A quintet of private grounds & the church garden
One of my ongoing issues with the Home & Garden network (beyond its propensity to provide ideas for remodeling N3 World Headquarters) is that they toss out a lot about homes and way too little about gardens. In fact they should change their name to The Contractors Network since it has evolved into a venue for carpentry types and their innovation oriented partners to cash in on their fetching personalities as they face the inevitable crises inherent in reno projects.
But enough grousing. Here’s some news on actual gardens.
Each year for nearly 2 decades the Fremont United Methodist Church has held their Annual Garden Tour. Last year like many events the popular event took a sabbatical, courtesy of COVID of course.
Thankfully the opportunity to experience some very appealing gardens is back on and raring to go.
Here's the skinny on the tour courtesy of co-organizer Jean Sherman:
Yes, Fremont United Methodist Church is holding their Garden Tour again this year. The garden tour will be held Saturday, July 10 from 9 am to 3 pm. You are invited to tour five gardens in the Fremont area plus the gardens at the Fremont United Methodist Church. Your ticket to tour the gardens will include a free cookie and beverage. Tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at the church or day of event.
We are so happy to be able to tour the gardens of Amber Wakefield & Curtis Muma, Linda and Chip Wiersema, Kathy Fend, Susan Littich and Patti and Rod Croff. They are very pretty gardens located within an easy drive around Fremont.
The day of the Garden Tour, stop at the Fremont United Methodist church to tour their Memorial and Prayer Gardens. While there look over the garden art made by church members. Also, purchase baked goods and books. Yes, we will have a Christian fiction book sale. We are sorry to say that we will not have the Salad Luncheon. All proceeds benefit mission projects of the Fremont United Methodist Church. Contact church office 231-924-0030 or Jean Sherman at 231-519-2542 for further questions.
“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece”- Claude Monet
Some of the items available for sale at the event
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“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.”
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Billy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-!!!!!!!!!!!!/ Shaun Larson (friend from holbrook )
BILLY was a very good friend of mine when i was growing up. for a few years ive tried to track him down. today i was going up to holbrook to meet my dad there and a few miles out of town i glanced at the sign with his name on it. i didnt get a clear view of it but saw his name and said no please dont be what i think it is and immediately i googled his name on my phone and saw what i didnt want to see. Billy was born 3 days before me not far from where i was born. he became a great friend in holbrook and i will never forget him!!!! shaun michael larson
((((Van)))))/ Debbie Hooten Van, I wanted to let you know you have be in my thoughts & prayers. You have made such a beautiful site to you baby.Always remember your never alone just call out to God & He will be right by your side. I pray you feel Billy around you, remember Billy will always be remember, & always be loved. Hold on to God. With Christian Love, Debbie H. & Angel Dustin Loss of Our Only ChildClose
Happy Birthday Billy / Carol Carico (no)
Van, Please know my love and prayers are with you as Billy's birthday approches. A candle will burn in my home in memory of your angel. Take care. Love Carol Close
Thinking of you / Angie Walters
((((((Van))))))) Thinking of you and your handsome Billy, on this eve of his 1st heavenly anniversary. I pray the days are gentle to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs, Angie Dustin's mom Close
Remembering Billy / Carol Pizzi (Angel Debbie's Mom )Read >>
Remembering Billy / Carol Pizzi (Angel Debbie's Mom )
My Dearest Friend Van on Billy Angelvarsary Day Oct. 22, 2007, one Year without her Beloved Son / Gala Ivey (My Son's friend in Heaven )Read >>
My Dearest Friend Van on Billy Angelvarsary Day Oct. 22, 2007, one Year without her Beloved Son / Gala Ivey (My Son's friend in Heaven )
My Dearest Friend Van, to you I send my love, my heart, my friendship, I love you........ Billy send sweet memories to Mama make your presence known to her and ease her pain. You are remembered, even though we never met on this Earth I know when I walk through Heaven's Gate you will be there and I will recognize you, with your Mama, I wait till my turn comes to meet you in Heaven.
~Dear Child In Heaven~ You were a blessing to us all you were a special child. And we're so glad God sent you to be with us awhile. You filled our home with happiness and made our life complete. The time we had with you was far too short, but oh so sweet. Some things we don't find easy to accept or understand. Until we realize they're part of our Creator's perfect plan. Now it comforts us to know you're with the angels up above. While in our hearts we hold you close Surrounded by our love. Author Unknown
This day is remembered and quietly kept No words are needed, we shall never forget, For those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday Unseen and unheard, but always near, So Loved, so missed and so very Dear.
Van, I love you my Sweet Sista, feel my love, know you are part of my soul now, we walk the painful journey together, you are not alone, you are loved. I love you to the Moon and Back God Bless you love Angel ^i^ Colby's Mom Gala
Van, my love and thoughts are with you as your precious Billy's first anniversary approaches. I know how hard this day will be for you, but we are all thinking of you and praying you will find a tiny moment of peace on such a difficult day.
thinking of you and your angel on his angel day / Jacob's Mum Read >>
thinking of you and your angel on his angel day / Jacob's Mum
 Dear Billy's family thinking of you all as you remember your Billy on his 1st Angel day may the day be full of love and laughter may you have the love of family and friends to help you get through this 1st Angel day with Love Always Jacob's Mum our Aussie Angel www.caringbridge.org/me/jacob Close
Precious First Angelversary / Angel Leo's McPhee Read >>
Precious First Angelversary / Angel Leo's McPhee
An angel's first year in heaven Please don't weep for me no more Don't let grief consume your life. For I am in a state of bliss No sorrow or no strife. For death is not the end of all It's but the very start. I have left my love with you To hold within your heart. It's not a year without me It's a ye ar with God and glory. It's not the end of a life But the beginning of my story. For I have not left you I am with you everywhere. All the things we used to do I'm by your side to share. The children that are in your care The one's I loved so dear. I still watch them lovingly For I am always near. When you hold them close to you Singing a lullaby so sweet. I am singing harmony While sitting at your feet. So the loneliness that you feel Please try to turn around. For the author of my life Has brought me to hollowed ground. My life among the angels Was what God planned for me. Please accept that He knows I'm where I'm suppose to be
I cant live without you in my life! / Van Serna (His PROUD Mama )
I love you more than anything Billy and I cant live without you. But I HAVE to, dont I? Please baby come to me--just once so I will know you are alright--I cant stand the not knowing. Youare and always be MY CHILD, damnit. And I know some people wont like my language but I cant fucking stand this!!!


We are a United Methodist Church
One of the themes of the denomination is Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
We see this as meaning…
Open Hearts Which demonstrate the Love of Jesus Christ
Open Minds… We believe that many times our world tends to see things through the lens that blur the truth. Therefore, we believe that all that we do needs to be based first on Scripture which we believe is the inspired word of God. We further believe that we need to use Tradition and the wisdom of what our Lord has taught us over the years. We believe that we need to use our experience to do what we know or believe has worked in the past and then use our reasoning.
Open Doors… We invite all persons to worship with us.


There are many people who contact us with the interest to know who we are and to know our Islamic qualifications. Many people say in order to promote our ministry, it is mandatory to know more about us. However the quality of knowledge presented is enough to convince Christians and Muslims with the truth of the living God.
Our mission is to give free Bibles to Muslims and spread the truth about Christianity and Islam. Bible for Muslims is a nonprofit organization and depends on donations. Feel free to contact us with questions about Islam and Christianity. We are invited by churches around the globe to study Islam. We can easily be invited to share the deep knowledge and understanding of Islam and Christianity.
We do not force our beliefs to Muslims or Christians. However, we recommend every individual to receive deep knowledge of Christianity and Islam, and as we know only knowledge leads to the truth. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (Bible)


Odyssean Ensemble / Colm Carey, Christian Wilson (organ); Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London, London, 2 June 2016
Byrd The Great Service (1590s)
Written by Ben Hogwood
The Spitalfields Music Summer Festival celebrates 40 years this summer – and what better way to begin by sending its audience to the Tower?
That was Arcana’s fate on a surprisingly cold and grey evening, though thankfully our time with the ravens was not at Her Majesty’s displeasure. Rather it was a wholly enlightening evening with the music of William Byrd, one-time composer for a rather older Queen Elizabeth than the one we now have.
The focus of attention was Byrd’s Great Service, composed tactically in installments in the 1590s, ensuring Byrd kept his role – which had been the subject of some controversy. Byrd was fundamentally a catholic, and so was composing outside of his comfort zone – and many of his contemporaries knew that and wanted him punished. The Queen ensured this did not happen – and 420 years on we had cause to be grateful as his polyphony illuminated the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.
Interior, the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, the Tower of London
Providing the voices were the Odyssean Ensemble conducted by Colm Carey, their ten members singing one to a part, and bringing great clarity to Byrd’s text settings in a rewarding acoustic. Their harmonies were crystal clear, the pronunciation likewise – and the melodies were carefully woven into a beautiful tapestry.
The music of the Great Service itself was sensibly complemented by three shorter numbers on a reduced scale, and at the centre of the concert we were given a helpful reminder from organist Christian Wilson of the composer’s genius at the keyboard with the Fantasy in A minor. Byrd was, we were informed, given a telling off for over-elaboration in his writing – but here the decorations were almost mischievously florid.
As a perfectly chosen encore Carey introduced O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth – an anthem based on Psalm 21 that asks to ‘give her a long life, for ever and ever’. In the year of our current monarch’s 90th birthday, it was the most appropriate way to end to a fascinating and rewarding lesson in musical history, enhanced further by the escorted walk to the Tower gate afterwards.


