A BRIEF HISTORY
Little Fork Church, St. Mark's Parish, is Culpeper County's only Colonial church. It was ordered into existence in 1731 as a "chapel of ease" within the Little Fork between the Rappahannock and Hazel Rivers by Governor Spotswood. The present building was begun in 1773 and completed in 1776 at a cost of 30,000 pounds of tobacco. It is the third building at this location, two others having been destroyed by fire around 1750 and 1770.
Little Fork's general design is similar to that of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. The pulpit is positioned in the center of the north wall and reflects the emphasis on the sermon as the dominant action of worship in the eighteenth century. The pews are of low boxed design, each with three bench seats and a draft stopping door. It is assumed that in each pew the occupants provided a portable foot warmer.
Services at Little Fork ceased at the onset of the Civil War. Early in the war, the church grounds were used as a drill field by the "Little Fork Rangers", more correctly known as Co. D 4th Virginia Cavalry. Later, Union troops quartered at the church destroyed most of the interior furnishings for firewood in the cold winter of 1863, leaving only the shell of the building and the reredos on the east wall. Sometime after the war was over, a northern soldier sent $100 to the church for the construction of new pews to replace those vandalized for campfires.
On the south lawn there is a monument to commemorate the "Little Fork Rangers." At the dedication of the monument in 1904, surviving members of the Rangers gathered once more.
After the war, the church was lovingly used by a Methodist congregation, except for an annual Episcopal service each summer when members of St. Stephen?s in Culpeper would travel to Rixeyville for the service and a picnic. A painstaking restoration was undertaken in 1976; St. Stephen's was instrumental in this accomplishment. Lt. General A.J. Boyle, USA (Retired), of the Culpeper congregation, led the project and supervised the on-site work. Through the financial, physical and spiritual assistance of many, the restoration was completed in 1979. The church was reconsecrated on October 20 of that year. In 1989, the worshipping congregation obtained church status within the Diocese of Virginia.
By 1994, it was clear to all that a new facility was needed to meet the growing needs of the congregation. A Long Range Planning Committee was formed which, over time, resulted in the planning and construction of a Parish Hall, which was dedicated in June, 1999.
The Rev. John Desaulniers, who was the spiritual leader of the congregation as it was reconstituted, retired in the summer of 1999. The Rev. Philip Morgan served the congregation until 2003.
In November 2003, Rev. Tom Hayes returned to LFC as Priest-in-Charge. Tom grew up in Warrenton, Virginia and was Assistant Rector at St. Stephens in Culpeper and Vicar at Little Fork throughout 1982-1984. Tom retired April 1, 2007.
Little Fork Church joyfully welcomed Reverend William E. Eberle April 1, 2008 as the newest rector. Bill and his wife Linda bring with them a deep committment to ministry and mission. Little Fork Church eagerly anticipates the great opportunities that lay before us to share our faith and mission with all those in our surrounding communities and to the next 200 years of history at the Church in the Little Fork.
CLICK to see photos: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=206749340784#/group.php?v=photos&gid=206749340784


In this eBook, author and speaker Dr. Ed Young continues along the path of writing, studying, teaching and presenting on what it means to fulfill God's purpose for your life. He has been called to be a leader, teacher and a servant. The first section of this book discusses what it means to fulfill God's purpose and how we can be used by God to help others. The second section of this work provides a basic overview of what it means to be a leader. This is followed by a third section that discusses how we can be students and teachers of leadership. A number of the articles in this eBook are followed by a Q&A section. These Q&A's give further insights into the topic being covered. This eBook is designed for both individuals and groups.


Farrell Holland and Gale Funeral Home
We are a full-service, independent, locally owned & operated, 24/7 family business, here to respond to the needs of our communities. Because we live, shop, and go to church in the area, we are committed to the families we serve.
110 South Seventh Street
P.O. Box 68
Oregon, IL 61061
815 732-7272Visit Website


Thrive exists to encourage women toward Jesus Christ and transformation for a life lived outward
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
Thrive Women's Summer Outing - August 27. View EVENTS to find out more.
Thrive Kick-Off - October 3, 6:30 - 8:30. View EVENTS to find out more.
September 12, 19, and 26 from 6:30-8:30 in the CrossPoint campus Fireside Room.
Register here: thechapel.com/register/bridges
Bridges’s goal is to connect women of all ages and walks of life into the body of Christ through The Chapel and Thrive ministries. Women will engage in a short period of relationship building, learning and self-assessment to better understand their personal spiritual growth goals. Bridges will help to connect these personal goals with established ministries for further maturity within the Four Outcomes: Intimacy with God, Christ-like Relationships, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts and Sharing Your Grace Story.
Women, whether you have been at The Chapel for a long time or you are brand new, join us for our next three week gathering starting Monday September 12 at 6:30pm in The Fireside Room at the CrossPoint campus to get connected, figure out how God has wired you, make some great friends and discover your connection point within the body of Christ.
Mom 2 Mom
Come learn and gain understanding alongside other moms and sisters in Christ,as we pursue Jesus together.Come surround yourself with seasoned moms who have walked this journey of motherhood and desire to follow God’s design to speak into your life as a mom.
Mom 2 Mom Evenings Crosspoint | Crosspoint Campus | For all moms, at a convenient evening time
► Every other Monday 6:30apm-8:30pm | October 3 - March 27 ► Register
Mom 2 Mom Lockport | Lockport Campus | For all moms
► Every Other Wednesday 9:30am-11:30am | October 5 - March 15 ► Register
Mom 2 Mom Crosspoint | Crosspoint Campus | For moms of Elementary age children and older
► Every other Thursday 9:30am-11:30am | October 6 - March 16 ► Register
Mom 2 Mom Beginnings Crosspoint | Crosspoint Campus | For moms of preschool age children and younger
► Every other Thursday 9:30am-11:30am | October 13 - April 6 ► Register
Mom 2 Mom Homeschool - for moms who homeschool - Begins October 6 -
► Mom 2 Mom Homeschool Interest Form: Homeschooler Interest Form
Regardless of what you believe,
Regardless of how you behave,
Jesus invites you to...Follow.
Join us for a 9 week series called Follow by Andy Stanley on what it looks like and what it really means to follow Jesus.
Crosspoint Campus | Monday 6:30pm - 8:30pm | October 17 - December 12 ► Register
Crosspoint Campus | Tuesday 9:30am - 11:30am | October 18 - December 13 ► Register
Cheektowaga Offices | Wedneday 6:30pm - 8:30pm | October 19 - December 14 ► Register
Kings and Prophets Series (Course #9) Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk
These three prophets cried out to a nation which needed to heed the Word of the Lord about judgment. Each prophet will teach you how God deals with those who turn away from Him and how He gives a warning to turn to Him rather than perish.
Come and connect with women of all ages and backgrounds for the 2015/2016 newly focused and revised Essentials class. This year we are focusing on how to disciple as well as how to be disciplined in our efforts to reach out to an unsaved world. We will also be focusing on how to grow deeper in our knwoledge of the Word. Whether this is your first class or you are seeking to strengthen your discipleship skills, all are welcome!
This study runs for 2 semesters.
Lockport Campus | Wedneday 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Semester 1: October 19 - December 14 | Semester 2 : TBD ► Register
Moms of high school students, our women's ministry is hosting a Bible study for you on Wednesday nights while your teen is at Movi. Beginning September 21 at 7pm, join us in King's World Classroom 425 at the CrossPoint Campus.
Crosspoint Campus | Wedneday 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Starting September 21 ► Register
Thrive Women’s Summer Outing
August 27th Whirlpool Park, Lewiston 11am-1pm
Ladies, pack yourself a bag lunch, your walking shoes, and a water bottle and join us for a mild hike and some quality time in the scenic Whirlpool Park, near the Niagara gorge. We will be meeting in the parking lot at 11am sharp. See you there! RSVP to Lisa Griffiths at firstname.lastname@example.org. (Will be canceled in the event of rain)
For details about the park and directions visit: nysparks.com.
Thrive Women's Ministry Kick-Off
Ladies, you’re invited to a night of authentic discussion about what God’s Word says surrounding True Beauty. We are bombarded by a culture that sends us mixed messages on what it means to be beautiful. But the eternal perspective that God shows us is life-giving and freeing. Come be a part of the conversation.
Monday October 3 from 6:30-8:30pm in the East Worship Center, CrossPoint Campus. ► Register
Do you desire deeper connection with the body of Christ? One of the best ways to build those relationships is through service. There are pleanty of oppertunities to serve within The Chapel family.
KINGS WORLD - Pre-Service Childcare
We’re looking for a few people to serve with young children (under 10 yrs. old) every other week, for an hour before the start of our first worship gathering. You will be providing this service for parents who serve in multiple areas, that need to arrive before King’s World opens. Parents will pre-check-in their children, drop them off to you, and once King’s World is open, you will drop them off at their appropriate classroom. This service provides a unique opportunity to serve our church, while never missing any of our morning worship gatherings. We are asking that you to commit to a six month time period, in an effort to build relationships and also keep the team consistent. What a fun way to meet young families, as well as, build community with those serving with you.
Buffalo City Mission’s Cornerstone Manor provides emergency shelter for up to 16 single women and 5 families seeking protection from city streets or an abusive relationship. Up to 12 families and 46 single women can find hope and healing in the facility’s two-year resident recovery program. Cornerstone Manor Women and Children’s Shelter is a welcome relief from the uncertainties and fear homeless women and families face. For many, it’s the closest thing to home.
The “Grace House” Transitional Residence Program is a shelter which provides a unified delivery of vital community services to homeless parolees (individuals recently released from a New York State correctional facility) who statistically return to the community unprepared to reintegrate. These men are unable to find suitable housing and are all homeless upon their release from incarceration. The residents of “Grace House” are held accountable for their Parole reporting mandates, are mentored and introduced to life skills training, and are equipped with skills necessary to manage life affairs and become productive members of society.
JERICHO ROAD MINISTRIES
Jericho Road Ministries facilitates wellness and self-sufficiency in the lives of refugee and low-income community members by addressing health, education, and economic barriers. The vision of Jericho Road Ministries is for Buffalo to become a city with abundant opportunity for the undeserved and marginalized to be healthy, educated, and whole.
CareNet is a national network of more than 850 life affirming pregnancy centers. Lockport CareNet Pregnancy Center was established in 1985, serving the community for over 25 years. We are a non-profit volunteer organization supported totally by fundraisers and donations. We strive to show the love of Christ as we provide a compassionate and safe environment. Clients receive hope for the future through hearing about positive options and being offered continued help.
For 30 years, SonRays Ministries, Inc. has been committed to helping young women, young men, and families that face unplanned pregnancies. SonRays Ministries began in 1983 as a prayer hotline under the Buffalo Regional Office of the 700 Club. As an arm of the local church, SonRays Ministries now exists to lovingly and prayerfully lead the hurting to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Do you love to sing? Come serve with us out in your local community by using your gift to bless the residents at a nearby nursing home. Each quarter ThriveSong visits a local nursing home. Rehearsals are on an as needed basis.
Contact: Candace Thompson at Thrivesong@thechapel.com
Our women's ministry is for women of any age and background. We believe women are uniquely gifted, especially in the area of communication. God uses us in amazing ways to touch the lives of our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers when we are looking to Him for wisdom and strength. This is the heart behind Thrive. We want to encourage you in your life with God so that you grow to be more like Christ. As you become more like Him, you will naturally desire to love, care, bless and give to others so they may know Christ as well.
Grace and peace,
Thrive Women’s Ministry exists to encourage all people towards transformation for a life lived outward.


