THE MISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 60 Churches and Friendly Congregations!
We serve the eastern area of Nebraska along the Missouri River from Blair, NE., south to the Nebraska, Kansas border.
COME WORSHIP WITH US!
MISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT OFFICES2665 FARNAM STREET SUITE 102
OMAHA, NE 68131
HOURS: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2665 FARNAM ST. #102
OMAHA, NE 68131
UNITED METHODIST MINISTRIESRev. Stephanie Ahlschwede
402-898-9862 X103 Email: email@example.com
Director of Volunteers and Communications
402-898-9862 X104 Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Coordinator of Volunteers and Communications
402-898-9862 X110 Email: email@example.com
Director of Blue Flamingo Thrift Shop
402-964-2740 Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Big Garden Director
402-898-9862 X105 Email: email@example.com
HELP FOR TORNADO VICTIMS......................Tornadoes have devastated many communities in Oklahoma. Currently there are two ways to help. One is to pray for those dealing with the pain, loss and mental anguish. Another way to help is by putting together relief supplies-relief kits and cleaning buckets.
For specific instructions for preparing these supplies, click here. The UMCOR Relief-Supply Network will help you find where to take or ship these supplies.
If you want to make a donation towards the kits and shipping, the Advance numbers are 531-Material Resource Ministry (901440) and 536-Contain Your Joy (982730), respectively.
You can also help by making online donations to US Disaster Response, Advance #901670 or by calling toll-free 1-800-554-8583. To make an immediate $10 donation text RESPONSE to 80888. Your donations matter. If you would like your contribution to be credited to your church you will want to send them to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center, Attn: Disaster Relief 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504.
Opportunities will develop for Volunteers in Mission (VIM) to go into the area needing help. The Nebraska Volunteers in Mission Facebook site will post contact information. Charles Spence is the interim VIM coordinator for Nebraska. He is working with the coordinators in Kansas and Oklahoma and will provide updated information.
Spence can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Ready for Review......
PRE-CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS MATERIALS
Pre-conference briefing materials are available at www.umcneb.org/ac2013. The 2013 pre-conference briefings will be an online experience. There will not be a webcast or any district gatherings. Materials include the Plan of Organization, a video that features highlights from the latest draft of the Plan of Organization for the Great Plains Conference and comments from Great Plains Transition Team members, schedule, lodging information and all of the reports and materials necessary to participate in the annual conference session. Middle School/Youth Annual Conferences and Children's Annual Conference will again be offered.
Print versions of all the materials can be requested by emailing Roxie Delisi at email@example.com or by calling 402-464-5994, ext. 107. They will be printed and mailed for a fee of $25.
Links to online registration forms are available at www.umcneb.org/ac2013
1. Registration links and the 2013 camping brochure are available at www.umcneb.org/Camps.
2. Although Camp Norwesca suffered damage from a wildfire last summer, they are still planning on and gearing up for summer camps!
3. In 2013, all returning campers can get half off of their registration fee when a first time camper signs up AND attends camp. A first time camper can only be claimed once.
4. Every pastor and every UMW in every Nebraska United Methodist church can EACH invite one first time camper to attend any UM camp of their choice at half price. This offer is not valid with any other offer. See the attached "Promise of Hope" certificates. Copy certificates and include with registrations or register online and mail certificate to camp of choice. If you don't have any kids in your church or there aren't any kids in your church who are interested, send family and friends or do outreach in your community. This would be a great way to make connections with a family or two to your church. Or, raise funds and work with your closest camp to offer "camperships."
One of the biggest reasons we hear to keep kids home from camp is that camp is so expensive. Between church, district and conference scholarships, we can get every child to camp at an affordable rate! If you have questions about any of the offers mentioned above, contact your local camp:
Comeca: 75670 Road 417, Cozad, NE 69130; 308-784-2808, firstname.lastname@example.org, www.campcomeca.com
Fontanelle: 9677 County RD 3, Nickerson, NE 68044; 402-478-4296, email@example.com, www.campfontanelle.com
Norwesca: 79 Norwesca RD, Chadron, NE 69337; 308-432-3872, firstname.lastname@example.org, www.norwesca.org
Camp is a life-changing experience for many. It also offers opportunity for leadership development and spiritual growth. Pastors and those working in lay ministries often identify camp as the place they first heard their call from God. Thank you for all you do to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Your partnership towards this end is much appreciated and essential to making our ministries as effective as possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's give our children and youth every possible opportunity to grow in their faith as a child of God. That is our mandate and a true measure of success in our ministries.
Your Nebraska UM Camp Directors
Trent Meyer, Valerie Rahrs, John Butler, Kathryn Witte
SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS TO BE ACCEPTED APRIL 1Beginning April 1, the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation will accept application materials for the seminary scholarships it administers for students planning to pursue careers in the ministry within the Great Plains Annual Conference. These scholarships are:
- The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship
- The Alva Clark Seminary Scholarship
- The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship
- The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund
- The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship
- The Murdock Ebenezer UMC Professional Church Leader Scholarship
- The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship
- The Scahill Family Scholarship
- The Verl & Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship
The deadline for application submissions is June 30, except for the Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship, which is May 31.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the Foundation administers The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship, with the assistance of the Gateway District Superintendent's Office. Preference is given to students from the Gateway District. Subsequent consideration is given to applicants of the other eleven Foundation scholarships that are submitted by the application process. The Foundation will also award The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, and The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund. An application process will not be required for submission for these scholarships.
For more information and printable application materials, please visit the Foundation's web site at:
http://www.numf.org/special_programs/scholarships.html. As the scholarships have different application criteria, we ask that you please review each set of requirements and contact us if you have any questions.
Please note that the Foundation has a new scholarship application form this year.
The Foundation always looks forward to being able to distribute these funds for the benefit of our future and existing clergy. Thank you for helping us bring awareness to these financial opportunities for those pursuing futures in the ministry of our Conference. Please let us know whenever we may be of service to you.
- Start the Disciple Bible Study program.
- Have more people trained as Disciple Bible Study facilitators.
- Have current facilitators brush-up on facilitating Disciple Bible Study.
The training will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Road, Omaha, NE.
The training will be led by Director of Vital Faith Formation, Diana Faust, from St. Andrew's UMC. Diana holds a Certification in Christian Education, and has been involved with the Disciple Bible Study program since 1995. She has taken the training offered by Cokesbury and also facilitated classes of Disciple Bible Study as well as trained others to do the same.
The cost of the training is $60 which includes all training materials. Make check payable to St. Andrew's UMC and send to:
St. Andrew's UMC
15050 W. Maple Road
Omaha, NE 68116
Contact Diana for a reduced rate if you already have the materials. Lunch will be on your own. The deadline to register is June 30. If you have any questions, contact Diana at 402-431-8560, ext. 31 or email@example.com.
While it may not feel like it outside, summer is just around the corner, and that means barbeque season! We would like to suggest hosting a barbeque-themed event to raise funds for Imagine No Malaria. The Great Plains Area communications team has put together a "toolkit" to help you with planning such an event -- everything from a sample press release and best practices tip sheet, to a T-shirt order form and instructions on how to make PipeCleaner mosquitoes (a fun activity for kids!).
IMAGINE NO MALARIA BBQ TOOLKIT
Also are available are some neon orange Imagine No Malaria fly swatters. These are free, but there are a limited number available; email Trish Johnson at firstname.lastname@example.org if you would like some for your event.
Everything you need can be found at http://shootfornomalaria.net/resources.
Questions? Contact Trish at email@example.com.
More information to come and check out the event at www.stpaulspapillion.org
Marcia McFee is an author, worship designer and leader, professor, preacher and artist. Her engaging and interactive style has been called "refreshing", "inspiring", and "unforgettable". Marcia combines her background and experience in professional companies of music, theater and dance with a variety of worship and preaching styles in order to bring a fresh experience of the Gospel to each worship setting. She has provided worship design and leadership at numerous international and regional gatherings.
Dr. Marcia McFee Bio:
Dr. Marcia McFee is an author, worship designer and leader, professor, preacher and artist. Her engaging and interactive style has been called "refreshing," "inspiring," and "unforgettable." Marcia combines her background and experience in professional companies of music, theater and dance with a variety of worship and preaching styles in order to bring a fresh experience of the Gospel to each worship setting. Marcia has provided worship design and leadership at numerous international and regional gatherings.
Marcia's passion for helping the church to worship God fully is especially directed toward the education of local congregations. She travels extensively in order to teach regional workshops that are accessible to congregational leaders and worship teams. These one-day workshops are usually hosted by a church, underwritten by district or conference bodies or by registration fees, and open to all churches in a particular area. Participants have commented that these workshops are inspirational as well as practical, no matter the "style" of worship practiced or denomination of the participants. Additionally, Marcia has begun a program of continuing education events in her home town of Lake Tahoe and an online subscription service to Worship Design Studio that offers inspirational and educational help for worship teams featuring a ground-breaking worship design application.
Great Plains Uniting Conference
August 22-24, 2013
The Uniting Conference for the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West annual conferences will be Aug. 22-24, 2013.
Lay and clergy members of the three annual conferences will convene at the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kansas.
Lodging information and a map of the Salina area are available at GreatPlainsUMC.org/uniting. Registration will begin June 17, 2013.
- LODGING INFORMATION
TECH SHOP AND HP LAUNCHES A NEW WEBSITE FOR UNITED METHODIST HARDWARE PURCHASES
United Methodists now can buy discounted computer hardware and peripherals, thanks to a new affiliate website launched by Hewlett-Packard Co. and TechShop, a ministry of United Methodist Commuications. The service, available to United Methodist Church members as well as church organizations, features the entire line of HP computers, laptops, tablets, printers and other equipment at prices 8 to 10% below retail.
You can reach the website at www.hp.com/go/umc. The HP website does not require a registration process to qualify to purchase at TechShop prices.


