Jesus rebuked them for forsaking the first love possible reasons for this are work of god being central rather than the person of christ they started by defending the gospel and then lived for the argument. God is love god is love this simple yet complex statement is found only twice1, 2 in the bible and is commonly presented out of context it is generally misunderstood and often circulated in a fashion that leads many into hell. The sermon on the mount is one of the many teachings delivered by jesus, a judean prophet whom christians consider as the son of god despite the fact that it is intriguing as well as enriching, the sermon has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and has also been the subject of a lot of criticism. Is the rock opera jesus christ superstar biblical how is jesus our sabbath rest what is the meaning of the blood of christ where was joseph when jesus was an adult what are the different names and titles of jesus christ who was the real historical jesus is jesus a myth is jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions. God the father and jesus christ have made promises to mankind about their love, protection and faithfulness (psalms 33:4 psalms 33:4 for the word of the lord is right and all his works are done in truth.
Jesus of nazareth, also known as jesus christ, was a jewish teacher and reformer of religion who has become the central figure of christianity christians follow the example of jesus, accept his words to be true, and worship him as god. The new testament bible story of jesus walking on water is one of the most widely told narratives and key miracles of jesus the episode occurs shortly after another miracle, the feeding of the 5,000 this event convinced the 12 disciples that jesus is indeed the living son of god. Jesus valued family, for as a boy he was obedient to his parents (luke 2:51), as a man dying on the cross he entrusted his mother's care to his disciple john (john 19:26-27), and in his ministry he used fatherly love for children as a metaphor for god's love for us (luke 11:11-13.
4 love story essay love: love and william shakespeare 124 unnecessary love in the play “a midsummers night’s dream” written by william shakespeare, he tries to express the difficulties of being in love and all the ups and downs that come along in life, while being in love. Sermon: the working christian summary: labor day is set aside to celebrate the value and dignity of work the bible has some concrete things to teach us about work work is not a curse, but part of our created purpose so that we can serve god. The last temptation of christ, by martin scorsese, is a towering achievement though it initially engendered enormous controversy, the film can now be viewed as the remarkable, profoundly personal work of faith that it is this fifteen-year labor of love, an adaptation of nikos kazantzakis’s.
Love, fellowship, and serving one of the plainest expressions of love in scripture is fellowship— sharing with others one of the most valuable things we can share is ourselves: our time, our talents, our energies in serving others in the body of christ. Victoria wilson is a worship pastor's wife and work-at-home-mom with two spunky daughters she is active in her local church and grateful to have opportunities to serve others through writingas a doula, she enjoys walking alongside families through the process of pregnancy and birth. Dallas burdette april 11, 1998 thrust statement: the resurrection of jesus guarantees endurance now and final conquest in the hour of death scripture reading: 2 timothy 2:1-10 introduction today is a time that the world is thinking about the one who rose from the dead to die no more. Question: what does the bible say about work answer: the beginning of an essay penned by bob black in 1985 entitled “the abolition of work” read, “no one should ever work work is the source of nearly all the misery in the world almost any evil you'd care to name comes from working or from living in a world designed for work.
Love can be the love between brother and sister, sibling love, like ender and val love can also be the love between a boyfriend and girlfriend or a husband and wife, like val and her husband, which the book doesn’t really talk much about, or novinha and libo. Jesus saved my life (the matthew needham story) jesus did it by: matthew g needham play is vital in helping win lost souls and being engaged in discipleship, and we can never thank you enough for the labor of love and support you provide on behalf of our lord jesus christ. Essay on a labor of love - a labor of love teaching should be considered the most significant and rewarding profession that anyone could choose the opportunity to touch the hearts, minds, and souls of so many young people during one’s lifetime will be an honor and a privilege.
Jesus' work was interpreted as a new exodus, a reform or refounding of israel, as one can see by his choosing the twelve, feeding the people in the wilderness, fulfilling moses' law giving, making a new covenant and sealing it with blood, etc. Democracy is great, but the church is called to practice something better in many american churches, the sunday closest to july 4 is a patriotic service. Labor of love dec 2012 uploaded by stephanie williams this is the monthly newsletter of a missionary midwife getting ready to head to mozambique save labor of love dec 2012 for later save related info.


Please click below for current newsletters. This will be updated every week.
UPDATE: GOOD NEWS!
GOOD NEWS - we are able to open our Church this weekend - Saturday 25th at 6.30pm and Sunday 26th at 11am. Please note that the church will only be open 30 minutes before any Mass or Service (i.e. 6.00pm and 10.30am respectively).
The church will be marked out so that social distancing can be observed and we will ALL be required to wear masks. To avoid disappointment, it is essential that you ring during the week to reserve your place. If you haven't booked in, unfortunately, you will not be able to attend that Mass or Service. This is to ensure that the social distancing restrictions are observed.
To reserve your place please ring Peter and Pat Fleming on 0161 330 1735 (or 07784 135812) any day Mon-Thurs between 10am and 5pm or Friday between 10am and
12 noon. When you book your place, you will be asked for your name and telephone number. This is to ensure that we are complying with the regulations regarding Track and Trace.
This coming weekend (i.e. 25th and 26th July) marks the re-opening of our church after the lockdown, which has also included all the building work being completed and, as it is the first weekend, it will not involve the celebration of Mass and will be a Service of Prayer and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr Philip and Deacon Antony. For each of these two services we will be limiting the places in the church to 30 each day. This will allow us to adjust to the new safety precautions after such a long lockdown and will then allow for the full re-opening of the church and for Mass over the following weekend of the 1st and 2nd August, when there will be 52 places available for each Mass - but once again, you will need to ring to ensure that there is a place available for you.
The above safety precautions will be in place for the foreseeable future so please make sure you ring each week to reserve your place. If all the allocated places have been taken when you ring, your name will be placed on a list and you will have first option for the following week. All reservations will be on a first come first served basis.
As you will appreciate these restrictions are beyond our control, and we must conform to government and diocesan guidelines.
We look forward to welcoming you back to church but again must stress that there is still no obligation for anyone to attend a Sunday Mass, especially if you are over the age of 70 or are still vulnerable.
CLICK BELOW FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON RETURNING TO CHURCH.
OFFERTORY AND GIVING TO THE CHURCH DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME
For those Parishioners who normally give in the collection at Mass and wish to help the Parish at this time, an online donation page to allow you to donate to the Parish has been added to the Diosise website.
Please be aware that a minimum donation of £5 is requested if giving in this way.
The page can also be used to set up a regular monthly donation, and you can also Gift Aid your donation to help the Parish further.
If you want to Gift Aid your donation, please tick the box shown on the screen even if you have previously completed a Gift Aid Declaration form in favour of the Parish for regular giving made by Offertory Envelope or Standing Order.
Thank you for your support. Click the link below to go to the Diocese of Shrewsbury page, the donation link is at the bottom of the page.
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO MAGNIFICAT AND THE CATHOLIC HERALD
As there will be no public Masses for an indefinite period starting this weekend and an increasing number of people are self-isolating there will undoubtedly be a substantial number of your parishioners who will be unable to get to Church for several weeks. To help them follow the Mass, daily prayers, reading, etc. at home, and also keep up with the weekly church news we are offering free access to Magnificat online, and for those who would like the Print Edition there is a special one-off 4-month subscription to Magnificat and/or a 3-month subscription to The Catholic Herald at substantially discounted and affordable prices to ensure that the maximum number of people can take advantage.
So that as many people as possible can take advantage of the free and/or discounted offers can you please make your parishioners aware of these options and how to order in any way you are able? They can only be ordered by telephoning Margaret on 020 7448 3607 or Paul on 020 7448 3618 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Below are special prices to help people over this difficult period and orders will need to be placed before Easter:
Magnificat 4 months April to July (including the Holy Week special issue) for £14
Catholic Herald 3 months (13 weeks) for £25
Both Catholic Herald and Magnificat (as above) £36
For free access to Magnificat online, log in at www.magnificat.com/free
Although we do expect that many people will still go to Church for personal prayer, we do hope that these special concessions will help people who cannot get there, and also those who want to follow the Masses, prayers, readings, etc. feel that they can still share in the life of the Church.
Thank you and best wishes
OUR PARISH CLERGY
Reverend Father Philip Atkinson (Parish Priest) and Reverend
Deacon Antony Zidan.
INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
Here you will find information on the R.C.I.A Programme.
Rota for, Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Rota for Flower Arrangers.
Click here for the Parish Readers rota.