Rescuing and restoring children and youth at risk to the image of God showing each one of them that his/her identity is in Christ as new creations with a priceless value because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
We are excited to announce that as of September of 2012, ARNM is officially part of AMG International’s ministry in Guatemala. This merger will help both organizations make a greater Kingdom impact with at-risk children in Guatemala. The team is very gifted, passionate and above all, called by God to serve at-risk children and youth. We are thankful to God for how he has gone before us to make this happen!
Celebration Benefit Banquet. Please join us for an exciting evening to learn more about what God is doing in the lives of children in Guatemala on Monday - November 19th @ 6:30pm. Gary and Rachel, Guatemalan Nationals, will be our Guest speakers. Hillcrest CRC in Hudsonville, MI. RSVP by November 14th to email@example.com or call Donna Terpstra at 616-490-3272


"For we are not
contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against
the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" Eph 6:12
"Without me you can do nothing" John 15:5
"Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain" Psalm 127:1
Prayer is the foundation of the prolife movement. While not everyone's state in life allows them to be a full-time foot soldier in the battle, ALL are called take part in the battle against this evil. Below is a small sampling of pro-life prayers. Please consider becoming a member of Defend Life's Prayer Warriors.
Saint Pio called the Rosary "The Weapon". The faithful praying the Rosary were instrumental in the victory at the Battle of Lepanto. To read more about victories attributed to the Rosary.
Priest for Life Prolife Meditations: Joyful Luminous Sorrowful Glorious
Prolife prayers that can be used for any mystery: page1, page2 (PDF)
Join the National Rosary Crusade and the Lepanto 2008 National Rosary Crusade
Click here for how to pray the Chaplet
Pro-Life connection with Divine Mercy
Spend some time before Our Lord in reparation for the sins of abortion and asking for his mercy and conversion of all those involved. Here's a list of parishes that offer adoration. If none are close by just vist Our Lord in the Tabernacle of any Catholic Church.
Jesus, Mary ,and Joseph,
I love you very much.
I beg you to save the life of the unborn baby
that I have spiritually adopted,
and is in danger
Mary, our Mother in Heaven,
pray for us,
and especially for your little ones
in danger of abortion!
Father, all life is in Your care.
You have entrusted us to one another,
that we may show our brothers and sisters
the same love You have for us.
We pray, then, for the least among us,
the children in the womb.
Protect them from the violence of abortion.
We pray for those that are scheduled to die at [fill in name of abortion mill]
Save them from death.
Give new hope to their parents,
that they may turn away from the desperate act of abortion.
Grant conversion to the abortionist and to the staff.
Show us how we are to respond to the bloodshed in our midst,
And lead us to the day when this place of death
Will be transformed into a haven of life.
Guard us with your joy and your peace,
For in You, life is victorious.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
bright dawn of the new world,
Mother of the living,
to you do we entrust the cause of life
Look down, O Mother,
upon the vast numbers
of babies not allowed to be born,
of the poor whose lives are made difficult,
of men and women
who are victims of brutal violence,
of the elderly and the sick killed
by indifference or out of misguided mercy.
Grant that all who believe in your Son
may proclaim the Gospel of life
with honesty and love
to the people of our time.
Obtain for them the grace
to accept that Gospel
as a gift ever new,
the joy of celebrating it with gratitude
throughout their lives
and the courage to bear witness to it
resolutely, in order to build,
together with all people of good will,
the civilization of truth and love,
to the praise and glory of God,
the Creator and lover of life.
Our Father, Giver of life,
we entrust the United States of America
to Your loving care.
You are the rock
on which this nation was founded.
You alone are the true source
of our cherished rights
to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Reclaim this land for Your glory
and dwell among Your people.
Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts
of our nation's leaders.
Open their minds
to the great worth of human life
and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.
Remind Your people that true happiness
is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.
Through the intercession of
Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land,
grant us the courage to reject
the "culture of death."
Lead us into a new millennium of life.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
A Pray Warrior pledges to do the following daily:
To join, just send us an email. Note this is a separate email listing than the general Defend Life emails. This will only be used to send out our monthly notice.


Looking for a way to serve this summer, but don’t have time for a lengthy ministry trip? Why not consider City Life, CE National’s eight-day ministry opportunity for high school students! This summer, City Life goes coast-to-coast as we partner with CE National’s two Urban Hope locations.
City Life East, June 1–8, will be located at Urban Hope Philadelphia and City Life West takes place at Urban Hope Los Angeles, June 11–18. The goal of City Life is to deepen high school students’ love relationship with God and His church by exposing them to ministry opportunities that help them share their faith as they love and serve others. The best way to find out more about City Life is to go to citylifetour.org and while you are there, fill out the online application! City Life is open to students who have completed grade 8 through high school graduates.