It’s that chilly Saturday morning when a chat on our high school’s WhatsApp group changes the narrative of the day. Jack had passed on. He was the silent member who didn’t talk much, just as he was silent during the high school days. He had passed on Wednesday, earlier in the week, and nobody knew about it till Saturday when the chat came through. The most confusing part, at first, was that it was Jack’s number that was used to alert us of the demise. Yes, the morning was cold and chilly. I was online at the time, just before I could depart for work. It was the last thing that I could ever think of reading in the morning. My day just went flat. This is how things are happening when we least expect.
The daily unfolding of events right before our eyes; when you switch on the T.V, you’re served with very disturbing news of something happening in our society and around the globe. There’s no simple day around us. That notwithstanding, the demands of this life, I tell you, are difficult. With mouths to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet, the struggle to keep it real, is heavy. With all the displays social media has for us. It’s not that easy. Each of us has a burden to bear, not forgetting the status of the economy. The demands and the expectations are way above. Trying to figure out how it shall be and balancing it with what ought to be done is not a walk in the park. Recently, I had a phone call with a friend. The caller was telling me of how the pressure he once experienced, while he was working with a financial institution, almost drowned him; thank God it never went opposite for him.
We are faced with all kinds of challenges that overwhelm us. Some of will hide. Some will break down. Some give up and quit the race. Others opt to end this life and meet their Maker. Yes, we are overwhelmed! From the book of Psalms 61:2, it reminds us of this: “From the end of the earth I will cry to You. When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to rock that is higher than I.” The words from that verse have been a powerful prayer for me. I cannot figure out how to navigate life’s drama and crisis. They come as a flood. Before one is over, another comes in, and the cycle seems to continue; Fight after fight. It’s difficult. When the world is shaking and unsure, we have to stand firm grounded on the rock-that is Jesus Christ. He is higher than us. He is our strength and our refuge.
There are days when we feel it’s not working. Yes, we wake to that day and you feel, “no, this not the day I longed.” We all wish if such a day could have a skip button, we would all skip and go to another better day. However, I’m reminded of the verse in Psalm118:24, the bible says this, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Yes, this it’s the day that the Lord has made, even when it’s not making any sense. At the end, we shall come out victorious. One person said, the darkest night lived until tomorrow with will soon be over.
In such a moment, it’s best to wait upon the Lord, as He gives strength to the weary, and He increases strength to the weak. They shall run and shall not faint. It’s my hope and prayer, that all things will work together for the good, for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (in Christ Jesus).


Dedication (Lat. dedicatio, from dedicare, to proclaim, to announce), is to immerse oneself with sincerity into a certain subject or properly the setting apart of anything by solemn proclamation. It is thus in Latin the term particularly applied to the consecration of altars, temples and other sacred buildings, and also to the inscription prefixed to a book, etc., and addressed to some particular person.
Today was baby dedication Sunday at our church. We attend First Baptist in Macon and have really enjoyed becoming involved in the church over the past 3 months. It has been a real change for our family, but I think it was a good one. So today we dedicated our son, Micah John who just turned 4 months. In case you are wondering the dedication service is not some magical service that now means my son will go to Heaven upon his death. Not at all close, that will come when and only when my son accepts Christ as his personal savior through faith in Christ. When that day and time comes, it will mean even more emotionally and spiritually than today meant to me and my husband. No today was about Josh and I giving our son to God for His purpose and glory. The above definition states it is to immerse yourself with sincerity or to be set apart. It is my husband and my desire to raise our son (and daughter) to personally know and love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind. We strife to raise them in a godly home and teach them godly values that will direct their lives from the day they are born until the day they die.
So it was with great love that we stood before our church and along with his grandparents, the congregation and other parents we pledged to love our children and lift them up to the Lord and teach them His ways. This will be our goal as our son grows and develops. It is a high calling and one that should not be taken lightly.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.


My family celebrated Christmas yesterday, on January 7th. Many Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar, which is why we celebrate Christmas 13 days after most of the world does.
Because our Christmas falls after New Year’s Eve, a lot of our customs are different. For example, the kids expect Santa to leave them gifts not on Christmas, but on New Year’s Eve – simply because that one comes first. Meanwhile, our Christmas is filled with other customs.
On Christmas Eve, we burn the Yule log, which brings health and luck in the upcoming year.
On Christmas itself, we prepare a special type of bread and put a coin and a piece of Yule log in it. Whoever finds the coin will have money that year; the person who finds the Yule log will be healthy.
I enjoy Christmas time because it’s truly a family holiday. My husband’s family hikes to the top of the nearby mount each year, where we sit for a cup of hot chocolate. Now, this year we had to drive since I’m 8 months pregnant, but it was so enjoyable nonetheless.
This was also the first year I made the special bread, česnica, for the rest of the family. They all loved it, although I didn’t end up finding anything – better luck next year!
We had a great family lunch, had some dessert, and overall enjoyed the entire day. I can’t wait to celebrate the next one when we add another member to the family.


December 19th - Christmas Concert
Our traditional Christmas Concert will be on Saturday December 19th at St John the Baptist, Barnet, featuring songs and carols for choir and audience. More details here.
January 30th 2016 - Improve Your Singing Workshop
Another of our occasional series, this time featuring well-known songs from stage and screen. It will be held on Saturday January 30th 2016 from 10am, at Queen Elizabeth's (Boys) School, Queens Road, Barnet. More details and an application form will follow soon.


To create a School culture based on Christian values in which pupils, staff and parents strive to achieve excellence in all matters educational and foster a love of lifelong learning.
Dream Believe Aspire Achieve
Through Christian Values we will:
- Develop self-confident, independent, responsible and motivated children with a love of learning
- Provide a balanced and creative education in a secure environment for all children to achieve their potential
- Support a highly-skilled, committed, motivated and valued staff
- Encourage parent participation in being part of their child’s learning
- Develop a strong and valued presence in the local community


If you are visiting the church for the first time, most people feel more comfortable if they know what to expect.
When bringing children aged 5 to 12 they will join the main service for worship and then join with other children in their own room during the sermon for more relevant teaching. If this is their first visit, parents or guardians will need to fill out a form with contact details in case of emergency.
The main service starts at 11:30 and aims to finish by 1:30pm, but if the service runs over time there is no problem leaving early.
The service usually consists of worship led by the band (a variable combination of guitar, keyboard, bass drums and singers). After the main worship there will be a time for notices and the offering is taken with the money received going to the running costs of the church and ministries supported by the church. The sermon follows which sometimes ends with an invite for people needing prayer to come to the front if they want to be prayed for. After the final worship song followed by a closing prayer and blessing you are free to stay and chat with anyone before heading home.
The part of the service that may confuse people who do not often attend church is taking of communion, when bread and grape juice is taken to remind everyone of Jesus body and blood being given for mankind when he died on the cross. If you are not yet a christian or do not fully understand this, feel free to refuse the bread and juice as there is no compulsion to join in.
As the bible study is held in the same hall as the church service, if when you arrive you see someone at the front of the hall speaking to the people sitting down, it is best to wait in the lobby until the you see people getting up signalling the end of the bible study when you are welcome to enter and sit wherever you like as there are no reserved seats apart from the obvious ones by the door marked usher. Feel free to look at the books, CDs, DVDs and Tshirts in the foyer (known as the LMF Booknook) that can be purchased while you are waiting.
When you arrive there are 2 entrances. If you enter from the parking lot you will go down some steps into the community hall, just walk along the right side of the hall to the end where you will see some stairs which take you up to the main entrance doors where people coming in from the street enter. The ladies rest room is to the right of the main entrance and the stairs up to the main hall are to the left. After climbing the stairs to the top level you will be in the LMF Booknook with the doors to the main hall to your left, and to your right the steps up to the men’s rest room which is on the left at the top of the steps.
Before entering the main hall you will notice the door just to the left of the main doors, this leads to the nursery where nursing mothers can feed their baby in privacy, as well as changing facilities for babies. Some parents who are concerned about their children running around and disturbing others often use this room during the service, although as this is a family church, you will find that other people are less concerned by the noise than the parents.


