The Rt. Rev. Bishop George
Frederick Cecil deCarteret
Contributed by Joseph Lyn Kee Chow & Dorrett Smith
George Frederick Cecil deCarteret was born in England in 1866, the third and last child of Mr. and Mrs. Givelle deCarteret. He was a frail and sickly child and took little or no part in sports, games, or other outdoor activities. He was, however, an excellent scholar. He gained his B.A. in 1889, his M.A. from Wadham College, Oxford in 1892, and finally his D.D. in 1913. He had long decided on a career in the church, for he was ordained deacon in 1889, and priest in 1890. Between 1892 and 1913 he served in the parishes of Tulse Hill: Cheltenham, St. Paul's Church: Southwark, and finally Christ Church: East Greenwich, London. His obvious talent and potential did not pass unnoticed. Twice he declined consecration to the Episcopacy, preferring to remain with his parishioners who were devoted to him.
By 1912, the Anglican Church in Jamaica was facing serious challenges. Archbishop Enos Nuttall, up to then probably Jamaica's best known cleric (having represented Jamaica at the Coronation of King George V in 1910), was failing in health and requested an assistant. deCarteret consented to consecration to the Episcopacy, and was unanimously elected at a special Synod in July, 1913. He arrived in Jamaica on November 7, 1913. He was specially chosen for his task, being still a relatively young man who could revitalize the church. deCarteret immediately took this challenge - constantly preaching, dedicating new buildings, and taking 123 confirmations in 1914. In 1915 he accomplished a truly astonishing feat by visiting every church and mission in Jamaica, despite the poor road conditions. When Archbishop Nuttall died in May 1916, deCarteret was unanimously elected Lord Bishop of Jamaica, in August of the same year. His election was duly confirmed by the Bishops of the Province of the West Indies, again unanimously. He was enthroned as the Sixth Lord Bishop of Jamaica at St. James' Cathedral, Spanish Town, on December 14, 1916.
He at once began to draw attention to his main areas of concern - education, and social issues and problems. He was not afraid to criticize even the church herself. He constantly urged the government to provide adequate and affordable housing and to inaugurate industries for the general betterment of the island. Bishop deCarteret also constantly pleaded for better wages and working conditions to rescue women in the wage-earning class who were being forced by poverty to sacrifice their innocence to lustful and unprincipled men. He attacked the state lottery in 1926 saying that it was socially, morally and economically shameful. The new Lord Bishop was a firm believer in family values and was constantly waging a crusade against illegitimacy and concubinage. True to his Victorian heritage and upbringing he was against Sunday pleasures, since he considered that they profaned the Holy Day. He was strong in temperance on food and drink and formed a Social Purity Association as a means of promoting higher moral standards.
At this time, if a clergyman did not remit sufficient funds to the church office, only two-thirds of the clergyman's stipend was paid. Showing his sense of justice, Lord Bishop deCarteret called for the suspension of this canon, and stipulated a minimum stipend for each, thereby easing the lot of the clergyman. He even continued to say that if the church did not enlighten and reform itself, it would become useless. He noted advances in scientific inventions, education and religious investigations. To illustrate this, in 1925, he quoted the following verse from an English poet.
"Outwardly splendid as of old,
Inwardly sparkless void and cold,
Her force and fire all spent and gone
Like the dead moon she still shines on."
His other consuming passion, education, was without doubt the area in which he concentrated his greatest effort. He believed sincerely that the church should give as much support as possible to this cause. Soon after his arrival in Jamaica, despite his already busy schedule, he began lecturing at the Theological College. When he became Bishop, he advocated that the church should retain those elementary schools it still possessed, since the church had gradually been giving up control of church schools to government. He served on many boards concerning education:
1. Member of the Board of Education
2. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mico Training College
3. Chairman of the Jamaica School Commission
(This Commission served as the Board of Management of Jamaica College and Cornwall College)
4. Member of the Board of Governors of Shortwood Training College
5. Chairman of the General Committee of the Jamaican Theological College.
He insisted that the church could do more for education, so despite great opposition at Synod he proceeded to establish St. Hilda's Diocesan High School for girls in Browns Town, St. Ann. For years afterwards this move was still being criticized at Synod by some of its less enlightened members. In 1918 he informed Synod that in the following year he would be establishing a Diocesan College for boys in Mandeville, Manchester; having secured premises and necessary pledges for the new school. Later in 1931, to honour him on his resignation from the Jamaica Diocese, the name 'Diocesan College' was changed to deCarteret Preparatory School. Finally, from his own private funds, he proceeded to establish Kingston College. In 1960, deCarteret Preparatory School was extended to become a high school and was called deCarteret College. No other person in the history of education in Jamaica has been as instrumental in establishing so many institutions of learning.
Bishop deCarteret retired from Jamaica in 1931, hoping to do missionary work in Canada. On his arrival in Canada he fell ill, and was forced to return to England. When he died, in January 1932, greatly lamented by all who knew him, not least by his many friends in Jamaica, a moving memorial service was held in the Kingston Parish Church. deCarteret College which celebrated its 75th anniversary in October 1994, is probably his most lasting memorial in Jamaica.
Edited by Karl Mair on behalf of the Management of deCarteret College, May 1998.
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We provide free pregnancy testing and pregnancy options conversations for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. For women who choose to parent, we provide ongoing support through prenatal and child development classes and material aid. If a woman chooses to place for adoption, we connect her with an adoption agency and help facilitate a smooth process as she plans her child’s future. If a woman chooses abortion, we provide ongoing love and support and referrals for post-abortion counseling as she works through her emotions.
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Gary Barker is a professor of sociology at the University of California, Irvine. He has published multiple books and articles about popular culture including, “The Making Of The President 2016: Campaigning On Social Media” which won the Best Book Award from Society for Cultural Sociology in 2017.
Dr. Gary Baker is a columnist for The and the Paso Robles Press; he may be reached at [email protected]
So far in our study of Moses’ life, we’ve discovered that he was forty years old when he escaped Egypt for his life and spent the following forty years as a shepherd in the region of Midian. Moses was reared and taught to be a Pharaoh, but after failing as a killer, he became a shepherd, a job the Egyptians detested.
Moses had an easy life as a shepherd, having his own family and being a happy married man. Moses seemed to like his way of life and had no intention of changing it. On Mt. Sinai, however, God will come to Moses and urge him to make a significant shift in his life. Moses will be called by God to be the human deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
Moses made it obvious to God that he had no desire to return to Egypt, as seen by his justifications. After God’s convincing reply to Moses’ justifications, Moses eventually surrendered to God’s summons. Moses’ inferiority problem was overcome by God assuring him of His presence and heavenly assistance. As he learnt to rely on God, Moses grew into a great leader and deliverer. Exodus 3:1-4:17 has a detailed account of all of these occurrences.
The miraculous apparition of God in the form of a burning bush starts Moses’ summons to divine service (Exodus 3:1-10). Theologically, this apparition is referred to be a divine Theophany, in which God appears to Moses and talks to him. Jesus informed the Sadducees in Mark 12:26 that God spoke to Moses. God revealed Himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Lord Jehovah. Because he was standing on hallowed ground, God told Moses to take off his shoes.
We’re going to get through this together, Atascadero
The Lord told Moses that He was aware of His people Israel’s suffering as slaves in Egypt, and that it was the Lord’s intention to liberate them. The Lord told Moses that He had chosen him to be the deliverer who would face Pharaoh and release Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Lord assured Moses that Israel would be freed because of God’s presence and might. Moses, on the other hand, refused to react affirmatively to God’s invitation. Returning to Egypt was not something Moses wanted to do. He offered God five reasons why he wasn’t fit to be Israel’s deliverer.
Moses seemed to have acquired a severe inferiority complex as a result of his previous failure, which happened forty years before when he escaped Egypt as a murderer. Moses had clearly never forgiven himself for his previous mistakes. This drove Moses to make reasons to God for refusing to accept God’s command. God responded positively to Moses’ justifications, assuring him that with heavenly assistance, he would be able to carry out God’s desire. Moses eventually gave in and agreed to follow God.
This portion of scripture teaches a magnificent divine principle: when God calls a person to serve Him, He will ALWAYS empower and help that person to succeed in all he undertakes. In our next meditation, we’ll look at God’s response to each of Moses’ justifications.
There are some lessons to be learned.
- A person’s past failures might lead to a strong inferiority complex.
- The presence and power of God may help a person transcend any feelings of failure in the past.
- God delights in the prosperity of His servants.
As an example:
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Christmas, a globally-celebrated festival, is a time for love, joy, and togetherness. This article delves into the diverse ways eight different countries celebrate Christmas, showcasing the colorful customs and traditions that bring their festivities to life.
United States and Canada: A Feast Fit for a King
In the United States and Canada, the traditional Christmas meal centers around the roasted turkey. Considered a crucial culinary task, the turkey is often stuffed with ingredients like onions, carrots, and potatoes before being oven-roasted to perfection.
United Kingdom: A Sweet Tooth for Christmas Cake
In the United Kingdom, Christmas is all about the Christmas cake. This dessert, typically made from a mixture of fruits, breadcrumbs, and spices, is baked until golden brown. While eating, it is customary to sing traditional Christmas carols.
Germany: Tannenbaum Magic
In Germany, the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations is the Christmas tree, or Tannenbaum, which is adorned with baubles, lights, and other trinkets. A traditional German Christmas also includes a visit from St. Nicholas (who leaves gifts for children) and a house visit from Father Christmas (who leaves gifts for children). Gingerbread houses are also a popular tradition in Germany during the Christmas season.
Australia: A Aussie Christmas with a Twist
Down under in Australia, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, plays a pivotal role in the Christmas celebrations. Children eagerly leave their shoes out on Christmas Eve in anticipation of gifts from this jolly old soul. Additionally, Australian Christmas celebrations are also characterized by festive feasting on traditional Aussie fare such as prawns, ham, and pavlova.
Italy: Caroling in the Shadow of the Nativity
Italian Christmas celebrations are steeped in religious tradition. Nativity scenes are a ubiquitous sight in Italian households during the holiday season. These intricate displays often feature live animals such as sheep and cows to recreate the scene from the Nativity. Caroling is also an integral part of Italian Christmas celebrations, with families and friends gathering to sing traditional Italian Christmas carols.
China: Sparkling Lights and Delicious Cuisine
In China, the custom of decorating with lights is a popular way to celebrate Christmas. Streets and public places are adorned with colorful lights and festive decorations during the holiday season. In addition to the dazzling displays, Chinese families also indulge in traditional cuisine such as dumplings and other festive dishes during Christmas.
Russia: Father Frost and a Magical Christmas Tree
In Russia, Father Frost (Ded Moroz) plays a key role in the traditional Russian Christmas celebration. He brings gifts to children on New Year's Eve and is often depicted as a rotund old man with a white beard and a red velvet coat. The Russian Christmas tree, known as the New Year's Tree, is also an essential element of the holiday season. Decorated with lights and ornaments, it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.
Singapore: Party Time in Paradise
In Singapore, Christmas is more than just a religious festival; it's an excuse for family and friends to gather together and celebrate in style. Large family gatherings are held with everyone pitching in to prepare a sumptuous feast. After dinner, there's usually a present exchange followed by hours of merrymaking and bonding. Carol singing is also a popular pastime during the holiday season in Singapore.


