|Coeur d’Abbayes allows you to discover the restored interior and the history
of the abbey. Three important stages highlight your tour. In the cloister, you will discover the spatial and temporal organisation of the abbey. This leads to the Chapter house where you will be reminded of the virtues of the Benedictine Order. Temporary artistic exhibitions are presented throughout the year in the Gothic refectory. On the first floor, you will discover the long and enthralling history of
the abbey and of the city: the foundation by Saint Philibert, the Viking invasions, the particular statute granted to the abbey, the work of Louise de l’Hospital…
The visit ends in a presentation of the architecture of the Norman abbeys and by an audio-visual invitation to discover how the light is used to the greatest advantage.
Enjoy your visit!
|The visit of the abbey enables you to discover how the city developed around and alongside the abbey over the centuries. This pleasant tour with sixteen stops is a different way to appreciate the heart of the city of Montivilliers. Each stop is signalled by a red, grey or ivory panel. Very different kinds of themes are covered at each stop with a short text and images. Audio-guided commentaries enable you to systematically learn more. Your route is signalled by arrows between each stop. The map on the back serves as an additional reference for you. The average duration of the walking tour is 45 minutes. It can of course be shortened or lengthened according to your pace.
The audio-guide should be returned to the reception when you have finished your tour.
Enjoy your walk!


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A prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany told attendees of the German Protestant Church Congress on Sunday that “God is queer,” and warned them that they are the “Last Generation,” in reference to the radical environmental group.
In the final sermon of the event in Nuremberg, Quinton Ceasar used the opportunity to reel off a number of radical left ideological statements regarding mass migration, the promotion of LGBT policies, and the defense of the Black Lives Matter movement.
In front of a crowd of 20,000 people, the preacher said, “We are all the Last Generation. Now is the time to say Black lives always matter. Now is the time to say that God is queer.”
In reference to the ongoing migration crisis at Europe’s borders, the pastor called for greater assistance for economic migrants heading to the continent in small boats, primarily across the Mediterranean.
“We leave no one to die. We send a ship (to refugees) and much more. We welcome people with safe harbor,” he told the crowd.
He called for “safe spaces for all” and urged people of “privilege” to use this “for more justice,” saying, “We can be allies for each other. We are here. There are also many of us, and we’ll never be quiet again.”
Welcome to the new religion. pic.twitter.com/1UoCr67um7
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 12, 2023
The conflation of LGBT ideology with a longstanding religion that for centuries has opposed homosexuality sparked outrage among conservative commentators and members of the public alike.
Jürgen Braun, an MP for the rising Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, called the pastor a “sad, stupid joke” and lamented the demise of the religious institution Caesar is associated with. He said the pastor’s “God is queer” remark “used to simply be called blasphemy.”
During the interview, the interviewer opened by stating: “Almost 5 million members have turned their backs on the Protestant Church in the last 20 years and the number is growing every day. In addition to the exaggerated rainbow and LGBTQ propaganda, the church has recently openly expressed solidarity with the radical climate stickers of the Last Generation.” She then asked Braun what is behind the development.
Am Sonntag ging in Nürnberg der #Kirchentag zu Ende. In der Abschluss-Predigt verkündete Pastor Quinton Ceasar: „Gott ist queer!“ und „Wir sind alle die letzte Generation!“— AfD-Fraktion im Deutschen Bundestag 🇩🇪 (@AfDimBundestag) June 12, 2023
Die Evangelische Kirche hat sich vollkommen vom christlichen Glauben entfernt. Im Interview findet unser… pic.twitter.com/g1SbSTKdqk
Braun accused the Protestants of being “un-Christian,” and claimed that “Christianity is typically pushed into the background” in favor of “substitute religious cult acts, climate mania, worship of certain other forms of life outside of marriage.”
He added that the Protestant Church has had a long history of sympathy for radical politics.
For decades, parts of the Protestant Church have had sympathies for radical left-wing violent criminals. For many decades, the Baader-Meinhof group (of the Red Army Faction terror faction) has been played down. As early as the 1970s, sympathies for terrorists were nurtured in the rooms of the Protestant student community. It’s an unholy tradition that continues here. Just as the German Christians in the Third Reich played down or supported the rule of National Socialism. Similarly, today it is about supporting the ideology, the dangerous green-left ideology of the Green Party, instead of spreading the Christian faith.
Others took to social media to express their outrage at the statements.
“This church convention was the best, no, the very best advertisement to leave the church NOW at the latest. It’s unbelievable what rubbish they spout,” wrote one user.
Dr. David Berger, a German theologian, author and gay activist, was equally scathing. “Having long since become godless, they no longer have any problems with such blasphemous statements,” he tweeted.
Julian Reichelt, the former chairman of the editors-in-chief and editor-in-chief digital of Bild, Germany’s largest tabloid newspaper, wrote: “Now is the time to cling to the liberating love of Jesus.”
The Lutheran Church has recently delved further into the realm of left-wing politics, embracing woke issues and full-on campaigning on mass migration. The institution has financed the operations of NGO humanitarian vessels located in the Mediterranean, taxiing economic migrants to Europe.
Its political folly has come at a price, however, with a mass exodus of members recorded in recent times. Last year alone, its membership was down by over 400,000 as members voted with their feet to express their disillusionment with the institution’s trajectory.
The Great Awakening: Defeating the Globalists and Launching the Next Great Renaissance - by Alex Jones - Infowars.com


Infamous Fetish Priestess, The great Nana Agradaa says she is now a born-again Christian after her recent brush with the law. She now calls herself Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng
Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, shared how she met and gave her life to Christ. According to the Fetish Priestess, she began her repentance journey on the 29th of February 2021 when she got baptized. After practicing idolatry for 20 years, she has finally decided to give her life to Christ.
he said this move was initiated by her husband, Pastor Oduro Koranteng, with the help of their Spiritual Father, Pastor Joseph Kyre, who welcomed her into the fold.
Speaking at the press conference, Nana Agradaa said she was warned about spiritual and physical attacks if she decides to leave idol worship to Christianity. So she wasn’t surprised when she had issues with the law and jail for some time. She considered all those developments as part of her trials as a new Christian.
Nana Agradaa said she had an encounter with God whilst in jail. She said she promised God to change if she came out of her jail mess. So she is honoring her promise and has become a full-fledged Christian.


Mercy Missions is a life-affirming, & anti-racist organization that uses non-carceral solutions in the struggle towards our collective liberation which is the freedom to thrive in safe & sustainable communities from conception to natural death.
The criminalization of poverty is a direct attack on the Gospel of Life which leads to broken families and abortion strongholds. Mercy Missions believes that by actively demonstrating God’s love through the practices of transformative and redemptive justice, community level interventions and racial reconciliation we can permanently disrupt this cycle of violence.
Our areas of focus address the direct attacks against the Gospel of Life. These pervasive strongholds create abortion vulnerable communities which in turn leads to violence, death and generational pain. By disrupting this cycle of death, Mercy Missions hopes to create a culture where healed people heal people instead of hurt people hurt people.
> High Maternal Mortality Rates
> Food Deserts and Limited Resources
> Housing Insecurity and Houselessness
> The Criminalization of Poverty
> Reliance on Carceral Solutions
MERCY MISSIONS FULL-TIME TEAM
Unashamedly pro-life, Lauren confronts the culture of death head on! Since becoming Christian, Lauren has learned of the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. When not engaging in Servant Evangelization you'll find her in front the local abortion center; boldly living out the command in Proverbs 24:11-12.
Since becoming a born-again Christian, Emma has been committed to showing God’s grace to all through her actions. She is especially passionate about ministering to underprivileged children and helping women in crises such as unplanned pregnancies, post-abortion trauma, and abusive situations. As we’re called in 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Emma hopes to be able to bring comfort to those in suffering, as Christ did for her.


Examples 1 — Jesus Demonstration
When Jesus told the prodigal son parable he was on his way to Jerusalem where he will be crucified. Now Jesus is in Jerusalem, where he demonstrates unexpected, costly love.
A lady caught in the act of adultery is taken to Jesus to test him, (John 8: 1 - 11). The Pharisees look to discredit Jesus and stone the lady. Further they have the law on their side—given to Moses by God—which commands that adulterers’ must be stoned to death.
So how does Jesus love the “good” and the “bad?” If he sides with the lady, he will invalidate Moses and the law. If, on the contrary, he sides with the Pharisees, his message of grace will be invalidated.
Jesus loves the Pharisees by not saying that they are wrong but by asking them to examine themselves before condemning the lady. This act of kindness not only has the potential to save the lady but also the Pharisees themselves. Jesus wants to awaken in these powerful men a sense of guilt so that they can be receptive to grace.
Jesus demonstrates unexpected, costly love to the lady as well. Unlike the powerful Pharisees, this lady is crushed by the judgment of those around her as well as by herself. She is silent because she is guilty. Jesus did not need to awaken guilt in her. She condemns herself. The law is clear. Incredibly though, Jesus visibly shifts the anger of the crowd from the lady to himself. He restores her and sets her on a new path.
As with number of Jesus' parables, the ending is deliberately missing. How will the ending be written for each Pharisees? For the lady? For you? Even an all powerful God can't force someone to love. What God did, however, is demonstrate with the most costly love how he loves us. Without this costly demostration of unexpected love, we would not see this love. We are blinded by our focus on measuring our “goodness” and “badness” within are selves. We think that our "goodness" will free us. Rather, abiding in Jesus is what frees us.