Catholic Education in Guelph dates back to January 12, 1854 when the first Catholic school was erected in the Royal City on “Catholic Hill”. Together Catholic clergy, religious and laity established a tradition of providing an education that embraced a high academic standard and a deep commitment to the Gospel. The arrival of the Loretto sisters in 1856 resulted in the expansion of Catholic education. The sisters were instrumental in creating the enduring gift of Catholic Education that is ours today.
This past week on February 19, Sister Doryne Kirby, a Loretto sister who taught in several schools in Ontario including Bishop Macdonell, was called home to God. It was a moving tribute at our most recent board meeting as we opened with prayer to hear each trustee recount with deep respect and affection the story of a teacher, who years later, remained etched in their hearts and minds. It struck me that this is a part of our Catholic story that we need to continue to share. The following is a compilation of memories, woven together…of a woman who clothed herself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Sister Doryne was “a great lady before her time with respect to women’s rights in our church and will be deeply missed.” Legend has it that she was a Rockette before becoming a sister. Her flair for dance, “I Love Lucy” red hair and a personality that was just as bright and fiery, along with her passionate commitment to Catholic education, lit up every room she entered. She was known to literally stand on her head for her students, one day doing a handstand at the blackboard to capture their attention.
The tradition of excellence in education was one she took very seriously. One trustee shared, “In grade 13 I took two French courses, regular French and French literature. At the end of the year when it came time for exams and exemptions, the exemption mark was 70%. I had over 90 in the regular French so no issue there. I had 75 in the French literature course but sister called me in and told me I was not being exempted and would have to write the final exam because I had not given my best effort. I was mad at the time but she was right.” And he wasn’t the only one as another of our Trustees shared a similar story of a “heart to heart” in which he was told he was capable of much more than he was showing. Both agreed that this gave them the push to always strive to meet their God-given potential.
Sister cared deeply about her students and their families. As a regular attendee at our Bishop’s Dinner for Community Needs, years after her retirement, she had an uncanny ability to remember faces and names and match them up correctly.
In addition to her work as a teacher, Sister Doryne served the Church faithfully providing spiritual direction and retreats and as a Director for Social Action, NGO representative at the United Nations, and Coordinator for the Sisters at Loretto College. Remarkably she continued her work related to social justice issues until January 20, 2016 when ill health made it necessary for her to move to the Loretto infirmary.
Sister Doryne was a steward of God’s purposes in human lives and in our history. She will always be remembered fondly as an amazing faith-filled woman, joyful in her ministry and a member of our beloved Loretto Sisters…a legacy lady!
De repos dans la paix Soeur.
Sister Doryne at the annual Bishop’s Dinner holding a picture of “Catholic Hill” and the Loretto convent presented in recognition of the Loretto sisters service to Catholic Education.
I just received the data for my blog. The information is certainly a fun way of positioning blog activity. I do appreciate that the author of the report didn’t mention the fact that I haven’t blogged in several months or worse send a message in 72 font with flashing alerts asking, “Where have you been?”. The lack of posts has been niggling at me and so I consider the crunchy numbers motivation to get back at it. Here’s what I learned:
- A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people.
- This blog was viewed about 2,600 times in 2015.
- If it were a cable car, it would take about 43 trips to carry that many people.
- There were 12 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 20 MB. That’s about a picture per month.
- The busiest day of the year was February 9th with 62 views.
- The most popular attractions in 2015: “IB Celebrating” and “Loving Life…Living Lent”
- Where did the viewers come from? 73 countries in all with views mostly from Canada, the US and Brazil.
So now I am inspired! I’m putting a resolution out there to be more disciplined in posting Directly2U, otherwise I will seriously have to think about a new name such as “Lost in Cyberspace”.
Wishing you all many blessings for the New Year, abundant joy, good health and deep peace!
Welcome back to a new year and a new beginning! I am writing this on Labour Day, grateful for the roles that each of our staff play, their committed service and with profound appreciation for the dignity of all work. Thank you to all our staff who have been working tirelessly to ensure safe, warm places of welcome for learning.
The new year brings with it change. This year promises some exciting opportunities. All of us will experience the blessings of new students, staff and programs.
The new school year also offers us an opportunity to reflect upon our personal, professional and spiritual growth and to set goals. We’re proud to share with you our Board Plan for Excellence in Faith Formation, Learning and Achievement. It is our invitation that every person will see themselves as contributing to the success of this plan. Building on #HereIAm first introduced in Wellington Catholic News we will build on the guiding principles of:
• I have God-given strengths
• I am learning and leading; and
• I belong in community.
There’s a place for everyone!
I have a favourite saying, “Where do we grow from here?” This year we will undertake a strategic planning process and all stakeholders will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas so that we can continue to build a vibrant learning community and provide an authentic Catholic education for now and the future. A combination of innovation and responsible stewardship of our resources will be essential. We’ll keep you posted on the process and timelines.
Best wishes for a wonderful beginning as we boldly share our gifts, and lead and learn in community! Happy New Year! 🙂
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”
1 Corinthians 12: 4-6
Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration is entitled, ‘Catholic Education: Exploring Paths of Joy’ and will be held for the week of May 3-8. The overall scriptural theme is taken from Luke’s gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32), “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” We are hopeful that as the body of Christ, we, too, feel our hearts burning within us as we explore the paths of joy during this week. The five sub-themes for Catholic Education: Exploring Paths of Joy are:
- Monday Day 1: Walking Together and Sharing Our Stories
- Tuesday Day 2: Opening the Scriptures
- Wednesday Day 3: Welcoming Others to the Table
- Thursday Day 4: Recognizing Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread
- Friday Day 5: Proclaiming the Good News
To mark the beginning of Catholic Education Week, Monday, May 4 we will break ground for the new Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Rockwood. Minister Sandals and other local dignitaries will join us to celebrate. Sacred Heart will pride itself in 21 Century technologies and shaping hearts for learning and hearts for living.
On Wednesday, May 6 each of our secondary schools will participate locally in the province-wide Mass initiative. Building on the success of last year’s province wide mass, this day will receive a new designation, the “Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day”; a special day of unity, worship, evangelization and recognition of Catholic youth. Our youth are embracing the invitation of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops as set out in This Moment of Promise.
“You are a most significant educational influence on each other. We invite you to become active participants in the process of Catholic education. We urge you to bring your energy, enthusiasm and generosity to the task of building a Catholic community within your school and to shaping the vision of Catholic education. Your strengths and your weaknesses, your joys and your fears, your struggles and your searchings, will be welcomed in this community. Whatever your age, you are not too young to assume responsibility with and for your fellow students. You are a most significant educational influence on each other. You can help each other become disciples of Jesus Christ or you can hinder each other from becoming everything you are called to be. How you are with one another now, will significantly influence how you will be with others as adults. The future of the church and its mission of service in the world will be yours. For this, you will need courage, self-discipline and all the love you are able to give. Take up the challenge of growing into a sense of who you are as Christians, so that you can develop the talents you have been given and bring the best of yourself to the society in which you will be living.” (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, This Moment of Promise)
There are many exciting celebrations of student learning occurring at each of our schools. Check out your school’s website, twitter account, newsletter or call the school for more details. We hope you are able to join us.
As we enter this week we pray for our students, that through their education they may be drawn deeper into the love of God and for parents, guardians, educators and religious, that God will bless you in your vocation and all that you do to support Catholic education.
Have you heard about “Students of Mystery and the Crunchy Eyebrow Syndrome”? It is not the title of a movie trailer or a new bestseller….but…. it is contagious and the results are exciting! During my school visits in recent weeks I have had the opportunity to observe and participate in several Collaborative Inquiries with staff. As school staff work together on Collaborative Inquiry for Learning, “marker students” or students who mysteriously do not seem to be achieving to their potential are monitored as part of the inquiry process. These students of mystery cause us to crunch our eyebrows and wonder…”Why are they not achieving at the level they seem capable of?” “How can I help them?” “What is the barrier to their learning?” “How can I create a breakthough?” “What instructional and assessment strategies can I use that will make a difference?”
Knowing our students is essential. Learning For All, 2011 is full of ideas about how to get to know our students through the creation of class and student profiles. In addition there are great ideas about how to differentiate instruction in response to student strengths and needs. How to differentiate content, process, product, and environment is explored so that educators can ensure all students will be successful learners. Our knowledgeable Program Department staff also provide support to assist staff in expanding and strengthening their repertoire of instructional strategies through a team approach that is responsive to individual students’ learning needs. The evidence is showing that the journey of co-learning is positively impacting student achievement!
Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week. In spite of our busyness, let’s endeavour to keep this week holy…through prayer, in how we see and experience the world around us and how we plan and spend our time. Together, let’s live these days as a time to grow in faith, and hope and love…
Joy to you this Easter!
On a cold and blustery morning we unloaded our suitcases and donation bags in darkness at Pearson for our trip to Neustros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) Peru http://www.nph-peru.org. It was -33. When we arrived in Lima, it was +33 (with the wind chill) – Bitter cold and dark transformed to abundant sunshine and warmth. And so began a 10 day mission trip adventure, a trip of contrasts, with 20 young adults from Bishop Macdonell High School.
These service trips are a part of the fabric and tradition of Wellington Catholic District School Board in partnership with Friends of the Orphans Canada https://fotocan.org. Each of our secondary schools participates every two years. I was privileged this month to be part of this grace-filled opportunity that I had heard so much about. The journey that unfolded was made possible through the organizational efforts and support of many; both those in attendance, and through the generosity of time and donations of staff, families and our community who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone for your selfless contributions!
It was truly a Lenten journey as we laboured in the desert heat, sacrificing not being tied to electronic devices and witnessing hearts transform. Our projects consisted of laying sod, aerating and fertilizing shade trees, and painting the play structure, therapy clinic, and a delightful underwater mural in the Babies’ Casa.
Lathered daily with sunscreen and bug juice our best work was completed by early afternoon before the sun beats down full force at the equator. Our afternoons were filled connecting with the children of the orphanage; playing games, at the beach, impromptu spanish and english lessons, making friendship bracelets… They were joy-filled afternoons filled with an abundance of laughter and each day the personal connections deepened. It was a true gift to share this experience with our students, who simply put, were nothing short of amazing. Their energy is big, inspiring, and their hearts are full.
Working elbow to elbow we talked of many things including frustration with large-scale poverty and our resolve to make some kind of difference. There was certainty about some things, confusion about others. We were both worn out and invigorated.
The sun set early and the resident rooster made sure we were awake before sunrise. As the week progressed fatigue and aching body parts were juxtaposed with excitement about completing our projects. And although we began the week plotting to kidnap the rooster and transport him to a loving home elsewhere, his crow became less of annoyance and more of a morning cheer of encouragement. Each new day was an invitation to live and serve completely outside of ourselves.
While tilling the dusty, compacted soil on our little postage stamp of planet earth I experienced a deep awakening to the hunger for what truly feeds our heart. We have so much more than we need…stuff, lots of stuff. This Lent was a spring cleaning of sorts…an opportunity to offer our excess to those who need it most. It’s easy to stuff the empty places of our heart with junk and filler. This trip offered a chance to give away and go without the many things we do not need. In emptying our hearts a larger space was created for what our hearts are meant to hold. This Lent I’ve been blessed with a renewed spirit and a deeper sense of gratitude.
A stirring silence fell over the bus after we said our goodbyes and left the orphanage…. Perhaps it was that we were praying our goodbyes. Each one of us left with the names of children and their stories forever etched in our hearts….Adimir, Juan Diego, Carlos, Claudio, Maria Flores… Each child we encountered giving so much more than receiving. Richness redefined…
Knowing this is just “One Step Along the Way” our shared experience and the words of Oscar Romero will continue to inspire our District in our mission work for years come:
“It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent
enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of
saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an
opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.
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.”
Heartfelt thanks to all who participated so generously in the United Way Campaign. The results are in and in total the staff, students and families of Wellington Catholic District School Board raised $74 178. Remarkable!
Our collective efforts will better enable the priority goals of the United Way Campaign:
– All That Kids Can Be
– From Poverty to Possibility
– Strong Communities
Congratulations to Holy Rosary who received the Annual Growth Award, a 28% increase from last year; the top tree Highest Average Gift Awards – The Catholic Education Centre, Our Lady of Lourdes and Bishop Macdonell; and the $100 000 Lifetime Achievement Award to St. James
To Vince Campolongo and Brian Capovilla who championed our District’s efforts, Thank you!
Every dollar makes a difference. Today we celebrate each of you!