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The reasons Paul’s discourse in Romans 13.1-7 works well as an examination for possible hidden transcripts is two fold. The first is the convincing scholarly development of placing the Pauline corpus over against the rhetoric of the Roman imperial order. The second is that it allows Paul’s use of apocalyptic language to be something other than mere rhetoric.
The Official Ideology of the Roman Imperial Order: Romans 13.1-7 as The Public Transcript
The logic of Romans 13.1-7 on its surface is that everything has its right place, and is ordered by cosmic law. What ultimately maintains this order is a system of retribution which, on the one hand, sustains life and grants well-being to those who live in harmony with the cosmic law, yet on the other hand, brings punishment and destruction to any violators. Moreover this order is deemed an element of creation itself, and is enforced by the power of the state and her laws. The world that Rome offers, is a ‘practical’ totality (a totality constituted and characterized by relationships of praxis), a system or structure of prevailing, dominant social actions and relationships, and elsewhere in the Pauline corpus described as under the hegemony of evil. In the Roman State it was the religion (esp. the imperial cult) that legitimated its social institutions, patterns and laws, and its festivals and rituals were designed through mythic enactment to sustain the natural and social order. Conformity to the social rules and obligations of the Roman society was required, while variance from the laws and customs of the prevailing order was labeled as deviant behavior, threatening the well-being of both the individual and the society. Change was viewed as disruptive and consequently was resisted by both political power and through symbolic rituals.
This paradigm is fortified by the use of divine characteristics throughout the argumentation in Romans 13:1-7, divine characteristics such as ‘every person should submit to God,’ ‘God punishes those who resist his ordinations,’ ‘God always does what is good’ and ‘everything belongs to God’. Through a strategy of transitive argumentation, these values are transposed to the authorities – primarily to warrant the claim that authorities are ordinations of God and should therefore be obeyed by everyone. Accordingly authorities have a specific place within the Roman society. Indeed their function and authority form part of the cosmic order. The authorities are instrumental in maintaining this order through a system of retribution and punishment. Those who live in harmony with this order, that is, in this specific context, those who submit to the authorities, are characterized as people who ‘do good’ (13:3). To ‘do good” is to conduct oneself in accordance with the divine characteristic, ‘God always does what is good.’ Those who ‘do good’ are retributed; they receive the authorities’ approval and praise (kai. e[xeij e;painon evx auvth/j, 13:3), and their life and well-being are assured. This approval or bestowing of praise from the authorities is specifically grounded with a reference to the function of the authorities in terms of their divine ordination: (qeou/ ga.r dia,kono,j evstin soi. eivj) to. avgaqo,n (the authority is a servant of God for your good, 13:4). Note that what the ‘good’ consists of is not ever expanded upon, rather it is an unspoken assumption that everyone knows what the good is (and inversely what the bad is). This general and unspoken assumption is a further example of an all pervasive ideology.
Those who violate this ideology which nature itself attest too, in this case by resisting the authorities, will be punished: they will incur judgment ( oi` de. avnqesthko,tej e`autoi/j kri,ma lh,myontai,13:2). The punishment is explicated with the reference to the ‘sword’ being carried and used by the authorities (ouv ga.r eivkh/ th.n ma,cairan forei/, 13:4). The implication of this reference is clear, namely, the punishment consists of the fact that the authorities will execute those who do ‘bad.’ This may also be taken as an assumption presupposing a cosmic order of harmony and order. Again because everyone knows what is bad, thus to resist the authorities is one specific example of ‘bad’ conduct. To resist the authorities, therefore, endangers the harmony of the divinely ordained cosmic order sustained by the divinely ordained authorities. Therefore ‘bad’ behavior should be rooted out to ensure the continued harmonious existence of the cosmic order.  Representing the ruling elite’s ideology the moral exhortation of Romans 13:1-7 is a powerful means of ideological control in order to enforce submission to its authoritarian rule and its conception of ‘law and order.’
It seems that at face value Paul is in collusion with the ruling elite’s, and that he is making sure that his communities will be safeguarded against any imperial backlash. But it is my contention that what Paul is doing is identifying how the Roman government wants to co-opt its subjects into good servants of the state.  Paul offers an exaggerated public transcript which on the one hand warns his communities that there are real dangers to standing up to those in power, but on the other hand, reminds the Christians at Rome of the importance in acknowledging the ideological system in which they live, because it is only by being cognizant of the system, that they can refrain from being subjected by it. What Paul offers his communities is the freedom that comes only with reflection, a freedom that Monya Stubbs remarks, ‘involves participation in the governing structure with the discerning awareness that it represents one but not the absolute way of being in the world’.
 There has been a steady percolation in biblical studies regarding the (re)interpretation of Paul against the backdrop of the Roman imperial order. This attention for biblical scholars is long overdue, since classical studies have been pushed to re-evaluate the Imperial Cult due to the ground-breaking study of Simon Price’s 1986 monograph S. R. F. Price, Rituals and Power: The Roman Imperial Cult in Asia Minor (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986). Price’s study set out to understand the Imperial Cult without the classical, western, or ‘Christian’, notions of religion setting the limits of discussion and has been confirmed and enhanced by the study of Ittai Gradel, Emperor Worship and Roman Religion (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002). This methodological innovation resulted in the study of the Imperial Cult as a serious religion, with rituals that not only helped define the public space, but which were essential to the maintenance of the hegemony of Roman rule. Although many biblical scholars have been reluctant to see Paul’s manuscripts as possible political polemics, for fear that Paul the theologian might be relegated to the sidelines, there is a growing number within the guild that see the polemics against the Roman imperial order as a natural out-growth of Paul’s own Jewish apocalyptic soteriology. See, Elliott, Liberating Paul; Richard Horsley, "Submerged Biblical Histories and Imperial Biblical Studies," in The Postcolonial Bible, ed. R. S. Sugirtharajah (Bible and Postcolonialism 1; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998); Brian J. Walsh and Sylvia C. Keesmaat, Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004); N. T. Wright, Paul: Fresh Perspectives (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2006).
 In using apocalyptic, I prefer Wright’s pragmatic definition, that insists that, ‘Apocalyptic is a way of investing space-time events with theological significance; it is actually a way of affirming the vital importance of the present continuing space-time order,’ no matter how bad in ‘reality’ things had become. Apocalyptic was a way of reclaiming the imagination by denying that evil will have the last word, by opening up a ‘reality’ that is otherwise closed off, and by calling into account the sustainers of the imperial imagination. SeeN. T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1992), 280-99.
 Enrique Dussel, Ethics and Community (New York: Orbis Books, 1988), 29.
 See, Gradel, Emperor Worship and Roman Religion; Steven J. Friesen, Imperial Cults and the Apocalypse of John: Reading Revelation in the Ruins (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001); Price, Rituals and Power.
 Leo G. Perdue, "The Social Character of Paraenesis and Paraenetic Literature," Semeia 50 (1990): 6-7.
 Jan Botha, Subject to Whose Authority?: Multiple Readings of Romans 13 (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1994), 204-05.
 Paul in effect recognizes the power of the ideology of the Roman Imperial order, its cultural norms, institutions, and traditions, to mold patterns of individual behavior. So, James D. G. Dunn, Romans, 2 vols., vol. 2 (WBC 38b; Dallas: Word Books, 1988), 712.
 Monya A. Stubbs, "Subjection, Reflection, Resistance: An African American Reading of the Three-Dimensional Process of Empowerment in Romans 13 and the Free-Market Economy," in Navigating Romans through Cultures: Challenging Readings by Charting a New Course, ed. Khiok-Khng Yeo (Romans through history and culture series; New York: T & T Clark International, 2004), 186. Wright notes that what Paul is saying is that ‘preaching and living the gospel must always be announcing and following Jesus, rather than Caesar, as the true Lord. But the eschatological balance must be kept. The church must live as a sign of the coming complete kingdom of Jesus Christ; but since that kingdom is characterized by ‘righteousness, peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit,’ it cannot be inaugurated in the present by chaos, violence, and hatred [cf. 14:17]. The methods of the Messiah himself (12:14-21) must be used in living out his kingdom within the present world.’ See, N. T. Wright, "The Letter to the Romans," in The New Interpreter's Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), 720.
 Stubbs, "Subjection, Reflection, Resistance," 183.


