Natalie and I came up with this idea. We needed something simple, that would help us get in a better habit of personal prayers. I was realizing that I’m…. old and I still dont remember to say my morning prayers. I wanted to not only get in the habit myself but I wanted my children to develop it while they are young. I was really motivated by THIS TALK “Make the exercise of your faith your first priority.”
A couple parts really stood out to me-
“The first tool is prayer. Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.
Because He respects your agency, Father in Heaven will never force you to pray to Him. But as you exercise that agency and include Him in every aspect of your daily life, your heart will begin to fill with peace, buoyant peace. That peace will focus an eternal light on your struggles. It will help you to manage those challenges from an eternal perspective.“
I really want my children to talk to their Heavenly Father. I know if they feel the love He has for them they will be able to face whatever life throws at them, because they will know how valuable they are in His eyes. I want the same for myself, I sometimes think “well He already knows everything!” but when I talk to Him about it ALL it is ME that changes, I am the one that has a softer heart, a more willing attitude and its how I can get answers.
The second part that really struck me was:
“The second tool is to study the word of God in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. We talk to God through prayer. He most often communicates back to us through His written word. To know what the voice of the Divine sounds and feels like, read His words, study the scriptures, and ponder them.5 Make them an integral part of everyday life. If you want your children to recognize, understand, and act on the promptings of the Spirit, you must study the scriptures with them.
Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”
More important than sleep, school, and social media (What?? ;)) So I enlisted Natalie.
Our idea was using simple cork board, some push pins, stickers and wooden letters standing for AM Prayer, Scripture, PM Prayer. When we do each one we move the pin over to the other side. Each day that we do all three we get to move the bottom pin a notch. (Just a motivation, when we’ve gone over all the notches we get a treat and start over.)
I tried to get a photo with a model (even one on the dog since my kids wouldn’t cooperate.)
The kids really like moving the pins- but Jonathan and I just like the physical reminder. I am sure there are other fancier charts out there but this worked for us. (whoo hooo! My second “DIY” post. I am feel SO crafty.)


Why should you give?
Because God doesn't call all of us to go. When you give financially to Jude 23 Ministries, you become part of the mission God has called us to. God delights in a cheerful giver, and He gladly brings joy to those who give.
Several ways to give.
In addition to giving a one-time gift or becoming a regular partner (monthly, quarterly, etc.) with Jude 23 Ministries, consider other ways you can give:
- Provide a freshwater bored well for a community in India ($1,600).
- Purchase transportation for pastors ($2,500).
- Purchase chairs for a church in Liberia ($25 a chair).


Pastor Lyons is originally from Louisville, KY. At age 11 (1983) he trusted Christ as his Savior after viewing a film on the rapture. It was during his senior year at college that the Lord called him to preach.
He met his wife, Rebecca. while assisting with Kid’s Krusades in Bowling Green, KY. They were married on May 18, 2002.
He is a graduate of Crown College of the Bible. After graduation he served as an assistant pastor in Louisville for ten years. There the highlights of his ministry involvement included teaching the Bible to children and to students in the Bible college. He then served as pastor for nearly two years in South Carolina.
He has been serving as pastor of Decatur Baptist Church since December 2005. He has dedicated himself to preaching and teaching through books of the Bible. In 2021 he reached a milestone in ministry when he completed the goal of preaching and teaching through the entire Bible while at DBC.
Each week he strives to make each message or lesson clear, simple, and relevant to challenge and encourage you in your relationship with Jesus, spiritual growth, and daily life. He currently teaches the Sunday morning “Discover the Bible” class for various ages. We invite you to come and discover God’s word with Pastor Lyons and others.
Pastor Connect: Pastor Lyons and Rebecca are always available at the back of the auditorium on Sunday mornings after the service. They look forward to meeting you.


Tag Archives: Church
Monasteries Zica Studenica by Nemanjic
Nemanjic’s Monasteries – The monastery of Zica, a foundation of King Stefan the First – Crowned from the beginning of 13 century. It used to be the seat of the first Serbian archbishopric and archbishop Sava Nemanjic. Here was crowned Stefan the First – Crowned, the first Serbian ruler “wreathed by the royal crown” in 1217.
Studenica monastery, a foundation of Stefan Nemanja which the creator of the Serbian state and church built at the peak of his power toward the end of 12 century was the seat of creation of first Serbian literary works and early Serbian fresco painting. The Church of the Virgin served also as the mausoleum of the dynasty and its fou


I started playing guitar when I was seven because I heard the solo in “Free Bird” and knew I wanted to be a rock-star. I quit soon after and did not pick up a guitar again until I was in sixth grade. This is when my guitar journey began. I began playing at my church a year later in seventh grade and have been playing at churches ever since. Back then, I never thought I would be in a christian band serving the Lord with my music.
I currently study Electrical Engineering at TCU and am heavily involved at my church: Antioch Fort Worth. My personal goals are to love my friends deeply and establish new meaningful friendships, study hard as if I were doing it for the Lord, stay in touch with my family regularly, and to put God first in everything I do.
I am so thankful to have been raised in a Christian home with God-pursuing parents. However, like many kids in an environment similar to this, my faith was not my own. I gave my life to Christ when I was in first grade but I had not counted the cost and did not truly understand what it meant to be a FOLLOWER of Jesus Christ. It was not until sophomore year at a youth camp that I realized I had never really given my life to Jesus. I then understood what it meant to be a Christian and truly gave my life to Christ. Christianity isn’t just attending church on Sundays or claiming to believe in Jesus; it is a relationship with our God who sent His only son because of His extravagant love for us.
Since then there have been times where I have been close, but also times where I have been far away. But I can proudly say that as of the past six months I have been radically pursuing a relationship with the Lord and will never look back. The joy that comes from finding all hope, trust, and acceptance in God is so much greater than anything else in this world. I am unashamed of everything God has to offer and will continue to pursue a relationship with Him as long as I live!
Handmade Tele, Modded Six Flads Strat, Warmoth Jazzmaster Split, Taylor 214ce-Koa
Signal Chain- Sp Compressor > Pitch Fork > Ep Booster > Lightspeed > Southland > Julia > VP Junior (PolyTune in tuner out) > MC6 (analogue endeavours aux 3 to control) (Delay and Reverb in loop) > Flight Time Delay > BigSky > T1M Stereo Patch Bay (Under the board).


But I believe that it's up to us to develop our personal theologies. Please, if you disapprove of Progressive Christianity, that is your right. I have considered attending some Unitarian services (more for fellowship than anything) and am interested in all seekers no matter the title they choose for themselves. One of the rules of the forum is that it is open to everyone.
I am just wondering how progressive Christians reconcile open communion with the words of Paul: "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, "Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
In other words, don’t go around bragging about the fast or speaking about it in order to get pity.
When you give something up, let it be so that the Lord can teach you something, not so that you can boast or draw attention to yourself in any way.
Given its design, Christian Mingle has no feature for gay users to find other gay users — everyone is simply put in the same network and must figure out who is gay and who is straight.
The Nevertheless, while the suit has forced the site to provide minimally helpful service to the gay Christian crowd, gay Christian leaders continue to see little value in using Christian Mingle.
They tend to see communion as open to all who come to the table.
Jesus did call us to fast at times, even though he didn’t say that it had to be during the Lenten period.
He also told us to not be obvious when we’re fasting.
They tend to see that the Gospel primarily calls us to social justice and try to live in a manner that reflects that.
Many are comfortable with questioning as a way of grace.