Someone you know and love has just given birth. Several days after the birth you receive a phone call. It’s the parents asking you if you will be the child’s godparent. You are extremely flattered and touched and you would love nothing more than to accept. However, you know that you should give the offer some thought before you agree. So, should you accept?
Requirements of Being a Godparent
First, you will want to make sure you meet the basic requirements needed to become a godparent. Hopefully, the parents already justified you as a potential choice with their priest and he has already approved it. Generally, the godparent needs to be an Orthodox Christian in good standing. Talk things over with your priest to make sure you are eligible before you say yes.
Be Diligent in Your Own Faith
As a godparent, you will need to set a positive example for your godchild. This means that you are called to be a devout Christian with regular church attendance, an active prayer life, constantly studying scripture, and living an exemplary life.
The best way for your godchild to know what it means to be a Christian is to show him. You can tell him what he is supposed to do, but unless he sees you doing it, the lesson won’t stick. Are you willing to do this?
Even though a lot of things godparents do are traditions rather than necessities, they are still a nice touch. In a way, showing your godchild your generosity is a Christian lesson. By giving him a special religious themed gift, buying him a new outfit, and paying special attention to him, he will understand that good Christians conduct their lives with generosity and a caring heart.
If you are asked to be a godparent, you will want to give an informed response. Do you feel able to carry out the duty of leading the child to Christ? If so, you can agree to the honor of becoming the godparent. Remember that this isn’t always an easy task, but it is important work because you will be responsible for the growth and development of your godchild into the Orthodox Christian faith.


