From Patch by Kara Seymour
Are you getting excited for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia and Montgomery County?
Now you can get a Pope Francis bobblehead to prove it.
The World Meeting of Families, the event prompting the Pope’s Keystone State visit, has launched a retail website. In addition to the ever-popular bobblehead ($25), the website is offering an array of papal products, including plush dolls, t-shirts, posters and more.
For those who want to feel the Pope’s presence even before the September event, there is a 69” life-sized Pope Francis statue for sale ($160). Don’t have the interior space for that? A 10” tabletop Pope Francis is available for $20.
There are also rosary beads, gifts, coffee mugs and tote bags. Click here to view the site.
The World Meeting of Families will be held Sept. 22 to 27 in Philadelphia. During his visit to the area, Pope Francis will also visit Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Montgomery County.
Here is his itinerary for the Philadelphia portion of his trip, according to the Vatican:
Saturday, Sept. 26
- 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
- 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
- 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
- 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
- 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Sunday, Sept. 27
- 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
- 11:00 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
- 4:00 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- 7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation
- 8:00 p.m. Departure for Rome


The San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, situated in Pila, Laguna, stands as a significant Roman Catholic edifice dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Established in 1578, it holds the distinction of being the earliest parish church under the patronage of Saint Anthony in the Philippines, and likely, the first of its kind in Asia, by 1581. This historical landmark not only highlights the early spread of Roman Catholicism in the region but also marks a pivotal moment in the religious history of the Philippines and Asia, showcasing the deep-rooted influence of Antonine devotion in the area’s cultural and spiritual development.
The San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, located in Pila, Laguna, is a pivotal historical and religious site in the Philippines. Established in the 16th century, it showcases Spanish colonial architecture with a baroque facade and intricate interior designs. This church is not only a place of worship but also serves as a cultural hub for the town, which is a National Historical Landmark. The structure has undergone several reconstructions due to damages from natural disasters. Today, it remains a vital part of Pila’s community, hosting religious and cultural events that attract both locals and visitors, embodying the town’s rich heritage and devout spirituality.


In 1938, the Catholic Church entrusted to WN Bull Funerals the responsibility for arranging the funeral of one of its most distinguished servants. Dr John Barry, highly-esteemed Bishop of Goulburn, died in a Sydney hospital in March 1938 after being taken ill while attending a Eucharistic Congress in Newcastle.
Born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1875, Bishop Barry was the eldest son of ten children in a farming family. He was sent to Melbourne after his 1899 ordination, serving as a parish priest before being appointed to high offices in the archdiocese of Melbourne and earning the friendship of its eminent Archbishop, Daniel Mannix.
According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, during his years as Bishop of Goulburn from 1924 to 1938 he became known as the ‘building bishop’, responsible for the renovation of Goulburn Cathedral and for founding or extending schools, hospitals, orphanages and homes for the elderly.
The warm regard which his congregation felt for this energetic, devout and genial figure was clearly demonstrated at the substantial funeral arranged by WN Bull in accordance with Catholic ceremony. Contemporary newspapers report the sombre tolling of the bell in Goulburn Cathedral on the day of his death, and again in both the Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals during the funeral service. Bishops, priests and faithful members of the flock came from all parts of New South Wales and from Victoria.
The cortege included ‘a long line of motor cars exceeding 200’ and an honour guard of schoolboys stood to attention in the main street.
Archbishop Mannix delivered the funeral oration, in the presence of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. “He was a personal friend, and I valued his friendship dearly,” the Prime Minister is reported as saying. “He was respected by all sections of the community, and his kindliness and humanitarian work endeared him to everyone with whom he came in contact.” Bishop Barry was buried in the Goulburn Catholic cemetery, but his remains were later transferred to a resting place beneath the altar in the cathedral.
WN Bull’s staff bring their attention to detail, and observance of the particular needs of members of the Catholic church, to every funeral they organise. Whether the deceased is a celebrated bishop or simply a member of the wider Catholic community, no pains are spared in their commitment to the creation of a fitting and memorable tribute.


Building the Dream!..... Acro-Fest 2017
Join us this November on the campus of Washing Adventist University for an inspiring three-day event. The largest and longest running Adventist athletic event in the world will be hosted just outside the Nations capitol. Acrofest has surpassed 25 years of bringing together acrobatic gymnasts of every level from all corners of North America to learn and share their skills with others. This will be an amazing opportunity for each team to grow and build upon whatever skill set their athletes possess.
The Acro-Fest tradition dates back more then 25 years under various names and in various forms. It is the largest known, longest running Adventist Athletic event in the world, and can trace its's roots to early Adventist education long before teams existed. Acrobatics and Gymnastics has been used for exercise and has been taught and shared from one group to another for a long time. This tradition has taken new form and and a formal name in the recent 25 years and has become a time to grow, share, learn, worship and fellowship in a sport that has a mission and a purpose. It has transformed the lives of the participant, and made a genuine impact on those who who watch the performances and participate in the clinics.


Christian Church Website Designer
There are many churches with websites online so that they can reach more people and if your church does not have one yet, this might be the best time to create one. There are many good website hosting providers that you can find and you might get confused as to which one is the best. You may need church themes or you might want a place where you can upload sermons and preachings and things like that. You can also get those website designers to help you with spreading your website out there. Let us learn more about those web designers and hosting providers for Christian church websites.
Before you even think of building a Christian website online, you must first get a good web hosting provider to help you with such things. It can be tough to build a website and if you have no idea how it is done, the best thing to do is to get help from those webs hosting providers. You are going to start with a platform provided by those web hosting services. With those hosting providers, they can give you a lot of wonderful features for your websites and you can really benefit a whole lot from them. You can not really do so well if you do not have those web hosting providers with you. Having help from website hosting providers will really give you courage to create the website of your dream.
When you build and create a website, you are going to want other people to find your website and there are many ways that you can do that. If you have never used SEO before, you are missing out because it can actually help you to promote your website online. You can use those marketing strategies to boost your website online so that more and more people will find it. Using those online search optimization strategies can really help you bring more and more people to your website and that is what you might really like because you can get to reach out to more people about your church and the Word of God. Using SEO for your online church website can really help because if people are looking for good churches that they can go to for Sunday worship, they can search online and find your website easily if you have used good website optimization strategies. If you want a good church website to go up online and bring in visitors to your church, you can get help from those Christian church website hosting providers and they will give you all the help that you need from them.


Pastor Alm and all members were present. Pastor opened with prayer and a scripture reading from the 1st Chapter in Luke. Phil read the minutes of the November meeting. Ben read the minutes from the November 7th joint meeting submitted by Johnadene Winkelman. Arden presented the Treasurer’s Report for November. Sue moved to donate $250.00 to the local Salvation Army. Galen 2nd, motion carried. Old Business: Ben reported he had the Christmas candy and 2 boxes of apples ordered for Christmas Eve. New Business: There will be a potluck Christmas brunch at the church this Sunday, Dec 9th. We will go Christmas Caroling Sunday, Dec 16th. The Christmas Eve program will be at 6:00 pm. Pastor will put something together. Church will be held at 10:45 am starting January 6th for Weyerts. Annual Meeting dates: We will have our annual meeting and lunch Jan 20th and the UCP church will be Jan 27th. Weyerts will have church at 9:00 am and the UCP church will be at 10:45 on the 27th for their meeting. A budget meeting for the two board Treasurer’s will be held at some point to set up Pastor’s proposed salary package. Pastor handed out the Parish of the Plains Treasurer’s report for the month of November. With no further business, the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Phil Narjes, Secretary
United Church of the Plains
The Governing Board of the United Church of the Plains met Wednesday December 5, 2012 at Trinity parsonage site. Present were: Janet Waite, Colleen McKay, Wendell Draper, Deana Winkelman, & Johnadene Winkelman. Hannah Geller, Phil Flohr Weston McConnell, and Greg Vath were excused.
Also present were:
Moderator: Pastor Eric Alm
Parish Treasurer: Karen Larson
We opened with devotions led by Pastor.
The following items were on the agenda:
Minutes of the November Meeting, both Treasurers’ Reports, and Pastor’s Report were all approved.
The respective committees submitted their reports.
Pastor talked with Highlands Camp about Vacation Bible School and with Dixie Anders about having a joint Bible school with Light Memorial. They have offered to bring the Sidney group to Dalton each day so the Bible school can be held in Dalton. There is not a firm date set at this time.
Karen reported that six from the youth group went to Sullivan Hills for the retreat and all seemed to have a very good time.
Unfortunately the Grace sale did not go through.
Colleen will check on buying a small copier for the Presbyterian site since the one at that site is not working.
A group that used the parsonage site had Sharon clean before they used it. It was decided to have this done at least once a month since the building has a lot of use.
A man from Kimball presented the plan for the mission trip for 2014 at a Sunday service. It was reported that we have a couple of people interested in going.
Confirmation is underway and going well.
We discussed purchasing a camera to use with our TV screen for funerals, etc. since we are presently borrowing one. we voted to look into purchasing one.
Leon Kriesel has offered to donate a live Christmas tree for the sanctuary. We were very pleased with his offer and we will try to get it up before next Sunday.
Barb Reimers will come to the next meeting to discuss insurance.
Our annual meeting will be January 27 and we will see if we can switch worship times with Grace so we can go directly to the meeting after lunch. We will need to have reports turned in to Deana or Johnadene by January 13 so that the Annual Report can be printed before the meeting.
The meeting adjourned with prayer.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 2 at the parsonage. Communion Assistants and Offering Counters for December are Wendell & Phil and for January are Johnadene and Janet Waite.
Johnadene Winkelman, Clerk Respectfully submitted, Johnadene Winkelman, Clerk
United Church Women
UCW met December 16 2 9:30 AM. Bev opened the meeting with prayer and the purpose.
Minutes of the last meeting were given and approved. Treasurers report given and was accepted.
Motion made by Janet and seconded by Bev to nominate Connie Winkelman as our president for 2013. Unanimous vote for Connie was given by the group. Barb Reimers Vice President, Frances Miller Secretary, and Adalia McGuire will serve another term as Treasurer. Thank you to Bev for being a great President. Funeral lunch chairperson will be Trudy and Bernice. Thank you Karen for being chairperson of the funeral lunches. Great job well done.
Discussion held pertaining 2013 committees. Decided to have chairperson of the month next year. Sign up sheet was passed around the groups. Next meeting will be January 20 after church at the Presbyterian site.
Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Frances Miller, Secretary