Typically, when people think about salvation, they think about themselves - being saved from death. Rarely do they think about the people they have harmed throughout their lifetime.
But the salvation process addresses both: correcting the wrongs you have done to others, and correcting the wrongs others have done to you.
Another misconception about salvation is punishment. Read all of 2 Samuel 12 and understand that salvation saves you from death, it does NOT save you from punishment.
David had an affair with, and impregnated Uriah's wife, then David made arrangements to ensure Uriah was killed in battle. God sent Nathan to confront David:
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”(2 Samuel 12:13-14 NIV)
Like David, sometimes it takes a messenger from God, before people will acknowledge they have sinned. Punishment helps to rehabilitate sinners, and it shows the world that God does NOT condone sinners.
Rehabilitation means to restore (someone) to health or normal life by training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.
You can think of the rehabilitation of a soul, like the rehabilitation of a wrecked car. Your soul is a wreck - meaning that because of your sins, or the sins of your spouse, you are unfit to serve God. Thus, salvation is the process of getting you from point A - being unfit to serve God - to point B- being ready to serve God.
The salvation of a car entails going to the crash site, towing the car to a junk yard, inspecting the car to see if there are any salvageable parts, and - if the owner of the car agrees with the damage assessment and cost to repair - removing the parts that are damaged and ordering new part, so that the car can be fixed and made useful again. The same is true of a soul. You will have to get rid of the people, places and things that make you unfit to serve God. Wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, land, jobs, money - all these things have to go, if God did not give them to you. (See Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 14:26-2, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62 and John 6:60-66)
JUST LIKE THERE IS COST TO REPAIR A WRECKED VEHICLE THERE IS COST TO MAKE YOUR SOUL READY TO SERVE GOD.
In other words, you are going to break up with Satan - give back all of Satan's gifts, clean all the skeletons out of your closet, and to the best of your ability, recompense those you have harmed, then you must study the Word of God and do it, before you are ready for a new or renewed relationship with God.
Recall how Satan tempted Jesus, and though Jesus had needs, Jesus rejected Satan's offer?
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.
"The tempter came to Him and said, 'If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'
"But Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ” '
"Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You,
and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.” '
"Jesus replied, 'It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” '
"Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 'All this I will give You,' he said, 'if You will fall down and worship me.'
“'Away from Me, Satan!' Jesus declared. 'For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”'
"Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him." ( Matthew 4:1-11 BSB)
At some point in your life , Satan made you a similar offer, but unlike Jesus, you accepted Satan's offer. It may have been 20, 30, even 40 years since you committed the sin, but God did NOT forget it.
"But they do not consider that I remember all their evil. Now their deeds surround them; they are before my face." (Hosea 7:2 ESV)
"And it shall be like people, like priest. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds." (Hosea 4:9 BSB)
They offer sacrifices to me and eat the meat of the sacrifices. But I, the LORD, am not pleased with them, and now I will remember their sin and punish them for it;" (Hosea 8:13 GNT)
"They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins" (Hosea 9:9 ESV)
So now do you remember? Remember when you ran after that man and finally caught him.... in your pregnancy trap... you told yourself it was love, but it wasn't love, it was sex, manipulation, lies and a baby - a trophy child - a child used as a tool to cage a man. Or remember the wife you abandoned after you couldn't keep your penis in your pants? You took a whore into God's house and gave her your wife's marriage rites and marriage rights. You told yourself you were doing the right thing because this woman was having your baby, but those are human standards they are not God's standards, and as it turns out the whore's baby wasn't even your child, it was your brothers.
So now, what can you give to the woman you abandoned and her unborn children for recompense? How can you repay them? You can't, but God can, and that is why you need to partner with God. Because all of the things that you obtained by unholy means: backstabbing, manipulation, seduction, sexual immorality, tricks, traps, deception, lies, threats and coercion - all of those you did to ensnare someone else, ensnared you in a relationship with Satan.
God said, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous" Hebrews 13:14 ESV
God does not join the sexually immoral and adulterous together in marriage; Satan does.
NOW ITS TIME FOR JUDGMENT . PRAISE GOD!
And now, before you can have a relationship with God, you are going to have to make things right with all of those people you harmed. You see we can't approach the altar of God seeking salvation with dirt on our hands.
"Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
"Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
"Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5:23-26 BSB)
Now here is a surprise: Even if you got 'saved' after the fact, started doing 'good works' and asked the LORD's forgiveness for entering into an unholy marriage, if you are still in that unholy marriage then what you claim to do in the name of the LORD is blasphemy, because it does not matter what you do after the fact, your foundation is still unholy. You can not build a relationship with God - who is holy - on top of an unholy foundation.
" Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.
"Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.
Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. (Haggai 2:11-14 KJV)
" ... the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God." (1 Corinthians 10:20 BSB)
THIS IS WHY GOD TOLD US IN THE FIRST PLACE "DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED" AND WHY GOD CALLS US NOW TO COME OUT AND BE SEPARATE:
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ”
(2 Corinthians 6:14-18 BSB)
The Holy Bible says that even the worst of us can clean ourselves up, make ourselves useful and offer our service to God.
"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV)
So, what is salvation? Salvation is a process - a journey that you travel with God. On this journey, God transforms you and you go from being condemned and unfit to being a useful servant ready to serve God. This is what Jesus meant when He said "be ready." We must be ready to serve God when He returns in biological form.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1 NIV)
Getting ready begins with Truth. You must confess truth before those authorized in the Body of Christ. The Ministry of Second Timothy, Inc. (MOST) is authorized.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6 NLT)
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. " (Matthew 10:32-33 BSB)


Critics say plans for the interior of Notre Dame will make the cathedral a ‘politically correct Disneyland’
Leaked plans to modernize the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris sparked anger this week, with some comparing the proposed redevelopment to Disneyland.
The iconic cathedral is currently being meticulously restored after being devastated by fire in 2019. The French government is overseeing the structural restoration and conservation of the cathedral, and cathedral authorities are responsible for its interior.
The plans were not officially announced but became public when they were discovered during a May video conference uploaded to YouTube. In the video, Father Gilles Drouin, director of the Liturgical Institute of Paris and priest in charge of interior restoration, gives an overview to the General Secretariat of Catholic Education in France.
Last Friday the British Conservative Newspaper The Spectator took hold of the video’s revelations.
” Damn it ! Plans are underway to transform the once restored Notre Dame Cathedral into what some have called a ‘politically correct Disneyland’ â, declared writer Harry Mount.
“Because people are not as familiar with the interior of Notre Dame, there is more leeway for the anti-history brigade to prevail,” Mount wrote.
The journalist then identified two members of this so-called brigade – the Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit and Christian Rousselot, the director general of the Notre-Dame Foundation.
“It’s Notre Dame de Paris transformed into Disneyland”, Parisian architect Maurice Culot Recount The Journal of the Arts. âWe are rebuilding the cathedral and the spire as they were, with old materials like stone, wood and lead, and now we will have a theme park for foreign tourists inside.â
So what exactly are these garish plans? Spinning teacups? Brightly colored plastic furniture? Animated images of biblical characters?
Well, not exactly.
The plan is to include contemporary art alongside medieval art and warm lighting located just above head height in place of some of the cathedral’s rarely used confessionals. Bible verses in multiple languages ââare also included in the design for the benefit of non-Christian visitors. In addition, portable benches that can be moved to accommodate larger crowds will replace the fixed seats.
Father Drouin denies that a radical plan is being prepared.
âFor eight centuries, Notre Dame de Paris has been constantly evolving and the Church intends to renew the tradition of commissions from living artists,â he declared. AFP, the French press agency.
Drouin said Notre Dame “was not suited to cope” with the large crowds of up to 12 million tourists the cathedral received before the fire. Visitors “come for different reasons, most of them from non-Christian or post-Christian cultures.” The priest pointed to the increase in the number of Chinese visitors to the Notre-Dame chapel dedicated to a Chinese martyr, which followed the installation of explanatory banners in Mandarin.
Criticism of the interior is just the latest setback for those undertaking the restoration of the historic building. The project schedule has already expired and the completion target will almost certainly not be met. Completion of the reconstruction was originally scheduled for April 16, 2024 – the fifth anniversary of the fire – with Paris hosting the Olympic Games later in the year. However, experts say parts of the church – including the cathedral spire – cannot be completed on time.
The plans must now be submitted to the French Ministry of Culture for approval.


