Databases > Our Lady of Hungary Marriage Index, 1905-1917
Our Lady of Hungary
Roman Catholic Parish
Marriage Index, 1905-1917
The Hungarian Roman Catholic community of Chicago, predominantly in the Burnside neighborhood, organized the 'Our Lady of Hungary' parish and in 1904 opened a church at 93rd and Kimbark. This database is a detailed index to the marriage records from this parish, covering 1905-1917 and includes 317 marriages.
Use this index as an aid to find the digitized images of the original records at FamilySearch, under two catalog titles: "Church records, 1904-1915" and "Illinois, Cook County, Chicago, Our Lady of Hungary Parish (93rd St.), church records". Use your browser's Ctrl + F search function to search the index.


Business Connection Newsletter
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30-3:30 and Fridays 8:30-12:30
Take exit off northbound Hwy 51 onto E North in DeForest. Follow to S Main St, then turn left (4 way stop) . Church is on right, 220 S. Main Street.
Christ Lutheran Church is a member of the ELCA. We offer two Sunday morning worship services (summer) 7:30 & 9:00 & (winter) 8 & 10:30 . Youth Education classes are offered during the school year.


96 pages, 8-3/8 x 12"|
More than 100 full-color illustrations.
The author is the world's foremost authority on Chartres, and is in residence there most of the year. He shows us the history of the cathedral and teaches us how to "read" the world-famous stained glass and sculpture, explaining the references to Scripture and the teachings of the Church.
Chartres alone, of all the great medieval churches, has survived into the 20th century
almost intact, not only architecturally but with its vast inconographic program in 12th-and 13th-century
stained glass and sculpture. |
Medieval art was intended not just to embellish the church but to instruct the people, for there was no printing. Scholars could therefore teach their students, the clergy preach sermons and parents read the lives of the saints to their children using the 'texts' in stained glass and sculpture. The sister churches of Chartres have been sadly vandalized to varying degrees by Reform, revolution, war or natural disaster. Here in Chartres the 'text' is virtually complete.
A concise glossary of symbolic images has been included as well as a complete plan of all the windows in the cathedral, and an index.
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Balinese cat san antonio ludovico
San Antonio Ludovico (died June 13, 1593) was a Roman Catholic prelate who was born in Venice. Ludovico was appointed Bishop of Bovino, Tivoli, Subiaco, and Lodi by Pope Gregory XIII on June 9, 1583. He was imprisoned by his order from March 2, 1590 until June 13, 1593. Ludovico never lived in Bovino, Tivoli, Subiaco, or Lodi. Ludovico served as Bishop of Lodi from April 21, 1586 until his death in Rome.
In the early 16th century, Bovino and Lodi were parts of the Papal States, the rest of the diocese of Lodi was a part of the Holy Roman Empire, which was divided into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Kingdom of Sicily.
Early life and ordination
The birth date and birthplace of Ludovico are not recorded.
Ludovico was the youngest son of Marco Antonio Ludovico and Teresa della Tolfa. On September 16, 1560, Ludovico was ordned a priest in the Congregation of the Humility of Mary at Bologna by Bishop Francesco Spada. The Congregation was a form of religious order founded in Bologna.
Ludovico was appointed Bishop of Bovino and a Cardinal on May 19, 1583.
Ludovico was appointed Bishop of Lodi on June 9, 1583. He was appointed Archbishop of Subiaco on March 3, 1586, but he did not assume the title.
Ludovico was never appointed Bishop of Bovino, Lodi, or Subiaco. Ludovico was appointed Archbishop of Lodi on April 21, 1586. Ludovico lived in Bologna and attended the papal court regularly until 1592, when he was forced to move to Rome as a result of the arrest of other cardinals for the Ridolfi Plot, a conspiracy agnst Pope Clement VIII (1592–1605).
Pope Clement had died and Cardinal Ippolito de' Medici was now Pope Clement VIII. The Medici was known to be an enemy of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IX, and as such, they were a prime target of King Henry of Navarre, also known as Henry IV, for whom his mother Catherine de' Medici had negotiated. Charles IX was assassinated, and as a result, Navarre went into exile in the Papal States.
As a result of the coup, all the bishops in the Papal States were asked to surrender their prelates’ property, but there is no record that Ludovico did so. The Archdiocese of Lodi was assigned to Ludovico di Bologna, as was the titular diocese of Bovino.
Pope Clement VIII had also requested that Ludovico become a cardinal. Cardinal de' Medici declined to elevate Ludovico to the Sacred College. Cardinal Giulio Antonio Santorio received the title of cardinal priest of S. Susanna on May 20, 1595. However, de' Medici would elevate Ludovico as archbishop of Lodi to a cardinal in 1605, which would make him a cardinal priest (i.e. not a cardinal deacon). However, Ludovico's elevation was vetoed by King Henry IV.
Death and burial
The date of death is uncertn, but it was sometime in the early 1620s. Sources disagree as to where Ludovico was buried. Ludovico was possibly buried in the Cathedral of Lodi, which is the cathedral in which he had been installed. However, the cardinal's tomb is under the mn altar, under the altar of the Virgin.
Kamp, Norbert. The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church: A Biographical Dictionary. McFarland &, Company, 1999.
Category:People from Lodi, Lombardy
Category:Cardinals created by Pope Clement VII
Category:Bishops of Lavagna
Category:Cardinal-bishops of Sabina
Category:Archbishops of Lodi
Category:16th-century Italian people
Category:17th-century Italian people


Indulge me please....it's been a long Monday.
From the Still Speaking Daily Devotional from Sunday July 19th, 2009 of the United Church of Christ (Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel):
"We are often content to think of peace as a cessation of violence between hostile groups or individuals. But what we call peace is really détente. Détente is not the eradication of hostility or the ultimate end of violence; it is the easing of it, a tenuous cease-fire. Détente is hostility held at bay.
The purpose of God's peace in Christ is far greater than this: it is to completely tear down the barriers that separate us in order to reveal the one true Spirit that created us in diversity and then reconciles us into community. The purpose of God's peace in Christ is not to impose "oneness" upon us. God's peace does not impose oneness, it reveals oneness. It reveals to each of us that we are not only our brother's/sister's keeper; we are our brother's/sister's reflection....


Disciplined (as a transitive verb, or a verb that requires an object to receive the action): The father disciplined the child.
Conviction: a final declaration of guilt
The voice that spoke in the middle of the night said, yes, indeed it was God’s punishment. The voice, I would come to recognize, had the same sadistically sympathetic tone of the impaled pig’s head that spoke to Simon in Lord of the Flies.
In the daylight a different sense overtook me: this form of punishment and of punishing didn’t seem like the God I know. I’d suffered an injustice, that was all, a life-altering and a question-everything-you-know injustice. I deserved pity, not punishment; compassion, not correction.
Was God punishing Joseph for the arrogance of his dreams—the dreams that, in the end, were prophetic? That never seemed to come up in Sunday school. The Bible glosses over how agonizing it must have been for Joseph in that pit, his brothers plotting his fate above ground.
I’d more or less decided “no.” God wasn’t punishing me for any particular sin or strain of sin (most likely of omission).
Then I turned to the Bible and read what I didn’t want to hear. Oh, I shied away from the Old Testament; I didn’t need any fire-and-brimstone God. Like many Christians in adversity, I’d been cherry-picking verses as if I were picking out clothes based on the day’s weather: I went to Hebrews 12—Turn your eyes on Jesus. A spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. I should have stopped there.
But I kept reading: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children… God disciplines us for our good… No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”
Conviction: the act of moving a person by argument or evidence to belief, agreement, consent, or a course of action
The word disciplined has negative connotations. I automatically associated it with punishment, of being sent to some spiritual corner to “think about what I’ve done.” I associated it with be a child.
Mostly, I didn’t like thinking I was wrong, especially about something like the very nature of God.
What followed got me thinking about myself as a father: “For what children are not disciplined by their father?” I wondered, do I really discipline my children? I’ve hidden IPods. There were some timeouts. I yelled. A lot.
Now, however, it more often it goes like this.
One of my children accuses another of being mean or unfair. The other says that’s not true, and this goes on until I step in and mediate. Sometimes somebody says, “You’re just trying to get me in trouble.”
And I laugh. “Who said anything about being in trouble? What ‘trouble’ have I ever really gotten you in? We’re just figuring this out together, that’s all.”
What I’m saying to them, essentially, is that I want them to see some bigger picture, that whatever issue they are fighting over is trivial—that they need to be able to work out, collectively and individually, the problem facing them, because there will be others, many, many others. And I am here to help them.
Disciplined (participle). He is disciplined. The disciplined runner…
Conviction: the state of being convinced
The voice that comes to me now sounds more like my own, as I both comfort and discipline my children: “Who said anything about being in trouble? What ‘trouble’ have I ever really gotten you in? We’re just figuring this out together, that’s all.” It’s the voice of a father. To His child. I’m more than all right with that.
“God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children.” Hebrews 12, The Message


SA Council of Churches wants early elections
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has called for the dissolution of Parliament and early elections‚ saying that the government was morally illegitimate.
The SACC was a crucial ally in the fight against apartheid. It consists of 28 member churches and eight associate churches with an estimated membership of more than 10-million people.
In April‚ it released an “unburdening report“‚ which detailed instances of state capture. Among the findings‚ the SACC said it feared the country was sliding into a “mafia state“.
“Nothing can stand with integrity as far as we can tell‚” SACC general secretary Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana said on Thursday. “The president has caused Parliament‚ the country’s representatives and therefore the people of SA to sin.”