“They’ll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They’ll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.”
Isaiah 61:1-7 (MSG)
The verses leading up to this talk about how exactly those who mourn in Zion are able to ‘rebuild new cities.’
About what conditions are needed to move from mourning, to rebuilding.
What is within their power to rebuild will be dependent upon what they hear when all they see is ruin.
And the nature of what they rebuild will be shaped by the sort of voice that guides them.
The character of what they rebuild will be shaped by the name they choose to be known by.
New cities are raised from ruin because their hearts heard him even when their here and now eyes could only see and feel ruin.
What if it is he .. his companionship is precisely the condition we need to move from mourning to rebuilding?
Even when their here and now eyes could see more ruin than they could a new city…. The tune, the name, the voice is what lead them to even here find the energy through which to move, to hope.
He works from the inside out. He’s a soul dweller.
There he mends.
There he speaks. Brings forth a new melody. Brings forth a new name.
That’s where we will see the birth of new life. The birth of a new city. Not just once, but daily.
If we’ll only listen.
If we’ll only let him.
“So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT)


“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”
1 TIMothy 4:13 (ESV)
The word of God is precious to both those who believe, and to those who have yet to uncover the majesty of Christ. It's not until we read or hear the word of God for ourselves that we can fully comprehend or appreciate it.
Scripture has the power to open both our heart and mind to the truth the world will often not reveal—that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and how he died for our sins to allow all those that repent, confess, and believe in him, to get to Heaven.
The purpose of this website is to bring the word of God to as many people as possible, in as many ways as possible. The site will primarily offer scripture readings of the entire Bible that can be listened to virtually anywhere—from the computer screen to the car, and from the TV to your cell phone.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
2 TIMothy 3:16 (ESV)
Similarly, I am using the opportunity to read, record, and listen back to the Bible for my own benefit: To learn, to draw closer to God, and to grow spiritually. We cannot afford to stand still, we have to continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of what God wants and expects from us. I have found that the more we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, the closer we can draw near to God.
My hope is that the content on this site will not only highlight, champion, and spread the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ), but will also help to keep us all truly focused on God, his word, and his truth.
The Bible is God's word. He has given us his word and his truth to help us discover what His plan is and what the meaning of life is. There's nothing more simple nor more powerful than the word of God. So powerful infact, that it can change hearts, change lives, and pave the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
ROMANS 10:17 (ESV)
But you can't take my word for it, nor anyone else's.
You have to read the Bible for yourself.
God has given us His word and it's up to us to seek it through our own free will; to read it, to immerse ourselves in it, to live by it, and to be thankful for it.
There is no other way to get to Heaven than through the blood of Jesus Christ, and we cannot do that without reading or listening to the inspired word of God that God has provided for us.
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
MARK 16:15-16 (ESV)
Let's all make sure we are in awe of God's word, and that it will inspire us to not only get ourselves to Heaven, but also our friends, our family, and the entire world.
If you find the truth or you already know the truth, keep sharing the truth with as many people as possible.
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
ROMANS 11:36 (ESV)


Michael J. Marx, MBA, EdD, PCC is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in business coaching and life coaching. His passion is adult learning and he serves on the faculty of Concordia University Wisconsin (teaching MBA International Business, and MBA International Finance), and the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (teaching Coaching Skills Mastery, and Ethics & Risk Management).
Irrepressibly adventurous, Michael and his wife Joy lived and worked in Europe for over two decades. More recently, they traveled the U.S. and Canada in an RV, operating their location-neutral businesses and coaching/teaching via internet video. A ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado is now called home. Their German golden retriever, “Angel,” writes a blog (in two languages!) about her family’s adventures at: https://travelswithangel.wordpress.com/
A strong advocate for professionalism in Christian coaching, Michael currently serves as the leader of the ICF ethics community. His enthusiasm for the subject brought him to write Ethics and Risk Management for Christian Coaches (2016). Additionally, he is the president of Christian Coaches Network International.
Michael is a sought-after subject matter expert. He often speaks and conducts workshops on trust building, coaching relationships, ethics, evidenced-based coaching, and one-to-one (dyadic) learning. His hobbies include skiing and dog sledding. His greatest joy, however, comes from mentoring. Learn more about Michael at: www.BlazingNewTrailsCoaching.com


Campus Staff Ministers
Campus Staff Ministers are appointed by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to serve at UW-Whitewater and advance mission on campus. Staff provide leadership, oversight, coaching, and training for student leaders, seeking to empower them to guide the ministry forward. InterVarsity Staff are funded entirely by the support of people who believe in the work they do on campus at UW-Whitewater.
Financially Supporting InterVarsity
Having a team of campus ministers at UW-Whitewater requires financial support from a team of partners who want to see God's work advance on campus. Would you be interested in praying for and donating to support our staff team? Your support will continue the long legacy of God's work at UW-Whitewater through InterVarsity, lasting from 1956 to present, and into the future.


Welcome to Jesus Our Hope
Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Jesus Our Hope Retreat House is
just minutes from the Denver Metropolitan Area. The Retreat House sits adjacent
to Blue Jay Gulch and open up to a valley of trees, pastures, and mountain tops;
making it an ideal location for quiet reflection and silent meditation. The location
of this facility offers an opportunity for individuals and small groups to reflect
on the wonders of God’s created beauty and love that He has for His People. While
it is a Catholic Retreat facility, all denominations are welcome to the stay at
The only condition to staying on the premises is to take time to “Be Still”
and converse with God. It is, in other words, exclusively for people who wish to
conduct a private or a group Retreat.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 -
1:23 PM MST
It is cold outside! We have witnessed negative temperature readings here in the foothils. Often, when we look out our window during this time of year, we tend to see the world as a dreary, lifeless, cold and lonely. The barren trees and the empty dens and nests can bring on attitudes and emotions of sadness and even depression.
Yet, in truth, this time of the year is when God renews all things. When we look on a blanket of snow we are witnessing a purification of the world that will soon bring life to what appears to be dead. Beneath the seemingly lifeless vegetation is a network of growth that seeks out nutrition and growth in a very real way. Indeed, these creations of God, root themselves firmly into the earth to secure life in abundance.
Indeed, this time between Christmas and Lent, is a good time to take inventory of our own lives---to gauge our relationship with Our Savior. Are we seeking life as God willed us to live? Is God able to blanket us with His Love as we search for ways to clean out the the impurities in our soul? Where, in our lives, do we need to be purified so that we can take root in the Gospel and be nourished by His Word?
At the end of Lent comes the Spring, will we be prepared for the wonderful Grace that God is offering to us in His Easter Resurrection? Go ahead, drink of His Gifts in abundance!


May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Here at Grace Fellowship we want you to know that as soon as you walk through those doors, you are welcomed and loved for who you are.
Getting To Know Us
Wondering what to expect when you arrive? Take a look at our About Us page where you'll find some very helpful FAQ's:
Church Events and Calendar:
Get involved in our Ministries:
Join us OnRealm for our member directory, news, tithing, events, and more!
Become a member:
What we believe
We belive in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins so that we may have everlasting life through Him.
What we value


New Dawn greetings in the name of Jesus Christ
You are specially welcome to Winners Chapel International Pretoria, Online. This is a spiritual factory for the production line of Signs, Wonders and miracles through the engagement of the principal raw materials, such as the revealed word, the right word, the sent word and the word in season. (Deut 29:29/1Sam 3:7,21/ Job 6:25/Ps 107:20/Is 50:4).
These raw materials go through a refining process of FAITH for the delivery of the end product (our desires).
Recognize that the subject of faith is a non-negotiable factor in the journey of life as a believer. This is because, faith is the ‘umbilical cord’ of our connectivity to Christ. As it is written, “…as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that BELIEVE on his name” (Jn 1:12). Becoming a son or daughter of God is tied to your faith in Christ.
Meaning that without faith, there is no life in Christ. But how do you contact faith? The scriptures makes us to understand that “….faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).
That is why here at Winners’ Chapel International Pretoria, by the help of the Holy Spirit; we teach people the fundamentals of Christianity and especially how to grow your faith for full realization of destiny
Once again, on behalf of the Winners’ family in Pretoria, I want to specially welcome you to this website and expect to encounter God as you navigate through because anything the anointed touches, is anointed.
Worship with us @:
Winners’ Chapel International Pretoria
506 Frederick, Corner Rose-Etta Street,
Pretoria West, South Africa.
Sundays : 7:00, 8:45 & 10:30am ..1st, 2nd & 3rd Services Respectively.
Remember, every service is an appointment with your maker for a continuous advancement.
You are most welcome.
Remain ever blessed!
Jesus is Lord!
Sunday Worship Schedule:
1st Service - 7:00am
2nd Service - 8:45am
3rd Service - 10:30am
Midweek Service: Every Wednesday @ 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Covenant Hour of Prayer: Monday - Friday @ 6:00am - 7:00am
Week of Spiritual Emphasis: 1st Wed- Friday of the Month @ 5:30pm - 7:30pm
IT IS FINALLY YOUR TURN FOR A CHANGE OF STORY!
Daily Counselling Schedule:
Monday - 10.00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday - 10.00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday - 10.00am - 4:00pm
Thursday - 10.00am - 4:00pm
Friday - 10.00am - 4:00pm
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude
of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
14 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their
days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. Job 36:11 (KJV)
Winners Chapel International, Pretoria
506 Frederick Cnr Rose-Etta Street,
Pretoria West, Pretoria,
South Africa, 0183
+27 (12) 327-2941 | +27 (12) 327-5988
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
We Saved your Seat!
At Winners Chapel Pretoria, we propagate the Mandate with the undiluted word...
Looking to speak with a compassionate, non-judemental listener?
We are here for you.
At Winners Chapel Int'l, Pretoria, there is a place for everyone. Join a Kingdom Service Unit Today.
God commissioned us with a Word of Faith ministry to our generation. Remember Paul said, "...if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (1 Cor 14:8) By the help of the Holy Ghost, our visioner has classified the Word of Faith God has committed into his hands into the specific areas of emphasis, in direct response to Isaiah 40:6, "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry?"