Culture is a unique collection of ideas, customs, traditions, and behaviors of people living in a particular area of society. It is designed collectively by human intellect and creativity. Every region has its own culture and heritage, and they feel proud to practice them. In this write-up, you will learn some strange and fun facts about the cultures of famous regions like America, Canada, England, and Australia. So, let’s start with the Christmas festivities celebrated by millions of people who belong to Christianity. The Christian community believes that on the day Jesus Christ was born by her mother, Mariam. Every country has developed its Christmas traditions, some of which have significantly altered over time.
Americans’ Christmas Traditions
The two dynamic countries celebrate the Christmas festivities full of enthusiasm. People of the UK and America decorate the streets, cities, malls, and colonies with twinkling Christmas lights and Christmas trees with small lights and little gifts. The gift-giving session, family feasts, and caroling are the aspects that families enjoy together. Today’s America celebrates the blend of catholic, protestant, and secular customs on Christmas day. Exceptional food is prepared for the whole family. The popular menu is roasted ham and turkey, cooked for Christmas throughout the country. But some areas are festive- special food is different from mainland America such as tamales, crawfish jambalaya, roast goose with red cabbage, roast pork, and seven fishes seafood salad is famous.
South Americans Are More Attached To Their Catholic Christmas Festivities
In South America, cultures are gathered from the entire world. South America’s people are closer to their catholic religion and traditional sentiments. They celebrate Christmas every year on 25 December. They are attached to their aged-old traditions if you notice them genuinely. The houses are decorated with sprinkled snowflakes and twinkling lights. The Southwest, brown paper-made bags luminous lanterns are filled with sand and lit with a candle.
How Does Britain Celebrate Christmas
Every year Christmas came in England’s foggy, cold, and wet season, but the harsh winters did not bother the people of England. Families celebrate together and welcome with cheer and warmth the festive with the Yule log. People start decorating the house before Christmas day with holly, ivy, and evergreens. They greet Christmas Eve by hanging a mistletoe, “kissing bough.” In Britain, Queen’s massage is also essential to the UK’s Christmas tradition.
The Carolers went house to house with ringing handbells and sang Christmas songs like “The Holly and the Ivy,” In response, people gave those sweet pies filled with dried fruits and nuts. It all happened during the holidays before Christmas. Usually, families in England remain busy until the day before Christmas. They wrap the gifts and bake the cookies, and the most critical festive is hanging the stockings on the fireplace. Then people gather around the tree, and then someone narrates their favorite story, “A Christmas Carol.”
Canada’s Christmas Eve Festivities
Canada is where people live with their different backgrounds and practice them in their own way. Often traditions came from Irish, English, French, Scottish, Norwegian, German, and Ukraine. First nations influence the whole culture. Canadians love to decorate their houses and workplaces with decorative trees. They share Christmas cards with friends and family members. Gifts are given to each other, elders, younger, and children also. Some people open their presents on Christmas eve, while others only open one present and save the rest for opening on Christmas day. The Canadians believe in Santa Claus, and they proudly say that Canada is the home place of Santa Clause. A surprising fact is that every Christmas, Toronto holds a massive Santa parade, which is the largest one, started in 1913 and still going on. Delicious sweet dishes and meals are prepared for this special event, and everyone greets each other.
Land Down Under Australia Welcomes the Christmas in summers
Australia is the biggest island-based area and the smallest continent of the world, where a large number of people emigrate from Ireland and England. They also bring their Christmas customs and traditions. In the land down under Australia, people here celebrate Christmas on 25 December in the summer season as it is opposite to the Americans. The people of Australia are very enthusiastic and love to do outdoor activities. They called the event Carols by Candlelight, and all the people came together to light the candles and sing Christmas songs under the dark sky and shining stars. Australian families like swimming, riding bicycles, surfing, and sailing. Together they cook meals like barbecues outdoors, and they are called “Barbie.” Families use palm leaves, ferns, and evergreens with multi-color Christmas bellflowers to decorate their homes.
All the traditional festivities are admirable because they bring families to celebrate such festivals together, which enhances the sentiments of sharing and caring.
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The blessing of an Intentional life | The wellbeing series
As Autumn comes to an end, I pause this morning to acknowledge the blessing of holding and living this life with my tribe. To embrace the loud, rich filled life that's full of doing, many pots of tea, milky chai in the mornings, woolen socks on little toes, piles of washing to fold.
Returning once again to planting out the seasonal garden, digging trenches for sprouted garlic and tiny carrot seeds. Watching the nights grow colder and the fire burn hotter to warm the hearth. Embracing the Autumn table filled with art and story, and sharing with my little ones the change of the season around us. Taking in the nurturing quiet, the warmth of the fire and such colour. It is a time of potent beauty, warmth and learning.
Be blessed today all of you. In this moment, be present with it all. Breathe it all in.
May the blessing of light be on you - light external and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire, so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it. And may light shine out of the two eyes of you, like a candle set in the window of a house, bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be on you, may it beat upon your Spirit and wash it fair and clean, and leave there a shining pool where the blue of Heaven shines, and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the earth be on you, soft under your feet as you pass along the roads, soft under you as you lie out on it, tired at the end of day; and may it rest easy over you when, at last, you lie out under it.
May it rest so lightly over you that your soul may be out from under it quickly; up and off and on its way to God. And now may the Lord bless you, and bless you kindly. Amen.
You can read more of the Wellbeing Series on Intentional living here.


Detroit Public Schools Community District / Sampson-Webber Academy
Teresa M. Youngblood is a 3rd generation church musician who loves helping others enjoy the gift of music. She has a BMus. from Michigan State University, and a MA in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University. Teresa has taught music at every level from K – 12 and is currently in her 29th year with Detroit Public Schools Community District. Teresa is concurrently in her 29th year in the positions of Director (of the Women and Girls’ Choir) and Accompanist at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. The three most important things to her are her faith, her family, and the music that accompanies her EVERYWHERE!


Imagine you’re elderly, handicapped, or a single parent caring for your disabled child…with no government assistance! That’s the predicament the recipients of our food hamper and face mask program live with. Normally they rely on the kindness of neighbors. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the neighbors are all out of work and not receiving an income. They too are struggling to feed their families daily.It’s been a month since I held my Facebook Giving Tuesday fundraiser, which was targeted specifically toward our food hamper program. I’m so grateful to everyone for making it so successful. We raised enough money to keep the program going for another 5 weeks. We have never needed your help more than at the present time. Thank you so much. Warmest blessings, Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom Founder/CEO Springs of Hope Foundation
They say that when it rains, it pours, and calamity comes as its brother. The dreaded coronavirus finally found its way into Kenya on the 13th of March.Today we make reference to the bible quote from the book of 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 which says “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. The teaching has always motivated the Springs of Hope Foundation to give back to the needy in our communities especially in these trying times.


The acorn...a seed. Our logo represents so much: Promise. Hope. Potential. New life. Sustenance. Health. Resources. Strength. Habitat. Resilience. Ecosystem. Connection. Stewardship. Humility. Sacrifice. Service. Legacy. Love. Our logo is an invitation to learn the connection between all of these concepts at Prosperity Grove. Discover the mystery of service and true fulfillment with which Jesus challenged humanity:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).