15 Classic Christmas Carols for Children. Includes English and Spanish versions in stereo and split-track. Songs include Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Angels We Have Heard On High, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, We Three Kings, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, O Come All Ye Faithful, How Great Our Joy, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, The First Noel, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, O Come Little Children, Silent Night! Holy Night
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Would you call this a Miracle? Hundreds of Chicagoans did…
March 6, 2009 by lauralodewyck
Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team
It was an event that captured the attention of the entire country. An image that many thought was the Virgin Mary — and other, a salt stain — appeared under the Fullerton Avenue overpass, prompting hundreds of people to visit the shrine for days on end.
The event provides the inspiration for Teatro Vista’s
latest production, Our Lady of the Underpass
. The play is currently on-stage at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse
through March 29.
The play, written by Tanya Saracho, is a story about men and women from all walks of life who are brought together through the real-life event.
Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.


This PDF is the first volume in my Seven Ways in Seven Days series offering practical ways to pray for different types of vocations/calling.
Having spent nearly thirty years living and ministering cross-culturally in another country, I get real about the common prayer needs missionaries face. Often pastors, church leaders, missions committees, or church members sincerely ask, "How can we pray for our missionaries?"
This volume is an answer to that question.
The purchase cost is $3 minimum, but you are free to choose a higher amount should you feel led by the Lord. We continue serving as missionaries and your purchase is a blessing for us.
Thank you for praying for your missionary friends, and for your purchase.
Yes! I want to learn to pray PRACTICALLY and EFFECTIVELY for my missionary friends!


St Matthew’s Passion Play News Add comments Mar 242013 St Matthew’s Passion Play – bringing the story of Easter to the streets of Kingsdown. The play starts at St Matthews Church, Clare Rd, at 10 am on Friday 29th March. Suitable for all ages. poster Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your Comment You may use these HTML tags and attributes:   <acronym title="">
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Teenagers Overcome Depression
Teenagers overcome depression and enjoy life to the fullest. Everyone knows that being a teenager is not always easy. These are the years some teens may often find themselves feeling lonely, down, or unhappy. In times like these, it’s important to remember that you are loved and never alone. The Bible offers great wisdom and comfort to help tackle these feelings of unhappiness. This article will explore some biblical verses and concepts that can guide you in overcoming these emotions and finding happiness within.
Feeling Unhappy and Alone:
At times, it may seem like nobody understands how you feel or what you’re going through. We know how that feels; because we have all been there. It can be easy to fall into a mindset of isolation and sadness. However, the Bible assures us that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This means that no matter how alone you may feel, God will never leave your side.
Teenagers Overcome Depression Talk to God:
In difficult times, it’s crucial to remember that we have a direct line of communication with God. We can talk to Him about our problems, fears, and even our unhappiness. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse reminds us that God is always ready to listen and help us through our struggles. By talking to God honestly about our feelings, we can find comfort and guidance.
Replacing Negative Thoughts: Teenagers Overcome Depression
Negative thoughts and dwelling on past events and hurtful words can lead to unhappiness and even depression. However, the Bible encourages us to shift our focus towards positive and uplifting thoughts. In Philippians 4:8, it states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” By consciously choosing to think about positive things, you can change your outlook and find happiness. Even Science supports the fact that our thought life
A massive body of research collectively shows that up to 80% of physical, emotional and mental health issues today could be a direct result of out thought lives. But there is hope you can break the cycle of toxic thinking and start to bring healthy patterns that bring peace to a stormy thought life. – Dr. Caroline Leaf
Pay Attention To What God Thinks About You
We want to take a moment to remind you about the power of paying heed to other people’s opinions and why it is crucial to shift your focus onto what God thinks about you. In this fast-paced and connected world, it is easy to get caught up in seeking validation and approval from others – friends, peers, and even strangers on social media. However, when you pay attention to other people’s opinions, you inadvertently give them power over your thoughts and emotions.
Overcoming the Past
One common reason for teenage unhappiness is constantly thinking about painful past experiences. It’s important to remember that dwelling on the past can prevent us from enjoying the present and future. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God encourages us to let go of the past and embrace the new opportunities and joys that lie ahead.
Ignore Negative Opinions: Teenagers Overcome Depression
Often, unhappiness can arise from caring too much about what others say or think about us. The Bible teaches us that our worth and identity are not determined by the opinions or judgments of others. In Psalm 139:14, it says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse reminds us that we are uniquely crafted by God, and His opinion of us is what truly matters.
Other People’s Opinions Do Not Matter
It’s essential to remember that everyone has their own perspectives and biases, shaped by their experiences and values. When you prioritize others’ opinions, you often find yourself constantly trying to meet their expectations, which can lead to stress, self-doubt, and even a loss of your own identity. You may find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others, feeling inadequate, or doubting your worth.
Teenagers Overcome Depression Focus On What God Says
Instead, we urge you to focus on what God says and thinks about you. Regardless of your religious background, understanding and embracing the idea that you are chosen, fair fully, and wonderfully made can be empowering. In the English language, these powerful affirmations resonate deeply:
You are chosen
God sees and values you. You are unique, and there is a purpose for your life. Remember that you don’t need to gain acceptance from others to determine your worth. Embrace your individuality and become the best version of yourself.
You are fair fully made:
God created you with intention and care. Your appearance, strengths, talents, and flaws all come together to make you who you are. Embrace your uniqueness instead of striving for unrealistic standards set by others or the media.
You are wonderfully made:
God looks at you with awe and wonder. Embrace your gifts and talents, and develop them further. Recognize that your worth extends beyond your external qualities. Cultivate your character, kindness, empathy, and integrity, as those are the true measures of greatness.
Shift your focus On What God Thinks Of you
By shifting your focus onto God’s opinion of you, you reclaim the power to define yourself. Instead of seeking approval from others, focus on living a life aligned with your values, dreams, and purpose. This doesn’t mean you should disregard constructive criticism or guidance from trusted mentors – rather, it means filtering out the opinions that don’t align with your true self and finding strength in your unique identity.
Only Seek God’s Approval
Remember, seeking God’s approval allows you to grow in self-acceptance, confidence, and resilience. Your life is a journey, and you have the power to define it based on your own beliefs. Embrace the fact that you are chosen, fair fully, and wonderfully made, and let this realization guide your decisions, actions, and aspirations.
Stay true to yourself, trust in your uniqueness, and let God’s love be the foundation on which you build your self-worth. You are valued, cherished, and loved.
Be A Leader Not A Follower
We understand that this is a very difficult time for teens where everyone wants to fit in and belong and some will go against their beliefs just to get accepted but they need to stand their ground and be true to their beliefs because sometimes pleasing others usually ends in trouble. They should be a God pleaser instead of a people pleaser. A leader and not a follower.
Do Not Comprise Your Beliefs
It is essential to acknowledge that being a teenager can be a challenging period of life. During this time, there is often a strong desire among individuals to fit in and feel a sense of belonging. However, some teenagers may compromise their beliefs to gain acceptance from others. They must maintain their integrity and stay true to their convictions, as seeking to please others often leads to trouble. Instead, teens should strive to please God rather than people and embrace the role of a leader rather than a follower.
Teenagers face various challenges during this transitional period of life. One major challenge is the overwhelming desire to fit in and find a sense of belonging. Many teenagers are easily influenced by their peers and may be tempted to compromise their beliefs and values to gain acceptance. This can lead to consequences that are detrimental to their well-being.
Teenagers must maintain their integrity and stay true to their convictions. Instead of seeking approval from others, they should focus on pleasing God and following their moral compass. By doing so, they will become stronger individuals and gain inner peace.
Furthermore, teenagers should strive to embrace the role of leaders rather than followers. Being a leader means they are not easily swayed by others and can guide their peers in making positive choices. This requires courage and a strong sense of self, but it is ultimately more rewarding than simply conforming to fit in.
Teenagers Overcome Depression Conclusion
As a teenager, it’s common to feel unhappy or overwhelmed at times. However, by seeking guidance from the Bible, you can find solace and strength to overcome these feelings. Remember that you are never alone, and God is always there to listen to your prayers. Choose to think positive thoughts, focus on the present and future, and believe in your worth as a child of God. By incorporating these biblical teachings into your life, you can overcome unhappiness and find true joy.
While, it is understandable that teenagers may feel the pressure to conform and seek acceptance, what you need to do is prioritize your values and integrity. You should strive to please God rather than others and embrace your role as leaders rather than followers. By doing so, you will navigate the challenges of adolescence with grace and emerge as strong and independent individuals. Teenagers overcome depression using guidance from the Bible.


Gloria in Excelsis Deo presents a series of 68 paintings and 139 drawings that explore Frank Mason's vision of the life of Christ. Also included is an introduction by James Cooper of the Newington-Cropsey Foundation. Mason takes his place in a long line of old masters who have interpreted the New Testament - Fra Angelico, Memling, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt. Like them, Mason fused the dignity of his craft with the expression of his faith. This collection of paintings and drawings represents Mason's life-long labor.
Each chapter is accompanied by the scriptural passage which inspired it, and is augmented with the artist's commentary. Mason's words give insight into his choice of subjects and interpretation, as well as intimate details about the painting process and how the work evolved both spiritually and artistically. Gloria in Excelsis Deo is destined to be one of the most important art books of the season.