UT ABOUT US
The Unorthodox Temple. The untemple for the unafraid. It’s here FOR YOU!
If you love someone, it is extremely difficult not to show it or let them know it. One of the big problems we have is showing or telling our family and friends. Many of them just don’t want to hear of your Christian love. They can’t understand the principle involved. So you try to perceive the right times to bring things up and use good judgment in your presentations. The Unorthodox Temple offers us a second way to show and tell love. The benefit is we can now share our love with more than just family and friends.
In our desperation to suggest spiritual answers, the Unorthodox temple dares to make use of speculation and even imagination. We don’t think it’s wrong to guess either. Sometimes we may even find ourselves in controversy over what the church forefathers have held for two-thousand years. That doesn’t deter us from pressing, poking, and probing the issues.
We are NOT here just to denigrate conventional Christian views , convert non-Christians, or promote our own denomination. We ARE here to join with you to solve THE big problem every Christian faces – 150,000 people die EVERY… SINGLE… DAY! Between us, let’s highlight ways we might reach the 150,000 today, who won’t be here tomorrow. Let’s highlight more ways to reach more people! Please accept the mission. It is urgent!


I have had many reasons in my life to “walk straight.” I was raised in a Charismatic Catholic household and was heavily involved with all aspects of religion for the first 35 years of my life. In my performance jobs it was vitally important for me to appear straight at all times. I went through therapy for many years to try to turn straight. Promises were made to me by everyone convincing me I could be straight and have an amazingly abundant earthly life. “Almost walking a straight line” shows how all of this backfired. I unintentionally put the rules of the church to the test and they all failed. Come share my experience and let’s laugh and help educate people on the truth.


Made without a script and under the influence of LSD, director Philippe Garrel’s parable about Jesus is set in modern times and conveyed in an episodic and nonlinear narrative. Shot in the aftermath of the uprisings of May 1968, the film reverberates with the rebellious spirit of that period.
Pierre Clementi plays a Christ reluctant to assume his earthly mission, while the Virgin Mary (Zouzou, doubly cast as Mary Magdalene) attempts to reconcile him with his duty.
The film features music by Nico, Garrel's muse, and his Zanzibar band, Les Jeunes Rebelles.
DVD9 | PAL 16:9 | 01:35:04 | 6.51 Gb + 3% rec
Subtitles: English, Deutsch, Espanol, Italiano
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Director: Philippe Garrel
Cast: Zouzou, Pierre Clementi, Tina Aumont, Philippe Garrel
↓ Download movie...


Way back in the day, about twenty years ago, this crazy—and shall we say naïve—youth minister named Scott from York, Pennsylvania had a crazy idea.
Scott said, “you know” (he says that a lot), “it seems to me that these young people come back from the Steubenville Summer Conference, mission trip or work camp all fired up and around October or November the fire is running low on fuel for some of the crew. You know, maybe we should just have us a little one day thing where we do some singing and praising, talk about Jesus and give the young folks some much needed FUEL for the FIRE.”
So the first year about 200 folks showed up to Scott’s parish, St. Joseph’s in York, PA and sang songs of praise, worshipped the Lord, ate pizza, listened to speakers and had a pretty cool Mass with some awesome Franciscan priests. Way to go Scott!
Then the next year Scott says, “you know, maybe some more people from other places might want to come.” So he invited them. Four hundred showed up. Wow, way to go Scott! He invited a big name celebrity from Catholic Answers, Jason Evert, and at that time Martin Doman was working at the parish doing music, so Year Two was a great big hit.
Then he really started to get a big head. Not really. What really happened is that Scott in humility realized that FTF was a great idea and that the Holy Spirit was guiding it into a day of conversion and renewal for many young people and adults. Scott joined his two friends Tom and Art at the Catholic Youth Ministry Group to begin to pray about what God wanted to do with Fan The Fire®. After much prayer the decision was that we would be open to taking Fan The Fire® on the road if it was God’s will. We made no attempt to promote new locations for FTF, but God has truly blessed this effort with a FTF event in Philadelphia that lasted for four years and in August of 2006 FTF CT was born! And now, FTF in York, PA, continues to draw over 700 people each year.
We now listen to Scott (most of the time). He has great ideas.
Join us for this great idea and be a part of a Fan the Fire® near you!


Jesus calls upon us to love and serve one another and to spread the "Good News" so that all may know the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ.
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" Proverbs 3:9. You can give online to Concordia Lutheran Church via an easy, fast, and secure method.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Each of us have been given talents from the Lord. There are opportunities to volunteer to put them into action and serve God including assisting in Fellowship programming, Music, Vacation Bible School, and more.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are many opportunities to assist our neighbor as well as specific missions within the church. Consider reviewing the opportunities and assisting an area you are passionate about.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND SUPPORT
Concordia ministers to the spiritual and physical needs of its members and others in the community through a variety of special programs and events throughout the year. Included are activities such as a Monthly Food Bank Drive, Allentown Rescue Mission clothing and water donations, Concordia Cares with Meals, Boy Scout Troop #431, Vacation Bible School, Jesus Jamboree and the Holiday Crafts Bazaar.
Concordia provides financial and spiritual support for various ministries such as Adopt a Seminarian and through a partnership with Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries, an urban ministry focused on bringing the Gospel to the homeless and those in need in the inner city.


Q. So who is the job of evangelism meant for? The evangelist of course!! Right? I mean, who else was Jesus talking to in Mar 16:15 when He said “Go into the world and preach the gospel to everyone.” Obviously it was to His disciples, the upcoming evangelists.
A. Yes, and in Matt 28:19 He also says “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” He told His disciples to make other disciples(evangelists) just as He had made them, meaning if the disciples of Jesus are evangelists, then you & I, once born again have become evangelists. We are also to go and make other disciples who will become evangelists as well. Every born again Christian is an evangelist. Apostle Paul in 1Cor 11:1-2 told his disciples to imitate him as he imitates Jesus. Jesus preached, Paul preached, so you & I must preach.
Q. Ok but can’t I minister and touch other lives just by living holy and letting the conduct of my life be an example to the unsaved? After all, the Word of God says in Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” After all, actions do speak louder than words, don’t they?
A. Yes, very true and the bible goes further to say in Rom 10:13-14 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” There are certain things that cannot substitute for words. A lot of people won’t receive your Jesus unless you speak to them. The most likely reason you are born again is because someone preached to you. You must do likewise.
Q. But I am too young for this evangelism thing. Shouldn’t I wait till I’m much older and I have much more time on my hands?
A. Nobody is ever too young. If you are old enough to be born again, then you are old enough to evangelize. Jeremiah also complained to God about his age but God told him not to Jer 1:6-8. God who instructed you to evangelize knows you have all it takes to do just that.
Q. I don’t think I can do it. How will they respond to my words? What if they are not receptive to my evangelism? What if they think I’m “holi-holi” or “S.U.”
A. It is not your evangelism. It is God’s. If they reject you, they reject God. You do your part by evangelizing. Leave the rest to God. If you are ashamed to evangelize here on earth, Jesus will be ashamed of you in front of God Luke 12:8-9, 2Tim 2:12.
Q. But I don’t know what to say. How do I approach a stranger and just start preaching?
A. Leave the things you are to say in hands of God. Prepare for evangelism by studying God’s word continuously 2Tim 2:15. Don’t worry about the things you are to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11
Q. What are the benefits of evangelism anyway? What’s in it for me?
A. When you work for God, He works for you. He blesses you according to your works Rom 2:6-7. You receive the power to cast out demons, heal the sick, speak in tongues, save the unsaved and you obtain a body system immune to poison Mar 16:17-18. You also gain dominion over demons, authority over all the powers of your enemies and your name gets written in heaven Luke 10:17,19-20.
Everyone needs to know about God’s love for us. That’s what evangelism is all about.
Evangelism is: letting everyone know about “The love of God for all mankind.” For what greater love is there, than for a man to die for his friends? John 15:13
Before you preach to anyone, you must approach the person in love. You must be able to express God’s love but there is no way you can express God’s love except by loving the person sincerely 1John 4:20. As a disciple/evangelist, we must love others, as Jesus loves us John 13:34-35.
You are privileged to be named among the saved, the chosen, the enlightened, the blessed, the champions. You need to give others the opportunity to enjoy what you enjoy. Therefore, go and populate the kingdom of heaven and as you do, may God lead you by His Spirit In Jesus Name. Rom 8:14
P.S.(To the unsaved) There is no sin that is unforgivable. God, in His infinite mercies is capable of forgiving every sin, little or big, old or new. But He can do this only when the sinner admits his wrongs and asks for God’s forgiveness. By doing this and accepting Jesus as your Lord and savior and by living a life that is Holy unto God can you enjoy the blessings of God on earth and make heaven. Join us, the CHAMPIONS in this remarkable journey Matt 7:24-25.