I was going to write a poem today, but then I saw this.
I was going to write a poem today, but then I saw this.
This personal and shortest letter of Paul’s is the third in the series of prison epistles written in 62 A.D. The letter was sent with Tychicus and Onesimus along with letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians. The letter to Philemon, however, served a specific purpose.
Philemon was the owner of the runaway slave Onesimus. He was a wealthy Christian who had, during Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus ten years earlier, been saved and opened his home in Colosae to the Christian community for regular meetings. Onesimus, you’ll recall, had fled to Rome, come to be a believer, and was introduced to Paul in a remarkable set of God-ordained circumstances. As Onesimus helped Paul, who was in prison, he also matured in Christ. It is now Paul’s turn to help Onesimus and reflect on the power of the gospel to transform lives and relationships.
I hear of the love and of the faith you have toward the Lord Jesus which pours out to other believers. (v.5)
I pray this faith we hold in common continues to show up in the good things we do and people recognize Christ in all of it. (v.6)
I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of fellow believers have been refreshed through your hospitality. (vv.7)
Maybe it’s for the best you lost him for a while. You’re getting him back now for good, not as a mere slave but a true Christian brother, especially to me, but how much more to you. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) (vv.15-16, 11)
Paul reminds Philemon of the strength and power of his faith, and his continual enrichment of other believers, of which Onesimus is now one. He also suggests it is likely God’s will and perfect timing that Onesimus has now become a follower of Christ in order to help them both be partners in the gospel.
Accordingly, I have a favor to ask of you. As Christ’s ambassador and now a prisoner for him, I wouldn’t hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary, but I’d rather make it a personal request. (vv.8-9)
I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you. I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness. (vv.12-14)
Welcome him back, “no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, as a beloved brother in Christ.” (v.16)
If you accept me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him like you would welcome me. (v.17)
If he has done any wrong to you or owes you anything, charge that to me. I, Paul, am writing this in my own handwriting: I will pay back anything Onesimus owes. And I will say nothing about what you owe me for your own life. (vv.18-19)
So, my brother, as a follower of the Lord, please do this favor for me. It would be such a great encouragement to me as your brother in Christ. I write this letter knowing that you will do what I ask, and even more than I ask. (vv.20-21)
Paul has made clear the way for Philemon to act generously. In v.12, Paul has used not the common term for heart (kardia) but splanchnon, which means “internal organs.” He communicates that Onesimus has become a part of him, as dear as one’s self. Paul also removes any reason for Philemon to keep Onesimus by requesting he forgive any debt Onesimus likely owes.
Paul leaves Philemon with only one response. As a brother in Christ to Paul and now to Onesimus, Philemon must respond with heartfelt generosity, considering his eternal life is “owed” to Paul’s ministry, a debt far greater than anything Onesimus could owe.
Now that the lives of both Philemon and Onesimus are transformed in Christ, Paul expects their relationship to be transformed. Breaking the chains of master and slave allows the two men to form a new relationship of loving brothers equal in the eyes of the Lord.
A sacred space designed to greet
In love and mercy You entreat
With no façade and no pretense
Let down my guard and all defense
This dyad, You and I, discrete.
With dawn’s aubade and fragrance sweet
My rocking chair and coffee’s heat
Love, faith and grace, Your words dispense
A sacred space.
A building, park or quaint retreat
It matters not where our hearts meet
What my thought lacks Your warmth augments
You always leave me filled, content
And nothing less than whole, complete
A sacred space.
This twin epistle of Ephesians, and one of the four prison epistles, repeats several recurring themes in that letter. It focuses on Christ as the Cornerstone of his church, where church is not a building but a body of people indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Paul urges all believers to be rooted in Christ, living our daily lives –at home, at work and at play – with him foremost in everything. To do anything else is inconsistent, and would be choosing to live our lives without him, completely ignoring this amazing gift.
Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. (1:6)
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (1:13-14)
The Son was there before anything was made. And all things continue because of him. He is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning of everything else. And he is the first among all who will be raised from death. So in everything he is most important. God was pleased for all of himself to live in the Son. (1:15-19)
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. (1:21-22)
God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory. (1:27)
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (2:3)
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (2:9-10)
In Christ you had a different kind of circumcision, one that was not done by human hands. That is, you were made free from the power of your sinful self. That is the kind of circumcision Christ does. (2:11)
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (2:12-14)
Our relationship with Christ has given us the freedom to choose. We no longer are chained to our former, unfruitful lives of being run by our opinions and feelings. If we cling to the Spirit, we are assured, not of a pain-free life, but of the constant accompaniment that leads to discernment, hope, wisdom, correction, mercy, everlasting love and life, and peace beyond comprehension. It will lead to our true colors as we mature in our identity in Christ. (For more on our true colors in Christ, see God is Revealing Our True Colors on In My Father’s House by Mel Wild.)
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. (1:23)
Don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services or holy days [or head coverings or tattoos or what to wear to church – my addition]. (2:16)
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they are of no value in conquering a person’s evil desires. (2:20-23)
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (3:1-2) [More on this in two weeks on Philippians.]
Therefore, put to death whatever is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry. (3:5)
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (3:8)
I can’t help but point out that nearly every time Paul mentions sexual immorality, he also remarks upon covetousness and filthy language. He doesn’t single out one as more egregious than the other, but links them together as equal forms of idolatry. It seems we should take note.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (3:12-13)
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (3:14)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (3:15)
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. (3:18-21) [For more on this, see Ephesians 2]
Servants, obey those who are your earthly masters; whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Masters, treat your servants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (3:22-23, 4:1)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (4:2)
Use your heads as you live and work among unbelievers. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down or cut them off. (4:5-6)
You see, none of this comes down to whether we get or don’t get tattoos; whether we’re Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, or Pentecostal; whether we believe in a rapture or believe heaven is coming to earth.
It all comes down to whether we believe in the gospel of Jesus and walk it out in our daily lives. He came to earth in the form of God to redeem all of creation. He preached repentance, love and mercy, forgave our sins, saved us by dying on the cross, rose again to conquer death, returned to the Father and sits by His side. With the free gift of grace He abides in us through the Holy Spirit until He returns to us again.
Too often steeped in sinecure
Church leaders seek control, immure.
To follow seems too high a price;
I drift away to walk with Christ.
Pastor speaks words; are they a lure
For his agenda unobscured
By exhortation and advice?
I drift away to walk with Christ.
As my church head makes strong adjures
For generosity, assures
It’s not for church (his nay device)
I drift away to walk with Christ
Infrequently heard: God’s grandeur,
Provision, grace, mercy assured.
More expansion, to be precise.
I drift away to walk with Christ.
I am the church, I feel secure,
The Spirit leads me to mature
In knowing God, His sacrifice;
I step away and walk with Christ.
Paul, in his imperatives to the members of this collective, emphasizes our identity in Christ and begins chapter four with this overture:
I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4:1-3)
Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head – into Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that is builds itself up in love. (4:15-16)
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (4:22-24)
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (4:26-27, Psalm 4:4 )
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. (4:28)
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. (4:29, 31)
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (4:30)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Watch what God does, then do the same. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (4:32-5:2)
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (5:4-5)
Paul reminds us we are changed beings in Christ. We have the Holy Spirit who helps us discern right speech and behavior. We must be certain always to check ourselves first, ensuring we do not cling to our old ways of thinking, speaking and acting. If we truly have declared our belief in Christ, we are new. Our thoughts, our words and our way of being surrender to the maturing work of God in us.
Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with Him. Don’t even hang around people like that. (5:6-7)
In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. This light produces every kind of goodness, right living, and truth. Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Have no part in the things that people in darkness do [sexual immorality and covetousness], which produce nothing good. Instead, tell everyone how wrong those things are. (5:8-11)
Okay, I’m going to diverge a bit here because I know these next passages can be controversial. I’ve looked up some key words in the original Greek using the Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament translation, and the Mounce Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament, along with Strong’s use of these words.
In chapter five, Paul speaks of wives and husbands and their relationship to one another in Christ (5:21-33):
For wives, Paul uses the Greek word hypotassō, which means “to submit one’s self,” not be subjugated (5:22).
To husbands, Paul uses paradidōmi, the Greek word for “gave up” (as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 5:25) which means to give over, to commit, to yield up, to abandon, to be matured.
So it is not just wives who are instructed to submit; it is also husbands. Paul is saying here to wives, respect your husbands. Allow them to influence your thinking, your way of being. Let them be the cornerstone (kephalē) of your household. To husbands, he is saying, love your wives with the kind of love Christ has for you. Love them with abandon. Let them be first in your lives. Allow them to help you mature into the kind of men that lead a family: with strength, responsibility and kindness.
Children, do what your parents tell you. Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead the in the way of Jesus. Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters, but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven; He makes no distinction between you. (6:1-9)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (6:10-12)
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. (6:13-17)
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (6:18)
Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak—that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel. (6:19)
is a fearful thing
provoking anger when you give it away to those I hate
is a weighty burden
when i don’t understand the depth of your love
is the salty tear
of joy releasing the flood of guilt and shame
is eyes open, seeing
newly accepting redemption, forgiveness; giving it away
is the warming sunrise
during times when i feel the chill of loneliness
is the first soft
flake of snow falling upon my face
is the fresh scent
of rain after a long hot summer’s drought
is a welcome smile
and a pat on a neighboring empty seat at church
is an unexpected hug
or kind word from someone who shows the face of Jesus
is your full embrace
of belonging, mercy and unconditional love


Here you have a collection of videos from St. James. They are educational, spiritual, fun, church life and more. To access these videos right here, hover the mouse over the videos and on the left top corner, you will find the drop-down list. Choose the video of your interest to watch, to learn, to laugh and enjoy.
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The reason I am at St James is because of the Wednesday morning Healing Service, it is a very powerfull service that is good for people battling an illness,, suffering from job stress, dealing with family issues, also I love the compassionate Clergy here, and supportive fellowship. - Theresa McCullough
When I moved to Missouri from Texas and went to church for the first time, the congregation of St. James was so welcoming and took the time to get to know me. The people here are always willing to lend a helping hand or send love and prayers in times of need and will constantly check on you when there are troubles, and during the great times they will celebrate with you! St. James feels like home from the moment you step in the door, whether it is your first time visiting or if you’re a long time member. - Haley Sanderson
What I love the most about our St. James community is the unique, authentic way in which it embodies the spirit of Christ's love. You can truly sense the sincere, personal interest for every person from your very first moments here and that's very special. For me at least, these loving relationships have been a wonderful gateway into the broader life of God's Kingdom, offering support and joy to me as I continue in my personal walk, learning to better care for and serve others, as well as our broader community. Brett Durbin
We both love that St. James offers healing services every Wednesday where we feel the most at ease. There’s more intimacy among a small crowd than a large one. We still like Sunday services though where we can enjoy your sermons and participate in the Holy Eucharist with the whole congregation. TED and Elaine


