On Wednesday 11th July Bishop Drainey and his secretary Father Philip joined us to see all the work the children have been doing over the past year.
The afternoon started with the School council showing our visitors around the school. After lunch with the staff and governors, several Year 6 children then led a beautiful collective worship. The Bishop and Fr Philip then visited each class to speak with the children individually. The children then led a special whole school assembly where they displayed the work that they had done recently. The day finished with refreshments with parents who wanted to come in and meet our guests.
It was a wonderful afternoon and it was lovely to see the children speaking so happily and confidently with the Bishop and Fr Philip.
The Bishop and Fr Philip have both asked me to pass on their thanks to the school community for a special afternoon.


Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 13
Continuing to look at Matthew 13, in verses 44-46, Jesus says “the Kingdom of heaven is like this” – and goes onto tell us two stories of men who give up everything to have this treasure.
Matthew 13: 44-46
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joywent and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
In the first parable, the man accidentally comes across the treasure in a field – it was hidden, but he stumbled across it. Let’s notice the JOY he has in selling everything he has for this the field that contains the treasure. He sees the worth and value, gives up everything else to have what He’s found. He gives up everything, and has JOY in that. Let’s be joy carriers.
In the second parable, the Merchant is searching … he is searching far and wide for the pearl of great price. He is looking, being intentional and purposeful in his search. Then he finds this pearl that is like no other.
His profession is a merchant – he is probably an important man. Intelligent, wealthy, and a businessman who was strategic about what he was doing.
In these stories, both men find something – both find it in different ways – one who bumps into it by accident and the other who is searching purposefully. The way they actually find the treasure is not important – but the fact that they find it is and GO ALL OUT TO OBTAIN IT is the important thing.
Let’s look at another story in the Bible where we see this kind of abandonment and extravagance and operating in Kingdom thinking.
John 12:3-11 The Message (MSG)
12 1-3 Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.
4-6 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.
7-8 Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”
We see that Martha is serving, Lazarus is reclining (which is a bit fair enough seeing as he’d been dead J),
and Mary ‘took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair”
Let’s note that “Expensive” here is the same word used for the one great pearl in Matthew 13. “Polutimos” which means exceedingly precious.
Let’s picture the scene: Mary, so overcome with love for Jesus and all that He had done, went and took ALL she had (apparently the worth of this was 300 denarii - like a year’s wages for a full time worker) … so in today’s cost, maybe $40,000-$50,000 which is possibly a conservative estimate, and poured it all over Jesus’ feet.
I asked the question of you all - What would be our thoughts if we saw someone do this today? If we saw someone give their whole years’ wages as an act of worship to Jesus. Would we judge as Judas judged? When I preached this message, some of you felt the same as Judas - “what a waste”, “that’s crazy”, “you could’ve done so much with that money”.
But what if Jesus asks you to do something as radical as this? What if He asks me to do that?
Would we hesitate? Would we second guess and overthink it? Would we be scared of being judged by others?
Mary, in doing what she did, was demonstrating WHO was supremely precious to her, not what. She honoured Jesus and He recognised what it was costing her…. Not just financially but also doing something “other” than what people understood to be OK / acceptable.
Look the way Jesus originally called his disciples: He said “follow me” –
they lay down their nets,
they left and followed Him into the great unknown.
I want you to take a minute to think about what it is costing you to follow Jesus.
What has He called you to give up?
What has he called you to pick up?
What has he asked you to leave behind?
What has He asked you to invest in?
What is He asking you to do now?
Our meeting venue: As many of you know, we have been talking about finding a new venue to have our Gatherings in as this hall is getting too small for us and we want to make room for more. It’s uncomfortable having to move – we know this space – we love this little space. But it’s like a shoe telling a foot how big it can grow!! We are limited.
Dave and I have spent a few months looking at places, emailing venues, talking to other people about possibilities, and many doors have shut for us. But there is one that a door has opened. At Westport Club. We want to have a trial there in a few weeks’ time on Sunday 24th March.
It does mean that we will be right in the middle of our community – an opportunity to be like the yeast and to permeate and influence and to bring light. But it is also a faith step in terms of finance. Meeting in the hall at Lighthouse is costing us about $80 a week, and to meet at Westport will cost us $250 a week.
Now on one hand, it’s just money and God is so faithful. But He chooses to partner with us and asks us what we are willing to do for His Kingdom. So, what are we willing to do? What are we wiling to give up for the sake of the treasure that we have found and want other people to discover? Do we actually want other people to discover Jesus? What are willing for it to cost us? Financially, logistically, emotionally.
Back to these parables in Matthew 13: I personally am super challenged by these parables that Jesus told and by Mary’s story. Challenged about living my life fully surrendered to Jesus in EVERY way.
Not just on Sundays, but EVERY DAY in EVERY WAY. In the way I speak, the way I treat others, the way I think, the way I spend my money, the way I work, the way I spend my time, the way I think about my future and security, the way I look at what Jesus is doing around the place.
Jesus is the treasure. When we have found Jesus (even though He is actually inviting us long before we find Him), we become part of God’s Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus is our King …. And recognising that we are part of the Kingdom means that our life becomes one that influences and permeates this world for Him. Therefore it looks like something.
Jesus is telling us in these parables that it costs something to see the Kingdom of Heaven revealed.
The Merchant selling everything … giving up all his wealth and business … to go after the pearl. It cost him.
The man who finds the treasure in the field – he sells everything he has with JOY and buys the field so he has the treasure. It cost him.
Mary worshipped Jesus by pouring all she had over his feet to show her love for him. It cost her.
This message is a call straight from Jesus’ mouth to remind us that in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven and heaven’s realities released, it will cost us to follow Jesus in all aspects of our lives.
I pray that we will be like Mary, who gave extravagently out of a heart of worship for her King
I pray that we will be like the merchant, who gave up his livelihood for the sake of the greatest pearl
I pray that we will be like the man with the treasure in the field, who sold everything he had with JOY to pursue the treasure.


ABOUT OUR PASTOR
Pastor Clayton Casteel
I would like to welcome all of our visitors. May God rain down His blessings upon you! If you do not know Him, today is the day of your Salvation. Maybe you have known Him, and drifted away, but today is the day to return home. Maybe you are rejoicing in His presence, so let your praises be known. May God continue to bless you and yours. Your salvation and spiritual growth is our sincere prayer.
Solid Rock Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, SC
My calling is to preach the good news of the gospel to the lost and lead them to His saving grace. To encourage, train, and disciple God’s people with the hope of His promises by strengthening their faith through His Word.
My wife, Jamie and I are natives of Mars Hill and Weaverville, NC. We currently live in Surfside Beach, SC, and are very active members of our community. We have been married since 1994 and have two children, Chase and Taylor. I was ordained in 2003 in Baptist ministry. I am currently the pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church, located in Myrtle Beach, SC.


Vacation Bible School
Name: Vacation Bible School
Date: June 11, 2018 - June 14, 2018
Website: Coweta Assembly of God Church
It's my favorite time of year!!!! Vacation Bible School is just a few weeks away! Pre-registration is now available online at http://agcoweta.com/vbs/ VBS is for kids going into 1st through 6th grade NEXT YEAR (2018-19). We already have lots of fun stuff planned for the week and can't wait to have the church FULL of kiddos again this year! The dates are June 11-14 with the 14th being our parent-attended carnival. Each night is from 6-8pm!


At North Albany Community church you’ll find a casual come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can be yourself. You can expected to be greeted by a warm and friendly community ready to embrace you with open arms. Take in the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee at our bustling coffee bar, where first-time guests can enjoy a beverage on the house.
We offer two worship services, 9am and 10:30am, each including a time of worship with contemporary music, a time of prayer led by someone from our congregation, and a 30-40 minute sermon.
If you’re a new visitor please stop by our Children’s Ministry Desk in the Lobby of the church as you first enter. One of our friendly greeters will help guide you. Nursery care and Sunday school classes for preK through 5th grade are available at 9am and 10:30am. Middle school and high school groups meet only at the 10:30am service.
A regular part of our worship service is taking an offering. Regular attendees and church members may use this time to worship through giving financially, but we don’t want guests to feel pressured to give. We do, however, invite everyone to fill out a communication card with any prayer requests or praises and drop it in with the offering.
Once a month we provide the elements for believers to partake in communion. The elements are non-alcoholic and gluten-free so everyone can parktake. Communion is a sacred time of worship and reflection for followers of Christ.