Parochial Administrator - In Residence:
- FATHER THOMAS MADDEN
Born: S. Weymouth, MA April, 5, 1955 Ordination Date: May, 23, 1982 St. Jude Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Florida Family: 5th of 10 children. Father Madden has 3 siblings and his parents that are deceased. He comes from a thrieving family that includes his baby sister's triplets. Education: Attended grade school at St. Patrick's in Largo, Clearwater Central Catholic High School, St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami, St. Vincent de Paul Theology Seminary in Boyton Beach, University of South Florida where he graduated with a Master's Degree in Divinity and Counselling. Special Interest: Florida hobbies - beach, shelling and seafood. Collection of Antique glass paperweights. He has a passion for Priestly ministry and a tender appreciation in walking people through death and dying situations.
- FATHER HENRY HEMMERLING
Born: Bergen County, New Jersey Ordination Date: May 28, 1966, By Bishop George Ahr at Saint Mary's Cathedral, Trenton, N.J. Special Interest: Preaching, Liturgy Hobbies: Travel, Swimming, Walking
- FATHER MICHAEL KOUTS


Christmas Weekend will be amazing and we want YOU to be a part of it! Sign up to serve and help welcome thousands of our friends and neighbors to Crossroads East Side! Services will be held on Saturday, December 22nd at 5:30pm, Sunday, December 23rd at 9am and 11am, and on Monday, December 24th at 11am and 1pm. Hope to see you there!
Sorry, there are not any shifts available online at this time.


Make plans to join us this summer on Sundays @ 10am as we go through the Psalms!
We will have special speakers each week covering all aspects of the Psalms. You won't want to miss it!
You can also listen online to the sermons by clicking here.
Speaker Schedule for Summer in the Psalms:
June 5: Mike Hollis
June 12: Keith Burden
June 19 (Father's Day): Jeff Caudill
June 26: Lazaro Riesgo
July 3: Allen Pointer
July 10: Robert Picirilli
July 17: Steve Lytle
July 24: Ron Callaway
July 31: Allen Pointer


Hi, Hello, Hola!
…..my name is Patricia but all my friends call me Patty, and I’d love if you did too.
I am a Michigan native, with a smokin’ hot husband. Together we have a sassy, loving corgi named Cinnamon. I like to think I am ordinary, but I know I am far from it, and you are too. People who share their soul have a place in my heart almost immediately. I appreciate rawness and I loathe small talk. My joy is found in the Lord, but other things that jazz up my life include: being barefoot, nature walks, a cup of coffee, and flowers.
Traveling and meeting new people keep my soul happy. It always amazes me that God has created such a beautiful world with extraordinary people in it. I only hope to see as many of those places and hold conversations with as many of those people (you reading this included)
I want to live my life knowing I gave my all. I want to use my talent until there in none more to give. I want to bless those who entrust me with their big celebrations and the little victories of life. But most of all my hope is to always leave knowing I enriched your life, whether you’re here looking for a photographer, or just browsing. I hope to have brought even an ounce of joy into your life.


At the centre of the event concept created for the Church was a genuine desire to do good from the heart.
A genuine desire to do good
At Woltti, we created an event concept that we decided to offer to the Church. At the centre of the concept was a genuine desire to do good from the heart. Besides the produced concrete moments of joy, the project also functions as a broader reminder of the good things the Church does and creates strong emotional bonds to the Church and community.
A tested concept put into use
A working group at the Church and the project participants have been truly excited about it. Now that the concept has been tested out and deemed to be good, we will start advancing it. Pay it forward!


The elementary students at Strong Rock meet in our puppet theater every Tuesday morning for chapel time. This is a non-denominational time of worship that is specifically designed to meet the attention span of elementary students. Students, teachers and administrators come together in this warm and fun atmosphere to experience worshiping God through music and studying God’s word.
Our highly trained staff use a variety of resources in our chapel time including puppets, short video clips, interactive games, student led worship, skits, songs with hand motions, praise music, and Power Points. Special guest speakers and musicians from churches in our community often are invited in to share God’s word. Another important aspect of chapel is that students learn to speak to God through prayer-time. By learning to seek God in our daily living, our school seeks to glorify God and impact our world for Jesus Christ – the Strong Rock.
Once a month our puppets perform a skit in our puppet theater tree. This is always a special treat for our students. The puppet skits are written especially to go along with our chapel themes that we are covering.
Tuesday’s Chapel Schedule:
8:30-8:50 – PK-3, PK-4, Kindergarten & 1st grade
8:55-9:25 – 2nd & 3rd grades
9:30-10:00 – 4th & 5th grades
August-October Message Series “Recipe for Success”
August 7- Judy Johnston- SRCS
August 14- Darryl Sanders – Sharon Baptist Church
August 21- Stephen Henry – Eagles Landing FBC
August 28 – Puppet Skit- Lindy Gregory -SRCS elementary principal
September 4 – Dawn Olender- SRCS elementary AP
Click here to watch video clip
September 11 – Bart Stone – Momentum Church
September 18- Peter Johnston – FBC Hampton


What is the most important aspect of maintaining and improving your health? Drink enough clean water. Learn how much you need.
In Ezekiel 37, we learn about the vision of the valley of dry bones - God's promise to restore Israel. Learn what the Old Covenant means for Israel and to New Covenant believers.
Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God's mercies are new every morning. Allow this message of hope to encourage you today and brighten tomorrow.
Learn about radical forgiveness and freedom in Christ made available in the New Covenant: Jeremiah 31.
In Jeremiah 18, God pictures His relationship with us as a potter with clay. His loving hands shape and mold us in ways that inspire hope and courage.


Linda Davis Shirlin went to be with her God and the love of her life, Thursday, July 4th, 2019 at Henderson Assisted Living. She was loved by all who knew her with her warm personality and quick wit. She loved animals, collecting dolls, and spoiling her grandchildren. She will be truly missed. She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Bernice Davis of Asheville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, David Lee Shirlin of Asheville; brother Sammy Davis; and her grandson, Kyle Shirlin of Hendersonville.
She leaves behind her daughter Kimberly Woody (Rick) of Hendersonville; and her son, Dave Shirlin (Karen) of West Jefferson. She also leaves behind her much loved grandchildren, Kate Cox of Arden, Lauren Reed of Alexander, Rachel Reed of Spartanburg, SC, Emma and Trey Shirlin of West Jefferson; and great grandchildren, Lilly and Jordan.
Our family would like to thank the special people at Home Helpers and Henderson Asst. Living for all the care and love they bestowed upon Linda in these last stages of Alzheimer's.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 13th, 2019 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville, NC. Visitation to begin at 11:00 am and services at 12:00 noon officiated by Rev. Ronnie Owens.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda (Davis) Shirlin, please visit our floral store.


Religious T-Shirts for Church
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Christian Faith and Congregation T-Shirts
In today's world, it's not easy to express your religious faith. With the wide variety of religious beliefs in today's society, you don't know how others will react to your belief in christianity. When you wear a cool message Christian T-Shirt, you don't have to say a thing. Your t-shirt will spread your christian message and love. 'God is your Copilot' and will lead you to your destiny. Now is the time to join with millions of other Christian evangelists who believe you can Change The World!


Our philosophy at First Step Preschool is to offer a high quality educational program in a Christian environment that is safe and exciting for a child to grow and develop. First, as teachers, we try to create a love for learning in all students. We hope this fosters a life-long desire to learn. We work towards the development of the whole child in all intellectual areas of growth including spiritual, mental, physical, social and emotional. First Step Preschool offers a curriculum that will get children ready for kindergarten.


On January 16, 2000 a small group of 21 believers met at the American Legion Building in King George, VA. At this meeting it was decided to form a new congregation called the Potomac Christian Fellowship. Services began on March 19, 2000 at the King George Citizen Center. On October 1, 2000 our group voted to constitute as a church, and on the 26th of November voted on the name Two Rivers Baptist Church. Meetings were moved to the Fairview Beach Fire Department Social Hall and it was there on February 18, 2001 that Two Rivers Baptist Church was established.
Two Rivers Baptist Church voted to begin the construction of a House of Worship on January 20, 2008. On the first Sunday in May of 2011 Two Rivers Baptist Church conducted its first worship service in its new facility located at 6420 Rokeby Lane. God is Good!
Our congregation has been blessed with three pastors who have faithfully served Our Lord and our membership. Rev. Bill Jeffcoat was with us at the very first service and served until his retirement on November 20, 2005. Rev. Scott Covington was called as our second pastor and began to serve in January 2006. A powerful speaker, Rev. Covington strengthened our congregation spiritually and numerically. Rev. Covington served us through August of 2007. Our current pastor, Rev. Peyton Wiltshire, began his pastorate on December 2, 2007 and continues to lead us toward God’s bright future!


Being a Saturday,i had to get up early,prepare and go to church (am an Adventist) to get the word of Life. And today,our pastor had a unique sermon.It was about if we really know our God. So this post is all about what our pastor presented today and i actually wrote it while in the church.
- He is welcoming.
God is a welcoming Father. No matter who you are, poor or rich, holy or theologically correct God invites us all.
“The lord is near to all who call on him to all who call on him in truth. ” Psalms 145:14.
- He is Forgiving.
We are all sinners. We all do things in our way instead of Gods way. And by that we sin. However, God is forgiving and will forgive us from the moment we allow him in us. To begin a relationship with him.
“We are made right in Gods sight when we trust in Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way no matter who we are or what we have done….. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. “Romans 3:22,25
- He is capable.
God is capable of everything. He is always 100%* right about everything. His wisdom unlimited. When we ask him everything and trust him He will never put you to shame. He knows everything and He is capable his motives are pure.
“No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame… ” Psalms 25:3.
- He is honest.
Everything God says about himself or about us is reliable. God is totally accurate and honest in what he says. In every promise and word, he means it.
“The unfolding of your words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple. Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. ” Psalms 119:130,150.
- He is faithful
- He is creative
- He is knowable


The Story of The Uprising
The Uprising is a GATHERING designed to FOSTER community among Christ followers, FACILITATE teaching, EQUIP leaders and FUEL a passion to RISE UP
The Uprising began in 2012 with over 140 volunteers, 30+ sponsors and partners and 1,200 attendees. The participating bands included the Matt Earle Band, Surge, Gifted Wings, Written in Red, Cleanzed Soul, Blank Pages, the Beautiful Refrain and Seventh Day Slumber. AC Green was the keynote speaker.
The chief purpose of the Uprising is to REACH and CONNECT.
It is our desire above all to reach those who do not have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, and connect with fellow believers in our region.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 Fore we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being apart of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.