Provide a permanent and loving environment for children who through no
fault of their own are in need of a home, a family, and the opportunity
simply to be children. We base our concepts on a belief in God and the
uniqueness, dignity, and inherent worth of each individual.
Aggressively seize opportunities to be proactive and innovative, ensuring
that children in Florida who are in no win situations are provided an
opportunity to heal, a chance to regain their childhood, and an opportunity
to succeed in the future.
Liberty Youth Ranch
recognizes the magnitude of the situation, that we will likely be the last, and perhaps,
only place that our children will receive a chance in life. We must do
everything in our capability to bring healing and hope to a generation
of hurting children. Firm in the conviction that every child has the right
to be shown unconditional love, Liberty Youth Ranch strives to meet the
needs of children in crisis. Because of our conviction that Christ has
the answers to the problems of children and families, Liberty Youth Ranch
has set in motion programs that are as Christ-centered as we can make
them. All that is done through this ministry is rooted in the compassionate
love of Christ.
Through a combination
of grace and mercy, we will strive to create a nurturing environment grounded
in faith and abiding in love. We will make it possible for our children
to discover hope, thereby igniting in them a desire to reach their God-given


Russian feminist punk rockers, Pussy Riot, have been sentenced to two years in prison for “hooliganism inspired by religious hatred”. When you look at the English translation of what they actually said, and why they chose to perform in an Orthodox Cathedral, you realise that the verdict is laughable.
The actual lyrics, as translated by the Free Pussy Riot website;
Virgin Mary, Mother of God, become a feminist
Become a feminist, become a feminist
The Church’s praise of rotten dictators
The cross-bearer procession of black limousines
A teacher-preacher will meet you at school
Go to class – bring him money!
Patriarch Gundyaev believes in Putin
Bitch, better believe in God instead
The belt of the Virgin can’t replace mass-meetings
Mary, Mother of God, is with us in protest!
Hardly threatening the foundation of Christian faith. What the group were actually protesting against was the cosy relationship between Vladimir Putin and the Russian church. History has shown us that when the church and state are cuddling up in bed together, people tend to be oppressed and the church tends to act a little unchristian. Rather than launching full assault on the faith of the world’s Christians, Pussy Riot were simply calling for an end to the rule of Putin (which it does seem has gone on forever) and for the church to stop trying to be best mates with the government.
Detailed analysis will follow.
In a town in Andalucia, southern Spain, the mayor is staging robberies of supermarkets (all proceeds go to the poor) and marching across the desert trying to convince other local government officials to ignore central government demands for austerity. The Guardian paints him as a slightly eccentric folk hero and Spanish newspaper El Pais seems to be filing him in the “Dangerous Revolutionary” drawer.
So far, so heart-warming. It’s a guy angry at the way [insert country here]’s government have been punishing the poor for the greed of the rich, and thinking stealing on their behalf is the best way to prove a point. A modern day Robin Hood to cheer us up amid the rain, post-Olympic blues and recession. The end.
If it were that simple, then the media could portray him as a criminal and move along. However, look a little closer and you will find out that rather than a random act of criminality inspired by righteous anger – Mayor Juan Sanchez Gordillo actually has a working economic plan.
The New York Times reported on the low unemployment and low cost of living in Marinaleda about three years ago. No one is out of work for long, as the local farming co-operative will find work for them. This idea is so attractive, that people are moving from as far as Barcelona in search of work there. High employment, low and comfortable cost of living mean more disposable income floating around.
Imagine that – government creating work for people so they don’t starve during a recession! Why didn’t you think of that, Cameron and Osborne?


Join Our Staff
Charlottesville Catholic School is a Pre-K-8 regional school located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a culturally diverse university community. This is a unique professional opportunity to work in a vibrant faith-based community.
Open Teaching Positions
Substitute Teachers: Charlottesville Catholic School welcomes applications from teachers who would like to become a part of our substitute pool. Wonderful children, flexible hours and a great working environment are guaranteed.
To apply for employment, please download an application from the Diocese of Richmond and submit it with your resume and letter of interest by mail to Charlottesville Catholic School, 1205 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901; by fax to (434) 964-1373; or by email to Mr. Mike Riley. Candidates for teaching positions must possess or be eligible for Virginia State Certification.
Open Staff Positions
After School Care Assistants: Charlottesville Catholic School is seeking additional staff to join the after care team. The candidate(s) should have some experience and enjoy working with elementary and middle school children. First aid certification is preferred. Please send resume, Diocesan application, and three letters of reference,to Charlottesville Catholic School, Attn: Michael Riley, Principal; 1205 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or via email to firstname.lastname@example.org.


Confirmation candidates and Sponsor: Your meeting for the Evening of Reflection has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 3rd in the School Gym at 6:45 p.m. Everyone please enter the building from the gym parking lot.
Please join us for our 15th* Annual St. Valentine Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, September 19, 2021. The races will begin at 2:30 PM followed by an exceptionally good spaghetti dinner at 4:00 PM. The route will wind its way through the neighboring community with the start and finish being at the St. Valentine Gym. Race/Dinner registration forms will be available here on the Parish Web page and as inserts in the parish bulletin.
We are also in need of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks connected to the Fun Run and the spaghetti dinner. Please download the Volunteer Flyer and call one of the contact people listed to help!
Hope you can join us for this great opportunity to share in fellowships and friendships with other parishioners and neighbors from our family community. We thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line.
St. Valentine Race Committee.


gKids is the children’s ministry of The Gathering Church for children birth through 5th grade. At gKids, our mission is to develop leaders who are passionately in love with Jesus. We want to partner with parents to help the next generation join Jesus in reaching all people and seeing them transformed. Each week, future world-changers grow more in love with God and his house through worship, interactive lessons, and of course, fun!
All volunteers, leaders, and staff that work with the Children’s Ministry at the Gathering Church have complied with the following:
Submitted & Passed: Back Ground Checks
Read & Signed: The Gathering Kids Policies & Procedures
Completed: Training & Orientation
Here at the Gathering Kids our top priority is the safety and well being of all children that attend our weekly gatherings.


What is KLIFE
KLIFE is a non-profit youth ministry that’s sole focus is discipleship. KLIFE works with kids from Conway and neighboring communities starting in the 5th grade and going all the way through the 12th grade. Through a variety of activities KLIFE kids grow in their faith and have lots of fun in the process. They learn that following Christ and discovering His plan for their life is the most exciting adventure of all and that they can count on friendship and support from leaders and peers who care.
KLIFE starts in the 5th grade with our weekly “Middle School Klub” for 5th-7th Graders. Middle School Klub is on Tuesday nights from 5-6pm. During a typical Middle School Klub we will play awesome games, see funny skits, sing some worship songs and hear a message from one of our staff members. Middle School Klub is an introduction to what KLIFE is all about.
In the 7th grade students have the opportunity to join small groups. KLIFE has over 40 trained volunteers, mostly college students, who lead small groups of 7th-12th graders. Small groups are broken up by grade and gender and consist of 4-10 students. Each small group goes through an age appropriate lesson where they dive into God’s Word and learn more about our Savior and what His plan is for us. Small groups happen once a week and vary on date and time depending on kids and leaders schedules. Students join small groups every year, not just the 7th grade. If you are interested in getting more information about our girls small groups please email our Women’s Director Whitney Harris at email@example.com. If you want more information about boys small groups please email our Men’s Director Bradley Toone at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Klub happens for 8th-12th graders as well. “High School Klub” is every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 and is for 8th-12th graders. At High School Klub we’re crazy! We have a great time of hanging out and fellowship, energetic and fun games, hilarious videos and skits, a great time of worship and a phenomenal message from one of the staff members. The purpose of High School Klub is to give kids a safe and fun place to be with their friends as they learn about the Lord. Klub is a great way for kids to get introduced to KLIFE and then get plugged into a small group.
“Events” are another great way we introduce kids to KLIFE. We do scavenger hunts, flag football tournaments, snowball fights, video game nights, sleepovers, and a lot of other fun events on the weekends to give current KLIFE kids a way to have clean fun and bring their friends who may not normally attend. For more information about our events click on “EVENTS” at the top of the page.
KLIFE works alongside churches and families in the community to teach and encourage kids to be strong in the Lord in spite of all the negative pressures they face as teenagers. KLIFE networks kids from different churches, and those without a church affiliation, to build positive, Godly relationships that can withstand the negative peer pressure so prevalent in today’s youth culture.
Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
– I Thessalonians 2:8
Meet the Staff
Bradley toone • chapter director
Bradley is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (’12) in Oklahoma City. He also attended the Kanakuk Institute, a one year discipleship training program in Branson, MO. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis and loves spending time with people. Bradley oversees half of our guys small groups and helps plan clubs and events. Bradley is a game changer for Christ because of his humble heart and servants attitude.
bubby Harrell • men's director
Bubby is originally from Amarillo, Texas. He is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University (’12) with a degree in Exercise Science. He married his wife, Mary, in the summer of 2013 and has been living in Conway since then. Bubby oversees half of our guys small groups and helps plan clubs and events. Bubby brings a lot of great gifts to the team, especially his contagious personality and desire to reach kids for Jesus.
Whitney harris • women's director
Whitney is a graduate of UCA (’12) with a degree in early childhood education. She attended the Kanakuk Institute, a one year discipleship training program in Branson, MO last year. She was a volunteer small group leader for Conway KLIFE while in school and is excited to be serving in her new role. Whitney oversees two thirds of our girls small groups. Whitney’s passion is easily seen when she’s around people.
The heart of our ministry is small groups. Here are some fun facts about our small groups.
- Our small groups are made up of boys or girls in the same grade.
- They are led by college students or young professionals who have a heart for ministry and working with kids.
- Last year our leaders spent over 14,500 hours with their small group kids.
- Students can join a small group at any point in the year no matter what grade they’re in.
- The volunteer has been through an interview process with a staff member, has been background checked, and has signed a commitment to follow Christ in their own life.
- A small group meets once a week and has fun fellowship time, studies the Bible or a biblically-based book, prays with one another and holds each other accountable to spiritual growth.
- The time they meet is determined by the leader of the group based on when everyone is able to get together.
- 7th grade small groups have the option to meet immediately following Middle School Klub on Tuesday night from 6:00-6:45pm or a different time of the week that works for everyone.
Join or Start a Small Group
For more information about joining a girls small group e-mail Whitney at email@example.com.
Current small groups
LIVE is a digital curriculum that gets kids into the Bible and the Bible into kids. LIVE crafted lessons are easily understood, with principles that our leaders can grasp and pass along to students. Plus, the lessons emphasize discussion, dialogue, and meaningful connections among the group. This allows leaders and students to just enjoy spending time with one another and each will thrive with this curriculum.
Each KLIFE Small Group may use the interactive LIVE Curriculum to help each group be effective and focused. Your KLIFE Staff Director will set you and your group up into the system.
Crud War is our annual paint battle for 5th-7th graders. This years battle is on September 17th from 2-4pm at the KLIFE Building. You don't need to sign up ahead of time, just show up in clothes you won't mind getting ruined.
At the beginning of the school year we take a weekend to retreat and head to Kanakuk Kamps. This year that weekend is September 23rd-25th. The retreat is for 7th-12th graders and costs $125. You must be signed up by Friday, September 16th.
SIGN UP HERE.
To best keep in touch with parents and kids please fill out this short survey and we will add you to our mailing list.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.
Bradley Toone - Chapter Director
Whitney Harris - Women's Director
Bubby Harrell - Men's Director
1800 Hillman St
Conway, AR 72034