There’s a signboard outside the 175-year-old sandstone church in the middle of Sydney’s controversy-torn suburb of Millers Point. “Hello!” it says. “We’d like to meet you.”
And that’s aimed at everyone, insists the Reverend Justin Moffatt, the rector of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, better known as the Garrison Church.
It’s a message for both those who are battling the State Government to be allowed to stay in their homes in an area that was the first in Australia to have public housing, and the appreciably better-heeled who are flooding in to either snap up their neighbours’ newly vacated heritage properties or buying up big in the parish’s newest real estate strip, Barangaroo.
It’s a congregation that’s home to the poor, now side by side with the rich.
The Holy Trinity church 1872. Photo: Pickering, Charles Percy (NSW Government Printing Office)
“We want to be friendly to everyone,” says Reverend Moffatt, 46, speaking on the eve of another important date for the church, too – the 160th anniversary of the eight-hour day beginning in Australia, a workers’ victory that started with a strike by the stonemasons building the church.
“We want to see everyone, whoever’s living in the area or wants to come by. We have people here of all ages, from newborns to nonagenarians. We’ve been here for 175 years, and we’re open to everyone.”
But just as Millers Point is going through a period of either devastation or renewal – depending on who you talk to, with the emptying and sell-off of public housing in Millers Point, the removal of tenants from apartment block Sirius and the development of Barangaroo – so too is its heritage-listed church.
The Millers Point parish has joined that of the nearby St Philip’s Church, Sydney – the first church to be built in Australia – to create the Church Hill parish, combining church resources.
The Holy Trinity Anglican Church, better known as the Garrison Church, in Millers Point. Photo: Supplied
Reverend Moffatt is now also about to launch an appeal for money for a new roof after, biblically speaking, the heavens opened in May last year and sent a Noah’s Ark-like flood pouring through the nave of the 1840 mixed gothic Garrison Church. The 50-strong congregation had to abandon the service.
“The roof leaks on the congregation and during the heavy downpour last year, the box gutters overflowed … as they were singing in the middle of the service, a river came through,” says Reverend Moffatt, who was transferred to the church two-and-a-half years ago. “It spilled into the church and down on to the wheelchair access.
“It’s like inviting people to dinner and you want them to have a good time, and be part of the family, but then water falls down on to the dining room table.”
That family includes many of the original, and now doomed, residents of Millers Point. Bev Sutton, the last of four generations living at Millers Point and soon to leave, is one of the founders of the first action group to battle the sales plans, the Committee of Residents Elected.
She says the church has been a strong ally in the group’s work.
“The new minister is active and has been very keen to help us, as well as regenerate the congregation,” Ms Sutton says. “I’ve spent a lot of time at church over the years, but I think that heaven and hell is here on earth.”
The Holy Trinity Anglican Church is not taking sides in the debate over Millers Point. Photo: The Garrison Church, Facebook
The church has hosted some meetings, and the rector says he’s been giving “quiet pastoral care” to some parishioners involved and in need.
Now his own church is in need too, with the cost of the new roof estimated by heritage engineers as $514,000. Welsh slate, specially cut according to imperial measurements, needs to be brought to Australia to replace the slate already there.
The State Government has already pledged $150,000, as long as the church can at least raise the same amount, to the appeal being run with the National Trust’s conservation office.
“It’s such a high-profile church because of its early history, being used by the military and locals since the 1840s,” says David Child, conservation appeals officer of the National Trust of Australia.
“By coming with the National Trust, anyone who donates to an appeal can get a tax deduction too, so there’s also a financial incentive to donate to contribute to the church’s restoration.”
The Garrison Church was Australia’s first military church. Photo: David Lochlan
Most at Millers Point are keen to see the infrastructure maintained of what’s become one of Australia’s newest prestige suburbs after the sale of so many of its state housing heritage-listed properties, with the average price for the homes on Lower Fort Street and Argyle Street around $3.56 million.
So far, the auctions of 70 properties have brought in more than $180 million the NSW government says it is re-investing into 1500 new social housing dwellings across the state.
Nine more are to go to auction on May 2, on Lower Fort Street, Argyle Street and Kent Street. With prices at Barangaroo reaching $10.5 million for a penthouse, and James Packer’s hotel-casino complex reported to be ready to sell a penthouse that could approach $100 million, it’s hoped that new neighbours such as entrepreneurs and big developers might also pitch in.
“We’d love anyone to contribute, even if it’s only $5 from a couple who married here and have happy memories of the day,” says Reverend Moffatt, who was the rector of churches in Sydney’s St Ives as well as in New York before going to Millers Point.
More than half of the growing congregation of the Garrison Church is under 35 years of age. Photo: Supplied
“Or it might be members of the congregation, or locals who don’t come here on a Sunday but still feel a strong sense of ownership of the area and its church.
“We also have a lot of new young people here. Twenty years ago, no one wanted to live in the city – they were moving to the suburbs – but now they’re coming back in, and the average age of the church has halved in the past five years.
“Our congregation is growing and over half would now be under 35.”


Our community brings church creatives together for collaboration, encouragement, resourcing, and community to restore health and rediscover creative purpose.
You’re driven to create. And that is good. Very good. In fact, it’s the story from the beginning of creation.
“In the beginning, God created … “
The desire to create has been humanity’s story from the beginning.
And our Creator has invited us to help him finish that story.
God’s grand narrative still resounds today through his Word, assembled by ancient prophets, artists, and storytellers. This saga of hope and redemption has inspired some of us to dedicate our entire careers to its message as ministers.
But for many church creatives like us, carrying this ancient message forward has come at a cost.
While our work is leveraged in service of God’s story, our health and effectiveness are often neglected:
Last-minute requests. Unhealthy boundaries. Under-appreciation. Distrust. Burnout.
Has the stress of church work left you feeling exhausted, ineffective, and disillusioned?
If so, you are not alone.
We were church creatives who struggled to find that healthy balance between our work and our role in God’s eternal story. Our love for the work, the ministry, and even the Church was at risk.
But all of that changed when we found each other.
We are building a community of creatives who empower healthy creativity, encouraging and resourcing our growth as both artists and children of the Creator.
Together, we’re learning how to help God tell his story with renewed passion and purpose.
And we want the same for you!
You’ll learn how to build the healthy rhythms and habits needed for meaningful creative work.
But you’ll also be reminded that your best work starts with your best you, that you can change lives without destroying your own.
The Church needs gospel communicators like you to help reach people in creative, new ways.
It’s still possible to restore your health and rediscover your creative purpose with the ArtSpeak Creative Community.


Matthew 26:20-25, 47-49
What must it have been like for the disciples at this point? What a week they were having.
They'd seen the crowds welcome Jesus, but it was the welcome of a people whose expectations were of a conquering, warring messiah who would overthrow the Roman occupiers.
Some of the religious rulers had even tried to stop the crowds praising Jesus, they knew the significance of what was happening and how it may be interpreted especially at Passover time, and this could literally be revolutionary. But in all this misplaced expectation and worry, Jesus came not as a warring messiah, but as a King, the prince of peace, riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecies made many years before.
And they had witnessed his encounter in the temple, challenging the religious authorities, alerting people to the truth that the temple and all it represented was not as it had been intended. It wasn't the light to the world it was supposed to be, but instead had become exclusive and rigid- striving for a piety that would place heavy burdens on the people of God - Jesus challenged this. He challenged the authority of those who claimed to represent God and he'd started telling stories about a vineyard that hadn't been looked after by the caretakers.... the religious rulers knew he was talking about them
Also however, as he lived out this final week, some were beginning to recognise him for who he was, the children at the temple giving praise, the woman who poured the expensive jar of perfume over him, honouring Jesus, worshipping him
And now comes today's events, a Passover meal, a meal they would all have been fully aware of, a meal that recalled how God had rescued His people and set them free…..then Jesus adds a twist.
He identifies himself in the story, this story of redemption now somehow includes Jesus, this wine is his blood, this bread is his body, His blood shed for the many, his body broken to enable the forgiveness of sins.
And then he talks about someone about to betray him – what a week to be around Jesus?
And the finally, away from the city, from the bustle of the Passover crowds, the authorities take their chance, and they are led to Jesus by one of the people closest to him – a friend. Judas had somehow managed to walk closely with the Son of God, and yet had also managed to miss the whole point of who He was.
This can’t have been what the disciples thought following Jesus would be like? With the events of Easter Sunday not yet known – this must have been a dark time for them.
What about us – how do you and I respond when following Jesus doesn’t look the way we thought it would? When things don’t turn out the way we expected they would.
As followers of Jesus we too find ourselves in times of darkness
Tempted to run
To deny we know Jesus
To be so close to Jesus, yet miss the point of who he is
We can identify with the disciples in this
His way isn't easy
We know about Easter Sunday – the events of this week were leading to this amazing day when the fullness of God’s plan was revealed, but at this point in the week, and especially tomorrow on Good Friday, that day wasn’t known about yet, and things must have seemed very dark.
We wish we could get to Easter Day - live in it always. And in a very real sense we do, we live this side of the resurrection of Jesus, death has been conquered, it no longer has a hold on us, God has made things right. We can have deep friendship with God.
But at this point in our reflections, it’s worth remembering that we don't get to Easter Sunday without the events of the days of this week.
It’s worth being reminded that as followers of Jesus we aren't immune to difficult and dark times – to times when the urge is to run from or even to betray Jesus.
Look at Jesus. What was it that allowed him to journey through these days and be obedient to his father’s will?
It was his understanding of the Father, of how loved and precious he was to him. It was knowing that his Father’s plan, although hard, was good, and would prevail
Obedience came from his trust in his father, “yet not my will, but yours”
We want to get to Sunday, but to do that often depends on our experience in the darkness.
How we face our fears, sense of loss, dashed expectations.
Do we, like Jesus, trust our heavenly Father? Is God good? Do we believe that Sunday is coming, that although ‘there may be pain in the night, joy comes in the morning?’
“A Christian is never more standing in the footsteps of Jesus than when he or she is faced with a dark and difficult situation yet still responds in obedience, not my will but yours” - CS lewis
Then in our weakness his power is made strong
Who is God? Do you trust him?
Jesus looks at us with love
He has gone before us, he walks with us now,
His hand is open, our choice is simple, but not easy
When we take communion – we are reminded of all that Jesus did, that he went the way of the cross for us that we might know Him and know life
Let’s go forward acknowledging he is good, give him who we are, choose to feed on him – trusting in that goodness, that he will lead us through the difficult times as well as the good times, trusting and knowing that the way of the cross leads to resurrection
If we can do that then our prayer can simply echo his prayer,
“Jesus lead me, I take your hand; not my will but yours”
Written by Mike Rutter