The Bible is a living, active book, and our proper reaction to it is obedience. Only when we obey the Word of God do we flow with the power of God. We live a holy life through obedience, serve God, give to God, and lead more as God would have us. Here are some examples of how the Bible leads us to live the right way. So how do you react to the Word of God (christian podcast)? Here are some ways you can respond.
YHWH is the personal name of God
In the Old Testament, the Word YHWH is often translated as “Jehovah.” This term refers to the supreme, personal God, but later, Hebrews misinterpreted the meaning and practised old superstition. Jehovah developed from the Hebrew consonants of the word “Lord,” and some Jewish exegetes also read it as “Adonai.”
The word of God is living and active.
According to Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is alive and active and is capable of achieving the intended result. In other words, the Word of God is dynamic, productive, and active. It is a divine weapon that cuts through the soul, spirit, joints, and marrow. It can also change one’s thinking and empower one to live a life worthy of God. Although the Bible was written hundreds of years ago, Christians believe it is a love letter from Heaven.
It is distinct from God.
The Bible’s claims about itself make it seem unique. The casual reader will likely dismiss the claims, but a careful and reflective reading will demonstrate the Bible’s uniqueness. It contains hundreds of passages that proclaim it to be the Word of God (christian podcast). It makes it an excellent book, and it is a powerful tool to transform our lives. In this article, I’ll explain why this statement is so important.
It is an instrument by which God works.
The Word of God is an instrument used by God to accomplish His will. In the Old Testament, the Word of God was an instrument that God used to accomplish His will. The Old Testament word, though, does not fully describe God. The Old Testament word is an instrument God uses and sends out, not a person. However, the gospel does describe God and his ways. This article will explain the importance of the Word of God in a world that needs a Savior.
It is with God
The Greek word for “righteous” is dikaios. This Word also means just, fair, and right. The word “with God” comes from the word para, which generally means alongside and with God. The term implies that we are righteous because we agree with God’s ways. Therefore, we should do our best to live by God’s ways. When we believe with our hearts, we are justified before God.
There is a congruity between human and Divine authorship in the Scriptures or Bible. While human authors used language, literary forms, and creativity to convey God’s message, God is the principal author. The Bible reveals His character and His will in the lives of believers, and we should strive to understand it and follow His leading. Here are three ways in which the Bible helps us understand God. The first is through our understanding of how the Bible came to be.
The Word of God is a reference to the actual words of God spoken to humans. Those who heard God’s voice were expected to obey it, even though it was written in human language. God spoke to humans through a prophet in the Bible, who used ordinary language to communicate with people. The Bible is the Word of God (christian podcast), and the Bible contains many other references to God’s Word. It is essential to understand that this biblical term is not a mere abstraction.
The Bible reveals that God does not make arbitrary rules or orders. Instead, God’s demands are noble and righteous. It is especially true of the command to honour one’s parents. In the Bible, God gives us instructions to honour our parents. We are commanded to honour our parents in every way, including saying “Corban.”


Mission Trip to Haiti
This coming spring, I have been offered the chance of a lifetime. I will be traveling with twenty other high school students to the island of Haiti, to help further the rebuilding process Haiti so desperately needs.
My church, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, has gone to Haiti the past three years, and is continuing its effort to help build a church in Haiti. The trip is organized through a group called Praying Pelicans, that specializes in mission work all over the globe. Our group is in very good hands.
I am very excited to take part in this opportunity, but I cannot do it alone. I will need all the help I can get. I need your help in becoming one of my sponsors. In order to get to Haiti, I need $600 by January 5th and another $500 by the end of February. Any donation of any amount will help me greatly in reaching my goal! As a sponsor, you will receive a post card from our group, in Haiti, as well as be invited to our sponsor dinner held after our return, as a way to say thank you. As I said, any donation helps and is greatly appreciated!
If you would like to donate or have any questions about the trip, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at Zack@Pradel.com, or contact me through the boxes below.
Thank you so much for your time and support!
Please use this "Donate" button to make a donation using your credit or debit card, or PayPal account. It will appear under "Pradel Ventures - Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Haiti Mission Trip" Thank you!!!!


Movies are the source of many good quotes. I need to expand this section quite a bit. For now, I leave you with one from Pulp Fiction:
ďEzekiel 25:17Ē - Pulp Fiction
ďThe path of the righteous man is beset on all sides
By the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, Shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness,
For he is truly his brotherís keeper and the finder of lost children.
And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger Those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers.
And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.Ē
I been sayiní that shit for years. And if you heard it, that meant your ass. I never gave much thought to what it meant. I just thought it
was some cold-blooded shit to say to a motherfucker before I popped a cap in his ass. But I saw some shit this mornin' made me think twice. See now I'm thinkiní, maybe it means youíre the evil man. And Iím the righteous
man. And Mr. 9-millimeter here, heís the shepherd protecting my righteous ass in the valley of darkness. Or it could mean youíre the righteous man and Iím the shepherd and itís the world thatís evil and selfish. Now Iíd like that. But
that shit ainít the truth. The truth is youíre the weak. And I am the tyranny of evil men. But Iím tryiní, Ringo. Iím tryiní real hard to be the shepherd.


I just wanted to post the scripture that was read by President Obama. Corinthians 4:16-18 to 2 Corinthians 5:1: Scripture tells us, ‘Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.”For light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all, so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven not built by human hands.
My heart goes out to the families who lost there children to soon, the families of the 6 teachers who made the ultimate sacrifice with their life’s to protect their students, and the families who children’s survived but the innocence that was taken away from them on Friday. The coming days won’t be easy, but keep GOD in your heart and use his words to guide you through your days ahead. GOD BLESS all those who are hurting and GOD BLESS Newtown Connecticut.


St Paul's Hammersmith
> Our Story
St Paul’s Hammersmith has had an amazing past. Organised worship has been happening on the site since 1629 and her history is rich and surprising. We are part of the latest chapter and we invite you to join us in building for God's kingdom in this generation and the next. Watch the video above for the story of our last 10 years or view the detailed history below.
1629 – 2000
St Paul’s church has always been at the heart of the community of Hammersmith.
Centred on the site of the original chapel, the present building, which is the church's principal meeting-place, was constructed in 1884. For more information you can download this article:
Meaning and History of the Church Building.
2000 – 2010
The new chapter began in early 2000 when 180 people came from
Holy Trinity Brompton
with Revd. Simon Downham to join an existing small congregation in rebuilding the life and mission of the church.
The team were challenged by the Bishop of London to re-imagine the local church. What might it mean to be a transforming community for the city? Over the last 10 years
physically and spiritually the church and its building have been comprehensively restored inside and out.
The launch of the St Paul's Centre extension in late 2011 marks the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. St Paul's
has become home to diverse community initiatives, radical social reformation, a large children and families ministry, cityshaper discipleship programmes and a passionate commitment to the worship of God and the proclamation of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom. Come and be a part of it.
St Paul's is in relationship with
St Paul's Theological Centre
Women's Christmas Social
Holy Communion Service (in Booth Room)
Jobs at St Paul's
Children and Families
Men's and Women's Ministries
As 2 Become 3
Prayer Ministry and Freedom Prayer Courses
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Preparation Course
The Money Course
St Paul's on Facebook
St Paul's on Twitter
St Paul's on Flickr
St Paul's on Vimeo
St Pauls Church
Queen Caroline St
020 8748 3855
Registered Charity 1130490


Joel "Mert" L. MertelOctober 14, 1937 ~ August 1, 2017 (age 79)
Joel L. "Mert" Mertel, 79, of 21 Fern Road, St. Marys, died on Tuesday morning, August 1, 2017 at Penn Highlands Elk following a lengthy illness.
He was born on October 14, 1937, in St. Marys, a son of the late Aurelius and Genevieve Mallison Mertel.
On October 21, 1967 in St. Marys, he married Paula Bauman Mertel, who survives.
Mert was Catholic by faith and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1960-1966 during the Vietnam War. He worked for Bauman's Plumbing and Heating and was a member of the Local 354 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. He took great pleasure in golfing, entertaining, and cooking. He also enjoyed his granddog, Bella. Mert always enjoyed a good Straub's beer, and was an avid fan of the Pirates, Steelers, Penn State, Pitt, and Nascar.
In addition to his wife of nearly 50 years, Paula Bauman Mertel, he is survived by two daughters, Pam Mertel of St. Marys and Tracey (John) Anderson of Boston, and by one son, William (Kathleen) Mertel of Pittsburgh, and by several in-laws and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services for Joel L. "Mert:" Mertel will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA with Rev. Tim Hoover, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or to the Community Nurses, Inc.


Pharmacy of Grace Story
In the spring of 2016 John Yost traveled with a team from United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (COR) to Ohio to visit Church for All People (C4AP). The purpose of John’s trip was to evaluate C4AP as a site for a COR Mission Trip. COR was in the process of developing opportunities for people to go on mission trips in the United States. C4AP is a small but extremely active United Methodist church. Their vision of transforming their community is impressive and the team was learning about their ministries.
When walking through the Senior Pastor’s office John spotted a small post card with the title “Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio”. The post card stopped him in his tracks and resulted in a series of questions to the Senior Pastor. Finally, the Senior Pastor asked, “are you interested?”. John replied, “I’m a pharmacist by training and yes I’m interested”. That conversation resulted in a tour of the pharmacy and resulting inspiration for Pharmacy of Grace. That trip also resulted in two mission trips to C4AP where the first team served in the pharmacy sorting free drugs received from a long-term care provider.
The second team participated in a learning tour of the operation. Both mission teams walked away from the experience wondering how they could help bring that mission back to Kansas City.
After much analysis, discussion, and due diligence a decision was made to undertake a similar project in the Kansas City area. The purpose of Pharmacy of Grace is to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty, school absentee days, and unemployment caused by unmanaged medical conditions. Many medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, COPD, Bi-Polar, and migraines) often go unmanaged, which eventually causes people to seek costly medical care and emergency hospitalization.
Pharmacy of Grace will be in Wyandotte County Kansas, the county with the highest percentage of people living in poverty in the greater Kansas City Metro. The location is an area of tremendous social and healthcare need with 30-40% of residents uninsured.
Pharmacy of Grace is not open yet, but received approval of 501(c)3 status in February 2019 and has engaged many community partners and potential funding sources. Pharmacy of Grace’s mission to improve access to prescription drugs for uninsured, underinsured and vulnerable populations in Kansas is being rapidly pursued.


