play softball I knew you were a SEND-er!" He was pretty impressive himself, and I hear he plays volleyball and basketball too. Would love playing with him sometime.
Overall I'm really glad I stayed for the entire conference. It was just a series of more steps of faith towards pursuing missions up north. I'm not sure what this next year will look like, but the Lord has been so faithful so far and I know He will see it through.
Please be praying for me during this time. I need wisdom and grace each day!
P.S. I finally got out fishing more today! Devlin, Tim and his dad, and I went to Bonnie Lake with a boat and caught a bunch of rainbow trout. I also caught a grayling!
|Holding up our spoils! :)


Our congregation has been having fun with "Stewardship Jeopardy" on Sunday mornings. "Stewardship Jeopardy" is a sort of parody of the game show "Jeopardy." All the questions have to do with stewardship and how faithful giving supports the ministry of the church and also the mission of the church. We've been reminded that our giving supports Habitat for Humanity, Crossroads Connection prison ministry, Siena-Francis House and the Ambassador.
And, talking about jeopardy has been helpful to me. Jeopardy means being in danger of failure or loss or harm. Yet, stewardship means trusting God with our lives and our resources. "Stewardship Jeopardy" is almost an oxymoron, like 'jumbo shrimp,' or 'awful good.' When we practice stewardship – giving a portion of resources back to God – our lives become filled with faithfulness and gain and well-being.
Stewardship is a faith practice. It takes mindfulness and prayer. And, it is a way of drawing closer to God. I hope that you will consider growing in stewardship – you will gain and so will those around you.
Peace to you!


And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. Genesis 2:18
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. Genesis 2:22
Hey there ladies! I’ve got so many thoughts on these verses that I’m already stumped. However, here it is!
Yes, Adam was made first and God had a wonderful plan for him. He was given dominion over the earth. In other words, Adam was to rule as a 5-Star General.
I surely respect God’s order and hierarchy of Man as the head. God did make Eve (i.e. us ladies) as a ‘help meet!’ Help Meet is defined as a companion or helper. We are designed to assist the man and aid him. We were not created from the bones in his head that he would LORD over us or from bones in his feet that he would trample us. We were created from his rib to be able to walk alongside him throughout life (sort of as a 4-Star General).
Soooo, square those shoulders, keep those heads up and upright! 5-Star vs. 4-Star, a General is still a General! As the man is the HEAD, we are the NECK! Ah ha, you’ve never seen a HEAD move without a NECK!!!!! Grow the ‘Neck’ vision. For the most part, that Head is never aware that it’s being propelled by the neck. A well-oiled neck moves the head into areas that it thought it was moving on its on!
What type of oil should you use? Oil that is lubricated with soft words and seasoned with smart ‘1-step ahead’ thoughts. Oil that has been marinated in thoughts such as ‘It’s ok if he thinks it’s his idea, I am the neck that’s acting as his GPS.’
Help Meet + Help Mate = General Neck! YOU GOT THIS GIRLS! Go get em!!!!


Becoming Nicodemus: The Florentine Pieta
A Lenten Devotion on Michelangelo’s Personal Sculpture
In 2011 I was a guest blogger for my church's Lenten devotions. I thought I would share it with you as well as there's a little faith, a little travel, and a lot of Italy infused.
Behind the Duomo -- in the center of historic Florence, Italy -- sits a small museum. The sign over the door simply reads, “Museo” -- not particularly strong advertising which probably explains the lack of crowds in this museum. But the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo holds one of Michelangelo’s most personal and dramatic works of art: the Florentine Pieta.
When, at the age of 24, Michelangelo finished the better-known "Rome Pieta," he became an instant celebrity. But that stunning, polished work is the composition of a younger man... one who lost his own mother when he was six years old. "The Rome Pieta" is the work of a young man looking for financial security and trying to make a place for himself in Renaissance Italy. "The Florentine Pieta" is a work of another kind.
In 1574 Michelangelo’s best friend, Vittoria Colonna, died. Vittoria had been his deepest confidante. Every Sunday afternoon, they sat on a balcony at the convent where she lived in Rome. Together they discussed the deep theological questions of the day: What is the nature of grace? What is the nature of sin? Who has religious authority on Earth? They had watched the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation first-hand, and they were both keenly interested in theology. They wrote letters to each other and shared poems back and forth.
So, when Vittoria died, the seventy-two year-old Michelangelo was bereft. He turned to poetry, writing about her as a blessing in his own life:
But Heaven has taken away from me the splendor
Of the great fire that burned and nourished me;
I am left to be a coal, covered and burning,
And if Love will not offer me more timber
To raise a fire, in me there will not be
A single spark, all into ashes turning.
Michelangelo also turned to marble for solace. He began work on "the Florentine Pieta," a deeply personal piece which he intended to be his own gravestone. "The Florentine Pieta" depicts Nicodemus and two young woman supporting the body of Jesus as it is pulled down from the cross. Nicodemus’ face is a portrait of the artist himself.
So, why did Michelangelo choose to depict himself as Nicodemus? Because, like Nicodemus, he was filled with questions -- and yet, he simultaneously believed. In their dialogue, neither Vittoria Colonna nor Michelangelo feared asking hard questions. They both saw questioning as a deeper part of faith -- not a popular opinion in Rome during the Counter-Reformation. Indeed, much of their recorded dialogue sounds rather Lutheran in context and might have endangered Michelangelo’s career had it been made public. Thus Michelangelo was obsessive about burning his papers leaving relatively little behind after his death.
Reread that story of Jesus speaking to Nicodemus (John 3). Jesus doesn’t shame Nicodemus for asking him questions. He answers. And Nicodemus continues to ask him the hard questions. But when it comes time for the crucified Christ to be taken from the cross, it is Nicodemus who is there to do the hard work -- perhaps still asking those deep and important questions -- but believing all the same.
Michelangelo’s self-portrait, then, is one of both humility and faith. He, too, has questions, but there in stone he puts himself at the foot of the cross, believing all the same. After eight years of work on "The Florentine Pieta," Michelangelo abandoned the piece. But even unfinished, it is a work which speaks to the power of faith and the artist’s comfort with a questioning spirit. And perhaps as an unfinished work, it is even more powerful, for while we believe, like Nicodemus we also have questions... perhaps even to the very end.
Planning a trip to Florence?
Check out my Florence City Guide.