Come Worship with Us
Sundays at 10am
St. John's Lutheran Church
Let Us Share With You
Every week at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran there is an opportunity to join with other followers of Jesus who are seeking to love and honour the Lord with their worship. Worship is a relaxed blend of contemporary and classic Christian songs and is accompanied by a variety of instruments.
Worship takes place on Sundays at 10 a.m. with the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion being celebrated twice a month. You are most welcome to join us here in the house of the Lord.
At St. John’s, the youth normally meet once a month. They may gather socially, just for fun, to take part in an activity or to work toward helping others. They are joyful and gracious to each other, welcoming and inclusive to all, and gracious followers of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Youth are encouraged to grow in their faith in God as they interact with each other, their families and the congregation.
Check out our calendar for their next meeting or give Pastor Michael a call.
Weekly Children’s Program
ChiPS (Children in Praise and Service) is our name for our Sunday School Program, an activity based opportunity for children to learn more about God. The program begins early in September and continues on through June the following year.
We welcome young children to join ChiPS and grow in their faith and relationship with God as they learn more about how to follow Jesus.
ChiPS takes place weekly beginning shortly after 10 a.m. as children are released from the worship service.
Easter Fool’s Day
This year Easter Sunday lands on April the 1st. This carries the hint of a few good jokes for this… Read More
A Blessed New Year
In Christian terms, it is the year of our Lord Jesus 2018. Of course, we realize today that Jesus was… Read More
Here in Summerland we have experienced a couple of excellent weeks of weather following a few days of early snowfall.… Read More
At Your Service
Colleen, Doug, Marilynn, Darlene, and Arlene serve at St. John’s on the Administrative Council. On this council they seek to guide the congregation in terms of policy and finances.
Donna and Brandi serve in the office as Administrative Assistants. You can leave a message for either of them by email or phone.
Pastor Michael Colbeck has been the pastor at St. John’s for nine years. He has served previously in both small towns and cities. He and his wife spent time at a Christian school in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where he both taught and served as chaplain.
Pastor Michael loves to lead worship and help others delve into the word and truth of God. Most of all he enjoys being with people and helping to them to grow as faithful, loving followers of Jesus.


Sunday, October 10, 2010
Arts: Love & Forgiveness show
Forgiveness, through the eyes of artists
Carnegie show to depict love, compassion
And the son said to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, I am not now worthy to be called thy son. And the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the first robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry: Because this my son was dead and is come to life again: he was lost and is found. —Luke 15: 21-24
Forgiveness, says David Reilly, director of the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Office of Christian Worship, “is a common theme among major religious traditions. Like the Golden Rule, it’s there among their basic principles.
“Even in secular society, it has a great deal of weight.”
So it seemed a natural subject for the diocese’s invitational show, “The Visual Art of Love & Forgiveness,” to run Aug. 22-Oct. 17 at the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Three Rivers.
Reilly recalls the diocese’s art-and-worship committee, when it first contemplated putting together a show, wondered, “How can we do something that appeals to people and engages them with the art work?” The committee also took into account “the awareness in the community of what the Fetzer Institute has been trying to do with” with its four-year-old Campaign for Love and Forgiveness.
So it adopted that theme as a way to “employ the visual arts to awaken (the public’s) religious imagination,” Reilly says.
Take the piece by Anne Labat-Gepert of Kalamazoo, one of the dozen artists whose work will be represented in the show. Titled “Forgiveness Brings New Life,” it is made of silk dupioni, “a shimmering silk that is created by weaving silk threads of two different colors into a weave that seems to change colors as the silk is moved around in different lights,” she wrote in her artist’s statement.
“The purple silk represents reconciliation, and the white silk represents new life. Darkness to light represents the movement from being separated from God to our union with God — thus, new life. The patchwork represents the many aspects of our lives joined together to form a whole.”
Anne Anson chose an as-yet-untitled stained-glass work to exhibit. She’d had a 22x15-inch piece of dark blue glass in her studio, uncertain how to use it, she recalls.
“Then one day I accidentally laid this mosaic flame in front of it,” she says. “It has orange and yellow and some red. It’s all pretty.
“The flame is in front of the darkness, lighting up the darkness. You can’t have peace unless you have a way of seeing what you’re doing.”
Or look at William Tye’s approximately 30x15x7-inch patinaed bronze sculpture, “Mother and Child.” It depicts a seated mother holding her baby and reflects unconditional forgiveness, the Kalamazoo sculptor says. “Children always need forgiveness,” he suggests.
Karla Tye’s 24x28-inch bronze work, “Giving Comfort,” also plays on the mother-child notion of unconditional love, but uses birds — one large bird, with its wings embracing a smaller bird, which in turn has its face pressed against its mother’s breast.
Forgiveness is “something we need to bring into our general lives, to try to forgive the people who’ve unintentionally hurt us,” adds Garrylee McCormick, whose 16x20-inch painting, “The Gethsemane Mother of Tenderness,” harkens to Russian orthodox iconography of the late 900s AD and the formulas of Byzantine art.
McCormick confesses a long-held “great devotion” to the Virgin Mary. He decided he wanted to explore icons when, as a Cistercian brother, he meet another member of that order of Catholic monks who’d taught himself how to paint them. McCormick since has studied the technique at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in St. Petersburg, Russia — the “last traditional icon studio,” he notes.
Traditional iconography uses only natural pigments, no manmade colors, McCormick explains. His work for the Carnegie Center show, using mostly red, gold and blue, follows tradition where practical — it employs 22-carat gold leaf in the halos, for example.
His piece, begun during a retreat last year, takes the word “tenderness” in its title because the faces of the mother and child touch — a symbolic pose in Russian iconography.
Nancy Stroupe also reaches back into history for her artistic modus operandi. “Transformation,” one of five pieces she submitted for consideration in the exhibit, shows the Black Madonna and Child, a recurrent image in medieval Europe, with birds rising from a row of marbleized cracked “cosmic” eggs. The birds symbolize a renewed spirit, the artist explains.
“There’s a healing potential in change and transformation,” Stroupe contends in discussing her art. “We’re often afraid of change. But that’s when we have the opportunity for new birth.”
All five pieces she submitted were done as collage and linocut — for linocut, similar to woodcutting, a design is cut into linoleum, then inked, and an image is printed from it.
Another of those submissions, “Heaven’s Gate,” features Buddha, “the embodiment of divine compassion,” she says.
“I’m interested in the interrelations of different paths and different traditions,” she notes. “I come out of the Christian tradition, but I love the path of Buddhism. Hinduism speaks to me.
“There’s validity in all the ways we try to find love in our lives, and forgiveness for the mistakes we make.”
The diocese’s Reilly concurs: “We didn’t try to pigeonhole (the show’s selections) into Catholicism or even into Christianity. (The art) speaks to people’s hearts as we live today ….
“Life is incomplete without the ability to grapple with forgiveness.”
12 apostles of art
Twelve artists will have their work represented — some 20 pieces in all — in “The Visual Art of Love & Forgiveness” at the Carnegie Center for the Arts, 107 N. Main St., Three Rivers, Aug. 22-Oct. 17.
The exhibition will be in the Monroe Museum, “a wonderful venue” with a “well-lit, two-story atrium” that once had been a bank lobby, says David Reilly, director of the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Office of Christian Worship, the show’s sponsor.
Opening reception will be 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22. Regular show hours will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays. Admission is free.
Check www.trcarnegie.com for directions.
Anne Anson — Richland, stained glass
Kim Dixon — Galesburg, fabric
Anne Labat-Gepert — Kalamazoo, fabric
Francis Granzotto — Three Rivers, ceramics
Garrylee McCormick — Kalamazoo, painting
Michael Northrop — Three Rivers, painting
Nancy Stroupe — Kalamazoo, linocut and collage
Susan Teague — Paw Paw, painting and drawing
Bill Tye — Kalamazoo, sculpture
Karla Tye — Kalamazoo, sculpture
Karen Vosburg — Climax, fabric
Jerry Westgerdes — Zanesville, Ohio, sculpture
Saints on show
“Saints were sinners who lived in the world and who made a change in how they lived their lives,” says David Reilly, director of the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Office of Christian Worship. “Love and forgiveness would have been basic virtues.”
So it seemed natural, he says, to include along with local artists’ work in “The Visual Art of Love & Forgiveness” a collection of Santos — colorful carvings of saints and other religious figures by New Mexican and Latin American artists, known as santeros and santeras — from the 18th to the 21st centuries.
The Santos tradition was introduced by Spanish priests in the 16th century as a means of spreading Christianity to the Native peoples, the diocese says.
The exhibit of more than a dozen statues, from the private collections of Francis and Toni Gross and Garrylee McCormick and John Hall, will be in the Carnegie Center’s Wong Gallery.