Saturday, November 14, 2015
if I had a child, I would...
...teach him that there are negative and positive actions. And each has its consequence.
...show him to love all and frown not on the person but on their behavior.
...teach him not to condemn a whole nation or race based on the actions of a small group.
...read the bible with him and let him contemplate the Scripture. Who am I to proclaim to know what was meant to be written and understood by it?
...teach him the difference between religion and faith.
...teach him not to mistaken prayer with wishful thinking.
...teach him, that a life is a life and none is more prestigious than the other, regardless of whom it belongs.
...show him what love is.
...forbid him to grab a weapon in the name of (someone's)good to fight the wars of the selfish.
...encourage him to seek justice not with his fists, but with his heart.
...work hard each and every minute of my life at showing him that answering hatred with love is the only way to bring change about.
If I had a child, I would stand by as his heart got broken by all the cruelty that is going on in this world, but I would stay calm at the certainty that I taught him everything he needs to put the pieces back together and be able to trust and love again instead of contributing to creating even more hatred.


This Christmas is totally different for our family. It's happy and a little hard all at once. You see... not one, but TWO of my daughters are currently serving missions for our church. We are so incredibly pleased with their choice to serve God in this way
Hannah (Sister Johnson) with her Missionary Companion in the Missionary Training Center, Provo Utah. Hannah is currently serving in the Utah Salt Lake City Utah Mission (Centerville South Stake). You may be saying "Utah?"... yes... there's a lot of missionary work to do there. She is getting to speak English and couldn’t be happier. (I couldn't be happier about her being there too!) Hannah returns home on May 2015. Here is a little from her most recent letter home:
"Christmas is just so wonderful because its a time when everyone can focus on Christ and what He did for us. My challenge to you: Share the gospel with someone. Christ was the first Christmas gift, and the best gift you can give is the gospel, and its really NOT THAT HARD! Everyone needs it and its a great gift to the person you share it with, yourself, and Heavenly Father!"
Alex (Hermana Johnson) with Her Mission President, a new missionary that she is training, and the Mission Pres. wife. Alex is serving in the Chile Santiago North Mission (Quilicura, Lo Marcoleta). She is now fluent in Spanish and learning French and Creole. She returns next August. Here's a little tidbit from her most recent letter home:
"I feel so blessed to be in the mission during this time....for that exact reason. I remember Him more, and I remember the sacrifice He has made for me. I know He loves us so much. ¨God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.¨
We're feeling like our nest is suddenly near empty. We do have two beautiful daughters still at home but it's SO strange to have Alex and Hannah gone. We miss them. We had gotten a bit used to Alex being gone to BYU... but Hannah's never left the nest before and it's been only a month... and a bit hard. And why would we be willing to be without both of our beautiful daughters this Christmas... and one for next? THIS is why!
This is the Reason for the Season... and they are spreading that Joy! We have a sure knowledge of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. They are losing themselves in service to others. What more could a mother want than to have a child dedicated to God, the Savior and serving others. So when I feel a bit gloomy and am missing my lovely daughters I just remember what good they are doing. Our family is really blessed by both of them serving!
This video is another Christmas treat...and one of my favorite Christmas songs. The Piano Guys are so talented!
I want to extend a wish to you all that you have a most wonderful and Merry CHRISTmas! And for those of you reading this that might have visited with my daughters on their missions and shown them the abundant love that they've spoken of... THANK YOU!
Thank you for once again poppying by... you really all are friends and I am thankful for you!
ps... if you do happen to run into Sister Johnson or Hermana Johnson while your out and about please give them a hug from me!


Man is made in God’s image, i.e. capable of love and capable of thought.
But humans aren’t called to a life of ease, with God as a convenient “EASY Button,” or an ATM. Rather, humans are called to work, and as necessary to suffer. God made us to be born helpless, and gradually grow bigger, stronger, and more capable – then in old age the process kinda reverses.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians spells part of it out for us – look at chapter 2, verses 8, 9 and 10. In particular, verse 10 makes it clear that God has designed us for work, AND has prepared a daily “opportunity list” for each of us – look at verse 10 and see if that isn’t clear.
We are also, because we are imperfect and incapable of avoiding sin, required to confess. It takes “a broken and contrite heart,” and that is what washes us free of our sins. Paul himself said that the good he wanted to do, didn’t get done, and the evil he wanted to avoid, happened anyway. His “most righteous acts” were, compared to the perfection of Jesus, tawdry and disgusting.
Martin Luther picked up on this, and in despair of his own said, “sin bravely” i.e. if our level best is flawed, just go ahead and DO SOMETHING.
As to why we have problems, that’s a long answer for another forum. Everyone has problems – so having difficulties makes us very ordinary, not at all unique. And god loves the ordinary person. He saved us from our sins – after a time on earth that is “smoke and mirrors” compared to what awaits us in the afterlife, the Charlie Wonka Gold Ticket is ours by living with God on our minds, patient hearts, and enduring praise for God at all times and in all places.
Just to be clear, we don’t say “Thanks for the broken arm!” – when we have a broken arm we say “Thanks for Forgiveness, Grace, and the sure expectation of Heaven.”


nº 34 - March 2019 -
LEBANON, CELEBRATION OF THE ANNUNCIATION
THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF THE ANNUNCIATION IS PROGRESSING FAST...
The central ceremony will take place on Monday, March 25, 2019, at 5 p.m., at the Grand Serail, under the high patronage and in the presence of the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Saad el Hariri. It will be broadcast live by all television channels. A preparatory meeting was held with …
The first session of the Board of Directors of the American Union of Former Students of Catholic Education, UNAEC America, was held in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from February 7 to 9, 2019.
The extensive Agenda was discussed and approved. Now begins the road to consolidate a Continental Union of Former Students of Catholic Education
MOVEMENT FOR THE DEFENCE OF LIFE - ITALY
We are glad that the former students are involved in the different fields of action of the Church...defense of Life, Caritas and all kinds of social and humanitarian actions; this is the real strength of the OMAEC. PAOLA MANCINI TESTIMONY I have been working for the Movement for Life in Italy since 1985, when I started in Catholic and other
ECCCLESIASTICA ASSISTANT OMAEC
In the auditorium of Bankia, in Madrid, Spain, last 31st January, took place the book launch of the recent book-interview, carried out by the journalist Luigi Geninazzi, to the author, H.E. Cardinal Angelo Scola, Bishop emeritus of Milan, Italy, whom, accompanied by Mons. Luis Argüello, general secretary of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Auxiliary Bishop of Valladolid, Spain and Ecclesiastical Assistant
With great sadness to have to write such notes, I must inform everyone that last Friday, February 8, 2019, he left us with the Creator, our beloved Angela. It is very difficult to join in a few lines everything Angela has done for former students. She was always ready and willing to serve in a total and selfless way. How
OIEC-Congreso mundial NYC - 2019
Your Grace, Father, Sister, Madam, Sir, For more than three years, I have traveled the world as secretary general of the International Office for Catholic Education (OIEC) as part of the mission entrusted to me. During one of these meetings, we had the opportunity to meet each other, to exchange a few words as well as our business cards. The
JMJ - LISBON 2022
The OMAEC and especially the OMAEC YOUNG congratulate COPAEC Portugal for this great news.
Japan - Annual meeting of board of directors of Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Miyazaki, Japan - November 2018 - On November 17, the Federation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, presided over by Hiroshi Yoshida, Honorary President of the "Osaka Seiko Gakuin Past Pupils Association", and in the presence of Fr Jacob Hamaguchi, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Japan (GIA), held their annual council meeting


South Tyrone Church Football League
The league was established in 2016 with 4 teams (Clonaneese Presbeterian, Pomeroy/Sandholes Presbyterian, Minterburn Presbyterian & Knockconny Baptist) participating in the first competition.
The main aim of the league is to share the gospel while enjoying a game of football together. We believe that Jesus lived perfectly, died and rose again so that we can be forgiven for our sins and live forever with God.
The teams play for the Stephen Moffett Memorial Shield. Stephen Moffett was a former player and a dedicated supporter of the Clonaneese Church Football Team. Stephen died suddenly in 2016 and the Clonaneese team felt it fitting to remember him by presenting the shield in his memory.
Image: The Moffett Family presenting the Sheild to League Representitives, John Condy, Jim Nelson & David Parr