Christian compatibility dating
Marks of genuine conversion include understanding and enjoying the truth of the gospel (Rom -17; 1 Cor -31), bearing of spiritual fruit (Gal -23), a desire for holiness (Matt 5:8; Heb ), a tender spirit toward the Word of God (Jer -34; Ezek -27; Psalm 119), a love for Christ (1 Cor ), a willingness to make hard, costly decisions for the sake of obedience to Christ (Luke -25), and so on.While we can never be absolutely certain of another person’s regeneration (because we can’t see their hearts) these are marks of genuine faith that will allow us to make a reasonable decision of whom to date and marry.But Scripture clears away the complexity often created by these compatibility discussions by giving us only three areas with which we must concern ourselves. Sexual Compatibility Second, there is spiritual compatibility.Is the person in whom you are interested a Christian? Of course, this principle assumes that you have good reason to believe that the person with whom you are interested is truly a Christian. Nor is an active religious lifestyle enough to determine if a person is truly a born-again. Enter Eve, pro-creation, and marriage (not necessarily in that order). And the most intimate community on earth is the relationship you will have with your spouse. Disclaimer: If you are single (or if you’re married), steward your time well. “Sex before marriage is bad.” This was the extent of my understanding of Christian dating as a teenager and young adult. But understand purity begins with the mind and heart. If you aren’t ready to date, don’t allow the cultural pressure to override God’s plan. I know too many men and women who refused to listen to people around them, and their prideful arrogance resulted in a failed marriage. Find men and women you trust, and allow them to speak into your relationship.Dating with a trajectory towards marriage doesn’t mean you only date one person ever. So, if you choose not to get coffee or watch a movie with the opposite sex, then whatever. The ultimate purpose of marriage is sanctification (becoming like God). If you have no idea what values are important to you in a future spouse, exit the road to marriage at the next off ramp.
That’s quite a promise.marriage rather than serving as a means to draw them into it.You might get into a relationship with someone who loves Jesus, meets the values you have in a future spouse, and is compatible with you. Just end the relationship, and continue to seek the Lord. Again, please don’t be a freakish weirdo and give Christians a negative label. My wife loves the Lord, and I can say with all certainty I wouldn’t be following Jesus without her. It’s dangerous riding on the road to marriage without an idea of where you are going. Don’t sit someone down on the first date and interview them to make sure they meet all of the qualities. But once you get into the relationship, you realize things aren’t as they seemed. Having coffee or going to eat dinner with the opposite sex is not dating. There will be days when life is crashing down, your faith is wavering, and the only thing left is your spouse. In this scenario, your spouse is there to pray for you, put his or her arm around you, and walk with you. The truth is you could spend your life with more than one person. Get to know yourself.” And as soon as the person you are dating smacks his or her gum the wrong way, you are out. I heard don’t have sex before marriage so much I actually believed getting to marriage a virgin was the only important thing. In the process, I filled my heart and mind with lust, and I secretly struggled with pornography. Christians, instead, need to teach the importance of a pure mind. Make sure God is the center of your life before you start dating. Don’t start dating without an assurance of God’s love for you and a solid understanding of the gospel. Dating with a trajectory towards marriage means dating with a purpose.
Search for christian compatibility dating:
To add a stack of extra-biblical compatibility requirements on top of Scripture’s simple, straightforward instructions will only enslave us and keep us from marriage. ” (, 147-148) When considering the issue of compatibility, don’t allow man-made wisdom—often very plausible-sounding wisdom—to lead you into a labyrinth of confusion in your pursuit of a romantic relationship.


As we celebrate Easter, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and loyalty. We hope this season brings you joy, peace, and renewal.
To all our customers around the world, whether you observe Easter or not, we wish you a wonderful holiday filled with happiness and love. May this special time be a reminder of the beauty of new beginnings and the power of hope.
Thank you for choosing to do business with us. We look forward to serving you in the coming months and years.


Dear ones, by the grace of God, a joyful event awaits our Parish. Bishop Nicholas is coming to us from New York on an archpastoral visit. And Vladyka will arrive with the Kursk Root Miraculous Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
On Saturday, September 18, Vladyka will perform an evening service in our church. As usual, at 17.00.
And on September 19 - as usual at 9.30 - Vladyka will celebrate the Sunday Divine Liturgy! After the service, there will be a common festive meal and an opportunity to ask for the holy blessing and communicate with our guest.
Dear ones, we are certainly waiting for you on Sunday, the 19th, for the Liturgy of the episcopal rank. Together, in the unity of our hearts, we will offer a joyful prayer to the Lord, we will partake of the Holy Mysteries, we will pray before the gracious icon of the Most Holy Lady. Let's share the joy of communication and meals!
It's big gladness, especially at this difficult time. Make a note in the calendar. :)
And, of course, if you have the opportunity, we are also waiting for you for the Saturday divine service with Vladyka – in a quiet and trembling evening prayer to prepare for Sunday and the Liturgy.
May God's blessing be with you!
With love in Christ and prayer,
rector hieromonk Nikon


It’s important to understand that not all dreams and visions are God-given.
Your dream or vision could have been induced by what you ate, watched or having been meditating on, or that your mind just kept going after a busy day. Some dreams can also be from Satan.
The Word of God says that we must take control of our thought and actions and cast down vain imaginations. In doing this you will not let our dream or vision control you, but you will be able to control and hold onto that what come from God and not any other source.
It is simple to manipulate a vision and conjure a vision in your mind. Dreams on the other hand cannot be controlled though can be induced. The reason for this is that visions happen while you are awake and dreams while you are asleep.
Every person dreams every day, though the same person might not see visions as frequently.
The Bible says that in times past servants of God were given visions and dreams to convey the Word of the Lord.
This course will help you to discern and interpret your dreams and visions.
RSVP: 08 May
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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Isn’t it odd that Christmas emerges in the stores before the turkey leftovers are consumed. This year it seemed to me that merchants have been displaying Christmas merchandise for more than a month already. If you ask me, the reasons for many of our holidays has disappeared, giving way to holiday frenzy.
What has happened to our holidays that we think we have to spend them in retail stores? Used to be, a day off meant lying around the house, playing games, baking brownies or taking a walk in the woods. Holidays meant reconnecting with one’s family, not so much anymore. Oh, I got to share a wonderful turkey dinner with friends and I know lots of people did, and I realize what a crush the cook endured to gather the ingredients because the stores were mobbed by holiday shoppers. I see one man was crushed to death by a mob of frenzied shoppers on Black Friday. What a shame!
For me, Christmas is a sad time, but I try to leaven that depression by doing things for others. Each year in late autumn, I make some wreaths for a medical adult day care center. The money the wreaths earn provide days of care for clients who might not have the resources to pay for services. The wreaths are sold by silent auction and the whole town turns out for the fun on gala night.
I have also mobilized the writers and artists I know to gather gifts for the clients at the facility. We will take the gifts over to the center and sing carols with the clients on Dec. 23. Stuff like that helps me remember what Christmas is all about.
I am not telling you all of this because I want credit for my good deeds. I gather the gifts and make the wreaths because I want to help. I could have gone to the Lutheran Mission or maybe to the Salvation Army and packed up food for the needy. I could have donated toys to the Marines for kids whose parents can’t afford to provide anything more than the necessities for their offspring. There is always something to do for those less fortunate.
I think Christ might like these gifts of time more than the ones we fight the crowds to purchase every Christmas fad. I know in my heart JC didn’t suffer so retailers could prosper. That doesn’t make any sense at all.
Well, there’s my December soapbox. I hope I don’t offend. I also hope you find a way to do something extra for those less fortunate. It will make both parties involved feel better.
Keep on the sunny side. Terry


While spring-cleaning my home library, I rediscovered an inspirational gem tucked in one of the books as a marker – a quote from A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, spiritual teacher, author and lecturer. I never tire of the timeless, encouraging message that speaks to our individual uniqueness, capacity for love and immeasurable human potential.
Now that spring has arrived, Williamson’s words are an apt reminder for us all to nurture our own personal growth and “let our own light shine.” Enjoy!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Do you let your own light shine?