The moment I met real fear
There is one moment in my life when fear washed over me more powerfully than ever before. It was a phone call I will never forget.
A few months before, my wife and I had started a church in Decatur, GA. We wanted to start something that could serve and love the community in a new way. As a part of that process, we had to raise support. In our support raising, several months earlier, we found Molly (not her real name, but close ;) ).
Molly popped up out of the blue. She found my blog and started emailing me questions, which I was happy to answer. Then, she asked how she might support our church plant. I didn’t have a good answer, so I gave her a link to my Amazon wish list, which included books on church planting. Molly bought me every book on the list, more than $500 worth. That got my attention.
After that, Molly asked how she might financially contribute to supporting our new church. I still didn’t know her well, and her story about how she had money and why she wanted to give it to a stranger was a little odd, so I was cautious.
My family needed to move to Decatur to start the church, so my conversations with Molly turned toward her donating money to help with that. Initially, she promised to give $800…


Today my sister and I had a nice talk and she reminded me to enjoy this time because pregnancy flies by and i'll miss it! I love chatting with her and being her little sister. Melissa and I didn't get along great growing up but she is one of my best friends and knows everything about me and still loves me! She's seen me at my very worst and very best and still talks to me, i'm lucky! It's a blessing to have two sisters that i can go to and feel safe and who always refresh me!
I miss my husband so much lately. Last night i had a wonderful dream that he was home and we were eating chicken wings that HE brought home and we were talking and laughing and catching up, it was so much fun. (i was craving chicken wings before bed ha) When i woke up and realized that Darren was across the ocean still, i could have cried! But I'm filled with a lot of hope since this deployment began. I have been able to spend a lot of time growing and learning and i wouldn't trade that! God had a better plan and has used this time apart from my husband to rebuild and strengthen me. He doesn't allow me to have pity on the situation i find myself in. He has placed so much love into my heart and shows me too much to be thankful for that there is not much room left to feel sorry for myself! This is a blessing :)
I want to share with you how God has worked through a gift given to me last week. It opened my heart to things i wasn't expecting.
This past week my sister in law Ej sent a halfway box, since it's now over halfway through this deployment, yay! She was thoughtful with each gift in there and proved how well she knew me! I couldn't believe how much she'd done for me. There was even a note and picture in there from Darren. It was fun to dig through the box and marvel over each thing and think, she is the best! Then after i'd set it aside i thought well what can i do for her? I need to repay her somehow. Don't lose that thought it's key for later!
Then i was presented another gift this past week that was a big financial gift from someone close to me. Immediately i could not think of accepting because it seemed to be too much. I talked to my dad afterwards about this and he told me i needed to accept it and i thought immediately how can i repay him for all this person has been doing?
Then i was laying in bed and feeling wide awake the other night. I couldn't stop thinking about Jesus and what He'd done for me. I started thinking how horrible I am at accepting gifts from people. It has nothing to do with not being grateful, but i feel very undeserving! Anyways it led me to think about how Jesus DIED, gave His life for me. This is something that i believe down to the very core of my being, no doubt in my mind. A man named Jesus took my place and was killed. As i was a sinner, Christ died for me. This gift is beyond anything i've ever been given. It entails eternal life with my God that i wouldn't have had if not for Jesus being perfect and being a savior to me. I'm always humbled by these thoughts but that night it hit me especially hard as i was faced with a question directly from my God. 'Laura, have you accepted this gift in your heart of my acceptance of you?'
Of course i have accepted that i thought! But then the next thought was, if i truly had accepted it, would i stop trying to earn my way into heaven? I realized there's nothing i can do to repay what Christ has done for me.
A prayer i prayed weeks ago was answered! I asked God what was i missing about our relationship...and he answered in a way i never expected. To accept the gift of grace and Mercy that comes with the cross, isn't easy because it's nothing that i've done but said yes to Christ. He loves me, regardless of the choices i've made.
I have and will fail, miserably! But God's measure of me is not by what i've done, but by what Christ has done for me. He covers me with the very blood that was shed for all of us. I've never been good at accepting gifts so this particular gift that someone died in my place is especially hard to swallow. But i'm loving how God is working in my heart and strengthening my faith.
I was given a few gifts this week that i'm now able to appreciate more and be excited about! I'm sure there will be opportunities down the road to show my appreciation for each of these people that have given to me...but for the time being i'm accepting!
Never thought i'd be learning how to accept gifts but that's where i find myself this past week :). How i perceive myself isn't always great but this was challenged this week. If i can understand more how God sees me, there will be much freedom in how i live my life. Pray for me as this is not an overnight change! I'm taking each step i can to let go of insecurities and move forward in God's grace.
Awana this past week was wonderful with the cubbies! There were four little girls that have found a special place in my heart already. This one in particular makes me laugh with everything that comes out of her mouth. To hold a smile the whole night because of one small child is amazing to me! She was really touching my heart with her questions and constant flow of 'whys'. 'Why you wanta hava babaayyy' 'You-a missa youra babaayy' Like i said, she was funny. I needed that laughter though! It was very refreshing and i'm looking forward to spending this next Wednesday with them singing songs, talking about girly things, hearing stories about Jesus, and hearing the verses they're memorizing.
Tomorrow is the second week of our ladies bible study and already it's been a blessing! I enjoyed getting to know a few ladies i've not talked to and this week am getting together with a new friend for coffee and other fun things we have yet to plan! We're going through the book of Ruth which is an incredible story, but that's for another time. It's good to dig apart God's word and learn from it though.
Alright well i am going to get back to my hot chocolate and book :) I hope you've been having a great weekend! I sure have church was awesome, the colts won, and tomorrow the packers play!.


On Fire supports many different organizations and sponsors children through their mission branch, Abba Missions. Consider helping one of these many causes that we support! · We work with Hope for All Africa Ministries based in Busia, Uganda. this is where our mission team recently returned from. Abba Missions sends at least $300 each month to this organization, we recently were able to buy school supplies for over 60 kids and pay the past school fee debt for 16 children. Contact us if you're interested in joining our next mission to Uganda! (Scheduled for December 6th-16th) Currently the children are living with the organization leader, and his mother but we are pleased that we will begin funding the building up of the orphanage by the end of this year! Support a child in Uganda to go to a University to give them the option of coming out of poverty to better support themselves and their future families. · 11 children with Compassion International monthly. We keep in contact with these children and our ultimate goal is for them to always feel loved and cared for. · We work with Bridge of Hope Missions with Pastor Rod Parsley. They feed the hungry, help put a stop to abortion and spread the love of Jesus everywhere they go! · We work with Ezra International. Ezra works diligently at allowing poor persecuted Jewish people to go back to their land, Israel. Those who stand by Israel and Jewish people will be blessed. · We donate to two missionaries who work with YWAM monthly. They have built many wells for clean water in Peru and Acapulco and we built 2 through this organization. · We recently completely renovated an orphanage in Monterrey, Mexico. They were able to revamp their entire facility, giving them running water, sanitary eating areas and new bedrooms. The glory of the Lord is upon them and it is apparent that they are blessed! Sponsor a child to go to our school, Valiant Christian Academy! For any other information about monthly sponsorship programs for orphans in Uganda, or information about upcoming mission trips, please visit abbamissions.com.


NAYA JEEVAN MASIH SATSANG
“हे बोझ से दबे लोगो, मेरे पास आओ; मैं तुम्हें सुख चैन दूँगा। Please join us for worship and Bible study every Friday. Contact Inder Sharma 0433357847. New Christian fellowship reaching out to the Hindi speaking community around Blacktown area. Worship, Word of God and prayer mainly in Hindi language.