I write this weeks before All Souls Day, which is November 2 in the Catholic Calendar. In fact, All Saints Day is November 1, but it is always the day Filipinos remember their departed loved ones. This can be attributed to the Filipino psyche of honoring the dead who are now considered to be with the saints and angels in God’s heavenly kingdom, or as Christian belief would have it. Now, why do I write about this? Maybe it is the rainy and gloomy weather outside, with me cooped up in my room and thinking of what to do in the coming months before December.. Then, of course I thought of November’s highlight , which is All Saints Day.
Manila’s old cemeteries were sacred ground — resting places of the dead. In precolonial Manila, burial sites were hallowed places. The old site of Lamayan in Manila’s district of Santa Ana, was a precolonial grave site. The exact site is where the Church of Santa Ana now stands, a hill that overlooks the Pasig River. In 1964, archaeologist Robert Fox and his team unearthed a grave site within the premises of the church. These included human and dog skeletons and jars, the artifacts of which are now with the National Museum of the Philippines. But all burial sites were before little hills or tumuli (singular tumulus), until Christian practice dictated that the dead be laid in a designated plot, usually near the church, which was the most sacred place in any town. In Spanish colonial Philippines, privileged citizens were placed near the altar or in crypts and niches inside the church structure. This was during the Spanish colonial period when Christianity dictated that all Christians bury the dead in designated Catholic grounds. Raja Matanda, who was king of Tondo and who converted to the Catholic faith, was given a special niche at the altar of the Church of Manila, now the Manila Cathedral. In fact, one of those who carried his coffin to the church was the conquistdor Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
But, what about non-Christians? The local Chinese in Spanish colonial Manila lived in a ghetto or enclave known as the Parian. Before it was located inside Intramuros, within the confines of the walled city, but because the Chinese were considered a threat to the Spaniards in Intramuros, they were moved outside the city walls, across the moat, just far enough to be within the sight of Manila’s cannons, but near enough so that Manilans could easily avail of the services and goods in the Parian. The Parian was located on the site across where Letran College is now, on the site where the Metropolitan Theater now stands. Inside this Parian were shops which sold a host of sundry goods, from fruits, textiles, furnishings, and beds, to singing birds and plants. Inside the Parian was the Iglesia de los Santos Reyes, or Church of the Holy Kings, which was a center of evangelization and conversion of the Chinese. Interestingly, it was here where Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo was baptized. Beside the church was a cemetery. It would not be strange if future excavations in this site and nearby Arroceros Street would yield remains and relics of dead people. Later on, the Parian was closed down and the Chinese were scattered all over Manila. This was in the eighteenth century after the British Occupation of Manila when the Chinese were accused of siding with the British, and thus, were expelled from the colony. During the middle of the nineteenth century, the French writer Jean Mallat wrote that the dead Chinese had their own special burial site in Barrio Bangkusay in Tondo. The late nineteenth century saw the powerful Gremio de Chinos of Binondo opening a cemetery especially for the Chinese. This was located in the sitio of Paang Bundok in La Loma, literally meaning “The Hill.” Archival documents indicate that the Chinese also practised cremation during this period, when the Catholics frowned upon this practise of burning the dead. The cemetery had a pretty chapel known as the Chong Hock Tong Temple. In the 19th century it had the lineaments of a Catholic Christian chapel, but its recent restoration gave the chapel a more distinct Chinese character. This is more popularly known now as the Chinese Cemetery.
The Chinese Cemetery Chapel in La Loma
Protestants also had a cemetery plot for themselves. This was at the Protestant Cemetery in a portion of South Cemetery in Makati. Jews on the other hand, had a similar plot for their dead located in a portion of North Cemetery in Manila.
Catholic cemeteries originally were located beside the parochial churches. Binondo’s cemetery was located at the church yard or atrium. In the early 19th century when a cholera epidemic decimated a large population of Binondo, there was no other recourse but to bury the dead all around the church, with many of them in the church atrium. Until now, granite tombstones or lapidas can be seen in front of Binondo Church and Santa Cruz Church in Manila. In the early 19th century, the city authorities in Manila thought of decongesting the church cemeteries, to keep the healthy population in the poblacion or town center safe from diseases. Thus, the City of Manila thought of coming up with a circular cemetery in the village of Dilao or Paco, located outside the city of Manila and away from the healthy populace. However, a cholera epidemic broke out in 1820, causing a large mortality rate. The city authorities had to use the Cementerio General de Dilao before it could be fully completed. The cemetery was circular in plan with a cemetery chapel. Another circular cemetery was the one in Malate, at the back of the Malate church. The cemetery was closed down and eventually demolished and cleared. It is now the Remedios Circle.
The Cementerio General de Dilao or Paco Cemetery
Tondo’s cemetery was before near the church but was later located in different areas of the town — in barrio Tutuban, and in barrio Lecheros. Santa Cruz’s old cemetery was located before in the barrio of Pasaderos, approximately where the welcome arch to Ongpin is located. Later, with the Spanish colonial order to remove all internments fo the dead away from the church, Santa Cruz established a new cemetery in the area near Tayuman, which is now occupied by the Espiritu Santo Church. In Pandacan, colonial maps show that there were two cemetery sites, one was located near the shore of the Pasig River, and the other one was located near Beata Street. Sampaloc’s cemetery was located just beside the church, but later on at a place far from the living populace of the town, on the hill at the end of Balic-Balic road, where the Church of the Most Holy Trinity now stands. One tradition regarding the etymology of the name Balic-Balic has it that the funeral march performed for the dead had mourners dancing and keeping up with a forward march followed by a few backward (balik balik) steps before proceeding again to a forward marching cadence, then having a few backward steps again, until the dead was brought by the funeral entourage to the cemetery on the hill,
Photograph of 19th century Sampaloc
in the 1880s, when all the Catholic cemeteries were saturated with corpses because of the cholera epidemic during the period, the Superior Government of the colony issued a decree that all should stop from using the church cemeteries. The circular cemetery of Dilao was also filled with the dead, with its cemetery chapel lined up with bodies waiting to be buried or interred. The chaplain of Paco Cemetery had no recourse but to complain tot he authorities that the sepultureros or grave diggers were already working day and night just to bury the dead, and the supply of lime to cover up the dead was already dwindling. The government noting the complaints of cemeteries, opened a new cemetery plot at the sitio of Paang Bundok. It was the Cementerio General de La Loma. Paang Bundok was then far away from the populace in what was then hinterland, until urbanization crept up and made it a part of the urban jungle today. Even Jose Rizal, when he wrote about dying, said that he would rather have an anonymous grave in Paang Bundok.
Gate to the Cemetery Chapel of the Cementerio General de La Loma
Cementerio General de La Loma (Source: Wikipedia)
The Superior Government of Spanish colonial Philippines issued circulars for the maintenance and upkeep of cemeteries. One of the prescriptions was the cultivation of sweet-smelling or pungent plants in the cemetery to diffuse or cover up the stench of death. It was the calachuchi tree which became the favorite to be cultivated in cemetery sites. We once visited a church in the province, and we were talking to the parish priest who commented that there were these old calachuchi trees at the back of the convent, which during our visit was being maintained as a big garden. We told the parish priest that this garden must have been the old church cemetery. He was surprised to hear that, acknowledging that this was something new to him. He dd his research, and found out from old locals that, indeed, the convent garden was the old cemetery of the town!
Kalachuchi Flower and Leaf (Source:stuartxchange.org)


Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How did Jesus walk???
I was reading 1 John one day when a verse I had read many times before struck me.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6, NIV)
I certainly claim to be a follower of Jesus...do I walk as Jesus did?
How did Jesus walk?
I have an inherent desire to read through the Gospels...as if with fresh eyes...and try and catch a glimpse of how Jesus walked. What he was like, how he thought, how he operated...
because I honestly believe that when we begin to understand Jesus, we can begin to understand God...and what He is like.
Am going to start with Matthew...Let the discoveries begin!