1. The Levitical, or sacred tithe ( Num. 18: 21, 24 ). 2. The tithe of the feasts ( Deut. 14:22-27 ). 3. The tithe for the poor ( Deut. 14:28, 29 ). The first tithe, the one we trace back to Abraham ( Gen. 14:18-20 ), is the sacred tithe, given to the Levites and priests for their service to the temple and the congregation in the Old Testament.
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Here's another truth bomb: Tithing isn't a way to earn God's love—because we already have it. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus warns against focusing too much on the rules of tithing without paying attention to the more important things like justice, mercy and faithfulness.
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Start this week, and continue in the days and months ahead to set aside the tenth as unto the Lord as an act of obedience. Honor the Lord with your substance: TITHE. Lev 27:30 And all the TITHE of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD. 31 And if a man will at all redeem. . How much should I tithe? It depends! Some people give 25%. Some people give 15%. Some people give 10%. Some people give 5-8%. Some people are able to give more than others. Give as you are able and give cheerfully. This is something that we all must pray diligently about. We must ask the Lord, how much do you want me to give?.
Here's a few ways you can calculate your retirement tithing: Calculate 10% of the fixed income you receive. If you receive Social Security, rental income, a pension, or any other fixed income,. Personally, I have nothing against paying 10% of my earnings as tithe cos I believe its a way of securing one's finances and appreciating God for providing us a means by which we can earn a.
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Signing in will bring you to this screen for paying your tithing online: To pay your tithing online, simply enter the amount on the correct line next to the donation you'd like to make. Just like the paper slip, you can donate to more than one category at the same time. When you are finished, click "next step.". 3. Heb. 5:6, 10 state that Jesus was a priest after the order of Melchizedek rather than after Aaron. In chapter 7 it discusses how great Melchizedek was that Abraham paid tithes to him. Although it is not spelled out, it would seem obvious that if Jesus is a high priest comparable to Melchizedek, then we ought to pay tithes to him as a testimony ....
Exodus 19:5 tells us that God is the possessor of everything. He made the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. Even our very own life comes from God. God gives us the power to acquire.
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Welcome to Westside Church of Christ
we invite you to worship with us! No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
We believe that God loves all of creation, and through Jesus Christ, we are brought into fellowship with God. We are a family, proclaiming the love and grace of God, as found in God's Word. All are welcome at Westside Church of Christ - those who believe as well as those who are seeking.
At each service, we gather for meaningful worship to study God’s word. We reach out with the heart of ministry to care for our neighbors in the name of Christ here and around the world. We build relationships through worship, bible study, fellowship, dinners, and a variety of fun-filled games and activities.
You will discover many exciting opportunities at Westside Church of Christ. Our website is just the introduction to the spirit of our church family. We want you to feel at home and comfortable here. We are pleased to welcome you as part of a growing and diverse Christian community.
Please join us for an upcoming worship service. There’s a place for you here at Westside Church of Christ.


Powerful testimony of actor Stephen Baldwin..thankyou Craig
Growing up Baldwin:
Stephen Baldwin’s life was centered around money, fame, success, and ultimately himself as an actor. But God wanted more for his life. Watch his video >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdctQJHvpkI< and read his story to learn his inspirational story of God placing people in his life to bring him to faith.
As a former Hollywood bad boy now on fire for Jesus, Stephen Baldwin personifies the “unusual suspect” – the last person in the room you’d suspect of being a sold-out, hard-core Christian.
The youngest of the renowned Baldwin brothers acting family, Stephen has appeared in over 65 films and dozens of television roles. According to Stephen,
“growing up Baldwin was like the Brady Bunch on a whole bunch of espresso.”
In his early days as an actor and model in New York, he earned a reputation as the life of the party.
“He was one of the great playboy…
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Last week, The Atlantic‘s Ariel Sabar published an exposé of “The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife,” a business-card-sized papyrus that purports to demonstrate Jesus’ marital status. The Gospel has been among the most controversial of recent discoveries since Harvard historian Karen King declared it to be authentic in a widely-publicized 2012 press conference near the Vatican. King’s team carbon-dated the Gospel’s papyrus fibers, analyzed the composition of the ink, and analyzed its Coptic composition, finding each to be authentic. What King did not do, surprisingly for a historian, was to examine the historical provenance of the document: its chain of custody dating back millennia. Sabar’s article does this, and it demonstrates convincingly — and King now concedes — that the Gospel is almost certainly a forgery. Continue reading ““The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” and the Value of Provenance”
A new investigation into a controversial artifact highlights the importance of historical provenance research.


The Church reminds us that we have a duty of care to the world and everything in it, for ‘she must above all protect mankind from self-destruction’. Pope Francis facilitates the type of learning that reminds us that we can change the world by changing our ways through receiving a good education. For Pope Francis, a good education begins in the home. It is within our families that we learn to respect human life and the world: ‘In the face of the so-called culture of death, the family is the heart of the culture of life.’
‘Our world is hurting to be loved.’ We are stewards of creation, and, therefore, it is our job to be aware of the many issues that damage our world: pollution, climate change, drought, loss of biodiversity and the reducing respect for the dignity of all of God’s creation. This does not mean that we merely research such issues and make empty statements about how they are unjust. Rather, Laudato Si’ calls us to act on this injustice by teaching us to see the world, every living thing and all of our fellow human beings differently. We learn to see and to feel the ways in which we are intimately connected to creation.
As Christians, we are called to be a witness to Christ in the world. We are being called upon to find a solution to the ecological crisis – to act as Jesus would act. In response to Laudato Si’ in 2015, a group of humanitarians and artists prepared an artistic display on the wall of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, as a gift to Pope Francis. The display features images of the urgent threats facing our common home. The full display lasted for almost an hour. The video above features some of the highlights.
Pope Francis teaches us to see things differently so that we can learn to act differently. The challenge for all of us is to ‘examine our lifestyles’ by asking ourselves: Are my actions impacting on existing environmental issues? Am I resolved to making the world a better place for the next generation? Am I aware that people in the developing countries are suffering because of the actions and attitudes of the first world and that the world is, in fact, a common home for all? Can I improve my personal actions for the common good? These questions create space for dialogue on the issue of sustainability, which is far-reaching and can be a topic of discussion for many departments within our Catholic schools.
On reflection of our actions it is important to take time, one way to do this is through Christian mindfulness. This is about waking up and living in harmony with oneself, the world, and God. In trying to appreciate not only the richness of each moment we are alive but also the divine mystery in which our lives take place. Christian mindfulness opens our hearts and minds and gives you a happy heart.
As we commence our Catholic Schools Week we pray
‘May each of us find strength in God’s love to work towards a future where we make the necessary changes to protect our planet.’