A Patriot’s Prayer
By Rev. Glenn M. Pav
May 19, 2010
First Anniversary Patriots’ Ink
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am one. Not only one, but one that can make a difference. Not just one that can make a difference in my family, or in my local Christian community, or perhaps in my kindred friendships through business acquaintances, but beyond these precious relationships.
You see, Lord, there are some who are businessmen first. There are others who are patriots first and businessmen second. But deep down in my heart, I know I must stand as a Christian first, a patriot second, and a businessman third. That does not mean that a patriot or businessman is less important. On the contrary, this order follows a Divine Plan of priorities. For if I abandon my Christian principles first, then I become a dishonorable
patriot and dishonest businessman. If I am a patriot first, then I become a Christian compromiser and a biased businessman. If I am a businessman first, then the bottom line corrupts my Christian character and compromises my patriotic principles.
Lord, I see our Founding Fathers as men of Christian faith, hope and love. I see these colonists as businessmen who sought for a free enterprise system, men of ingenuity, creativity, and integrity. They were patriots of courage, followers of the Divine God. Their God said if you want to follow me, then deny yourself and take up your cross daily. And so they followed, some to poverty, others to martyrdom.
Lord, as a Christian Patriotic Businessman, make me to be a man of God, mighty in Spirit, and strong in the Character of Christ. Then, and only then, can I ever be the patriot and businessman you want me to be.
Finally, Lord, you have inspired me to become a growing Christian in order to be a courageous Patriot so I can reach out to make a difference throughout my community, my county, and my country.
So, I pledge to …
- Get In to educating myself on the issues
- Get Up from my chair with conservative, constitutional political action
- Get On with the mission which You, Father, have called me to fulfill.
Therefore, to my Heavenly Father, because of our Founding Fathers, I humbly take up my cross and follow; no matter what it takes, no matter where it takes me, and no matter how I end up.
My prayer is for this clarion purpose: For the glory of God first, and for the Reformation of our country second. And may it be the desire of every Patriot here.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your faith in us, for Your hope eternal, and for Your unconditional love that is manifest through us. I pray all of this in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


4 edition of Perfect Love - Pamphlet found in the catalog.
September 15, 2006
by Kessinger Publishing, LLC
Written in English
|The Physical Object|
|Number of Pages||16|
Reviews of Debbie Johnson's "Perfect Love" book series: Chloe, the almost-seventeen-year-old daughter of FBI agents, is betrayed by her boyfriend . In Perfect Love, Joyce reveals how you can develop the certainty that God loves you fully and unconditionally–right now. Combining her own personal experience with biblical insights, she’ll help you increase your understanding of God’s genuine character so that you can live more fully, enjoy a lasting sense of confidence, and experience.
Twenty-ninth Day.. BE PERFECT! Perfect Love: God abiding in us. 1 No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.'—1 John iv. 12 > 'No man hath beheld God at any time:' the vision of God we may not yet have. Walmart Books Best Sellers - use alt shift right arrow to open the sub menu. Adult Fiction Top Adult Non-Fiction Top Children's Books Top Young Adult Books Top Education Books - use alt shift right arrow to open the sub menu. Administration in Education Books. Bilingual Education Books. Books on Experimental Education Methods.
Perfect Love is Book #2 of 2 Christian Romance books and the conclusion to The Hawaii Love Story. This book continues the story of Michelle Clemens’ search for God’s direction in her life as she faces an uncertain future as a single expectant mother. /5(85). The Hymn 'O Perfect Love' is sung in all Christian weddings. It is a prayerful request to God asking him to lead the couple in their spiritual & physical life. Thanks for watching~Shebuel©™.
The army in 1906
The siege of Jerusalem
root of the matter
The changing face of parliament
Political parties and federalism: an international comparison
Contributions to the history of the Acton Copper Mine
Our financial masters
On the role of youth
H-2 program and nonimmigrants
Theoretical studies of important processes in planetary and comet atmospheres
Introduction to Psychotherapies
A Perfect Love is the full text of Wesley's book. What makes this version unique is that the author has edited Wesley's text and updated his language for the contemporary reader.
Christian perfection is the doctrine that distinguishes Methodism from other Christian denominations/5(5). Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships begins by showing how all our relational problems arise out of a universal, core wounding around love that affects not only our personal relationships but the quality of life in our world as a whole.
The Amazon Book Review Author interviews, book reviews, editors' picks, and Cited by: 5. This book is a thoughtful dissection of The Song of Solomon interspersed with Lisa's personal anecdotes.
The book was interesting and, yes, somewhat encouraging and she uses this book in the Bible to illustrate that we are deeply loved by God (something every single girl longs for)/5(6).
The original Perfect Love - Pamphlet book of this book was written in Perfect Love - Pamphlet book, before the first holiness camp meeting in Vineland. Then in Wood greatly expanded and revised the book for republication. I believe this is the most accurate edition of Wood's Perfect Love available on the Internet.
The Story You’re About to Read is True. “I should know. I am not only the author, but I am also the mother who has had to endure what no parent should ever have to endure ” Bobby Hur was on his way to college when a car accident changed his life and his family forever.
Perfect Love: Plain Things for Those Who Need Them, Concerning the Doctrine, Experience, Profession, and Practice of Christian Holin (Paperback or Softback) Wood, Rev J.
This classic work of art showing Christ surrounded by children calls to mind the words from the New Testament "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" - Mark This shopping feature will continue to load items.
In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Back. Romance: One Perfect Love Book Three: A Billionaire Romance (Contemporary New Adult Romance) Ava : Ava Alexia.
An extraordinary, powerful, and captivating, love story, the perfect love story - Up All Night with Books About the Author Natasha Madison is a USA Today bestselling author who, when her nose isn't buried in a book or her fingers aren't flying across a keyboard, can be found in the kitchen creating gourmet meals/5().
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. New Living Translation Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.
If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. Though romance and marital love are typically associated with this book, Lisa takes a Christ-centered approach to illustrate how this ancient love story is relevant to.
I have read several of Elizabeth Buchans books and I have a strange relationship with them, I always Perfect Love by Elizabeth Buchan is a women’s fiction novel, about Prue a woman, wife, mother, and stepmother in her forties, who begins to be lured into infidelity/5.
A Perfect Love is the full text of Wesley's A Plain Account of Christian Perfection edited and updated for the contemporary reader/5. The Perfect Love opens the Scriptures to reveal one delightful discovery of God's love after another.
With this study guide, you can explore those same Bible passages and make your own life-changing discoveries about God’s love. Come along on a journey that plumbs the depths of Author: Ruth Myers.
The Paperback of the Perfect Love: You Can Experience God's Total Acceptance by Joyce Meyer at Barnes & Noble. FREE Shipping on $35 or more. Due to COVID, orders may be delayed.
Thank you for your : FaithWords. Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships begins by showing how all our relational problems arise out of a universal, core wounding around love that affects not only our personal relationships but the quality of life in our world as a whole. This wounding shows up as a pervasive mood of unlove-a deep sense that we are not intrinsically lovable just as we are.
Perfect love, was perfect. I think the title really sums it up. Loved the intensity of the story, the dark and twists carried with the gentleness was the perfect amount/5. Perfect Love Story is exactly that. Beautifully, unbelievably perfect. This is one of those books that digs deep right into your heart.
That you never, ever want it to end. That you finish and just hug to your chest because it was so utterly wonderful. That is just some of what this book is/5. Thirty-first Day. BE PERFECT.
Perfect Love: Casting out Fear. 'There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath he thatfeareth is not made perfect in love.'—1 John iv. BENGEL says that in the religious life there are four steps: serving God without fear or love; with fear without love; with fear and love; with love without fear.
"The Perfect Love" opens the Scriptures to reveal one delightful discovery of God's love after another. With this study guide, you can explore those same Bible passages and make your own life-changing discoveries about God's love.
Come along on a journey that plumbs the depths of this amazing : Paperback. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.The path of friendship soon becomes a path of love until insecurities and past memories threaten to blow the young relationship apart.
A Perfect Love is a friends to lovers romance and the second book in the Forever Young series. It features characters from the first book, A Good Man, but it can be read as a standalone novel/5. Perfect Love Story. When one man's death exposes a complex web of lies, three couples discover the true meaning of love, loss and redemption.
What do you do when you find out your whole life was a lie? That your husband really wasn't your husband but someone else's/5(K).