The Mission Church is a community of people on a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live it out! Our heart is to be a home for people looking to discover who God is and, in turn, discover who they are in Christ. With powerful worship and relevant teachings for the entire family, we invite you to visit us this weekend! If you’re planning to join us for the first time, please click the Sunday Gathering time you are interested in and a member of our team will meet you there!
Nursery Care & Children’s Church Provided
Adult Bible Study
“All-In” Prayer & Worship (first Weds only)
Royal Rangers 7:00 pm
Girls Ministries 7:00 pm


You can downloaded free Christmas card List Template here. A holiday celebration of Christians in month of December is known as Christmas. Christmas is commemoration of birth of Jesus. It is normally celebrated at 25 December and people organize events, get together and parties to celebrate this great occasion. They also exchange gifts and Christmas cards with each other. Christmas card is one of the best ways to communicate Christmas wishes and greetings to special persons. If you also love to send and receive Christmas cards, a Christmas card list is a perfect tool for you to manage all sender and receivers on this day. Christmas card list is a document that you can utilize to write down the name of all special persons to whom you want to send Christmas cards. You will find this Christmas card List Template useful.
Christmas Card List is a just right tool to keep track of sent and received Christmas cards. There are so many ways to prepare a Christmas card list one of them is use of Christmas card list template. Christmas card list template can assist you to prepare a well designed Christmas card list which contains all the necessary space and formatting so you can have all you recipients in one place. There is a perfect Christmas card list template prepared by professionals. It is a ready to use format that surly help you while preparing a Christmas card list.
Download Christmas card List Template:
Here is a preview of this Christmas card list template.
Click on the download button and make this Christmas card list template your own.


A little while ago, I came across a piece of artwork with the most incredible frame. Here is a close up of it.
It instantly transported me back to Costa Rica, to the Iglesia de los Angeles in Cartago, where pilgrims travel to ask for healing from La Virgin - a black stone shaped like the Virgin Mary. The icon is beautiful in it's simple lines and clear image.
The pilgrims pray for healing of, and leave tiny charms that represent, the ailments that they or their loved ones are suffering. It's a chaotic display that radiates a Holiness that is hard to describe, and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it, especially as it is being practiced.
Can you feel authenticity? There is a naturalness in this that opens a space in my heart.


Jesus said that he came to give us life to the full (John 10:10). What I envision for every client that comes to see me is that they might experience that full life he promised. While I don’t believe that life here on earth will ever be perfect, problem-free or pain-free, I do believe that there is hope for joy, peace, fulfillment and change for every person and every relationship.
My counselling is based on three foundational core values:
Counselling sessions do not merely offer solutions to problems or a system of change, but a Life-Changer, Jesus Christ. Lives find meaning, fulfillment, freedom and peace in relationship with him.
My aim is to free and equip people to love others in a Christ-like way.
3. CHANGED LIVES
I assume that there is hope for radical change for any person, problem and relationship.
New Beginnings Christian Counselling is based on a biblical view of humanity, life and relationships. However, I do respect those who may hold to differing views and beliefs.
COUNSELING ISSUES ADDRESSED


Global Day of Prayer 2006I attended the Global Day of Prayer, held in the Hong Kong Stadium, for the second year. Over 40,000 Christians gathered to pray for the world, Hong Kong, the church and other global and current issues.
On this Pentecostal Sunday, which happens to be June 4, it was disappointing to me that these Christian leaders who carefully crafted the prayer message chose to bypass even a single word of prayer for this single most significant injustice in the recent history of our country -- the June 4 massacre of 1989, the dead and all the wounded souls even to today.
Oh Lord, forgive us Christians in Hong Kong, for we have sinned against you by choosing to close our eyes to injustice in our own country, in exchange for false peace with our earthly rulers. I pray for the leaders of the Global Day of Prayer campaign that they will have the courage to say the truth to our earthly rulers -- what Jesus would surely say to the rulers of China about that June 4 of seventeen years.
The truth can stand no compromise.


The Winners Mandate
Winners Chapel International, New York is a branch of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and the regional headquarters of the Ministry in North and South America. Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International is an end time liberation Ministry presided over by Bishop David O. Oyedepo with worldwide headquarters in Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria. Our primary objective is the general development and liberation of mankind by stirring up the God given potentials embedded in people of all races and nations through the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our task is to liberate the entire world from all forms of oppression’s of the enemy through the teaching and preaching of the Word of Faith, schooling men to exploits in life and releasing men and women to their full potentials for the benefit of all mankind.
God gave the Presiding Bishop of this Commission, Bishop David Oyedepo this mandate after an eighteen-hour vision. God told him:
“The hour has come to liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching of the Word of Faith, and I am sending you to undertake this task.”
Today, testimonies of liberation as a result of our messages, books, tapes, magazines and other periodicals are most humbling. We have diverse proofs to date that the task is enjoying tremendous success by the grace of God, through testimonies of dramatic changes and improvements in the quality of life of the people, every where these churches are represented.


“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3
Welcome to Polka Dot Praise. Each card has a story, a story that gives you a glimpse into the wonderful people God has placed into my life. With the internet and texting correspondence is becoming a dying art. I still think it’s important for people to have the joy of opening their mailboxes and finding a handwritten note, a special touch into their busy or lonely day. I’ve chosen a postcard because you don’t have to write much, just a thought that will bless someone else (And the postage is less than first class mail. Always thinking of the budget!)
It gave me great personal pleasure to not only create a postcard, but then to dedicate it to one of the special people in my life as a way of saying “you are a treasure and I’m very grateful for you!”
I hope the backstories of each postcard make the selection a fun ride. CLICK HERE to read all of the stories.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™


If you are a mother in need of assistance. Please send us a message using the form on the right. Your information will be kept confidential.
Above is the home that Journey Home and her guests big and small now reside. This big beautiful home was made possible by our faithful donor base, we love you. This new home can host eleven house guests, this includes mothers, toddlers, newborns and house parents. Not only do we have enough space for all our residents, but we have space for a classroom where we hold our classes as well as our morning devotions, a common room upstairs for play, breastfeeding and moments of much needed rest. We have two huge garages where we put an extra fridge and freezer(there are lots of bellies to feed) and there is space to store all the cribs, car seats, baby and maternity clothing, etc.. that these mothers will need for their growing families. Then there's the outside space that is perhaps the biggest blessing of all, we have a garden, and a huge yard and sandbox where our current and past small guests can run around and play to get all that endless energy out. It is both a blessing to the children and mothers alike. So much space to grow, thrive and share the love of Jesus with these new lives and families.
About Journey Home
Journey Home is a Christ-centered nonprofit Maternity Home existing to encourage and empower the women that walk through our doors to live the lives God intended for them to live.
We offer a comfortable family environment in which to learn skills and acquire tools for success in life‘s journey. We will offer housing, spiritual encouragement and practical support, and will work with other organizations to provide birthing classes, parenting classes, educational classes and similar opportunities.
To be a nurturing home for both mother and child, offering love, accountability, and support along their journey.
To be the maternity home the community trusts to recommend when a need arises.
Transform Lives With a Donation
Giving a donation to Journey Home will help us to reach more women and serve them in a way that will change their lives forever.
Journey Home would love and appreciate members of our community coming along side the staff and board members as we seek to provide spiritual, emotional, mental and financial stability to these young mothers and their babies.
As those who are pro-life work hard to get the truth out about abortion, there becomes more of a need for the community to step up and become the hands and feet of Jesus to these young women in crisis. 100% of our funding is provided by generous donors, churches and grants. If you are interested in donating supplies, or volunteering/or supporting us financially, we would love to hear from you.
Become a Volunteer
You can contribute your time, skills and knowledge through volunteering with the Journey Home. This is an opportunity to create a positive impact to women in need.


Back to Blog
"New Wine" by Hillsong United
This song may be referencing Jesus’ first miracle in John 2, which is his conversion of water to wine at a wedding in Cana. In this story, the guests run out of wine, and Jesus turns large basins of water into wine that pleases all the guests. However, there is another, more self-sacrificial element to this song.
The first lines are “in the crushing, in the pressing, you are making new wine.” In this case, we as God’s children are grapes that are being used to make wine. In order to become something that everyone can enjoy, as the wine was enjoyed at the wedding, we must be crushed. God is creating something wonderful out of us, in order to bless everyone around us. Furthermore, the song emphasizes the fact that God has a plan for this “crushing.” He has a “careful hand,” so all we need to do is yield to him, and he will transform us. This is a comforting fact. Whenever we feel that we are being “crushed,” we can be assured that God is creating something wonderful with us.
The central idea of this song is giving up ourselves to the Lord. We give ourselves to Him to make new wine, we give our soil to Him to break new ground, we give our lives to Him as vessels for his purpose. We then wait expectantly for what He will do next. It is a beautiful song to sing to the Lord.
0 CommentsRead More
Leave a Reply.