I just caught a headline about the Pope closing down an “irregular monastery” in Rome. It appears that the monk/sisters there might have been celebrating their love for Christ in ways that the Pope and the Vatican were not overly comfortable.
According to the article there was “evidence of liturgical and financial irregularities” in addition to conduct not acceptable for monastic life.
Among other transgressions, one of the nuns there used to be a lap dancerand then fell in love with Jesus and converted to serving Jesus. Part of her transformation was to dance for Jesus with some of the other nuns.
So, now the Pope has closed down the monastery which was quite historic.
Clearly there is far more to the story than this short news clip can share. And perhaps there were some financial irregularities at the monastery too.
But how sad that the Vatican cannot embrace that someone has so much love for the Divine that they wish to dance about it? There is something very deeply flawed about this. Must a person completely shut themselves down to feeling any joy in their body to be a lover of Jesus Christ? How sad this is!
I walked away from the Catholic Church in my mid-twenties, for many reasons. One of the greatest reasons was that I did not feel any spirituality there, any connection with the Divine that helped me cultivate a love for the Sacredness of all.
Reading this piece about the Pope closing down a monastery that was being creative in drawing people to God and the Catholic Church just further confirms how much the Church needs to wake up and join the 21st century.
Sigh… I guess the good news is that many of us have found a spirituality that is alive, and kicking and helps us truly Celebrate life… in it’s fullest… far away from the suppressed ways of the Old Church.
Yay for that!
I just hope that the Dancing Nun can continue her dancing wherever she is sent. I’m tempted to write her a letter and let her know that anytime she wants to come and dance with me or any of my spiritual sisters, she is really welcome! I’d love to learn from her and her joy for the Divine!


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Marianne Williamson
I recently watched a movie set back in the times where they still believed the Earth was flat because if it wasn’t then everyone would fall off the sides as well as the upside-down side. And almost all believed that the Earth was the center of the universe except for the rare few that believed something else was entirely possible. It is from those great believers that we have the knowledge and inventions we have today. Someone believing we could fly invented airplanes, someone believing in light harnessed electricity. Not to mention all the discoveries by Albert Einstein years before everyone else. Decades and decades of people believing something else was possible long before anyone would even believe them. What sets these people aside is their willingness to believe or to know something else is truly possible.
The World is where all the elements come together to create life. It represents the energy of unlimited possibilities and potential. And even though the world truly is your oyster there are some that experience overwhelm by a limitless realm. Are you willing to believe beyond what others say is possible? Are you willing to be the brilliant, talented, fabulous being you truly be even if everyone else around you is not?
What else is TRULY possible here that we haven’t even considered?!
The World shows us that everything is flowing, open, clear and beautiful. Here you have passed initiation. A place where we are balanced and exposed and in the light of the spirit. The world is asking you to be you and bring your ideas, talents and inventions so we can all benefit, grow, change and evolve to a better world. What would you choose if you knew you couldn’t fail?!
Begin every day with ‘Universe show me something beautiful’ and watch the true miracle of life unfold before your very eyes.
Beyond Grateful for Beautiful You!
Coming in just TWO weeks…. discovering YOUR personal archetype!
Images from the Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law


with a visit to The Vatican Today’s website. On the right hand side is the Pope’s twitter feed (if you don’t follow @Pontifex you should.) As I went to read the landing page, this tweet from yesterday caught my eye: “Do we truly pray? Without an abiding relationship with God, it is difficult to live an authentic and consistent Christian life.”
I kept scrolling and looked up other news stories to share with you, but could NOT shake this tweet. Never thought I’d say that in a sentence. I took it as a personal question directed at me, which I think is how the Pope intended it – a personal question directed at whoever happened to read it – which at the time I wrote this, the Pope is at 3,064,970 followers.
I have been thinking about my prayer life and how I pray and if it’s meaningful or intimate enough to get closer to God. Then I read this tweet and thought, ok, here we go.
1. I pray the Rosary every day for all of you. Whenever I have a prayer request or speak to someone and they relay a situation that I think could be helped by being lifted up in prayer, I almost partition my rosary praying. As I listen to the mystery, I think and mentally gloss over all of the names, all of the faces and lift them up to Mary and God. I almost pray through the beads and imagine these people that I pray for leaving them at the feet of our Blessed Lady and Her Son. I rarely use the rosary to pray for my intentions.
2. I pray the Liturgy of the Hours Morning Prayer on my way to work every morning – during the week. I am being honest. Sometimes, I don’t get to pray the Morning Prayer on the weekends. I don’t have a good excuse or reason other than I am not perfect. I also try to pray the Night Prayer every night as well. When I pray these psalms and readings, I feel like I am getting an education on how to live my life. For example, today the Responsory was:
In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide. – In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide.
He will never lose his way; – the law of God is his guide.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, – In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide.
It made me reflect on the life I lived before I came home. I had an internal compass (it wasn’t always perfect) but for the most part, I found my way without much help from the sidelines so to speak. Sin was all around me and I was floating in it. Truly. But, as the responsory says, I never lost my way because (without knowing it) the law of God was my guide.
I have also been able to memorize these Scripture verses because they are said daily in Morning Prayer:
Luke 1:68 – 79
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. (my favorite part)
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
3. I try to use B.A.K.E.R. when I shower in the evening, because I like the physical representation of washing the day away as well as making a healthy examination of my day and asking the Lord’s forgiveness with the grace to try again the next day. I have gotten away from this of late and I suffer for it truly. As I mentioned in my post on the Daily Examen, this format is great to cover all bases: blessings, petitions, sins, forgiveness and reconciliation.
4. Here’s where I think I am missing out on my prayer time. Am I listening? I feel like I talk at God as I pray for others. I talk at God when I pray the Morning Prayer out loud, but do I make time to wait and discern what the Holy Spirit wants me to hear. I can remember the last time I did that. The 21st of September. Wow, Cristina. How can you remember that, you ask? I was putting up decorations for my sons’ birthday party and I was finished early, the boys were getting haircuts and I was alone in the house. Instead of cleaning or catching up on the 4 books I have in rotation at the moment, (yes 4) I just sat in the corner of my living room, where I rarely spend any time and just sat. I said some impromptu prayers and waited. Nothing came to me, but boy, did I enjoy being in the embrace of our Lord in His quiet for those few moments. I feel, that that for me is true prayer. that is a relationship; when you listen to your beloved and your beloved listens to you. I know it’s been said here and in many other places on the web, in books and blogs, but I need to emphasize it for me, again. Cristina, just listen. He misses the silence of your lips.