This poor woman. This is beyond sad and will likely be repeated over and over and over again. Any person who says things are not so bad, that we are becoming alarmists, is fooling themselves.
The concluding paragraph in this article reads:
Home foreclosure rates are at record highs in the United States, in many cases because buyers with adjustable interest rates could not keep up with sharp increases in monthly payments. The foreclosure crisis has sparked a wider housing market downturn and is at the heart of the U.S. financial crisis.
May God have Mercy!
LORD Jesus Christ, eternal and merciful God,
Creator and Redeemer of all, listen to my prayer.
For the love Thou doth bear to those who ask forgiveness,
look on me with mercy, as once Thou didst look on Mary Magdalen,
and on Peter who denied Thee.
Look on me, Lord Jesus Christ, as Thou didst looked at the thief on his cross
and on every sinner whom Thou hast ever forgiven.
Look on me, merciful Lord, as Thou didst look on Thy Mother, Mary,
standing in sorrow beneath Thy Cross.
Let me feel in my heart her compassion for Thee,
and let my eyes weep for Thy sorrows, caused by my sinful life.
Call me back from the darkness to my Father's house, give me a new heart
and a place at Thy side in the banquet Thou hast prepared for me.
HAIL, Mary, my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul!
Thou art all mine through thy mercy, and I am all thine.
But I am not thine completely enough.
Destroy in me all that may be displeasing to God.
Place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee.


Well, Changes came!... and Wahooooo!!. Hna Ashby and I STAYYYYY!! :) We are so very, very happy for that! :) She is a gem and we are so excited for the next 6 weeks the Lord has given us together!! But, changes still brought a few surprises... I will now have 2 companions. I will continue with Hermana Ashby, but I will also begin to work with Hna Moreno as Hermana Training Leaders. Hna Moreno and I will be working with the other Hermanas in the mission half the week – and for the other half, I will stay here and work with Hna Ashby! :) I am ready to work hard and be added upon so that we can reach all of our goals and see the blessings.
I know that I will get to learn so much from all of the Hermanas we have out here and I am so very excited! It will be incredibly special to get to know all of them and see them all in action! These ladies are truly marvelous!!
Changes also brought some new people to Pedro Juan Caballero.... remember my good friends from Mariano?! Well, Elder Carpio (from El Salvador) and Elder Caicedo (from Colombia) BOTH came out here to Pedro Juan!! What are the odds?! I love it!! They joke that now we are only missing the rest of the Mariano Crew and then things would be perfect! Haha! It’s going to be a great 6 weeks here, full of hard work, good laughs, and helping people come unto Christ! And I know we’ll make good memories too!
Of all the new investigators we have, I would like to take a minute to tell you about C M! She was a lady we contacted about a month ago. We felt inspired to go back last week and visit her... so we did!
C didn’t have that much faith in God, she wasn’t even sure if He existed. And if He did, she was very angry and frustrated with Him, because she had passed through some very hard experiences in her life and felt like maybe God had abandoned her. She would find herself asking, ‘God? Where were you in my suffering? Why did you leave me?’
We began to talk with her about the way to develop faith, and how we can recognize the Spirit and WHO God really is and His son Jesus Christ... It was such a beautiful lesson -- the Spirit was definitely the guide. At the end, C said that she wants to try. She wants to have faith in our Heavenly Father and that she is ready to feel happy again. She gave the closing prayer, humbly asking to know and humbly asking to be softened and illuminated that she might feel the Lords presence and that she might feel of her worth in the Lords eyes. When she finished it was quiet, and so peaceful. I asked her how she felt right then and she said she felt at peace and that it has been a very long time since she has felt that way. :) She is excited to go forward in faith and try something new and we are so very excited for her progress! :)
GENERAL CONFERENCE IS COMING UPPPPPPPPPP!!!!! I am so excited and I can’t wait to find out who the new apostles will be and have the opportunity to sustain them! :)
Well I’ve got to go catch a bus... But I love you guys so much! Please take care and go make someone smile!! :)


Bestselling author and kinetic spiritual leader Keion D. Henderson is Founder, CEO, and Senior Pastor of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries, one of America's fastest growing churches headquartered in Houston, Texas. Steeped in the values of his faith this principled leaders ability to convey his spiritual ideology with clarity, compassion, and conviviality make him one of the most beloved and respected pastors of our time. Receiving the calling to preach the word of God at the age of fourteen by his own pastor, Henderson founded Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in 2003 with five members when he was only 21 years old.
Recognized by The John Maxwell Institute as one of the Top 250 Leaders in the nation, honored as the first unsung Hero Honoree for Community Service by the Dr. L.C. Carter Foundation in Houston, Tx, and nominated for a CNN Heroes Award for helming disaster-aid initiatives (specifically for his Hurricane Harvey Relief Initiative) both locally and internationally, Pastor Keion is widely respected as one of the most charismatic, inspirational, and influential spiritual leaders of our generation. He was nominated for a Stellar Award for Traditional CD of the Year, 'The River' and his first book, 'THE SHIFT: Courageously Moving from Season to Season,' has inspired people of all genres and backgrounds to face life's challenging stages with practical tools, courage, and purpose.
Pastor Keion is also the founder of TAKE ACTION NOW, INC., a501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to advancing individual agency and social progress by protecting, strengthening, and uplifting the underserved and disenfranchised while inspiring fellow humanitarians to take action.


Welcome To Vale Church
Visiting a new church can be a stressful and sometimes awkward experience. If you are not attending with a friend, it can be difficult to know what to expect or where to go whenever you arrive. Take a minute and check out our frequently asked questions below. Our hope is that we give you all the information you need to feel comfortable when checking us out in person.
Here at Vale we're excited to welcome you into worship environment that is following current CDC guidelines.
We love kids at Vale. We always want to ensure that your kids have a blast while attending church, but also that they are in a safe and secure environment.
During this COVID season we are updating our operating procedures regularly. You can see our regular and COVID FAQs for Vale Kids here.


Jesus (1979) Tagalog Dubbed
Three and a half years of Jesus’ ministry, as told in the Gospel of Luke.
Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979) Tagalog Dubbed
A disgraced former Kung Fu expert makes a living as a merchant with the help of a hot headed friend. When the men are harassed by gangsters, the ...
Dragon Fist (1979) Tagalog Dubbed
After the death of his master, martial arts student Tong Huo-wan travels with his adoptive family to seek redress from the man responsible but ...