E–news for May 6, 2016
Pentecost, May 15, 1:30 PM
Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry will be observing the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) next Sunday, May 15. All sincere seekers of truth are welcome to join us here at Holts Summit, Missouri, for Pentecost weekend. If you’re not in the area and unable to travel to Missouri, we plan to have a special live broadcast at 1:30 PM, Central. This day is special for numerous reasons. It represents the giving of the Law in the Old Testament and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. It’s also one of the three pilgrimage Feasts.
Baptism of a New Brother in Messiah
We had the blessing of adding a new brother to the faith today. Edward Cole, along with his wife Mary, made the trip from Florida in order for Edward to be immersed into Yahshua’s Name. We extend our congratulations to Edward and pray that Yahweh’s blessings be upon him and his family. We would also ask that you keep him prayer. Baptism is the most important commitment we make in this life. As Paul explains in the sixth chapter of Romans, those immersed die to their old man and are raised as a new creatures in Messiah, waiting for the ultimate transformation from flesh to spirit. Baptism officiated by Pastor Randy Folliard
Registration for Feast of Tabernacles
Join us for the Feast of Tabernacles! Registration is now available online. This year’s Feast will again be at Camp Allen near Greenville, Missouri, from the evening ofSeptember 16 – 24. This beautiful park in the middle of Mark Twain National Forest is in the southeast corner of Missouri. Not only is this Feast commanded, but it’s a tremendous blessing for all in attendance, offering a Kingdom-like feel. For additional information, including worship, activities, and lodging, visit us online. You will also find there a registration form and pictures from last year’s Feast observance.
Join Pastor Randy for Sabbath in O’Fallon
Pastor Randy Folliard will be in O’Fallon, Missouri, tomorrow, May 7, to host Bible Study and Sabbath services. The address is 8001 Oakhaven Drive. In the Bible Study he plans to review the importance of baptism into Yahshua’s Name. So if you are contemplating baptism and would like to understand this subject better, come and join us for Sabbath fellowship. In addition to Bible Study, he will also provide a message on the mechanics of the biblical calendar and explain why this year’s biblical year is different from the Jewish calendar. Bible Study starts at 12:00 pm and Service at 1:30 pm. There will also be a fellowship meal after the service. Come and experience YRM in O’Fallon.
Discover the Truth Talk Live
You are invited to join us for another Discover the Truth Talk Live webcast on Friday, May 27, at 7:30 pm, Central at yrm.org/live. Elders Alan Mansager and Randy Folliard from Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry along with Elder Pete Vacca from Assembly of Yahweh (7th day) will be in attendance. We may also have a fourth guest panel member. We plan to review the impact of Syrian and Middle Eastern immigrants in Europe, Islamic terror cells in Europe and US, and possibly the transgender / homosexual movement. We will also be taking your questions near the end of the broadcast. Mark it on your calendar and don’t miss this next webinar.
The new moon of the third biblical month is anticipated for tomorrow evening, May 7. Below is the information for next month’s new moon, based on mid-Missouri:
- Sunset: 8:07 pm
- Moonset: 9:17 pm
- Moon age: 29 hours
- Moon attitude: 12 degrees
- Degrees from sun: 12 degrees
- Illumination: 1.7%
Join YRM in the following locations for Sabbath worship. To learn more, including how to become a Sabbath partner in your area, contact the Ministry at email@example.com or (573) 896-1000. Also, visit us online for locations, times, and local contacts.
- Holts Summit, Missouri
- O’Fallon, Missouri
- Woodland Hills, California (No service from May 14-21)
- Denver, Colorado
- Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Milton, Delaware
- Tottenham, Ontario, Canada
Please remember the following in prayer:
- Continued Prayer: Elder Bob Wirl, Bob Wells, Dreama Simmons, Melodie Illgen, Qaumaniq Suuqiina, Justina Ryan, AJ Hancock, John Fisher and family, Dick and Ros Fisher, Gayle Bonato, Ricardo Angolano, Susie Hylton, Millie Deck, Adi Stahlin, Jesse Cox, Kim and Kenny Miller
- Healing: Byron Bola, Charles Wayne Pitchford, Donna Bitterman, Hailee Maczko, Heather Lind, Judith Hubbard, Kimberly Murray, Linda Marie Drewelow, Mary Aragone, Melanie M., Michael Harris, Raleigh Illgen, Randall Serfass, Sophia Christensen, Sylvina Mitchell, Theresa Cecil, Valerie Noboa
- Children: Mary Ann Cole-Dia
- Passing of a Loved One:
- Safety and Protection: Jones family, Tim and Terra, Vira family
- Acceptance of Truth: Eleanor Vira, Hubbard family, Kimberly Murray, Lind family, Maczko family, Maison family, Mitchell family, Nichols family, Pavlovich family, Stollfuss family, Thomas family
- Knowledge: Kimberly Murray, Ratna Paul Paladugu
- Employment: Donnie Miller, Kimberly Murray, Michael Hubbard, Yvonne
- Finances: Brenda Kiser
- Guidance: Dot Hubbard, Kimberly Murray, Mike Hurt
- Yahweh Knows: Audrey Ramadan, Brenda Riddle, Carey family, Catie Mohkovic, Cindi Masetta, David and Judy, Donna Wahlers, Dot Hubbard, Gabriel M & family, Kimberly Murray, Lee McKallip, Lemley family, Linda G. Young, Linda Marie Drewelow, Mary Carey, Nesta family, Pamela Nettles, Ralph Tomkins, Rivera family, Rolando
TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
Who was Marcion of Sinope?
A. A Christian poet that converted to Judaism
B. A heretic of the Roman Church
C. The successor of the Apostle Paul
D. The first bishop of Rome
Marcion of Sinope (85 – 160 CE) was an important leader of the early Christian Church who was eventually deemed a heretic for his unorthodox views. He rejected the literality of the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament. While accepting Yahweh as the Creator of the physical universe, he called Him the “Demiurge” and viewed Him as a jealous tribal deity of the Jews. In this way, he shared parallels with Gnosticism, which viewed the physical universe negatively and inferior to the spiritual. Marcion also saw the Messiah’s physical body as only an imitation of the spiritual and thus he denied His physical birth, death, and resurrection. As the basis for his teachings, he accepted only parts of Luke and ten of Paul’s epistles. Correct: B
May Yahweh bless,


TIME TRAVEL in the Bible? It sounds crazy — until you compare the visions of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-42) and John (Revelation 11). John was given a rod and told to measure the Temple; Ezekiel encountered a man with a rod in the process of measuring the Temple. Is it possible the two prophets actually met?
Gary Stearman, host for the last two decades of Prophecy in the News, discusses this and other fascinating examples he includes in his new book Time Travelers of the Bible: How Hebrew Prophets Shattered the Barriers of Time-Space.
This interview from the Prophecy Summit at Branson is one of a series that will be posted over the next few weeks. Upcoming guests include Russ Dizdar, Doug Woodward, and Chuck Missler.
Video of these interviews will be part of a DVD set that is being produced by Prophecy in the News.
Please visit the P.I.D. Radio Facebook page, and don’t forget the great Christian podcasters at the Revelations Radio Network.
Click the arrow on the player below to listen now, or right-click (control-click if you have a Mac) the “download” link to save the mp3 file to your hard drive.
Another good interview. A very exciting subject that provides another way to share the Gospel with those outside the church.
For those INSIDE the church… don’t expect a warm reception. I brought up the subject of Time Travelers in the bible to a Lifeway Facebook page… They kicked me off.
well… in all fairness I also mentioned that the bible had dragons, Kryptonite Hair Scissors and a Nazi Melting Gold Box. …And maybe something about Zombies.
Baptists… no sense of humor.