This is my most popular and most requested resource. These Advent Devotional To Go Boxes provide a way for churches to empower parents as spiritual leaders. It's a fun and simple way to help partner with families to help them grow spiritually together during Christmas time. Make your own Advent To Go Devotional Boxes to send home with all the families in your church. It's simple: each box will have 10 devotional cards and 10 objects. The objects go with the devotionals as a hands-on, tangible way for the kids to learn through the Scriptures and discussions as a family.
*Download does not include materials. But I do include links to order all the supplies online.
Each download comes with instructions to print off 10 devotional cards, instructions about where to buy the boxes and the objects (inexpensive and simple objects, such as clear marbles, pipe cleaners), and customizable sticker labels to print your own labels for the boxes.
The instructions tell you where you can find each item in the box. The sticker labels are customizable, so you can put your own church name on them and print them to put on the front of each box.


↓Audio link to the sermon:(ZOOM worship recording)
(If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS)
So today, we will start reading Chapter 40, which talks about the message of liberation.
It can be understood as a liberation from the Babylonian captivity, or as a message of liberation from sin by Christ. Not only that, it can be understood as the work of God’s perfect liberation that He gives in the last days. Now, please read Chapter 40.
Isaiah 40:1 says,「Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.」The new era has come when the message of comfort is spoken. Verse 2 says,「Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.」No matter how miserable and sad the experience of the Babylonian captivity was, the time of liberation has come. It is said that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for. This message is not limited to Jewish people. It is also a message to us, Christians who are invited to the new Jerusalem. No matter how miserable our previous life may be, we will be free from trouble, our sins will be paid, and the time of liberation will come. This message of comfort comes from Jesus Christ. Verse 3 says,「A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.」This prophetic word refers to John the Baptist in the New Testament. He shouted in the wilderness. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”(Matthew 3:2 NIV)
We also want to establish a long-awaited attitude for the Savior. By faith, we can receive a message of comfort.
In verses 6-8, It talks about human fraility. That is why we need to believe in God’s Word and trust Him. Our life is like grass. Its glory is like a wild flower, but it says,「The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”」(Isaiah 40:8 NIV)
I imagine this message brought hope to these people who were about to experience the Babylonian captivity. At the same time, I believe that this message speaks to us that if we do not know the frailty of life, we cannot fully understand the value of the gospel.
From verses 9 to 11, the closing words of the message of comfort are written. We believers need to convey this message of comfort. We speak as long as we can that Jesus Christ is my savior, my shepherd, and the one who carries me close to his heart. (11)
Verses 12-26 clarifies to the reader who God is. Using the words “with whom” and “to what” (18), it clarifies the existence of the Creator, God. Verse 26 says,「Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name…」(Reference; Psalm 147: 4. ) The one who created us calls the names of each of us.
Verses 27-31 are the passage of the invitation to faith. As you can see in verse 27, people are easy to get lost. There are times when we could close our hearts saying “No one cares to listen to my complain!” However, we should live in response to the invitation from verse 28. Our God wants to give us comfort. He is the one who can give us redemption of our sins. He has great power and mighty strength. (26) And He is the one who created everything and He knows each of us. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (29)
Let us read Isaiah 40:30-31.「Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.」
Together, Let us look up at the eternal God, our Creator. Let’s wait for Him, as our strength will be renewed, we will soar on wings like eagles. Instead of being caught in the small world, let us take a look at the world from the perspective of God. Together, I would like to respond to this invitation to faith.


Saturday, 24 February 2018
LIVE: A motorcade carrying Rev. Billy Graham’s body from Asheville, North Carolina to Charlotte continues. Here’s a live look at the journey.
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Salt Lake City, Utah – President and CEO of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, recently visited Utah to meet with representatives of the Mormon Church and Brigham Young University (BYU) concerning how to build ecumenical support for Palestinians living in the Holy Land. During his visit, Sir Rabie addressed BYU students and faculty, describing the many factors that lead Palestinian Christians to leave the Holy Land and s
Bethlehem, Palestine – On Thursday, October 12th, Bethlehem Museum welcomed people from throughout Palestine to celebrate Palestinian Heritage Day. The day’s events, presented in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Culture and the Arab Women’s Union of Bethlehem, focused on honoring Palestine’s unsung heroes who not only keep our cultural traditions alive, but who are also actively working to “build the future of tradition”—innovating and creating
Bethlehem, Palestine—On Thursday, September 14th, 2017, Bethlehem Museum, in cooperation with the Arab Women’s Union, Bethlehem (AWU) and the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, welcomed visitors from around Palestine to the opening of its newest contemporary art exhibition entitled, “Engraved in Memory.” The exhibit features the artwork of acclaimed Beit Jala artist, Mr. Khalil George Saadeh (b. 1950), displaying close to two dozen sculptures made from olive
There is one place on earth where time completely stops, where we are filled with a poignant nostalgia every time we cross its threshold: a museum, and more precisely, Bethlehem Museum. As a unique witness to love and war, Bethlehem Museum sheds equal light on the struggles of a farmer from Beit Jala, on the shepherds who witnessed the birth of a star in Beit Sahour, and on the silk embroidery that adorns the magical fabrics of Bethlehem dresses. Amidst ...


My first thoughts in the year 2016 centered around prayer, mostly that I don’t do enough of it. My paths are paved with the best intentions.
Each season of the Church year I dutifully pick up the accompanying prayer book from church. I imagine my family gathered around the dinner table in shared devotion. Then life happens. Dinner is chaos and the seasonal prayer book remains unopened in the drawer.
Mass is more often tense than prayerful. I listen to my children’s whispered questions while attempting to prevent their fighting. Sometimes I sit in my seat quietly fuming, embarrassed, or exhausted. Aside from singing and following the readings in the book, the experience doesn’t often leave room in my mind for quiet reflection or deep prayers.
Prayer at Home
Most nights by the time I force myself into bed, I am too tired to remember to pray. My brain only stays conscious for moments before drifting off. In those moments if I do remember prayer, it is in thanks for all of my many blessings and quick prayers of protection for my family.
If my prayers go further than that, I often get wrapped up in anxiety of all the “what-ifs.” As I wrote in Breaking the Silence, “When I prayed for my children at night, I prayed for them to avoid specific ailments and harm. These thoughts spiraled into detailed imaginings of the harm, leaving me in a fit of worry.” As a person prone to anxiety, this is not a good way to begin a sleep cycle.
Like most people, I start out the year thinking of ways I can change for the better. Praying more is a great way to start that process. But prayer doesn’t have to be scripted.
My second thought in the new year: love is a prayer. Even though I don’t voice the words in my head, each time I embrace my children and feel love surging through me, it is a prayer of thanks to God for my blessings. I don’t doubt that He hears it.


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Gold Hanging Tree Decoration
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Lack Blue Bauble
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Set of Red and White Felt Christmas Decorations
A lovely set of three Christmas decorations. Each set is made up of a Christmas tree, a star and a heart


Education was used as a tool for oppression for the majority of South Africans. Transformation. What has changed? What is changing in the education system to engender a more egalitarian society? Are private schools part of the solution to the "South African condition" - the country's past? Is reality thinly veiled in this short story? Take a look, through the lens of Langa's experiences at his private school.
A Private Commentary on Ruth is an explanatory commentary. I ask the scriptures questions and listen to the answers, including reasonable answers to the difficult questions raised by the Epistle. Other commentaries from the Puritans to the present are consulted and used. The result is an in-depth explanation and discussion of each verse, idea, theme, and biblical truth met during the course of the exposition. The commentary was written for the the Bible study group leader, Sunday School teacher, local church Pastor, and Bible college student. The point of view is a conservative theology. Bible students who desire to understand and apply the scriptures are invited to study the book with me and come to their own conclusions.
Snowboarding Is For Everyone aims to educate and demonstrate how accessible and enjoyable snowboarding really is to all.
Unilodge Hotel Articles
Unilodge Hotel Books


GTU's Class of 2021
The Graduate Theological Union honors thirty-six graduates at its virtual 2021 Commencement Exercises
Dr. Uriah Kim, President, offers welcome remarks.
Greetings and Announcements
Dr. Elizabeth Peña, Interim Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, offers greetings and is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 GTU Excellence in Teaching Award:
Dr. Mary McGann.
Remarks by Faculty Member
Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Church Divinity School of the Pacific, offers remarks.
Conferral of Degrees
William Glenn, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Graduate Theological Union, virtually confers the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.
We invite visitors to click on the photographs of our graduates below to review the graduate’s abstract, committee members, reflections going forward and a faculty tribute.
Master of Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Remarks by Graduate
Dr. Beena Poulose Kallely, completed her Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics. She offers remarks entitled “Be Witnesses of Divine Compassion.”