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“A Church With A Purpose For God’s People and Kingdom”
Isaiah 14:24, Romans 8:28
Welcome to Purposed Church
You are in the right place at the right time, to experience the true and unconditional love of God. We are committed to ministering to the whole man, the natural and the spiritual. Here at Purposed Church we serve and provide outreach throughout our local communities of Chicago.
Purposed Church is a non-denominational, spirit filled church. The spiritual leaders of this house are Pastor's LeAundre & Patricia Hill.
Whether you’re single, married, single again, with or without children – no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done – we invite you to experience the difference here. Jesus loves you just the way you are! Purposed Church is made up of in-perfect people, just like you, following Jesus – it’s a place where hurts are healed, needs are met, and purpose become reality.


“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” (Genesis 2:24, NAB)
Is your marriage moving toward oneness or drifting towards isolation? Please join us for the next Marriage Enrichment Seminar on Saturday, February 23, 2019 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at the Fr. Lanigan Parish Center, Holy Spirit Parish, 1050 North Texas Street, Fairfield, California.
A $10.00 minimum donation per person is requested to cover the seminar costs of materials and meals.
The Disciples of Jesus is a Charismatic Catholic evangelical ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fairfield, California. Our vision is commanded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
"go therefore, and make disciples of nations..." (Matt. 28:19).


Christian Internal Versus External Locus of Control
Isn’t it bizarre how differently people deal with adversity? Some people seem to get crushed very easily with the slightest thing against them, and in addition others’ defences seem almost impenetrable — they accept the worst, deal with it, and appropriate the truth about themselves into their very beings. And there are a multitude of responses in between those two great extremes.
T find this is a meaningful difference between those who choose the genuine Christian life and the rest — though Christians don’t have a mortgage on this sort of resilience. For Christians however, faith and surrender method placing our trust thoroughly in God’s hands for him to dictate to us our moves, by prayer and his information. Why do so many go the wrong way, and so often?
This can be explained many ways, but one theory that’s worthy of exploration is locus of control. In short, an external locus of control indicates ‘stuff happens to me,’ ‘don’t blame me, it’s not my fault,’ and ‘how could I succeed in these circumstances?’ An internal locus of control however, is the opposite: ‘I failed the exam because I didn’t prepare adequately enough,’ ‘I create the stuff that happens to me,’ and ‘I know there must be a way of succeeding in these circumstances.’
Without getting into the psychological theory of Julian B. Rotter (1954) and others, I think we’d all agree that having more of an internal locus of control i.e. being more responsible about our own role regarding the impact of things on our lives, is preferable to having a predominantly external locus of control that sees other things and people credited for our success or failure.
The interesting thing for Christians is this: we need to have a semblance of external locus of control. God creates things via his will and so circumstances generally occur because of his will. We attribute things and goings on to him, or to the devil, pure and simple. There’s at the minimum a uncompletely spiritual vicinity character.
Where we come in however is our response to the things that occur in our lives, despite this character of God’s activity in the world. At one point we accept it, but if we have a predominantly internal locus of control we don’t rest on a spiritual vicinity character alone.
Now, it seems to me to be a plain thing that most people want to blame others for their misfortune. It’s a rank folly and a deceit for people to believe this. If we fail, more often than not it is our fault and no one else’s, at the minimum slightly, and we should be able to see that. We should then learn from the mistake if at all possible. That’s a demonstration of internal locus of control — for the person to ‘take on board’ ownership, problem-solve, and then search for solutions to negative life situations. additionally, if things happen to us and they are unfortunate, and they genuinely had nothing to do with us, we need to have the resilience to cope; live to fight another day.
Christian people of all people should be past-masters of this trade. They should’ve been discipled and mentored to such an extent that the true gospel message of repentance is firmly entrenched — in addition how few reach this ‘halcyon’ level? It is disturbing that many claim to be followers of Christ, and for many years, and in addition nevertheless struggle with this elementary factor of faith.
“consider it pure joy brothers and sisters,” James says, “whenever you confront trials, tests, and temptations of many various kinds.” (My paraphrase of James 1:2) We must expect them and not be surprised by them. This will assist us in taking these ‘on,’ ensuring that we, as much as possible, can continue in glee with the thing nevertheless bearing down on us — because we know that the LORD is with us and for us. It is for him that we can assume ownership of all things that come our way. This is not just theory; we must be put into practice. We must resist the pity party.
The prize granted a predominant and healthy internal locus of control is maturity; of faith and of personality. It’s what others see, and the Spirit of God in us, that is the meaningful. As the writer to the Hebrews suggested, “consequently let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that rule to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.” (Hebrews 6:1-3 NIV) This maturity is hard work, but nonetheless necessary. Let’s not shirk our responsibility for the things that occur to us.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.


In-person Worship Services have resumed at 10:15am every Sunday. All other ministries have resumed in-person meetings.
Here are some COVID-19 precautions still in place:
1. Face masks may be worn to your personal comfort level
2. A hand sanitizer station is available
3. The only entrance is the Northside foyer doors
4. Sunday School for all ages has resumed. Nursery & Children's Church have resumed. Mask wearing is optional for your children. Children are also welcome to join you in church for the whole service. Activity bags are available for use during service. For more info., please see the Ministries Tab
5. Offering will be via boxes at the back of the Sanctuary instead of passing plates
6. Regular communion has resumed on the first Sunday of each month
The service is livestreamed so if you prefer, you can join us in Worship from home:
(Remember - since this is a livestream it won't be available until 10:00am Sunday morning)
Past Worship Services are available to watch (or listen) under the "Messages" tab.


Two 15th century painted panels in Holy Trinity Church, Torbryan, Devon, England before the theft. The two figures on the right, in the left panel, went missing.
Photo credit: The Churches Conservation Trust
Nearly two years ago we reported on the theft of two priceless 15th century painted oak panels from a church in Devon, England (feature here). The panels are said to be of national importance but had been viciously hacked out of a screen in the church and stolen. The panels were feared lost forever but now, thanks to a collector who recognised them from media coverage and who reported their illegal online sale to the police, the panels have been recovered and are currently in safe storage in Bristol.
Sadly, the damage done to the panels when they were hacked from the screen will cost in the region of £7,000 to repair and conserve. The Churches Conservation Trust therefore has launched and appeal to help restore this priceless masterpiece. Details here.