Hi, My Name is Ronnie
Like many of you I was raised in a Christian home and by the worlds standards I was and am a good person. But, in the ninth grade I was sitting in Sunday School class and the teach asked a simple question; "If you were to die today do you know if you would go to heaven?". At that point in time my answer to his question was "NO". That morning I decide to except Jesus as my savior and have tried to have a closer walk with Christ each day. My life changed that day! It wasn't freedom from a drug or alcohol addiction, sexual immorality, or crimes against society. It was freedom from Satan's hold on my eternal soul. Although I still struggle in this world with sin and failure, I know Jesus has paid the price for my sin, and yours, and one day I will spend eternity with him in heaven.
Do you know if you were to die today you would go to heaven? If not, let me show you how you can..........
First you need to see you are lost and a sinner:
There is a penalty for your sin:
There is a price to be paid for your sin:
All you need to do is respond to what God has done for Us:
Once you except Christ as your Savior, there is security with Christ:
But, we need to remember our old nature still dwells within us:
If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, just say this simple prayer:
"Jesus I confess I am a sinner and I accept that you died on the cross for my sins, Jesus come into my heart and save me, Amen." If you prayed this prayer you are now my brother or sister in Christ. Find a Bible based church and let them know about your decision.
This site was last updated 02/25/18


People used to say that to me and If Life Doesn t Give You Flowers Be A Flower Inst Shirt I would say, “Maybe God could have made me just a little less special. I would be good with that!” My son had autism and developed seizure disorder. He died 15 years ago. Wish we had him back. But people are so stupid in their assessment of life sometimes and blame God for everything.
If Life Doesn t Give You Flowers Be A Flower Inst Shirt, Hoodie, Sweater, Ladie Tee, Vneck, Bellaflowy, Kids Shirt, Unisex and Tank Top, T-shirt
Best If Life Doesn t Give You Flowers Be A Flower Inst Shirt
Oh my goodness I had totally forgotten about that If Life Doesn t Give You Flowers Be A Flower Inst Shirt. It was such a small deed for a friend in need. I was more than happy to help you and I am astonished that you remember such a small gesture. I loved having you as my neighbor. Even though we were neighbors for just a few years I love keeping up with you and the kids. Truly enjoyed our reunion lunch in Denver and felt like we picked up where we left off. I hope life is treating you well. Let me know how you’re doing.


- Community services and centres
St. George & St. Anthony Orthodox Church
St. George & St. Anthony Orthodox Church provides fellowship, faith support and intergenerational activities.
- Phone: (613) 741-8000
- Website: https://www.orthodoxy.ca
- Address: 1081 Cadboro Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 7T8, Canada
Hours of Operation
Determined by activity
Verified Dementia-Inclusive Features
- Comfortable noise level, Quiet space available
- Accessible parking, Bilingual (E/Fr)
St. George & St. Anthony Orthodox Church provides spiritual care, assistance with physical needs, group and individual support. There is a Seniors’ online Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons, and the Divine Liturgy is said on Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings.
Last updated: 26-11-2020


It’s fascinating to me the way that this time in our world, this time in human history, is teaching us so much about each other. This time of quarantine has had this incredible power to reveal who we really are, at our core. Even among my own friends, I am learning who the introverts are, as they spend this time all curled up cozy in their houses with books and baking, not too upset to be without social obligations. I’m learning who the true extroverts are, the ones who are using this time to talk to as many people as they possibly can about anything and everything. And we are all learning who our true friends are, the ones we can talk to for hours about anything and everything, the ones we facetime just to share silence with when we get bored or sad (since there is nothing new or interesting going on in our lives to update them on).
But most importantly of all, this time is showing us who really understands the meaning of the words community, selflessness, empathy, and compassion.
The bottom line right now is that none of us WANT to stay locked up in our houses, missing out on precious moments with friends and family! But those of us committed to it are those with the ability to see beyond the present moment, to feel the pain of the suffering world, to cry tears along with those mourning and weeping.
My heart has been absolutely broken the past few weeks as I have seen how truly selfish our world has become. We’ve lost the ability to empathize with our fellow human beings so much to the point that we are willing to risk the lives of those around us, willing to carry a potentially fatal disease to someone’s grandparent, mother, sibling, or child, all because we want an iced latte. We are willing to negate the hard work of those on the front lines, working themselves to the bone and isolating themselves from their families, all because you are bored and want to see your friends??
And here is where I am going to get real honest, my friends — my heart breaks even more when I look at some members of the church community. I am a Christian, which means, simply, that I follow a man who stopped to weep with widows, a man who gave up a heavenly throne to live a life of pain and poverty, a man who was tortured on a cross like a criminal to save the world from sin and be an example of true love. And I am proud to be part of so many strong communities of faith and churches of people who have truly given their lives to Him.
But as the weeks go on, I am saddened by our response as a church. Jesus died on a cross to save us, but we can’t go without a barbeque or a haircut to avoid risking the lives of our brothers and sisters on earth? We are supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus, the instrument of His selfless love in a broken world, but when our comfort is challenged, we decide it’s ok to put people’s lives at risk because we want to see our friends or share a meal?? We are part of a faith that teaches sacrificial love and putting our neighbors before ourselves, and we are being called to do that now more than ever. But, it looks different. In this pandemic, sacrificial love means staying home when you’d rather be out. It means having a digital dinner party when you’d much rather have one in person. It means having a world view that expands beyond yourself and your daily life. It means giving up the things that we WANT to do so that others might have more years on this earth.
My friends, I know it is so hard to be walking through this time without our traditional, in-person community. We are all aching for connection. But we have a responsibility right now, as people of empathy and compassion, as people of faith, to lead by example and show the world what it means to truly put others first. As believers, we believe that our actions have power, and that one person can shift the life of another, for better or for worse. We have to start acting like it. We have to start holding each other accountable. We have to start calling each other out on our failings. We are being called to guide each other and the world toward sacrificial love. Are we going to do it? Or 20, 50, 100 years from now, when they write about us in history books, are we going to regret the way we lived and wish we had done more?