Apocalypse and AI
To the extent that I can draw an analogy, there is a pretty clear pattern taking place in prophecy, and it goes something like this:
- Mark / Matthew / Paul: Second coming in one generation, new earthly kingdom of justice ASAP
- Luke: The kingdom of God is within you
- John: It’s all gone wrong, nothing is clear, we only have the word to rely on, the devil (or his father?) rules this world
- Apocalypse: It will happen and you will all suffer and die
- Origen: Most meaningful progress is after our death anyway
- Church fathers: It has already happened, the Kingdom of God has arrived etc (i.e. full preterism).
It seems we are at stage 1 of the cycle, but at some point the inevitable realisation that very little is going to happen will sink in.


Very professional, kept in touch leading up to the party which was very helpful as I had so much to do. Exceptional service, my guests were impressed. Thank you Kelechi you helped to make my party awesome! I couldn’t have asked for more. I would definitely use you again and recommend you to others.
At our wedding we held God high in music and dance and did not compromise and he blessed us all… People keep mentioning that we indeed had a praise party and it was unto God. I hope u ate well and took home some cake! I am praying for you. Keep up this good work to the glory of God… With love and thanks from the Eze’s.
My wife and I would like to thank you on all your hard work yesterday. You were excellent on the decks! It was a blessing to have you. We pray for all of God’s blessing upon your life and that you will continue in excellence in your talent. God Bless you.
Highly Recommend! Fantastic DJ Kelechi helped us celebrate my mums 60th Birthday. Kept everyone one on the dance floor happy and dancing until the night was over. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again!
Literally, the best Christian DJ in England! I’ve seen DJ Kelechi minister over the years at different functions and his selection of danceable Christian music is second to none. I went to Praise Party UK just because of him. I also got DJ Kelechi to DJ at my recent book launch and he played so well, even my non-Christian friends enjoyed his set. I highly recommend.
Hey Kelechi. Thank u so much for going above and beyond last night. May God increase your ministry. You made our Christmas party a memorable one! God Bless.
Having pioneered the christian youth ‘praise party’ concept, DJ Kelechi knows exactly how to read a crowd and what makes a good christian event – his music ministry is guaranteed to leave you with good memories and good vibes. His critically acclaimed afrobeat and praise party mixtapes have been treasured in many households for over a decade. His attention to mixing means that you won’t miss a step on the dance floor, previous guests have said that his ministry felt like “one continuous best song ever!”
Whether you require christain AfroBeats or Dancehall, Hip-Hop or Funky House, Jazz or R&B, Pop or House, DJ Kelechi has all the classic and contemporary sounds you need.
His commercial experience and exposure, coupled with his high level of skill and diligence, have allowed him the opportunity to perform at prestigious locations all around the UK as well as Italy, Germany, Sweden, Angola and Malawi.
DJ Kelechi was voted DJ of the Year 2018 at the GT Music Awards.
“What an honour! Thanks to everyone who has booked me, listened and shared my mixtapes and voted for me to be DJ of the Year 2018!”
It can inspire or it can infect the mind with negativity. My mission is to use it for the Glory of God.”


If You Can Find a Purpose to the Suffering, the Suffering Becomes More Bearable
Believing that God has a plan for me has kept me grounded through the challenge of chronic illness. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t felt near impossible to get through (most days). It just means that I always knew there was a purpose to my suffering, even if I didn’t know what the exact purpose was yet. I trusted that everything would one day work out.
For those who aren’t sure what they believe – It’s OKAY
Never let anyone shame you for not believing in something you feel like you should. How can you believe in something that you have never personally felt or experienced? You can’t! So don’t beat yourself up. Life is hard enough.
Never let anyone use religion against you. That is not what it is meant for.
If you are interested you can read more about what I believe here.
What are some of the beliefs that have helped you through the difficult times in life?


Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia makes a great contribution to the strengthening of the spiritual unity of Belarus and Russia, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said when making a congratulatory speech in honor of the 70th birthday of the Patriarch in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow on 22 November.
“You enjoy the highest regard and appreciation of the Belarusian people. Christians, Muslims and other religious communities – everybody knows you. This is the result of your work and kind regard for our country as the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. Under your leadership, the Orthodox Church has been contributing to the consolidation of the spiritual unity of the Slavic peoples of Russia and Belarus based on Christian values of mutual help, love of peace, humanism and justice,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The President expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for the attention he has been giving to the Belarusian people. Every visit to Belarus becomes an important event. Wherever you have led a service – be it in the legendary Polotsk, heroic Brest, ancient Vitebsk or the capital city of Minsk – people welcome you everywhere as a good shepherd and mentor,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The President noted that Belarus was not a new land for Patriarch Kirill. Before being elected head of the Russian Orthodox Church he served in Smolensk Oblast and in Kaliningrad Oblast. “You have said that when traveling between these two Russian regions you got to know Belarus and fell in love with it. I am sure you love our wonderful Slavic people. I am sure that in the future, your work will be as great and fruitful, and the Orthodox Church will continue helping to tackle spiritual, moral and social problems,” the Belarusian President said.
For many years of difficult and responsible pastorship Patriarch Kirill has been preaching relentlessly the Gospel truths of kindness, love and mercy teaching Christian values, helping millions of believers find spiritual support and a road to the church.
“Today your service as the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church is aimed at preserving the moral core of the public life, spiritual and cultural traditions of our religion, education of the younger generation. The Patriarchate is a very hard everyday work and an enormous burden of responsibility. Faith, wisdom, resilience and strength of spirit help you perform this noble mission,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The Belarusian head of state noted that thanks to Patriarch Kirill’s work and prayers, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to develop and increase its influence while enjoying a respectable place in the Christian world. Special attention is paid to the unity of the Church. “Today, when the world is wracked by wars, religious and interethnic conflicts, the words of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh ‘Save the love and unity to be saved’ get a special meaning. Thanks to your active position, the Church plays an important role in maintaining accord in the society, friendship and cooperation between peoples, and peace and stability on the planet,” Alexander Lukashenko said.


You remember those hand-picked lieutenants of Jesus — the apostles? Jesus chose them to carry on his mission. And that’s just what they were doing when the Gospels were composed. They were the leaders, preachers, and teachers of the early Christian movement. James, the older brother of John, had already died a martyr’s death in A.D. 44.
How do you expect these men to be portrayed in the Gospel narratives? If it’s a made-up story, one thing we can be sure of, Jesus and his Best Cleaning Hero apostles will be the heroes. Bear in mind that myth-makers don’t waste time on half-way measures; that would just befuddle the story. The heroes, Jesus and associates, should look and act the part of true champions.
But what if they didn’t make up the story? Let’s just say that the Gospel authors took the real characters and cleaned them up a bit, rounding off the rough edges so that they would appeal to potential converts. You can see how they could justify this: “Jesus, Peter, James, John, and the rest should be presented in the best light possible. That would establish the proper example for Christians to follow.”
Now our question is: How would the Gospels read if they “cleaned up” the leading characters? More than likely, we would not find the super heroes of myth, but they wouldn’t appear too scruffy either. Certainly nothing embarrassing would be allowed to stay in the story.
Then there is a third alternative. That is, the Gospel writers took the real story without sanitizing it and presented it as honestly as they could. With that, we would expect to see bits of realism seep through. In a group of twelve or so men, there are bound to be some flaws. If the story is told straight, we are likely to see some of these less than perfect traits. Maybe even Jesus himself was occasionally out of sorts.
We find James and John, Jesus calls them the “Sons of Thunder,” wanting to rain fire from heaven down on a particular Samarian village which wouldn’t receive Jesus. Jesus said, “No.” (Luke 9:53-55) Later these same two brothers requested preferential treatment for themselves in the coming Kingdom. (Mark 10:37) That didn’t go over well with the rest of the apostles.
Still later, Jesus found his disciples arguing among themselves about which one of them was the greatest. (Mark 9:33-34) Of course, the Gospel writers could have remained silent about these indiscretions. We would have been none the wiser, and the apostles wouldn’t have looked tarnished. But they didn’t do that.