The traditional Hanseatic Days church service will take place at the Riga Dome Cathedral. Organist Diāna Jaunzeme-Portnaja, soprano Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, and a wind instrument quintet led by Jānis Porietis will perform in the service.
Public event. The event will also be broadcast live on www.rigahanza.lv.
The foundation stone of Riga Dome Cathedral was laid on July 25, 1211. The last large-scale restoration took place in the late 19th century when the cathedral acquired its present appearance. Today, Riga Dome Cathedral holds services and provides for rich cultural life — various concerts of popular artists take place here.
Riga Dome Cathedral was the central cathedral in the Baltics until Livonia fell to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1561. It has Romanesque, early Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau features and is considered the largest Medieval church in Latvia and the Baltic States.
On July 25, 1211 during a ceremony, Bishop Albert laid the foundation stone. According to art historians, the building was initially envisaged as a basilica but later the design was changed and a hall church was built instead. At the beginning of the 15th century, the cathedral was enlarged by building the western cross-nave and side chapels and elevating the side walls of the central nave thus making the church into a basilica. Riga Dome Cathedral tower was the highest spire in Riga at that time. The cathedral kept its appearance up to 1547, when on a Sunday before Pentecost, a great fire broke out in the inner city and the Gothic spire of the cathedral burned down. A new tower with a pyramidal spire and two galleries were built by 1595. The Cathedral cockerel dating back to that time can still be seen in the inner courtyard of the cathedral.


Well, when we think of the mercy of God, what comes to mind? Being spared from dying? Narrowly escaping a major physical injury? Having miraculous healing by the power of God? Amen, these things are all signs of the mercy of God. We also see His mercy in day-to-day ways that show His power and goodness to us. “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1
After Jackie finished canning for a week, things needed to be put away so I assisted her in taking the jars from the garage down to the basement to the canning shelf I had built last year. It is an adjustable shelf that allows for moving the pegs and changing the shelf heights accordingly. After taking the 24 quarts of peach jars down and loading them on a shelf, I was concerned with the amount of gap that was showing at the side of the shelf. Our basement floor is not completely level so the shelf has a slight skew to it that makes a gap appear at the end of the shelf. I thought, that needs some extra screws in that shelf to permanently secure it and make sure the jars don’t come crashing down. After loading the shelf with peaches that meant the top shelf was half full of grape juice, the second shelf was completely full with peaches, the third shelf was lined with cherry jam, pickles and salsa, the fourth was partially loaded with quarts of tomatoes and the fifth shelf had tomatoes and frosting. So it was a loaded shelf. I went outdoors to clean up some boxes and take them outside to give back to my mom who had let Jackie borrow them for the canning prep. As I was outside cleaning up and getting things arranged, Jackie hurried out looking for me. She wanted to know what had happened? I looked inquisitively at her wondering what she was talking about. She said, “I heard a huge crash and wondered if you were hurt!”
“No,” I replied, “I have been outside here working.”
Then it dawned on me, the shelves had come crashing down while I was outside. Oh no!
“Was it a big crash you heard?” I inquired of Jackie.
“Yes, very big, in fact, it was more than one crash.”
I was quite grieved and a bit frustrated that I had just ruined the work Jackie and Ruth had so painstakingly and faithfully completed. All week’s canning, plus last year’s tomatoes, pickles, salsa, jelly, grape juice¦I was getting sick to my stomach.
“Let’s go look at it.” I sighed.
As we went down into the basement, each step down the stairs drew us closer and closer to ground zero of the devastation. As we turned the corner to view the wreckage I stood and stared in amazement. All the shelves were sitting on top of each other stacked nicely at the bottom of the shelf with all of the jars still on the shelves! It was a miracle. One peach jar had fallen off the second shelf about 3 feet up and hit the basement floor. The canning lid did not even come ajar and the quart jar did not break. Mind you, the entire shelf was filled with glass jars! Nothing broke or was damaged. As the second shelf of peaches had given way to the weight, it slammed down on the third shelf bending the pegs and releasing it to crash down on the forth shelf. The forth did the same, until shelves 2, 3 and 4 were all perched so carefully on the bottom shelf, it was as if an angel had gently set them down making sure nothing was damaged. We cried out to the Lord in joy and thanksgiving for His marvelous mercy on behalf of men. We truly remembered that “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” Psalm 127:1 Today, I plan to put screws in ALL the shelves now that God has been so merciful to us, even when our building skills lack. He is the perfect builder and defender!


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Thank you so much for your interest in Blackwelder Ministries. By your giving, Lola and I are enabled to fulfill the commission that God has given us to strengthen the Body of Christ and to bring the message of God’s love and salvation to those who are lost.
Your gifts assist us in not only the ministry within the United States but also our travels to other nations of the world. Thank you for prayerfully considering investing in Blackwelder Ministries. We sincerely believe that your investment in this ministry will produce not only fruit in the lives of others but an eternal reward for you as well.
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We have been created to live in community not in isolation. Physically, we do live in a community, but spiritually, socially, and relationally we often live our lives in isolation. We find ourselves with no one to turn to when we have a major issue that has just surfaced in our lives. Living in community affords us the opportunity to more wholly experience God through close relationships as we play and pray together, as we encourage and help one another, and as we study and live out God’s word together.
At Calvary, a group usually consists of 7-15 attendees in various life stages who meet on a weekly basis for a two to three month period. These groups are about establishing relationships that encourage us to grow spiritually, offer mercy towards one another in our time of need, and grow in knowledge of God's word.
The majority of our Groups meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 pm at Calvary.
For a full list of current groups click here.


WATCH THE INCREDIBLE VIDEO & STORY BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & KRISTIN ROMEY!
PHOTOGRAPH BY DUSAN VRANIC, AP FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
For the first time in centuries, scientists have exposed the original surface of what is traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ. Located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the tomb has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 A.D., and most likely centuries earlier.
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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
March 22, 2020
Covid Spiritual Warfare Prayer, 20 Ways to Pray
1. For the sick and infected: God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and spirits.
Contain the spread of infection.
2. For our vulnerable populations: God, protect our elderly and those suffering
from chronic disease. Provide for the
poor, especially the uninsured.
3. For the young and the strong: God, give them the necessary caution to keep
them from unwittingly spreading this
disease. Inspire them to help.
4. For our local, state, and federal governments: God, help our elected
officials as they allocate the necessary
resources for combating this pandemic. Help them to provide
5. For our scientific community, leading the charge to understand the disease
and communicate its gravity: God, give
them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice.
6. For the media, committed to providing up-to-date information: God, help them
to communicate with appropriate
seriousness without causing panic.
7. For consumers of media, looking to be well-informed: God, help us find the
most helpful local information to equip
us to be good neighbors. Keep us from anxiety and panic, and
enable us to implement the recommended
strategies, even at a cost to ourselves.
8. For those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, and
helpless: God, provide them every
9. For the homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social distancing in
the shelter system: Protect them from
disease, and provide isolation shelters in every city.
10. For international travelers stuck in foreign countries: God, help them
return home safely and quickly.
11. For Christian missionaries throughout the world, especially in areas with
high rates of infection: God, provide them
with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve
those around them.
12. For workers in a variety of industries facing layoffs and financial
hardship: God, keep them from panic, and inspire
your church to generously support them.
13. For families with young children at home for the foreseeable future: God,
help mothers and fathers to partner
together creatively for the care and flourishing of
their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their networks
14. For parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for their
children: God, present them with creative
15. For those in need of regular therapies and treatments that must now be
postponed: God, help them to stay patient
16. For business leaders making difficult decisions that affect the lives of
their employees: God, give these women and
men wisdom, and help them to lead self-sacrificially.
17. For pastors and church leaders faced with the challenges of social
distancing: God, help them to creatively
imagine how to pastor their congregants and love their
18. For college and university students, whose courses of study are changing,
whose placements are cancelled,
whose graduation is uncertain: God, show them that
while life is uncertain, their trust is in you.
19. For Christians in every neighborhood, community, and city: May your Holy
Spirit inspire us to pray, to give, to love,
to serve, and to proclaim the gospel, that the name of
Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world.
20. For frontline health care workers, we thank you for their vocational call to
serve us. We also pray:
God, keep them safe and healthy. Keep their families safe and
God, help them to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and
treatment of this disease, as well as the
God, help them to stay clear-minded in the midst of the surrounding
God, deliver them from anxiety for their own loved ones (aging
parents, children, spouses, roommates).
God, give them compassion for every patient in their care.
God, provide for them financially, especially if they fall ill and
are unable to work.
God, help Christians in health care to exhibit extraordinary peace,
so that that many would ask about
the reason for their hope. Give them opportunities to proclaim the gospel.
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Shirley Ann Lavinder Carnifax, 81 of Oak Hill, West Virginia left this life to be with her Savior and Lord on August 8, 2019. Shirley was born on January 12, 1938 in Fayetteville, West Virginia to Dennie B. and Stella (Toler) Lavinder. She was the loving wife of H. Dale Carnifax and devoted mother of Steven (Tanja) Davis of Huntington, West Virginia and Mitzi (John) Hanks of Jamestown, Ohio. She was grandmother to Alyssa Davis of Brunswick, Georgia, Ian and Kayleigh Hanks of Jamestown, Ohio, Matthew (Ashley) Davis of Pineville, West Virginia, Amanda Davis of Charlestown, West Virginia and Larissa Davis of Anderson, South Carolina. She was great-grandmother to Eli Stanley of Newnan Georgia. She was a sister to John Lavinder of Fort Ogden, Florida. Shirley was aunt to many nieces and nephews and great-aunt to many great nieces and nephews. Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, three siblings and two premature grandchildren.
She was a graduate of Bryan High School in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Shirley was blessed with loving parents and a legacy of what it means to live a life dedicated to God and family. She was a member of Mountain View Church of God where she attended faithfully for more than 34 years. Her favorite Scripture was Isaiah 40:31.
The family would like to extended their thanks and gratitude to those who supported Shirley in her battle against Pulmonary Fibrosis and would like to recognize the following: The Research and Care Team at Inova Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia who played a part in accepting her into the clinical trial which gave her family more time with her; the emergency room staff, Dr. Clinton Curtis and respiratory team at Plateau Medical Center who attended to her, immediately meeting her extensive needs with great care; Dr. Scott Keffer, the respiratory team, nurses and CNAs who took extraordinary care of her during her stay at Plateau Medial Center; Pastor Rudell Bloomfield and the members of Mountain View Church of God for their prayers and support of Shirley and her family and the many neighbors and friends who have been so wonderful in their love and care they have extended to her loved ones. Thanks also to High Lawn Funeral Home for their care during this difficult time.
Visitation with the family will be held at Mountain View Church of God, Hilltop West Virginia on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 10:30 – 12:00 with a memorial service immediately following.
Mountain View Christian School was dear to Shirley’s heart. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mountain View Christian School at P. O. Box 1246 Oak Hill, WV 25901-1246