The Bolivian Episcopal Conference (BEC) is the organization of Catholic bishops that brings together all dioceses to discuss and guide the matters of faith and doctrine as well as promote social projects across the country and abroad, for instance, Sol Casino Argentina is the main partner. The collaboration can look peculiar, but more and more Christians start gambling on the internet and don't think it is a terrible sin. This phenomenon has led to a gradual shift in the attitude of the Church towards internet wagering. Once considered a grave vice, modern interpretations of the doctrine are evolving to accommodate the changing landscape of digital entertainment.
One aspect of a shift in attitude is a greater understanding of the social and psychological factors that drive individuals to participate in online gaming. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies revealed 38% of faithful surveyed had engaged in Sol Casino or some other similar platforms within the past year. Of these, 65% reported they did not believe it to be a significant moral issue. This data suggests the perception of online wagering has softened within the Christian community.
Ethical Gaming Platforms and the Future of the Church's Stance
In light of these findings, some theologians argue the essence of internet hobbies is not inherently sinful. Rather, it is the negative consequences associated with excessive manners, such as addiction and financial ruin, which are the true sources of moral concern. As a result, many within the Church now advocate for responsible gaming practices and support systems to minimize these risks at Sol Casino. Another factor contributing to the change in perception is the advent of new technologies and websites that offer more secure and ethical wagering options. Most modern reliable resources provide players with a variety of games while prioritizing trustworthy sessions through features such as self-exclusion tools and deposit limits.
It is important to note not all members of the Catholic association share the evolving viewpoint on the casino sector. Many still maintain the traditional stance, seeing the pastime as a sin that should be avoided. In response to its divide, some parishes have taken it upon themselves to provide education and help to their congregation about the potential risks and benefits of online games of chance. Sol Casino in Argentina exemplifies the ongoing dialogue and evolution within the religious representatives regarding internet wagering. As the digital landscape continues to expand and diversify, the Church's approach to virtual games will likely continue to adapt as well.
How Does Religious Education Influence Attitudes?
The Catholic Church has long emphasized the importance of ecclesiastical education in shaping the moral compass of its followers. In the context of the gaming business, schooling plays a crucial role in helping Christians navigate the complex ethical questions surrounding digital pastimes.
Many parishes are now incorporating debates about the question into their religious education programs. Sol Casino helps to develop their efforts. These discussions often focus on the potential dangers of addiction, the importance of reliable gaming, and the moral implications of betting. By engaging in open and honest conversations, the Church aims to equip its followers with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about virtual activities.


I write clean fiction from a biblical worldview.
I’m delighted to meet you! Please, won’t you introduce yourself in the “Contact me” tab or comment on one of my YouTube videos?
Sign up for my newsletter, too! I promise not to bother you more than twice a year or give your info to anybody.
I live in Houston, Texas with my husband, daughter, and son. When I’m not advocating for the oxford comma, I’m watching people to put them in character sketches.
I was a nurse before I had kids, so you know I like science. I just need to be careful how much I put in my books. A little goes a long way. Really.
Author photo by Melissa McVey Photography


CROSSWALK CAMP UPDATE!!!
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
This email is a bit long, but it is important. I wanted to give you all an update on Crosswalk Camp. We held our recent camp at a new facility this year – thanks to Ceeja and Lucas Malmkar who did an unbelievable amount of research to find this facility. It was absolutely beautiful, on a lake with tons of activities for young and old. We were extremely blessed to be the first camp they have ever had use their kitchen without their staff preparing and serving the meals. It was really awesome to see the attitudes change in their camp staff through the camp session. At first, they were very apprehensive about our staff coming into “their” kitchen and doing “their” jobs. But by the end of camp, their kitchen manager and our kitchen manager were fast friends, sitting down to sharing recipes and different approaches to coordinating a camp kitchen. Their camp facility manager eagerly asked us half a dozen times if we were coming back in 2018.
We knew going into this camp that the costs would be higher than our previous camp facility. We were even prepared to go in the hole a bit to provide a camp experience for the campers and staff in this part of the region. However, when it was all said and done we ended up between $7,000.00 and $8,000.00 in the red. This is something we are not able to sustain year after year. Even though we increased the price per camper and staff member to $200.00, we still fell way short. Crosswalk Camp has always been a labor of love for the Oklahoma City congregation and one of our main ministries. We have loved every moment of it and we are forever grateful to our wonderful staff throughout the years many of whom drove great distances to be able to come and serve. We have always been a camp where the staff pay as much as the campers as a gift to the campers to help keep their cost down. Almost every year, for the past 18 years, we have had a one-to-one ratio with our campers and staff members. A number of years I suggested we have half the staff members come to our May camp and the other half come to our November camp, so we didn’t burn anyone out. The reply I got was “even if we’re not officially on staff - we are still going to be here!” You’ve got to love that kind of heart and commitment to touching young people’s lives with the good news of the gospel.
After much prayer and deep discussion, we have come to the decision we will no longer be hosting Crosswalk Camp, at least in its current format. I believe God was moving us in a different direction two years ago when we lost our original camp facility. But we loved camp so much and had done it for so long we started an aggressive search for a new facility. It has now been made clear to us that we are to move in that different direction. I know this will come as a shock and disappointment to some of you, especially our faithful staff and campers. I know how it feels. I was at SEP in Orr, Minnesota when they announced that would be the last year of camp – as they were selling the camp property. Panic and deep disappointment spread across the camp. Five of us got together in one of the classrooms at Orr and before the last camp ended we made a pact that we would carry on the camp tradition and not let what God was doing through the camp environment die. So from that weekend on – plans for 5 new camps were birthed. Over the past 18 years we have grown from 5 Regional Camps to 22 Regional Camps. We are now able to serve more campers and more staff then we ever could at Orr alone. God’s ways are not our ways and His timing is definitely not our timing. With that in mind, I would like to propose a new vision and dream, not just 22 Regional Camps - but 200 local Community Camps across this nation.
One of the big challenges we have had at all of our Regional Camps is how do we connect the campers back into the life of the local church? It’s great to go to camp and have this mountaintop experience, but what happens when they go back home and for the rest of the year? Are they welcomed into ministry opportunities or leadership avenues back at their home congregation? Unfortunately in many cases they are not. Their local church perhaps doesn’t play the genre of music that speaks to them. Opportunities to serve in a ministry are often not available or easily accessible and they do not know how to get their foot in the door. The other challenge is that gathering the campers and staff one to two times a year is just not enough to build deep relationships and to help walk them through life and ministry. It is a hit and miss in way too many cases. Everyone loves camp and God uses it powerfully, because that is what God does when we seek after Him and gathering together to love and serve one another. But we believe there is an even better way. A way to engage youth and young adult leaders on a more regular basis. You see one of the problems is we are so spread out - especially in our region. People drive many hours to come to camp and this precludes us from gathering together more often throughout the year.
I propose that we facilitate a local Community Camp which would take place within the neighborhood around each of our church buildings. A camp where kids can walk to camp and would not be required to pay the high registration fees. A camp that “meets them where they are” instead of asking them to meet us where we are. This format could provide an opportunity to gather the community youth together on a monthly or at least quarterly basis, which would give a much greater chance to love them and impact their lives. I am not talking about a VBS type of event, but an actual camp like we do at Crosswalk minus the overnight stay. It is much more cost effective and greatly increases our opportunity to connect with the young people.
We plan to host our first Crosswalk Community Camp next June in our Surrey Hills community here in Oklahoma. We have already booked an elementary school gymnasium and grounds within the neighborhood of Surrey Hills. The question I have been asked more than anything else is “can people come to this camp even if they do not live in Surrey Hills?” Of course you can!! It will be open to anyone who wants to come, with the understanding you will need to provide your own housing with proper adult supervision. Former Crosswalk staff are welcome to join us as well with the same understanding regarding housing. We are still working on the details, but we are looking at a weeklong camp with the first 3-days being for teens and the second 3-days being for elementary aged youth. The last day would be a celebration service for all the campers and staff with a special invitation extended to the parents from the community. My hope is we can model what this can look like and be available to help others within the region to contextualize it for their community. Each community is unique and therefore each Community Camp will more than likely have its own uniqueness. We are not here to make “cookie cutter” camps, but we are available to assist you if you would like to join this vision in your local areas.
I believe we will look back at the idea of Community Camps and say "why didn’t we start these earlier." Now it’s important to understand if you are a small congregation or even a fellowship group and you have no youth you can still join this movement. All you need are a couple of young people (grandkids or neighbor kids will do) and you host an event locally to love and serve them. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be intentional. Even taking a couple youth camping and having them invite a few friends along. One word of caution though, we do want to have good accountability and supervision at all times at these events. If this life is truly about relationships (and it is) we need to be committed to intentionally building and nurturing relationships, not only with one another, but with young people as well.
I want to conclude with this: THANK YOU SO MUCH to all our former campers and staff! We could not have done it without you. Many of our staff started off as campers and have now moved into leadership positions on staff. Some even started in Junior Camp and have now moved up to staff positions. It has been my greatest pleasure to work next to each one of you and be a part of what God has done in and through Crosswalk Camp! We have truly been blessed with good friends, brothers and sisters over the years and to love one another as we proclaim God’s love and goodness to hundreds of young people – it just doesn’t get any better than that! I believe we will not truly see the impact of our labor until we stand with Jesus Christ in His kingdom and He reveals what He was able to do in and through each one of us. Can’t wait for that day!!! God is good – ALL the time!!!!!
I love and appreciate you all more than you will ever know!
Pastor Mike Rasmussen


First Reconciliation – Catholic Moments
About First Reconciliation
There is no question about Jesus’ love for children, the most helpless members of society. When some parents wished to bring their children to Jesus for his blessing, his disciples tried to keep them away. Jesus would have none of it.
13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. (Matthew 19: 13 – 15)
Jesus continues to welcome children today. The primary way he welcomes them is through the sacraments. In Baptism, they are freed from original sin and become sons and daughters of God in a new way. At the age of discretion they are being prepared to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. Before Holy Communion, following the requirements of the Church, they will be prepared to receive Jesus’ forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. (CCC 1457)Read more.
The First Reconciliation program will be available to parishes in 2017.
If you have ideas or suggestions, tips from previous program experiences, or teaching approaches you would like to see implemented in our Catholic Moments Programs, please send us an email at the link below.


