The pastors and members of New Covenant welcome you to our website. We are excited to share with you what God is doing in and among us. We truly live in an exciting time, as we watch God's people begin to walk in the fullness of what He has provided for us.
Apostle Jamie & Pastor Kristie Moore began New Covenant in September 2003 with 20 people. Since that time, the Ministry has steadily grown with grace and knowledge of great Godly like-minded
leaders and people. The heart of this Ministry is to express and establish God's Kingdom in the earth through revealing the love of Jesus to our community, nation and the world.
We are a local Church with a Global vision!
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Isaiah 9-11 and Psalm 99
In the reading this morning we ride the rollercoaster of great news about the birth of Jesus and the flagrant disrespect that Israel shows toward God. The upside is wonderful, the downside is devastating, literally.
Four times we read the refrain:
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.
Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4
More than a warning, this is a statement of fact:
Those who guide this people mislead them,
and those who are guided are led astray.
The leaders of the northern kingdom are described in this single statement. Each king is noted as doing evil, not following the ways of the Lord. Their wickedness is not unseen, though they have acted as though they were untouchable. The Lord sees all and will not be idle.
What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Chapter 10 reminds me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the battles fought, the rallying speeches of the kings.
See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
will lop off the boughs with great power.
The lofty trees will be felled,
the tall ones will be brought low.
He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;
Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.
But there is hope, there is good news. “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.” (Isaiah 9:1) The remnant will survive (Isaiah 10:20-23). Though they were once many, the faithful few will carry the glimmer of hope.
One of my favorite scriptures:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
A key part of Advent memories around the world, the hope of the world is born.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
I imagine these words were read over and over again by the remnant destined for exile. Chiseled in stone, written on parchment, embedded in the hearts of those who were cast out. What a great and glorious day it was when Christ was born, when the Branch came forth.
Amid the words of destruction, the prophecies of gloom, we read these encouraging words. “In that day…” there is hope. Though many will be swept away, the day of righteousness is at hand. It will be an amazing future where jealousy is vanquished, a place where old enemies live together:
- the wolf and the lamb
- the calf, the lion and the yearly
- the cow and the bear
- the infant and the cobra
Though the present is full of grief and anguish:
In that day the Lord will
reach out his hand a second time
to reclaim the surviving
remnant of his people…
Isaiah prods and comforts, scorns and soothes with words that speak bluntly followed by hope for the future. Out of the stump the shoot will arise…a second time!


Tiberius AR Denarius NGC Ch XF
Lugdunum. rv Livia as Pax
Biblical “Tribute Penny”
Coins of the Bible, “Tiberius Silver Denarius”
Roman Emperor Tiberius was in his forties when a little baby boy was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Little did the world know, especially the Roman world, the impact this little boy called Jesus would have for the past 2,000 years.
In AD 14 Tiberius became Emperor of Rome and ruled until AD 37. He has become notorious among Roman historians for his cruelty as a tyrant and his sensual deviancies. But he is most well known to the populace as the emperor of Rome during the life of Jesus.
The coinage of Tiberius is synonymous with the Bible. It is believed by biblical scholars that his silver denarius, like the one pictured here, was referenced in Matthew 22:15-22. During a teaching of Jesus, He asked to see a coin used to pay taxes to Rome, and He was shown what has become known as a “tribute penny”. Many of us have heard the reference, “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”. It is widely accepted that coin was a silver denarius of Tiberius.
These coins are tremendous treasures of history and have become very difficult to acquire. Finest Known has secured a very small selection of these incredibly desirable coins. We are proud to offer them here for prices that we guarantee you cannot find elsewhere if you can find them at all.
These coins are a must have for anyone seeking to complete a “Twelve Caesars” collection. They have been extremely popular and with the growing global demand for ancient Roman coins, these coins represent an outstanding opportunity to add to, or get started with this exciting market segment.
Order yours today and I will send you a FREE copy of my new book, Gold Coins of Ancient Rome.
If you are not completely satisfied with your Tiberius Silver Denarius, then return it for a full refund and keep the book as my gift.


Proud parents Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez share their touching birthday messages for their kids, Atasha and Andres, who turned 18 on Tuesday, November 5.
Proud parents Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez shared their touching birthday messages for their kids, Atasha and Andres, who turned 18 on Tuesday, November 5.
On Instagram, Charlene said she’s grateful to be blessed with “wonderful and kind hearted children” such as her twins.
“Thank you for bringing your dad and I so much love and happiness through the years. I can not believe [you’re] 18 now… It’s your turn to fly. Your dad & I will forever be your biggest fans. Always remember to continue to be kind as you are and give all glory to God in everything you do,” the former beauty queen wrote.
For his part, Aga could not believe that his children are now all grown up.
“How time flies. The first time I held you both when you were born. 18 years later, here you both are in your senior year.
“As I’ve always told you growing up… always be kind to everyone and never judge people. Love one another. I know you both have so many dreams in life and, yes, there is so much in life that you will experience as you both start to fly and achieve your dreams. But always remember this. we follow God’s plan and not ours. You both have given me and your mom so much joy and love and at the same time taught us to become the parents that we are now. Thank you for the blessing that you are to us and to many. Continue to spread love and kindness to all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to plant good seed so we reap good harvest,” he wrote.
He then wished his “crazy, loving, very kind, and humble heart partners in crime” a happy birthday.
“Love you with all my heart. Go out and fly and continue to love, be kind and and always help people in need. God loves you both. We do! Happy birthday! Antonio Andres and Atasha Aaron Muhlach. Cheers!” he added.


We, the faithful of Saint Anne Catholic Church & Shrine, have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, through baptism, to be a community of disciples of Jesus Christ; participate in common worship, and live the Gospel values by reaching out to others in loving service.
Monday-Thursday / Lunes-Jueves
10:00am - 7:00pm
Friday / Viernes 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday / Sábado 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday / Domingo 9:00 - 2:00pm
The office is closed from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
La oficina esta cerrada de 12:00pm - 1:00pm