Here are a few examples of what they teach:
God is infinite...and there is no other power or source
God is Universal Principle
God cannot indwell a person
God is the only intelligence in the universe, including man
God is Mind
God is the Father-Mother
The Trinity is Life, Truth, and Love
Belief in the traditional doctrine of the Trinity is polytheism
Christ is the spiritual idea of sonship
Jesus was not the Christ
"Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself declared..."
Jesus did not reflect the fullness of God
Jesus did not die
The Holy Spirit is divine science
There is no devil
There is no sin
Evil and good are not real
Matter, sin, and sickness are not real, but only illusions
Life is not material or organic
The sacrifice of Jesus was not sufficient to cleanse from sin
True healings are the result of true belief
Christian Scientists prefer not to use doctors, medicine, or immunizations. Christian Science Practitioners are used to help people through the false reality of illness. Proper prayer and training are employed to battle the "non-reality" of illness. Church services are interspersed with Bible reading and readings from Science and Health. Mary Baker Eddy is highly regarded as a revelator of God's word, almost equal to Jesus.
Christian Science denies the essential doctrines of Christianity, but it has completely reinterpreted the Bible. It redefines the Bible’s culture and terminology and rips thousands of scriptures out of their historical and biblical contexts. The result is a non-Christian mixture of metaphysical and philosophical thoughts. Christian Science is so foreign to the Bible that, if it didn’t use words like Jesus, Trinity, Love, Grace, Sin, etc., you’d never suspect it had anything to do with the Bible at all.
To the Christian Scientist, God (the Father-Mother) is a Principle known as the Divine Mind. It has no personhood and no personality.
One of the errors of Christian Science is the belief that the Christ is the "divine-idea man." It is a principle that dwells within each and everyone of us. Christian Science denies that Jesus was the Christ. The Bible declares in 1 John 2:22, "Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?"
Scripture declares that Jesus is the Christ!
Matt. 16:16, "And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Acts 5:42, "And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." See also, Matt. 16:20; Luke 9:20; John 20:31; Acts 3:20; 9:22; 18:5; 18:28.
John 4:25-26, "The woman *said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." 26Jesus *said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
Questions that you can ask Christian Scientists:
If God is all in all, then where did evil come from?
If sickness is an illusion, why do you have practitioners who go out to Christian Scientists in attempts to heal them?
If sin is not real, then why does the Bible say that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)?
In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy said, "The material blood of Jesus was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin when it was shed upon ‘the accursed tree,’ than when it was flowing in his veins as he went daily about his Father’s business." Why would she contradict so plainly the teaching of Scripture that says, "but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
Why would Mary Baker Eddy directly contradict the Jesus’ own claim of Himself? She said that "Jesus is not God, as Jesus himself declared, but the Son of God." (S & H 361:12-13).
If "Man is incapable of sin, sickness, and death" as Eddy said in Science and Health 475:28, then why do people die? Why does the Bible say that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23)?
Why would Mrs. Eddy say Jesus did not die when the Bible clearly teaches that He died (Rom. 8:34; 1 Thess. 4:13; 1 Cor. 8:11; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 1:7).
Christian Science is a cult. If you are involved in it, I advise you to study the true Word of God and find out for yourself that what Mary Baker Eddy has said is heretical and not in accordance with Scripture.
Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. He is the only way to heaven. When we believe on Jesus Christ and confess that He died and rose again, we can be saved.
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Committing to a church is a BIG decision . . .
We believe God's Word and God's people are God's means of bringing about real change in our lives. God intends that we grow and live our faith in the context of a local church. Therefore committing to a local church is a vital and big decision for all of us.
To help you figure out who we are at GraceSLO and what it means to care for and commit with others here, we've put together the "Getting to Know GraceSLO" class. We will answer questions and share who we are, what we believe, how we do ministry, and how you can be a part of GraceSLO.


How We Started
Family Focus Christian Counseling was the vision of Dan Desmond and a dedicated Board of Directors and was brought to life in 1999. Since that time, Family Focus has opened its doors to people from all walks of life who have been or are seeking help in their personal lives, marriages, families, or are seeking spiritual and personal growth. Counselors at Family Focus continue to have a sincere heart for people and for assisting them through difficult seasons, transitions, or times of crisis that are a normal part of daily life. We desire to be an extension of God’s love and care for the hurting people of San Diego County and beyond by providing competent care and support through therapy.
"Change Begins in the Heart"
Our mission is to glorify God as we serve and support those who seek help through counseling, intervention, training, and education for individuals, couples and families. We believe that change begins in the heart through personal choice as individuals seek direction and healing in their lives. While we are a religious 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we serve individuals of all faiths and backgrounds.
"We Offer Acceptance and Grace to All"
The counselors at Family Focus Christian Counseling meet every person, couple or family right where they are. We assist clients in successfully navigating their journeys towards wholeness, health, and healing in relationships with self and others throughout their daily life circumstances. We offer acceptance and grace to all as we assist them in achieving their goals for their current season of life.


Resources for Lent from HMC
HMC Religious Educat
We hope that this time with your family is bringing you closer, and that by teaching your children about the love of Christ, you are reminded of His love for you, too. This Lent, let’s try to add something to our family life that can become a habit to make us the best version of ourselves. It can be something as simple as saying Grace before meals if you don’t already, or praying together in the morning or evening. If it seems strange and awkward – embrace it! What hasn’t been strange and awkward this year?!
Like Father Chris always says – if you haven’t started yet, start now. Think, talk, and pray about what you can do as a family this Lent.
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Give up a bad habit (each family member can pick their own habit). Bonus: put a set amount in a jar every time you go back to your habit and donate the money to a favorite charity on Good Friday.
2. Use fewer screens and spend that new found time as a family – play a board game, reach out to a relative, etc.
3. As a family, help a neighbor with something, or make a shopping trip for the food pantry.
Do something that will mean something to your family!
We highly recommend that you check out the
Lent page of our website
to look at the many offerings we have for making Lent more meaningful for your family. We also recommend
Dynamic Catholics "Best Lent Ever,"
which has very short five minute videos each day. Their theme this year is: "It's not what you give up this Lent - it's who you become."
Below are many other resources. All of these resources are meant to enhance your Lenten experience, not be a burden. Please use what works best for your family. Some of them have whole lesson plans for all ages. Keep in mind that if you click on some of the associated sites, they may take you to sites that are not Catholic. Be aware that not all religions recognize our Catholic beliefs.
Praying that we will see you all soon,
Maura Dowling & Karen Gill
Religious Education Coordinators
Grades 1 - 5
Grades 6 - 9 (Edge and ROC)
Resources for Lent
Our latest Religious Education video, focused on making sure we are prioritizing our lives the right way during the season of Lent.
Family Lenten Journey Calendar
Family Lenten Journey Calendar with small tasks and challenges to complete each day during Lent
Catholic Mom Resources
Catholic Mom Resources has a ridiculous amount of resources for all ages! Just scroll down to "Lent" for tons of games and lessons about Lent. Some of our favorites are the
Good Deed Cootie Catcher
Journey through Lent Game
Lent Coloring Pages
Some printable Lenten coloring pages that are great for the little ones!
How to Pray the Rosary
Printable basic instructions on how to pray the rosary
f the Cross Resources
On Fridays during Lent, the Holy Mothers Collaborative offers Stations of the Cross at noon at St. Mary's. If you are not able to attend in person, here are some virtual ways to learn about Christ's walk to Calvary on Good Friday.
Stations of the Cross Video
This link brings you to a YouTube playlist with a video of the Stations of the Cross. The first video is all of the Stations and is about 40 minutes long. You can also click through shorter videos of each station and pray along.
Stations of the Cross Pictures
A shorter and simpler Stations of the Cross featuring drawings.
P.S. In order to make sure Religious Education emails do not go to your spam or junk folder, please add "email@example.com" to your safe sender list. If you are ever afraid that you may have missed an email, you can always check the Faith Formation section of the website. All email correspondence and messages that we send out are posted there.
on Thursday, February 25 at 1:11PM