Yoruba Audio Bible App is the 1st Audio Bible App in Yoruba Language for OLD TESTAMENT and New Testament. This Bilingual Yoruba and English TEXT version is completely OFFLINE BASED and the Audio files are also Downloadable from Genesisi to Ifihan for complete OFFLINE LISTENING so that you wont need to stream online anytime you want to listen to the bible from anywhere without using your internet. We are happy we can provide the Word of God for every yoruba speaking lover of the word from every parts of the world.
YorubaBible.net (http://www.yorubabible.net) gives you the great bible listening and reading experience without any reliability on your internet access anywhere and anytime.
The Yoruba Audio Bible App includes both Old Testament and New Testament version with great audio quality and a SWITCH BUTTON that allows you to read the Bible in either Yoruba or English Language while you keep listening to the Yoruba Audio.
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We Invite You
To Be Our
Very Special Guest
South Heights Baptist Church
Pastor and people of South Heights
Baptist Church extend to you a warm
invitation to be their very special
guest at one of our next services!
We strive to make the
Bible and its teachings the center of all that we
do here at South Heights Baptist Church. To this
end, we provide Sunday School classes for all ages
every week. In addition to our weekly Bible
studies, we offer special classes, seminars, and
retreats throughout each calendar year.
Our Pastor preaches
through books in the Bible in verse-by-verse,
expositional fashion. This manner of preaching
allows emphasis on the practical application of
the principles for living found in the Word of
God. The result of this type of study is a
stronger Christian walk for those who attend
regularly and apply what they learn.
The atmosphere at South
Heights Baptist Church is informal and loving. We
believe Christ died for the entire world, not just
a select few. Therefore, we welcome all to come
worship and serve the Lord with us here, no matter
what their class, income level, status, age, or
Our church provides a Nursery for
children ages three and under. Our workers are
cheerful, and watch over the little ones with the
utmost care and diligence. If you have nursery age
children, ask one of our greeters to escort you to
the Nursery when you arrive.
We are praying for you, and are looking forward to
the time you can be with us.
there is ever anything that we can do to assist
you in life, please do not hesitate to call us at
the Church Office (224-1924).
We invite you to be a part of a
caring, growing church,


Penitent processions during Holy Week
Pain, show yourself in all your greatness! Nowhere in the world do believers celebrate the Passion of Christ more impressively than in Spain! In the religious events of the Spanish Holy Week, the passion of Christ and his crucifixion are commemorated in a centuries-old tradition.
During Holy Week (Semana Santa), masked figures with high pointed hoods and rattling iron chains roam the streets. The processions are accompanied by dull drumbeats. These masked men and women have no connection to the Ku Klux Klan. The hood only guarantees anonymity, because doing penance is a private matter.... Some carry huge wooden crosses or lavishly decorated altars with figures of saints. In Sóller there are various brotherhoods (confraries) that come together on these days. Membership is an honor and is mostly passed down from father to son - nowadays also from mother to daughter (in recent years women have organized themselves into sororities).
Maundy Thursday there is a procession through the streets around the plaza, around 9pm. Processions will also take place on Good Friday. Due to the road works in Sóller, the routes of the processions will only be announced at very short notice.
There is also something very special to feast on: especially on Easter Sunday, panades, dumplings filled with meat or fish and vegetables, are preferred. One variation is the so-called "Robiols", semi-circular dumplings filled with jam or quark. Easter eggs have found their way here too.


Title: Why Stock Markets Crash: Critical Events in Complex Financial Systems / Edition 1
Author: Didier Sornette, Didier Sornette (Other)
Servanthood integrates the religious and secular dimensions of life and work in a fresh understanding of leadership and power that is modeled on Jesus as the consummate “servant leader.” Too often servanthood is seen as a lofty but unrealistic ideal, possible only for a few, while in the secular realm it is dismissed as servitude. Sims brings the pastoral wisdom of a bishop together with insights from his years as director of the Institute for Servant Leadership to tell us of its power to transform human experience. About the Author Bennett J. Sims is the Bishop Emeritus of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and founder and president of the Institute for Servant Leadership in Hendersonville, North Carolina.


WHY WE MUST PREACH WHAT *GOD* SAYS REGARDING THE SIN & ETERNAL DANGER OF THE SIN OF HOMOSEXUALITY & SAME-SEX ATTRACTION:
We must preach the truth for the following reasons...
Because GOD HAS SPOKEN
Because HELL IS HOT
Because SALVATION IS AVAILABLE
Because REGENERATION IS SUPERNATURAL
Because SINNERS NEED TRUTH
Because HOLINESS IS NECESSARY
Because DECEPTION IS RAMPANT
Because PLEASING GOD IS PRIORITY
"Why Homosexuals & 'Gay-Christians' Are Deceived & Need a Savior"
In this podcast, Pastor Geoff teaches on: why homosexuals and “Gay-Christians” are deceived and need a Savior:
1 Timothy 1 provides clarity and help:
They must repent and come to Christ for salvation...
B/c of Their Depravity
B/c of Their Sin
B/c of Their Rebellion
B/c of Their Patterns (of sin)
B/c of Their Unholiness
B/c of Their Choice
B/c of Their Impenitence
"Why Homosexuality Is Sinful: It Refuses to Learn from Past History"
Pastor Geoff provides another reason why homosexuality (same-sex marriage) is sinful: because those who engage in this lifestyle, promote same-sex marriage, and those who condone it, attempt to play God by defining God's institution of marriage.
"Why Do So Many Promote LGBT/Pride? How Must We Respond?"
Pastor Geoff Kirkland provides the answer to a simple question: "why do so many cheer and champion LGBT/Pride Month?
4. Future (long way to go) (discrimination ideas)
So how do we as evangelical Christians respond to these and lovingly, biblically, and winsomely proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ as we unashamedly and courageously speak the Truth.
In this podcast, Pastor Geoff pleads for a biblical understanding of the doctrine of regeneration -- the new birth, a sovereign, powerful work of God -- from Ezekiel 11:19-20. A SSA (same sex attracted) person who professes to be a Christian needs to be instructed on the reality of regeneration -- it's not only a change of heart, it's a full change of one's nature. Regeneration is a complete, total work of God. It not only saves a soul from hell, but it changes the desires, the affections, the ambitions, the longings here and now. For someone to say I'm SSA and it's just my cross to bear or my lot in life is hopeless and it leads one to despair. But the glory of the new birth, biblically and exegetically, is that God changes the soul and He changes the nature. It's like a new Genesis-one-like 'new creation.' Radical transformation. So we must reject the notion that Christians can be SSA. We need to uphold, maintain and glory in the sovereign, powerful, soul-transforming and heart-transforming work of regeneration, the new birth.
"What the Bible Says About Homosexuality & to the LGBT Movement"
Pastor Geoff preaches the Word of God from Romans 1:18-32 and shows what the Bible says about the topic of homosexuality.
1. God is known.
2. God is just.
3. God is patient.
This sermon gives clarity from God's sufficient Word regarding homosexuality, transgenderism, and various sexual deviancies. God's gospel is sufficient and able to convert the heart, cleanse the conscience, and change a life.
May God powerfully work through His Word for the saving and sanctifying of many. May God equip us as His people so that we would speak confidently, courageously and with conviction regarding these matters.
"The Utter Impossibility of Being a 'Gay-Christian'"
Pastor Geoff deals with the common phrase used by many in our day that they are "Gay-Christians" -- often they say they are celibate and don't 'act out.' But what does the Bible say? How can we have clarity about this phrase that many identify themselves as, namely, as being a 'Gay-Christian"?
In this, Pastor Geoff provides 7 Reasons Why This Is Utterly Impossible. It's absolutely impossible to be a 'Gay-Christian'. Here's why...
It Blasphemes the Character of God.
It Contradicts the Clarity of Scripture.
It Ignores the Severity of Hell.
It Disregards the Glory of Regeneration
It Belittles the Power of Grace
It Shames the Name of Christ
It Destroys the Witness to the Lost
In this audio-blog, Pastor Geoff completes a series of messages dealing with gender, identity, and marriage matters.
And in this final segment, he deals with salvation -- what it is, why it's needed, and how it is the nucleus of every segment of theology.
Christians must be armed with God's Word, knowledgeable of God's Gospel, and speaking the truth in love with our neighbors. We must proclaim Christ!
Listen to this podcast, know the gospel, trust in Christ alone, and speak the truth in love in a culture & in a generation where confusion abounds. Let Christ's truth thunder through the streets in our land!
Pastor Geoff teaches this audio-blog/podcast on the important & relevant topic of homosexuality -- or, 'same-sex marriage.'
Pastor Geoff shows what God says about marriage and how the Bible explicitly and undeniably calls homosexuality sin. Those who persist in such lifestyles will not go to heaven; but they will perish forevermore under God's just wrath.
But God extends grace and mercy to those who repent (turn from/forsake/abandon) their sinful ways and trust (believe, follow, obey) in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Homosexuality is a sin that can be forgiven (just as other sins) because God's grace is such that it extends even to the worst of sinners and it is so sufficient that it can cover even the most vile and heinous of sins.
This audio blog speaks to the sinfulness of homosexuality and why it is sinful. Believers today must stand courageously on God's truth and not shy away from declaring God's Word regarding such issues in our society.
Come to Christ! Trust in Him! Flee from your wicked ways!
In this "Shepherd's Moment of Equipping," Pastor Geoff equips the CFBC flock on what the Bible says about homosexuality -- behavior and desires -- from the Old Testament. This teaching provides clear exposition, word studies, and hope found in Jesus Christ alone.
1. the beautiful PLAN OF GOD (=marriage)
2. the blasphemous PERVERSION AGAINST GOD (=homosexuality)
3. the beautiful PICTURE OF MARRIAGE (=a pointer to the union between Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church)
In this final conclusion to the audio-blog series on "Why homosexuality is sinful", this final session proclaims the full gospel and calls on all people to turn from sin and to flee to Jesus Christ!
The only hope that the homosexuals have is found only at Calvary -- where Jesus Christ died for His people.
The offer is extended to all people listening to repent (turn from) of sin and to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ alone in saving faith.
God is willing to receive sinners! The day of mercy is now available! Come to Christ & live!
"The Authority in All Matters of Life & Godliness -- Including Homosexuality Issues"
In this podcast, Pastor Geoff Kirkland shows that pastors and academic professors who condone the LGBT+ movement are deceived.
We must stand courageously and speak biblically as we stand upon the sufficient, clear, and authoritative Word of God (=the Bible):
Men in the pulpits must teach TRUTH to God’s people.
Professors in the instructions must teach SCRIPTURE to Believers.
Christians in the pews must understand the NATURE of sin.
Christians in the pews must believe the POWER of regeneration.
Christians in the pews must warn with urgency of homosexuality (SSA)
Christians in the pews must speak with courage in these times.
Christians in the pews must expect the hatred of the world.
Pastor Geoff now discusses with the CFBC family Jesus' view of homosexuality. Many may (wrongly) claim that since Jesus never directly addressed homosexuality, then he didn't really care about it. He didn't probit it.
But what do the gospels teach? Is there clarity here?
Yes! Pastor Geoff provides a handful of headings to equip us about the clear and unambiguous teaching of Jesus in upholding and affirming marriage a covenant between one man and one woman (Matt 19).
In this audio-blog, Pastor Geoff concludes the 5-part series asking & answering the question: Is Same-Sex Attraction Sinful?
The Bible answers this question quite clearly and in this audio-blog, Pastor Geoff shows that same-sex attraction is sinful because Romans 1:27 and 2 Peter 2:8 shows that the desire for homosexual activity is in fact sinful.
Pastor Geoff continues the audio-blog series showing why same-sex attraction is in fact sinful.
Part 3, here, deals with the reason why it is sinful, namely, because the sin does not begin with the outward 'act' of homosexual behavior. Rather, the sin began long ago with unmortified, internal sins of the heart.