The authority and prominence of Scripture has fallen on hard times in the Holiness movement although there are signs of its recovery. On one hand, the general trend in the broader movement is away from the traditional, evangelical view of Scripture's authority particularly as it regards inerrancy. For example, in a recent publication on Wesleyans and Scripture, a criticism is issued against those of us who are concerned about the harmony of the Gospels and "what really happened." We need to get over that concern, suggests the author, and get to the "inner, spiritual meaning" of the text. I believe in Spirit-illumination that goes beyond the mere facts of the text, but I find it difficult to uphold biblical authority while dismissing the coherency of what the Bible actually says and the veracity of its report.
On the other hand, for some time there was a popular trend among conservatives that based the validity of one's experience or beliefs on an atmosphere of ebullience. This is quickly revealed when one reviews accounts of revivals and campmeetings which read something like the following:
"The church is enjoying a spirit of revival. We had several services with no preaching" (Taken from a real account from a holiness periodical in 1989).For those of us who are well-acquainted with the liturgy in most holiness churches, we know that Scripture is usually only read in preparation for the sermon. The implication in these accounts, then, is that revival is occurring apart from the prominence of Scripture. This is as dangerous and undesirable and reminds me of when Willow Creek removed Bibles from the pew because they were offensive to seekers.
The Bible has taken a beating, indeed, from both liberals and conservatives. But though I cannot say whether or not the former trend is losing steam or not, but I belief the latter one has waned as conservatives are realizing the need to restore biblical authority into our lives in a practical way.
Increasingly the Conservative Holiness Movement is becoming unique among holiness groups for its continued stance on biblical authority. This may not appear so much in differences between formal statements as much as in the interpretation and application of Scripture to our daily lives. I don't know how conscious the founding fathers of the CHM were of the theological differences between the "conservatives" and "liberals," but it seems to me from reading various accounts from these men on why holiness people should act/look a certain way, that the conservative views were based on a fundamentally different view of biblical authority and how Scripture should be interpreted and applied. Some may recall the groundswell of cultural conservatism in the 1940s that came to a head in the Church of the Nazarene, for example, in 1952 and 1956. It was during these years that the CHM came to be formed largely, I believe, because of differences in the interpretation and applicability of Scripture. While battles over Biblical authority were explicit in the Fundamentalist-Liberal controversy that plagued the American church in the early 20th century, the Bible was subject to a much more subtle conflict within the Holiness movement. Often, both fronts produced the same result--separation and antagonism.
So where does the CHM stand currently?
1. The influence of Wesley and Anglicanism pervades our doctrinal statement on Scripture. For the most part, nothing substantial has been formally lost after the turmoil of the 20th century. However, our statements on Scripture may be the most vaguely understood statements of all the articles.
2. A statement on Scripture is a statement on authority. What/who has authority in our lives? Where do we derive our rules for living? Whose interpretation of Scripture is correct? For the most part, this collection of formal declarations do not give a full-orbed philosophy of authority. As it is seen in the 39 Articles as well as in Wesley's 25 Articles (MEC), the discussion of Scripture and authority included a statement on the creeds as authoritative statements on the proper interpretation of Scripture. In the CHM statements, the role of the creeds or any other authority is not specified. As a result, as one hears the call to be "biblical," we don't always know what we mean. Whose idea of "biblical"? Do we mean "textual"? To what extent does the text answer some critical questions apart from systematic concerns such as culture, reason, tradition, experience, or the personal direction of the Holy Spirit?
3. There is a high view of the Old Testament and its usefulness for Christian living today, although a clear method of interpretation and application is lacking. One would not know from the articles themselves how we should read the Old Testament in regard to Christian ethics especially. What is clear is that the Old Testament is relevant for Christian ethics; once we have affirmed that we can work out the rest elsewhere.
4. Our statements have a decidedly democratic influence. Somewhere in the 20th century, holiness people began inserting an article on "relative duties" immediately after the article on Scripture. I suppose we are to read them as relative to the statement on Scripture. (If not, relative to what?) In this article we appeal to human rights and knowledge. What remains unclear is how we should relate natural rights and knowledge to Scripture.
5. Contrary to popular historiography, Wesleyans have never been exempt from the inerrancy wars. For most of the 20th century, the historical Wesleyan position on Scripture was understood to include inerrancy despite contemporary efforts to say otherwise. Here I think I have found another piece of evidence of this truth. Several statements do not explicitly use the word "inerrant" but intend it nevertheless. I'm not sure that any of our conservative leaders would be able to recall a time when any of them or their elders did not affirm inerrancy. The firm commitment to inerrancy in the CHM is a great example of why Donald Dayton, et. al. are wrong in their telling of the story of inerrancy and the Wesleyan tradition.
1. The 39 Articles
VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary for salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
Of the Names and Number of the Canonical Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The First Book of Esdras, The Second Book of Esdras, The Book of Esther, The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or Preacher, Cantica or Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, Twelve Prophets the less.
And the other books (as Hierome sayeth) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following: The Third Book of Esdras, The Fourth Book of Esdras, The Book of Tobias, The Book of Judith, The Song of the Three Children, The Story of Susanna, Of Bel and the Dragon, The Rest of the Book of Esther, The Book of Wisdom, Jesus the Son of Sirach, Baruch the Prophet, The Prayer of Manasses, The First Book of Maccabees, The Second Book of Maccabees.All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account the Canonical.
VII. Of the Old Testament
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and Man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, not the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
VIII. Of the Creeds (1801 version)
The Nicene Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles' Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.
Earlier editions of the 39 Articles included the Athanasian Creed.
2. MEC 25 Articles
Same as 39 Articles but omits the Apocrypha and Article VIII. Also the word "faith" in the second line of Article VI in the phrase "believed as an article of Faith" has been changed to the lower case "faith." This change may not be significant, but I wonder if the intention of the capitalization was to denote Christian faith in general and not the Anglican faith in particular. Although the point is to determine what is required for one to be a believer, I wonder how this might affect the general and special rules in our manuals today. Since we acknowledge the salvation of some who do not follow our rules, the difference between "faith" and "Faith" may not matter, but it does raise some questions for us. Should we have explicit Scriptural grounds for any rule that is placed in our manual and to what extent should the biblical support be explained in order for understanding to be achieved? Are tradition and cultural norms adequate grounds for a rule, or must there be an explicit mandate from Scripture?
3. The Wesleyan-Methodist Church (1959)
V. The Sufficiency and Full Authority of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
It is significant that the WMC added to the title "Full Authority" which is a reflection, no doubt, of the debates over biblical authority in the 20th century. I'm not sure when this addition was made, but it was not part of the original statement. Since the MEC article on the Creeds was never included by the WMC, the addition of "full authority" is not related to the absence of an article on creedal authority here. "Full" authority could and probably does mean multiple things: (a) all of Scripture is authoritative; (b) Scripture is the final authority; and (c) Scripture is the authority for all parts of life. It is significant as well that the WMC made this change as opposed to the Pilgrim Holiness Church which retained the MEC reading. Someone in the WMC was engaged in theological discussion and was able to incorporate thought from broader evangelicalism.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation, so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or to be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scriptures, we do understand the books of the Old and New Testaments. These Scriptures we do hold to be the inspired and infallibly written Word of God, fully inerrant in their original manuscript and superior to all human authority.
Missing from this statement is the little phrase from the 39 Articles "whose authority was never any doubt in the Church." Instead, the events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries called for a revision at this point of the kind of authority Scripture has, namely, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. This change teaches us three things about our statements of faith: (a) yesterday's theological statements may be insufficient for today because of the lack of specificity, (b) the words we use today may take on a different meaning down the road, but (c) even if different words are used, the same spirit and meaning can be retained.
The canonical books of the Old Testament are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
The canonical books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts, The Epistle to the Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude and Revelation.
Psalms 19:7; Luke 24:27; John 17:17; Acts 17:2, 11; Rom. 1:2; 15:4; 16:26; Gal. 1:8; I Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Rev. 22:14, 19.
VI. The Old Testament
Same as 39 Articles with the addition of these Scripture references:
Matt. 5:17-19; 22:37-40; Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:45; 5:46; Rom. 15:8; 2 Cor. 1:20; Eph. 2:15, 16; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 10:1; 11:39; 1 John 2:3-7.
VII. Relative Duties
These two great commandments which require us to love the Lord our God with all the heart, and our neighbors as ourselves, contain the sum of the divine law as it is revealed in the Scriptures: they are the measure and perfect rule of human duty, as well for the ordering and directing of families and nations, and all other social bodies, as for individual acts, by which we are required to acknowledge God as our only Supreme Ruler, and all men as created by Him, equal in all natural rights. Wherefore all men are bound so to order all their individual and social and political acts as to render to God entire and absolute obedience, and to secure to all men the enjoyment of every natural right, as well as to promote the greatest happiness of each in the possession and exercise of such rights.
Lev. 19:18, 34; Deut. 1:15, 17; 2 Sam. 23:3; Job 29:16; 31:13, 14; Jer. 21:12; 22:13; Matt. 5:44-47; 7:12; Luke 6:27-29, 35; John 13:34, 35; Acts 10:34, 35; 17:26; Rom. 12:9; 13:1, 7, 8, 10; Gal. 5:14; 6:10; Titus 3:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 2:5; 4:12, 13; 2 John 6.
Article VII on Relative Duties is an addition that is not found in Wesley's 25 Articles. This article has a noticeable American flavor to it, the final lines in particular. American history could be written around the question, "What are our natural rights and how do they apply in various situations?" Does the equality of natural rights cross all boundaries including gender? What about childhood and adulthood and old age? What about born and unborn? What about sexual orientation, particularly in the rare case of hermaphroditism? What about employee and employer?
4. The Allegheny Wesleyan-Methodist Church (1986)
VI. The Sufficiency and Full Authority of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
Same as the WMC (1959)
VII. The Old Testament
Same as the WMC (1959)
VII. Relative Duties
Same as the WMC (1959)
5. The Bible Methodist Connection (2000)
V. The Sufficiency and Full Authority of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
Same as the WMC (1959)
VI. The Old Testament
Same as the WMC (1959)
VII. Relative Duties
Same as the WMC (1959)
6.The Wesleyan Church (2008)
5. The Sufficiency and Full Authority of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
We believe that the books of the Old and New Testaments constitute the Holy Scriptures. They are the inspired and infallible written Word of God, fully inerrant in their original manuscripts and superior to all human authority, and have been transmitted to the present without corruption of any essential doctrine. We believe that they contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man or woman that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. Both in the Old and New Testaments life is offered ultimately through Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and humanity. The New Testament teaches Christians how to fulfill the moral principles of the Old Testament, calling for loving obedience to God made possible by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Wesleyan statement rearranges the sentences of the WMC (1959) statement with only slight changes in the wording.The addition of the transmission clause is good though it begs the question, "What is an essential doctrine and on what authority can this be determined?" Interestingly, there is no statement on the Creeds to which one could be appeal to determine what the "essential" doctrines of Scripture. They have added gender-specific language as well in an effort to fit contemporary preferences. The Wesleyan-Methodist article on the Old Testament has been merged into a single statement and makes up the final sentences of the Wesleyan article.
In the second half of the article it is clear that Wesleyans affirm a single plan of salvation from the beginning of time as opposed to various dispensations. This is not to ignore differences in time, but to affirm the essential continuity that exists between the Testaments.
The Wesleyans have abbreviated the longer WMC (1959) article on the OT, by specifying that it is the "moral principles of the Old Testament" that are still binding upon Christians. How we are to determine what those moral principles are is for subsequent discussion. In any case, there is widespread agreement that the Old Testament remains significant for how we conduct our lives today.
The canonical books of the Old Testament are: [same as The Wesleyan-Methodist Church]
The canonical books of the New Testament are: [same as The Wesleyan-Methodist Church]
Psalm 19:7; Matt. 5:17-19; 22:37-40; Luke 24:27,44; John 1:45; 5:46; 17:17; Acts 17:2, 11; Rom. 1:2; 15:4, 8; 16:26; 2 Cor. 1:20; Gal. 1:8; Eph. 2:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12; 10:1; 11;39; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 2:3-7; Rev. 22:18-19.
6. God's Purpose for Humanity
We believe that the two great commandments which require us to love the Lord our God with all the heart, and our neighbors as ourselves, summarize the divine law as it is revealed in the Scriptures. They are the perfect measure and norm of human duty, both for the ordering and directing of families and nations, and all other social bodies, and for individual acts, by which we are required to acknowledge God as our only Supreme Ruler, and all persons as created by Him, equal in all natural rights. Therefore all persons should so order all their individual, social and political acts as to give to God entire and absolute obedience, and to assure to all the enjoyment of every natural right, as well as to promote the fulfillment of each in the possession and exercise of such rights
Lev. 19:18, 34; Deut. 1:15, 17; Job 29:16; 31:13, 14; Jer. 21:12; 22:13; Micah 6:8; Matt. 5:44-47; 7:12; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:27-29, 35; John 13:34, 35; Acts 10:34, 35; 17:26; Rom. 12:9; 13:1, 7, 8, 10; Gal. 5:14; 6:10; Titus 3:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 2:5; 4:12, 13; 2 John 6.
There are slight changes in the Scripture reference list from the WMC (1959) as well as the use of more modern language in article 6. Overall, it is virtually the same as WMC (1959).
7. The Pilgrim Holiness Church (1958)
Article 4. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation
The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation (John 15:3; 20:31; 2 Tim. 3:15-17), so that whatsoever is not read therein nor may be proved thereby is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or to be thought requisite or necessary for salvation (Eph. 5:6; 1 Tim. 6:3, 4). By the Holy Scriptures we understand the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments, commonly received and known as the Bible.
There is no major difference between this statement and the initial paragraph of the 39 Articles. The closing phrase "commonly received and known as the Bible" is the only difference in wording. The Scripture references have been placed in the text. It should be noted that the Bible was not so commonly understood prior to the Reformation although a distinction between the canonical books and the Apocrypha has always been made. Nonetheless, even Luther included the Apocrypha in his German translation of the Bible. The the elimination of the Apocrypha has not proven to be to our detriment.
The Pilgrims do not have articles on the Old Testament and Relative Duties.
8. Midwest Pilgrim Holiness Church (2000)
9. Sufficiency of Scripture
Same as the PHC (1958) except for the wording of the article title. The reasoning behind the title is not clear from the article itself. Perhaps the minutes of the MWPHC contain the reasoning or someone well-acquainted with the proceedings of the church would know. Since the opening line of the statement clarifies, the reason is probably nothing other than abbreviating the title in order to fit it onto a single line. Who says theology can't be practical? This is the first deviation by the Midwest Pilgrims from the PHC (1958) manual.
9. New York Pilgrim Holiness Church (2006-2007)
2.5 Sufficiency and Inerrancy of Scripture
The use of "inerrancy" is reflective of a particular era in history when the term became critical for our understanding of biblical authority. Today the term is understood in various ways that renders the simple appearance of the word vague. The WMC (1959) which states the "full authority" of Scripture is preferable because it is more comprehensive than "inerrancy."
The Holy Scriptures (that is, the 66 books of the Protestant Canon of the Bible) are the only written Word of God. Every part of the Bible, as originally written, was inspired by God and was and is without error. The Bible contains all things necessary to salvation and is the only totally authoritative and infallible rule of faith and conduct (John 15:3; 20:31; II Tim. 3:15-17). Therefore, whatever is not written therein nor may be proved thereby is not to be accepted as an article of faith nor be though as essential to salvation (Eph. 5:6; 1 Tim.6:3,4).
The opening statement is likewise unique though not opposed to any of the other statements. The use of the past and present tense to describe inerrancy is interesting. I take it to mean something like "insofar as our current Bible versions reflect the original they too are inerrant." This is an affirmation that needs to be heard more than it is so that lay people don't lose faith in our English translations and think they have to know Greek and Hebrew to really get the Word of God. Insofar as we understand just a few technicalities, we can stand behind the pulpit and hold our English Bible in the air and declare, "This is the Word of God." The day we can no longer do that with confidence will be a sad one.
I suppose by "totally authoritative" the NY Pilgrims mean something like what I described above in my comments on the WMC (1959) and their use of "full authority".
2.5.1 Foundational Doctrines.
The Scripture has long been an unfailing source of wisdom and guidance for Christian, non-Christian, church, society, government, education and all walks of life. It is the definitive source for matters of morality, character, values, right and wrong, sacredness of life, marriage, family, business, finance, conduct, etc.
Instead of "Relative Duties," this manual contains an article with two sub-points under the heading "Foundational Doctrines." The key point here is how closely the doctrine of Scripture is tied to ethics. So many times Scripture and ethics are separated by several intermediaries including tradition, culture, personal experience, rationalization, etc., etc. This is not to say that these "intermediaries" are not pertinent to ethics, but sometimes they keep us from working our way back all the way to Scripture. By placing the following statements in this context, I understand the NY Pilgrims to be saying that the first and primary purpose for this ethic is Scripture.
a) Sacredness of Life.
Life is a sacred gift bestowed by God (Isa. 43:7). Human life is made in God's image and is imparted by God (Gen. 1:27). Human life uniquely transcends all other creation. Only it is God-breathed (Gen. 2:7). Human nature passes to a new life at conception (Psa. 51:5). God acknowledges us as persons long before birth. "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee..." (Jer. 1:5). God is the giver and taker of life, from womb to aged (Ex. 20:13)/ A human becomes a spiritual being at conception (Gen. 2:7). The Scriptures forbid euthanasia, infanticide, genocide, or abortion.
Is only human life sacred? Are there levels of sacredness? Does Scripture forbid human enhancements, alterations, replacements? To what extent should we engage and accept post-human thought and technology. At what point does the philosophy of "live at all costs" become detrimental? How is death essential to the sacredness of life? This are simply questions that come up as I read this article. Articles are not meant to answer all the questions, but they are meant to be usable for life. So, these questions really get to the overall question, "How does this article affect me practically?"
b) Sacredness of Marriage. Marriage is a sacred union, ordained by God, life-long and sexually exclusive. Marriage is between one man and one woman and excludes same-sex unions, group unions and cohabiting. Divorce is not a part of God's plan for marriage. The God-designed differences of a man and women complement each other physically, emotionally and spiritually. Each gender brings vitally important and unique elements to the other and to the maturing and developing of children. The child receives essential training in three key relationships required for good development: husband/wife, mother/father, and male/female. History shows that, without exception., whenever a civilization strays from the God-ordained ethic of marriage, it deteriorates and eventually disintegrates.
Marriage is the first institution established by God. "it is not good for man to live alone" (Gen. 2:18). Jesus emphasized the importance and sacredness of marriage in His own teachings (Matt. 5:31-32, 19:4-8, Mark 10:11-12). Paul taught that marriage is a picture of the relationship of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:24-33). Extramarital or homosexual behavior is sinful (Lev. 18:6-22, Rom. 1:26-28, Heb. 13:4).
Who can argue with this statement? It is no doubt the result of some time and thought as it comprehends several aspects of sexuality and marriage relationship. The wording of the last sentence is a bit awkward: does it mean extramarital sexual behavior...is sinful? This is merely a matter of grammar; I think the meaning is clear.
10.The Church of the Nazarene (2005-2009)
IV. We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith.
Luke 24:44-47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
This statement is probably the most simple, but not necessarily the most straightforward. In fact, an entire book could be written on the history of interpretation of this article alone, not because it is so vastly different from other statements in the Holiness movement but because many Nazarene theologians have accepted the historiography of Donald Dayton, et. al., who downplay the significance of inerrancy for Holiness theology. The critical issue is that many have adopted the liberal view that the historical accuracy and harmony of the Gospels, for instance, is not necessary for our salvation, that faith and history ought to be separated.
The CHM continues to be committed to the harmony of faith and history, contrary to many of their Holiness counterparts. "What actually happened" manners to us. On this point, we have more in common with many Calvinists, Lutherans and Baptists than we do with some Holiness brothers.
11. The International Conservative Holiness Association
15. The Holy Scriptures
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we mean the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, to be given by divine inspiration. These Scriptures we hold to be the infallible written Word of God, superior to all human authority, containing all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be considered an article of faith. The Authorized King James Version 1611 shall be the official version of the ICHA. While we feel that other versions have some value, confusion arises when a church embraces many varied versions which plainly do not say the same thing.
Psa. 19:7; Luke 24:27; John 17:17; Acts 17:2; Rom. 1:2; 15:4; 16:26; I Thess. 2:13; II Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:19-21; Rev. 22:14, 19.
This statement is probably the most interesting of all, so interesting, in fact, that I wrote an entire paper just on this article for my doctoral studies. It begins with the Nazarene statement, but leaves off the phrase "inerrantly revealing the will of God." In my investigation I have discovered that this exception was intentional as some of the framers did not desire to affirm inerrancy. It should be noted that this is a carry-over from the Articles of the Church of the Bible Covenant and has not been changed at this point. In speaking with the current leaders of the ICHA, inerrancy is affirmed and understood to be included in what is stated. I never doubted that such was the case since I know this group quite well. If you were present in the proceedings of the Church of the Bible Covenant and can recall any information that might pertain to this article, please contact me. This article is a curious example of where two movements within the Holiness tradition collide.
What has been added since the formation of the ICHA is the statement on the King James Version. Although the statement seems to say that only the 1611 edition of the King James Version is the official version, I assume they mean that a later edition based on the 1611 KJV is the official Bible since I've never heard anyone preach from the 1611 edition. While I would not be in favor of this statement if it ever came up in my church (and it has), it does raise a pertinent question: given the plethora of Bible translations, is it wise to adopt an official version for uniformity? In my family we have adopted a particular version for family devotions and everyone who can read has their own personal copy of it (four of us so far!). The rationale in this article is that confusion arises with a conglomeration of translations--indeed, it does at times. But can the confusion be cleared by a simple explanation of the nature of translations or do we need uniformity?
12. God's Missionary Church
12. By the Holy Scriptures we understand the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, given by divine inspiration (II Tim. 3:16); containing all things necessary for salvation, so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man; that it should be believed as an article of faith, or necessary to salvation (II Peter 1:20,21).
This statement summarizes the basic language of the Wesleyan tradition. There is one small grammatical change that should be made in keeping with the tradition--the semi-colon before "that it should be believed as an article of faith" should be changed to a comma in order to clarify what is not required. As it stands, it creates a separate clause and renders the "it" vague (that Holy Scripture should be believed as an article of faith or that whatsoever is not read therein should not be required and believed as an article of faith).
13. Church of God (Holiness)
Article IV. [No title]
We emphatically affirm the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, infallibly true as originally inspired, constituting our only divinely authorized rule of faith and practice (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
At one time "infallible" included the concept of inerrancy, but not in today's nomenclature. Nonetheless, I suppose the term includes the concept here.
A significant matter is raised in the last phrase, "constituting our only divinely authorized rule of faith and practice." This brings me back to one of my opening remarks concerning the relationship of Scripture to our faith and conduct (see comments under the MEC 25 Articles). Do we really believe that only Scripture authorizes faith and practice? Are there not reasons for believing or doing things that are beyond what is explicitly spelled out in Scripture? Furthermore, are there not general principles in Scripture that vary in their application from place to place or time to time or context to context? Albert Outler argued in the 1960s that the Wesleyan method of doing theology included the so-called "Wesleyan Quadrilateral" of Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Is there room for this method in this statement?
A preferable way of stating the Wesleyan view of biblical authority is partially described (in my words) by Thomas Langford in Doctrine and Theology in the United Methodist Church that the primacy of Scripture often begins a process but does not always conclude an argument. In other words, there are times when Scripture provides a general principle such as how men and women are to dress distinctively to their gender, but Scripture does not conclude what that must look like at all times in all places. In such cases, there are other criteria (such as our conscience which Scripture also addresses) that must come into play and inform authoritatively our faith and practice. This does not mean they have more authority than Scripture, but that their authority is derived from Scripture. In any case, Scripture is the final authority, but not our only authority.
Furthermore, heretics could agree with the assertion that Scripture is our only authority because history has proven again and again that words can be defined in various ways, some of them with heretical implications. While simple is usually preferable, it is not always sufficient. In this case, I think sufficiency is sacrificed for simplicity. Fortunately for the COGH, the articles here are merely guidelines that are not official statements of any of the individual churches themselves.
Finally, is it even possible for Scripture to be our only authority? Does Scripture itself support this? What about the very nature of language itself and the a priori of human reason to understand language? What about the role of the Holy Spirit to contribute to a proper understanding of Scripture?
14. The Aldersgate Forum
That the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God written, inspired by the Holy Spirit and inerrant in the original writings. They contain all that is necessary to our salvation and are of supreme authority for faith and practice.
The final sentence of this statement is a good alternative in reference to the previous point (see Church of God, Holiness). It avoids the implication that there are no other forms of authority other than Scripture, yet affirms that Scripture is the supreme authority. This statement is pretty straightforward and balances simplicity with sufficiency though there is more that could be affirmed. I am particularly interested in knowing how a group or church handles the diversity of translations issue raised by the ICHA and also addressed by the transmission clause in The Wesleyan Church, but is lacking here and elsewhere. I think this is an important issue that we may want to consider addressing in future statements.
15. Union Bible College
We believe that the Bible is God's written revelation to the human family and is "given by inspiration of God," thus making it His infallible and inerrant Word which is the final authority regarding the doctrines we believe and the duties we practice.
Most of the statements specify what they mean by "Scripture" by either listing the names of the books or stating the Old and New Testaments in particular. Here we are supposed to know what "Bible" means, and most of us do. But Christians in some parts of the world who are accustomed to Bible versions that include the Apocrypha may not know. I don't suppose any of the CHM Bible colleges have too many Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox students.
16. Hobe Sound Bible Church
That the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of God (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
Notice the difference between the wording here and the wording of the COGH article--they are significantly different. Indeed, the Bible is the only authoritative written Word of God, which is not the same as saying it is the only divinely authorized rule of faith and practice. Despite what is lacking in this statement, it comprehends the primary point in the CHM's doctrine of Scripture. From this, everything else follows.
Next Article: Sin, Original and Personal
Other articles in this series:
1. Discovering the Theological Spectrum of the CHM
2. An Overview of the Articles
3. The Triune God
4. God the Son
5. God the Holy Spirit