Jim Diers is driven by a passion to get people more involved in their communities and in the decisions that affect their lives. Over the past 40 years, he has served as a grass roots community organizer, community developer, and founding director of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods. Jim now shares the lessons from that work in his courses at the University of Washington; in international consulting through the Asset-Based Community Development Institute; and in his book, Neighbor Power. He has been recognized with an honorary doctorate from Grinnell College and as the Public Employee of the Year by the Municipal League of Martin Luther King County.
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Better to Give AND Receive
“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” said Jesus. Most of us have experienced that truth. In giving, not only do we feel blessed, but we gain a deeper sense of self-worth. Ideally, we also give because we genuinely care about the recipients. But, if that is true, why do we deny so many of them their own pleasure of giving?
A gift isn’t a gift until it is given, and people can’t give unless others are willing to receive. Unfortunately, people seem to be more comfortable giving than receiving. That is the biggest challenge facing many time banks. Times banks are based on the principle of reciprocity and their members are expected to give and receive in equal measure. For every hour of service they provide, they are entitled to an hour of a service they need from another member. If services aren’t being requested, they can’t be given and the program doesn’t work.
Communities are confronted by this same dilemma. Community depends on its members receiving as well as giving. Community is all about mutual support. It’s based on the notion that everyone has gifts and everyone has needs. Community is at its best when its members are sharing one another’s gifts to meet one another’s needs.
Our society has tried to get around this problem of too few recipients by creating two classes of people – the haves and the have nots, those with the gifts and those with the needs. We have even labeled the needy people to avoid any confusion. When we refer to people as disabled, poor, at risk, non-English speaking, homeless, etc., we think of them as the have nots. But, if some people are doing most of the giving and other people are doing most of the receiving, it’s no longer about community. It’s about services. The relationship isn’t one of neighbor to neighbor or citizen to citizen but rather one of donor/volunteer to recipient/client.
Not only are such one-way relationships detrimental to community, but they are detrimental to the individuals involved – both the giver and the recipient. All of us are better off when we have the humility and wisdom to realize that our lives can be greatly enriched by accepting the unique gifts that others have to offer.
True, some of us have much more time and money than others and we should give accordingly and unconditionally. But, we must also acknowledge that we don’t have a monopoly on gifts. Gifts of knowledge, skills, passions and relationships can be even more valuable than money, and everyone has those. No one has everything they need for a good life. We need one another’s gifts.
This reminds me of an initiative sparked by Lois Smidt in Ames, Iowa. Lois understood that everyone has poverty in their lives. For some, poverty is a lack of money and for others, it is a dearth of meaning and relationships. Lois found that those with the most money often had the least meaning and fewest relationships. So, she brought people together across class to share their gifts in ways that helped one another address their poverty.
Likewise, the pandemic highlighted the indispensable role of mutual aid. Even with physical distancing, our sense of community deepened and expanded as we realized that we were all in this together. We felt connected to people beyond our immediate circle of friends. We experienced how interdependence is key to our health and happiness.
The pandemic reminded us that everyone has gifts and that our community needs them all. In my own community of Vashon Island, Washington, we gained an increased appreciation for the role of workers in health care, food, transportation, education and other essential services. Neighbors supported one another with rides, shopping, child care, little free pantries, physically-distanced companionship, and whatever else was needed. Other volunteers met the needs of the larger community by preparing meals, sewing masks, offering counseling, and helping with COVID testing and vaccinations. Musicians performed virtual concerts to keep us entertained and artists used their craft to encourage us to adopt safe practices. A fund was created to help neighbors who needed money for food or rent. An individual, who some may have labeled as developmentally disabled, delivered flowers to comfort those who were grieving or isolated and to thank those who made extraordinary contributions. Most people found a way to give and everyone benefited. I have heard of similar responses to the pandemic in communities throughout the world.
While strengthening our common bond, the pandemic in combination with the murder of George Floyd was a jolting reminder that some of us are much more privileged than others. The disproportionate mortality rate for Black, Latinx and Native Americans due to DOVID-19 and police violence brought the evil of racism into sharp relief. It also brought many more people into the struggle for social justice.
Unfortunately, some of the more privileged social justice advocates only compounded the problem. They were so focused on oppression that they failed to recognize the gifts and agency of those they sought to liberate. In the process, well intentioned liberators became the oppressors. Of course, systems of racism, classism, ablism, sexism and ageism must be dismantled so that everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential, but those struggles must be led by those most impacted. The relatively privileged can be most helpful by honoring that leadership and offering support.
It is imperative that we move towards equity if we are going to realize Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a Beloved Community. But, we must do so in a way that builds on everyone’s gifts. When we all give generously and receive graciously in support of the common good, then we will be truly blessed.


History of Valentines Day
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day and its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.
So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men, his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
History of Valentines Day stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl ? who may have been his jailor’s daughter ? who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasise his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial which probably occurred around 270 A.D others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘christianize’ celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.


Everything American Made's I Do Framed Print. I Do has been a very popular print! This beautiful verse on the devotion of married couples features art created by Bonnie Mohr. It reads: "This is your love story come true... Your journey of marriage begins with "I Do". Cherish this bond, it belongs to only the two of you. Start each day with gratitude and compassion for each other and unconditional love will follow. Believe in each other, support each others dreams. Remember to dream together too. Always give more than you think the other needs. Say, "I love you" and "thank you" everyday! Trust, respect, and appreciate each other. Be spontaneous, be fun, be romantic! Stand together, but let there be space in your togetherness. Know when to listen, to talk, to let your heart feel. Apologize, Forgive and forget - doing so will make you feel better! Work together, Play together, Pray together. Allow God to be the foundation of your marriage. You have been chosen for each other...it is His plan. With each passing year, you will grow closer together, drawing strength from one another and two shall become one. You will be blessed with the greatest happiness in life, to love and to be loved." Artist's print has a non-glare, moisture resistant, and UV protected finish, making it easy to clean with a damp cloth. The black, distressed wood frame is 20-1/2" x 14-1/2".


Sessions take place on Mondays from 8:00-9:30pm EST.
Dates: February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22
Registration Brochure: For more details, download the registration brochure here: http://teocl.org/resources/eclt3/npm-ltp-colloquium-brochure-2021.pdf
Online Registration (via Credit Card): Click the red "register" button on the left-hand side of the screen.
To bill your parish: Call 800-933-1800 or email email@example.com and be sure to reference the item code ECLT3O1N.
This enhanced series of workshops, which emphasizes the celebration of the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life, is the perfect virtual formational opportunity for NPM’s Premier Members! With a solid understanding of the liturgy, you will be well-equipped for a deeper conversation regarding the role of liturgy in every aspect of our Catholic lives.
This virtual workshop is presented in conjunction with The Essentials of Catholic Liturgy (Track Three). The following additional benefits are included for Colloquium participants:
PRESENTERS: Timothy A. Johnston, Danielle A. Noe, Christina N. Condyles, and Fr. J. Michael Joncas (a past Colloquium favorite), will present content and moderate discussion and sharing on topics which will strengthen you in your role as pastoral minister and leader of worship.
REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY TEST: All course participants are required to join in a technology orientation session prior to the first session to ensure that your computer is configured properly. A technology orientation session is scheduled for Monday, February 8 between 5-7pm ET.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Click here to download a PDF with important information regarding this virtual course.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Sessions run from 8:00-9:30pm ET on Monday evenings. (Note: If you are not able to attend a session in real time, recordings will be posted on a course forum and will be accessible later that evening.)
February 1, 2021
COLLOQUIUM ONLY SESSION: Liturgy, Life, and Discipleship
February 8, 2021
SESSION 1: Liturgy and the Modern World
February 15, 2021
SESSION 2: Liturgy and Mission: Evangelization
February 22, 2021
SESSION 3: Liturgical Catechesis and Mystagogy
March 1, 2021
SESSION 4: Liturgy and Social Justice
March 8, 2021
SESSION 5: Liturgy and the Art of Celebrating
March 15, 2021
SESSION 6: Liturgical Spirituality
March 22, 2021
COLLOQUIUM ONLY SESSION: Music in the Liturgy and Missionary Discipleship
VIRTUAL NIGHTCAP: Sessions run from 9:00-10:00pm ET on Tuesday evenings (beginning February 9) in Zoom meeting rooms. Link will be provided each week.
Cancellation Policy: Requests for refunds must be made in writing and sent to firstname.lastname@example.org by February 5, 2021.


There is a full time chaplain at the College. Fr Patrick Sherlock is a Salesian priest who has spent all his life working with young people as a teacher and a youth worker. Now he has the time to be with you to listen and to share experiences, joys and sorrows, hopes and fears. You can usually find him in the compound at break times, with a ‘joke for the day’ to bring a smile or a groan! He also has an office upstairs in the Foley building, near the library, where he is available for anyone who would like a longer chat or the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are a Catholic school but we have students from many religious denominations in the College and we do our best to support you wherever you are on your journey of faith. Each day there is an assembly for your form, the year group or the whole school. The College Chapel is open throughout the day as a place where you can go for prayer or peaceful reflection. Every Wednesday morning there is an optional Mass for staff and students before school. Each form is able to celebrate Mass together at least once in the course of the year and there are retreats for each year group. Major events and feast days are marked with a big Mass for the entire College in the Hall. Parents are very welcome on these occasions and the dates are in the College Calendar.
If you would like to chat about your faith – or about anything – just have a word with Fr Sherlock in the compound. You can also contact him via email: email@example.com
'Pupils have a deep and sensitive awareness of spirituality and the non-material aspects of life.'
ISI Report 2022


Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
We hope you wear this necklace as a reminder that when you place your hope in Jesus, your strength will be renewed and you can run the race marked out for you. The best is yet to come!
This necklace is made and produced by our friends at Golden Thread. It will ship separately from other products.
- 30 inch chain
- 24-Karat plated pendant is approximately the size of a half dollar (31 mm)
Total items in cart: 0Edit cart


Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Service December 1st, 2014
Light Up Night – Saturday, November 29th November 21st, 2014
Once again, our church will be open on “Light Up Night” in West Newton. This year in the church social room there will be a Soup Sale to benefit the Bell Choir, Nativity Display, Crafts & Fleas Table, and West Newton Wears Clothing. At 4:30 p.m. the 1st UMC Bell Choir will perform a Christmas Concert.
Hanging of the Greens November 13th, 2014
On Sunday, November 23, 2014 everyone is invited to the Hanging of the Greens!
Following worship service there will be a cover dish dinner in the social room. Please bring a covered dish to share. Then we will all gather to decorate the church for Christmas.
Many hands are needed…please plan to attend for this time of food and fellowship!!