Happy Christmas all !! 😀
Wohooo… At last, in this December God already gave me my Christmas gift. The best gift ever. You know, I’m not single anymore in this Christmas. I’m with someone that are so special for me. My Dei Dei. Xi xi xi… I’m so happy right now. He asked me to be his girlfriend in last Sunday in church after the day before he told me about his feeling to me. But I was not reply his question even he asked me a couple times. Ha ha ha. It because he can’t stop laughing and smiling. So I promise to answer him when we have the same exam day. And then, I answer him. He gave me a red rose. Wow. I’m so happy. That’s romantic enough for me. Receive a flower from the one you love is the best thing and feel ever! 18.12.13 is the most happy day ever in my life. But the most important thing at all is to know that he love me just the way I am. That’s a really true love 🙂 . I feel so blessed. I know God will give me the right one at His time. I know His plan is never be a bad plan. His plan always be the most beautiful plan ever! I know He know the perfect timing for me. When I am ready, He will give me the best answer.
But even I’m happy to be with him all day long. He sometimes makes me in the bad mood. I hate when he started to talk about his ex or other girl. I hate that! I said in my mind, “It’s me with you now! I’m your partner! Not her! Stop talking about her again and again! I’m tired.” Or even when he said that he will cut his hair with his ex, I just said like “Oh, my God. What the hell he was thinking about??! You miss her? Okay, fine! I’m disappointed!” in my mind. Can’t he see that I’m jealous? But the worst thing that made me in my bad mood was the time goes by so fast. I hate to be apart. I don’t want to be apart. I want he always here, beside me. But just thank God for everything he has done in my life :). He is so good to me.
Panda found other Panda to be love with. Frog found other Frog to be love with. So, Panda and frog is over.


MADONNA Z DZIECIĄTKIEM SANDRO BOTTICELLI 1 OZ 1 DOLAR NIUE 2020
druk cyfrowy, selektywne złocenie, wykończenie lustrzane proof
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Madonna and Child - Sandro Botticelli $1 Silver Coin by Niue 2020, a treasure brought to life by the renowned minting expertise of Mennica Polska. Join us as we delve into the rich symbolism, exquisite craftsmanship, and historical significance of this remarkable coin.
Unraveling the Masterpiece of Sandro Botticelli
An Ode to Renaissance Art
The Madonna and Child Silver Coin serves as a magnificent ode to the timeless art of the Renaissance period. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, this coin beautifully captures the essence of the renowned Italian painter Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece - the Madonna and Child. This work of art embodies the elegance, grace, and serenity characteristic of Botticelli's style.
Embodying Spiritual Devotion
The image of the Madonna and Child has long been an emblem of spiritual devotion and maternal love. It represents the bond between the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, evoking a sense of reverence and awe. This coin immortalizes the spiritual significance of the Madonna and Child, inviting admirers to embrace the spiritual heritage it embodies.
The Madonna and Child - Sandro Botticelli Coin: A Numismatic Marvel
Artistry in Silver
Crafted in 1 ounce of pure silver, the Madonna and Child Silver Coin stands as a true marvel of numismatic artistry. Mennica Polska's commitment to excellence is evident in the exquisite rendering of Botticelli's painting on the coin's surface. The use of pure silver ensures not only its artistic brilliance but also its value as a precious metal collectible.
Legal Tender of Niue
As an official legal tender of Niue, this coin bears a face value of $1. Its status as legal tender enhances its authenticity and guarantees its acceptance as a valuable currency within the issuing country. However, its true value extends far beyond the nominal denomination.
As with many esteemed collectibles, the Madonna and Child Silver Coin boasts a limited mintage, making it a rarity among numismatic enthusiasts and art connoisseurs. Owning this coin becomes a testament to one's appreciation for fine art and the desire to preserve a piece of Renaissance splendor.
Symbolism and Significance
Maternal Love and Protection
The depiction of the Madonna and Child on the coin embodies the profound love and protection a mother bestows upon her child. It serves as a poignant reminder of the universal theme of maternal care, resonating with people of various cultures and backgrounds.
Beyond its artistic allure, the Madonna and Child Silver Coin carries a spiritual significance that transcends religious boundaries. It fosters a sense of unity, reminding us of the shared human experiences that connect us all.
The Madonna and Child Coin: A Precious Treasure
A Timeless Heirloom
Owning the Madonna and Child Silver Coin goes beyond being a mere collector's item; it becomes a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. As the years go by, this coin will hold not only its artistic value but also the sentiment of family and heritage.
An Inspired Gift
For art enthusiasts, numismatists, or those seeking a meaningful and inspired gift, the Madonna and Child Silver Coin is an ideal choice. Its beauty, historical significance, and spiritual symbolism make it a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime.


Yiewsley Baptist Church
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Yiewsley Baptist Church venue information
Yiewsley Baptist Church seeks to be a church that loves God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), loves our neighbours (the Community of Yiewsley) and makes disciples.
The members and friends of Yiewsley Baptist Church consider us to be a warm and friendly family church. Our aim is that the friendships and relationships we share with one another will extend and deepen with God and with our local community.
Venue contact details and info
Name: Yiewsley Baptist Church
Venue short url: https://www.skiddle.com/venues/77387/
Type of venue: Other
Disabled facilities: Accessible for wheelchair users
Nearest Bus Stop: High Street, Yiewsley
Address: 74 Colham Avenue, Yiewsley, UB7 8HF
Dress code: Casual
Parking: On Street Parking
Nearest Train Station: West Drayton


We help students build firm foundations in literacy and numeracy, as well as Christian life and character.
We create learning environments that engage students to explore the world around them.
We teach students to care for themselves, their learning, others and our place.
Araluen Christian College is nestled at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, amongst God’s unique desert creation.
We provide high-quality education from a Biblical perspective, working with parents to guide students in becoming lifelong learners and global citizens who contribute positively to the world around them.
We offer Transition to Year 9, with Year 10 offered on site through Northern Territory Christian College.