On Friday, 28th September there will be a meeting with the parents of the Parish Altar Servers along with the Spiritual Director, Fr. Xavier D’souza in Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium at 11.30 am.
The Wedding Anniversary Mass for September celebrants will be held on Saturday, 29th September at the 6.30 pm mass in the Sacred Heart Church.
The Feast of St Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order will be held on Thursday, 4th October at the 6 pm mass.
In preparation for this Feast, the Transitus will be held on Wednesday, 3rd October at 7.45 pm in Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium. All parishioners are invited to this ceremony. The Secular Franciscan Order for the Laity will be inaugurated and formed in our parish on the day of the Feast.
The First Friday Parish Holy Hour will be held on 5th October at 3.45 pm in the Sacred Heart Church.
The African Community will be organizing an ‘Africa Day’ on Friday, 5th October from 8 am to 12 noon. Major highlights of the event include the sale of African dishes and fabrics, African traditional dances and Lucky Dip with lots of prizes to be won. Lucky Dip tickets are already available with the different Community Coordinators. Proceeds from the event will go towards the needs of the church. Kindly patronize. For more information, please contact: Jean-Antoine Etonge on Mobile No. 33 760 796.
The 3rd ACYC, the biggest Catholic Youth Conference in Arabia, will be held in Ras-Al-Khaimah, UAE on 26th and 27th October. We invite all the youth of our parish to attend this conference to listen to world renowned preachers. For registration and more details, please see the Notice Board or approach any member at the Jesus Youth Help Desk.
On Friday, 12th October there will be a Marriage Preparation Course in the St. Dominic Savio Hall from 7.30 am to 5 pm. Those taking part are requested to register their names at the Parish Office and submit a copy of their Baptism Certificate along with the Application Form before 10th October. The course fee is BD. 7/- per person, inclusive of lunch and the Certificate. Please note, only applicants will be permitted and there will be no admittance after 7.30 am.
Fr. Xavier Marian D’souza, OFM Cap.