Why we came to earth.
What we came to do.
How to do it.
by David G. Cooper
As a spiritual being standing in the realm between realms the silent question in my heart was, Are you ready? Feeling into the message was like feeling into the peace and oneness of the essence of God. As a spiritual being whenever a question is asked there is only one answer. Yes, I’m ready!
With my response, the energy shifted and the vale thinned allowing me to see a continuous flow of spiritual being descending from the realm between realm to earth. Arriving on earth they each began to take on a physical form.
The vale thinned even more. It was as if the doors to the ancient library open and I was invited in. Arriving in the great hall all the wisdom of the universe that was encoded within me began to awaken in me.
With the awakening the secrets of our journey to earth were reviled. Everything in the universe is created from the same energy from the same source -- God. As spiritual being we live in the state of oneness with God and all of life. Our journey to earth is to create the opportunity to become a fully empowered physical spiritual being who also always lived in the state of peace and oneness with God and all of life.
Feeling into the essence of the message it took on the appearance of this is our destiny which we were created to fulfill.
Looking closely at the design as it was being played out on earth sadness filled my heart. It appeared that my spiritual brothers and sisters, were creating conflict and pain in my life, as well as in the life of one another. In watching the design play out, it also appeared that my actions were causing me to be in pain as well as creating pain for my spiritual brothers and sisters.
I opened my heart to God, as my fears and endless questions flowed forth:
Why must we hurt one another?
We are spiritual brothers and sisters.
We all are created from the energy of Divine love of God.
Why must we become human?
Why must being human mean living in pain?
Why did we forget how to always love divinely.
Again the vale thinned as the essence of God increased around me as the silent truth from my heart sprang forth.
They are asleep.
The energy shifted once again and the keys to our destiny were played out again to lock them in the inner chamber of our hearts. The wisdom continued to flow to those who were gathered there. We come to earth to learn how to live as a spiritual being in the state of Divine love with a physical, mental and emotional body and the will to choose all our actions.
You have been given a physical body with a mind and heart. This is why you have the gift of will to allow you to explore the mental physical path of life. To experience all the emotions of being physical, one must, for a time, separate from the spiritual path of God and walk the mental path of duality and fear in search of the inner peace which we had a pure spiritual being.
When we have fully explored the mental the pain is intense for what we focused on we created more of in our life. Gradually the pain of the sturrlg to find inner peace become so intense that
When all emotions have been physically experienced you will realize that you have not found inner peace.
and the journey back to God will begin . . . the physical spiritual path of peace and oneness of the heart.
We then remember as we awaken and shift to the path of our destiny and peace and whole ness arrives instantly
The message from God that flowed into my heart was,
As spiritual being you have learned how to live in peace and oneness from your hearts.
As spiritual beings there is no concept of time or procreation.
As spiritual beings you can not experience physical birth, touch, anger, joy, love, laughter, sadness fear, and physical death.
It is time to go to earth as a physical spiritual beings and learn on to live in the same state of oneness with all of life.
It is time to learn to live and experience life as a physical spiritual beings.
All beings on earth are equal to one another, no matter their current path or role in the Design. Each is simply carrying out a special assignment from God.Each has a specific assignment is vital to the completion of the design.ad roles in life. Nor is one person on earth more spiritual than another; It is only a degree of each person’s state of awakening to the design. Those who are asleep are just as important as those who are awake
Remember when there is pain in your life it is because you are on the path away from God.
Remember to shift your thoughts and actions one hundred eighty degrees and you will shift from the path of duality and pain to the path of divine love, peace, and oneness with God and all of life
At this point in the design, it became clear that by ending the pointing finger at another we could see that the physical spiritual beings reflecting back the pain are truly angels of God.
They have been given the more difficult task for they must continue to reflect back the pain until the ones receiving the pain awaken and remember the design. Only through the process of total divine forgiveness and love of all people including ourself involved in one’s life can one be fully awakened and return to living in the garden.
A feeling of peace and understanding came over all who were gathered in the room. All saw the conclusion of the design. There was to be no mass destruction of the Earth. The big shift as Earth moved into the 21st century was not an Earth shift. It was simply a shift in consciousness, from the duality and judgments of the mental head to the unity and oneness of the spiritual divine heart.
In watching the design being played out it became clear that we each picked our parents and later our partners and friends who would begin to reflect back to us the pain that we carry in the patterns that were locked in our bodies from before our birth. This would give us our key opportunity to forgive, and then to love again, thereby remembering the design.
To make certain that the design was locked in our hearts the key to awakening was repeated for all who were preparing to descend to Earth. There would be no betrayal or abandonment of anyone and no physical, mental and/or sexual abuse of anyone.
These were all simply events and illusions that had been created for each of us to draw to us the emotional and physical pain that is an outer reflection of the inner patterns stored in our the cells of bodies. When the struggle and dis-ease become so intense that we are unavle to find peace we will begain to awaken and remember our desting and the desigh that we are a aprt of.
At that moment we sihft form the path of duality away form god and onto the path of unity
These events would allow each physical spiritual being an opportunity to remember the design and to learn to totally love all of life with out judgements even if surrounded by a world in chaos.
The energy in the room shifted again. This time each spirit gathered there felt the unasked questions being posed to them.
Do you agree to play your part in the design?
Do you know your free will allows you to follow or not follow the design?
Do you know either option that you take on Earth is part of the design?
Being aware of the design the response was
“Yes! We are ready.”
One by one we left the realm of departure and awoke as part of the family of our selected parents. Arriving on earth as each day passed the design became simply a dream that drifted farther and farther out of our consciousness--until it was forgotten.
The journey of our separation had started.
The pain of betrayal and abuse began.
The design was unfolding.
As we enter the 21st c. the energy has shifted from the head to the heart.
Now is the time to begin to awaken.
Now is the time to remember the design.
Now is the time to create the big shift.
The shift in consciousness from head to heart.
The shift is from separation to wholeness.
The shift is from me to we.
And God’s message in my heart was,
I T I S G O O D.
The struggles and the pain will increase till it is not possible to resolve it mentally or physically. Only through awakening and remember that only God’s divie love can heal
As if in response the energy shifted again and the design continue to unfold before me.
We have been living as spiritual beings in the state of oneness with God and all of life. We now have been given the gift of moving to the next stage of our creation. To become a fully empowered physical spiritual beings of the Divine light of love.
As physical beings we will be able to experience linear time, as well as all the emotions and experiences of physicals such as birth, death, relationships, intimacy, anger, joy laughter. All experiences that are not know to spiritual begins.
In addition we will have the free will of choice as to what we do and how we do it.
Shortly after arriving on earth we discover there is something missing and the search for that missing part begins. It take on many form the most common is love. It begin with toys and another person which will make us feel whole. However when we receive that which we are searching it soon looses it power to make us feel safe and loved and the search continues for a better toy of person that will make us feel whole, safe and loved.
And the dance continues. As the struggle continues so does the blaming of others for what they did to did not do that has kept us from feeling whole. Dis-ease sets in as the pain increases.
When the pain reaches a point where it is clear that the person suffering the pain can not resolve the situation one of three things will happen, They learn how to cope with the pain as then go deeper and deeper into it. Or the leave earth and return to that from which they came and are instantly healed and move into that beautiful state of oneness again.
The third option is to awaken and remember the design and our destiny. When this occurs peace arrives and the struggle of duality end as we awaken and move into the Garden on earth as fully embodied physical spiritual beings of Divine love. From that moment on we live in the state of inner peace even thought we might still be surrounded by a sea of chaos.
As spiritual being we always live in the state of Divine love from our hearts, with out judgements for all of life. It was now time to become a physical spiritual binging who would also operated in the state of Divine love without judgements of life no matter what would be happening.
Other Stories and
On morning in the spring of 1993 I was sitting on the balcony of my bungalow in the rice fields of Bali when the eternal quest arrive in my mind. Why are we hear and what is it that we came to do?
With out thinking I leaned forward and placed my hands on the key board of my computer which was on the table infort of me. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, with the exhale words began to flow from my heart to my fingers and into the computer as the story of the Design flowed forth.


On June 1st, we posed this question to the youth attending the Bible Session at Skate Night.
"You have $200 to give to others. What would you do with it?"
They were then given a list of seven different ministries and asked to write in which ministry or ministries would get their $200.
The results are in... The following ministries will receive the following amounts:
Boarders for Christ - $45
Christian Skaters - $20
Jamaican Skate Outreach - $5
A.C.E. (housing orphans in Zambia) - $75
Action International (feeding and educating orphans and poor in Zambia) - $30
Guatemala Skate Outreach - $5
Serious JuJu - $30
(*This actually totals $210. In order to make round numbers, we had to add a little extra.)
Checks will go out this week to each of the ministries. M.A.D. Skates is thrilled to be able to share in the blessings God has given us. I personally hope that we can continue to allow the youth to determine where our tithes and offerings will go. They have been asked to notify me of any outreaches or ministries that they would like to have on the list for next time.
Did I share all of this to say, "Hey look at us, we're tithing!"? No. I am sharing all of this, because it encourages me to see where these kids' hearts are - to see what is important to them as a group - to see how they think individually. I am happy to see the money donated to M.A.D. Skates doesn't stop making a difference when it hits our bank.
Thank you for continuing to support this ministry and these kids. God bless you all!


Oftentimes the tenor and the vehicle are connected by a verb. Receive Biblical truth in your inbox—spam-free! Because of covenants God had made earlier Abrahamic and Davidicthat heavenly, spiritual kingdom would one day come to earth in a physical manifestation, with the Messiah the God-man as the King.
All this is very important, because familiarity, a sense of connection, and comfort are the driving forces that help people overcome fearresistance and anxiety. God is compared to a shepherd, someone whose duty it is to look after and care for his sheep.
What is a Metaphor? Every new visual concept or idea you generate must be presented in such a way that it immediately sparks familiarity and understanding.
When it comes to visual thinking, these devices provide you with a means and a way to communicate your visual message in a meaningful manner that helps build understanding, awareness and familiarity.
For the earth yields crops by itself: In this example, Jesus compares himself to a vine and calls his followers branches of the vine, in that they are extensions of himself. A positive attitude is a lighthouse for the hopeful.
Donahue, The Gospel in Parable: The trees are not just trees in Ezekiel For example, when saying someone is a gem, of course we are not intending to communicate that the person is literally a rock of some pecuniary value. The audience in this case is not unbelievers, but believers primarily, anyway.
The disciples had a message that could preserve the lives of many people. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. I treat them as being one and the same, even though they are different.
They are integrated into the fabric of our lives and are also critical to the process of visual thinking.
What is an Analogy? They are metaphorical references. In this metaphor, God is compared to a potter who molds clay. A metaphor has two basic parts, 1 the tenor, which is the original subject, and 2 the vehicle, which is the reimagining of the original subject.
More Metaphors Numerous metaphors are used in everyday speech, including: Those who had faith in Him would be provided more information.
Since each of these verses are commonly quoted and alluded to, the metaphors used are important to understand. In our first example, teaching is compared to a fountain, but not just any fountain. A working example is how I have constantly made the link between visual thinking and magic. I will remove its hedge and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall and it will become trampled ground.
Hunters set up a trap to capture the monkeys because they wished to collect their prized and rare blood. It is solely on the life of Jesus and chapter 35 it speaks about the sermon on the mount. The monkeys were clever and skilled at avoiding traps but couldn't resist rice wine and fancy shoes, so the hunters set up a trap with rice wine barrels and dancing clogs.
God is commonly referred to as a rock, as in this example. The phrase "the boy who cried wolf" has even become a part of common vernacular.
His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He. Asking questions is priming the pump of better understanding. The villagers rushed over, only to find out that the boy had lied to them.
So there would not be two kingdoms, with one spiritual and the other physical. The illustration is simply that the kingdom starts small and then becomes large.Mar 29, · Some of the other illustrations more to do with agriculture were not part of the sermon on the mount but still from Jesus.
They include: The sower (Mt ; Mr ; Lu ). Weeds among the wheat (Mt ) The mustard grain (Mt32; Mr ; Lu19). The unproductive fig tree (Lu ). Good-for-nothing slaves (Lu ).Status: Resolved.
Jun 09, · Parable of the Sower. God spreads His Word liberally among the world's people. Besides God's direct involvement in converting people, the difference between one growing in it and another "dying on the vine" is the soil in which the Word is planted, explained in Jesus' Parable of the Sower.
Jun 09, · Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Two): The Parable of the Sower. The first parable of Matthew 13 lays the groundwork (pun intended) for the remainder of the chapter.
Martin Collins explains the various soils upon which the seed of the gospel falls, and. Farming is a Perfect Metaphor for Faith. Bishop James T. Schuerman Perhaps that is why Jesus used figures and parables based in agriculture to help his disciples envision the kingdom of God.
The parable of the sower describes the seed sown in rich soil as growing and yielding much fruit. Related. Classified Ads. Employment (1) For Rent. And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.
Metaphors, Allegories, Similes and Parables The Bible uses all the above. It is important that we understand the proper use of these. The Bible Simile is a comparison between two unlike things like a metaphor but the comparison is expressed with “as” or “like”.Download