At least, that's what Christmas is all about according to Cliff. Yup, aired out my new Christmas CD today. I figure that it is December, so Christmas really isn't that far away. We even put up our trees, nativity and lights today. Munchkin thought it was a blast!
I so want Christmas to be a time of wonder, excitement and mystery for him. I want him to wake each Christmas morning with a buzz of excitement! I remember how hard it was going to sleep on Christmas Eve each year, the fun of special gifts and special food on Christmas Day. I want all that for Munchkin.
But more than that, I find my heart echoing the sentiments of Frugal Trenches. She wrote recently, "I want for my children a life where they are content with what they have, where they don’t need to follow the herd in the idea of what “normal” is, where they are happy to give and live a life poured out in all the ways that matter. Where their souls believe in the most important things: gentleness, compassion, faith, hope and love. Where their lens of life is focused on people, not things."
So I've been thinking about conspiring again. Wonder what on earth I'm going on about? Watch the cool You-Tube clip below...
Advent Conspiracy. A conspiracy to return to the roots of Christmas, to focus on Jesus and on giving the way he gave...with compassion, love, and determination. To give our time, to give ourselves. Even the Wise Men gave of themselves, travelling great distances to bring their gifts and bowing their knee before a peasant girl's baby (incidentally, I heard once that their gifts may well have been the means of Jesus' and his family's survival in Egypt - being an Israelite, Joseph may not have been able to work as a carpenter there, so they might have sold those incredibly valuable gifts in order to survive until it was safe to return to Israel - interesting thought, that even these kingly gifts were perhaps carefully selected to fulfill a very important purpose. But I digress...).
Conspiring. To spend less, and give more. Through this conspiracy, this bypassing of some of the commercial hype of Christmas, thousands of people have received clean water. Diseases from dirty drinking water are the single greatest killer of children worldwide. And as followers of Jesus, remembering that he came to be our 'Living Water,' what better gift could we give at Christmas?! We still give to our loved ones, just a little less stuff that's all. We might give them something a little smaller, perhaps something we made, or some of our time. And instead we give to people who may otherwise never know what Christmas is about. As Jesus said he came for the sick, the hurt, the lonely, the downtrodden, I think He would be really proud of us doing something like this.
So yes, I am a fan of Advent Conspiracy, although I've done it for years without realising it had a name!
This year, we are getting a family gift. We don't give presents in our family at Christmas. This is a tradition from my family, and one I actually really love. I feel so less pressured at Christmas, without a mile long list of 'to buys'. But it can feel a bit flat, not getting a single gift at Christmas...all that's left is the food, and I'm trying to curtail our gluttony a little there too. So I'm working on some Christmas traditions. Like making our Christmas cake the week before. Giving a family photo to our extended family (that's our Christmas gift to them). Telling the Christmas story. Having our Christmas stockings. Wrapping Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. And having a family gift. Didn't manage one last year (read: things were a bit tight). This year though, we are getting one. We're getting some Virtues Cards. They are a set of cards with 'virtues' on them (surprise, surprise!). The idea is that this is something we can use at the dinner table each night. We can each take a turn to choose a virtue, telling how either we or someone we were with that day showed that virtue. I'm really looking forward to it being a way to each share about our day.
I think Christmas is just like any other thing in our lives. There's room for compromise. There's negotiation over what is most important, and less so to us. I didn't buy candy canes this year (saving that till Munchkin is older, as they have a beautiful story to go with them). But I did buy special lollies and drinks for the Christmas stockings (Boyo wants at least some junk food for Christmas!). I bought some cut Champagne ham from the deli and popped it into the freezer, rather than a whole ham that we will be eating almost non-stop for a week and a half! But I did buy some little candles on special. Decorations always make food seem more special. We are still celebrating, just trying to do it without eating to the point of near-popping, and accumulating more things in our wee house.
We are celebrating the biggest giver our world has ever seen and will ever see! Jesus.
How are you celebrating this year? Have you thought about doing something for someone else this Christmas time?


“But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him?” Romans 10:14
Jed and I will be leaving this Saturday, January 22 with a team from our church to travel to West Africa for a mission trip. We will be telling stories to the “B” group and helping them with their daily routine. One day we will travel to a nearby village and story with them as well. In the evenings we will have church and story with everyone as a group. Words will be the way we tell these people about Jesus, some who have never even heard the name before. This is an incredible opportunity and we are honored to get to be a part of this mission. We will be gone from January 22-January 30. Please pray for our team as we travel, tell the stories, pray for good health, and pray for those who will hear for the first time as well as those who are striving to grow in their faith. Also pray for our two kids and our gracious babysitters who will be watching them for us while we are gone. We look forward to sharing with y’all the great stories from the trip! Thank you all in advance for your prayers.


“One of the ministries most urgently needed in the church and the world today is the ministry of building bridges; bridges that can reach across the barriers that divide and separate us. All in the church, from its highest leaders to its newest members, must become engaged in this ministry so that, as Jesus said, “all may be one, as you and I are one”. . . That all the many gifts and charisms that are a part of our great diversity may be united in service to our primary mission of evangelization. This calls for the involvement of the entire people of God and requires a new fervor, new methods and a new expression for announcing and witnessing of the Gospel. This demands a new style of pastoral life marked by profound communion and fruitful cooperation, always respecting and fostering the different roles, charisms and ministries present among us. So that we can accomplish God’s wonderful work of reuniting the whole human race.”
Lofty thoughts? I wish I could claim what I just said, but I am simply quoting—Pope John Paul II’s “Apostolic Exhortation” Pastores Dabo Vobis. Between you and me, I think he lifted this from our founder, Father Jordan’s “Apostolic Exhortations”. . . I’m just sayin’!
Speaking of a pope, one of his major titles is “Supreme Pontiff,” from the word Pontifex: “pons + facere.” This Latin etymology means “bridge builder.” You can’t make this stuff up. Go ahead and Google it (not now, please . . . I am not finished yet).
I did Google the definition of a bridge: “It is an arrangement made to cross over an obstacle without closing the way beneath.” We too are called to be pontiffs, bridge builders, to build bridges that cross over obstacles and connect us, without closing the way beneath us, without burying what lies deep within us. Sadly, we are becoming more and more divided and less unified as a people of God. We are finding it harder and harder to bridge gaps between us. Honestly, look at who we are: conservatives, liberals, traditionalists, progressives, essentialists, neo-essentialists, liberationists, feminists, socialists, existentialists, behaviorists, professionals and even a mix of all of the above. That is why building bridges requires a hard hat. It can cause serious brain damage. And even more so, damage to our spirit. This work is not for sissies.
We are to build suspension bridges, which can suspend judgment before reacting with arrogance and disrespect; be it on a school bus or in our own communities. We are to build drawbridges that can be opened, to welcome bigger concerns than just our own agendas and sense of righteousness. We are to build composite bridges of civil conversations that try to understand, instead of trying to blame. And it is not a question of always having to be on the same side of the bridge. We can agree to disagree. Extremes are just not helpful. Not now. Polarizing stances, divisive attitudes, explosive reactions, be it in politics, media, or the church, these create obstacles and close what’s beneath and within us. . . . our very souls. These destroy, they do not build, be it in religion, politics or media. Are we so caught up in believing that one of us holds the corner on the trestle of truth that we are willing to topple our connection as one family of God into a sea of pride and chaos?
There is a necessary tension in building bridges . . . there is a toll to be paid . . . a price we are called to pay . . . a tension. There is always a natural tension in the creative process, and that is when the Holy Spirit intercedes. That tension can lead to creativity or destruction. It is our choice, as we trust in Divine Providence to guide and engineer our construction.
Christ declared “that they may be one, as we are one.” We as Salvatorians express the uniqueness of our charism of being one family, religious and laity, men and women alike, together in mission. Now it is time to stand up and give witness to this dream of our founder and, dare I say, our God. Let us be courageous enough to continue to build this dream. As Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Archbishop Romero adds: “We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”
Thank you, my committed workers, for the foundation you have blessed us with, as we continue construction in the years ahead! Let us join together, like a bridge, yes, “over troubled water,” laying down our very selves to build bridges of hope for the church and world! God bless you, and let us be pontiffs for our times.
Editor Note: This is the Reflection given by Father Joseph Rodrigues at the Installation of the new Leadership of the Society of the Divine Savior, Salvatorians.


I get to the be the Ward Girls Camp Director this year for our Stake Girls Camp for church. The Stake has decided that the theme is Hold to the Rod (explained below), and each ward has been assigned one of the Young Women Values. Our ward was assigned Divine Nature (so subsequently, our color is blue). We are supposed to have a flag that relates our value to the theme, and I had a hard time thinking of something but finally I think I was inspired.
Here's the "catch phrase" and banner design I came up with:
Hold to the Rod comes from the Book of Mormon; the Iron Rod symbolizes the Word of God which, if we will hold to it, will lead us back to our Father in Heaven.
The gems in the crown are the colors of each of the 8 Young Women Values.


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Sacred Heart Catholic Church
CCD Center: 605-765-2359
Parish Office: 605-765-2161
203 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of the oldest churches that Gettysburg, SD has. For more information, please visit their website:
United Methodist Church
101 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442
Services are held 11 AM every Sunday. For more information, please visit their Facebook page:
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
601 E Logan Ave, Gettysburg, SD
Sunday School held at 9 AM every Sunday, with Church Service following at 10:30.


Welcome to the website for Clark Memorial Church Largs. In this website you will find information about the Church building, its architecture and its history. Details are also provided about when services are held and the various organisations within the church. Information will be provided on an ongoing basis about forthcoming events.
The morning service on Sunday 27 May 2018 (Trinity Sunday) will be taken by the Worship Committee.
Giving for Growth
Many thanks to all those who came to the recent Congregational meals. Over the past week, the packs that were issued at these events were distributed to the homes of those who did not attend. Please study this information and decide how you might support not only Clark Memorial Church but the Church of Scotland nationally and internationally. Your support is needed!
Scripture Union Scotland Prayer Evening
This will take place at West Kilbride Parish Church on Wednesday 6 June at 7pm.
Largs Churches Holiday Club Coffee Morning
This will take place at Clark Memorial Church (Main Hall) on Saturday 9 June. Donations for the stalls (home baking, tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac and books) will be gratefully received. This year’s Holiday Club runs from 30 July – 3 August. It will be possible to register children for the club at the coffee morning.