3 years ago
Warning: Emotional Trigger Warning
On Sunday, I sat in church and when the pastor pulled up the verse "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7), for a moment I stopped breathing.
This was the exact verse I whispered to myself throughout the entire ride as we rushed to the hospital last year.
Last summer, I had a miscarriage and to say I was devastated would be an understatement. My heart was literally broken, not just by the loss of my unborn baby, but by what I thought was God’s betrayal to me. I whispered the verse the entire time we rushed to the hospital and I believed in my heart this baby would be saved. Even as we stared at the empty uterus on the ultrasound, I hoped against all hope. I refused to acknowledge an alternate scenario and the rest unfolded like a scene out of a bad movie.
Telling my mother about my loss was like yanking a stitch out of barely closed wound. The hurt and disappointment in her voice was palpable over the line. She had been waiting for this child for almost five years and in that moment, I knew I failed her.
It took a while to forgive myself and stop pinning God to my timetable because now I understood it wasn’t meant to be. As much as I wanted and loved that baby, they were not for this world. But to be in such a helpless position was, and still is, scary.
When we found out I was pregnant again, I was filled with a rush of emotions: fear, anxiety, and trepidation. I tried to stay detached, to protect my fragile heart from shattering again. I held my secret fast to my heart thinking it would be easier for everyone. Every week that passed and I was still pregnant, I barely gave myself a chance to hope. The first time I saw our bundle of joy on the ultrasound, my heart immediately melted and I could no longer deny what was happening. I was growing a tiny human.
Sure, I can obsess over every pain and comb through the community boards looking for answers. I can also email and call my Ob-Gyn every day but I also rejoice every time I am one week further along. Every backache, hip pain, and headache is only a reminder of what is to come. As annoying as pregnancy has been, it is truly a miracle of what the body can do. And I am grateful to be on this journey.


Grace Church Guildford is a church community of baptised believers joined together in membership.
We believe belonging to a local church through membership is a good thing. Twice a year we run a course in which we explore the Biblical pattern of membership, and for people to get to know more about Grace Church Guildford and how to join.
The next classes will be running for 3 weeks from Thursday 4th March, 8-9pm via Zoom. Please contact the church office for more information and the zoom details.


Cape Cod Synagogue and First Lutheran Church continue their collaboration to care for the community and end hunger and food insufficiency on Cape Cod
Pack meals for hungry people on Cape Cod and the Islands
- Meet new people – volunteers will include folks from First Lutheran Church of West Barnstable and Cape Cod Synagogue in Hyannis.
- Two or three teams of 10-12 persons each will work one-hour shifts to pack 20,000 meals in four hours.
- Volunteers will sign up for one, two or more shifts.
- The meal packages will be distributed through Cape Cod and the Islands food banks.
When: Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: (sign up for one, two or more hours) First Lutheran Church, 1663 Main Street, West Barnstable
Contact: [email protected]


Rejoice In The Lord Always – That Means You!
God wants us to rejoice ALWAYS. The apostle Paul says in Phil. 4:4:
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS – again I say rejoice”….
In the above verse, Paul uses the word “rejoice” TWICE. When the Bible repeats the same word twice in a particular verse, it is doing that for emphasis. Here, it’s saying that God wants us to ALWAYS be rejoicing in Him!
Are you rejoicing in the Lord?


Pope Francis questions Vatican media’s relevance as communications workers see pay cuts, pension shortage-World Information , Joyful Easterday
Pope Francis stated their work was good, their places of work good and organised, however that there was a “hazard” that their work doesn’t arrive the place it’s presupposed to.
Pope Francis challenged the Vatican’s personal media staff Monday to basically justify their continued work, asking them how many individuals really devour their information as he visited the workplace that prices the Holy See greater than all its embassies around the globe mixed.
Francis paid a go to to the Dicastry of Communications to mark the ninetieth anniversary of Vatican Radio and the one hundred and sixtieth anniversary of the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. He appeared to make use of the event to put down the gauntlet for the Vatican’s in-house media to stay related in a difficult media panorama and fraught time for the Holy See financially.
Dealing with a serious pension funding scarcity and a projected 50 million euro ($61 million) deficit this 12 months, Francis has ordered wage cuts from 3 % to 10 % for senior Vatican staff, each lay and spiritual, and paused seniority bonuses for 2 years.
Francis has vowed to not hearth anybody to offset the financial disaster created by COVID-19 and the pandemic-related shuttering of one of many Holy See’s primary sources of income, ticket gross sales from the Vatican Museums.
However in a warning of types to the Vatican communications workers, he opened his unscripted remarks Monday with a pointed query.
“There are quite a lot of causes to be nervous in regards to the Radio, L’Osservatore, however one which touches my coronary heart: How many individuals hearken to the Radio? How many individuals learn L’Osservatore Romano?” Francis requested.
He stated their work was good, their places of work good and organised, however that there was a “hazard” that their work doesn’t arrive the place it’s presupposed to. He warned them in opposition to falling prey to a “deadly” performance the place they undergo the motions however don’t really obtain something.
The fee-benefit query of the Vatican’s in-house media operations has been posed many instances, because the communications workplace consumes extra of the Holy See’s annual price range than every other division. In response to the newest figures, the Dicastry for Communications had a 43 million euros ($52.5 million) price range for 2021, round 20 % of the entire.
Its bills are are larger than the mixed bills of the ten smallest Vatican departments.
The Vatican has lengthy justified the prices as a result of its communications operations are on the core of the Holy See’s primary mission: to speak the Catholic religion to all corners of the globe.
The top of the workplace, Paolo Ruffini, stated he took the pope’s phrases as an invite to creatively look to the long run, even whereas acknowledging the truth of right now’s media realities. He recalled Francis had advised L’Osservatore Romano workers to “let themselves be slapped by actuality”, and that the remark was a wake-up name of types.
Actuality “typically it challenges us in a harsh means, it provides us slaps”, Ruffini advised Vatican Information. “We should react with the power to make it change.”
Vatican Radio is transmitted by 1,000 radio networks worldwide in quite a lot of languages. L’Osservatore Romano says it’s seen by 21,500 readers every day by way of its printed and on-line model, although that determine rises to 40,000 if its completely different language editions distributed by dioceses are taken into consideration.
Vatican Information, the primary on-line information portal of the Holy See, averages round 21 million web page views per thirty days, although it was unclear if these are distinctive web page views.
The cuts Francis has imposed throughout the board have sparked a minor revolt amongst Vatican staff. They penned a blistering open letter 20 Could expressing their “dismay and profound discouragement” at wage cuts, lack of time beyond regulation and uncompensated elevated workload, which they stated didn’t conform to the Catholic Church’s social doctrine.
They lamented specifically the good disparities in pay and advantages, particularly for some lay managers and out of doors consultants on whom the Holy See depends closely to supervise and clear up its funds.
“One can’t ignore the financial difficulties that households are right now referred to as to confront on account of the pandemic,” they lamented in asking for a gathering to debate their considerations.
#Pope #Francis #questions #Vatican #medias #relevance #communications #workers #pay #cuts #pension #shortageWorld #Information #Joyful Easterday


DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE
MARCH FOR LIFE
News & More
A Message from the National March for Life
Written by Art O'Brien
Respect Life Leader
St Joseph’s, Garden City
Get Ready for Events During January 2023!
Please visit this site regularly to keep up with events scheduled across the Diocese of Rockville Centre and help for planning your own pilgrimage.
What is the March for Life in Washington D.C.?
The March for Life in Washington D.C. began as a grassroots response of pro-lifers nationwide to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion throughout the 9 months of a woman’s pregnancy. Each year, inspired by the Holy Spirit’s gift of Reverence, Catholics and all people of good will come together at our Nation’s Capital to pray and publicly intercede on behalf of the unborn, their parents, families, our communities, our nation and its leaders – that this prayerful presence may open hearts, minds, souls to the fullness of the Gospel of Life in our lives and laws.