The Christ Cathedral is the site of what many will remember as the Iconic Crystal Cathedral, which was led by the late Robert Schuller. The former Crystal Cathedral in Orange County is newly remodeled, renamed and is now a Catholic church. Eight years after the Diocese of Orange purchased the Crystal Cathedral — the famous glittering glass church in Garden Grove.
Renamed Christ Cathedral, the 78,000-square-foot structure and surrounding campus is now the center of Catholicism in Orange County. The extensive interior renovation was completed over a 24-month period and included a number of unique features and construction challenges, which required creative thinking from a high-performing team committed to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.


The Chartres Cathedral is probably the finest example of French Gothic architecture and said by some to be the most beautiful cathedral in France.
Frame not included.
Originally painted in Chartres, France in 2002, this work is currently also available as a canvas print remarque.
Chartres cathedral holds an atmosphere imbued with venerable history, ardent devotion, and awe-inspiring architectural splendor. Not only is the structure renowned for its glorious beauty down to the last detail and the radiance of its stained glass windows, but many seek The Veil of the Virgin in its Reliquary. It is believed to be the very same veil worn by the Virgin Mary during childbirth and linked to many medieval miracles. Catch a glimpse of the majestic cathedral in this surreal depiction seen at http://1giantmedia.com/chartres-cathedral/ as you enter the doors and prepare to be enveloped in a timeless masterpiece.
The initial plan for this gothic cathedral was a Latin cross spanning three aisles, an ambulatory and a short transept. The east end has a rounded end and five chapels arranged in a semi-circular arrangement. Chartres Cathedral’s high nave is supported in place by soaring buttresses, which in turn are held by massive abutments and colonnettes. Over time, the niches were complemented by a series of sculptures, and some additions in the form of an extra row of buttresses and a third row was added come 14th century.
Chartres Cathedral holds the distinction of being one of the first structures where the buttresses are included in the overall planning of how a building looks from the outside. These buttresses were essential for the formation of the nave’s height and the massive size of the clerestory windows. Overall symmetry is broken by the mismatched west spires- the northern spire is an early sixteenth century Flamboyant Gothic steeple which stands at 113 meters tall, while the southern spire is an 1140s-style Romanesque pyramid standing 105 meters tall.
The two transepts have the famous west front as well as three notable sculptures, flanking towers and large rose windows. This design borrows heavily from the rose-windowed transept model from the Laon Cathedral, with the exception of its unique three-portal layout. Chartres Cathedral has nine portals, including three that were salvaged from the earlier West part of the cathedral.
The Royal Portal
Porte Royale, or the West Portal was completed by 1150, with the reliefs and sculptures pertaining to the ones found at St. Denis, which was mostly ravaged in the Reformation. The Royal Portal showcases an elegantly stretched statues of majestic kings, stately queens and famous historical figures derived from the Old Testament; their faces show full expressions, looking down on viewers with benevolence and condescension. The artistic transition from Roman-esque to Gothic is plain, as the elongation of the statues are from Romanesque times but the greatly visible expressions are from Gothic times.
The Royal Portal also hosts the Last Judgment. Here, Christ is surrounded by the Four Evangelists, basking in an almond-shaped halo called a mandoria, holding the Book of Life on his left and a gesture of blessing with the right hand. The figure is native only to the cathedral and shows Christ’s image in both human and divine nature.
The South Portal
Carved between 1224 and 1250, and according to the New Testament times, the South Portal is mainly all about the Last Judgment. The central theme features “the handsome God”, or a Beau-Dieu, as Christ is portrayed as a mild and gentle human. On the right bay are sculptures of saints who weren’t martyred, and on the left bay depicts an array of martyred saints. You can see St. Theodore as a young hero and St. George as an older man artistically represented on the left bay.
The North Portal
The North Portal features the Old Testament, with significant events and depictions of the preparation of the Virgin Mary for the coming Christ. The northern portal receives sunlight at night because it faces the Southwest direction instead of the traditional Western point. You can see a figure of St. Anne holding Mary between the central portal doors. The faded depictions of St. Joachim tending the flock are still visible here. The Chartres received a relic in the form of St. Anne’s head from Constantinople, from which a central statue was made. Some of the most notable sculptures here are a fat King Solomon, the Holy Modesta, a female figure showing a happy and seductive smile; and a fascinating scene where Adam is formed from God’s head, and with God kneading Adam’s head like a sculptor shaping a piece of modeling clay.
The Chartres Labyrinth
The cathedral’s floor still shows some signs of the ancient floor labyrinth crafted in 1205, mainly used for pilgrims in their meditation and by the residing monks when they contemplate. The chapel’s labyrinth only has one true path and it is 964 feet in length. John James claimed that there was once a metal plate in the labyrinth’s center which had drawings of the Minotaur, Ariadne and Theseus, central figures of the classical myth of Minos’ Labyrinth. The overall circumference is 131 feet wide, intriguingly the same size as the West Rose window.
The Stained Glass Windows
Exquisite stained glass windows are scattered all throughout the cathedral, providing some very colorful splashes on the floor while looking like sparkling gems from above. These windows were made early in the 13th century and stood the test of time, even from the religious wars that erupted during the 16th century. In fact, Chartres has one of the most complete medieval stained glass collections from all over the world, with the numbers going between 150 to 170 depending on the method of counting.
The South Rose and its five lancets date back from 1230’s. The stained window shows the Glorification of Christ; with Christ’s blessings surrounded by the angels and Four Evangelists, then the Apocalypse’s elders, then the cathedral’s arms of donors. The lancets are arranged as noted: Luke over Jeremiah, Matthew over Isaiah, the Virgin and Child, John over Ezekiel, and Mark over Daniel. Notre Dame de la Belle Verriere is a special mention in this area, created in 1150 and is now a part of the south ambulatory window.
The North Rose and its five lancets were given as a present from Queen Blanche in 1230. This section shows the Glorification of the Virgin; with the Virgin and Child encompassed by angels and doves, then the Old Testament prophets and kings. The lancets are arranged as noted: Melchizadek with King Saul, King David with King Jeroboam, St. Anne with Mary and the Royal House of France arms, King Solomon with King Nebuchadezzar, and Aaron and the Pharaoh.
The West Rose date back from 13th century, with its lancets dating from 1150. The section represents the Last Judgment; with Christ encompassed by angels and the Four Evangelists; angels blowing their trumpets, judgment, resurrection, representations of heaven and hell. The lancets are arranged as noted: the Resurrection and Passion, Incarnation, and the last being the Jesse Window.


“ A wise woman builds her house…” Proverbs
Above Rubies is a ministry established to enrich and empower
the lives of women and their families. This is accomplished
by teaching spiritual principles and practical skills to
women ages 18-50+, which enable them to be more effective
home managers and to strengthen vital relationships in
help women to create home environments that are filled
with love and are permeated by peace.
offer practical skills to help women balance their
lives more effectively.
encourage women to have a healthy self image.
admonish the younger women to lovingly and with dignity
serve their husbands and to train their children.
on the Titus 2:3-5 principle our heartwarming, housewarming (H2) sessions and weekend retreats offer women spiritual,
relational, and practical guidance to help them to better
navigate the seasons of their lives, all in the comfort
of a relaxed home environment. We bring together younger
women especially with a team of seasoned older women to
teach, to share, to mentor and to encourage younger women
during the “THICK” times in life of child bearing,
child rearing and beyond . Whether she is married, single,
divorced, widowed or a single parent, the principles that
are imparted during our H2 sessions are guaranteed to provide
spiritual and practical wisdom and encouragement through
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desire for women to have heaven on earth, beginning in
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