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Does God require anything of us for us to receive eternal life? In John 3:16, perhaps the best-known scripture in the Bible, God says He will grant eternal life to those people who have faith in Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
What a wonderful, inspiring offer from our Creator-to freely give eternal life to anyone who believes in His Son.
But is that all there is to it? Based on this scripture, many believe that all one must do for salvation is to “accept Jesus,” and, at that point of acceptance, one’s eternal life will be assured. Is this what the Bible says? Read More…
Question: “What is Christian ministry?”
Answer: “Ministry” is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning “to serve” or douleuo, meaning “to serve as a slave.” In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17). Read More…


Joy Under Pressure - November, 2018
Did you know that God wants you to be full of JOY? It’s true; He does. He wants this so much that He has even told you in the Bible how to get more JOY.
In November we’re teaching a series from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It’s an exciting letter, with the theme of JOY running throughout it. We’ve called this series, “Joy Under Pressure.”
Many people look for JOY in things like their health, family and friends, and feeling like they’re making a difference. But what happens when one of these fails you? You lose your JOY. Depending on external circumstances for JOY results in you feeling like a yo-yo.
But true JOY is not dependant on your circumstance. It grows and thrives in the good times and the bad.
Writing from a prison cell, the Apostle Paul could write, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).
What was his secret? The GOSPEL. Gospel means, “the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.” The Gospel never changes; it is sure and steadfast. It is the source of all true JOY. When you know Jesus as your saviour, it won’t matter what may happen in your life, nothing can separate you from God’s love which grows into JOY.
One of my favourite bands, the NEWSBOYS, wrote a song called JOY. I’ve included a link to it below. They sing this line: “The world don’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” That’s JOY. It comes from Jesus.
God’s people are meant to be the most JOYful people on the planet. Learn to build your life on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and you’ll begin to know this reality for yourself.


Twice in the last few years I've read and studied the Gospels of the New Testament. Last time, in January of this year, I decided to study them in harmony - not just to get a better chronological sense of events in the life of the Lord, but also so that I could study it in conjunction with James E. Talmage's Gospel Commentary, "Jesus the Christ."
This wasn't my first attempt at reading "Jesus the Christ." It's an incredible work, but pretty heavy, and I never felt like I got much out of it. This changed when instead of trying to plow through it, I would look at the scripture references for a given chapter and read those first; Talmage's comments became more significant and interesting when I compared them to my own impressions and thoughts from studying the source just prior.
For the most part the idea was great, and I developed a deeper understanding for the mortal life and sacrifice of my Savior. However, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. While Talmage uses extensive references to the Gospels, he doesn't reference everything; so in order to read the Gospels completely while studying his commentary I had to find out which verses weren't being covered, and assign them to an applicable chapter. To do this, I started building a simple spreadsheet.
The end product is a table of the chapters from "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage with their associated references to the four Gospels of the King James version of the New Testament. If the reader goes through all of the referenced verses for each chapter of Talmage according to the table, he or she will have read the Gospels in their entirety.
I hope this table will be as useful for you in your study of the life of of our Savior Jesus Christ as it was for me. Click the link below to download the .pdf and let me know if you have any questions or corrections.


Praise God. It’s January 3rd. Happy Pub Day to me. Knit Together is now available on Kindle, OkadaBooks, Kobo, Nook and iBooks. Thanks for all the support and encouragement as I worked on the book. It really made a difference.
This song was on repeat while I wrote several scenes in the story. If you have never listened to this song, please click on the video. It will bless you.
It’s book release day for Secret Places. I started writing this book at a very difficult time in my life. I thank God for seeing this day. I thank Him for blessing the work of my hands. For bringing all the people who have been a part of this journey. All glory and honour to Him who reigns forever. It is the day that the Lord has made. And, it is a fabulous one 🙂
Very happy to announce that I have accepted a two-book deal from Brown Girls Faith, an imprint of Brown Girls Publishing. I’m excited about working with Rhonda McKnight and thankful to God for this opportunity. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be working hard on the first book with the goal of publishing sometime in the fall. At this point, the characters in book two are still playing hide and seek but I’m hopeful. As soon as I have a confirmed publication date, I’ll be back to share. Thanks for all the support and God bless!


Norfolk round tower church photography by David Woodcock. As a specialist in property photography, I love visiting and photographing round tower churches. In my early days growing up in the County of Norfolk nearly all of the churches were made of flint. So I naturally thought all churches were built that way. When going on holiday in the UK and abroad I soon discovered that they were constructed out of all sorts of materials and that Norfolk churches are quiet special in their construction.
In fact 124 of the churches in Norfolk have round towers and there are only 185 surviving examples in the country. That is an amazing statistic. The big question is why Norfolk has so many? Many were built by the Saxons and the construction could have been something to do with their culture. It has been suggested that corners are difficult to construct in flint but there are many examples of with square towers and most round tower churches have flat walls attached to the tower. Another suggestion is that in areas subject to Viking raids, that they were built as defensive structures. Whatever the reason for their construction round tower churches are very beautiful buildings.
Below are some fine examples in Norfolk.
Bawburgh St Mary and St Walstan
Keswick All Saints
Acle St Edmund in the Broadland Town of Acle
Rollesby St George
I also love to photograph local landscapes. See my superb Norfolk and Suffolk landscapes that look amazing on lounge, bedroom or office walls.


The Orientation phase is where a man is introduced to the program, at this time the men learn to acclimate to the daily discipline that will be required of them. In addition, because of the mental state a man is in when he enters the program, he will need this orientation time to clear his mind from the negative psychological impact that drugs brought to his life and learn to find new life in Christ.
During this time, a man learns how to journal and hear from the Lord. Journaling is the most important tool used at The Blake House, and this is where a man learns to have direct communication with God.
During this phase the teachings are directed towards two main areas: trust and ownership. The first priority is to begin to develop the trust in God, other men, and themselves. This is needed to begin to break down the walls that keep them bound in their addiction. Second, and most important, a man begins to take ownership of his life and the choices he has made. The man learns how to look at his addiction and the devastation it has had on his life and on the lives of others. As a result, he begins to take responsibility for his actions. Orientation implements the beginning steps to help a man break free from his addictions.
In this class, men will learn both the physical and psychological aspects of chemical dependency and learn to take a deeper responsibility for their recovery. This level of the program explores stages of growing dependency on chemicals and what commitments are necessary on the road to recovery. It explores the unhealthy thinking process that each man possesses. It is important to see how the mind has been contaminated in order to understand the controlling effects of addiction. The lessons are also designed to expose the denial and defense mechanisms that are so prevalent in the addicts life. Most importantly, this class “prepares” a man spiritually and emotionally for the the next phase of this program.
Inner Healing is a 10-week period of time where the men in the program can be directly focused on the healing needed for their own personal wounds. Specifically, Inner Healing begins with a man looking at his defense mechanisms at an even deeper level. This is necessary to help bring down some of his walls and unify the class through openness and vulnerability. Thus, bringing true healing and acceptance.Taking ownership and responsibility is a main focal point of this area of the recovery process. This is one of the reasons we are a regeneration program instead of a rehabilitation program; we have learned that to simply bring a man back to his former state is ineffective; instead we need to regenerate a man into a new creation in Christ. This is achieved, in part, through deep emotional and spiritual healing.
Identity is the last class in the 10-month regeneration program. Here the men are held to the highest standard. They are the leaders in the program, and they are expected to live as such. The disciples are given leadership opportunities that should encourage a sense of worth. Some of those positions assigned are as such: job site leaders, and probably most importantly, when a new brother comes into the program, they are responsible for teaching them how to journal and hear from the Lord.
Family Recovery seeks to revive and heal relationships torn by the disease of addiction. For true recovery, it is imperative that healing and forgiveness occur between the family and the addict. As families undergo this intense healing process, they begin to expose the underlying causes of addiction. The Blake House then provides a place to reinforce this healing and move forward in the rebuilding of the family.


One of our themes is found in John 14:6 where Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Although we love to see youth come to church, go to camp, and participate in mission trips with us, our primary goal in Student Ministry is to see youth come to know Jesus Christ in a real and personal way as Savior of their souls and Lord of their lives.
We refer to ourselves as the C.R.E.W., and that stands for "Created to Reach the Entire World." Our mission is to reach as many youth and families for Christ as God will allow, and to disciple them into a deeper and more personal walk with Christ while helping them unpack their unique skills for service as viable members of Christ's church both now and in the future.
Below is a schedule of what we do, some pics of our Youth House (YH) or click on the brochure for a more detailed look at s@e.


Sunday, February 19 * 10:30 – 11:45,
With Rev. Robin Collins and friends.
Living Our Spiritual Values in Challenging Times
As we see a world that no longer matches our vision for possibility, it becomes easy to lose hope, and to lose touch with our tender humanness & Soulfulness. Please join us for a return to Innocence and responsiveness in the face of our challenges. Our spiritual and emotional needs clamor for attention through our bodies, through our actions and through our thoughts. We will delve below the sadness and frustration to reveal our deeper core values so we can act directly to live that Spiritual need in full choice. Only then will we maintain the strength to make a difference.
ACIM gives a deep context to our inquiry: “I am never upset for the reason I think.” (Lesson 5) evolves through lesson 35, “My mind is a part of God’s, I am very Holy.”
At Boulder’s Caritas Center
5723 Arapahoe in Burning Tree Plaza * 303-449-3066 * www.CaritasCenter.org
The doors open at 10:15, suggested donation $5-15
Our Sunday Gathering includes sharing, prayer, community, fun and inspiration together. We rest in the Perennial Wisdom of living into our Spiritual paths. We gather to recharge, commune and support Spiritual evolvement. Building community among spiritual folk, we create conditions for Love to thrive as a way of life. We gather to share deep Presence with like minded friends.
We are an inclusive community of spiritually radiant souls who travel this earth together in support of one another, and in connection with one another. We cherish our sacred community time as a vehicle for Divine Love to pour through us, to move in us and between us as we share of ourselves in word, thought, deed, and energy emanation. Please join us in Blessed Community!
Our Vision is people living fully to create a world based in love.
Our Mission is to inspire, enlighten, and support people living
their spirituality every moment of every day.
Rev. Robin Collins MA is a community cultural creative, and loves to support transformation of all kinds. As an Interfaith Peace Minister, she honors the essence of all paths home and focuses on developing awareness of the Oneness of Creation. Her roots include direct spiritual experience grounded in the wisdom of A Course In Miracles, inner process work, Art Therapy, Compassionate Communication (NVC) and Energy Ecstasy. She has offered classes and workshops in spiritual development for the last 15 years.