Shofars for the nations
For if the trumpet gives no sound,
who shall prepare himself for the battle?
1 Cor 14:8
And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Welcome to the website of "Shofars for the Nations" (SFTN).
SFTN was established in October 2019 in the Netherlands.
We stand for the calling that God gave us years ago:
"Equip my army with weapons"
The Bible gives beautiful examples of the power of blowing the shofar.
The shofar always stood for something significant and important during Old Testament times. Now in the New Covenant the shofar is still very significant and power-full for announcing spiritual activities. Blowing the shofar during spiritual warfare and praise creates a powerful sound.
The return of Jesus Christ will be announced with the blowing of the 7th trumpet / shofar.
May we heed the pre-announcement of the return of Jesus Christ through the blowing of the shofar in these special days we are living in.
There are special testimonies from Christians who saw their lives and situations change after sounding the shofar at the appropriate time.
If you sense a call on your life to blow the shofar for spiritual purposes, you can order your shofar here and we will send it to you which ever country you are from.
Will you blow with us before Christ's second coming?


Successful prayer is according to God’s revealed will
Faith begins with the revelation of God’s will. He reveals His will in the written Word. God has bound himself like a prisoner to His Word. The Word is the expression of God’s essence. He is absolutely faithful to what He has promised.
You should not be interested in desiring what God does not want for your life. As you search the Word, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, you will discover whether your desires should be abandoned or if they are worthy of being transformed into objects of prayer.
Without the foundation of God’s Word, it is impossible to pray in faith. However, the knowledge of the God’s will, revealed in His Word, will give you the certainty that your request will be answered (1 John 5:14). The knowledge of God’s promises related to your desire, will awaken and feed your faith (Romans 10:11). God has given us the promises of his Word as safeguarding weapons against the attacks of Satan while we wait for the manifestation of his answers to our requests (Luke 4:-12).
Prayers based on God’s Word
The Bible has many examples of requests to God based on His promises. Note the following examples:
David prayed for his household so that it would be stable and endure forever. God’s Word supported this prayer. The prophet Nathan transmitted the promises of the Father to him and He prayed according to them (1 Chronicles 17:23; 26; 27).
At the dedication of the temple, Solomon presented his requests according to the promises of God (2 Chronicles 6:14-17).
When the enemy troops threatened Jehoshaphat, he went to the house of the Lord and cried according to the promise (2 Chronicles 20:6-12).
Examples of needs and the respective promises of their fulfillment
- Needs of an appointment (Philippians 4:19)
- Prosperity (Daniel 28)
- Health (Isaiah 53:4; 1 Peter 2:24)
For each request that we make to God we must have a biblical passage that supports it. No one presents a request before a court of law without first invoking the support of a law. In the same way, our requests before the throne must have the support of the written Word of God, the Bible, which is the Constitution of the Kingdom.
Successful prayer clearly reminds God of his promises
If you already know what you want from the Father and you have verified that it is something that He has promised in His Word, all that is lacking is that you present your case before Him, by way of a request. The Word encourages us not to be anxious about anything but to make our requests known before Him.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6).
God gave us the right to make petition as the way to satisfy our needs as His children.
- Ask and you shall receive. (Matthew 7:7)
- For everyone that asks receives. (Matthew 7:8)
- Ask and you shall receive. (John 16:24)
- You have not because you ask not. (James 4:2)
- How much more will your heavenly father give good things to those who ask him? (Matthew 7:11)
- And everything you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Matthew 21:22)
- How much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13)
- If you ask me anything in my name I will do it. (John 14:14)
The high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 is full of requests to the Father. He asked:
- For himself: “glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (Verse 5).
- For the unity of His disciples: “I pray for them, that they may be one as we are” (Verse 9; 11).
- For his disciple’s joy: “that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves” (Verse 13).
- For his disciple’s protection: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (Verse 15).
- For his disciple’s sanctification: “sanctify them in the truth” (verse 17).
- For results of his disciple’s work: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;” (verse 20)
- For his disciple’s spiritual unity: “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (verse 21).
- For his disciple’s participation in His glory: “may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me” (verse 24).
Successful prayer and Word based petition
When we pray we must believe that God has answered our request and the answer is already on the way. Faith has the faithfulness of God and His Word as its foundation (Numbers 23:19). Faith is a precursor of all answered prayer. It is a bold confidence in God, an anticipated certainty of the miracle that will come (Mark 11:23, 24).
True faith is that which appropriates the promises in the kingdom of the spirit before they manifest themselves before our eyes (Hebrews 11:1; 6). The only prayer that God hears is that which we offer in faith. The limit of what one can reach through prayer lies in each person’s faith. A person’s prayer life will be just as strong as the faith that he or she has in the person of God (Matthew 17:20; Mark 9:23; James 5:15). What is it like to grow in a stronger faith?
- Remember that each person has a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).
- Study God’s Word (Romans 10:17), because faith is based on God’s promises. To the extent that we become familiar with God’s nature as revealed in the Bible, our faith will be developed (John 15:7).
- Submit yourself completely to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and God’s will. The Spirit interprets the word in our hearts.
- Act according to the measure of faith that you have.
Things to avoid for successful prayer
- Do not force yourself to believe; simply act in accordance with God’s Word.
- Do not be double minded in such a way that one moment you confess: “Yes He heard my prayer. I am healed!”, Or “I have the money.”, or even “I got the job”, and then at another time begin to question how all of this will happen or what needs to happen so that you can reach these goals. Your last confession will destroy your first. A wrong confession destroys the prayer of faith.
- Do not trust in the faith of other people, have your own faith. In the same way that you have your own clothes, you should have your own faith. Act according to the Word on your own.
- Do not speak in unbelief. Never admit that you are a “doubting Thomas” because this is an insult to the Father.
- Do not speak about sicknesses and problems.
- Never speak of failure. Speak about the Word, its absolute integrity and about your confidence in it. Speak of your readiness to act according to the Word and stick with your confession of faith.
Successful prayer principles for reflection
- You cannot build up your faith without practicing the Word.
- You cannot develop a prayer life that is nothing more than words, unless God’s Word plays a real part in your life.
- If you live the Word, you will practice the Word.
- You may be a Bible teacher, you may know the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but this does not mean that you walk by faith. Do not live in the kingdom of feelings. Rather live out the Word according to the size of your faith. My prayer life only has value to the extent that the word on my lips are alive. Moreover, it only lives if I practice it (James 1:23, 24).
Successful prayer is offered by practicing believers
- The practicing believer is a new creature in Christ
- The practicing believer is a member of Christ’s body, a child of God with a legal position and divine ability operating in a mortal body
- The practicing believer has open access to appear before the throne at all times
- The practicing believer possesses God’s justice, which enables him to present himself in the Father’s presence with the same freedom that Jesus had.
- The practicing believer is a doer of God’s Word: the real secret to a life of prayer.
Characteristics of a non-practicing believer
- The non-practicing believer lives as a common person. When facing a crisis the non-practicing believer seeks out someone who can believe for him.
- The non-practicing believer offers prayers that are little more than empty words when they could have been full of faith, born of real fellowship with the Father.
- The non-practicing believer is a negligent hearer that confesses God but does not walk in the Word.


The 22nd of May 2015 will go down in history as the day when Ireland sold it’s birthright for a secular mess of pottage. The writing was on the wall that this awful referendum was likely to be passed but I retained hope that there remained some semblance of sanity and sound sensus catholicus in the country. That is all for naught now. I am ashamed to be an Irishman on this day. How could the Irish people have turned their back on their heritage and joined the ranks of anti Christ? I can tell you it was not the work of a day, this has been coming down the pike for some years. It is now time for those on the side of Christ and His Church to gird their loins and prepare for persecution.