Ray has served 40 years in full-time ministry as a senior pastor, associate pastor, discipleship pastor, a student/ children's pastor, and now as a pastor to terminally ill patients. He has had the privilege to minister in Texas, California, and Kentucky. Those various experiences and locations give him a unique opportunity to help you.
He knows the joys and heartaches of ministry.
He wants to helps pastors, leaders, and families find "life" again!
I have known Ray Johnson since he was a college student (over 35 yrs ago). Ray was one of my top leaders in helping guide and grow a large and dynamic college ministry within a church setting. He was highly committed, faithful, hard-working, energetic, and creative. He also displayed a godly spirit that was manifested in a dynamic personal relationship and what today we call high EQ. Ray is also committed to God's Word and is theologically minded and understands that it is God, through His Spirit and His Word, that changes people.
Ray has served in many different staff positions--lead pastor, associate pastor, discipleship pastor, and children & student pastor. As a result, Ray has a deep and broad understanding of what it takes to lead a church that is spiritually healthy and effective in growing both qualitatively and quantitatively. Put another way, Ray understands the two essential purposes of the church--to reach the lost and disciple fellow believers. He also possesses practical insight to the many important leadership principles including crafting a compelling vision, developing a ministry strategy, leading change, managing conflict, equipping the saints, leading the staff, managing the budget and many other important fundamentals of leading and guiding a church.
-Brad Waggoner, Executive Vice President of Church Answers


At the Pineville Church of Christ, we keep it simple and Biblical. We add nothing to what you see in Scripture.
We sing a cappella as Jesus and his disciples did (Mt. 26:30), as well as the churches in Corinth (1 Cor. 14:15), Ephesus (Eph. 5:19), and Colossae (Colossians 3:16).
Prayers are led expressing praise, requests, and thanksgiving to God.
The sermon will be pulled directly from Scripture and presented with modern day relevance. On Sunday mornings and evenings, an invitation is extended to our members and anyone from the community. During this time, someone may make a commitment to Christ and desire to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
On the night of Jesus' betrayal, he broke bread and shared the fruit of the vine with his disciples. With this, he instituted what we refer to as the Lord's supper. It's so much greater than any earthly meal. It represents the presence of Jesus and being filled up with spiritual blessings in Him. As the bread and fruit of the vine are consumed, we think deeply on his sacrifice and how unworthy we were, but we also rejoice knowing that his resurrection became the guarantee of our inheritance in heaven.
A contribution box is stationed at the entrance into our auditorium. As Christians, we give every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). We give out of an indebtedness to the grace that has been shown to us, and to support our ministries, programs, overseas missionaries, and upkeep of the building.