Our Core Values
Adriel’s core values were developed by a team of our board members and staff, as well as pastors from the local community. Scripture serves as a foundation for each value; Adriel was founded on Christian values and remains rooted in them today. These statements reflect who we are as an organization.
Integrity as evidenced by the truth we speak and the actions we exhibit
Psalms 78:72 says, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Though David failed as a man and father in many respects, the Bible remembers him as a leader and man of “integrity of heart”. Integrity is not found in perfection, for such a goal is unattainable. Integrity is found in the desire to live honestly, to be what you say, to say what you mean, to admit when you’re wrong, and to finish what you started. David did that. When his life was finished, he was remembered as “a man after God’s own heart ” (Acts 13:22).
Serving the spiritual, physical, psychological, and educational welfare of children
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” In order to “train up the child,” Adriel will serve the “whole” child. We recognize that children come to Adriel with a variety of needs (spiritual, physical, psychological, and educational) and that only when we strive to meet all of these needs can we fully serve the child.
Stewardship of those resources with which we have been entrusted
Luke 16:11-12 says, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” We have the responsibility to use Adriel’s resources wisely and efficiently. Cell phones, telephones, agency vehicles, copiers, computers are all examples of Adriel’s resources. Adriel is often entrusted with others’ resources which come in many forms, from monetary and time donations to a human life. We must be faithful managers of all with which we have been entrusted.
Cultivating a culture of excellence
1st Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” God wants all people to excel in both what they are and in what they do. We cannot love God with all our heart (Matt. 23:37) without seeking to do our best to the glory of God. The pursuit of excellence should be a goal in all that we do, but it must be motivated by the right values, priorities, and motives.
A spirit of teamwork
The apostle Paul says in First Corinthians 12:14, “The body does not consist of one member but of many.” Adriel is not just one member but many members who have gifts for understanding scripture, providing therapy, handling money, teaching classes, mentoring young people, maintaining buildings, and caring for children. While we all have important jobs to perform, we know that we are just one part of a complex and multi-talented team known as Adriel.


Thank God for 33 years of his blessing on this ministry!
God's Tabernacle of Praise
O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.
Mar. 25, 2023 (Good Morning Family! 1Sam. 16:7 KJV But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Remember that God looks beyond appearance. Saul was tall and handsome; he was an impressive looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone. When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. But appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like or their true value. Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. Which is the more attractive part of you? Have A Great Day! Pastor B J Woods


1. What does the Catholic Church teach us about life after death? Catholic tradition teaches us that life after death is a deceased person that is raised from death to a new eternal life with God. Catholics believe that although the body has died, something in us lives on. At the moment of death, is when the soul is separated from the deceased and is no longer within the body. The body then begins to fall apart and left on its own to decompose. However the soul is everlasting and will never cease to exist, once death occurs the soul of each person will be judged by God for eternal life or hell. For those souls that are dammed to hell, the soul will immediately experience hell, however if the soul is judged to go to heaven, it will experience the fullness of heaven straight away. The soul that is sent to heaven will still have an attachment with sin; in spite of this the soul will receive purgatory which is determined by God, it’s an opportunity to grow in the love of God. The Catholic Church defines purgatory purification or cleansing to have the necessary holiness that is required to enter heaven and have everlasting life with God. The book of Revelation (21:27) tells us “Nothing unclean will enter heaven” however, all human beings will have and will also die of imperfection in them, this would make our soul unworthy of heaven, hence the need for purification which the church calls purgatory. Purgatory is God’s way of purifying us from all the sins and from the attachment of effects that sins have caused from the human being, purgatory is God’s way of cleansing us from any of our imperfections so we can fully enjoy heaven and eternal life with God, the catholic church also teaches us that prayers help with the cleaning and purification of sins. This purification is very necessary, the Catholic Church teaches us that nothing unclean will enter heaven and be in the presence of God. When a soul dies it undergoes a particular or individual judgement. In the bible, a scripture reading from Hebrews 9:27 says "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment”. This means that we are judged instantly when we die for the good and the bad actions that we have done throughout our human life and we will know out final destiny immediately after death when the soul has risen from the deceased body. Catholics also believe that as followers of Christ, we will live in the hope that our souls will experience the fullness of God‘s life and love. Catholics also look forward to the end of time when through the power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, God will raise their bodies to new life and reunite them with their souls. 2. Why is this belief important to members of this religious belief? Life after death is important to Catholics because it justifies exactly what the resurrection of Jesus was all about, it is one of the biggest reasons which make Catholics believe in life after death. The Apostles Creed states “I believe in the resurrection on the body, and life everlasting”. This shows that there such thing as life after death. Also, Jesus died, and on the third day he rose, through this Jesus showed to Catholics that there is life after death and he assured that human could also have eternal life with God. Catholics believe that heaven is for souls that have died in God’s grace and have been cleansed and purified from sin through purgatory. Catholics also believe in hell, they believe that it is completely opposite from heaven, they believe that hell is a place for those who have not dies in God’s grace nor have shown any sign of remorse for the sins that they have committed throughout their lifetime. This belief is important to Catholics because that’s how they recognise Jesus through God. Life after death was a great example that Jesus had shown when he was living in this world. Jesus demonstrated that everlasting life can be granted through a good life with minor or free of sins. Jesus shows...
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131st BW Chaplain Corps Members stand ready to provide unparalleled spiritual & life-care to members and their families within the Wing
One of the single greatest tools that your Chaplain offers is complete and TOTAL CONFIDENTIALITY. This confidentiality is unmatched in the civilian or military world. It covers everything! This means you have the freedom to share any burden, concern, trouble or joy with your Chaplain, and that information will never be shared with anyone by your chaplain. You may never need this level of confidentiality, but if you do – just remember where it exists!
In addition to confidentiality, your Chaplains offer nearly 40 years of practical life-coaching pastoral experience. This may or may not be spiritually focused depending on your wants and desires, but it will help enable you to better navigate the waters of life by contributing wisdom gleaned from years of walking with people.
Finally, your Chaplains are committed to ensuring that every member of the 131st Bomb Wing feels free to exercise their chosen faith beliefs. This may include helping to provide for a member’s free exercise or it may be the conducting of various rites and rituals including baptism and performing marriage ceremonies. If you have a need, wish to discuss a particular issue, or just want to be affirmed in your spiritual journey, your Religious Support Team is always available.
1. Spiritual Help: Nothing is more central to Chaplains than assisting people in their relationship with God. Chaplains have skills and knowledge to assist you in your spiritual walk.
2. Decisions: Big decisions of life are important. Sometimes you need someone to help guide you. God never intended that we should make decisions alone. Chaplains can help you discover alternatives in your decision-making process. Chaplains are granted confidentiality by the UCMJ.
3. Pressure/Stress: Chaplains can help you ease inner pressure and frustrations which your duties and/or separation adjustments may be causing. The Chaplain can offer advice and alternatives of which you may not have been aware.
4. Problems/Concerns: There are times when we need someone to talk to about life situations, or things that are "bugging us." Chaplains may act as your advocate in a non-judgmental and confidential atmosphere.
5. Engagement & Marriage: Chaplains gladly provide premarital counseling and assistance in planning your wedding. The wedding is a religious service of worship where the marriage couple makes their promises to each other in the context of a community of faith. Weddings need to be planned well in advance. Check with a Chaplain of your faith for specific requirements.
6. New Family Members: When families are enlarged through birth or adoption, you may want to follow the practices of your faith in dedicating or baptizing the child. Check with a Chaplain of your faith for specific requirements.
7. Family Problems: When marriages fall on hard times, individuals often do not seek help until it is too late. Most Chaplains have training in marriage and family counseling. They can help you work through your problems or refer you to other sources of professional help.
8. Hospitalization: Let your Chaplain know if you or your family member has or will be admitted to the hospital. The Chaplain would like to bring the comfort of God's love to your hospital room – especially prior to surgery.
9. Death: Chaplains can offer the presence and comfort to help you work through grieving the death of a loved one. When called upon, Chaplains conduct funeral and memorial services.
10. When Someone Else You Know Needs Help: Many people are reluctant to seek help when they need it. Please be alert to the needs of those around you. Chaplains are responsible for everyone, including those who have no religious affiliation. As an Air Force member, you can make a difference by referring a friend to the Chaplain of your choice.
Wing Chaplain, Samuel Smith
Staff Chaplain, Charlie Dey
SSgt Brandon Eastland, Religious Affairs Airman
SSgt Weston Baker, Religious Affairs Airman
Ch. Sam Smith
Ch. Charlie Dey