Coon Rapids, Minn - Feed My Starving Children today announced the three Lenten dates they will offer Fully Invested meal packing sessions for those interested in making a $50 donation. This fee covers he price of ingredients for one box of food -- the average amount per person produces in a packing session.
As a Christian-based charitable organization, Feed My Starving Children had traditionally closed on holidays like Easter to observe the religious event. This year following the success and satisfaction found at last year's invested session, they will continue the holiday tradition and offer an additional packing option on the first Sunday of Lent.
Who: Feed My Starving Children www.fmsc.org
Where: 401 93rd Avenue NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
18732 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317
990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan, MN 55121
When: · First Sunday of Lent, March 9 from 1PM to 3PM
· Good Friday, April 18 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM
· Holy Saturday, April 19 from 9:00AM to 11AM
Cost: $50.00 Only Fully Invested Sessions require a fee - all other volunteer activity taking place year round, six days a week requires packers be 5 years and older. Groups may do creative fundraising ahead of time. Visit http://fmsc.org/forvolunteers/downloadable-resources for volunteer resources.
“During Lent, Christian believers often set aside time to prepare their hearts for Easter and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us,” said Mark Crea, Executive Director and CEO of Feed My Starving Children. “These special sessions are a way to honor His message of caring for those in need by giving our time and treasure.”
About Feed My Starving Children
A Christian non-profit founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children tackles world hunger by sending volunteer-packed, nutritious meals to nearly 70 countries, where they're used to operate orphanages, schools, clinics and other building blocks of healthy communities. Last year, 657,000 volunteers produced 163 million meals. FMSC has maintained the highest four-star rating from Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years and spends 92% of total donations directly on feeding the hungry.


We went to Chipotle for lunch on Sunday. Jason stood in line while I snagged an empty table. As I tried to navigate Noah and a high chair across the crowded restaurant, hoping to not whack anybody in the ankles, I felt the weight of the high chair vanish. A young man wordlessly took it from me and carried it to my table, while I thanked him repeatedly, surprised at the unexpected help -- and also at how surprised I was about the unexpected help.
He sat down at his own table, bowed his head and prayed silently over his burrito.
I remember how my family used to pray over meals in restaurants. I remember not caring for a lot of years, and then I remember caring so very much. I remember my face flushing with embarassment as my parents prayed aloud over burgers and fries at Friendly's, while our waitress hovered nearby, unsure whether placing the ketchup bottle on the table would disturb our communion with the Lord Father in Heaven.
A few minutes later a family asked the man if they could join him at his oversized table since there weren't any other seats. They were obviously eating out post-Church, dressed in their Sunday best, like my family had done almost every Sunday for my entire life. We attended a casual church but dressed up anyway -- it was disrespectful otherwise, although at some point in time I think my mother consented to letting my wear nice pants instead of a dress.
Soon the entire table was engaged in an easy, friendly sort of conversation. I wondered if the family had seen the young man say grace a few minutes earlier, or if they saw his shorts and t-shirt and assumed he needed to be saved. I wondered if they'd try to save his soul right there, like the time I made that little boy ask Jesus into his heart on the playground at McDonald's.
I wondered what they thought of my family, just one table away, all wearing shorts and flip-flops. I wondered if they felt sorry for Noah, like I used to feel sorry for the children at the booth next to us on Sundays, the day it was easiest to tell who went to church and who was a Godless lazy heathen.
I remember stressing about the fate of our fellow restaurant patrons to the point that I was unable to eat -- what if that baby over there never heard about God? Would it be my fault for not talking to her parents today? Would she go to hell because I was too busy enjoying my clown sundae with the M&Ms at the bottom to plant the seed of faith in their hearts and would Jesus look at me sadly one day in heaven because I'd been the crucial part in his plan for that little girl? Would he show me the jewels I could have had in my crown that I'd forfeited because I'd been too embarassed to close my eyes during grace that day, when that's all it would have taken to be a witness for Christ?
The family asked the young man about where he worked and lived and how long he'd been here in America. They asked him whether the burritos were authentic or not, and whether he liked the hot salsa.
"They're different, but good." he answered with a smile. "And I like the medium."
I thought about how I ended up with a child named for a Bible story but who has never been to church. Who has never been baptized. I thought about the children's Bibles and religious books our families have given us and wondered whether they worry that we'll never tell him about Jesus. Or whether the salvation of his soul is their burden alone. I wondered what in the world I'm supposed to tell him about his Fisher-Price Noah's Ark playset.
I wondered what happened to my faith and my fervor and my absolute belief in the Bible and the existence of God and heaven. I wondered when everything got so messed up for me, and why I have such ambivalence to the idea of putting on some nice pants and going to church on Sunday.
The church family's little boy spilled some rice, and the young man handed them his extra napkins.
I wonder if he'll ever know how much his actions spoke to me this Sunday.


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I am 51 years old and don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to love what I do so I don't work a day in my life. In all honesty. I know God has given me a gift to help people. I want to do His will and His work.
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Autoimmune, Diabetes, Hormones, Stress & Anxiety Mgmt/Relief, Weight Loss
High School 1985 BS Education Elmhurst College 1990 Teaching License Loyola 1994 MA School Counseling Concordia University 2012 Life Coach Institution 8/2018


Sunday, May 19th 2013: "Pentecost (C)"
"Veni, Sancte Spíritus, reple tuórum corda fidélium; et tui amóris in eis ignem accénde.""Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love." (†)
Sunday, May 26th 2013: "Holy Trinity (C)"
"Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto, Deo qui est, et qui erat, et qui ventúrus est.""Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come." (cf. Rev 1:8)
Sunday, June 2nd 2013: "Corpus Christi (C)"
"Ego sum panis vivus, qui de cælo descéndi, dicit Dóminus; si quis manducáverit ex hoc pane, vivet in ætérnum.""I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever." (Jn 6:51)
Friday, June 7th 2013: "Sacred Heart of Jesus (C)"
"(Option #1) Tóllite jugum meum super vos, dicit Dóminus, et díscite a me quia mitis sum et húmilis corde. --- (Option #2) Ego sum pastor bonus, dicit Dóminus; et cognósco oves meas, et cognóscunt me meæ.""(Option #1) Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord; and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart. --- (Option #2) I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me." (Mt 11: 29ab OR Jn 10:14)


Church of the Highlands hosts over 4,300 Small Groups for members and attendees to join this fall.
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Church of the Highlands is thrilled to launch over 4,300 Small Groups across 25 locations this fall. Running from September 3, until December 2, Small Groups are the avenue Church of the Highlands uses to encourage the building of strong and authentic relationships in addition to their weekend experiences.
Church of the Highlands launches new small groups three times annually; spring, summer, and fall. These groups are designed to provide an easy way for new attendees and those who have been in the church for years to get connected. Members of the Highlands Dream Team and the Highlands Staff Team lead groups that meet in homes, local businesses, community centers, public parks, and other locations in their communities.
Highlands’ free-market Small Group model allows leaders to choose any topic that they enjoy to host a group; from Bible Studies, to Lunch groups, sports groups, book studies, prayer groups, and groups based on seasons of life. Anyone can join a Small Group and attendees do not have to be members of Church of the Highlands to participate.
Small Groups meet weekly on various days depending on the leader’s preference and attendees and members are able to search an online directory to find a group that fits their schedule and interests. They are able to filter the available groups by location, topic, day/time, age group, and more to allow every person to find a group for them. Highlands believes God wants every person to find freedom and healing in relationships with others and Small Groups provide a weekly environment for those connections.
About Church of the Highlands:
Church of the Highlands is a local church with locations across Alabama and parts of Georgia where attendees can experience a fresh, powerful connection to God and one another. Highlands exists to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. With this simple and impactful focus, everything the church does is aimed at helping each person live the full life for which God created them.
For more information, visit www.churchofthehighlands.com.
Mercury News Media
email us here


The Life Teen Podcast is attached. Readings for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Eph 5:21-32; Jn 6:60-69.
“When your Christian walk get’s hard, what do you do? Do you retreat? Do you stand still? Do you charge forward? We are being called to move forward even in difficult times because we believe that God is with us: even if we don’t know where God is leading us. Eucharist is a constant reminder that God is always with us and will always be with us. It is easy to say that we are followers of Jesus…easy to say that we will live like Jesus…but it is hard to actually follow him and take the next best step. If we live fully, we have to live under the mission of Jesus Christ. No matter how hard life gets…how confusing life gets…we say ever forward.” (Mark Hart)
This podcast is an excellent foundation for a weekly Bible study focused on the readings throughout the liturgical year. These Bible studies can be at the parish, at a coffee shop or even on-line.


For the past three years, Rise has been a successful, community changing event, and by God’s grace this year will be the same again!
On 21st August 2021, Rise is back! This year’s Theme is ‘Is life getting harder? Unchanging faith in changing times‘ . We’ll being looking in depth at issues around ‘Worrying’ is it part of life and how can it be conquered- Dealing with anxiety and living daily in God’s peace.. Stay tuned for more news and updates on our event website.
We are keeping a close eye on the ongoing developments of COVID-19, and will keep the event website updated. Our prayers are with the nation and the world.