Sometimes the institution that tells us that honesty is a virtue encourages us to lie – or risk being publicly damned.
My nine-year-old daughter Sophie will receive her first communion this Friday. The local parish is helping the school in the event. Over the weekend, I attended a seminar for parents; it was conducted by a lay minister of the parish. He made some suggestions on how we could help our children prepare to receive the Eucharist, one of seven sacraments, as Catholics know.
I arrived a bit late for the talk but as soon as I sat down I realized I had not missed much. The minister – let's call him Brother – was only talking about the details of the ceremonies, reiterating only what was already in the memo given to us long ago: time of assembly, proper attire, etcetera. This would turn out to be the easier – and less disturbing part – of the seminar.
Brother was actually elderly, almost grandfatherly, and I thought he was extraordinarily patient to deal with the third- and fourth-graders during their twice-a-week practices in the past month or so.
He asked the parents to go over the list of sins the children would be confessing to the priest. I was glad to know that the confession would be face-to-face instead of inside confessional boxes. If I were a child, I would be intimidated if my first confession put me inside a box, with only a window making the priest's voice audible.
Remember that Brother was talking to parents of different background: Catholic school-educated ones, faithful church-goers, non-practicing Catholics, or at least lukewarm ones. He explained that confession cleansed a person's heart of sin, so that the Lord would not turn him or her away (“para hindi kayo itakwil ng Diyos”).
I found this quite extreme. My notion of God was a loving one. He was somebody to guide you from day to day so that you make the right choices; if you fail, he would be there to help you up – certainly not turn you away.
Brother also said that only the children would line up in front of the priest for the communion; the parents and guardians would go to the lay ministers, like himself. The Catholic Church sorely lacks priests, he said, because they were getting out to get married all the time. One cannot perform one's priestly duties if one is married, because then one would have to serve one's spouse aside from serving the Lord. This makes practical sense.
But Brother had this way of explaining himself with absolute certainty. He ended each sentence with a nod and a smile, as though to discourage anybody from asking questions and to imply that having a different opinion, while it would be tolerated, would put one in the level of a third-grader.
By then some questions had been brewing in my mind. I wondered if Brother would say that a priest having a spouse would be less “katakwil-takwil” (damnable) than somebody who remains single – but who is extraordinarily fond of his altar boys and takes advantage of their subservience.
Brother also said that because of this inadequacy in the number of priests, there is now a proposal to ordains lay ministers to the priesthood. I wondered again: weren't lay ministers themselves married people in the first place? Why ordain somebody who serves two masters to begin with? But Brother smiled his special smile and I was reduced to thinking that a. he really would not be in a position to answer the question in an informed manner and b. the seminar was not really the venue for such questions. We were there to discuss what would happen during our children's first communion – only that.
Before the end of the session, Brother handed out sheets of paper, guidelines on how parents should raise their children. The instructions were in Abakada fashion and were in non-conversational Filipino. It was all nice and wise advice, compassionate, even, if you understood a language fit for the Balagtasan. I noted, though, that the D portion (on discipline) said “aral at pamalong itinatago'y nakasasama sa bunso (sparing the child of lessons and the spanking rod is bad for him).” Apparently these parenting suggestions were crafted decades ago: the Filipino alphabet now goes A-B-C-D, not A-B-K-D, and there are now initiatives to end the age-old inclination towards corporal punishment. One wishes our Church leaders exerted some effort to update whatever it tells its flock.
The most jarring thing in the orientation were the parting words of the lay minister. As we were capping the afternoon, he asked, “at least all of you were married in Catholic wedding rites, weren't you?” The room fell silent, as if the parents, mostly mothers, did not know what to say. Brother explained further. “The priest might ask, and he's a very strict priest.” Apparently some priests go through the trouble of excluding from the ceremonies adults not married in religious rites, because they were thought to be committing a mortal sin. What of children who were products of that mortal union? Would they be excluded from the ceremonies, too? Will their parents be escorted out of church as the more righteous ones look on (and shake their heads)?
Brother had a solution to this problem. “Just say yes to whatever questions the priest asks,” he advised us. He reminded us that we did not have to call attention to ourselves and away from the real occasion that was the first communion of our children.
Excuse me, but did he just suggest that telling a lie would be more convenient?
What if a couple was married all right, but only in civil rights? What if they received the Catholic sacrament of matrimony but are now separated after years of trying to remain true to their vows? What if the parents of the child have legal impediments to marry but are now happy and devoted to each other and their family? What if the child is being raised by the mother alone, and they do not anymore have communication with the father? Are these children any less worthy to receive the grace of communion? The minister did not tell us this, of course, but that would be a reasonable inference.
This reminded me of a baptism I attended in Paombong town in Bulacan two months ago. After the ceremony, the priest agreed to have his picture taken with the baptized child, the parents, relatives and godparents at the altar. Before the cameras clicked, however, the priest asked the baby's mother: “O, bakit wala kang asawa?(Why do you not have a husband?)” Of course the priest may have said this in jest, as he was a jovial one. Some women can just as easily say that their husbands were sick, or abroad, working. But what if a woman was impregnated by a man who has since disappeared? I am sure not a few women have frozen in self-consciousness as the priest announced this not-so-sensitive observation. Granted that she knew she was stupid to fall for a cad, was a woman supposed to lie, right under the roof of the same institution that tells her that honesty is a virtue, just to save herself from embarrassment?
Brother had yet another advice to those in complicated situations but did not want to lie about it. “Have somebody else go with your child -- a yaya, a tita, a lolo.” What about being there as your child receives grace that is the sacrament of communion? I think that's a higher purpose altogether.
There's a reason many Catholics degenerate to being “cafeteria believers,” choosing only aspects they are comfortable with while ignoring the rest of the dogma they find too extreme. Did not Jesus himself say he was like a doctor who was there for the sick and not for the healthy? Did not the shepherd leave his 99 sheep to search for the missing one? Church leaders should realize they need not alienate their members who live less than “correct” lives. It's the fastest way to lose them.


Welcome to Eastminster Presbytery
Per Capita for 2018
$7.73 General Assembly PCUSA
$3.25 Synod of the Covenant
$21.02 Eastminster Presbytery
Standard Mileage Rate 2018
54.5 cents (.545) , up 1 cent from 2017.
SAVE the DATE!
Saturday, October 20th
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Northminster Presbyterian Church
104 W. Portage Trail Ext.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jason Storbakken (Author)
Speaker: Vicki Ritterspach (The Way Station)
Speaker: Zac Kohl (CitizensAkron)
This year's DiscipleFest will include only the three speakers so everyone will have an opportunity to hear each of our guests. There will be no separate workshops and we will all follow the same schedule. Registration will be available online or by calling Eastminster at 330-505-2167. Cost for DiscipleFest is $15 payable at door.
Attention Clerks of Session!
Pastor Installation Service
Eastminster Presbytery and Westminster Church, Boardman, joyfully invite you the the Installation Service of Adam Rodgers as called pastor to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Boardman on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
A reception will follow.


By Rodney Holmstrom, National Director West, Sept 2, 2019
So often I run across people who have been beaten down by none other than themselves.
It’s amazing how the enemy will get to us, and the only way he can is through the ugly lies he feeds us.
Then when we believe them and we take over shaming our self.
I want to encourage you this morning that if you are beating yourself down in shame, there is no better time than now to change this. Don’t listen to those lies. Don’t lose hope in the plan the Father has for you. Even when you are down to nothing and you feel like things could not get any worse, God is up to something in your life.
Someone once said, “Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”
Today, don’t stand still in misery but instead move forward in hope by refusing to listen to those lies that say “you can’t do this” and instead start meditating on His truth that says, “I can through Christ!”
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
– Philippians 4:13
One step at a time.
Have a great day friend!


Many times when someone prays, they're asking for something. Does this sound like you? Do you believe that by asking God for something is the only way to pray? The best way?
I believe that the true and honest prayer one can say from the heart, is a prayer of Acceptance and Thanksgiving. Accepting what we already have in our life, and giving thanks for it. I say this because the truth is, God has given us all we need, all we have to do is reach out and accept our gifts.
So, what are you accepting in your life for yourself right now? Are you accepting love for yourself? Are you accepting to appreciate others the way they are? Are you accepting your health, just the way it is, knowing that all is well in your life? Are you accepting prosperity, joy, and happiness for not only yourself, but your loved ones as well?
This week, spend some time in prayer just accepting God's good for yourself, and giving thanks for all your immediate blessings. A good affirmation to say is; "Right now this moment, I accept all of God's blessings, and I am thankful for all I have." Say this often, and with conviction and faith. Soon, you'll discover that all your needs are already met.
Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Thomas Gordy UPONLINE@aol.com
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Mr D. Syiemlieh is a born again Christian from the city of Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Started out in life with humble beginnings in the country side, he lead an ordinary Christian life until a prophecy was declared upon his life by a man of God. When God saved him by His grace in the year 2007, he was led by the Holy Spirit to unveil significant truths in the Bible as a revelation unto the body of Christ. At present he is a Bible teacher also an Elder in the ministry of the New Life Triumphant Church, Shillong. God chose him to be in the spirit-filled church that teaches the rightly divided word of truth under the anointed Pastor Bantei Diengdoh. This book, though a first attempt at sharing God’s revelation from the Bible, is a direct implication of the prophecy that was once declared upon his life.


Making A Difference
We are here to provide food, shelter,
and spiritual guidance
Household of Faith Outreach Ministries mission is to reach out and serve those that are in need in the community. Giving to those in need food, shelter, spiritual guidance and also offering literature for mental health services. Giving hope for today and a brighter tomorrow.
Who Are We
We are a non-for-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need. We believe in living out our faith by providing aid to those who are struggling. Our goal is to bring light to those in the darkest of times and to show them that they are not alone. We are inspired by the scripture that tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself” and strive to make a difference in people’s lives.
What we offer
hANDS only Cpr Training
Learn how to perform Hands Only CPR so that you can help deliver life saving care until professional responders arrive.
Mental Health SERVICES oFFERED
We Accept Medicaid
Find the right therapist for you and get the support you need. Get immediate help from the privacy and comfort of your home.


teaching children to grow in mind, body and spirit
Christian Daycare in Chesapeake's Deep Creek Area
At Growing Station Daycare, we believe each child is a precious gift from God. Children deserve to be loved, challenged, and encouraged as they develop into wonderful citizens. Our wonderful Chesapeake daycare program serves ages 2½ to 12, including full-time daycare, part-time daycare, and before and after care. We operate year-round, providing your family with consistent access to the best, most loving daycare you could hope for.
6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
The Best Daycare Quality
Growing Station Daycare is a proud participant in the Virginia Quality program, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to both maintaining and increasing our quality.
Virginia Quality centers are among the state's finest early childhood institutions, because...
Why Families Love Growing Station
"My daughter had been there since she was about 4 yrs old. What a great experience we had! GREAT leader and staff. I recommend this to any family, looking to elevate their child's level a little higher."