“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
As we look at the extent of human trafficking and gender-based violence across Africa, we cry, in the name of Jesus Christ, “Enough is enough”. The travesty, injustice, immorality and inhumanity of these crimes require an integrated response. This declaration records our commitment to speak and act, in collaboration with governments, international agencies, other faith groups, civil society, local churches and communities.
Download PDF below
Last edited 06 November 2014


It was fantastic! I experienced close to spiritual emotions. “Close to” as I am not religious and I think that “fully” spiritual emotions can only be experienced by deeply religious people.
The York’s Minster is the most beautiful sacral building I have ever seen in my life. I am just overwhelmed by its beauty. It is so imposing yet welcoming, perfect, grand yet approachable. It is a truly social institution, with distinct, quite “avant-garde” views on society and community (here’s an example: http://www.yorkminster.org/worship-and-choir/same-sex-relationships-and-civil-partnerships.html).
The York Minster proves that perfectionism in form and function do exist. I wish more religious institutions were like this.
5:15pm Wednesday evening prayer was all about the songs. The choir performed a pianissimo introduction, followed by psalms and and hymns. The three lessons we were taught were about mercy and forgiveness. The punishment, however, in case we do not show mercy to our brothers and sisters in faith would be as relevant and measurable as a reward for our good behaviour. If we do not live according to God’s teaching, we will be captured, tortured and eventually killed. Yes, it has been said, we will be killed.
What are the general rules then? Obviously they are not the same for believers and for God. The God can do anything, God can kill and he will still remain the finest, purest, fairest of us all.
Here is where I loose my “spirituality” as I reject double standards and inequality altogether. God imposed an inequality on people and he did it in a very smart way. You cannot stand against Him, you cannot judge Him and you cannot question Him – it is a total tyranny. He, God, can do everything; I, believer, can only do what I am allowed to do. I have to be obedient. In return God will protect me, but if I am not obedient He will destroy me.
The words used in both: old and new testaments are very descriptive and direct. There were small kids in the choir singing: “when the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh…” If it was a film, it would surely be 15+ only. Not in church though; here common sense rules do not apply. Do not question the God, nor his shepherds.
Despite the fact that at times I wished the service would be thought in language I could not understand (Latin?) as I found the content somewhat disturbing, the overall experience was really beautiful.
The choir sang the psalms beautifully, peacefully and gracefully. I felt redeemed.
My sins to-date must have not been too serious…


This year I have so much to be thankful for! I am so incredibly blessed to have a husband who loves me through the good times and the bad. And let's be honest, he's had to put up with more bad in the past few months than he has good (holy hormones!!!). He's loved me when I have been unlovable and has taken care of Presley when I wasn't able to (holy kidney stones!!). He treats me like
the princess I am a queen and you can see it in his eyes that the love he has for me is out of this world. You should totally be jealous that he's off the market forever!
But for a hefty price of $50,000,00-......wait..just kidding. He's not for sale :)
And then there's the adorable, chubby, and giggly little babytard! She has given Adam and I so much joy since she's been a part of our family and we have such a fun time watching her grow! She has taken center stage of our heart and soul :)
Now if we could just get her to stop spitting up all over me 24/7 and start doing her own laundry I'd never complain again....
We are so thankful for our entire family. They've all been so helpful and supportive this year, it truly means the world to us...we love you all!
One thing that Adam and I are very grateful of this year is our church. We've struggled in the past to find a "home" in a church and we feel like we have found "the one". Even if it is held in a movie theatre, Safe Haven Church is definitely our "church home" and the people we've met and grown close to are blessings in itself. We love our small group every Tuesday! And the series that we've been studying has seriously helped mine and Adams relationship in ways I never knew it could! I could go on and on and on, but if you live in T-Town you should totally come!
Anywhoozle...so much to give thanks to! I could go on for days but the kid and Toasty are both asleep so I'm
going out on the town to hit the sack!


How to join the 40 Days of Prayer 2020 team!
We are inviting prayer volunteers to help lead prayer during blocks of times that are not being
covered by churches or prayer groups. Most of these time blocks are Sunday-Thursday.
Each individual commits to pray at the designated hour(s) of their choosing.
- Prayer Points are available as guidelines.
- After signing up; you will be assigned a particular date(s) and time to pray
- You will also receive a Zoom link or phone number to connect you to the 40 Days of Prayer Facebook page. You can choose to pray using the video link; or phone call option.


How well do you think that 2 Timothy 4 speaks to the end of one ministry and the beginning of another for Timothy? Listen to this current sermon by the…
If we want to be a worker that is approved, we have got to get over silly arguments over doctrinal rabbit-trails. We have to pursue holiness, and not be constantly…
Guard and Keep...what has been entrusted to your care. Listen as Paul charges Timothy to guard and keep what has been entrusted to him.
Paul describes in 1 Timothy 6 the marks of a false teacher.
As we enter the new year it's an opportune time to consider the cost of following Christ.
Part 3 in our Christmas Advent series.
In Week 2 of our Advent Service we take a closer look at the character of Simeon. Simeon in all likelihood did not live to see the ministry of Jesus.…
God with us brings HOPE.
Paul provides some additional thoughts on how to honor Elders and Masters
Do you have a widow in your life? What does Paul have to say about how we, as Christians, should care for the widows in our lives.


The school commemorates St. Nicholas on this day. On this occasion, high school students visited the Mother Monastery of Mtskheta Principality, where the 7th graders presented a cognitive activity on the life and work of St. Nicholas.St. Nicholas Icons were given to all the students of our school.
Traditionally, at The British Center School of St. Nicholas, little ones were able to Create a New Year’s Eve celebration with poems, songs and dances. The students congratulated each other on the coming New Year and wished happiness for themselves and for others.
The Shadow’s Theater was held with the participation of the little ones from The British Centre School of St. Nicholas. Students from other classes also attended the event. They shared each other positive emotions.