Most of my daily schedule involves daydreaming, drawing, playing games, reading, watching videos, and being available for others. I do not include an 8-to-five job in that list. Wow, what a slacker. Right?
Much of my adult life has been scrutinized ad nauseum by both peers and elders, believing that what I do (and don’t do) is lazy, irresponsible, and in polite terms, useless. Money is not important to me, or even particularly relevant, nor is recognition. At risk of sounding snarky, this is not a common outlook.
There have been seasons of my life where I lived for months and years with less than a thousand dollars at any given point, and yet I was never hungry or in danger and my needs were met. I was paying rent, buying food, and attempting to live in a way pleasing to the Lord (employed and unemployed) throughout that whole time. Is it absolute dumb luck that I have (time and time again, I might add) survived this long? Perhaps, but I know it’s due to something far less coincidental.
I tend not to get so scripturally in-depth with these posts, but this is a subject I care very deeply about. Here is my fairly lengthy explanation why I personally do what I do and think what I think in the context of the Word.
But the last thing I want is for this to just apply to me. God has made promises and commands about this topic to every one of us. He has graciously given me freedom in this area and He offers the same promises and power to all through His Son and the Spirit.
If you love Jesus and are also weary of your day-to-day tasks or miserable at your current job, I believe this is for you.
7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’
8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!
“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
[Note: “put me to the test” in this context is easily reconciled with the seeming contradiction in Deuteronomy 6:16. One test trusts God, the other test does not. God wants your trust, your heart.
This passage really is scary stuff. “I’ll give when I have more stable income.” “It’s irresponsible to abandon our security like that.” “I work to support our kids.” etc. But he says if we don’t give back what He has given us that we have cheated him.
Really, it’s all coming from a place of fear. What all these really ask is “Will my needs be met if I give up so much?” ]
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
[This part might seem incongruous, but it makes sense. Where is your focus? Are you focusing on earthly treasure? Are you focusing on God? Whatever you choose to focus on will spill over into the rest of your body, your life. (Luke 6:45) Consider the following verse]
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
[Key here being ‘enslaved’. Is money your focus? (v22) Are you trusting in money to meet your needs?]
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
[And this is my main point. Do we trust this promise at face value? Do we trust it with no asterisks, exceptions, or fine print?
But for the moment, put this thought on hold. Let’s study what the Bible has to say about work and our calling in life.]
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
[We should work. Work even existed in paradise before the fall. But what is work in God’s eyes?]
2 Thes 3:6-13
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
[Note that paul is silent on what specifics qualify as ‘work’. The goal is that you should love others by what you do, and becoming a burden to others (he mentions both financially and via meddling) is hardly lifting them up. He elaborates in 2 Cor: ]
2 Cor 8:11-15
11 … Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
and those who gathered only a little had enough.”
[Again, the goal with our work is to love others (which glorifies God, matt 10:42). We need to give from what we have, and this surely goes far beyond only money. If everything is a gift from God (1 Cor 4:7), how could there be any distinction? But what do we have?: ]
1 Cor 12:4-30
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
[e.g. “Your role is not important. Do something else.” v18 he has put each part where he wants it!]
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. [remember, 2 Cor 8:13] 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!
[He then goes on to say that our ultimate goal is to love. Love God, love others in all that you do. This is what our work is! Those things that he made you able to do well, and he made you to do them well in order to love Him and others! Notice that money is entirely absent in this discussion of our work.
In Romans he says similar things: ]
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
[etc, etc. Hardly an all-encompassing list. I note that he lists certain tasks (leadership and teaching) which many would consider suitable jobs, but others (encouragement, kindness), that many would not consider as valuable. But as said in 1 Cor 12:22 and Gal 1:10, value in human terms is not really relevant.
But what is the ultimate point of using these gifts?: ]
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
[Again, the point is to love God and others in all you do. He will show you what your “gift for doing certain things well” is. (ask Him!) Use these gifts. Use them to build up others! Otherwise we risk acting like the servant in the parable: ]
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
[Note that since the master represents God, who is none of these things, this shows that the servant was afraid to use his gifts because he never really knew the master well. He was afraid his needs would not be met if he screwed up. I think of Matt 6:24]
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
[Invest what you have been given. He commands this. Whether that is money, time, ability, resources, talent, relationships, the list goes on endlessly. (and not what you haven’t been given, 2 Cor 8:12!) He didn’t condemn anyone except the one who didn’t even try. And why did the man not try? Because he was afraid. Afraid of punishment, afraid of his needs (financial or otherwise) not going to be met if he failed, who knows. But if we believe what God promised in Matt 6:33, why should we ever be afraid?: ]
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
1 … There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
[You cannot fail in Christ. The worst that can happen is you fall, scrape your knee, and he helps you back up. Nothing lasting.
If you believe that making money is the best way that you can love God and love others, then do it. If you think something else is the best way to love God and love others, then do that. He has given us each gifts for doing certain things well. Find what you are good at and do it.
In conclusion, a passage that has become a mantra for my own life. ]
21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
[Could I possibly be doing the right thing if others don’t do it? See also Gal 1:10]
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
As said in scuipture:
Do not be afraid. Trust him to take care of you.
Do not worry about what others may think.
Do what He made you to do.


Bethany Christian School
State and Nationally Accredited School
A Christian, academic environment where Christ is central to our success!
Accredited by ACTS
Association of Christian Teachers and Schools
Accredited by NCPSA
National Council for Private School Accreditation
Accredited by SACS-Advanced Ed.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Advanced Ed.
Recognized by TEPSAC
Texas Private School Accreditation Commission
Member of TAPS
Texas Association of Private Schools
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it...
— Proverbs 22:6
- We use Bob Jones University Press curriculum for the K-12th grades; this is an advanced
curriculum that is designed to develop critical thinking skills.
- Our scope and sequence follows the Bob Jones University Press curriculum.
- We also use A Beka curriculum and on-line programs in a limited capacity with our F-1 students.


Opportunities to Serve in our church
St. Paul’s has many ways in which you can serve in one of its missions. All you have to do is volunteer. Call the church office at 812-422-9009 and ask for the telephone number or the email address of the person responsible for the ministry in which you would like to become active.
Communication – photographer, editor, and writer
Education – teach or help with education in our children and youth programs, as well as trips and special events
Evangelism – greeter, host, and committee member
Office – helping with newsletters, bulletins, mailings, letters
Hospitality – coffee hour, funeral receptions, special receptions/congregational dinners
Pastoral Care – lay eucharistic visitor, caring friends, and prayer chain
Worship/Sunday Morning – choir, chalice bearer, prayers of the people leader, lay reader, acolyte, sound, alter guild, children’s church, ushering, greeting, and flower ministry
Opportunities to Serve in our Community/World
The mission of Community/World Missions at St. Paul’s is “to provide financial support and volunteer effort to individuals and groups outside St. Paul’s parish.” The committee’s work, therefore, encompasses global and local endeavors. Subsidized by vestry designated funds and a restricted fund, the committee encourages and supports:
Fall Festival – This is a time for enjoyment and an opportunity to work in the St. Paul’s booth located in a visible spot on West Franklin Street during the hugely popular annual West Side Nut Club Festival. Proceeds go into a Fall Festival Fund for disbursement to worthy causes by our booth director.
Global and local donations – These are annually selected according to need after careful discernment by the committee. The congregation is encouraged to be part of the committee and participate in this important process.
Medical Equipment – Medical Equipment is collected and loaned to people inside and outside St. Paul’s as necessary. These items are then returned when no longer in use.
Scrip Program – Gift cards in designated amounts are purchased at a discounted price from numerous businesses. Congregational purchases are made at face value. Outreach receives the difference.
Second Sunday Program – Parishioners make an effort to donate food to St. Paul’s Food Pantry, a separate entity from the Sister Joanna’s Table (Soup Kitchen). The food donated to St. Paul’s Food Pantry goes directly to the hungry who appear at our church door for assistance.