Before I start this, let me put up my disclaimer that I am not religious but not anti-religious nor do I want to get into any religion-related conversations/arguments.
I learned I am essentially excommunicated from the Catholic church.
As most of you gasp and say 'ANNA is Catholic? Who'd have guessed?' let me give you a little background. I was raised by a mother that embraced the Catholic church and even put in a private school for grades K-6. I have been baptized and have godparents that are practicing Catholics. I have had communion and have been confirmed (they were prerequisites to "passing" that grade in grade school - feels a little forced).
I digress. I was in a conversation today and was told that because I got married outside of the church to a non-Catholic that I am essentially excommunicated. I've done some googling on this and it seems to me that Catholics aren't all that excommunication-happy as they like to leave the door open for you to 'repent and return' whatever that means.
I did find, however, that I am not a valid Catholic any longer and neither is Jen. I tell ya, I've never missed it (sorry mom and Auntie D), don't really like the Catholic religion and even got C's in Religion class in 5th grade because I refused to memorize prayers (but got extra credit from Sr. Cecilia for doodling a portrait of Mary in my workbook)... but now that I'm invalid... I feel like I just got VOID stamped all over me.
I don't think it will make me run to the church and ask the local bishop to recognize me (apparently you have to do this now that I've marred my record). I don't know that it will even drive me to go to any church. Just something I found interesting today.


Service to others is central to our faith tradition and our philosophy of an education that develops the whole person.
NOTRE DAME COMMUNITY HALLMARKS
1. We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
2. We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
3. We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.
4. We commit ourselves to community service.
5. We embrace the gift of diversity.
6. We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
7. We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.


Each member of the EFO is asked to include one of these points during their regular prayer times. It would usually be said at the end of morning prayer, as we think this helps the person focus on the Rule as they go about their daily tasks. We have split the Rule into days of the week, so that everyone can be focused on the same point each day.
To retain sufficient resources to meet basic living needs, and those resources which are needed to achieve ministries. Any excess should be shared among those in need.
To remain dedicated to the promises of fidelity and sanctity either as a single or with a partner.
To unreservedly remain faithful and abide by this rule and the Order’s governing councils.
To pray the Divine Offices of Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline.
To be present at the Eucharist as frequently as is possible, with daily attendance being preferred.
To spend as much time in private prayer (in addition to the Eucharist and the Divine Offices) as is possible.
To respect and keep the rules of silence as defined in each house.
To spend some time each week in theological study and reflection, so as to remain informed and conversant in spiritual matters.
To undertake regular (paid or unpaid) work as is required to assist the Order, the house, the community it supports, and the ministries in which it is engaged.


Released in 1965 on the initiative of some Christian Christian associations, paying a heavy redemption to the Romanian authorities, Richard Wurmbrand came to the West where he immediately began to tell his story and to witness the violence and atrocities committed by Communist regimes on Christians. His testimony, quoted in the book "Tortured for Christ", made a stir as these were the years of youth controversy, the Vietnam War movement, and the strong growth of Communist parties all over the world. initiative by some Christian Christian associations, paid a heavy redemption money to the Romanian authorities, Richard Wurmbrand came to the West where he immediately began to tell his story and to witness the violence and atrocities committed by Communist regimes on Christians. His testimony, mentioned in the book "Tortured for Christ", made a stir, since those were the years of youth controversy, the anti-war movement in Vietnam and the strong growth of communist parties all over the world. In his book, the first of the many who would then publish, Richard Wurmbrand raised a vibrant appeal to all Christians who could exercise their faith in freedom in the Western world: When they struck me under the feet of my feet, my tongue yelled. Why was my tongue screaming? They were not hitting me on the tongue. She was crying because the tongue and the feet are both parts of the same body. And you free Christians are part of the same Body of Christ now being tortured in prisons in the free nations ... You hear our cry: "Remember us, do not abandon us!"? During its development and following the character of Wurmbrand Shepherd who was a man of action, the Mission for the Persecuted Church wanted to act immediately to help Christians persecuted throughout the world concretely. These are its main activities: ● Distribution of humanitarian aid for families and orphans of persecution ● Economic support and training at work for families and widows of persecuted Christians ● Safe homes for new converts who risk persecution ● Humanitarian aid in case of natural disasters or mass persecution. Free medical treatment and operations for victims of persecution. ● Distribution of Bibles and Christian Literature for Persecuted Believers.


Rosary Coloring Pages. The mysteries of the rosary coloring pages can be found here. Rosary printed instructions with prayers praying the rosary make the sign of the cross recite the.
If printed on 8 5 x11 paper you will have a 1 2 sheet sized book. Luminous mysteries rosary coloring pages wedding feast. Our engaging rosary coloring page pdf is a fun art activity that helps develop your kids’ coloring skills while learning about the significance of rosary beads.
40+ Rosary Coloring Pages The Mysteries Of The Rosary From Www.saintanneshelper.com Here Is A Peek At All Of The Pages In The Book, One For Each Decade
Do you pray the 15 mysteries of the rosary? The students ought to realize the importance of a workbook prior to they are able to use it. Hail mary our father ©2020 mariely m.
(10) Bail Wary Announce The Mystery, Our Glory Announce The Q)Ystety, Our Sather Glory.
The rosary is such a beautiful representation of prayer. Rosary coloring pages fifteen mysteries of the rosary pictures. Kids can print out and design and color their rosaries while learning how to pray at the same time.
How To Make A Rosary With String And Beads.
Catholicmom.com coloring activity www.catholicmom.com thank you to julie streeter for creating this coloring page! Rosary printed instructions with prayers praying the rosary make the sign of the cross recite the. Rosary printed instructions with prayers praying the rosary make the sign of the cross recite the.
Download And Print These Mysteries Of The Rosary Coloring Pages For Free.
Coloring pages turned easy catholic craft. Mysteries of the rosary coloring pages are a fun way for kids of all ages to develop creativity, focus, motor skills and color recognition. Hail mary our father ©2020 mariely m.
Because Of Our New Format For These Printables, You Can Add Messages To Them In Whatever Fonts, Sizes And Colors You Like.
Prayer is such a beautiful practice when you feel it. Color each train car as you pray the rosary! Rosary coloring page 40 rosary coloring pages the mysteries the rosary.


Join us for our Sunday morning service at 10am or a Holy Communion service on Tuesdays at 9:30am.
Everyone is warmly welcome!
This is a more intimate service of Holy Communion including a brief talk and prayer lasting about 40 minutes.
First Sunday of the month - 4pm
Intergenerational Service - for the young, the old, and everyone in between!
All welcome - designed particularly for families with children in mind.
Sunday Morning Service
Sundays 10 am
Every Sunday morning we gather together to pray, sing hymns of worship, listen to teaching based on our bible readings and share in Holy Communion.
Everyone is welcome and there is a playmat at the back of church with toys for small children. Godly Play (our version of Sunday School) happens during the service, please click here for more information.
Tea and coffee after the service


The late Zig Ziglar often credited an elderly black woman with leading him to the Lord, when he was 45 years old. Ziglar said faith helped him see that success was having peace of mind and that it was not something money could buy. At every Ziglar event I attended, he always mentioned this woman who led him to the Lord. I never did got her name. Anyway, she made a huge contribution to the universe by helping transform his life to become one of the most influential motivational speakers in the world. In many ways people contribute (sow) into the lives of others everyday, not knowing how far their influence will reach. So, what's your contribution?


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When I signed up for a trip to Iona, Scotland with Camp Westminster, I didn’t exactly know what to expect. Even now after returning from Scotland, it’s hard for me to put the power of the experience into words. If I had to sum the trip up in one word, it would be incredible. The scenery was breathtaking and at some points overwhelming. Waking up to sunshine many days and observing cows and sheep roaming freely throughout the island were awesome reminders of God’s creations and presence. The beautiful scenes I saw atIona are images I will treasure in my mind forever.Besides feeling God’s presence in the beautiful setting, I could really sense God’s presence during the healing service on Tuesday night. During the service, there were different sections of names read off based on peoples’ needs and the names were followed by the whole church singing. After that, everyone in the church had the opportunity to kneel in sections and during that time the rest of the church would pray and sing over us. It was incredibly moving and powerful.This is a selection from my favorite song that we sang at Iona during an evening service: Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, unuttered or expressed. Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near. Prayer is the simplest form of speech the infant lips can try; prayer the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on high. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, our watchword at the gates of death, we enter heaven with prayer. Prayer is not made by us alone: the Holy Spirit pleads, and Jesus on the eternal throne for sinners intercedes. O Christ, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, the path of prayer yourself have trod, Lord teach us how to pray.I feel truly blessed to have gone on this trip with such a great group of friends and a fantastic leader with God watching over us.
-Lucie, Westminster to the World participant


The Francis Project: Hoyas for Human Dignity and Life supports awareness of the Catholic understanding of the culture of life and addresses key human dignity and life issues in ways appropriate to our student community. The Francis Project is housed under Student Affairs and receives support from the Office of Mission and Ministry. It engages students through events, outreach, education, and by increasing the visibility of pro-dignity student groups on campus.
The Francis Project takes its name and its inspiration from Pope Francis and fills a need on campus to recognize the value of each moment and situation of human life, in all of its messiness. Georgetown has a wide range of student groups that address human dignity and life issues; The Francis Project hopes to support these groups and address life issues in creative ways on campus.