So I need to share something with you all today. In a few weeks, the Latino USA team will spending an entire hour on Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pope. El Papa will be visiting the United States in September, so what better time to talk about his impact and what his papacy means?
Nonetheless, we need your input! I did the following video to explain. Let us know: what does Pope Francis mean to you? Do you have any stories about him that you want to share? What does this mean for the Catholic Church? For Latin America? For U.S. Latinos?
You can send us your voice memos via email to email@example.com. Or if voice memos aren’t your thing, share your comments below, tweet @LatinoUSA or tweet me @julito77.
Featured image by Edgar Jiménez via Wikimedia Commons.
One thought on “Latino USA Is Doing a Pope Francis Show”


Sunday Ministry @ ALF
Many Senior Citizens @ Assisted Living Facilities want to attend a Church Service on Sundays!
Each Parish will develop their own Procedures!
Click above Link to view Procedures.
Eucharistic Ministers now conduct Sunday Services in Tampa, Fl
@ 3 locations
Brookdale @ Northdale (11:00 AM)
Magnolia Manor (9:30 AM)
Manor Care & Arden Courts (10:15 AM - once a month)
Basic procedures for Offering Communion @ Nursing Homes on Sundays;
1.Attend 7:30 or 9:00 AM Mass. Place unblessed bread wafers, including one glutton-free wafer, into a PYX to be blessed by Priest; 2.Listen to Readings and use as needed in your Service (The Catholic Handbook, Visiting the Sick and Homebound, Page 10; "Your explanation of the liturgy should be based upon the Sunday Homily....". Extraordinary Ministers are not qualified to interpret scripture in this context. 3.Receive the PYX and blessing from the Priest or Deacon; proceed directly to the Nursing Home; 4.Organize your “abbreviated service” to fit the circumstances at the ALF (e.g. at Emeritus and Carrollwood care Center, we follow a Christian Preacher – keep the liturgy brief). 5.Residents will congregate in a central place, e.g. activity room or dining room at the agreed-upon time; I arrive at Magnolia Manor at 8:30 (after 7:30 Mass), so I have almost an hour to prepare. I start by visiting with people in the dining room who are finishing breakfast. I invite everyone to come to our 9:30 church service. 6.Introduce yourself & interact with residents prior to the service; inform them that this is NOT a Mass and that you are just a Eucharistic Minister. (Before the service begins, I suggest telling them something about yourself so they can better connect with you; e.g. went to a Halloween costume party last night; were any of you there?) 7.Open the Service & Read from the Penitential Act; e.g. "I confess to Almighty God ...". Read or summarize the Liturgy, "Share with them the day's Homily", when appropriate. 8.Say the Lord’s Prayer, Communion liturgy and Provide Holy Communion or blessings; Kneel when possible if recipient is in a wheel chair or cannot stand. 9.Conclude the Mass with a brief prayer. Thank residents for coming. 10.Two or three room visits might be required, time permitting, for residents in poor health, although ALF residents should be encouraged to come to the service and pray as a group.
The Sick & Homebound Ministry follows the guidelines in the Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound, and the little blue book; "Communion of the Sick".


Tips to Examine When Choosing a Church
There are numerous advantages view here! of going to church. By going to church, you will develop spiritually. Besides improving spiritual growth, the church provides a good ground for interaction. Choosing a church can be difficult when you are new in an area. Choosing a church requires careful consideration because it has a huge impact on your faith. You, therefore, need to be careful when choosing a church.
With the right info. and proper research online, an individual can easily identify the best church. It is important to note that many churches have online websites where they can reach out t people. You can, therefore, research online and choose a church based on their online sermons and teachings. It is important to note that checking the websites of various churches can help you identify the right church. Besides online surveys, there are certain things you need to evaluate when looking for a church. this link highlights read more here some of the essential things you need to examine when searching for a good church.
The first consideration you need to make view here for more when choosing a church is the location. You need to know the distance between the church and your home. The location of the church plays an important role when choosing a church. It is advisable that you choose a church that is located close to your home. There are several reasons for choosing a nearby church. One of the main reasons why an individual should choose a nearby church is because they will enable them to plan their time easily. You will never be late when you are going to a nearby church. You also not incur expensive transports expenses when you choose a local church. However, if you fail to find a church that suits your needs in your area, you can always fellowship online.
The next tip you need to examine click for more when searching for a good church keenly is the recommendations. When selecting a church, it is usually recommended that you talk with your friends and relatives first. They will talk to you more about their church. It is important to note that having referrals from many people increases the probability of finding a good church. Other than referrals from people close to you, you can also find a good church by looking for online reviews. This can be easily by checking the website for this service and other social media sites where they interact with congregation.
In conclusion, see more here all the considerations explained in this guide discover more here! are essential when choosing a church.