As the founder of Shining Light Preschool in 1999, I have been truly blessed by the relationships I have developed with teachers & SLP families. Shining Light is a great place for your child to spend their preschool years learning and growing… all the while getting to know (and trust!) a great big God who loves an itty-bitty me!
"The Lord has done great things for us… and we are glad!" - Ps. 126:3
Shining Light Preschool literally changed my life when my son attended here. The Lord was, and is, so present, that I gave my life to Him and he blessed me with a love of children that fills my soul. I am so fortunate to have been graced with a job here, where I can not only facilitate the education of small children, but teach them about the Lord and how he treasures them. My prayer is that I will plant, or add to what has been planted, a love of the Lord which will grow throughout their lives.
“It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted it grows and becomes the largest of all the garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.” – Mark 4: 31-32.
I have been so blessed to not only teach at Shining Light Preschool for the past nine years but also have my daughter attend for the past two years. Having both aspects of Shining Light it is nothing short of a wonderful experience. My classroom is a place where children come to learn, have fun, feel loved and 100% accepted for who God wants them to be. The most wonderful part of my job is having the freedom to share with children how much God loves them and has a plan for their life.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all yours acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6
I love teaching at Shining Light because I get to teach children all about Jesus. I love watching the kids grow and blossom through the school year. I am so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful teachers. When I am not teaching I am usually baking cupcakes, spending time with friends or playing with my niece and nephew.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Both of my children attended Shining Light and now I am blessed to teach here. I love being able to teach in a warm, loving, positive, Christian environment. My passion and gift that God has given me has always been working with children. I am grateful for the opportunity to show little ones how much Jesus loves and cares about them.
“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” – Phil 4:6
I'm so excited to be teaching at Shining Light this year. As a Pleasanton native raised in Valley Community Church, I am honored to join the SLP family! I have my BA in Christian Education from Biola University and have had the privilege of teaching preschool and elementary school at different grade levels. My greatest joys as a teacher are to see my students know that they are deeply and wholly loved by God, and to see them grow in confidence and skill as they explore, take risks, and follow their natural curiosities. I'm a first-time mommy to be, expecting my first baby boy this November with my husband, Jared. I look forward to partnering with your families this year as we watch your children grow!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deut 31:6
I feel beyond blessed to be a teacher at Shining Light as I was born and raised in Pleasanton and grew up going to Valley Community Church. It is an amazing feeling to be able to serve families in my hometown. I hold a degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood and cannot believe that I get to put my passion and education to use teaching little ones about the love of Christ and His abundant grace that fills their lives. I have a wonderful husband named Dane and a son named Levi whom I adore with everything in me! I love cooking, exercising, the beach, and I am a major Giants fan. My prayer is that my classroom will be a fun environment filled with a ton of dancing and, most importantly, the love of Christ!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
I am privileged to be a preschool teacher at Shining Light Preschool. I was raised in Benicia, California and attended college at Sacramento State where I majored in Child Development and conducted further study as a part of its multiple subject and special education teaching credential programs. Seeing the maturation and educational development of young learners is so very rewarding, but the best part about teaching at Shining Light is the ability to teach my students about my greatest passion, Jesus!
I am married and busy raising four children here in Pleasanton, where we have lived since 2004. Our children are involved in many sports in local leagues, including basketball, baseball, swimming, waterpolo, volleyball, flag football and triathlon. I have enjoyed multiple years of coaching girls basketball in both PYB and CYO. My free time is spent chauffeuring my kids to all their activities, reading parenting books, and studying the Word of God.
“...Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” – John 8:31
I am blessed to be a part of Shining Light Preschool. It is such a loving and caring environment to work in and I enjoy every new day with each of my students and fellow teachers. I love being creative, creating new art with my students and spending my time finding new fun ways to help them learn.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
All 3 of my children have attended Shining Light and now I am so blessed to be teaching here. It has always been more then a preschool to me and them. It truly is a community, a community of God. This is where they first learned about God and how much he loves them. I am so excited to see how much your children in my classroom grow this year…physically, emotionally and spiritually.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34


We need two families per week to sign up to clean the church for August and September. Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. We need help with this important ministry.
The auditorium remodeling is underway. Pastor is asking for workers to help. If you can help with the auditorium remodel, please let Pastor know.
Nursing Home Ministry
Get directions to our location
What to expect at worship services
Meet our Pastor, Amos Graham
Copyright 2017, Liberty Baptist Church | Amos Graham, Pastor


Federated News Is Now
The Jr. and Sr. High winter retreats are coming up fast!
Space is limited so be sure to sign up ASAP.
Jr. High Winter Blast 2014>>
Sr. High Winter Retreat 2014>>
Don't forget to get a copy of the
December Youth Group Calendar>>
If you haven't already,
PLEASE complete the Youth Group Parent and Student Information Form
And Once a Year
You must complete the
Emergency Medical Release Form
Welcome To The Lafayette Federated Church Website
Please join us for one of our services:
Sunday Worship Services: 8:15 a.m. & 11:00 am
Sunday School for all ages: 9:45 a.m.
There are large variety of midweek activities and services available for children, youth, adults and senior citizens. Please feel free to call our Church Office for additional information:
Senior Pastor: Aaron Robb
Pastor of Outreach & Missions: Rev. S. David Johnson
Youth Pastor: Ryan Drew
Worship Pastor: Nick Bailey
Church Administrator: Elder Glenn Cohrs


We are thrilled to be heading to Moody Gardens Resort in Galveston Texas to be a part of the Aerial Experience Productions show ~~ Imagine Christmas~~ . Aerialists, Acro Artists, Kite Flying, music and fun bring this modern day Nativity Story through fresh eyes & Recapture the wonder of God’s miraculous gift.
Imagine Christmas combines inspiring music, beautiful dance and imaginative aerial acrobatics to tell the story of Christ’s birth in a way that evokes child-like wonder, awe and amazement.
We look forward to seeing you there! For tickets and more information go to the link below. Tickets sold out last year so be sure to reserve yours early!


I have a new favorite saying.
"Go with the Goers." (go-ers)
While talking with a friend last night she said her dad used to say this. We were talking about the changes coming in our church - big changes that seem a little overwhelming to many. I was commenting on how I really think that the church must keep changing in many ways. Of course, not in core theology but in the ways that it continues to reach people that feel lost or far from God.
I really believe that most organizations must embrace change in order to stay healthy.
Change is difficult, though. Just ask my 5 year old.
Personally, I like change.
I kinda thrive on it.
I like things to move fast. I move fast. While I enjoy the mundane in my life, I also find comfort in knowing that tomorrow is fresh and new! Full of God's mercy and grace. I know that he has something exciting just waiting for me each day if I am willing to trust in Him.
So, I go with the change more often than not. To my detriment, sometimes too quickly. I love change but thinking through things is not my greatest gift. Mostly though, I don't dwell in the way things were or the past too much. I don't find much comfort in the past. It seems like when I do that I often find pain, regret and disappointment.
Even sweet memories of my children can often cause me to wish they were still babies instead of enjoying the precious little people they are becoming.
The future - now that is bright.
So, how about you?
" The only way I'm going is kicking and screaming."