My heart has been incredibly heavy this week as I take in all of the events happening just north of my beloved city in Ferguson, Missouri. Since the tragic news of Michael Brown’s death on Sunday, I’ve spent most waking hours trying to learn, read and consume any and all information on the ever-changing situation in this small community in North St. Louis County.
To be honest, I’ve been heartbroken. I’ve been angry. And I’ve been scared.
I’ve been heartbroken over the loss of life and the reality of a region torn apart by issues that have long festered just below the surface.
I’ve been angry over the senseless violence, the way in which demonstrators have been treated and the misunderstanding, anger and hatred shown toward others by those in our community.
I’ve been scared. So scared. Scared for those in Ferguson. Scared for the journalists (including my husband) putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure transparency. Scared for the children whose lives have been forever altered by their surroundings. Scared for protestors, police officers, elected officials and volunteers. And scared for myself and our city. Scared of the reality that we all could have been working to better race relations in our city but instead chose to look the other way while injustices took place right in front of us.
Saturday, I finally made it out to Ferguson for the first time all week (and for the sake of full transparency and honesty with myself, the first time in my entire life despite living only 20 minutes away for the past two years). My friend and associate pastor, Rev. Katrina Drew, and I joined a community of neighbors and clergy as we prayed for those affected by all that is taking place.
Led by Rev. Jesse Jackson, we were encouraged to visit with those around Canfield Green Apartments and listen to their stories. Sit with them in prayer. Let them know that we care about them and want to do anything we can to help them get through these times of trial.
We spoke with a group of four 20-something men, who despite being around my age, seemed so young to have to live amongst such heartache and tragedy. They spoke of their frustrations over needing to leave for work 90 minutes early to make their way through the crowds and their concerns over a few wrongdoers shedding negative media attention on all young black men living in the area. Two of the men had just moved to the area two weeks before Michael Brown was shot. The part of the visit that struck me the most was the way they all said the same thing when asked how we could better serve them. “Be here. Listen to us. Spend time getting to know us.”
If being present with residents and neighbors is the largest obstacle we face toward improving the divide that separates our city, why haven’t we done so? What is stopping us from getting to know those from different walks of life? What stopped us from visiting Ferguson and Canfield Green Apartments before now? If I’m honest with myself, what has stopped me has been heartbreak, anger and fear.


The Influence of Righteous Fathers
This morning, the Primary children sang a song about three fathers – Heavenly Father – the Father of us all, the Bishop – the father of our ward, and our own father – the father of our home.
President Thomas S. Monson, in a talk on gratitude, had this to say about fathers.
"Let us reflect gratitude for our fathers… Father . . . is ever willing to sacrifice his own comfort for that of his children. Daily he toils to provide the necessities of life, never complaining, ever concerned for the well-being of his family. This love for children, this desire to see them well and happy, is a constant in a time of change."
(Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, Feb. 2000, 4)
A couple of weeks ago Br. Hughes asked if I would speak today on the influence of righteous fathers in our lives.
In the scriptures, church history, and our families, there are many stories of fathers who lead in righteousness.
President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of one such father from the Old Testament – Abraham -when he said,
“Abraham’s desire to do God’s will in all things led him to preside over his family in righteousness. Despite all his other responsibilities, he knew that if he failed to teach and exemplify the gospel to his children he would have failed to fulfill the most important stewardship he had received. Abraham’s instruction and example in his home led the Lord to say of him: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” (Gen. 18:19.)
President Kimball further stated,
“Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so: it always will be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy or best qualified, but it is a matter of law and appointment. You preside at the meal table, at family prayer. You preside at family home evening; and as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, you see that your children are taught correct principles. It is your place to give direction relating to all of family life. You give father’s blessings. You take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline. As a leader in your home you plan and sacrifice to achieve the blessing of a unified and happy family. To do all of this requires that you live a family-centered life.”
In the New Testament we have the example of Joseph as a righteous father who taught our Savior by loving example the way he should go. Who can imagine the tremendous pressure Joseph must have felt knowing he was responsible for loving, nurturing, and teaching the Son of God? Yet he did not shrink from his duty to raise his family in righteousness.
President James E. Faust said,
“Brethren, noble fatherhood gives us a glimpse of the divine attributes of our Father in Heaven. A father should be many things. He should magnify his priesthood and be an example of righteousness. In companionship with his wife, he should be the source of stability and strength for the whole family. He should be the protector and the provider and the champion of the members of his family. Much of his love for his children should flow from his example of love, concern, and fidelity for their mother. By his uncompromising example he should instill character into his children.”
(James E. Faust, “Them That Honour Me I Will Honour,” Liahona, July 2001, 53–56)
The Book of Mormon also has many examples of fathers who led in righteousness, beginning with Lehi, who led his family from Jerusalem to a new world, leaving behind worldly treasures for spiritual ones. We also learn of Alma the Elder and King Mosiah who, like Lehi, despite their righteous guidance had children who rebelled against what they had been taught. Yet, none of these fathers gave up on their children. They prayed constantly for them to return to the path of righteousness. In the case of Alma and King Mosiah, their prayers and pleading led to their children throwing off their rebellious ways and becoming devoted to the gospel. As with Lehi, however, sometimes we may not see the fruition of prayerful pleading in this life, but we have been given the promise that when children are raised in righteousness and given the proper start in life they will eventually return. It is never too late.
In the early history of the church we have the example of two more Josephs who led their families in righteousness. Where would Joseph Smith, Jr. have been if not for the teaching, example, and understanding of his father, Joseph Smith, Sr.? His life of sacrifice and dedication helped to mold the young boy Joseph into the man who would restore the Gospel to the earth and who would ultimately give his life for the truth. Joseph Smith, Jr.’s own dedication to his wife and children was an example to those around him. Throughout the early history of the church there are many more examples of the effect that righteous fathers can have upon their families.
In my own life I have been blessed with a father who, along with my mother, led our family in righteousness. I remember family home evenings, morning and evening scripture study and prayers, personal interviews, and simple, spur of the moment conversations that let me know that each one of us were cared for immeasurably. My brothers are now fathers as well and I see within them many of the same attributes that my father has. My sisters also married worthy men who seek to follow the guidance of the Lord as they raise their families.
I have observed many fathers in our community and ward who also preside over their families with righteousness, kindness, and compassion. I honor all those fathers who continue to battle the adversary to keep their families safe both physically and spiritually.
Elder L. Tom Perry in an article in the May 2004 Ensign stated,
"Satan, in his carefully devised plan to destroy the family, seeks to diminish the role of fathers. Increased youth violence, youth crime, greater poverty and economic insecurity, and the failure of increasing numbers of children in our schools offer clear evidence of lack of a positive influence of fathers in the homes. … A family needs a father to anchor it.
"Surely we have learned by now, from the experience over centuries, that the basic family provides the most stable and secure foundation for society and is fundamental to the preparation of young people for their future responsibilities. We should have learned by now that alternate styles of family formations have not worked and never will work."
(L. Tom Perry, "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling," Ensign, May 2004, 70)
Elder Russell M. Nelson adds to this by saying,
"As we go through life, even through very rough waters, a father's instinctive impulse to cling tightly to his wife or to his children may not be the best way to accomplish his objective. Instead, if he will lovingly cling to the Savior and the iron rod of the gospel, his family will want to cling to him and to the Savior. This lesson is surely not limited to fathers. Regardless of gender, marital status, or age, individuals can choose to link themselves directly to the Savior, hold fast to the rod of His truth, and lead by the light of that truth. By so doing, they become examples of righteousness to whom others will want to cling."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 69)
Are any of the men that I have mentioned without fault in their lives? No. The only perfect father is our Heavenly Father after whom all fathers should try to pattern their lives. Each person in our family, ward, and community has the responsibility to encourage and support the fathers in their lives as they seek to lead their families along the strait and narrow path in an increasingly wicked world.
President Joseph F. Smith warned:
'Brethren, there is too little religious devotion, love, and fear of God, in the home; too much worldliness, selfishness, indifference, and lack of reverence in the family, or it never would exist so abundantly on the outside. Then, the home is what needs reforming. Try today, and tomorrow, to make a change in your home.' "
(L. Tom Perry, "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling," Ensign, May 2004, 71)
This change can and will happen as we seek to put the Lord first in our lives and teach our children to do the same. Fathers, yours is the example they will look to as one who holds the Priesthood and presides in your families.
President James E. Faust gave this advice,
“In order to strengthen the father in the home, I make two simple suggestions: first, sustain and respect the father in his position; second, give him love, understanding, and some appreciation for his efforts. . . .
“In terms of giving fathers love and understanding, it should be remembered that fathers also have times of insecurity and doubt. Everyone knows fathers make mistakes—especially they themselves. Fathers need all the help they can get; mostly they need love, support, and understanding from their own.”
(James E. Faust, “The Father Who Cares,” Liahona, Sept. 2006, 4)
Up to this point, I have been speaking of fathers as we think of them more traditionally, those who have been blessed with children through birth or adoption. But there are others who can fill the role of a righteous father beyond this definition.
Several years ago Sister Sheri Dew gave a talk titled, “Are We Not All Mothers?” In this talk she spoke of the influence of all righteous women, including those who have not had the opportunity to be mothers in the traditional sense.
I think the same could be said of fathers. “Are You Not All Fathers?” Those of you who hold the Priesthood, whether married or single, old or young, have the responsibility to live your lives in such a way that those with whom you associate can say, “Now, there is a man I can honor and respect.”
Countless stories are told of righteous men who have been influences for good in the lives of others to whom they may have no literal family relationship, but who, through loving kindness and service, have been examples of righteous priesthood and fatherhood.
Think of Helaman and his Stripling Warriors. He was not the father of those 2,000 righteous young men, but he took upon himself the role of protector and example as he led them into battle.
There are battles that are being fought even today to win the hearts and souls of our families. Fathers, brothers, Priesthood holders, we need you to lead the way, to be examples of courage and honesty, of sacrifice and devotion.
I would like everyone to take a moment right now, or even later on when you have more time, to think of those who fill the important role of Father in your own lives.
Before closing, I’d like to share a poem.
We honor you upon this day
For actions small and great
For courage to stand up and fight
And lead on the path that’s straight.
We thank you for your sacrifice
Your gentle, constant love
Your example to your family
With guidance from above
May our Heavenly Father bless you
As you lead with love and care
May you rely upon him always
As you go to Him in prayer
- M. Durrant, June 17, 2012
I know that our Heavenly Father will help all of the Fathers in our lives as they seek to lead in righteousness. On this Father’s Day, may we honor all those who love, serve and sacrifice for our families every day. May we show them our love and support always. Thank you for your examples and your love.