I had the opportunity tonight to do a Motivational Speech at the All Saints Lutheran Church in Bellevue. I had a wonderful time meeting more incredible women. I know they are the ones that asked me to speak, but I always seem to get more out of it than anyone else. I had planned to type of my talk tonight so that the ladies there would have a copy of it, like I told them I would this evening . But I am going to have to do it tomorrow… or today. It is late and as soon as I came home, I went straight to the hospital to see a friend of mine who just had a baby.
So I had to make a choice, write my talk down or go hold a sweet baby for 2 1/2 hours…seems like a no brainer to me. I will post my speech tomorrow.
Good night dear friends!


Yesterday I shared Francis Schaeffer’s 7 perspectives in which Christians should consider art. Today I want to share his 5th perspective at more length. In this perspective, Schaeffer discusses how a Christian should judge a work of art. I believe this to be a profitable discussion in light the desperate need among Christians to interact intelligently and sensitively with culture and art. Once again, please take a look at Francis Schaeffer’s book, Art and the Bible. It is well worth your time.
FOUR STANDARDS OF JUDGMENT
What kind of judgment does one apply, then, to a work of art? I believe that there are four basic standards:
1. Technical excellence
I will discuss technical excellence in relationship to painting because it is easy to point out through this medium what I mean. Here one considers the use of color, form, balance, the texture of the paint, the handling of lines, the unity of the canvas and so forth. In each of these there can be varying degrees of technical excellence. By recognizing technical excellence as an aspect of an art work, we are often able to say that while we do not agree with such and such an artist’s world view, he is nonetheless a great artist.
We are not being true to the artist as a man if we consider his art work junk simply because we differ with his outlook on life. Christian schools, Christian parents and Christian pastors often have turned off young people at just this point. Because the schools, the pastors and the parents did not make a distinction between technical excellence and content, the whole of much great art has been rejected by scorn or ridicule. Instead, if the artist’s technical excellence is high, he is to be praised for this, even if we differ with his world view. Man must be treated fairly as man.
Validity is the second criterion. By validity I mean whether an artist is honest to himself and to his world view or whether he makes his art only for money or for the sake of being accepted.
To bring it down to earth, let’s see what happens in the art form of preaching. There is many a pastor who does not have validity. Some preach for material gain and others in order to be accepted by their congregation. It is so easy to play to the audience, to adjust what one says or the way one says it to produce the kind of effect which will be most beneficial to the preacher himself. And when one sees the issue in relationship to the gospel, the force of the dishonesty is especially obvious.
3. Intellectual content, the world view which comes through
The third criterion for the judgment of a work of art is its content, that which reflects the world view of the artist.
The artist’s world view is not to be free from the judgment of the Word of God.
We should realize that if something untrue or immoral is stated in great art it can be far more destructive and devastating than if it is expressed in poor art or prosaic statement.
But the greater the artistic expression, the more important it is to consciously bring it and its world view under the judgment of Christ and the Bible.
It is possible for a non-Christian writer or painter to write and paint according to a Christian world view even though he himself is not a Christian.
4. The integration of content and vehicle
The fourth criterion for judging a work of art involves how well the artist has suited the vehicle to the message. For those art works which are truly great, there is a correlation between the style and the content. The greatest art fits the vehicle that is being used to the world view that is being presented.
All quotes from Francis A. Schaeffer. Art and the Bible (pgs.62- 69). Kindle Edition.


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Mission in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg and Pretoria
On 18 March 2001 His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim was enthroned as the new Archbishop of Johannesburg to replace the late Metropolitan Ioannis, who reposed in the Lord in October 2000. One of his first acts as Archbishop was to open and speak at the first Orthodox missiological conference held in South Africa, a joint venture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg, with the support of several other bodies.
We welcome His Eminence and look forward to more news of mission acvtivity in the Archdiocese in future.
There is more news on the web page of the Archdiocese.
The African Orthodox Episcopal Church
In February 1997 the leaders of the African Orthodox Episcopal Church (AOEC), which has about 7 congregations to the north of Pretoria, wrote to the Archbishop of Johannesburg and Pretoria and asked to be united with the Orthodox Church. They had made contact with the Orthodox Church though Stephen Hayes and Archimandrite Michael Visvinis of the Pretoria parish.
The AOEC is an
African independent church (AIC). There are over 7000 AICs in South Africa, and many more in other parts of the continent. It was one of a group of AICs that claimed an Orthodox background, but is uncanonical, and has sought to be united to the Orthodox Church.
In March 1999 Archbishop Ioannis, the Metropolitan of Johannesburg and Pretoria, appointed Fr Bert Olechnowicz as the official liaison person between the Archdiocese and the AOEC, and Fr Bert is planning to hold a series of meeting with the AOEC leaders to help them prepare to be received into Orthodoxy. The members of the AOEC speak several different languages, and so liturgical texts will have to be translated into Zulu, Sotho, Tsonga and other languages.
This mission page
As I develop these pages, I hope to put information about Orthodox mission here, with links to other sites with information about Orthodox mission. If you know of other sites dealing with Orthodox mission and evangelism, please let me know
In you have any news or comments on mission, click here to comment in the Orthodox Mission Discussion Board
Some other sites with information on Orthodox mission
See also our main mission links page
You are visitor number 2098 to this page since 1 August 1998
Comment on this
Use the corkboard for comments, and also for events, news and announcements relating to Orthodox mission (off-topic announcements will be deleted)
Orthodox Mission Corkboard
Orthodox mission forum
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Whenever I go to the hometown of my mother in Pangasinan, I am reminded of the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, a minor Basilica, which is situated in a nearby town. My mother's place goes to the right, after the town of Binalonan, and the shrine on the left going to the town proper of Manaoag.
Filipinos by nature are ardent devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They pray for her intercession in asking special favors to her son, Jesus Christ. In Manila, we have the church of the Lady of Perpetual Help where Marian devotees flock, especially during Wednesdays. It is a pilgrimage site where people from all walks of life congregate to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin.
The Shrine of the Lady of Manaoag, however, is considered as a place of miracles. It is replete with stories and anecdotes about the Holy Mother. Many have been written in various journals ,and among my favorites are stories that were told firsthand, by my own mother.
She often says that the Virgin is miraculous. During the Japanese era, the Blessed Mother is known to show herself to local farmers whenever there is danger or pestilence.She is a beautiful lady with a shining face who talked placidly with the natives. A farmer who saw her in the fields, was surprised to see her image in the church.
Several people claims to have seen here walking around. As of result, the pilgrimage to the site grew in numbers. Devotees came from all parts of the Philippines, and some of them are from other countries like the United States and Europe.
When I went there a few months ago, I saw the same number of people flocking around the church. The entrance was full of vendors of : rosaries, replica of the Virgin and the Sto. Nino, kakanin (sweet bread), tupig (sticky rice with coco strips and charbroiled), fruits, and native bags and decors. The church was basically the same as when I last saw it and the lines going to the Virgin at the altar is still long as ever.
There are several stores managed by the church where I bought a few floating candles, calendars, and a t-shirt for my kid. It was a religious experience and I could have finished hearing the mass had I not been distracted by the commerce that were all around me.I saw several ladies selling ginger juice in different sizes of bottles. I wondered what that has got to do with the veneration of the Virgin. But I let go of the ill thoughts and went to the small pool to float my candles. These candles were said to be for special favours and I lighted ten of them.
I stood there transfixed with the Blessed Virgin gazing down at me. I asked for forgiveness from all the distractions that must have shaken my unwavering faith in her. I then sense a sudden calmness that must have meant, that she has forgiven me. I left the site with a feeling of contentment and inner peace.
Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved


James E. Wilborn died in MSDF in 2015 due to heat exhaustion
Here’s his story, from the Table of the Saints
James E. Wilborn Was on the board of directors of the Table of the Saints, Milwaukee, and its Intercessor/Prayer Warrior. He was born in 1953 in Mississippi, grew up in Chicago, and came to Milwaukee at age 45 in ’93 as a member of a Christian ministry of bible disciples, Victory Outreach, a world-wide organization. But, he said, he was a member only intellectually, with his head, not his heart. Feeling unfulfilled by his work, he quit and wound up living in the streets for five years, succumbing to drug addiction. He was arrested and convicted for delivering illegal substances and ended up in prison from1995 to ’98. Once free, he fell into old habits, again a full-blown addict. Two years later, he committed a “strong-armed robbery” to feed his habit and received a six-year prison sentence, 2000 to 2008.
For two years after this release from prison, he managed to deny the temptation of drugs and alcohol. But this time, when he fell, he took himself to the alcohol and drug treatment program at the Network Recovery Rehabilitation Residence, where he remained for two years. Upon leaving in 2010, Wilborn moved to the Miracle House, and met William Harrell, who invited him to join the Table of the Saints. February 18, 2010, was the day that Wilborn says that he was saved from using drugs because that day, he received Christ back into his life, became a prayer minister and overcame his addiction to drugs. This time, however, his heart was involved, not just his head.
A change of mind and heart and understanding
James Wilborn said that he never expressed himself to God before joining the Table of the Saints. He said, “There has to be a willingness to change your mind and your heart and understanding to make it on the outside. The Lord changed my mind and heart and understanding. I was fortunate: instead of being sent back to jail, I was sent to Alternative to Revocation treatment, which I see as God’s doing. But I had to be broken before God could fill the void in my heart.
“When people say, what kind of God would let bad things happen, in some cases, they don’t realize that they have choices, or that free will is a gift from God.”
Escaping death three times
Wilborn said that at age 16, he was shot six times. The operation to save his life took 18 hours; the medical team didn’t think he would make it.
At 21, he needed a tonsillectomy. The surgeon cut an artery in his throat by mistake and the nurses ignored him when he said that he was having trouble breathing. Imagine struggling for air until a second shift nurse respected him and examined his throat: She discovered that he was choking on his own blood and rushed him back into surgery. The surgeon failed again, forcing James Wilborn into a third operation. This one repaired his artery, but the medical staff doubted that Wilborn would make it through the night.
The third time a medical staff believed that Wilborn would die before dawn was the time that he was 27 and began to have seizures. He was in prison at the time and was sent to a civilian hospital with a policeman stationed at his door. Tests showed that severe ulcers had perforated his intestines. Internal bleeding was cutting off oxygen in his brain, causing the seizures. In surgery, they patched him up and returned him to his room. Because the doctors doubted that Wilborn would be alive by morning, the police guard was dismissed.
Wilborn asked to see a minister. The minister told him that the Lord told him that Wilborn was not going to die. The minister “laid his hands on” Wilborn and prayed. James Wilborn greeted another dawn and found his brother by his side. They hadn’t seen each other in years after Wilborn’s brother joined the Navy. The Navy gave James’ brother a leave of absence and paid for his transportation to attend his brother’s deathbed. When Wilborn didn’t die, he was sent to an institutional hospital. This medical team repeated the same tests, but these result showed that Wilborn’s intestines had healed. He was sent to a maximum security prison to serve out the last four months of his sentence.
Upon his release, Wilborn returned to Milwaukee. Because he was tempted to use again and wind up in prison again, he checked himself into the Network Recovery Rehabilitation residence and got the help he needed. Meeting William Harrell and joining the Table of the Saints played a huge role in his triumph over addiction, because doing good to feel good works.
From the Table of the Saints


Got to spend Good Friday with these amazing people and with of course, God. Haha. We went to the City Church’s Kirkland campus for service and the start of the Jesus Is____. Tour. Pastor Judah did an amazing job and his sermon was so good.
John 11:3 ESV
So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
He focused on the idea of when we are in the heat of the moment we say things we don’t really mean, but in all reality we actually say stuff the we are really thinking and truly mean. With that idea, and the passage from John were Mary and Martha are writing a letter to Jesus to save Lazarus, they could have written anything, but they wrote “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”. With this they focused on Jesus and God, and his love for us. Not our love for him. He whom you love. We forgot to think this way, and I thought it was cool seeing that. The love that Jesus give us is agape love, not philia love. His love is never-ending and a love that gives without anything in return. We need to remember that when things seem so hard and like nothing is there, God is there. We tend to forgot that, and so we just need to remember that God loves us. We should live to showcase God’s love, not ours.
It amazes me how much time I can waste in a day. So much to do…. Sigh…
Small and miniature oil paintings by Jessica Gardner


Vickie Nobbe has been a member of Faith Baptist Church since 2003, where she has had the opportunity to serve as Assistant Youth Minister, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School, and Children’s Church Teacher. Vickie is married to Paul Nobbe and they have three children. Vickie is a nurse by trade, where she has always felt a strong calling to serve and care for those around her. In this new role, she is excited to lead students to Christ, discipling them to be comfortable serving others and sharing the gospel.
Haley Nelson is a student at the University of Kentucky, where she is a dual major in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics. Haley has been a member of Faith Baptist Church since she was a child, and she has a passion for student ministry. In this new role, she is excited to have the opportunity to teach students about the Bible and hopes to encourage students to abide in the Lord, be in the word, and serve those around them.


CORPUS CHRISTI IN WARSAW AND CHICAGO
Corpus Christi is a festival that the Catholic Church has celebrated to honor the Eucharist since XIII century. The name “Corpus Christi” is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. Young girls scatter flower petals on the streets to welcome Jesus, who is believed to walk the streets with the people during the Corpus Christi processions. The celebration is an official public holiday in Poland and traffic is stopped for quite a long time. Corpus Christi celebrated in Chicago is an example of how the polish immigrants bring and cultivate their religious and cultural traditions. In Chicago, there is no official holiday that Thursday and many parishes serving the polish community celebrate Corpus Christi on Sunday after the mass. The photographs are from a procession organized by Holy Trinity Church, which has become a Polish Mission in 1987. The church has served the community since 1872 and all services are offered in the Polish language. During the procession, traffic is stopped on Division Street and Ashland Avenue, while girls scatter flower petals and participants stop to pray at temporary street shrines.


Mrs. Daisy Owens, age 91 of Andalusia passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2013 in the local hospital.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2013 at Harmony Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Rev. Greg Cotter will officiate. Burial will follow in Harmony Church Cemetery with Keahey Funeral Home directing.
Survivors include son, Marvin Lee (Elaine) Owens; Andalusia
Daughter, Shirley Jean (Bob) McKain; Fernandina Beach, Florida
Two brothers, V.C. Sasser; Andalusia
James William (Genice) Sasser; Bonifay, Florida
Four grandchildren, Manuel Owens, Brian Owens,
Donna Hutcheson, Missy Madden
9 great grandchildren


The World Needs Your Encouragement, Support, and Love.
Find out why joining the Legion of Mary is so empowering! By joining the Legion of Mary, you will be encouraging and supporting people who may be seeking council for their faith, people who have lost hope, who are ill spiritually and physically and in general could be going through a lost time in their lives. As a member, you could be visiting the sick in a hospital or those confined in nursing homes, or their own personal home, assisting in your Parish with duties such as RCIA, perform as acting Ministers, visit Parish Homes, take a Parish census, conduct a Catholic Information Stand in a public place, or speak with those interested in the Church.
As God calls you to be present you will feel the grace of Our Lady working by your side!
How Do I Join? Many parishes have a Legion group (called a Praesidium), which meets weekly. Notices may be posted in the Parish Bulletin, or you can ask your Parish Priest, or call the rectory. If your Parish does not have a Legion group, you may join in another nearby Parish, or email the Senatus (see Contact us), to find the location of a group near you. There are also groups for those who are foreign born, for example, a Korean Curia, or a Spanish speaking Praesidia. Next, show up at a meeting.


The foundation encourage, motivates, empowers and supports members through the following program activities.
- Personal growth teaching and training
- Relationship/community building
- A joint celebration of different and special occasions; such as birthday
- Mutual spiritual, social and economic support
- Weekly gathering and celebration
Statement of faith
The Bible is the inspired, infallible and authoritative written Word of God.
There is one God, eternally existing in three person: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.
The deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the father, His personal future return to this earth in power and in glory to rule a thousand years.
In the blessed hope the rapture of the church at Christ’s coming.
Salvation by repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential for personal salvation.
The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is able to live a holy life.
The resurrection of the saved to everlasting life.
As members of the body of Christ at MCTC, We boldly declare and confess that we have been redeemed by the precious blood of our Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. We boldly declare and confess, that we love God with all our hearts and with all our minds and with all our strength.
The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. We are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world. We are the witnesses of the Most High God.
No weapon formed against us shall prosper. For the Lord is our light and our salvation. As members of the body of Christ at MCTC we are more than conquerors. For the one that lives in us is greater than the one that lives in the world.
Through us, the Kingdom of God shall reign on earth as it is in heaven. The favour of God is our shield; the joy of the Lord is our strength. We welcome you Holy Spirit.
Today, we shall rejoice and Praise the Lord. For we are blessed and highly favoured.


Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore, Illinois,
is a friendly, growing congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
There is a place for everyone at Salem,
where we are Living Christ's Love!
Worship Services at Salem
Saturdays at 5:00 pm
Sundays at 8:00 am and 10:30 am
See the whole calendar.
News & Events
Click a headline title below to read the full article or click here to go to all news articles.
All News Articles


Yesterday saw the publication of the “Murphy Report”, or the Commission of Investigation Report into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. The report deals with cases of clerical child abuse within the Dublin Archdiocese, ranging from 1975-2004. Specifically, it differs from the Ryan Report in that it deals with the way claims of abuse were handled by the church, the health boards, the Gardaí, and other authority figures at the time. It deals with 46 priests as a representative sample (of almost 200 priests named in complaints), and most of them have been given pseudonyms.
From the report – “Of the 46 priests in the representative sample, 11 are or were
members of religious orders. Four of these are dead; four are living within
their orders with restrictions on their ministry and activities; two are living
within their orders without restrictions and one has become estranged from
his order and is living without restriction in another diocese. One priest
belongs to a UK diocese and his whereabouts are unknown. Of the 34
priests from the Dublin Archdiocese, ten are dead, 20 are out of ministry and
four are in ministry. Of the 20 who are out of ministry, 11 are being financially
supported by the Archdiocese and are living under restrictions imposed by
Archbishop Martin; nine are laicised.”
The report confirms, among other things, that the diocese were very aware that abuse was going on, and made active attempts to cover it up. As early as 1987, they arranged insurance against compensation claims from victims of such abuse. Many high ranking officials in the diocese were aware of the abuse. Despite a knowledge of both civil and canon law, the Archbishops in charge either chose to turn a blind eye (Archbishops Ryan and McNamara) or make token efforts to setting processes in motion, but not following through (Archbishop McQuaid). A total of two canonical trials took place over the 30 year period, initiated by Archbishop Connell (against strong opposition), which resulted in the defrocking of two priests.
In general, there was a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with regard to the abuse. Complainants were told as little as possible, and the issues were never openly discussed by the Archbishop and his auxilliaries. The church failed to inform the Gardaí of reports of abuse, and it was against strong opposition (and breaking of canon law of secrecy) that Archbishop Connell allowed the Gardaí access to the files kept by the diocese. As problems emerged within the diocese, Archbishop Ryan assigned different people to deal with them, leading to a breakdown in coordination and communication.
Senior members of Gardaí dealt inappropriately with cases – handing them back to the diocese to be dealt with, for example. Many senior Gardaí felt that the priests were outside their remit, and so when people complained about abuse, instead of investigating, they reported it to the diocese and took no further action.
The second half of the report deals individually with the sample selection of priests, detailing (for each one) the allegations made, and the response (or lack thereof) of the church and the Gardaí. Regrettably, the response in most cases seems to have simply been to move the priest on, occasionally to send him to counselling, and to cover it up. The greatest concern, at all times, appears to have been that people would find out that the abuse had gone on, and not that lives would be crushed by the abuse.
You can read the report here, it’s in two parts:
I recommend that you do read it, and encourage others to. Not because it is easy, or interesting, as I can assure you, it is neither. It is as grim as the Ryan report, and as difficult to read. People were ignored in the most arrogant and disgusting way possible. Their trust was violated. And, for the most part, there still has been no apology.
I encourage you to read it because it is important that we stop ignoring what went on. It is important that we know what went on so that we can make sure it doesn’t happen again. And mostly, it is important because these people have been crying out for their whole lives, and it’s about time that we listened.


The Licensing and Installation of the Rev’d Rachael Dines
Monday 25th November at St. Edmund's Church, Hunstanton.
Mrs Gibbins was delighted to be able to represent Smithdon High School at the licensing and installation of the Rev’d Rachael Dines as Priest in Charge (Team Rector Designate), and of the Rev’d James Monro as Assistant Priest, of Hunstanton with Ringstead Benefice and the Saxon Shore Benefice on Monday 25th November at St. Edmund's Church, Hunstanton.
The school enjoys a close relationship with the Hunstanton benefice, including taking part in the annual Hunstanton Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service and Rev'd Monro has visited the school for various events and assemblies throughout the year. We are also delighted that St. Edmund's allows us to hold our annual Christmas Carol Concert in the church - this year on Thursday 12th December.
The evening was well-attended and the Rev'd Dines couldn't hide her excitement and joy and joining these benefices with her passionate responses to her promises and for the future of her work in the diocese. We look forward to welcoming her, alongside Rev'd Monro, at future events in school.


The training done at our church was very positive and the methods shared has served as a motivation tool for our members as a powerful witnessing tool. Once you start praying for someone and add them to your own list you broaden your opportunity for witnessing!
Date Written: 13 October 2009
Testimony by: Pastor Lloyd Johnson
It is always a joy and so uplifting anytime I interact with Team Courage. Thank you for all you do! You all are appreciated.
Date Written: 13 October 2009
Testimony by: Rebecca Powell
I was amazed at campmeeting when Anthony and Melvic did a presentation on Team Courage. I have not been the same since, because I am always thinking about; Is there anything I can keep in prayer for you today? I love it and God is blessing this ministry to its fullest potential. I will be a part of leading people to Christ with the help of God. I thank God for using young minds to finish His Gospel into all the world and then shall the end come. I love you guys and keep allowing God to fully do his work through you. Love Angela Roper
Date Written: 10 October 2009
Testimony by: Angela Roper
I met the founder of the Global Encouragement Center (Team Courage) years ago just after the ministry was born. Over the years I have watched how the ministry vision has grown and transformed into what you see today. While things were not always great and there were many challenges, I congratulate you for NOT quitting. Keep up the good work and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as you move forward.
Date Written: 09 October 2009
Testimony by: CEO of CCHG LLC
Your encouragement workshop has changed the way we relate to our neighbors. My wife and I recently baked cookies for the residents in our apartment building and introduced ourselves to each one. What a blessing! The next day several of the residents left cards on our door thanking us for our kindness. One gentlemen was so pleased to meet us that he told us that our gift was the nicest thing anyone had done for him in the twelve years he has lived in the complex. Currently, we are enjoying growing relationships with our new friends and searching for more opportunities to share Christ. All of this as the result of some simple acts of kindness. Thanks to the encouragement workshop we are learning to put the grace of God in motion.
Date Written: 09 October 2009
Testimony by: Dion McKinney
Words cannot fully express the effectiveness, impact and far reaching influence of the Global Encouragement Center (Team Courage) outreach ministry. May God continue to richly bless and expand your ministry.
Date Written: 08 October 2009
Testimony by: Pastor Brian McKinney
If there is ever a time in the history of the earth, that encouragement is not only necessary but mandatory, it is now! Because Satan knows that if he can keep us discouraged, then he knows that he can be victorious. We have lost the battle without encouragement! The purpose of discouragement is to make you quit. Keep encouraging people Team Courage. Encouragement is good for the mental health and the physical health as well. It lowers your blood pressure, it lowers your cholesterol and it boost your immune system. Discouragement raises your blood pressure, raises your cholesterol, it destroys your immune system and it weakens the heart. Discouragement is death and Encouragement is life.
Date Written: 07 October 2009
Testimony by: CEO of Creative Enterprises, LLC
In the day and time in which we live, your (team encouragement ministry) has been an up-lifting, positive, spiritually enlightening tool that God is using to motivate, inspire, instruct and encourage His people. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless your ministry and the people that you serve.
Date Written: 05 October 2009
Testimony by: CEO of Dynamic Growth, LLC
I am very encouraged that your team has developed such an outstanding outreach ministry program. I believe that this is a very timely approach, that has been designed for these troubled times very much in need of this form of special hope and encouragement.
Date Written: 03 October 2009
Testimony by: Bonnie McKinney, CEO of New Concept Center
Brother McKinney, this is what I am doing in my church as a community service director. Thank you and your wife for being such great instructors at our South Atlantic Conference Campmeeting. Our food bank is a success (in our 1st month), we gave out 218 food boxes, serving over 650 people (approx. 3 people per family). Our blood drive was a success. We had 18 first time donors! We had 30 people signed up, 24 came to donate. We are now focusing on our Power of Prayer Community Club. Your Encouragement Workshop was a great help here in Asheville, you taught the members how to win souls with their special talents. Thank you, I don’t have to beg, I just look on my papers (E-Prayer Request Form) and see who volunteered.
Date Written: 30 September 2009
Testimony by: Mrs. Viola Williams, Community Service Director for 2009
”… I was impressed with the simplicity, straightforwardness, material content, marketing strategy and the spiritual focus of the presentation. “Be Encouraged Daily” has unlimited potential to serve the client with prayer, bible study, support materials and services. At the same time, it sorts out people according to their spiritual gifts. I am persuaded to get involved and I am encouraging you to become a part of this winning ministry…”
Date Written: 10 September 2009
Testimony by: Blondel E. Senior, Ph. D
This letter is to acknowledge having listened to your plans and vision for the program “Be Encouraged Daily” – a strategy for engaging the entire local congregation (pulpit and pew) in church growth… I believe your program possesses a simplicity easily understood, a practicality encouragingly grasped, and a potential clearly unlimited…
Date Written: 05 September 2009
Testimony by: Mervyn A. Warren, Ph. D., D. Min.