For unto us a Child is born
Growing up for some of us meant Christmas spent huddling around a tree filled with gifts, a grand Christmas dinner, and lots of family gathered together. Although, that was great, not many of us remember Christ being the focus.
Gifts, most would argue are so fun to receive. Really, a lot of us look forward to those special times we know that we are receiving gifts. Those times are our birthdays and you guessed it… Christmas.
A true act of Love
A few thousand years ago, God the Creator of the universe, made big plans to have many many children who would love Him, commune with Him, take refuge in Him, and reside with Him forever and ever.
Yet, before saying the infamous words “Let there be light”, He saw the evil and wickedness that would try and thwart His awesome plan. So, God again, before even creating Adam and Eve, had a plan to save us from that evil and wickedness. How? By clothing the Word in human flesh to defeat sin, Satan, and death by becoming a living sacrifice once for all.
If that’s not love, we don’t know what is.
The Greatest Gift
Wouldn’t we all agree that Christ is the greatest gift of all? I mean without His birth, we would all be separated from God for all eternity.
Well, if Christ is the greatest gift, why do we go into debt, become more anxious about our futile gift giving, and become extremely exhausted in order to top the epic futile gift show from last year?
Our trees have more and more gifts under them and yet our kiddos don’t get any more excited each year about the number 1 greatest gift that was given to them over 200 years ago.
Our kiddos are more excited to see an elf move around the house than to light the advent candles as they are taught to look back at the birth of Christ and to look forward to Christs return.
If the birth of Christ is truly the greatest gift to ever be given, than our kiddos need to know that the gifts that are under our tree are an expression of love and giving as God gave to us that night in Bethlehem when Christ was born. They need to know that we aren’t looking forward to a fictitious man to mysteriously come down our chimney (which we don’t even have 😊) but to celebrating the greatest birthday that was and will ever be.
Christmas is not about these worldly things we have become accustomed to, Christmas is about Christ.
Hope for ALL
You see this holiday can’t only be for those who can’t ‘buy’ futile gifts. This holiday is for all who need hope. Christs birth signifies salvation for those who believe, not those who can afford a superficial holiday show.
Did you know that there are people who can’t afford to buy gifts? There are people who have no family to break bread with on Christmas day? Or, that there are some people who have no food to eat for the Christmas dinner feast? Did you know that this blessed holiday is for them too? Christmas is what makes the haves and the have nots alike, Christmas is hope for ALL! A hope for an eternity not separated from God.
There is no amount of money, no amount of food, no amount of futile gifts under the tree that can give anyone a hope like that.
We’re not implying that we don’t decorate our house, buy gifts for our kiddos, or enjoy good food on Christmas day. We know that every good and perfect gift is from the Lord. Yet, we are saying that the greatest gift of all is the birth of Christ, and this is the only gift we are purposing to teach our kiddos that really matters. Because without Christ all of our hope is lost.
Be Faithful, Be Free
T & E Young
For unto us a child is born, unto a son is given:... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6)


Marriage is a Commitment to be Taken Seriously
In reading this, it might seem like I am taking this whole marriage thing too seriously. It is true, I am taking it seriously, simply because our society really does not have a clue how sacred, holy matrimony is to the Living God. To be honest, I did not have a clue until I intentionally started looking closely at the Scriptures. Marriage is not a casual relationship. Things get tough and we cannot move on any time we want. The culture is full of bad examples and bad advice on the subject of marriage. Sadly, this cultural mind-set has pervaded the Church. The more serious and sober-minded we can be about our commitment going into marriage, the more whole-hearted and dedicated we will be through out the relationship.
On a lighter note, it is possible to have fun in the journey of discovering who God has for you. Enjoy the process. Christians more than anyone else on the planet, have the opportunity to enjoy the purity of relationship without compromise.
Prayer for Unmarried Couples
Father in Heaven, thank You for purity, righteous and whole relationships that You are developing in this generation. Thank You for the hunger and desire to be holy. Thank You for the beauty of holiness. Pour out Your wisdom on those desiring to marry in the days ahead. Let communication and understanding come forth between men and women. Let love and respect be a tremendous element in the marriage relationship. I ask for Holy Spirit unity like there is in Heaven and Kingdom marriages are established in the earth to the glory of Jesus Christ. I ask for couples to have discernment as to what it means to be equally yoked. Let equally yoked marriages be established in the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit. Let the motive driving the desire for couples to marry be of You Lord and not the lust of the flesh. I ask that the men of God arise in the earth to lead the family unit. Restore the family as You created it to be in the earth YHWH. Let Your love come down upon these marriages and future marriages. In Jesus Christ's name I ask. Amen.
What are your thoughts on marriage and being committed to one person your entire life? Are you for marriage or against? Please leave comments below and share your thoughts about the realities of marriages.


Beauty from the inside out!
"We are truly blessed by the Lord" say's Annette. "God has given us an opportunity to serve amazing people, while working along side talented, wonderful people"!!
Matt and Annette Flora's Mission Statement:
To make every women feel beautiful from the inside out.
Isaiah 61:3a - "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of HIS splendor."
In creating a professional, clean atmosphere with no slander or malicious talk. We provide a calm and inviting environment for women to get away from the busy hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our goal is to help them feel valued and treasured creating the beauty from the inside out. MFHS staff of stylist and front desk employees are the first representation of this mission. Our desire is that it will be contagious to our staff and clients.
What Makes Us Matt Flora Hair Studio
God!! If I gave any other answer I would be lying to make our mission fit the “politically correct” standards. But the simple and honest answer is our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When Matt and I opened the doors July 1st 2005 we didn't know what would happen. We opened with prayer!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I send you into exile. “Because you have said, 'The Lord raised up prophets for us in Babylon'"
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
"With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible."
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"
'2005' was a year of “faith”. Our youngest son was born with a major heart defect, February of that year. God directed our steps of faith. A few months later we felt the leading to open our first salon located in Jenison, MI. Every scripture you read is what we held on to. Matt has more faith than that of any man I have met. His faith in God, hard work and endless dedication to growing a business and supplying income for our family of 6 is the success you see today.
Haircut & Style
Ladies Haircut & Style
Men's Haircut & Style
All Over Color
*Prices vary with consultation.
*Please be courteous and give at least a 24hr cancellation notice.
*Large color services will require a $50 deposit that will be applied to your service.
*We have a no show police that will require a deposit upon your next appointment.
Starting at $28
Starting at $22
Starting at $18
Ladies hair cut price
Starting at $42
Starting at $75
Starting at $65
Starting at $85
Starting at $25
Capture the Beauty
Beauty is from the inside out. Let the makeup artists at MFHS teach you how to enhance your already natural beauty.
"Had a wonderful experience at Matt Flora Hair Studio. Relaxing atmosphere, skilled stylist, beautiful results! Grade A customer service and professionalism. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great Salon experience."
Tiffany Marie Borys - Client
"This place does it right. Every single person that works here is kind, good at what they do and cares. I’ve never had a bad experience and a special shout out to Barbara. She’s been taking care of me for months now and I can’t say enough good things about her! Her work is top quality and I really enjoy my time at the salon. I’d recommend her or this salon to everyone I know!"
"Thank you Brooke for doing my color and cut! It was my first time at Matt Flora and I’ve already scheduled my next appointment. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. Thanks for a great experience."
Jackie Johnson - Client
Becki Galeazzi - Client
"I am in awe! Just had my hair colored and cut; I am in love with it! I cried coming home; and I just can’t believe how great it looks!
Thank you so much!"
Candace Lampros Wade Grauman - Client
"My very first visit was yesterday for highlights, color and cut. Already scheduled my next appointment! First, my stylist Rebekah did an amazing job with my color. I showed her the highlights I used to have as well some photos of ideas and she nailed it. I've received so many compliments! thank you! Secondly, the rest of the staff and Annette were professional, friendly and extremely helpful. I took a chance on a hair product I was completely unfamiliar with, recommended by Annette, and I LOVE IT. It does exactly what she said it would do. The appearance and atmosphere of the salon is super nice. They offer so many other services too I'd like to try in the future. I highly recommend this studio."
Mickey McCormick - Client
Angel Justice - Client


Our parish includes the communities of North Stifford and Stifford Clays. We are north of the town of Grays in the south-west of Essex, close to the M25 and Lakeside shopping centre.
One Parish Two Churches
There are two churches within our parish:
- St Cedd's Church, Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Essex
- St Mary's Church, High Road, North Stifford, Essex
The history of St Mary’s goes back to Norman times, whereas St Cedd’s only celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. We combine within our Parish the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.
Children and Families
Children and Families are particularly welcome at our services. At both churches we
have an activity area for very young children, with toys,
colouring and books to keep them occupied.
At St Cedd's Church, Springboard meets every Sunday morning, providing activities and teaching for children aged 2-16. There is a creche for pre-school children; other children meet in the church for the first part of the service and then move to the hall for their own activities.
Our Pram and Buggy group for parents with pre-school children meets on Tuesday in the Parish Hall.
On the first Sunday of each month, we hold a service of Family Worship at 10.30pm at St Cedd's Church, where the teaching, music and activities are specifically geared to families and children.
Click here to access our latest weekly Parish news-sheet.