Honestly, I’m not sure how to start this. I’ve been having these thoughts for quite some time now and, with the exception of one person, I’ve never shared this with anyone.
I am a Christian and trust me when I say that my family is as Christian as it can possibly get. In case you need proof, when we were kids, my siblings and I would have daily devotions with our grandmother during the summer. Every night, the whole family reads one chapter from the book of Proverbs and says a prayer before having dinner – we’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. I go to church twice a week, on Sundays and Saturdays and I am a Sunday School teacher. These are just a few things.
I’ve been told by a lot of people that I’m lucky to have been born into such a family, to have been brought up the way I have, to have had that kind of childhood. And to an extent, yes, I do agree with them. To be honest, I like the kind of person I turned out/am turning out to be and my faith has a lot to do with it.
But then there are times when apathy sinks in and I turn into this Christian robot. I let my mind wander off when I’m in church. Sometimes, I even have the balls (figuratively, of course) to take out my phone and start playing Subway Surfer while the pastor is talking. I pray a prayer that I’ve said a gazillion times and had completely memorized in my head. I rarely read the Bible and if ever I do find the energy to read, I only read it for the sake of being able to say that I did.
A part of me thinks that this is because of how I was brought up. You know, you’re taught very early on that you should pray and read the Bible every day, that Sunday should be spent at church and that doing otherwise is a sin. So you pray, you read the Bible and you go to church. For someone like me who’s been doing this routine since childhood, it’s so easy for it to become just that – a routine or, at times, a chore. You start to do these things because you know it’s what you’re supposed to do – not because you actually want to.
Earlier, a pastor from church said that at the moment we accept God and believe in Him, our mind, our heart and our soul are renewed for Christ.
And I thought, “What moment?”
I’ve accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, that I am sure of. But if you ask me to tell you when that happened, I won’t have an answer because all my life, that’s what I’ve believed in.
You’ve all read or heard stories of how people experienced that big life-changing moment that caused them to drop everything and turn to God, right? Well, I’ve never had that.
I’m pretty sure I sound idiotic and foolish when I say that there are times when I feel like that would be better. To grow up not being taught everything that you needed to know, but finding them out one by one as you get older. To start out lost so that you can know what it feels like to be found. To see Him as a stranger at first and then experience Him making Himself known to you. To be an unbeliever at the beginning so that you can eventually become a believer purely by choice and not by birth.
To have that big life-changing moment when everything suddenly clicks and you’re left with nothing but this mind-blowing and heart-stopping realization that God is all you have and all you need.
I’m struggling, obviously. But I try. When I feel like I’m starting to get sucked into the tempting and oh so convenient lifestyle of mechanical worship and an impassive relationship with God, I talk to Him (usually in the bathroom and, no, I don’t know why) about everything. It gets better afterward. I still experience relapses every now and then but the intervals are longer than before.
I’m not so sure what the point of this post is anymore, honestly. I guess I just needed to sit and write this all down just to get it out of my system. I must say though that right now, I feel my relationship with Him has just gotten better.
It would be reassuring to know I’m not the only one who’s had this kind of thoughts. It would also be so nice and helpful to hear from you, regardless of whatever it is you feel like saying – advice, thoughts, experiences, sermons and whatnot.
“He must become greater, I must become less.” -John 3:30


It takes a lot to move me out the door on a Sunday morning to go to church. As far as I’d thought, church wasn’t contained within four walls. I live in God’s country, we all do. I’m especially fond of the Church of the Great Blue Herons or the Church of the Mighty Redwoods. Church is everywhere, and yes, sometimes it’s even within four walls.
I have found the most dynamic, passionate, engaging, all inclusive church at the Genesis Global Spiritual Center. This is a Science of Mind based church steeped in Ernest Holmes and New Thought teachings, as well as ancient wisdom. It’s brimming with God and love, foot stomping, hand clapping music and it reaches into the depths of you, culls the very best, the wholeness that you already are and always were.
The Reverend Charles Hall used to be connected with the Agape Church in Los Angeles, preaching right along side of Michael Beckwith. We are beyond blessed to have him in our community. If you live near enough to get there on a Sunday, you will not be disappointed.
Below are a few paraphrases from today’s service and a few comments from me. Unless otherwise noted, they were spoken by Rev. Charles Hall.
“You are the answer to somebody’s prayer.”
This one really hit home with me today. I have a lot more on my plate these days because I was an answering to someone’s prayer. There have been moments where I thought I took on too much, but that little reminder today, makes every morsel of it so worth it.
“Your life is heaven having it’s way right now.”
That alone is the only daily affirmation I ever need.
“You can be on the cusp of something. Appreciate the cusp, not the something. Appreciate this moment now.”
“All manifestations are effect.” Ernest Holmes
Now ponder that for a moment. Given that all manifestations are effect, take pause the next time you or I react to something. We are just layering more of our stuff on top of what was our stuff to begin with. It’s futile; it’s the old childhood game of sit and spin.
“Sometimes all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage that will change your life forever.” that’s a paraphrase by Rev. Hall from the movie – We Bought a Zoo.
Someone is waiting for your courage, that some one is you and me. Let’s take the leap next time we are called to do so. You’ll know the moment has arrived, when that little niggly voice shows up that says you can’t, you better not, you’re not really capable, you shouldn’t, you couldn’t, not in a million years. That’s why it will take “insane courage”. You’ll have to be braver than the voices. The voices are ancient history. They’ve had their share of air time. Insane courage is well beyond the confines of that old safe box. Insane courage throws a deaf ear to the old paradigm. Can we do it? Hell yea, we can! It is what we came here for, the great adventure. Let’s go LIVE it!


Every year during Advent, Grace reaches out to local families who are going through rough times. Most years we work through the Salvation Army’s Christmas family program, and sponsor two or three families. Each family gives us an idea of what would be most welcome on Christmas morning, and then we go to work: the Giving Tree in our entrance hall is decorated with cards, each one inviting a specific gift. Parishioners take cards, and return them with gifts in plenty of time for them to be discreetly delivered in advance of Christmas. This past Christmas, the children of Children’s Church used some of the offerings they had been making through the year to buy and fill Christmas stockings!