Fidel Castro Hails Catholic-Orthodox Talks in Cuba
Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro on Monday said the historic meeting in his country between the heads of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches raised worldwide hope for peace.
"The singular importance of the meeting between Pope Francis and His Holiness Kirill in Havana is that it raised hope for people around the world," Castro wrote in an article in state media.
"Peace has been the golden dream of humanity and the yearning of peoples at every moment in history," he added.
"Thousands of nuclear arms hang over the head of humanity. The religious leaders' fundamental aim was doubtless to prevent the most brutal of wars that could break out," he said, referring to Francis and Kirill.
The two promised on Friday to work together for peace, as they held the first meeting between the leaders of their two branches of the church since the Great Schism of 1054.
At a mass in Havana on Sunday, Kirill said he had "met in an open, fraternal and loving atmosphere" with Francis.
Cuba's hosting of the meeting reflected the communist-ruled island's growing profile in international affairs since it restored diplomatic ties with the United States last year after decades of hostility.
Fidel Castro, 89, handed over control of Cuba's leadership due to health problems in 2006 to his brother Raul, 84, who formally became president in 2008.
The patriarch met with Fidel Castro during his visit to Cuba and they discussed subjects such as poverty and peace, the government said in a statement.
Kirill left Cuba on Sunday and traveled to Paraguay, where he held a mass on Monday in the capital Asuncion. He paid tribute to Russian immigrants who fled to Paraguay after the 1917 Russian revolution.


Yesterday I watched on live TV two former boyars in Rupert Murdoch’s monocracy wriggling under gratifyingly hard and pointed questioning by the House of Commons Select Committee on Culture and the Media. A few years ago, this would have been as challenging as beach rounders. Now, its different; not just because Murdoch is damaged and British politicians are taking their revenge for years of humiliating grovelling, but because the committee members are much better prepared and briefed. John Bercow, the widely disliked but intelligent and ambitious Speaker, knows, unlike Obama, the sour truth of Caligula’s saying: oderint dum metuant.
Former legal director Tom Crone, and former editor Colin Myler of Murdoch’s sleazy and now shuttered UK tabloid The News of the World, ended up contradicting evidence given earlier by their one-time boss James Murdoch, viz. that when he agreed to a very large settlement of a hacking lawsuit brought by Gordon Taylor, he didn’t know of a damning email proving that the case was not isolated. James Murdoch is likely to be recalled for further inquisition. You agreed to a half-million quid settlement just to shut Taylor up, not to keep the lid on a bigger can of worms?
What struck me was the attitude of Myler and Crone. Crone particularly clearly saw his job entirely as minimising the damage to his employers from the lawsuits resulting from reporters’ illegal shenanigans, balancing monetary with reputational loss, exactly as an outside lawyer would. They never mentioned any broader duty to see that their paper conducted its business in a reasonably ethical and lawful way.
You would not expect better of the sort of men who float to the top of Murdoch’s septic tank. But what’s the difference between their evidence and the Vatican’s latest response to the Irish government on the child abuse scandal? Judge for yourself. Irish government charges here; Vatican response here.
The critical point for the response goes back to 1997. After scandals, the Irish Catholic bishops prepared guidelines for the handling by diocesan officials of allegations of child abuse. On 21 January 1997 the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Storero, wrote them a letter relaying Vatican legal hesitations on “merely a study document”:
The Congregation [for the Clergy] wishes to emphasise the need for this document [the guidelines] to conform with the canonical forms presently in force.
It expands on this point, but doesn’t say anything else. The Irish government claims that this letter gave cover to reactionary bishops who proposed to ignore the non-binding guidelines, thus allowing abuse to continue.
The Vatican’s response is like that of Tom Crone, only much better done and far less defensible. It’s the case for Storero’s defence in a canon law tribunal. Sample:
The Congregation [of the Clergy]â€™s description of the Framework Document as a â€œstudy documentâ€, which was based on the explanations of its nature as provided by the Irish Bishops and in the published text itself, was not a dismissal of the serious efforts undertaken by the Irish Bishops to address the grave problem of child sexual abuse. The Congregation, taking cognizance of the Bishopsâ€™ intention not to make the document binding, while at the same time aware that each individual Bishop intended to adopt it for his Diocese to deal with cases as they arose, wished to ensure that nothing contained in it would give rise to difficulties should appeals be lodged to the Holy See.
Point scored! Our man Storero is in the clear! Except that the whole thing completely misses the beam in the Vatican’s eye. Fourteen years on the Curia still thinks this is about the proper handling of disciplinary charges against priests, not the prevention of evil done to children, still less institutional penitence for it. The response reproduces, in more elegant form, the moral blindness and political obtuseness of Storero’s letter, which doesn’t even pay lip service to the gravity of the offences of the abusing priests, the crisis in the Church’s standing in Ireland, and the vital pragmatic as well as moral need for a vigorous crackdown.
Update The anger of Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny is justified:
The rape and torture of children were downplayed or ‘managed’ to uphold instead, the primacy of the institution, its power, standing and ‘reputation’. Far from listening to evidence of humiliation and betrayal with St Benedict’s “ear of the heart”……the Vatican’s reaction was to parse and analyse it with the gimlet eye of a canon lawyer.
The new response does make the required genuflections on the tragedy, but few are fooled. Can you imagine an Irish leader saying, even ten years ago, anything like these words of Kenny’s:
This is not Rome. Nor is it industrial-school or Magdalene Ireland, where the swish of a soutane smothered conscience and humanity and the swing of a thurible ruled the Irish-Catholic world. This is the Republic of Ireland 2011. A Republic of laws…..of rights and responsibilities….of proper civic order….. where the delinquency and arrogance of a particular version….. of a particular kind of ‘morality’….. will no longer be tolerated or ignored.
He sounds like a French anti-clerical in 1905.
The Vatican has at least learnt the Murdoch skill of throwing underlings under the bus. The Pope publicly rebuked Irish bishops (untouchable in the old days) in a pastoral letter last year:
It cannot be denied that some of you and your predecessors failed, at times grievously, to apply the long-established norms of canon law to the crime of child abuse. Serious mistakes were made in responding to allegations.
But was the Vatican in any way responsible for abetting the train wreck? Dear me no. It only appoints the bishops and tells them what not to do. It’s not so much the Pope who’s infallible, but the Curia that is not responsible for anything.


Founded in 1961, the original church was a remodeled wood frame house near downtown Long Beach, which was completely destroyed by Hurricane Camille in 1969. After Harold Toop pulled a delicate alabaster statuette of the Blessed Virgin unscathed from the mud and wreckage of the sanctuary, the congregation vowed to rebuild the church. Less than a week later a wedding was held on the steps of the church which were the only recognizable structure left.
The church was rebuilt as a masonry structure on the same site in 1970 and remained there until the land was sold in 1989. The new facilities were built approximately one mile west of downtown Long Beach on U.S. Highway 90 and was dedicated on September 15, 1991. The statuette of the Blessed Virgin was displayed in a continuously illuminated niche behind the alter as a symbol of the church’s physical and spiritual perseverance.
St. Patrick’s main building was a quaint wooden structure nestled under live oaks at the south end of seven acres of property on the Mississippi Sound. Its cruciform sanctuary had sky blue walls and a vaulted ceiling. Its numerous windows offered soft natural lighting and glimpses of the Mississippi Sound and the surrounding landscape.
In 1998 an outdoor chapel was dedicated in a shady wooded setting just north of a small stream that separated the main building complex from the rest of the church’s property. The outdoor chapel was used for special services and was an open area available to anyone for prayer and quiet self reflection. The church’s office was located in an addition to the main building at 452 West Beach Blvd. The Bryan Youth Cottage and outreach youth building were located at 603 Magnolia Street at the north end of the church’s property adjacent to the St. Patrick’s City Park.
On August 29, 2005, our facilities on U.S. Highway 90 were one of six Mississippi Episcopal church facilities destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The storm left between 1/3 and 1/2 of the families in our congregation without homes. The congregation gathered the Sunday after the storm at Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach for Holy Eucharist.
The Altar Guild saved the statue of the Virgin Mary which survived Hurricane Camille, as well as altar linens and vessels. The children’s altar used during the 9 AM service was found on surrounding property as was the top to the altar. Much of the outdoor chapel survived the storm. Many of the beautiful live oaks that surrounded the church survived the storm.
In the fall of 2006, the vestry made the decision to relocate St. Patrick’s to safer and higher ground. With much prayer and planning, we began the process of rebuilding on new property at the intersection of Klondyke and Cleveland Avenue. In the meantime, St. Patrick’s used office and meeting space at Camp Coast Care in Long Beach. Our EYC is meeting in conjunction with St. Peter’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, St. Thomas (Diamondhead), and Christ Church (Bay St. Louis).
Overwhelming and humbling support of our church, our parishioners, and our community has come from sister churches and individuals throughout the U.S. and our Diocese. In addition, we are deeply grateful to Camp Coast Care of the Lutheran Episcopal Services in MS, Coast Episcopal School, Grace Lutheran, and First United Methodist of Long Beach who have graciously offered “room in the inn” to us since the storm.
Our first service in the new building, 310 North Cleveland Ave., was Pentacost Sunday, May 21, 2009. The new facilities include All Saints Hall, a large multipurpose hall that serve both as parish hall (which it will eventually become) and as worship space. Nearby is a large kitchen. Across the breezeway is the office and education wing with the church office, priest’s office, deacon’s office, workroom, choir/vesting room, nursery, two “small” classrooms and the Florida Room. The Florida Room is named in thanskgiving fro the Diocese of Florida and the support they gave us after Katrina. This large mulitpurpose room is used by our junior and senior EYC. The formal dedication service, with both the Bishop of Mississippi and the Bishop of Florida, was held on August 15, 2009.
The Reverend Betsy Baumgarten became our current Priest-In-Charge in January, 2013, and served with us until October, 2016. After almost a year of coordinating supply priests for Sunday services, the Rev Barbara Hunter, ELCA, became our regular supply clergy thanks in large art to the formal common ministry between the Luthern and Episcopal denominations. Pastor Barb served until April 29, 2018.
May 6, 2018, was the first service with the Rev. Jane Bearden as our Interim Rector.