The Reverend Marlon D. Scott Sr. was born oldest of three sons to Mr. & Mrs. Joe L. Scott in Augusta, Georgia. Rev. Scott credits his parents for their love, dedication, discipline and positive outlook that provided him growth in all areas in his life. Rev. Scott’s mother is a retired registered nurse while his father is a former teacher, educator, principal, and currently serves on the Augusta Georgia School Board. The home that Rev. Scott was reared in was full of love, strong family bonds, and the development of a strong work ethic. It was in the home that Rev. Scott’s parents nurtured his love for GOD, his love for people and his love for learning. Rev. Scott was educated in the Augusta Public School System and graduated from Glenn Hills High School. In 1988, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking and Finance from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While attending Morehouse he was a member of the Student Government Association and co-editor of the Morehouse Business Association Journal. Upon graduation he took a position at Sovran Bank in Nashville, Tennessee where he was the first African-American selected for Sovran’s Corporate Development Program. In 1991, Rev. Scott accepted a position at Wyeth Laboratories where he was the first African-American to hold the position of Account manager in that region.
Rev. Scott accepted his call to the gospel ministry at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio under the membership of Dr. Keith a. Troy. In 1999, he earned a Master of Divinity Degree (M.DIV.) from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. While a student in seminary, Rev. Scott served as the President of the African- American Student Body where he promoted unity among the races. He was also selected by his professors and peers to preach the Baccalaureate Service for his graduating class. Rev. Scott competed his Doctorate in Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the area of Marriage and Family Counseling. Rev. Scott has a passion for the healing and wholeness of marriage and families. The title of his dissertation is “How to Increase Marital Enhancement and Enrichment in African-American Marriages in the post modern generation.” Rev. Scott is currently enrolled in a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Servant Leadership at Columbus State University. Rev Scott is a certified life Coach.
Rev. Scott is the founding pastor or Emmanuel Christian community Church (E.C.C.C.) in Columbus, Georgia. E.C.C.C. was founded in December of 2003 with only four members: Rev. Scott, his wife, and their 2 children. Since that time over 400 souls have united with Emmanuel. Emmanuel is a ministry that has positively impacted the community with outreach programs and its “out of the box” ministry style. E.C.C.C. is known for its love for Jesus Christ, its loving members and warm environment. Emmanuel’s motto is “the place where family matters and people
count.” In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Scott serves as chaplain of Columbus Regional at the Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, The John B. Amos Cancer Center and Hughston Hospital where he received The Chairman’s Award of Excellence for 2009 in recognition of his loyalty and outstanding service.
Rev. Scott’s love for GOD, God’s people, marriages, and families have made him a sought after speaker for revivals, leadership lectures, schools and marriage conferences. Pastor Scott’s encouraging and inspiring messages can be heard daily on the radio broadcast “The Empowerment Hour”. Rev. Scott is known for his warm smile, friendly demeanor, and positive outlook.
Rev. Scott is married to Dr. Shemel Bloom Scott and their union has been blessed with two children, Marlisa and Marlon Jr. Rev. Scott has been described as a visionary, creative thinker, innovative change-agent, and businessman however Rev. Scott feels his most important titles are husband, father, son, brother and Christian.


A Sermon based on Hosea 11:1-1 Luke 12: 13-31; Preached at La Jolla Congregational Church, UCC
The hymn we just sang (God of Grace and God of Glory), aside from being one of my favorites, was written by Harry Emerson Fosdick one of the major theologians of the modernist movement during the twentieth century. For Fosdick, the Bible was a repository of our basic human experiences. (1) Religion for Fosdick was, as one historian wrote “a psychological experience….an experience that makes a difference, for the kind of religion that matters is the kind that saves, that is to say, the kind that integrates, strengthens, and enriches the personal lives of those who engage it.” (2) The role of human experience was important to the theological and biblical understanding of Fosdick and other of the modernist theologians of the twentieth century.
“God of Change…” I wonder what Fosdick would think of the scriptures before us this morning. I wonder how he might take the social, political, and economic realities of our own time and interpret these scriptures today. He of course is long since gone, so I am afraid you will have to allow me this morning to step in for him and look at these scripture with you to see what ‘meaning may yet break forth’ from them for us today. (3) As I have thought about these texts this week I have come to the basic ideas outlined in my sermon title: God Loves. God Provides. God’s Kingdom.
Now there are those persons who might tell me that I am stretching it to find the message that God Loves in the Book of Hosea. I am not, but it is true that this prophetic book is one that recounts the tresspasses that led to the exile of the Northern Kingdom of ancient Israel, and it was not pretty. Much like, Fosdick, Hosea was a prophet trying to make sense of his world. For Hosea, the world he came into was one in which God had made promises to love and care for, to prosper the people, of Israel. But the rules changed. Hosea found himself in a time in which numerous Kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel were assassinated; a time in which political and military alliances were being made with Assyria–an oppressor of the Kingdom Israel at the expense of traditional allies. It really did not make a lot of sense… Hosea and his people found themselves in a world of change, a world in which exile would arrive. Theologically speaking, the people of the Northern Kingdom had turned their attention away from their covenant with God and the aspects of their lives that defined their society, and focused their attentions on chasing the political powers and material wealth that kingdoms outside Israel might provide. The Northern Kingdom had shifted their focus from the values of covenant to placing ultimate meaning on material gains and wealth and the prophetic record is clear they paid for their focus on materialism and wealth with exile. Which way are choosing in our own day?
The Book of Hosea is a book of prophecy so it is not all doom and gloom…there is hope. Hosea’s doom and gloom, however, are a warning about the downfalls that await a society that strays from right relationship with God. For right relationship with God that is at the very heart of prophetic messages. For Hosea, the hope for restored right relationship lies in the history of God’s love, care, and historical provisions for the people of God’s covenant. It is this hope in God’s love for God’s people that rings through our passage for this morning.
Our passage from Hosea this morning portrays God’s love for the people by recounting the God’s acts of providing for the people of Israel. Hosea recounts the Exodus quoting God as saying “When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11: 1-11). Then the prophetic narrative goes on to portray God telling the story of God’s presence in the life of the Northern Kingdom “It was I who taught Ephraim to walk…I led them with cords of human kindness with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks.” (Hosea 11: 3-4) This is not a God far off but a God who is intimately involved in the life of the people. It may even be that the reference to Ephraim is a reassurance to the people of the North Kingdom, as their first King Jeroboam was from the house of Ephraim. (4) The metaphors used to portray God’s acts of love toward the people are ones we would expect to find in reference to a loving parent.
(Feminist scholars would note that it is significant that the metaphors for God in this passage of Hosea refer to the love either a father or mother would give a child. It is significant because the rest of the Book of Hosea is often very harsh towards women. Thus to portray God’s love and protection in gender neutral way here of all places is such a rarity of the prophet it must be paid attention to as carrying another layer of meaning. (5) We shall, however, leave the feminist treatment of Hosea for another day.)
Our passage from Hosea concludes with God providing for the people to return from exile to their own homes, once right relationship with God is reestablished.
Perhaps Harry Emerson Fosdick would ask us, at this juncture, how we maintain our right relationship with God? How do we balance our need to live in society, exist on the material level, and maintain relationship with God in light of our hope for the coming of God’s Kingdom? How indeed do we find the wisdom & courage “for the facing of this hour”? (6)
As Christians, we look to the gospel for guidance and wisdom in how to maintain right relationship with God. The gospel lesson the lectionary presents us with today, verses 1-11, are those that deal with the distribution of wealth and the accumulation of goods. However, if we read further in the text we learn that it is not enough to just note that Jesus refused to address the just distribution of wealth, when he refused to address the man’s concerns about inherited possessions. It is not enough to note that Jesus warns those who hoard material goods that God will make a mockery of material hoarding, when God comes like a thief in the night to call us from this life (Luke 12: 20). Whereas Hosea was concerned with the national or corporate pitfalls of striving for power and wealth; the Gospel speak to us of our individual drives for power and wealth.
The parable alone is not enough,to understand the Jesus meaning. It is Jesus’ commentary to his disciples after the parable if the rich fool, in verses 12-31, that teach the spiritual values if the Kingdom of God that Jesus trying to impart to those he had chosen to spread his message. In the verses following the parable, Jesus’ teaching to the disciples makes it clear that he does not address the man’s concern about the division of inherited goods not because Jesus is disinterested in the division of material goods, but because it is the wrong concern to focus on. Jesus affirms at the end of this speech that God knows we need the materials necessities of life (Luke 12: 30). Jesus’s point is that all those material things are not only not the point and goal of living but can actually get in the way of our right relationship with God.
Jesus’s teaching to the disciples in verses 12-31 speak directly to the the value of human worth and value of human life. Here Jesus reminds the disciples that the birds do not work; they behave as expected of birds. The parallel for us seems to be that we are to be concerned less with doing work, but in being human. Similarly Jesus teaches the disciples that we are valuable to God just because we are who we are, not because of the things we do. Jesus teaches that the value of the lilies is in the inherent beauty of their nature, which far surpasses what can be accomplished by human hands. Jesus attempts to teach the disciples that we are human beings, and not human doings.
This is not an easy teaching. I often wonder if the disciples grew to understand this teaching. I often wonder if we understand it today.
As a hospice chaplain I often interact with persons facing depression, not so much because they facing the end of their lives, but because they no longer are able to do the things they once did or fulfil their roles as they once did. You see in our contemporary individualistic society we tend to place ultimate value on doing and providing for one’s self, and that is how we judge human worth. So when people can no longer do for themselves they face a crisis of meaning, which I tend to think of a crisis of being. At the root it is a crisis caused by being human and vulnerable. In these situations I often find myself coming to this scripture about the lilies. You see we have worth because we are living, because we are in relationship with God; not because of what we may do or accumulate. It is hard thing, in our society, to comprehend that our worth rests in something we have no control over at all, its all ”God of Grace”.
I was at our recent Synod in Long Beach. And while I am one of the first people to get excited about the theological implications of a God who is still speaking, I heard this so ad nauseum that I started thinking….about the the still speaking God…About myself as a person who started life with profound speech impediment…There are so many ways to communicate, why would God need always to speak? I started thinking about the persons with whom I minister: those who are dying, those who struggle with worth; then I thought of those who never spoke and those whom can no longer speak. How does a still speaking God speak to them? I recalled, in that convention hall so full of speeches, how profound it is to sit in silence, to try to be rather than do, and I knew that simply being is way of living I have yet to understand much less to master. And I then thought..what about the God who can not speak?
The “speaking” of God and human beings is our covenant or relationship. Given that we live with a “God of Change and God of Glory”, how do we interpret the prophetic text from Hosea and Jesus’ parable about the rich fool and Jesus’ lillies in light of our own experiences? Like Hosea and his people, like the farmer with full barns, we too are called by our covenant with God to be God’s people so fully concerned with the importance of human personality that our focus remains right relationship with God. (7) What do we do with that call? What would Harry Emerson Fosdick, have me say?
It occurs to me that what I might say is this: What if God is still loving, and God is still providing, but we are so concerned with wall street and the dow, with NASDAQ and the unemployment rate, with behaving as the superpower and keeping “other” people where they “belong”…What if we are missing our call to live into God’s Kingdom? What if God can no longer speak, because in our experiences we have become so consumed with the idols and of modern life that we are no longer listening?
(1) Macquire, John. Twentieth Century Religious Thought. (Trinity Press: Harrisburg, 2001) 189.
(3) Play on a quote famous in the UCC, from a sermon Robinson wrote to a congregation upon reaching the new world.
(4) From “Ephraim” at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim, accessed August 3, 2013.
(5) Yee, Gale. “Hosea” in the Women’s Bible Commentary (Louisville: John Knox, 1992) 200.
(6) Harry Emerson Fosdick, “God of Grace and God of Glory”, as printed in Hymnal of the United Church of Christ. (Philadelphia: United Church Press, 1974).
(7) See commentary by Moore, Rickie in Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible (San Francisco: Harper Collins, 2005) 1273-1274.