Many young evangelical Christians were stunned Thursday when Louie Giglio revoked his acceptance of U.S. President Barack Obama’s invitation to give the benediction at the 2013 U.S. presidential inauguration.
Several, including myself, attended Giglio’s Passion Conference only a week ago to worship, be challenged and unite behind the modern-day abolition movement. We raised almost $3 million for abolitionist causes worldwide. We also launched the End It Movement, a project to free the world’s estimated 27 million slaves. We tweeted like gerbils on cocaine about the End It Movement to get the word out that God has a bigger heart for the world than slavery.
And the root of that was Christ. Christ working through Louie Giglio.
Many evangelicals, then, were thrilled on Tuesday when Obama selected Giglio to give the benediction at his second inauguration. According to CNN, an inauguration official said Giglio was chosen because he is a “powerful voice for ending human trafficking and global sex slavery.”
I, personally, was pleased. As far as I knew, Giglio was a smart choice. A loving choice. A choice that understood the principles of freedom and justice.
However, on Wednesday, ThinkProgress, a progressive commentary outlet, released the full audio of one of Giglio’s sermons from the mid-1990s. After hearing the sermon, my opinion on the selection of Giglio shifted, and cooled.
The sermon considered homosexuality, as Giglio would called it, “a malfunction.”
In his sermon, Giglio said lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality activists do not represent “a benevolent movement” but a “powerful and aggressive movement.” He called homosexuality “sin,” and quoted 1 Cor. 6:9-10 to drive the point that homosexuals are going to hell.
And he said gay people can change their sexuality.
“We’ve got to say to the homosexuals the same thing that I say to you and that you would say to me,” he said. “It’s not easy to change, but it is possible to change.”
Shortly after the sermon was broadcast widely and in the face of the “malfunction” lobby, Giglio wisely decided it would be best if he didn’t speak at the inauguration.
That was when my Facebook news feed blew up.
“Please read this. Very scary about the times we live in. Giglio should not have caved to the pressure!” posted a local Baptist pastor.
“This breaks my heart,” wrote a sophomore attendee of the campus’s Methodist worship group.
“This is absolutely insane. On so many levels. Wow. The White House is now looking for someone with a more ‘inclusive’ view on homosexuality to pray to a God who is crystal clear about the issue,” posted the former president of the University’s chapter of the Christian fraternity, Beta Upsilon Chi.
But there’s a bigger story here.
God is “crystal clear” in the Bible about many subjects in scripture that pastors don’t highlight.
But when was the last time any of us heard a sermon on 1 Cor. 11:6? “If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.”
Or 1 Cor. 14:34? “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.”
I know at my local church, hatless women sing, speak and pray regularly in front of the congregation without any condemnation. Even at the Passion Conference, hatless female speaker Beth Moore spoke to the 60,000 of us in attendance, and hatless female singers Christy Nockels and Kim Walker led us in song.
However, the verses against that seem pretty “crystal clear.”
What about “crystal clear” Bible verses that endorse the institution of slavery, such as Eph. 6:5-9, that goes against the End It Movement Giglio started and so many of us support?
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ...” Slavery, slavery and more slavery. Odd, isn’t it?
Not really. Scripture is constantly being reinterpreted around the cultural norms of the day in a way that honors the Lord. In the history of the United States, U.S. Americans have shifted Christian doctrine on women, slavery and several other issues as cultural doctrine has shifted. Most would say this has occurred for the better.
After all, I haven’t heard anyone in the church complain that the other person selected to pray at the inauguration is Myrlie Evers-Williams, the black, female widow of civil-rights activist Medgar Evers. Why is no one complaining that a woman is praying in public? Or a person with slavery in her heritage?
Because the church has evolved on these “crystal clear” verses, and if someone used these Bible verses to drive an anti-woman or pro-slavery agenda, we wouldn’t want them speaking at the inauguration. It would be embarrassing and obviously against how we as a nation interpret the word of God.
How then can evangelicals look on an unrevoked sermon that uses scripture to attack a certain people group and not think it’s significant?
How can we be anything but appalled when Giglio is rebuked for preaching faulty science, like ex-gay therapy — which zero professional scientific organizations have endorsed — in the name of God?
The gay suicide rate is sky high. Gay depression is rampant. Gay loneliness is widespread. And where is the church? Mourning with the broken-hearted or at the table with fools?
It would appear the latter.
And it’s a shame, because that’s not the overwhelming message of the gospel. The greatest commandment according to Christ is love God and love people, and it is very clear that scripture has been reinterpreted to love certain people and exclude others.
For the love of God, it is time for that to stop.
—Charles Hicks is a senior from Pembroke majoring in journalism and anthropology


WE BELIEVE in the Divine inspiration
of the Holy Scriptures known as the Holy Bible which is
“able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which
is in Yahshua the anointed. All scripture is given by inspiration of
Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man
of Yahweh may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works” (2Timothy 3:15-17).
In accord we are continually growing in
our understanding and spiritual walk.
With the Protestants and Reformers of the
fifteenth century, we proclaim, SOLA SCRIPTURA, which
translated means that we base our beliefs upon “THE WORD OF
Yahweh ALONE” which is the Holy Bible.
When Yahshua had completed His work here on
the earth and was preparing to end His ministry for all
people, He prayed to the Father for His disciples, "I pray
not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that
thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through
thy truth: thy word is truth. ...Neither pray I for these
alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through
their word; That they all may be one" (John 17:
Christianity was born. As long as
they followed the teachings of Yahshua and kept from the
world, they were pure. But as so often happens
as time goes by, things changed. The world crept inch by inch at first, then like night and day, wrong
was substituted for right. All that proclaims to be
"Christian" is not, if it doesn't measure up to the
teachings of Yahshua and avoids the world.
The Bible Sabbath of the fourth
commandment was CHANGED to the venerable day of the Sun.
The Roman emperor Constantine in 321A.D. legislated the
first Sunday law.
The Passover or Lord's Supper was CHANGED
to Easter, the pagan festival of spring by the "universal
church" at the first council of Nicea in 325A.D.
Other ancient pagan holidays were
replacing the annual holy days declared by the Creator.
Graven images (idols) were brought into
the church and paraded for the people to reverence breaking
the second commandment.
The "Pure, White" bride of Christ was quickly
becoming a "grey area" as it persecuted the people that
insisted on keeping the commandments of Yahweh and holding fast
to the faith of Yahshua. They never succeeded in stamping out
the "True Christians" entirely, and history proves that
there were scattered remnants of Yahweh's true bride observing
the Passover, the Seventh-day Sabbath, and all the other
annual days all down through the centuries, just as there
are latter-day remnants of Yahweh's true people observing those
WHAT CAN WE BELIEVE today? "To the
law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah
8:20). Believe the Word of Yahweh and the LORD Yahshua Christ
and thou shall be saved!


"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Bible, the English form of the Greek name Biblia, meaning "books". But to me it has more meaning than that. To me B.I.B.L.E. means Basic Instructions Before Life Eternal. To me the B.I.B.L.E. is the living word of God! Here to teach us valuable lessons in life, to help us avoid unneeded stress and pain.
"It may surprise you to hear that the Bible has a deeper meaning in the words it uses and the stories it tells. This deeper meaning does not predict the future by some mysterious code; it is about you as you are on the inside. Once you see this, the Bible becomes an extraordinary tool for personal discovery, something very different from the Bible you may have struggled with and given up on. Learning about this deeper and more spiritual meaning may reawaken your interest. If you have never been interested in God or religion, or feel turned off by them, you may appreciate a chance to look again in the light of this new way of seeing the Bible.
Here is a simple example for you. Many battles are mentioned in the Bible. We have battles inside us, conflicts between our selfishness and our desire to love other people. The Bible says that the people always won their battles when they obeyed God. 'God' means the highest truth we can know. When we choose to go with this truth instead of our ego, we will always win our battle. The strategies for success are there in the details of each Biblical battle plan.
People who study dreams tell us that everything in the dream is about something inside us. If you dream about your dog, it is not really your dog but something dog-like; devotion perhaps. The Bible works in the same way. Whenever it mentions a tree, it is talking about a noble idea that is growing in your mind, deeply rooted, reaching higher, branching, and bearing fruit. Little wonder that the Garden of Eden, the symbolic first "place", had the Tree of Life at its centre. This is a graphic picture of the human mind, of consciousness, as it is meant to be.
Every single thing in the Bible has its own rich symbolic meaning, which helps us to understand our spiritual life. 'Mountains' stand for higher levels of awareness. 'Wells of water' describe our capacity to draw up or draw on true ideas from deep in our mind, to have access to truth that refreshes and cleanses us, as water does. Coins, those small bright shiny objects that are valuable and can be invested, stand for insights in our mind that can be put to good use, and earn interest because they have real worth.
Notice how the deeper meaning is always related to the qualities or use of the object. This is the link between physical and spiritual levels, between things 'out-there' and 'in-here'. Once you see this, you can explore the symbolism yourself. Try this one: the Bible often mentions pearls, and finding the pearl of great price. Think of the many qualities of pearls, including how they are formed. Ask yourself, what is it within me that is like a pearl? How did it form? What gives it its value?
A good technique is to read a verse in the Bible and after every noun add the words in me". So for example you may have 'the king-in-me', 'the rock-in-me', 'the poverty-in-me', and yes, even 'the God-in-me'. This method may seem strange at first but it will help you to see that, for example, there is something king-like in you, some ruling principle which guides your thinking: hopefully it is a good king and not a tyrant."
by Julian Duckworth (http://www.theisticscience.org/religion/bible.html)


Despite all the warning and all the promises of bad things to take place we are still shocked when bad things happen, our foundation is shaken and our faith is challenged, Why? maybe the reason is, we cannot believe that humans are capable of this level of atrocities and we refuse to give up on the goodness in humans. In reality God knows best and tells us in His word that men have sold their souls to the devil, but as always God has reserved a percentage for Himself, they are called the FAITHFUL, they are those who will endure to the end.
We need to stop coming up with excuses for why we are not standing fast to our faith If we don’t occupy ourselves with Torah and Torah people then the chances of our failing increases, we can only be strengthen when we surround ourselves with like minded people, BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS,
2 Cor 6:15 – What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
1 Cor 10:12 – So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
In our daily struggle many find consolation in drugs, in wine, in over eating, yet if we commit our lives to Adonai, should we not trust Him with our burdens also? YESHUA is salvation, put all your cares on Him, not in the things that give temporary relief.