Thank you to all who helped Eagle Ridge and the Feed the Need Campaign. A special thanks to all sponsors including KHIS Radio! Click here to watch a video!
Eagle Ridge Christian School is Cape Girardeau's Community Christian School and is located on Route K in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, one mile west of Interstate 55. Eagle Ridge provides quality Christian education for 2, 3, and 4 year old preschool students, as well as students in grades kindergarten through 12. Located on a 23 acre campus, Eagle Ridge houses the preschool, elementary, and high school in one beautiful facility. To learn more about Eagle Ridge Christian School, you may continue reading the information on the website or call the number below to speak with a school representative.
Eagle Ridge Christian School
4210 State Highway K
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Administrator: Janice Margrabe


By Diana Hsieh
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Perhaps that seems strange, given that Modern Paleo is the work of Objectivists. After all, we don't merely deny the existence of God. We're staunchly opposed to the mysticism and altruism at the core of Christianity. So what gives? Why are we celebrating merrily too?
Personally, Christmas has always been a completely secular holiday for me. I grew up in a secular household, so we celebrated Christmas with Santa, a decorated tree, yummy treats, and piles of presents. I remember that my sisters and I used to write lengthy questionnaires to Santa, in the hopes that he would make some mistake and then we'd know for certain that he wasn't real. His answers were always pretty good, however -- although our suspicions were aroused by the similarity of his handwriting to that of my father. :-)
So, unlike many, I don't regard Christmas as inherently religious. In fact, it's not much a religious holiday, despite its name. As Richard Salsman explains, the end-of-year celebration is rooted in Roman paganism, and serious Christians opposed it when it arose in its modern merry form in the 19th century. Plus, Jesus was likely born in September. (Doh!)
Here's Ayn Rand's view of Christmas -- and to make matters even more interesting, she was raised in a secular Jewish family in Russia.
[In answer to the question of whether it is appropriate for an atheist to celebrate Christmas:]For more, see Why Christmas Should be More Commercial by Leonard Peikoff.
Yes, of course. A national holiday, in this country, cannot have an exclusively religious meaning. The secular meaning of the Christmas holiday is wider than the tenets of any particular religion: it is good will toward men--a frame of mind which is not the exclusive property (though it is supposed to be part, but is a largely unobserved part) of the Christian religion.
The charming aspect of Christmas is the fact that it expresses good will in a cheerful, happy, benevolent, non-sacrificial way. One says: "Merry Christmas"--not "Weep and Repent." And the good will is expressed in a material, earthly form--by giving presents to one's friends, or by sending them cards in token of remembrance . . . .
The best aspect of Christmas is the aspect usually decried by the mystics: the fact that Christmas has been commercialized. The gift-buying . . . stimulates an enormous outpouring of ingenuity in the creation of products devoted to a single purpose: to give men pleasure. And the street decorations put up by department stores and other institutions--the Christmas trees, the winking lights, the glittering colors--provide the city with a spectacular display, which only "commercial greed" could afford to give us. One would have to be terribly depressed to resist the wonderful gaiety of that spectacle.
The Objectivist Calendar, Dec. 1976
So... once again... Merry Christmas, Everyone! Or, if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope that you have a fabulous day today!


The next woman is a Saint. She is recognized by numerous religions for her contributions. She is Kassia/ Kassiani. Kassiani’s hymn is sung every Holy Week (the last week of lent,) specifically on Holy Wednesday.
Kassiani was born between 805-810 in Constantinople (Current day Istanbul.) Kassiani was from a noble family and was well-educated, receiving praise for her level of knowledge from Theodore the Studite(one of the most important theologians of the time). At this time in history, Kassiani was among only two women who could read and write their names. Not only was Kassiani one of the two educated women of the time, but she was also considered beautiful and was selected for a bride show for Emperor Theophilos. Once selected by Emperor Theophilos to be his bride, she rejected Theophilos.
After rejecting Theophilos, Kassiani became a nun, a poet, and a composer. Her hymn and poetry are the only ones written by a woman in official church service books for worship. She founded a convent and became an abbess (head of nuns in the convent.)
In the 9th century, Constantinople was entrenched in the debate over religious imagery. Kassiani was a staunch defender of religious imagery being used in church services. She worked to free disciples who were imprisoned by authorities for defending imagery worship.
Later in her life, Emperor Theophilos wished to see her one last time before his death. Kassiani had dedicated her life to God. She hid once Theophilos arrived, wishing not to see him. Theophilos discovered the hymn being written and wrote “those feet whose sound Eve heard at dusk in Paradise and hid herself for fear.” Once Theophilos left, Kassiani completed the hymn with Theophilos’s line included, producing “The Hymn of the Sinful Woman.”
Kassiani was an early woman who broke through the mold of what women had to be. Her level of education, her rejection of an emperor, and her dedication to God. If there was one thing to remember and take from Saint Kassiani is her verse “I hate silence when it is time to speak.”


Scripture and the Church offer a cumulative amount of arguments to offer this skeptical world that God exists.
It isn’t that these arguments prove God deductively, its that fact that Christianity offers the most reasonable and cohesive interpretation of how the world works. It offers reasons for how humanity works, and answers better than any other religion how scientific discoveries relate to God’s creation.
The Ontological argument= God is the explanation of innate knowledge of transcendence.
The Teleological argument= God is the explanation for order in the universe.
The Cosmological argument= God is the explanation for creation
The Transcendental argument= God is the explanation for Logic, mathematics.
The Anthropological argument= God is the explanation for mans yearning and consciousness of God
The Moral argument= God is the explanation for objective moral truth.
The Argument for Desire= The appreciation for Beauty, Order, Peace all temporal in this world point to another world where human desire will be satisfied fully.
For the Christian these arguments are wrapped up in scripture and authored by God. The ordinary Christian need go no further than “Thus saith the Lord” to acquire validation for holding these truths. Those who are born of God, the reality of Christ as Savior, Lord and Creator are side-by-side with the reality of physical things. For the Christian the metaphysical and the physical are realities that are non-contradictory. The Christian is the ‘only’ one that can make sense of science, theology, faith and fact without formulating long-winded contradictions. Atheism has no equal coherency, all the varied attempts by famous atheists to explain the metaphysical eventually resound in irrational banter. Many an atheist has used Ockhams razor in an attempt to dismiss my explanations because it is not simplistic enough for their liking. However, their own explanations are either assumed without proof or asserted as though their personal opinion rests upon bare fact. To put it bluntly, each atheist has his own nuanced belief system, each without validation and each without any more credence than the false religions they denounce.
The easiest way to push atheism back on its heels is to question the presuppositions an atheist has made. Questions concerning absolutes in morality, logic or math usually end in utterly frustrating the atheist. When he cannot ad-homenum his way out of answering you, he must re-direct the Christian to some supposed fault with God, the bible or Christians themselves. Questions concerning origins is another, he must make faith statements, not about God, but about his faith in the latest scientific theory, or faith in “what will be revealed in the future”. In any case the atheist eventually leaves his science and logic behind and jumps to the irrational and emotional for pure self-defense.
There are atheists that are stout-hearted materialists and they have worked out a personal theory of boundaries or boxes. Such materialists or those who depend upon scientism believe against sound reasoning that these boxes are reality; for these people any thing transcendent is mere fantasy and the existential is a mental contrivance. One of the problems with their explanations is that it never rings true for the greater mass of people. If such a thing is so evident and obvious why would explanations for the metaphysical carry such a dismal reception from the greater population? It’s not as though others have not thought about the philosophy behind materialism; nor is scientism without its examiners who after diligent study, refuse the limited box and seek answers outside the confining philosophy. It is now noted among the wise of this age that scientism is incapable of providing the knowledge needed by even the child; those things outside the realm of empirical proof contain a tremendous ability to invade the human mind and lay waste to empiricism…all without higher education.
The Christian on the other hand has no such obstacles. The Word of God enlightens the mind and gives him insight into invisible realities. The moral, ethical and spiritual all find specific links to each other and all of them point the way to the lawgiver God himself. God has revealed man is the creation of God and is accountable to Him. God’s handiwork in forming the mind of man to understand the understandable-universe he lives in answers to the reality that intelligent design was created for designed intelligence. We are that designed intelligence, the scriptures reveal how it is we are to live among each other, and how we are to live in light of being God’s creation and eventually judged by God. The basis for what we are and who we are and what we are doing in this world is made plain by the scriptures. Atheism has made its loudest cry and asserted its best arguments but at the sunset of the day the world is no better off and man has no hope.
Jesus Christ came into the world to reveal God to us in a way we could never have imagined. His life and death destroys the idea that God is insensitive to the needs of humanity, and his resurrection is the answer to mans greatest hope and deepest needs. If you find yourself without a credible way to understand the world, turn to the Word of God, seek out a solid Christian and ask the questions that need asking. But know for a certain, God is willing to save those who will come to him, he will forgive your sins and give you mercy instead of judgment.