The Substitute 6. A Ransom Paid 7. The Redeemer 8.
Christ's Atonement: More Than Just Payment for Humanity's Sin
The Curse of the Cross 9. For Whom Did Christ Die? Questions and Answers. Teaching Series Overview 1. The Meaning of the Cross. The Atonement of Jesus A growing number of professing Christian theologians in our day are questioning the doctrine of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus. Your Progress. Fix that problem!
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You may listen to this entire Teaching Series online for free. Playlist: Select a Lecture to Play 1. Christian hamartiology describes sin as an act of offence against God by despising his persons and Christian biblical law , and by injuring others. According to the classical definition of Augustine of Hippo , sin is "a word, deed, or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God".
Christian tradition has explained sin as a fundamental aspect of human existence, due to original sin , also called ancestral sin , [note 2] the fall of man stemming from Adam's rebellion in Eden by eating the Forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Total depravity also called "radical corruption" or "pervasive depravity" is a Protestant theological doctrine derived from the concept of original sin.
It is the teaching that, as a consequence of the Fall of Man , every person born into the world is enslaved to the service of sin as a result of their inherent fallen nature and, apart from the efficacious or prevenient grace of God , is utterly unable to choose to follow God , refrain from evil , or accept the gift of salvation as it is offered. In Christian theology , justification is God 's act of removing the guilt and penalty of sin while at the same time making a sinner righteous through Christ's atoning sacrifice.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
The means of justification is an area of significant difference among Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Broadly speaking, Eastern Orthodox , Catholic , and Methodist Christians distinguish between initial justification, which in their view ordinarily occurs at baptism ; and final salvation, accomplished after a lifetime of striving to do God's will theosis c. Theosis , is a transformative process whose aim is likeness to or union with God , as taught by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. As a process of transformation, theosis is brought about by the effects of catharsis purification of mind and body and theoria 'illumination' with the 'vision' of God.
According to Eastern Christian teaching, theosis is very much the purpose of human life. It is considered achievable only through a synergy or cooperation between human activity and God's uncreated energies or operations. Theosis and divinization are to be distinguished from sanctification , "being made holy," which can also apply to objects;  and from apotheosis , also "divinization," lit. Catholics believe faith as is active in charity and good works fides caritate formata can justify man.
Forgiveness of sin exists and is infused, but justification can be lost by mortal sin.
In the Protestant doctrine, sin is merely "covered", and righteousness imputed. In Lutheranism and Calvinism , righteousness from God is viewed as being credited to the sinner's account through faith alone , without works. Protestants believe faith without works can justify man because Christ died for sinners, but anyone who truly has faith will produce good works as a product of faith, as a good tree produces good fruit.
For Lutherans justification can be lost with the loss of faith. The word "atonement" often is used in the Old Testament to translate the Hebrew words kipper and kippurim , which mean 'propitiation' or 'expiation'. A number of metaphors and Old Testament terms and references have been used in the New Testament writings to understand the person [web 2]  [note 4] and death of Jesus. Over the centuries, Christians have held different ideas about how Jesus saved people, and different views still exist within different Christian denominations.
According to C. Marvin Pate, "there are three aspects to Christ's atonement according to the early Church: vicarious atonement [substitutionary atonement], [note 5] the escatological defeat of Satan [Christ the Victor], and the imitation of Christ [participation in Jesus' death and resurrection]. In the Hebrew writings, God is absolute righteousness, and only pure and sinless persons can approach him. These traditions of atonement offer only temporary forgiveness,  and korbanot offerings could only be used as a means of atoning for the lightest type of sin, that is sins committed in ignorance that the thing was a sin.
Marcus Borg notes that animal sacrifice in Second Temple Judaism was not a "payment for sin," but had a basic meaning as "making something sacred by giving it as a gift to God," and included a shared meal with God. Sacrifices had numerous purposes, namely thanksgiving, petition, purification, and reconciliation.
None of them were a "payment or substitution or satisfaction," and even "sacrifices of reconciliation were about restoring the relationship. James F. Clearly there were ideas that existed in the Judaism of the time that helped make sense of the death of the righteous in terms of atonement. Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Soon after his death, Jesus' followers believed he was raised from death by God and exalted to divine status as Lord Kyrios "at God's 'right hand',"  which "associates him in astonishing ways with God.
The meaning of the kerygma of 1 Corinthians for Paul is a matter of debate, and open to multiple interpretations. For Paul, "dying for our sins" gained a deeper significance, providing "a basis for the salvation of sinful Gentiles apart from the Torah. Traditionally, this kerygma is interpreted as meaning that Jesus' death was an atonement or ransom for, or propitiation or expiation of, God's wrath against humanity because of their sins.
With Jesus death, humanity was freed from this wrath. More recent scholarship has raised several concerns regarding these interpretations. The traditional interpretation sees Paul's understanding of salvation as involving "an exposition of the individual's relation to God. According to E. Sanders , who initiated the New Perspective on Paul , Paul saw the faithful redeemed by participation in Jesus' death and rising. McGrath notes that Paul "prefers to use the language of participation. One died for all, so that all died 2 Corinthians This is not only different from substitution , it is the opposite of it.
Observance of the Law is needed to maintain the covenant, but the covenant is not be earned by observing the Law, but by the grace of God. Several passages from Paul, such as Rom. According to Richard B. Hays ,  who iniated the " Pistis Christou debate,"  [note 18] a different reading of these pasagges is also possible. In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as calling for repentance of sin, and stating that blood-sacrifices cannot substitute repentance.
Accepting the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Christians assert that Jesus was predicted by Isaiah, as attested in Luke , where Jesus is portrayed as saying that the prophesies in Isaiah were about him. The classic paradigm entails the traditional understandings of the early Church Fathers ,   who developed the themes found in the New Testament. The ransom theory of atonement says that Christ liberated humanity from slavery to sin and Satan , and thus death, by giving his own life as a ransom sacrifice to Satan, swapping the life of the perfect Jesus , for the lives of the imperfect humans.
It entails the idea that God deceived the devil,  and that Satan, or death, had "legitimate rights"  over sinful souls in the afterlife , due to the fall of man and inherited sin. During the first millennium CE, the ransom theory of atonement was the dominant metaphor for atonement, both in eastern and western Christianity, until it was replaced in the west by Anselmus' satisfaction theory of atonement.
In one version of the idea of deception, Satan attempted to take Jesus' soul after he had died, but in doing so over-extended his authority, as Jesus had never sinned. As a consequence, Satan lost his authority completely, and all humanity gained freedom. In another version, God entered into a deal with Satan, offering to trade Jesus' soul in exchange for the souls of all people, but after the trade, God raised Jesus from the dead and left Satan with nothing. Another idea is that Jesus came to teach how not to sin and Satan, in anger with this, tried to take his soul.
The ransom theory was first clearly enunciated by Irenaeus c. Yet, humans have a spark of the true divine nature within them, which can be liberated by gnosis knowledge of this divine spark. This knowledge is revealed by the Logos , "the very mind of the supreme God," who entered the world in the person of Jesus.
Nevertheless, the Logos could not simply undo the power of the Demiurg, and had to hide his real identity, appearing as a physical form, thereby misleading the Demiurg, and liberating humankind. Origen — introduced the idea that the devil held legitimate rights over humans, who were bought free by the blood of Christ. The recapitulation view, first comprehensively expressed by Irenaeus ,  went "hand-in-hand" with the ransom theory.
In the 11th century, Anselm of Canterbury rejected the ransom view and proposed the satisfaction theory of atonement. He allegedly depicted God as a feudal lord  [note 22] whose honor had been offended by the sins of humankind. In this view, people needed salvation from the divine punishment that these offences would bring, since nothing they could do could repay the honor debt. Anselm held that Christ had infinitely honored God through his life and death and that Christ could repay what humanity owed God, thus satisfying the offence to God's honor and doing away with the need for punishment.
When Anselm proposed the satisfaction view, it was immediately criticized by Peter Abelard. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformers reinterpreted Anselm's satisfaction theory of salvation within a legal paradigm. In the legal system, offences required punishment, and no satisfaction could be given to avert this need.
They proposed a theory known as penal substitution , in which Christ takes the penalty of people's sin as their substitute, thus saving people from God's wrath against sin. Penal substitution thus presents Jesus saving people from the divine punishment of their past wrongdoings. However, this salvation is not presented as automatic. Rather, a person must have faith in order to receive this free gift of salvation. In the penal substitution view, salvation is not dependent upon human effort or deeds.
The penal substitution paradigm of salvation is widely held among Protestants, who often consider it central to Christianity. However, it has also been widely critiqued,     and is rejected by liberal Christians as un-Biblical, and an offense to the love of God. The "moral government theory" teaches that Christ suffered for humanity so that God could forgive humans without punishing them while still maintaining divine justice. It is traditionally taught in Arminian circles that draw primarily from the works of Hugo Grotius.


'And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness...'
2 Corinthians 12:9a
Paul was no stranger to opposition and hardship in his walk with the Lord, yet concerning this matter of a thorn in his flesh, he asked the Lord to remove it from him three times! Clearly this was no small issue. Yet the Lord's response was not to take away the affliction, but rather to make it a means of proving the sufficiency of His grace.
How often when we are going through difficulties, we simply want the Lord to remove them from us. We often see our problems as obstacles to spiritual usefulness, when in fact they can provide the platform for bringing praise to the glory of His grace!
In the second part of our verse, Paul went on to say, 'Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.' If we are experiencing infirmities and oppression for Christ's sake, then we can know His power and favour resting upon us in a way that we otherwise may never have known.
O how great a statement this is, the Lord Himself has said it, 'My grace is sufficient for you'! We serve a God who cannot lie! He is utterly faithful to His Word. What enemy can vex us beyond the sufficiency of Gods grace to keep us?
The history of the saints show us that the Lord is able to uphold His own in the most impossible of situations, blessed be His name! What He has done for countless others He can do for you. Do not be discouraged! Let the Lord strengthen you. Run to Him, and lay hold of His all sufficient grace.
Beloved, we can look at our need and dwell upon the greatness of it until it consumes us. However, let us choose to look up, fix our eyes on the Lord, and by faith receive from Him, the promised Divine strength, power and favour that is summed up in this glorious word, grace.
The Lord understands the pain and discomfort we often feel. He did not condemn Paul, or simply tell him to do better. He gave him His grace, comforted his soul, and determined that the testimony should be part of His Word, bringing encouragement and solace to many a saint since.
Dear child of God, you may feel that you cannot keep going. You have no resources left, and you feel totally exhausted. However, your end is but the Lord's beginnings! Cast yourself upon His aid, look to Him, for there is an inexhaustible storehouse of grace to meet your need! The greater the need, the greater the grace! Praise be to the Lord!
Dear friends, let me end with a verse from John Newton's most famous hymn. He wrote, 'Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come. Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.' May our lives be 'to the praise of the glory of His grace!'
Shalom with every blessing in Jesus,