21st Sunday after Pentecost / Martyr Longinus the Centurion / Gal. 2.16-20; Luke 8.5-15
F/S/HS. Dear brothers and sisters, our Gospel this morning—one of our Lord’s most well-known parables, fondly called the Parable of the Sower.
This past August I and another priest spoke at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, on the subject of Holy Marriage. At the conclusion of the conference our Dean, Fr. Alex, stated that if any couples wanted to talk with us two priests about personal matters in their marriage, 15 minute blocks of time would be set aside for such conversation. Both Fr. George and I had approximately 7-8 couples avail themselves of those 15 minute blocks of time.
As I was saying good-bye to my last couple, I noticed a young woman—in her mid-twenties—waiting to see me. I’ll name her Natalie. Natalie shared that she and her fiancé Jacob were getting married this coming summer.
Natalie and I spoke for nearly an hour, a conversation directly related to this morning’s Gospel lesson. Natalie’s life, Natalie’s faith journey, I think you will agree, portrays many valuable lessons for our own life, our own journeys of faith.
So Fr. Daniel, I want to ask about my relationship with Jacob. But first I want to ask you about something—Jesus’ parable of the Sower? I was curious to see where Natalie was going. His parable portrays a sower who sows the word of God into human hearts. It portrays four different kinds of ground, four different hearts, upon which that seed fell. The first three don’t fare very well; the seed that lands on those hearts never roots and never matures. Only the fourth person hears the word of God with a noble and good heart, and keeps that word in their heart unto bearing fruit with patience. So my question is this: Do you think it’s true that the parable is about four different kinds of people? Because that’s the interpretation of so many of our church fathers.
Share more, I prompted Natalie. It sounds like you think there might be another interpretation? Natalie nodded. Yes, because I just discovered another interpretation, from the saint that you mentioned during your second talk. I looked at Natalie inquisitively. St. Nikolai Velimirovic, she blurted out rather excitedly.
I just discovered St. Nikolai about a month ago. Both Jacob and I are very taken by him. He says that the deeper truth of Jesus’ parable is that all of us go through different seasons of our life where, during one season we are the wayside ground; during another season the stony ground; then the ground choked by the thorns; and hopefully there are seasons of our lives that reveal our soul to be deeply rooted in that good ground, where our lives do indeed yield a noble and good fruit.
I asked Natalie. So, what season is your life currently in? What ground are you? Natalie’s countenance suggested that she welcomed my question.
Well, I hope and I pray that I’m not caught up in self-delusion. Because currently Jacob and I are the fourth ground, that good ground. We feel loved by God, and we love God. We feel noble and good inasmuch as we are very connected with our Church—it’s up north, in another town. Our worship services mean so much to us. And we’re involved in various roles in our church. I meet regularly with two different elderly women, where we pray and study together, and I do some housework and cook for them. And Jacob and I teach a children’s class together. So it feels like we’re in a season where our lives are indeed bearing a noble and good fruit.
Natalie paused. Her eyes grew moist with tears. All of this started about a year ago, shortly after I met Jacob and after I read a book about the life of the artist, Vincent van Gogh.
I raised my finger and shook my head with amazement. Natalie, when I was a little older than you, during my protestant seminary years, during a painful season in my own life, it was a research project on van Gogh that so helped restore my own faith. But tell me, how did van Gogh help your soul hear the word of God unto a noble and good heart?
Well, she began, a tear now running down Natalie’s cheek, I discovered van Gogh’s painting The Sower. The first time I saw it, I was riveted. I couldn’t take my eyes from it; it seemed to make its way down into my soul. Before long I found myself prayerfully meditating on it. That immense sun behind the sower as he goes about his sowing, shining brilliantly upon him and all the earth. Somehow, I don’t know how exactly, that sun and the sower, and those radiant yellows, helped me discover a precious gratitude to God, for His grace and mercy sown to all of us.
Did you know, I interrupted Natalie rather excitedly, that van Gogh wrote his brother Theo, to tell him that that sun did indeed represent God’s brilliant light and love being sown into all the world. So your interpretation is very much in keeping with van Gogh’s intent. And did you know too that at one time in van Gogh’s life, not many years before he painted The Sower, he was a missionary in Belgium, in an area called the Borinage, a very poor mining district populated by suffering and impoverished miners and their families.
No, I had no idea, Natalie said, no idea at all that van Gogh had been a Christian. Now my eyes watered up. It’s a long story for another time, I told her. But please, continue with the The Sower.
Yes, the longer I meditated, the more my heart started filling with prayer and with gratitude for God’s love for me and for our whole world. I had the distinct impression that van Gogh was trying to render in paint God’s love and His light being cast here and there and everywhere, into every human heart. To use your word about van Gogh, Fr. Daniel, I came to realize that my own life was quite impoverished, and that something needed to change.
And so I committed to making those changes. I started reading the Scriptures, and the lives of the saints. I returned to Church and the Divine Liturgy. During Liturgy, I often close my eyes and experience God’s love and light being cast about, by Jesus the Sower. And the Chalice: It’s full of that love and full of that light!
I smiled again, so enjoying Natalie’s narrative. She paused. Her gaze grew more somber. But it’s not always been this way, Fr. Daniel. I grew up Orthodox, but left the Faith when I was a junior in high school. That next year, my senior year, I went to Camp St. Mary. The experience was one of those mountain top highs. I did great … but for that summer only! Then I fell away, yet again. I was that first ground, where the devil comes and snatches the Word of God right out of your heart.
Looking back on my journey, I didn’t have any roots. I was that second ground, that rocky ground. And even if I had roots, they would not have penetrated my rocky heart.
It says about that second ground that temptation comes, causing you to fall away. That’s what happened during my college years, years where my faith was so very shallow, where I was swept away by the winds of many a temptation. I started hanging with a crowd that did not profit my soul. I got into stuff that was pure temptation. Pretty bad stuff. I was introduced for the first time to pornography and hard liquor. Both messed me up pretty good.
And then that third ground—I don’t know which was worse, the second or the third ground. I was a business major and went on to get an MBA. I got a really successful job out of college, here in Seattle, at an accounting firm. I made a lot of money and started accumulating nice things. Every Liturgy, at the Cherubic Hymn, when I hear those words set aside all earthly cares, I’m reminded of that third ground and the many ways that the riches and pleasures of life seduced me, seduced me for a period of nearly three years, up until about a year ago.
All I cared about was saving for a nice house. I bought a new car, a Volkswagen Beetle, a really cool lime green. I cherished my cloths and all things fashion. I bought a super high fidelity stereo system and became totally immersed in the Indy music scene. Went to concert after concert here in Seattle, and down in Portland.
And then I met Jacob, and had that experience with van Gogh. And returned to my Orthodox Faith. I wish Jacob could have come today. I know you would really like him. He challenged me. He is simple of spirit. Very frugal lifestyle. He’s a convert to the Faith. He loves God dearly and is very dedicated to our church. His life was so deeply rooted compared to my pleasure-seeking life.
So now to my original question, Fr. Daniel. As Jacob and I prepare for Holy Marriage, how do we remain steadfastly rooted in that fourth ground? How do we continue to nurture a noble and good heart? Just then Natalie’s phone dinged. It was her father, who was outside St. Nicholas awaiting Natalie, to pick her up and take her back home. She told me that she sold her VW Bug and purchased a used Toyota Corolla, and that it was in the shop! So she had to get ride from her father.
Natalie and I prayed together. Keep doing what you are doing, Natalie. Remain close to God, stay in the boat, and partake frequently of the medicines of the church, Confession and Holy Eucharist especially. Continue to read the lives of the saints? Do you have a favorite saint or two, I asked her. Yes, St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, and St. Maria Skobtsova, she answered quickly. Wonderful, I responded. Pray for their intercessions. And pray to our Panagia, that she guide and bless your journey with Jacob unto Holy Marriage this next summer.
Sisters and brothers. So many valuable lessons for our own lives embedded in Natalie’s story. As we ponder those lessons, as we prayerfully ponder this morning’s Gospel, let us heed our Lord’s words from our Gospel, He who has ears to hear, let him hear (v. 8). F/S/HS.


Photo credit: BJ McCartney
I’ve always been a sunny disposition, things-will-get better person. As long as I can remember I’ve had the perspective that everything will turn out alright, which was the case in my faith perspective as well – ‘I can do all things through Christ’ was on the tip of my mind along with the ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ verses. I was young enough to be enthusiastic about everything and naive enough to keep things at that level – the world hadn’t caught up to me yet.
Growing up and experiencing the changes life has in store have a way of shifting a person’s perspective, but nothing shifted my relationship in faith like losing Luke at sixteen weeks – our first real dream together, stolen in an instant. It took us several months to go back to church let alone sit through an entire sermon. I couldn’t pay enough attention to the message to absorb anything that was said, so I looked around at the congregation while I processed things and regretted it, every time. Among the couples and families was one who always sat to my left on the other side of the sanctuary – younger, newer parents with a little one easily under a year. It broke me down, watching them hold and occupy their little guy while we would never get to know our baby.
Fast forward another few months and saying goodbye to Jonah after a stillbirth – in addition to the fight for doctors who would treat him like a baby instead of something to be thrown away – and you can say my faith perspective is a little more complicated now.
Where I used to give thanks for blessings and ask for changes in people’s’ lives, I end up in a one-sided conversation that starts bitter and ends in anger. Before my Almost Fatherhood, I was talking and then I was listening in prayer. It was a rarity that I heard what I thought I would, but I felt I needed to hear whatever message was there. I’m not entirely sure that most people would call what I do now ‘praying’. I have so much anger coming from my heart – out of the pain of losing children, out of watching cancer take it’s toll on people I love, out of broken relationships and lost opportunities – that my prayer times are more like venting sessions. My experience and maturity tell me that this is the part of the relationship that takes work to maintain – where real life meets heart work – but I can’t say that I see the end of this tunnel yet.
I begin asking what choices I made that could have led us down this path and end up broken in knowing that none of it matters now. And then I listen – silence. I don’t know when I’ll hear it again or when I’ll make it back to talking instead of screaming, but I keep going back because the only thing I’ve ever wanted was for my children to stay with me. To feel them here around me. To dream about them like other parents do.
So I wait, and I try again because if an angry faith is all I can have right now, I’ll take it. As hard as it is to know my children are watching me struggle, I would never let them see me fail. Growth happens in the broken moments, and true resilience means getting up one more time than you were knocked down. Those are lessons I would do my best to live out for them no matter what circumstances, and they’re ones I’m dedicating myself to in their memory.