Vision and Values
Romero Catholic Academy Trust is a family of Catholic schools serving the needs of children and young people in the Diocese of Salford, covering the areas of Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Calderdale. Responding to the challenge of our patron saint we;
‘aspire not to have more, but to be more.’
To achieve this, we will uphold four key values:
To nurture our belief in God
- Inspired by the vision of Bishop John, we will provide an authentic passing-on of our Catholic faith.
- Our schools will be nurtured by the Word of God.
- Our pupils will come to an understanding of what it means to be loved by God and the responsibilities that come from loving God.
- Our schools are worshipping communities characterised by vibrant liturgy and prayer.
To live out the responsibilities of our faith by serving others
- We will always act in the service of the pupils in our care.
- In our schools we will educate our children to be the next generation of the stewards of God’s creation.
- We embrace Catholic social teaching and work for the Common Good with a preferential option for the poor.
- We are outward facing, acknowledge our place in the wider educational system and accept our civic responsibility.
To aspire to fulfil the potential of each individual, created uniquely in the image of God
- We will work to fulfil the potential of each member of our community by providing an education that develops the whole person, including high quality Religious Education.
- Our schools will have a relentless focus on achievement. The quality of education in our schools will be ‘at least as academically distinguished as that in the other schools of the area.’ (Can. 806.2)
- Every member of our community will be provided with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in school and in the next stage of their lives.
- Through high quality and relevant continuing professional development, we will invest in our staff.
- Decision making will weigh up the Common Good and be made in a timely way.
- We will always focus on the solution to a problem.
To work collaboratively; sharing and fostering the strengths and expertise of all.
- A spirit of solidarity leads us to accept a shared responsibility for all.
- We recognise the concept of subsidiarity; that decisions will be made as locally as possible.
- Improvements across our family of schools will be secured by utilising the skills and experience in the trust
- Wherever possible, we will take care to involve and inform people in decision making.
- We believe in the importance of open, honest and positive communication.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Ok people it’s birth story time…here’s just a little part of our story and the amazing things God did because I couldn't have.
On Monday the day before my due date Michael and I ventured up to Springfield to talk with my doctor and one of the things we discussed was an epidural because my chart said the high risk doctor wanted me to get an early epidural due to my pacemaker. Call me crazy, but I didn’t want one. I really wanted a vaginal, without epidural, and as minimal intervention childbirth as I possibly could. So we talked about it, she talked with the high risk doc, and my cardiologist and EVERYONE said it would be okay for me not to get an epidural (so we thought).
BUT then came Wednesday, the day my water sprung a leak (no, it literally sprung a leak) and Michael and I went to the hospital. The doctor came into the room, not the one I’d been seeing, but the one on call who would also be delivering the baby and tells me that they want me to have an epidural. I then proceed to tell him about the conversation I JUST had with my doctor two days ago. He informs me that he also spoke with all of my doctors again and everyone was of the opinion that I should have an epidural. Okay, now I’m confused, and frankly angry. Picture it with me people, I’m sitting on my birth ball, rocking away, crying because this doctor is telling me that I now have to have an epidural and I would only be allowed 30 minutes of pushing time because of my pacemaker. Did you know the average first time Mom pushes 1 to 2 hours? Awesome, 30 minutes, when my doctor and I discussed it earlier and she said I could push for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Now, I know Rachel Ray can whip up a meal in 30 minutes, but we are talking babies here people, not chicken marsala!
Anyways, I think the tears may have swayed my doctor a bit because he told me that if I could keep my heart rate under 100 and push for 30 minutes he would let me do it without the epidural. This also meant I would have to labor down as long as possible, which just means I’d have to wait for Gabriel to get as low as he could in the birth canal so I wouldn’t have to push as long. That just means I could be fully dilated for quite some time without being able to push. Wow, okay, labor without pain meds and keep my heart rate under 100, while laboring down, and only pushing for 30 minutes.
I KNEW I COULDN’T DO IT.
Yep, I couldn’t, I had to have God’s strength. I always knew I couldn’t give birth without God’s help, but now I really needed some divine intervention.
My doula, who was awesome and loves Jesus prayed with us and we asked God for His help. Folks, let me tell you, He showed up!
There was one time my heart rate went over 100, and that was when my family walked in the room. It startled me and sent my heart rate into the 100’s. Other than that, even in the most intense part of labor my heart rate stayed under 100. Now, I just don’t know how that happened, unless God was behind it all.
Oh, but it doesn’t stop there! It’s now pushing time. Remember, I’ve got 30 minutes. The doctor decided to have me push through every other contraction though, so I’d push and then breathe through the next. That was fun (enter sarcastic tone here). While that was difficult I think it worked to my advantage and the doc gave me some grace because it took about 40 minutes total with about 20 minutes of actual pushing time for me to get Gabriel out. Once he crowned, I’m not kidding, on the next set of pushing he literally flew out all at once. He must've known we didn't have much time left. ;) (*update 3/25/15) My Doula told me that right after I gave birth my heart rate went above 100. It's true, I actually have a picture of my husband holding Gabriel and my heart rate is 122 and that was minutes after I had given birth. Wow, now that's just the Lord, there's no other way to explain it!
I remember praying through this time, and just hearing from the Lord to rest knowing He was right there. He sure was and He showed up big. I just love it when He does this because I know I could not have done this alone, He did it and He deserves all the glory!
Our beloved Gabriel is an answer to our many prayers. In August of 2009 Michael and I started praying for a child, and on August 20th, 2014 God granted our request. What a great God we serve!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Suffering well. Phhh…this is not my expertise. It’s been a ginormous growing edge for me. God has taken me on a pretty crazy journey to teach me a little bit more about suffering well. Here are some of the practical insights He has taught me during this time.
1. Grieve our Loss, Both Big and Small. Whether it’s losing a limb, a job, your temper or growing up without a mom or dad—it is vital we grieve it all. It’s how we move on. Ask the Lord to show you some of the pain you may have buried and not processed through so you can move on into deeper freedom with Christ.
2. Perspective is HUGE. Sometimes when life gets tough, the only thing we can see is the negative present pain. Yet, I’ve found that God’s grace is so abundant in our suffering. Ask God to help you see your life from His perspective, an eternal perspective that sees both the really awesome stuff and the really painful stuff in proper balance.
3. Faith in His Word. God has given us His Word of Truth in the Bible and He tells us that suffering and pain leads to good things, really good things. Things like hope, love, and a more mature complete faith--suffering is how we become more like Christ. Not only that but that He has a purpose for our lives, and it is good. So, from God’s perspective suffering and pain is actually a good thing and not something to avoid (wrap your mind around that one!). Ask God to grow your faith in His Word concerning your pain and loss.
4. Contentment, Joy, and Praise. It really can happen in the midst of loss. We can be content, joyful people who are bent on praise, but it will take a very conscious choice to be this type of person. Beloved, I am convinced of this, there is some deep freedom when we praise God through pain. I admit though, this has been a big growing edge for me...my emotions have a way of guiding me. I’m asking God to change my attitudes and to help me be a person of praise and thanksgiving in all circumstances. Won’t you?
5. Jesus is Enough. This one is BIG. Some things we loss, we may never get back. We can live aching for what we’ve lost, but I believe God desires for us to come to His Son to find He really is enough for us. I think it’s one of the main reasons He allows loss and suffering, He desires for us to come to Him in desperation for our well-being like never before. His love, forgiveness and grace are what really sustain us. Ask the Lord to help you turn to Him for inner peace and satisfaction so you may find that He is more than enough for you.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Have you ever wondered why you’re just not happy? Why your heart is so restless? Maybe you keep saying or thinking things like:
I want a new job. I want a new spouse. I want more money in my bank account. I want a bigger house. I’m so tired of this health sickness. Why can’t I exchange my kids at Wal-mart like I can a pair of shoes?
It may be that we are miserable because we’ve chosen to be. I know, you just got upset, because if I only knew what you’ve been through or are going through. Beloved, I’m not trying to downplay the pain you’ve been through. Yet, I also believe some of us are miserable and we don’t have to be but we are because of the attitudes we have chosen in response to our pain. Life is full of unexpected circumstances, things far beyond our control. It’s a choice how we respond to those circumstances and I believe we can actually have joy and be happy even when we’re experiencing pain and disappointment. It’s called contentment and it comes from trusting God and not putting our hope in our circumstances—but in His Word.
God has really been teaching me what contentment means lately. Contentment means that I don’t have everything I want but I choose to trust in and thank Him for His sufficiency in my life resting in the fact that He has given me everything I need to be completely happy and content.
Do we really believe that God is enough and that His love can truly satisfy? Because if we did, we’d stop striving for more and we would be much more thankful people. Thankful even for the painful stuff, because we believe by faith that God is using all of it to draw us closer to His heart and grow our faith. God always acts of out love for us. Always. Yep, even in the struggle and in the pain, He’s acting out of love. Don’t believe me, peruse the Scriptures that talk about suffering and see what God has to say about it. I think you’ll be surprised to see the element of hope and goodness, which God tells us, comes through it. (Rom. 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Gen. 50:20, James 1:12, Heb. 12:5-11, Rom. 8:18)
The more I rest in the Father’s love and complete control over my life, giving up my restlessness, and choosing to always be thankful the more satisfied I find my heart to be. It’s here we find, that we don’t have to keep running and striving anymore because He is enough—more than enough.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
I’m tired. I’m hungry. I ache. I’m hot. I’m a punching bag. My stomach feels like Gumby, but I’m not Gumby…I’m pregnant. Yes, this is the beloved last trimester of pregnancy. Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely ecstatic that I am pregnant and I will endure because I am waiting for the amazing day that I will meet our precious baby and hold him in my arms. Wow, that makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?
I keep thinking about how this relates to our walk with Jesus (sorry people this is just how my brain worksJ).
I believe when we desire deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ there will come a time when life gets really hard. It’s like having a baby and going through the last trimester and birth. We have an Enemy, he doesn’t play by the rules and he wants us to give up on going deeper with Jesus. So when life gets tough, the pain becomes unbearable, the accusations, the guilt, and the shame gets stronger and stronger—that’s the Enemy trying to deter you from walking into deeper intimacy with Christ. He knows your freedom is sure in Christ so he’ll do everything he can to bring you to doubt God, filling your heart with unbelief and despair to keep you stuck. Beloved, your God has deeper freedom for you through His Son. Press on, trust, and rest! Remember who you are in Christ, an overcomer and more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37, Rev. 12:11).
The reality is, if we want to become like Jesus and grow in intimacy with Him, we will suffer and struggle.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
God uses what Satan has intended to harm us to make us more complete in Him. THAT’S THE TRUTH. God is in complete control of our lives and nothing He allows is beyond His control. Surrender it all to Him, stop holding on, let it go and let God transform your pain and grow your faith. He can and will use it for His great glory and for a deeper intimacy with Christ. Like the pains and discomfort of labor, it is totally worth it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Have you ever had to be double sure about something? It’s why double check we locked a door, turned off a stove, or take two pregnancy tests (not that I’ve done that…). There’s something in us that isn’t easily persuaded, but drawn to skepticism and doubt.
So when it comes to our relationship with God and this whole walking by faith thing, let’s just say it doesn’t always come easy. Remember the story of Gideon? THE Angel of the Lord came to Gideon and told him, “Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” (Judges 6:14) Gideon then goes on to talk about how small his clan is and how he is the least in this father’s house. (Don’t you love it how God chooses the people who appear to be the weakest and least capable to do His mighty unexplainable work?) Gideon then asks God for a sign, so God gives him a sign by consuming his sacrifice with fire. Ok, so you think Gideon would be ready to rock n’ roll for God, right? Nope, he’s still a skeptic.
What comes next is the part of the story I think we are a little more familiar with. Gideon tests God with the fleece and not once, but twice. Three times Gideon asks God for a sign and every time God showed up. Now, I’m not one for testing God and I don’t believe God will always answer our prayers for a sign. I believe the majority of the time He’s going to ask us to trust Him in faith, to wait, and watch for His hand of provision, like the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 14), the priest who carried the Ark of the Covenant across the Jordan River (Josh. 3:14-17), or the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16). Don’t know the stories; look them up, God called these people to a pretty radical faith and I believe He’s calling us to the same kind of faith. Sometimes God will show us a sign like Gideon and once He does, receive it as a gift and move forward with your God into the impossible. However, don’t get upset if He doesn’t, stay close to Him, keep praying, seeking and believing. Beloved, He is faithful to His Word. Don’t forget, God used Gideon even though he was the least in his father’s family. Do you feel weak? I don’t have any doubt God can use you to do something mighty; He’s all about using people who think they can’t do it. So, what is God calling you to? It could be a place of service, a new career, forgiveness of those who’ve hurt you, or a place of deeper surrender in your marriage or family. Obey Him in humility and dependence and just watch Him show off His great glory.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
So, it happened. I got scared. I became afraid of losing our baby boy. I talked about this fear before due to my miscarriage and how I was sure it would happen again sometime throughout the pregnancy. Well it did. It happened. A few things led up to it, things out of my control. Things that happened to others around me and this conversation at the doctors office 5 weeks ago…
“We couldn’t get a good look at his heart, but everything else looks fine. If you didn’t have your appointment with Dr. Abrams (the high risk doctor) in two weeks we would have to do another ultrasound.”
Trust me people when you’re a gal with a cardiac history, open-heart surgery at 11, and a pacemaker at 28—this is not something you enjoy hearing about your baby during their 20 week appointment. I wanted to hear about his heart. I wanted to know he had his dad’s heart and not his mom’s, but I couldn’t know I would have to wait. Jesus, I trust You.
Thankfully, we went to the high-risk doctor two weeks later and our hearts were put at ease as we learned that our baby’s heart looked wonderful. Thank You Jesus. Deep breath.
Yet, within those two weeks of waiting I can recall being overwhelmed with fear for a couple of days. While meeting with a dear friend of mine I shared this fear, and let me tell you this friend of mine she is a prayer warrior. We prayed together over this fear, and it was as if right there in that room Jesus lifted the fear right off of me. By God’s grace, it’s been about a month since then and I haven’t felt the fear since.
It tells us in James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Now, I wonder how often we don’t share the pain of our hearts out of fear and pride. Go with me here. Asking for prayer means that we have to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to the fact that we are weak. That takes guts to do sometimes doesn’t it?
The longer I walk with Jesus, the more I realize how much I need the prayers of other people. By God’s grace I’m learning just how powerful it is to admit my weakness and need for prayer. We need both individual and communal prayer.
How about you? Are you asking others for prayer or burying the cries of your heart?