I love to travel and perform on different instruments -- this to me is part of the make-up of a concert organist. This year, I have visited Europe twice to perform -- first to Germany and later to England. In April, I flew to Stuggart to play a concert in Pforzheim. I was met by Michael Eckerle, organist and choirmaster of St. Francis Church -- what a delightful drive from the airport to Pforzheim which is right by the Black Forrest. Pforzheim is famous for its gold jewelry and is a fairly modern city being rebuilt after WW2.
The Catholic Church of St. Francis is the main church of Pforzheim with 120,000 residents. The parish is the biggest in the diocese of Freiburg/Breisgau with about 9000 members. The church was built in 1891 as a neo-romantic basilica with three naves and seating for about 800 people. It was destroyed during the Second World War and reconstructed in 1946 and an extensive renovation was completed in 1996. The organ built in 1948 was by the famous organ-builder G.F. Steinmeyer from Oettingen, Bavaria -- four manuals and pedal with fifty stops. In 1996 an extensive organ renovation and expansion was completed by the organ builder Karl Göckel, Mühlhausen-Rettigheim near Heidelberg. The organ now has 65 stops (80 ranks), a modern console with 5000 generals, floppy disk and a playback-system. The sound is superb for Romantic repertoire and particularly from the French school -- I included works by Widor and Tournemire in the program. A large TV monitor was provided for the excellent size audience. What a sound and, what an acoustic!
In late June, I then had the chance to return home and play three concerts. The first was at the beautiful Abbey Church of Selby dating back to 1069 -- a delightful place with the Abbey forming the nucleus of this picturesque town. I seemed to have brought over the intense Southern Californian heat but the Abbey proved a great place to rehearse in. Many of the greatest players have performed at Selby Abbey -- W. T. Best gave the opening recital after the rebuild in 1869, as did Edwin Lemare when the instrument was moved to the Lathom Chapel in 1891. After the rebuild in 1950, recitals were given by Dr. Francis Jackson and Dr. Melville Cook and in the early 1960s, Fernando Germani recorded three LPs for HMV. The present instrument is primarily Messers. Hill & Sons and a complete restoration is planned for this remarkable organ. Dr Roger Tebbet, Organist and Director of Music, is doing a terrific work in this place.
Then onto Gainsborough for a return visit to the United Reformed Church. I was greeted by the two fine organists of the Church -- John Horsley and Doug Proudley. The building is an example of Victorian Free Church architecture constructed in red bricks with bands of Derbyshire Grit and Ancaster stone. The organ case, pulpit and rostrum are of oak and the remainder of the woodwork is pine. The two manual Forster & Andrews dates back to 1903 and was opened by Alfred Hollins. Interestingly, a plaque states that Andrew Carnegie donated 375 pounds towards the instrument. Gainsborough posses a fantastic medieval house which has been wonderfully restored -- it certainly is worth a visit for those interested.
My last concert was at St. James, the Parish Church of Grimsby and known as the mother church of Grimsby. The oldest part of this beautiful church dates back to about 1200. The three manual walker has a fine organ case, three Diapasons and a superb Tuba. Interestingly, the Carillon comes from San Diego! The concert I performed was the start of the Saint James Festival 2005 and I was joined by the choristers, conducted by Adrian Roberts, Director of Music. They certainly produced an angelic sound and we all benefited from a good write up in the local paper next day.
Then, thanks to Continental Airlines, back to San Diego where I knew it would be very hot and remain hot until the late Autumn!
Carol Williams is represented by:
PVA Management UK, 01905 640663
Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, USA,
860 560 7800


Churches in the Twin Mountain Area
The local parish is now "Gate of Heaven" which incorporates St. Patrick's in Twin Mountian, All Saints in Lancaster, St. Agnes in Jefferson, St Matthews in Whitefield and Our Lady of the Mountains, Bretton Woods. Father Raymond Ball is the new pastor.
The St Patrick's Roman
Catholic Church was dedicated in 1915. The church was built of stones,
taken from the nearby Ammonoosuc River.
Weekend services are conducted on Sundays at 7:30 am.
The Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church was erected in 1908 to serve the summer guests at Fabyans and Bretton Woods. No weekly services, available for special Masses - weddings/funerals.
The Twin Mountain Baptist Church
was built in 1884. It has been refurbished and modernized, but still
stands in the same location today.
Sunday services are at 11:00 am.
The Episcopal Church of
the Transfiguration was built in 1903, in memory of Joseph Stickney,
the builder of the Mt Washington Hotel. It is a beautiful example of
the English Tudor style.