Without exception, registration closes Friday, September 1, 2017, at 6 P.M . Central time.
I believe parents are disguised in human forms who cry a lot, lose it a lot, worry a lot and stress out a lot. Yet when our knees hit the floorboards in prayer for our child, we become a shield-toting, sword-wielding, armor-bearing warrior.
And there is nothing that provides more protection and influence in our children’s lives than when we stick to the battle plan of prayer.
So I invite you to take the 30-Day Prayer Dare for Parents, coming September 1-30, 2017.
It’s a simple venture, really, and will take only 5-10 minutes of your day. Each day you will receive an email with a specific prayer to pray over your children.
Here are 3 ways to to consider participating:
1. Free & Solo
All the prayers sent via email are free. You may invite your friends to join and they will receive all the prayers for free as well. Use the signup form above and below to save a spot.
What to expect in each day’s email:
- A prayer to pray over your child(ren)
- Scriptures supporting the prayer topics
2. Workbook & Solo
Again, all the prayers are free via email. Use the signup form on this page to reserve your spot. However, we have also designed a 35 page Prayers for my Children Scripture Writing Workbook and Personal Journal to enrich this prayer journey.
In this workbook you will find:
- daily Scripture Writing assignments that follow the topics of the daily emailed prayers.
- space to journal your own prayers for your children
The workbook/journal is $5.00, and delivered in digital form. Just print, bind, and expect God to show up big time. You may purchase now or later.
**All payments will be made through PayPal. All products are delivered in digital form to your Paypal email address from SendOwl Downloads. No refunds after any one download has been made.
3. Group Study Kit for up to 10 individuals
Lastly many of you have asked for our materials to be made available for Bible Study groups. And so, we are delivering! The Parent’s Prayer Dare Group Kit is designed to equip Bible Study groups and facilitators throughout the prayer challenge.
In this group kit you will receive:
- 14 page Leader’s Guide ($5 retail value) which includes,
- Weekly group discussion questions and exercises
- Prayer Dare Schedule & meeting Calendar
- 8 Tips for Facilitators
- Tips on how to use the products in the kit for your group
- AND!! Limited copyright releases for up to 10 transcriptions of each of the following:
- Prayers for my Children Workbook/Journal ($50 retail value)
- 52 Scripture Cards to Pray over Children ($30 retail value)
- Scriptures for Mom ($10 retail value)
- Scriptures for Dad ($10 retail value)
- Bookmark Prayer Set of 3 ($10 retail value)
You will be able to offer participants one of each of the following: (Tip: You may want to get a small gift bag to put the items in.)
- The 35 page Scripture Writing Workbook – Just print, bind, and present.
- 52 Scripture Cards to pray over Children – Just print and present. Or print, cut and gift wrap.
- Scriptures for Mom – Just print and gift. Or print, frame, and gift.
- Scriptures for Dad – same as above.
- Bookmark Prayer Set of 3 – just print, cut and gift.
- Weekly prayer request cards – just print and provide as you need them throughout the study.
- Invaluable group prayer support… you can’t put that in an bag. (wink!)
If you have any questions about the Parent’s Prayer Dare Group Kit, please contact me here.
**All payments will be made through PayPal. All products are delivered in digital form to your PayPal email address from SendOwl Downloads. No refunds after any one(1) download has been made.
Join the 30-Day Prayer Dare for Parents today!
Not because prayer magically fixes you, your child, or your situation. But because prayer sets the tone of your heart and molds your character to be like the greatest Parent of all time, God your Father.
Let’s start praying big come September 1st and pray strong throughout the whole month. I’ll send you prayers, you just pray them! Deal?
Registration for the 30-Day Prayer Dare for Parents 2017 closes on Friday September 1, 2017. No exceptions will be made for late applicants.
The daily prayers will remain Free with or without your participate in the Scripture Writing Workbook or the Bible Study Group Kit.
ALSO: By joining this 30-Day Prayer Dare, you consent to receiving access to our Monday site-wide emails which include a “Monday Freebie” section, as well as other exclusive broadcasts. Sound good? See you soon, praying friend!


Established in 1948.
Guadalupe Credit Union has grown along with Santa Fe over the last 6 decades.
Originally founded by Fr. Edward J. McCarthy to serve the parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, GCU expanded its charter in the 1980s and today we are proud to serve Santa Feans of all faiths, professions, ages and backgrounds.
Many things have changed over the years–new services, new faces, new technologies. But some things have not changed. Today at Guadalupe Credit Union, you’ll still find the feeling of family, involvement in our community and a passion for the original credit union ideals of “people helping people.”
Contact InformationPhone Number: 1-800-540-5382
Address: 3601 Mimbres Lane Santa Fe , New Mexico 87507


On Sunday, June 7, I shared part of a confession of sins from our Lutheran Service Book hymnal near the end of my sermon.
The part of the confession that I highlighted was this line:
"I have not let His love have its way with me, and so my love for others has failed."
As Christians, God calls and commands us to love God and love people. The beginning of doing that work is confessing that we are imperfect at doing it. By confessing our sins and shortcomings, we end up relying on God's grace and forgiveness rather than our own effort of trying harder.
The good news is that when we begin with confession we get to receive God's grace, forgiveness, and love. And as we live in that grace and receive that forgiveness we are then able to share it with the world around us.
The end of the confession goes like this:
"I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better."
"God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Amen."
May God's grace, forgiveness, love, and mercy strengthen your faith and give you the grace to love others well.
(you can read the entire Individual Confession Rite on pg. 292 of the LSB hymnal)


You are in the right place.
Formerly The White Rose Gallery
We are so grateful that you have chosen to visit
As we redesign our site, we hope that you will come visit regularly as changes take place
You can visit our previous site at SandyHallGallery.com/rose
Visit us on FaceBook until changes completed
It is our hope that as you spend time viewing art in the gallery, hearing our hearts, and getting to know us a little that you will see God’s beauty and catch a hint of His fragrance. This desire is at the heart of the Sandy Hall Gallery.


The Least of These: A Christmas Story
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
There are "Christmas Movies" and then there are "Movies that become a tradition to watch at Christmas." The Least of These: A Christmas Story is exactly that, a movie that will become a tradition.
The typical "feel-good" holiday season movie is usually very predictable and you know the plot is similar to the last few you just watched. This movie, however, grabs you from the start and never lets go.
Rose, played by Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, is a single-mother, struggling every day to make ends meet, while raising her young daughter on a waitress' salary. They end each day in their "home", which is a car, not heated, not running, just a shelter from the elements. This is where they have their evening conversations. Where Rose uses her gift as an escape from reality, even if for a little while. Where mother and daughter hold hands and thank God for all their blessings. In a place where some would argue, what could they possibly be thankful for, this film takes you on a heart-felt, emotional journey through the ups and the downs.
This is one to purchase and watch over and over. While reminding us of what Christmas is truly about. It also serves as a reminder, any time of the year, that faith, forgiveness and love are among the most powerful things we have to hold onto.
Make sure to check out the trailer above and keep up with these artists as I could definitely see a follow-up here.


The Finished Life By Pedro Adao
Ready to get your copy of The Finished Life by Pedro Adao?
What Is The Finished Life?
The Finished Life is the life you would dream of having if you believed it were actually possible.
A life of passion, joy, and significance, where potential is realized and dreams are fulfilled. Through deep personal revelation and years of intensive research, Pedro Adao clearly and powerfully presents the beliefs, processes, principles, and methods that were at work in the historically most impactful life ever lived.
If you desire to live a life of massive positive impact that will only grow in its significance with the passing of time, then come and learn the timeless principles and strategies offered in The Finished Life and let them serve as your personal roadmap into your truest identity, purpose, and power. Praise for The Finished Life A life anchored in identity and purpose is authentic and the most fulfilling. Pedro Adao has written a wonderful book to help us in this regard.
With a gift for asking great questions, The Finished Life provides an opportunity for changed thinking, as well as the inspiration for taking the appropriate action towards the fulfillment of purpose. Bill Johnson Bethel Church, Redding, California, Author of When Heaven Invades Earth The Finished Life is a finishing school for leaders. Drawing on quotes from great historical leaders, Pedro adds personal insights and lands our focus on the greatest leader of all.
This book offers helpful, practical steps in following this amazing life, curing double-mindedness, and extinguishing the plague of dualism. Dan McCollam Mission Church Vacaville, California Bethel School of the Prophets and Author of God Vibrations Pedro Adao's book "The Finished Life" is more than a self-help book; it is a self-discovery experience. In this book, the reader is exposed to truths that, if applied, will open new territories of possibilities to explore. Pedro brilliantly reveals the life of Jesus of Nazareth as the ultimate model for not just finishing strong but finishing the mission accomplished.


Clarity is what guides us to God’s plan for our life. As we seek God thru prayer, fasting and studying His Word, He will reveal our purpose.
It can be so easy to get distracted with the busyness of life, doing things our own way or even focus on past hurts. But when we spend our time on these type of things will just send us to a dead end.
I would encourage everyone instead of making resolutions today that you would pray for clarity. Not just for what God would have you do, but how you go about doing it. As we depend on God for the biggest and smallest details, He will guide us. We will begin to know His voice, we will have His clarity.
Clarity helps us know the difference between a good idea and a God idea.


Who we are and what we believe
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We seek to gain people for God, gather around Word and Sacrament, and grow in Christ!
We believe that no one can out-sin the grace of God. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to save everyone. The salvation He accomplished for us on the cross is Good News to be shared with all people. In gathering around God’s Word and the sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, we are strengthened to do just that, share the Good News of salvation found only in Jesus. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God will enable us to gain people for His Kingdom.