James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. But what is joy? Do we have a definition for joy? And what in the world could James possibly have meant? After all, tribulations seem like anything but joyous occasions.
What Is Joy in the Bible
There is a familiar verse in James 1:2 that humanly doesn’t seem to make much sense. In this very practical New Testament letter, James begins his important teaching about facing trials by writing this, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (NKJV).
It’s probably true that most readers may hear that verse and respond by asking a salient follow-up question, “How can that possibly be true?” James’ teaching doesn’t quite make sense. How is it possible to have joy when we experience life’s “various trials”?
The process of learning to respond with joy during times of trials in life must begin with a conscious awareness that God is at work in our lives and that He has a tangible purpose for why we may be experiencing these trials.
In other words, if we have put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our own personal savior (Romans 10:9), and if we believe that His Word teaches us that God is at work in our lives (Philippians 2:13), then we will come to the logical conclusion that trials, suffering, and difficult times in our lives are ultimately designed by God and that He has a specific purpose for us in mind.
The Bible makes this point in this same passage. Let’s look again at James 1:2, but let’s add verse 3, “My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (NKJV).
The text is clear. We can respond to life’s trials with genuine joy if we knowthat the Lord has a purpose for why He would allow those difficult times of suffering and trials. In this passage, the purpose for trials was to produce patience or endurance (the ability to hold up under a trial) in our lives.
Knowing that our loving Heavenly Father is doing something specific in our lives and that He is doing what is best for us helps us respond with genuine joy. Life’s trials are certainly not fun, but we can react to those painful situations with joy if we understand that God is demonstrating His love for us through those circumstances.
Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." So God can fill us with joy. But do we have a proper understanding and definition for the gift of joy? Let's define it below.
What Is the Definition of Real Joy?
Let’s go back to the beginning and identify a working definition for joy. Simply put, Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives.
James is telling his readers that they can choose to respond with joy, even during times of trials and sufferings. Joy is a choice! But it does come from the Lord — and He alone is the originator of true joy. We don’t have to produce it or drum it up on our own.
What Does the Bible Teach Us about Joy?
1. God, Himself, is the source of our joy
Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a list of the fruits of the spirit — and joy is listed there as one of the byproducts of the Holy Spirit living and abiding in us. This chapter in Galatians tells us that it is possible to “live in the Spirit” and “walk in theSpirit” (Galatians 5:16 and 25), meaning that He will naturally produce His fruit in our lives as we live for Him.
God alone can produce true joy — and He does that naturally through His Spirit living in those who have put their trust in Him. It’s important for us to understand that only God Himself can give us the ability to respond to life’s difficult circumstances with that inner contentment and satisfaction.
2. We can choose to respond to life’s trials with joy when we consider God’s purpose for those times of suffering
It’s true that only God can supply genuine joy. However, there is a key technique in James 1:2 to help us. Once again, this verse says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Notice the word “count.”
Some other English versions of the Bible translate it, “consider.” It’s a word that means to systematically scrutinize or to examine as in taking an exam (see Jamieson-Fausset-Brown “Bible Commentary” in Logos Bible Software). The idea here is that the believer should thoroughly list the potential advantages of this situation to gain a better understanding of God may want to accomplish.
A simple illustration of this truth would be a child counting the change in their piggy bank and then realizing that they have more money than they thought. The old chorus Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr. makes the same point, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” When we truly count or considerwhat God is doing, we will conclude that indeed our response should be one of joy.
3. It is possible to have joy to the fullest even during life’s most difficult times
It’s also important to note the simple word “all”in James 1:2.The writer uses it to describe the kind of joy that can only come from God Himself. It is a word that means completely or wholly. This is not just “some” joy. We can experience “all joy,” orjoy to the fullest, or the most complete joy.
The Apostle Peter also writes about this kind of joy even in the midst of a variety of trials in 1 Peter 1:6, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.” He teaches us that we can “greatly rejoice.”
This is an overflowing, exuberance-filled, lively joy. That is exactly the kind of joy that God’s people can experience even when faced with a variety of trials or difficult times. God provides that abundant and complete joy.
It is a natural human inclination to think that living through trials and negative circumstances would not be an occasion for joy. Choosing to respond to life’s difficult situations with inner contentment and satisfaction doesn’t seem to make sense.
Yet, the believer can experience genuine joy to the fullest by taking the initiative to actively consider all that God is doing and that He has a definite purpose in mind for His people.
Joy doesn't mean forcing happiness during sad circumstances. We can usually tell when someone tries to fake it until they make it. But joy comes during every season. It is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Joy comes from our choices to choose joy.
This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
The Full Armor of God
The Meaning of "Selah"
What is a "Concubine"?
Christian Meaning of Humility
What Is Grace? Bible Definition and Christian Quotes
Who are Gentiles? Biblical Meaning
What is Fornication?
Meaning of Shekinah Glory
What is Discernment? Bible Meaning and Importance
What Is Prophecy? Bible Meaning and Examples
Christian joy is not merely an emotion, rather it is a gift from God (Rom 15:13), sourced in His character and empowered by His promises. The fullness of joy is found in God's presence (Ps 16:11), and belief in God is the only thing on earth that can fill our hearts with this inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Pet 1:8).Why is joy important for Christians? ›
Through that joy, they unlock a sense of purpose and hope which ultimately releases them from poverty. For God's children, the power of joy is never-ending. Although not one fruit of the spirit is more important than another, joy enables us to experience the others in the way that Jesus did.What is the true meaning of joy? ›
The true definition of joy goes beyond the limited explanation presented in a dictionary — “a feeling a great pleasure and happiness.” True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into. It requires the utmost surrender and, like love, is a choice to be made.What is joy as per Bible? ›
Simply put, Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives.What Jesus says about joy? ›
In John 15:11, Jesus says: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy you are to have as a Christian is the joy of Jesus. He says my joy, not joy like mine. Jesus wants to take the joy that He has and place it in you.How do Christians get joy? ›
Joy comes when we trust the Lord. Placing our trust in God brings joy. We have a God who loves us more than can we imagine, a God who is more powerful than we can comprehend, and who has promised to help us if we put our trust in Him.What is the spiritual meaning of joy? ›
Joy is a choice. Rick Warren gave us this definition of joy: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”What is joy and why is it important? ›
Joy is a great predictor of good health
There's research to prove that joy boosts our immune systems, fights stress and pain, and improves our chance of living a longer life. Being joyful could quite literally add years to life - don't you just think that's the most awesome thing ever?!
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). “Leap for joy” (Luke 6:23). “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Yes, joy is possible, joy so real and rich that we turn to friends and neighbors and say, “Rejoice with me” (Luke 15:6, 9).How to find joy in Jesus? ›
- Discover the Lord's Purpose for You. You are more than ordinary. ...
- Find Joy in Your Circumstances. One of the keys to finding joy is to recognize God's hand in your life, even during challenging moments. ...
- Remember That Joy Multiplies. ...
- Look for God in the Ordinary and Simple.
Joy is an emotion, and emotions are wordless. They're pure physical sensations in our bodies. We express the emotion of joy in many physical ways. For example, we jump for joy when we win a hard-fought competition, or we double over in uncontrollable laughter when someone relates a hilarious story.What does joy in the Lord mean? ›
The joy of The Lord, which is the gladness of heart comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us know him in every aspect, in our decision making, actions, behaviors and communicate with him daily, he is the foundation of our life. Nothing happens without him.What are the three types of joy? ›
Shri Ramakrishna:- There are three kinds of Ānanda, joy: the joy of worldly enjoyment, the joy of worship, and the Joy of Brahman.What are the characteristics of joy? ›
- Joy is Constant. When people tune in to the feeling of joy, what often emerges is an awareness that this joy is somehow always with us. ...
- Joy Inspires Creativity. ...
- Joy is Often Unreasonable. ...
- Joy is Untroubled. ...
- Joy is Enough.
- Focus on the Good. In every day, there is good to be found, even if that good is simply the fact you woke up today, or you have something to eat. ...
- Remembering Past Victories. ...
- The Lord is my Strength. ...
- Worship. ...
- Focus on God. ...
- Joy in Creation. ...
- Finding Joy in Christ Alone.
- Let go of the past. ...
- Practice gratitude. ...
- Use the law of attraction. ...
- Surround yourself with positive people. ...
- Change your physiology. ...
- Create positive daily rituals. ...
- Be fully present. ...
- Find your purpose.
Psychologists conceive of happiness in two different ways: hedonic happiness, or pleasure and enjoyment, and eudaimonic happiness, or meaning and purpose. Some psychologists champion either a hedonic or an eudaimonic idea of happiness. Most agree, however, that people require both hedonia and eudaimonia to flourish.What are five things that bring you joy? ›
- Drinking a hot cup of coffee.
- Writing in my journal.
- Watching a movie.
- Going for brunch.
- Entertaining at home.
- Going out for lunch.
- Happy hour.
- Creating new cocktails.
- Sleeping in a freshly-made bed.
- Feeling the sun on your face.
- People saying "thank you" or a random act of kindness from a stranger.
- Finding money in unexpected places.
- Having time to myself.
- Laughing so hard it hurts. ...
- Snuggling on the sofa with a loved one.
- Freshly-made bread.
It's the kind of life that produces positive vibes and feel-good energy, and encourages us to look to the future with high hopes. Pure joy might seem like a fleeting emotion, but even if you only feel it for a moment in time, you can hold onto it. You can relish in it.
- Joy Comes Through Faith In Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. ...
- Joy Comes Through Obedience To Christ. ...
- Joy Comes Through Forgiveness and Repentance. ...
- Joy Comes Through Praying for Others. ...
- Joy Comes Through Fellowship With Believers. ...
- Joy Comes Through Service In His Kingdom.
The Power of Joy is the roadmap for action takers who want real change. It combines powerful tools and practical guidance that guarantees big transformation, inside and out.What is an example of joy in the Bible? ›
16. Luke 15:6-7. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. ' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.How did Jesus bring joy? ›
The greatest joy of Jesus' ministry was even more profound than healing someone or even bringing back someone from the dead. The greatest joy that Jesus brought was when he saved people from their sin! This took time for people to realize because many people struggled to accept that he was the Son of God.What words describe joy? ›
David dances before the Lord.
But David also danced. He danced jubilantly to celebrate the ark, which signified God's presence. His wife, Michal, criticized him for his display of joy, but David told her that his dancing was to honor the Lord. Read the whole story in 2 Samuel 6.
Family – Even if your family situation is not perfect, family can be a source of great and lasting joy. Laugh with your children, love your spouse, and relish in the support of your parents and siblings. 2. Friends – True friends love you just the way you are.What are the 4 pillars of joy? ›
So the four E's of joy are embrace, enjoy, engage, and ease. And in this episode, I'm going to go through each step and we're going to talk about some tools and practices that you can use to cultivate joy.Is joy a gift from God? ›
The Scripture teaches that joy is a gift from God and is a strength to those who have it (Neh 8:10).What is the highest form of joy? ›
For Aristotle, eudaimonia is the highest human good, the only human good that is desirable for its own sake (as an end in itself) rather than for the sake of something else (as a means toward some other end).
Joy is one of many things that only come from God. It is the fruit of God's Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23). That means it can only find true expression in those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and have been gifted with His Spirit.What is the meaning of joy in the Holy Spirit? ›
Joy is a choice. Rick Warren gave us this definition of joy: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”Why is joy important? ›
Studies show that joyful people have less chance of having a heart attack, maintain healthier blood pressure, and tend to have lower cholesterol levels. There's research to prove that joy boosts our immune systems, fights stress and pain, and improves our chance of living a longer life.


One of the most recognisable attractions of Gaeta is the Church of San Francesco, majestic gothic cathedral dominating the medieval town.
Financed by Charles II of Naples and founded by the same St Francis, the works for the church started in 1222 and ended only during the XIV century.
Aristocrats and several Spanish governors were buried in the chapels, that were decorated with artworks such as Vervloet’s Pope Pius IX’s benediction at the garrison of Gaeta.
After the abolition of the religious orders during the first years of the XIX century, the church was abandoned at first and then restored in 1858 – even though the siege of Gaeta in 1860 partially damaged it.
In 1927 the management was entrusted to the Salesians, yet during World War II the cathedral suffered other damage and was therefore restored again in 1951.Thanks to the volunteers, the church remained opened even after the Salesians left.
In the last decades, San Francesco was subject to several collapses and in 1998 was closed for renovation works that lasted from 2004 to 2008.
From an architectural standpoint, the cathedral of Gaeta is pure delight for the eye – a monumental staircase accompanies you to the entrance, from where you can appreciate one of the most popular and photographed views over the town.
The impressive façade with the statues of Charles II of Naples and Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies welcome the visitor into one of the most valued attractions of Gaeta.