Name of podcast: Everything You See
Episode title and number: Losing ourselves in the barricade of perceived safety: 02
Episode Two involves Terri and Wendy discussing pain and loneliness in difficult marriages by revisiting the place of pain from the first episode. Terri shares a story of hating her situation and herself and calling out to God to give her hope and change. Terri and Wendy discuss God delighting in our vulnerabilities and honesty. Terri and Wendy also discuss running to our barricade (place away from the pain) when things become too painful. Wendy shares insightful definitions about what a barricade is and how we internalize that perceived safety. Terri and Wendy discuss how we lock ourselves away from the world because of pain which causes us to lose ourselves ultimately. Wendy shares a story about how our childhood conditioning impacts our adult relationships. Terri and Wendy discuss the desire to be delighted in. They also share the start of identifying truths and coming out of the barricade. Ultimately, Terri and Wendy discuss God’s desire to be with us and His patience in waiting for us to come out of our barricade. The main points of Episode Two include:
1- Acknowledging pain and loneliness in a difficult marriage
2- More information on the place of pain
3- Calling out to God in the ugliness of tough situations and God delighting in us in those moments
4- Running to the barricade when things are too hard
5- Developing a perceived idea of safety by closing ourselves off from relationships and the world
6- Identifying lies we believe and ways to proclaim truth over the lies
7- God is waiting for you and not condemning you
This episode helps the listener identify their hurts and ways they avoid emotional pain.
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“You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5) If you love God with all your whole heart, you will find that ‘his commandments’ are not burdensome.
God never asks more of us than we can do. He knows our limitations. “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
“For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power” (Philippians 4:13).
For me it is extremely hard to write or talk about faith, for this is such a personal subject. I believe that this cannot be explained or taught, but felt. On the other hand, I am so grateful for those who showed me the importance of believing in something that I truly feel I should say something in this concern.
Loving God go beyond any explanations, and thus I can’t find words to describe it I may invite you to some reflections. Do you ever feel alone or with a strange sense of emptiness? A lack of strength may come to you but deeply inside you know you should endure. Even with all the existencial emptiness you know there is something. You simply know because it is innate to us humans. Our rational side sometimes try to deny it, but one cannot live in peace without finding God – or its spiritual essence.
Believing in God may sound like a burden to some, full of prejudice and other bad thoughts. This so called God has many interpretations, some of them causes us some trauma, referring to a evilish character, full of rage. That is so wrong. God is only love, God hates suffering hates to see us suffering, that’s not how it is supposed to be. He (should I say he?) only wishes our best, but sometimes for us to grow we may undergo bad circumstances.
But God’s tender. He knows how much we can bear, He knows exactly what we should go throw and everything is planned within his conformities. In hard times, when we feel groundless, lost and deceived we may count on something: on God’s love. It can be felt throw that amazing melody that makes us sing, throw that spring flower in the garden or even alone in your room praying. No one can describe you what this presence feels like, but one can encourage you to pursue that. You’ll never be the same.


Kingsland Career Services Ministry exists to provide the most comprehensive, innovative and inspirational career transition, career coaching and career networking ministry to help people define their professional purpose in Jesus Christ.
About Kingsland Career Services
Providing career transition assistance, career coaching and career networking to Christ followers
Kingsland Career Services Ministry offers the leading all-inclusive professional career workshop, coaching and networking ministry for men and women looking to define their professional purpose to make an impact for Jesus Christ in the workplace.
WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO?
Our vision is to help 10,000 men and women discover their professional purpose in Jesus Christ.
Career Transition Workshop
Are you looking for a new career or changing careers? Have you recently been impacted by corporate downsizing or laid off? Looking to get into a different profession or career? Want to learn new skills? Looking to start your own business? Career Transition Workshop can help.
Career Coaching & Networking
Interested in working with a Christian Mentor who has experienced a career transition or currently owns, operates, or manages a successful business? Want to meet more Christian professionals? Need to build your network? Looking to recruit new talent? Want to connect with key influencers? Have a desire to just put your self out there more? Our career-networking events are for you.


It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of a dear member Kristy Matthias. Kristy was a mentor to many and a source of great support to Hyland Hills Hockey. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with her husband Dan, their children Julie and Andrew. We wish them all the strength and courage needed to overcome this most trying of times.
Service is Tuesday, August 30, 2016, 10:00am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Thornton, Colorado.
Association Tryout Dates and League Start/End Dates
League Start Dates
*Specific dates and times will be announced closer to the start date.


What is the source of your creation?
I’m not talking about the biological process of reproduction. Rather, what made you? What shaped you? How did you realize who you needed to be in this world? Who believed in you when you didn’t even think anyone should believe in you at all?
And if part of the source of your creation is a pile of ashes, hardships that no one should endure, how did you rise to be who you are today?
One of the ways we can feel abundance in our lives is for us to fully connect with the source of our creation, our stories and people who made us who we are. These sources – the love of our parents, mentors, the culture we grew up in, the spirit that nourishes us or the teachings that ground us – should be an endless source of affirmation and love that gives an inner sense of abundance. May you always feel deeply connected to the source of your creation!
Rev. Shawna Foster


“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ But Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Luke 1:26-34
What a day! Imagine that you are a young lady, most likely closer to a child by today’s standards, alone in a room. Maybe you are folding clothes, or darning socks, or any of a hundred other chores of the day. Suddenly, an angel appears. What did he look like? A person? The feathery-winged Christmas card version? A ghostly being? Whatever the vision, the shock of his appearance is soon replaced by his appalling announcement. YOU. ARE. PREGNANT! But you know what causes that, and it can’t be! Did Mary know of the prophesied Son of God? Had she any idea that He would be born of a virgin? How must it have felt to be told you are having THE child?! As soon as that information is digested, your next thought has to be “how do I tell my betrothed.” Now that is a stressful day! Despite her words of acceptance to Gabriel, surely she sat there for a while, stunned, after his departure. Who did she tell first? Was she excited? Apprehensive? A little of both? What did she say to Joseph? How amazed and thankful was she that, after the angel appeared in his dreams, he accepted her and her Son?
Flash forward several months. You are heavy with child. Your back aches, you can’t find a comfortable position in which to sleep, and everything gives you heartburn. Caesar Augustus has proclaimed that a census must be taken, and Joseph says you must both travel to Bethlehem to be counted. You will spend at least 4 days walking and riding a donkey no less than 70 miles. Then you arrive to find no rooms are available, and you must sleep in a smelly, itchy barn! Was she frustrated? Or was she just so exhausted that she didn’t care? Before long, you feel the first signs that His time has come. The King is going to arrive, in this place, at this time. God’s time. Did she see it that way?
I have always LOVED Christmas…the lights, the songs, the smiles, the cold weather, the food, the miracle birth…well, just everything! Before our full-time RV adventure, I would start decorating the house in October to have plenty of time to enjoy the lights…and because it was a LOT of decorating! There would be parties, and family dinners, friends, and gifts, love and laughter. But over the last couple of years, we sold our long-time home; tragedy took over Christmas in 2019; our home base was relocated to Sneedville, where we don’t have a large “friend circle” yet; the kids and Boogers moved in other directions; and Covid restrictions took over Christmas 2020. So, I have looked forward to this year’s season for months…the Christmas parade, singing ALL of the songs over and over, the Christmas Eve-Eve service at church, etc. Instead of jingle bells, however, the last few weeks have been filled with sleepless nights over unsharable family issues. Then, just after the parade, Mr. Wonderful (MW) got Covid. Ugh! About the time he was coming out of it, I tested positive. Ding dang! The singing and church services had to be cancelled because others were also sick. Blast! Christmas was RUINED! Again!
More than 2,000 years ago, a young girl sweated and groaned through labor in a barn. There is no indication of how long it took, but it was way before the conveniences of modern medicine. It was inevitably painful and scary, but in the end, she was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Any woman who has given birth remembers the moment she first laid eyes on her child; the one she felt moving and talked and sang to for months. That little human changes your world. In the case of Mary, her’s was so much more.
Guess what?! Today we woke up, and IT’S CHRISTMAS!!! It came anyway! No big singing, no Eve-Eve Service, no family dinner, and still, it came! Why? Because none of that is important. It doesn’t matter if we are happy or grieving. It doesn’t matter if we don’t have a tree or have a million lights. It doesn’t matter if we are alone or in a crowd. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. It doesn’t matter if we are healthy or sick. CHRISTMAS. ALWAYS. COMES. That birth in that barn guarantees it. PERIOD.
It’s so easy to fall into pooh pooh mouth and bah humbug, but no more! This morning I am working on optimism and good cheer, trusting that God has our worries well in hand. I’m thanking Him for the multitude of blessings…like a mild case of Covid versus a hospital stay or worse, this lovely town in these beautiful mountains, family, friends new and old, and safe travels.
Finally, on this beautiful, grey, windy morning, I wish you peace and warmth deep in your soul; the kind that comes from the knowledge that Jesus was born and you are LOVED. Merry Christmas!
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God was definitely with me on this challenge. More accurately, He’s always with me, and my prayer challenge helped me to be more aware of that. Starting the day with prayer helped both ground me in the present moment and focus me on my priorities for the day. When I ended the day in prayer it helped me to put aside the concerns of the day so that I could sleep knowing that I was protected and taken care of. Did God change during the last 30 days because of my prayer? No. But, I certainly did. After all, prayer doesn’t change God, it changes us.