First the Baptists and Now The Catholics
I find this story to be quite troubling on a number of levels.
Vatican offers swap deal to regain site of Last Supper
THE Vatican is hoping to regain control of the Room of the Last Supper in Jerusalem, one of the most sacred sites in Christianity.
It will, in exchange, hand over to the Jewish community the historic synagogue at Toledo in Spain, at present a Catholic church.
The proposals, contained in a draft agreement between the Israeli Government and the Vatican, come on the eve of a state visit to the Vatican next month by President Katzav. Final details on a long-delayed accord on the status of Roman Catholic properties in the Holy Land are expected to be agreed during the visit, marking a new era of reconciliation between Christians and Jews after centuries of hostility.”
Believe it or not I think that there is much to be gained in building stronger interfaith relations and think that this should be a priority. However it should be conducted in a manner in which the sides are seen as equals.
I have a little problem with the idea of being offered property that was stolen from Jews, especially if it is phrased as being part of some magnanimous gesture. Because what this says to me is that the church acknowledges that this is not their property but is only willing to give it back if they get something in return.
Call me crazy, but if this were a fight between children I would instruct the child that took the toy to give it back without demanding something in return.
I’ll keep an eye on this because I am interested in seeing how it all shakes out. For those who are curious here is a little more information about the room in discussion.
“The Upper Room, where the Last Supper is said to have taken place, is held by Christians to be the place where Jesus broke bread and drank wine with the disciples on the eve of his Crucifixion and also where the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost.
The Last Supper has become an iconic Christian image, painted most famously by Leonardo. The Room of the Last Supper is the fourth most holy place in Christendom after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built over Christâ€™s tomb, the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, where the Virgin Mary was told by an angel she was to give birth, and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where the birth took place.
The present Gothic-arched room is not the original but was built by the Crusaders in the 14th century. It was taken over in 1342 by the Franciscans, the Catholic custodians of Christian sites in the Holy Land.
Along with the rest of Jerusalem, it fell to the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century and was transformed into a mosque, whose Arabic inscriptions are still visible. Since the foundation of Israel the area has served as the site of Jewish yeshivas, or religious schools, since Jews believe that the Tomb of King David lies beneath the spot.”
Hat Tip to the slumbering Bear.
Jack Elliott October 26, 2005 at 9:04 pm
The Upper Room, or Cenacle (from Latin for dining room) traces its origin at least to the 2nd century AD where its predecessor was a church associated with a location where the Apostles had met. It later became the Church of Holy Zion during the 4th century. Under Islamic rule the church went through various destructions by Muslims, until in ca. 1335 the ruins were purchased by the Franciscans from the Muslims and there the Franciscans constructed a monastery which they used as their headquarters for serving pilgrims to the Holy Land.
However, Christians had previously constructed a shrine on the site commemorating King David which symbolically linked the promises made to the Davidic line with the Kingdom of God preached by Jesus Christ.
This Christian shrine to David was later to prove the Franciscan’s undoing when the Muslims and Jews began to regard it as the actual burial place of David. In the 16th century the Muslims forcibly evicted the Franciscans from their monastery and turned the monastery into a mosque in honor of David.
During the 1948-49 war of Israeli Independence, the Muslims abandoned the structure and the Israelis consequently confiscated it and turned it into a Jewish shrine and Yeshiva.
It now appears that after centuries of trying to regain this building, the Catholic Church may actually be about to regain only a part of it, namely the Cenacle.
So if there is any concern about property rights, the Franciscans can point to the fact that they purchased the site and constructed the building. And it was they who were subjected to the ignominy of having their property with all of its Christian associations taken from them by powerful overlords, who were then dispossessed in like manner by other overlords.
This was originally a Christian shrine and remains one of the primary sites commemorating Christ’s redemptive works.
For documentation pertaining to the Franciscans’s development of the site see
Sabino de Sandoli, “The Peaceful Liberation of the Holy Places in the XIVth Century” at
Concerning the origin of the so-called “Tomb of David” under the Cenacle, see the article by the Israeli scholar Ora Limor, “The Origins of a Tradition: King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion,” TRADITIO, 44:453-462, 1988.
Regarding the probable (but currently unknown location of David’s tomb, see Hershel Shanks, “Is This King David’s Tomb?”, BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW, Jan/Feb 1999, pp. 63-67.
Assorted Babble by Suzie October 16, 2005 at 5:40 am
I think you have a good point about the Catholics however as you know I am a Christian but love with all my heart my Jewish friends.
The point of giving something that was stolen, should be given without something in exchange.
I hope one day I can go there and see these annointed holy places.
sandra October 14, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Absolutely disturbing…but then again, a lot of things about a lot of big organizations – religious or otherwise – are. It’d be nice if they’d lead by example, though.
Jack's Shack October 14, 2005 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for coming by here too. 🙂
I often wonder how many fights the world has seen over intangibles, or should I say intangibles that people think are tangible if you know I mean.
Stephen (aka Q) October 14, 2005 at 7:13 pm
None of these sites has ever held any appeal to me. In reality, no one has any idea where the annunciation to Mary took place (assuming it was even a historical event), where Jesus was born, where the Last Supper took place, or where Jesus’ tomb was.
I know it helps people when they have something physical to view, but in my opinion these places have no spiritual significance.
annearkham October 14, 2005 at 5:30 pm
I feel wildly unqualified to talk about anything religious (no matter what the religion), so I’ll just say thanks for stopping by my blog, Jack!


On Monday, I am blessed to have the local church in Harrison throw me and another pregnant parishioner a joint baby shower. Mike and I have been attending the church on and off for a few years and have found the community to be warm and friendly.
We have a potluck dinner, play a Scramble-Baby-Word game, mingle and have a yummy cake. One woman makes beautiful flower arrangements for each of us (I have a "boy" arrangement and the other woman, who is having a girl, has a pink "girl" arrangement). I am touched they offer this shower for me, and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the ladies of the church.
Thank you to Liza and Carolyn and everyone else who attended and has made us feel a part of the community!
2013: The Year in Pictures
8 years ago


TBCA is pleased to announce the graduating class of 2018. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and held in the Worship Center/Gym. We are proud of our senior class!
Triad Baptist Christian Academy | 1175 South Main Street Kernersville, NC 27284 Ph. 336-996-7573 | A Ministry of Triad Baptist Church
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The town of Witney owes its origin to the Bishop of
Winchester. The Bishop's Palace site situated near to the Church on Church Green is one of 24
luxurious residencies in the
diocese and dates from the 12th century.
The archaeological remains of the great hall and
other features are exposed under a modern roof and were discovered in the early 1980s.
There is a small interpretation centre with a model
of the Palace at the height of its importance.
Site only : Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Iinterpretation centre : By appointment only
Bishop's Palace Site, Mount House, Church Green,
Witney, OX28 6AZ


2016 All Rights Reserved
Our 2019 event will mark the 44th anniversary of the Nebraska Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day. Each year the event committee operates under the assumption that living out of God's grace means, at least in part, fighting for justice for those oppressed or in need whose voices go unheard. The organization believes that ordinary citizens can take action on behalf of the disadvantaged by advocating for just laws. The purpose of the day, then, is help voters of the State of Nebraska better understand upcoming legislation in the Unicameral and the effects of that legislation in order that they may advocate for justice through the passage of laws that protect the rights and address the needs of the less fortunate.
To that end, the goals of the organization are to:
The committee is supported by the Nebraska Conference Foundation, the Helen Traudt Estate, United Methodist Women of the Great Plains Conference, Church Women United of Lincoln, and Church Women United of Nebraska.


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.1 Peter 1:3
The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!Luke 24:34
Truly, a miracle so mind-blowing as resurrection from the grave bears repeating as we rejoice on Easter Sunday. As we proclaim “He is risen!” you may hear others doubly confirm, “He is risen indeed!” It’s like saying, “It’s the truth! He rose up from the grave and He is alive!”
Easter weekend is filled with so many emotions. We feel Jesus’ wounds deeply as we remember His sacrifice and excruciating death on the cross. But as Sunday looms before us, anticipation rises. The very purpose of the weekend is to remind us no matter what we face today, what we have been through, or no matter what the future holds, we know God has conquered it all. Jesus, His Son, conquered sin, death, the cross, and He is making all things new. This is why we rejoice when we hear the words, “He is risen!”
“Margaret Sangster Phippen wrote that in the mid 1950s her father, British minister W. E. Sangster, began to notice some uneasiness in his throat and a dragging in his leg. When he went to the doctor, he found that he had an incurable disease that caused progressive muscular atrophy. His muscles would gradually waste away, his voice would fail, his throat would soon become unable to swallow.
Sangster threw himself into his work in British home missions, figuring he could still write and he would have even more time for prayer. “Let me stay in the struggle, Lord,” he pleaded. “I don’t mind if I can no longer be a general, but give me just a regiment to lead.” He wrote articles and books, and helped organize prayer cells throughout England. “I’m only in the kindergarten of suffering,” he told people who pitied him.
Gradually Sangster’s legs became useless. His voice went completely. But he could still hold a pen, shakily. On Easter morning, just a few weeks before he died, he wrote a letter to his daughter. In it, he said, “It is terrible to wake up on Easter morning and have no voice to shout, ’He is risen!’-but it would be still more terrible to have a voice and not want to shout.”
Do you rejoice in the fact that indeed He lives. Does He live within your heart? Can you sing these words and mean them?
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.Alfred Ackley