Rite of Ordination - 18 May 2013
**** GALLERY IS A WORK IN PROGRESS CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES ****
On this very special day, after many months of arduous study, family and friends gathered together at the "Baltimore Basilica", to bear witness and celebrate the "Ordination of the Sacred Order of Deacon", bestowed upon "Candidate" Joseph Langan. The "Ordination to the "Sacred Order of Deacon was officiated by the most reverened "William E. Lori Archbishop Baltimore". Each Candidate throughout their course of study leading up to the "Rite of Ordination" is assigned a "Sponsor". This person made the event even more special, that being "Reverened Monsignor Arthur Valenzano" who has known and been involved with the life of "Deacon Joseph Langan" since he was a baby, who presented the "Diaconal stole and Dalmatic" for the first time as his sponsor. Congratulations to "Deacon Joseph Langan" and his future endeavors of service to the parishioners of the Roman Catholic Church. For those of you who were not fortunate enough with being able to attend this wonderful ceremony, enjoy!
Archbishop of BaltimoreBaltimore BasilicaBaltimore CityBaltimoreBasilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryBasilicaBlood of ChristBody of ChristCandidateChurchDalmaticDeaconDiaconal StoleEucharistic PrayerFatherFellowshipHoly CommunionHoly MaryHoly SpiritHomilyLaying on of HandsLitany of the SaintsLiturgy of the EucharistLiturgy of the WordMarylandOrdination to the Sacred Order of DeaconParishParishionersPrayer of OrdinationPrayerPriestProstration of the CandidatesReligious EventRite of OrdinationRoman Catholic ChurchSponsorWorshipbabybluesproductionsbillymcgeephotographywww.babybluesproductions.com


The letter of James is often viewed variously as a set of disjointed instructions to individuals, a call to "faith perfected through works," an impetus for social action. It may even be misunderstood as an embarrassment to Paul's "justification by faith" doctrine. Martin Luther, for example, called it an “epistle of straw.” Today, scholars recognize James as a “witness to the beauty and diversity of the early Christian movement.” In this six-week study we will explore the major themes in James, rich and poor, faith and works, speech and the tongue, enduring testing and wisdom. James is a warning against human “double-mindedness” and a call to Christian “perfection,” a spirituality of perfection in Jesus Christ. Exegesis and Lectio Divina will be used to illuminate the letter's direction for us living in twenty-first century Christian communities.


By: David J. Swandt, Founder and President - Twenty20 Faith
CELEBRATION OF NATIONS 2023!
On Saturday May 20, 2023, Twenty20 Faith hosted its second Annual Dinner Banquet - "CELEBRATION OF NATIONS 2023!" - at the beautiful Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Round Rock, TX.
It was an extraordinary evening filled with joy and inspiration as we celebrated the world-wide impact God continues to author through the ministry of Twenty20 Faith. And through the tireless efforts of all involved, a host of amazing memories were made. Together, we enjoyed great food, connecting with friends - old and new, and gave God honor and praise for all He's done and will continue to do.
We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our donors and partners - through your extraordinary generosity, we raised $41,795 to advance the mission of Twenty20 Faith around the world. We are humbled and grateful for all you do.
As part of your generous giving, we received 8 new language sponsorships, and over the course of the next several months, we'll be launching:
(One language still to be determined by sponsor)
THANK YOU to all for your generosity! May God bless you beyond measure.
OPENING CEREMONY WAS SPECTACULAR!
The Opening Flag Ceremony set the tone to the entire evening. THANK YOU to Rebecca Swandt and the incredible students from Regents School of Austin, and schools of Georgetown, TX and Azle, TX for making this such a special and engaging experience for all of our guests! You were flawless and amazing!
THANK YOU TO OUR GUEST SPEAKERS!
Shea and Melissa Houdmann - we welcomed Melissa and Shea Houdmann - Founder and President of GotQuestions Ministries and GotQuestions.org. Shea gave an inspiring presentation of the extraordinary ways God is using GotQuestions.org all around the world to minister to many millions of people each and every month, and how GotQuestions and Twenty20 Faith are working closely together.
Pastor Piet and Carol Van Waarde gave a "Great Commission"-focused opening prayer for dinner that was so fitting to our evening, and honoring to the wonderful things God is doing through Twenty20 Faith.
Pastors Sam and Kelly Mata inspired us with encouraging words of faith with an uplifting benediction, compelling each of us to take the special ways God has blessed our evening with us as we look forward to all that God has planned for each of us.
Ron and Katie Brigmon of Ron Brigmon Ministries gave us a powerful devotional and prayer time with the banquet leadership team before our evening got started. Ron's words and prayer were anointed with God's presence - filled with scriptures throughout as only Ron can do - and set us on our way for the evening.
You helped make our evening so very special. We thank you all.
WE ANNOUNCED OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP
For the first time publicly, we announced our new partnership with Gotquestions, providing our evangelism and discipleship program / devotionals to Gotquestions.org visitors who have recently made a decision to follow Christ, or are giving serious consideration to do so. As of the banquet event, we have 10 languages live, and are aiming to have our full language set available by end of year.
We are truly humbled and honored by what God has brought together.
Our partnership with YouVersion continues in strength, and now with the combined partnership of these two top tier digital ministries, there is enormous opportunity to further advance the mission of Twenty20 Faith - "Helping people build lasting clarity and a lifetime of growth in their walk with God."
together we celebrated!
We shared through a variety of means the impact that God has authored through Twenty20 Faith over these past 5+ years. You learned about our future plans to expand our discipleship ministry to involve multi-lingual 1x1 engagement of our constituents across digital platforms with trained ministers through formalizing our Engage Pillar of ministry.
And we shared the exciting news of our new partnership with GotQuestions.org, and how this fits perfectly into our nearer and longer-term ministry strategy as we continue to prayerfully pursue God's perfect plan for Twenty20 Faith.
THANK YOU to all for joining us, and to the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Round Rock, TX for helping to make this such a wonderful evening.
And we give a special "Thank You" to Jonathan Owen and Tier One Creative from Colorado Springs for their outstanding work capturing our evening so vividly with their excellent professional photography.
learn more about TWENTY20 FAITH
62% of those in attendance at Celebration of Nations 2023! were first time attenders of our banquet. While some are already familiar with our history and all that the ministry does today around the world, many were being introduced to Twenty20 Faith for the very first time.
We welcome you and invite you to engage these resources to learn more!
OUR IMPROBABLE JOURNEY OF MIRACLES:
Join Piet Van Waarde on his Sidewalk Conversations Podcast as he interviews the Founder and President of Twenty20 Faith - David Swandt.
They explore David's mid-life change from the marketplace to ministry and discuss the highs/lows of that transition, as well as God's extraordinary provision all along the way.
For more information, or to support Piet's work, visit PietVanWaarde.com
TWENTY20 FAITH - TODAY AND BEYOND:
Join David, Joanne and others in this video as they share about Twenty20 Faith's ministry around the world today, and the vision we believe God has placed in our hearts looking to the future. We know you'll be inspired and blessed to learn more about all God is doing through the ministry of Twenty20 Faith.
READ AND SHARE OUR DEVOTIONALS AT NO COST
Download, read and share the devotionals that God is using to impact so many around the world in either the YouVersion Bible App or via mobile friendly PDF downloads.
We make these available at no cost to those we minister to.
Visit our download page: HERE
We hope you will be encouraged and blessed by them. THANK YOU!
Twenty20 Faith, Inc. is a 501c3 Tax Exempt Organization, and is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum Level Charity - their highest rating.
Donations made to Twenty20 Faith, Inc. are tax deductible within the limits of the IRS Code.