Sundays: 8:30am and 10:30am
Weekdays, Holy Days: Check the Bulletin
Welcome to Ascension’s Web site. Founded in 1965, the Church of the Ascension will be celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of Louisville’s premier parishes next year. Comprised of 700 registered households and 1,800 parishioners, the Church of the Ascension features vibrant liturgies; several active ministries; an energetic youth ministry program and a solid commitment to social outreach.
I encourage you to explore the numerous opportunities for ministry involvement as well as personal spiritual growth detailed throughout this Web site. Ascension has an opportunity for YOU, so, please consider participating in one of our weekend liturgies (4:00 on Saturday; 8:30 and 10:30 on Sunday) or at weekday Mass (Tuesday 5:15 and Wednesday through Friday at 8:15).
Ascension’s school is first-rate and offers small class sizes as well as state-of-the art learning opportunities for children from preschool through the 8th grade. Our test scores are among the highest in the Archdiocese and many Ascension School graduates go on to attend prestigious schools in the Louisville area. If you are seeking a quality education at an affordable price, I encourage you to consider Ascension today.
As the Church’s new shepherd, having been appointed in June of 2014, I am humbled and privileged to serve this community. Be a part of an energetic and vibrant faith community: join Ascension today!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Reverend Steven Henriksen
May 9, 2016
Congratulations to the Ascension Longhorn Stampede (track team) who won big at the CSAA city meet on April 24th. 5/6 Girls City Championship 5/6 Boys Runner Up 7/8 Girls City Championship 7/8 Boys City Championship Allen Noah 6th Balthrop Hannah 7th Benner Kaelyn 6th Colish Carley 7th Friedlein Jake 7th Gaesser Chelsea 7th Gaesser Connor […]
April 20, 2016
Tickets On Sale NOW! Spaghetti Dinner and The LION KING JR. Join us for Ascension Middle School Students’ production of the play on April 28. Make it a Date Night or Family Night on April 30 by dining with us for a pre-show Spaghetti Dinner followed by the play! Tickets available at the door or […]
March 1, 2016
Hunger Banquet Thursday, March 10th 6:30 – 8pm What you need to know about global hunger. Hunger is more than missing a meal. It’s a debilitating crisis that has almost one billion people in its grip. Join us to find out more. Reservations (by Monday, March 7) suggested but not required. firstname.lastname@example.org Rosemary Cavanaugh 451-3860 […]
March 1, 2016
Easter Baskets for Sister Visitor Center Please take a Pail, fill it and return by March 13th Or Drop off items and the parish will make the basket Suggested Items include: Easter candy and treats plastic eggs filled with jelly beans or other small candies small stuffed animals, cars, trucks, toys and kites crayons, markers, […]


atypicalLIVING came about from the desire to get something together for Hawaii, a place and a scene largely left off the radar by mainstream America and even underground America. The goal of this site has been and always will be to further the knowledge of Hawaii’s artists and creatives across the country and eventually around the world.
We are the Artists. We are the Music. We are the styles. We are the fashions. We are the trends people will follow six months from now. We are the kids at the events. We are the kids running the events. We enjoy watching the future enjoy the present, while being mindful of the past. We are what you think we are. We ARE NOT what you expect us to be. We are the lifestyle. We are YOUR lifestyle. We live a life atypical from others. We are atypicalLIVING.
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. 1 Corinthians 7:17


The Restoration of the Sistine Chapel: Right or Wrong? arches
The Sistine Chapel: A Restoration
BBC News: Sistine Chapel Restored (1999) news world europe
BBC News | EUROPE | Sistine Chapel restored
Web Gallery of Art: Visit to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican tours
Web Gallery of Art - Visit to the Sistine Chapel
Master Plan & Pictures: Cappella Sistina sistine tour
Vatican Museums Online: Sistine Chapel vatican pages
Vatican Museum vatican pages
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the Wikipedia articles :
Sistine Chapel , Sistine Chapel ceiling , .
If you use exact copy or modified of this article you should preserve above paragraph and put also : It uses material from
the Froola link list about "Michelangelo paintings".


We would love to identify people who are willing and able to pray for us.
Part of our mission alongside Hope Into Action is to mobilise, unite and utilise prayer to support both the homeless and vulnerable.
If you would like to pray for us then we are extremely grateful and would love to hear from you!
We want to make praying for us something that is fun and inspiring and we want to make it possible in a way that suits you, so why not get in touch on Facebook, or make an enquiry here.
One of the things churches do better than any other organisation is pray!
We want to harness and focus that prayer on vulnerable adults. Therefore every church we partner with commits to at least one group praying on a weekly basis into the project and the adult’s lives.
Please include us in your prayers...
“Hallowed be your name…”
A day to give thanks & remember all that God has done. Thank you Father for your provision to us, for our Volunteers, staff and supporters….that’s you!
“Your Kingdom come…”
We pray for our Tenants current, past and future. Thank you Father that we are all precious in your sight. That your plan for all of us is to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a future. We pray your hand upon their lives. Bless them in Jesus’ name.
“Give us today our daily bread…”
We ask Father that you would release your financial provision, that we may continue the work of your hands.
“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil…”
Today we pray for our tenants who find themselves fighting addictions to drugs, poor relationships & bad decisions. Grant them wisdom and protect them from harm and grant us wisdom in the decisions we make to further our work.
“Yours is the Kingdom the power & the glory…”
We pray for your church that it may be glorified and that you would awaken the hearts of your people. That you would be the passion that leads us into action.


Made for goodness…
Title: Made for Goodness: and why all this makes a difference
Author : Desmond M. Tutu and Mpho A. Tutu
Publisher: New York : HarperOne
Call number: BJ1521 .T88 2010
From the Publisher:
South African Nobel Peace Prize–winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who lived through South African apartheid and helped to clean up its criminal consequences by chairing the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, could write a grocery list and people would get something out of it. With his daughter Mpho Tutu, an Episcopal priest in Washington, D.C., the retired Anglican archbishop writes a relatively personal book about his fundamental, faith-based beliefs about human nature: people are basically good because they are made in God’s image. He maintains this in the face of the horrific events he has witnessed in his country and elsewhere, and he bases his belief in part on simple experiences throughout his life that have involved family and, significantly, his failures. Tutu’s humility is striking; he is comfortable in his own skin despite being raised in a culture that officially deemed his skin color second-class. This book is not nearly as dramatic or compelling as No Future Without Forgiveness, based on his work with the Reconciliation Commission; on the other hand, it is heartening to know, or remember, that faith can be learned, reinforced, and expressed as much around the dinner table as in the public square.
About the authors:
Desmond Mpilo Tutu (born 7 October 1931) is a South African activist and Christian cleric who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. He was the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of Southern Africa).
Tutu has been active in the defence of human rights and uses his high profile to campaign for the oppressed. He has campaigned to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, homophobia, poverty and racism. Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
The Reverend Mpho A. Tutu
The Reverend Mpho A. Tutu, an Episcopal priest, is the founder and Executive Director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage. Rev. Tutu has run ministries for children in the downtown Worcester, Massachusetts; for rape survivors in Grahamstown, SA; and for refugees from South Africa and Namibia at the Phelps Stokes Fund in New York City. She earned her MDiv from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts and began her ordained ministry at Historic Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Rev. Tutu is an experienced preacher, teacher, and retreat facilitator. The Reverend Mpho Tutu is the Chairperson Emeritus of the board of the Global AIDS Alliance, Chairperson of the Board of Advisors of the 911 Unity Walk, and a Trustee of Angola University.
On the Web:


Time for FAMILY CAMP! July 22-26 at China Lake Conference Center.
Rev. David Middendorf, President of Nazarene Motorcycle Fellowship & Associate Pastor of Shepherd Nazarene in Gahanna, OH
Rev. Todd Jones, Senior Pastor at the Hebron Church of the Nazarene in Hebron, OH & son of DS Cecil and Bev Jones
Revs. Steven and Janet Raeburn, founders of Big Blast Ministries
Instrumentalists Needed!! Rev. Todd Jones is looking for people who play instruments to be part of evening worship. If you are interested, please contact Beverly Jones @ [email protected] or call the District Office.
Wednesday-Friday Evenings @ 7PM
Thursday & Friday Mornings @ 10AM
Saturday @ 6PM
Sunday @ 4PM


Papua New Guinea. This was one of the last places I ever expected to go. While I’ve felt called to overseas missions for a long time, I was sure I wanted to serve among Muslims. When Matt and I applied with Wycliffe, I did not expect that we would end up accepting a call to serve in Papua New Guinea, an island in the South Pacific that conjured up images of cannibals, boar hunts, witchcraft, and yams. (They eat lots and lots of yams).
When we learned of the need in Papua New Guinea – it has more languages than any country on earth! – and found out that Matt was a perfect fit for an IT position there, I went through a period of confusion, questioning, and especially, crying out to God. “God, what are you doing!? There aren’t any Muslims in Papua New Guinea! Is this really what you have in mind for our family?” One day, in a period of particular turmoil, I begged God for peace about this issue.
That same day, the reading from my Bible commentary was about Paul’s call to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Paul – a Pharisee, highly educated in Jewish law and customs – called to the Gentiles. Shortly after Paul was saved, God said of him, “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Paul had the background to make a powerful impact on the Jews, and he loved them deeply, but this was not what God had for him. When we see Paul start to share the Gospel with Gentiles, then we see how Paul’s unique calling built up the early church and turned the world upside down.
I knew that God was speaking to me through this reading. I felt this in common with Paul – the door I thought would open for me, the door I thought I was best trained for, God has closed at this time. And sometimes, it is when these doors close that God is then free to use us for His unexpected plans.
We are so excited for the opportunity to serve God in Papua New Guinea! It has been amazing to see how He has opened this door for us. Please pray that God would continue preparing us to live, work, and worship among the beautiful people of Papua New Guinea.