The Netherlands also celebrates Easter like western countries. Easter can be celebrated very differently (or not at all) depending on where you are in the world. So, what’s special about the Dutch Easter holidays? What are the dates of Easter in the Netherlands in 2023? Let’s find out the answer!
Easter is celebrated in the Netherlands in the same way that it is in many other Western countries: there are chocolate eggs, big brunches, and even a day or two off work.
The holiday is observed on Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag), Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag), and Easter Monday, as it is elsewhere (Tweede Paasdag). However, there are some aspects of this holiday that the Dutch observe differently.
Easter Decorations Decorated Like On A Christmas Tree
Yes, Easter symbols and decorations are popular in many countries — but let’s just say the Dutch go above and beyond to let everyone know it’s Easter.
Shops, supermarkets, and tables are all decorated with what can only be described as an Easter Christmas tree. Willow branches are adorned with delicately painted, precariously hung eggshells and a variety of adorable mini bunnies, butterflies, and baby animals!
Dutch Easter Cuisine
When it comes to baby animals, you’ll see them all over the Netherlands during Easter. No, not the real ones (although lambs may be an unfortunate exception to this). These animal babies are frequently miniature and edible. Imagine miniature bunnies made of chocolate, lambs made of butter, and chicks made of sugar.
While we’re on the subject of miniatures and food, in the Netherlands, students (the miniature) will frequently bring Easter breakfast boxes (the food) to school. Students pack a shoe box with breakfast ingredients and bring it to class with them. (Cuuuuuuteee, that won’t be at all messy.)
Easter Sunday In The Netherlands
Easter Sunday, or Eerste Paasdag in Dutch, usually consists of a tasty breakfast (Paasontbijt) or brunch (Paasbrunch) featuring the precarious Easter Christmas tree, assorted mini animals, and, of course, Paasbrood.
This tasty Easter bread has a strange resemblance to Kerstbrood (Christmas bread). Both have cinnamon, raisins, and almond paste inside, but the difference is in the details! Paasbrood is often topped with orange peel and almonds, whereas Kerstbrood is topped with icing sugar.
Easter Egg Hunts In The Netherlands
There’s also the all-important Easter egg hunt. However, ladies and gentlemen (especially expat parents), beware: there is NO EASTER BUNNY in the Netherlands.
It’s known as a Paashaas, or Easter Hare, in this country. Don’t worry. He still does his job and organizes a fun hunt for the kids.
Easter Monday In The Netherlands
Easter Monday, or Second Easter as it is known in the Netherlands, is a bank holiday.
As the kids eat their chocolate eggs and begin to bounce off the ceiling, parents can take a deep breath and know that they will have a day off after Easter Sunday unless their boss is a little dom.
In short, special things at Dutch Easter:
- You’re probably going to have a day off
- There’s going to be a lot of delicious food
- For the love of God, it’s the Paashaas, not the Easter bunny.
Easter Dates In The Netherlands 2023
Good Friday: April 7
Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag): April 9
Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag): April 10
Post for you Don’t skip Easter in Holland this Sunday


Happy Monday everyone! I wanted to share some images from Dorothy & Peter’s winter wedding which took place this past Valentine’s Day. It was a beautiful, elegant day, and Dorothy was a stunning bride. :) This couple was referred to us by one of our June grooms, thanks Jeff! (If you’re a relative of Dorothy & Peter’s, you might want to check out Jeff & Amanda’s engagement session images as well!)
I love how in the image on the right you can practically hear Dorothy saying “yay!”
Here’s Peter getting all handsome. He told us later in the day that this was the first wedding he’d ever been to. His own wedding! Crazy!
Loved all the pretty details! Dorothy had great accessories!
The church Dorothy & Peter originally wanted to get married in (Church #1) was booked for their wedding date, but luckily there was another beautiful church just across the street. They were able to get ready at Church #1 and have an First Look in the chapel of Church #1 and receive a blessing before heading over to Church #2 for their actual ceremony. It worked out great and allowed them to include their church in some way on their wedding day. :)
First look. :)
From there it was across the street to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for the ceremony. It was a stunning church!
Did I mention that Dorothy is an officer in the Navy? Yay, sword arch! :)
The reception immediately followed at the Flint Golf Club.
The entire family was pretty photogenic! Made our lives easy! :)
As Dorothy is currently stationed overseas, we didn’t get to actually meet her and Peter until their rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. That’s a little unusual for us. We like to photograph engagement sessions so we can kind of get a “sense” about each couple we work with. But I was so charmed by how Dorothy & Peter interacted all evening. They are so obviously in love and just so freaking cute together. Case in point:
They were like this the whole evening when they thought people weren’t watching them. Adorable.
Navy tradition is that the bride cuts the cake with her sword. How awesome is that?!?
First dance, still being all adorable.
I sometimes leave the bouquet toss out of blog posts, because they tend to be fairly standard. BUT, our June bride Amanda caught the bouquet!!!! That’s a first for us. :)
These two images make me smile.
I have a hard time picking a favorite here. I love the look of joy on the little boy on the right’s face, but the suave & debonair pose the little guy on the left is striking just kills me. What a little lady’s man. OMG.
Couldn’t pick my favorite ring shot either, so here’s three. :)
Thanks again to Dorothy & Peter for allowing us to document this day for you. Your wedding was absolutely beautiful and we had a great time.


About Vision Independent Baptist Church
Jonathan Barker is our pastor. He graduated from Crown College in Powell, TN and has been serving God in ministry for over 10 years.
Our Church is a growing congregation located in Rockwood, TN. We are a little over a year old but we have seen God do some great things in our midst. We have services on Sunday at 10:30 AM for Sunday School and 11 AM for morning worship. On Wednesday we have a service at 6:30 PM. We would love to have you come and visit us.


Just a few moments ago a friend emailed and asked for prayer. An extremely trying time. I told him sure, I am glad to pray for you.
I wrote to him
“Don’t be a lone ranger. In world war 2 they had what were called spotters on the hills to call in the B-52s and the mortars to hit the enemy. Call in the spotters to bring in God’s cavalry. of angels. I may not always be able to pray for you so you need to have others available to pray for you. .
I am always available as of one of God’s spotters.” INCENSE


37TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL – St. Mary of Czestochowa, rural Delano. Mass at 10 am, Food and Fun 11 am – 2:30 pm, Prayer Service at 1 pm. Special guest Archbishop Hebda. Pork chop and roast beef dinner with sides, dessert, and beverage. Adults, $15; under 12, $5; under 5, free; drive-thru window available (all meals are $15). Air-conditioned dining, raffle tickets, silent auction, kids games, Junk food walk, Country Store, live Polka band, Bingo, Pull-tabs, beer garden, and wine. Call 952-955-1139.


I love words. Besides Jesus, my husband and our children, words are one of the dearest gifts bestowed by God. Since I have seen God often intersecting with my seemingly ordinary existence, I love narrating tales in which He touches ordinary characters with his healing, truth and hope. As a Christian, black woman, my passion is to tell stories from the perspective of everyday, black women and to glorify God without smacking people in the face with religion. Life is a grand adventure, I am blessed to be able to record it in prose.
Under A Withering Sun


It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Graham Arnold, a significant British artist who was a founder member of the Brotherhood of Ruralists. He and his wife Ann Arnold were highly respected artists who chose to live and work in Shropshire where they worked from their cottage in Chapel Lawn. They supported their community and neighbouring artists, and enjoyed exhibiting for many years at the Silk Top Hat gallery in Ludlow and more recently with fellow Ruralist Annie Ovenden at Twenty Twenty Gallery.
Graham was a man of dignity, a great storyteller. His bright eyes would light up a room. He will be missed.
The funeral and burial of Graham Arnold will be held on
Monday 1 April at 12 noon in St Mary’s Church in Chapel Lawn, SY7 0BW.
At Graham’s request, no flowers please, and preferably,
please do not wear black,as Graham delighted in colour.
The Church will be open all morning for private prayer before the service.
Car parking at the Village Hall or on the roadside and in front of the church.
Light refreshments will be served after the service at the village hall next to the church,
facilities also available here throughout the day.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of Graham to the Camphill Charity you may do so by cash or cheque at the church.