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It was noon in Jerusalem and time for the Passover sacrifices to begin. There was an eerie, unusual darkness that suddenly covered the land for the next three hours (Mt. 27:45), but the priests still stood ready to sound the threefold blast from the silver trumpets to signal the slaying of the Passover lambs. Earlier that morning, Roman soldiers had driven iron spikes through the wrists and feet of Jesus of Nazareth, nailing Him to a wooden cross (Mk. 15:25). As Jesus hung from that cruel crucifixion cross He probably heard the Levites singing the Passover hymns (Psalms 113-118, known as the Hallel (Praise) Psalms).
During those hours of torment on the cross, as Jesus not only suffered the excruciating pain of having been beaten, scourged and now nailed to the cross, struggling for each breath, He uttered seven brief statements. The sixth was a powerful shout of victory: “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30). In Greek, the extraordinary proclamation is just a single word: tetelestai, an accounting term which means “paid in full, to bring to a close, to complete and fulfill.” This was Jesus’ divine declaration that His work to secure humanity’s redemption and salvation was fully, finally, and forever finished. At the well in Samaria, Jesus had told His disciples: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (Jn. 4:34), something He repeated several times (cf Jn. 6:38,51; 12:24-27,46; 17:1-5). When Jesus cried out tetelestai from the cross, He was declaring a finality to His Father’s plan to provide redemption indicating nothing more needs to be or can be added to it! The work of providing for man’s salvation from the penalty of sin was now completed–the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” had been offered (Jn. 1:29).
The writer of Hebrews, speaking of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, says “He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Heb. 10: 12-14). All the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed to the sufferings of the Messiah as our sin-bearer, were now accomplished. The ceremonial law was abolished, the substance had now come, and all the shadows are done away. His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul, and those of his body. “It is finished!”
And, of course, Praise the Lord, three days later, Jesus arose from the grave and lives today to save all who call on Him: “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Ro. 10:13). His resurrection was proof that God’s holiness was propitiated (satisfied), our sins were indeed paid for (Ro. 3:21-26; 4:25) and now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we could have eternal life. “And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life” (I Jn. 5:11,12).
Because Jesus finished the work, salvation is a gift to be received, not a goal to be achieved, or something we work toward earning: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Eph. 2:8,9). Jesus did everything for us–It is finished (tetelestai)!
Yesterday at Faith Bible Church, Grant Clay, executive director of ELLS (Equipping Leaders for a Lifetime of Service), shared with us the amazing story of how God worked in the life of Hudson Taylor who founded the China Inland Mission. After struggling spiritually Hudson finally realized the fact of “the finished work of Christ” and, on his knees, trusted in that finished work, and consecrated his life to serve the Lord. It totally transformed his life. What a difference it makes when we stop struggling in the flesh to please God and rest in His finished work. English preacher John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) offered this encouraging significance of Jesus’ statement from the cross for the believer in Christ:
“We need not fear that either sin or Satan or law shall condemn us at the last day (see Ro. 8:1,31-39). We may lean back on the thought that we have a Savior Who has done it all, paid all, accomplished all, performed all that is necessary for our salvation…When we look at our own works, we may well feel ashamed of their imperfections. But when we look at the FINISHED WORK of Christ, we may feel peace.”
Philip Bliss, American composer (1838-1878) also captured the emotion of tetelestai when he wrote the hymn “Hallelujah! What a Savior.” The fourth stanza goes like this:
“Lifted up was He to die;
‘It is finished!’ was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
AMEN! Have a blessed time this week celebrating the finished work of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, culminating with the victorious resurrection. Praise God, “He’s alive and I’m forgiven. Heaven’s gates are opened wide” (Don Francisco).


“If you don’t see the greatness of God then all the things that money can buy becomes very exciting. If you can’t see the sun you will be impressed with a street light. If you’ve never felt thunder and lightning you’ll be impressed with fireworks. And if you turn your back on the greatness and majesty of God you’ll fall in love with a world of shadows and short-lived pleasures.”—John Piper (via littlethingsaboutgod)
Address: Ephesians 1:20 Phone: Romans 10:13 Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I’ve sent you my resume’ because I’m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume’.
I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)
I’ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance
In Summation Now that you’ve read my resume’, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital! position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).
“Be thankful for the difficult times,
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for your mistakes,
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
And they can become your blessings.”—
“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”—
Very often we ask God for blessings in our prayers. Blessing for family, for friends, for ourselves, and for all we do. Sometimes we feel that God doesn’t answer our prayers and everything is just going the opposite of what we asked for. We remember of God’s promises of blessings, God’s promises to work everything for the good of those who love Him. We start to question why everything is falling apart, why it feels as if though God is not with us. It might not have occurred to us that God gives us His blessings by not answering our prayers. God has great things for us and He is waiting to give us the best, not just the “good” that we aim for. He quietly waits for us to believe, to stop doubting his wonderful ways of working in our lives, to stop hesitating and give it all to Him, entrust Him with all our lives. God desires His children to look beyond the world that blinds our eyes to his goodness and love and lift our eyes up to Him. God might not answer our prayers for what we consider blessings because He wishes to show us the true blessings that bring a never ending joy and praise into our hearts, blessings that are for our best and for His glory. God is ready to bless and is waiting for us to trust Him. And may we always keep in mind that some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. God’s answers are not always what we expect, but they are always what is best for us.
I dreamed I had an interview with God. "So, you would like to interview me?" God asked. "If you have the time," I said. God smiled. “My time is eternity; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?”
"What surprises you most about humankind?" God answered: “That they get bored with childhood — they rush to grow up and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived…”
God’s hands took mine and we were silent for while and then I asked… "As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”
God replied with a smile: “To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved. To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.
To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons one loves, and that it may take many years to heal them. To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness. To learn that there are persons who love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it very differently.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they must also forgive themselves.