THE GENESIS OF GENESIS
In the beginning, Genesis was Genesis Weddings & Events. With 30+ years combined professional c-suite level experience developed in a variety of expertise (pastoral, human resources, community affairs, and health administration management), the partners, by demand, expanded their offerings to clients.
As Genesis plans events, they are not just events for the sake of events. But, we specialize in events that make personal and community impact – whether it is a small wedding, community informational luncheon, multi-day conference, sporting event, or banquet-style non-profit fundraiser, Genesis infuses creativity, excellence, and organization into the experience to ensure that it is right from the beginning. Through our relationships with our clients, we have seen where we can provide additional consulting services. Genesis helps churches, non-profits, and for-profit clients find ways to increase their effectiveness through program evaluation, capacity building, and niche marketing strategies.
Genesis is also committed to making an impact in the community we serve through Financial Security Advocacy and Education. We conduct financial workshops on budgeting, saving, avoiding predatory lending, and other topics. We also work with non-profit organizations, grassroots leaders, and for-profit financial service providers to find legislation, products, and services that help “Everyday Joe and Janice” to meet their financial goals.
Partner/Chief Event Organizer
Why We Do…
“To make a difference, you have to do something different.” – Dallas Lenear
Genesis delights in the new. There are ways to accomplish a goal that have yet to be considered. Ingenuity inspires appreciation. Genesis brings creativity to all that we do.
When something is done in excellence, there are few questions left unanswered. Excellence inspires action. Excellence is a guiding principle in all of our work.
In the book of Genesis, all of Creation had a purpose and a place. This organization invited participation. Organization is a cornerstone of Genesis.


I should add that I transitioned later in life, when it is considerably more difficult to "pass" (whether one finds that important or not), and I still work in the same industry where hundreds of people knew me before, so it's not simply that others don't know.
Those who have been the least supportive include my children, my ex-spouse, and my former church family. I suppose that makes sense in some ways; those whom you care about the most, are those who are most able to hurt you, or to be hurt by you.
In what has been a terrible emotional blow just yesterday, I discovered after the fact that my youngest son who I love beyond words to express, age 22, recently married the same girlfriend who told me after she learned of my transition that she "never wanted my son to ever have anything to do with me ever again." I think it hurts most of all to realize how much pain he must feel toward me and my transition, that it felt necessary to completely exclude me from any knowledge of his wedding, and indeed from his life.
Perhaps one day this will change, but I have to let go of that hope for now, and move on with my life.
I am reminded of the story in the Bible of the prodigal son, and I completely understand the father who welcomed his returned son with even greater love and open arms than before he left.
Those of you who have been blessed to retain the love and acceptance of your families and loved ones, and I know some of you have, are blessed probably far more than you will ever realize. I encourage you to spend the rest of your life letting them know just how much you do appreciate them.


James A. Vassor and his team are truly amazing to work with. If you have a special event and are willing to pay for quality video work, he is the man to call.
The Gospel Sensations DVD Trailer of the upcoming dvd release showcasing the smooth and gifted talents of the Gospel Sensations of Greensboro, NC. featuring Ron Parker, Robert Marion, Brian Jeffries, Gary Davis and Steven Harrison.
The Gospel Sensations
Oct 23, 2012
Greetings Mr. Vassor:
I am very impressed with your work! Wish you the best in all your professional endeavors and keep allowing God to use you in your work.
Best Regards..Pastor E.L. Ricks.
Pastor E.L. Ricks


RevivalWe wholeheartedly believe that God has called the city of Bluefield to be a beacon of light to this region. For years, we have stood in the place of prayer and contended for revival in this city, and we will continue to fill the bowls of heaven with prayers for Bluefield until they tip, touching every soul in this region.
PresenceFather’s House is a diverse family of believer's intent on seeking the heart of God together. We believe that the presence of God is what moves hearts, transforms lives, and changes cities. No amount of smoke and lights, no program, and no set list will set a person free - only His presence.
WorshipWe desire pure, authentic worship that’s rooted in the love of the Father, not dictated by performance and the praise of man. Real worship opens our eyes to see God for who He really is. It’s undignified. It destroys our pride and puts the Lord in his rightful place. It’s unconcerned with the opinions of men and wholly devoted to pleasing the Father’s heart. That’s the kind of worship we long for!
NationsOur body is marked with a desire to see the nations come to know the beauty of Jesus. Not only do we participate in missions, but we give financial support regularly to advance the kingdom of God.
Humility & LoveOur congregation is marked with a desire for greater humility and greater love, always. These powerful virtues leak into every area of life. They keep our hearts tender to the things of God. They help keep us in unity with one another, and they cause us to burn with passion for the lost.
TeachingWe believe that sound, Biblical teaching is one of the keys to spiritual growth. Spiritual experience alone will not get you where you need to be - it must be paired with the foundation of the Word. Then growth happens. We can be like mighty oaks of righteousness, unshakeable and unmovable, when we’re rooted in the truth of the Word.
OutreachThis congregation is moved by the needs of our community, both spiritual and natural. We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth whether that means providing someone with a meal or buying a child’s school clothes.
UnityWe believe that all believers have a unique purpose that, when working in conjunction with one another, beautifully edifies the body of Christ. Ministry is not just for those who feel called to preach or worship; it’s for everyone. We are all called to serve in some way.
FamilyWe place high value on personal family just as much as corporate ministry and strive to create an atmosphere where family can flourish.
What We Believe.
We believe that God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He exists in three parts - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are saved and get to be with Him forever in eternity.
We believe that sin separates us from God and his purpose for our lives.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to be reconciled back to God. We are saved by His grace alone.
We believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God. It is inspired by God and without error.
We believe that the gifts of the spirit are for today.
We believe that all have a part to play in the body of Christ, not just the few who stand up front and minister. One body, many members.
We believe that Jesus is coming back again like He promised.
Doyle & Toni Bradford
Doyle Bradford along with his wife Toni, serve as elder and senior Pastors here at Father's House. Toni also serves as Worship Pastor for our worship team. Together they have a son Skyler, and two daughters, Brooke and Lexi. Doyle is an anointed speaker who has a heart for reformation, revival, and unity within the Body of Christ. He has a heart to raise up spiritual sons and daughters and send them out to build Gods Kingdom. He is passionate about the community of Bluefield and longs to see awakening come to this region.