Cornelius was not in ignorance of the gospel going out to the children of Israel, but it was precisely because he was a lowly-minded believer that he did not therefore arrogate the blessing to himself. 276-78.] And interestingly enough, Jesus, after His resurrection, did appear unto James as Paul tells us in I Corinthians Acts 15:7 . From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Note what the Christians were doing. This who was here crowned with martyrdom was one of the first three of Christ's disciples, one of those that were the witnesses of his transfiguration and agony, whereby he was prepared for martyrdom; he was one of those whom Christ called Boanerges--Sons of thunder; and perhaps by his powerful awakening preaching he had provoked Herod, or those about him, as John Baptist did the other Herod, and that was the occasion of his coming into this trouble. How blessed it is to see the free activity of the Holy Ghost without any kind of communication of man! Acts 13:5,13 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister, Acts 15:37-39 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. And he said, Go show these things unto James ( Acts 12:16-17 ). arise and bring an end to the plaques on the land as a result of these evil acts in Jesus name. Summary: Acts 12 has both answered and unanswered prayers within it. Kedves Ltogat! Saul (as he is still called) and Barnabas are made the channels of bringing the contributions to the elders not named before. No notion is more at variance with the spirit of apostolic Christianity than that of societies of Christians existing in the same neighbourhood, but not in communion with each other, and not under 'common government'" (pp. The tradition that they have in the Romish church, that this James had been before this in Spain, and had planted the gospel there, is altogether groundless; nor is there any certainty of it, or good authority for it. Salvation means that the heart enters into deliverance by grace as a present known public standing in the world. 1. Where man chooses for human things, we have the Lord recognising it. He had gone up to the great city of solemnities, but the blessing was no longer to be found there. "But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." Certainly the Ethiopian received the truth; but verse 37 had better be passed by in your minds, at least in this connection. Therefore, in an effort to please them he took action against the apostles by having one of them, James, executed (12:1-2).The execution of James pleased the Jews more than Herod expected, so next time he planned to kill the leading apostle, Peter (3-5). If the blood of his saints, much more the blood of apostles, is precious in his eyes, and therefore, we may be sure, is not shed but upon a valuable consideration. Where. Jehovah's house had been left doubly desolate; Jerusalem had this added to her other sins that, when the blessing had come down from heaven, she would not have it. If God had given them the Holy Ghost, as was manifest in sensible results, it was very evident that they must have by God's grace had repentance unto life. This contrariety doth cause me to expound it of the Gentiles." When this Ignyes eskv fotzs vllalok Veszprmben, mvszi s dokumentarista fotkkal tudlak titeket elkprztatni. as well as entice man. Mindig keresem az j helyszneket, szinte soha nem fotzom ugyanazon a helyen. Holy Spirit cause a great confusion among my antagonists today in Jesus name,23:6-10. 449, 450). Hence though Philip might preach and they receive the gospel, the apostles come down, and with prayer lay their hands upon them, and then they receive the Holy Ghost. 298, 299). It has indeed been suggested that it was in this very house that the Last Supper was eaten and that it continued to be the meeting place of the disciples in Jerusalem. And he did not know that what was happening through the angel was real but thought that he was seeing a vision, They went through the first and the second guard and they came to the iron door that led into the city and it opened to them of its own accord. 12. Nevertheless the God that vindicated the honour of the crucified Jesus did not forget the martyred Stephen; and though there was an outburst of persecution, which scattered abroad throughout the region of Judea and Samaria all the believers that were in Jerusalem except the apostles, devout men were not wanting who carried Stephen to his burial. He ruled Judea for three years, A.D. 41-44 [Note: Josephus, Antiquities of . We must recollect that in the Apostolic Church an effective discipline the very idea of which seems to be lost amongst us existed. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably. He was the first husband of the Herodias ( G2266) who was responsible for the death of John the Baptist. A man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the queen of the Ethiopians, was returning after having gone up to Jerusalem to worship. Peter was on the housetop praying when God told him how to be the answer to Cornelius prayers (Acts 10:9), 10. "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." Shall we turn now in our Bibles to Acts 12 . But they lived very close to the spiritual world, to the spirit world. However, in answer to the prayers of the Jerusalem church, Peter miraculously escaped (6-11). "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man." But the testimony of miracles is apt to act upon the flesh. Vidm, bohks, letszer fotkkal tudok szolglni s f clom, mindenkibl kihozni a profi modellt. All who are informed in these matters are aware that the best authorities reject the entire verse. And they said, "Yes, Lord, we are able." a. Herod the king: This was Herod Agrippa I, the A fotzs szmomra nem csak egy munka, hanem egy szenvedly, amit csak fnykpezvel tudok csillaptani Szeretem az egyedi elkapott pillanatokat, de nem szeretem az erltetett belltsokat. * It is well to avoid a figure which churchism has ever turned to its own aggrandisement and the Lord's dishonour. . (Ephesians 4:1-32) I merely make the remark in passing; though it will not be needed for most here, it may be for some. There was at this time some quarrel between Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon, for whom the quarrel was a serious matter. 2. "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word;" for the God who not only has hearts at His command, but controls all circumstances, was now about to accomplish that which He had always at heart, making the disciples to be witnesses of Jesus to the very ends of the earth, though first of all to Judea and Samaria. Here is an account of Peter's imprisonment (Acts 12:4; Acts 12:4): When he had laid hands on him, and, it is likely, examined him, he put him in prison, into the inner prison; some say, into the same prison into which he and the other apostles were cast some years before, and were rescued out of it by an angel, Acts 5:18; Acts 5:18. The house of Mary the mother of Mark. A fotzsban az emberbrzolst tekintem a legnagyobb kihvsnak.Fontosnak tartom a folyamatos nkpzst, hogy megismerjem a legjabb trendeket s irnyzatokat, igyekszem mindig napraksz jdonsgokkal szolglni. At first they were more timid; they spoke only to Jews. At the precise instant when one apostle was already dead, another imprisoned and condemned, and the entire Twelve proscribed by an all-powerful ruler acting as a Jewish deputy in the whole procedure, out of a desire to please his subjects, at that very moment God sent an angel to release Peter and shortly thereafter struck Agrippa dead. He had before this delivered Saul from the effects of undue anxiety and distrust in the minds of the disciples. It must be his spirit. As we are told here and the Spirit delights to give such an account "he was a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.". When Philip died, this region was granted by the Emperor Caligula to Herod Agrippa. Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine. Keep me from reading into the Scriptures what I think it is saying, rather than understanding it in its correct context. The believers prayed for guidance in making decisions (Acts 1:1526), 2. He figured that they would be coming to Mary's house looking for him and so he, no doubt, went to hide out from Herod. . Undoubtedly throughout these districts churches existed; but it was all one and the same church too, and not different bodies. 'Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria,' etc. He was led of God. At the same time scripture shows there might be and often was an interval after the gospel did go forth. Mvsz belltottsg s egyben riport jelleg kpekkel gazdagthatlak benneteket. Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. Israel had the truth presented to them as it was afterwards to all. EXCELENTE OPORTUNIDAD DEPARTAMENTO CNTRICO EN COSQUIN, OPORTUNIDAD CHALET VILLA MIRADOR DEL LAGO. How could anything seem too great and good to him whose heart had just made the acquaintance of Jesus? He had been educated at Rome, but he sedulously cultivated the good graces of the Jewish people by meticulously keeping the Law and all Jewish observances. Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural. . Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. Philip, who had been appointed by the apostles at the choice of the multitude of the disciples to care for the distribution to the poor, goes down to the cities of Samaria preaching Christ. Finally, and in few words (for I do not intend to say more on Acts 12:1-25 tonight), we have the completing of this second part of our narrative in this chapter. 2. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know." "In the opening chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, the Christian dispensation is seen in actual operation; for that with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost that dispensation properly commences will probably be admitted by all parties. WebPRAYER POINTS FROM ACTS 23. If you don't have faith, God's not going to answer your prayers. They were not about to let that happen again. Where they really didn't know if it was reality or just some spiritual revelation. 466, 467. The apocryphal Gospel according to the Hebrews tells that after the death of Jesus, James made a vow that he would neither eat nor drink until he saw Jesus again; and that Jesus did appear to him. They felt in a measure, and justly, the tremendous deed that had been done. But there is not yet the revealed truth of the body, though involved in the word of the Lord to Saul of Tarsus when he said, "Why persecutest thou me?" May our hearts and minds be fully (Acts 10:1-48). So John often speaks of it; and the very one that tells us most of the divinely given character of true faith who most of all lets us into its secret power and blessedness, even eternal life as bound up with it, that same John is the one who more than any other furnishes instances of a mere humanly produced faith. As a rule, a prisoner was chained, his right hand to the left hand of the guard. In earnest emphasizing the seriousness of prayer. Here we find not even the apostle Paul was above it. Strikingly, beautiful it is to see the devoted simplicity with which he answers to the call of his Master. The light that shone suddenly on him was from heaven. 192, 193). 50 Days Fasting & Prayer Guide for RCCG 2023 Fasting and Prayer. Water baptism is neither slighted nor is it put forward as a command or condition. But a moment's reflection will show that the difficulty is only imaginary. And he goes, the Lord communicating another vision to the apostle himself, in which he sees Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him that he might receive his sight. This precisely Cornelius had not known, nor could any one have known it till the work of redemption was done. He had no confidence in the Lord for himself not a particle; for just as those who have confidence in the Lord have not an atom in man, his sole hope of blessing for his soul lay in the influence of another man, not in Christ's grace. Nevertheless, care was taken to hinder all appearance of independence or indifference to unity. He is the Herod of Matthew 2:1-23, who was in power when Jesus was born, who received the Wise Men from the East and who massacred the children. Herod the Great left three sons, between whom his kingdom was divided - Archelaus, Philip, and Antipas. He slew James, as, when any sedition is raised, the heads and captains go first to the pot, (750) that the common riff-raft may by their punishment be terrified.


For those who are looking for quality senior care for their loved ones, there is an invaluable blessing and comfort in knowing that a Catholic assisted living center near you is available. Catholic senior care facilities provide not only physical and emotional support but also spiritual support which can be incredibly important to both the elderly person receiving the care and their family members. Here’s why Catholic senior care facilities are so beneficial.
The Importance of Catholic Senior Care Facilities
When selecting a senior care facility, it’s important to make sure there are qualified caregivers who will provide compassionate and understanding service. Catholic senior care facilities strive to hire staff that shares similar beliefs and values as the patients they are caring for. This means that caregivers are more likely to understand a patient’s religious background and worldview which can lead to improved communication between caregiver and patient.
Catholic senior care facilities also provide community support that can make all the difference when it comes to emotional well-being. Senior living communities often focus on more than just medical needs; they create social networks among residents, helping them feel connected to one another while also providing them with emotional support from peers who have gone through similar life experiences. In addition, the community can help residents stay current on events within the church or other activities such as Bible study classes or prayer meetings which may be important parts of their daily routine.
Finally, Catholic senior care facilities offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth. Many times these facilities offer spiritual counseling or services such as Mass or rosary that allow residents to deepen their faith journey even as they age. Additionally, attending Mass with other residents allows seniors to benefit from fellowship with like-minded individuals who share similar beliefs and values as them. This can provide solace during difficult times in addition to promoting a sense of peace throughout daily life.
In the end
For those seeking quality senior care for their loved ones, it is important to consider a Catholic senior care facility due to its many benefits including compassionate caregivers, community support, and spiritual growth opportunities. These benefits ensure that elderly individuals receive not only physical and emotional support but also spiritual guidance during this special time in their lives. With so much good that comes from choosing a Catholic setting for elder care, it is no wonder why more families are turning towards this option each year!


My 19 year old cousin, Alan Oliva Jr., was out from a party in Chicago with a friend and while they were walking on the streets he and his friend were hit on the backs with bats by three gangsters. The friend got away but Alan didn't. He was stabbed twice in the back and was rushed to the ER but died six hours later. You can read more, here.
This is my first personal loss of someone that I knew and it's just incomprehensible. I mean it feels so unreal. It's hard when things like this happen but I'm finding I just need to trust God and that "all things work together for the good of those that love Him."
Hopefully when things like this happen that we read in the paper or watch on the news or personally experience, we'll be drawn closer to Him and learn to trust in Him more. We need to trust that when God says not to do things (like "thou shall not murder" ), we shouldn't do them. There are other commands in the Bible that to many people don't make sense or they just don't care or purposefully don't obey so they end up basically ruining their own lives if not others.
Alot of times, we think we have our whole lives in front of us (especially us teens) but really only God knows how much longer we have. Alan probably thought we was going to spend his memorial day weekend with his family and friends. I understand he wanted to be a cop. He probably felt he could take on the world. But God had other plans. Now through this, I'm praying many more of my family members and Alan's friends (and, yes, it's hard but even his murderer) will hear of the love and grace and saving power of Jesus Christ and be added to the family of God.
Tomorrow is NOT promised. Cherish the people in your life. Be kind and love your siblings. Honor your parents. Treat everyone with respect. Live everyday as if it were your last. Because really, you don't know if it is. Or someone else's.
Some events can really put things back into perspective.
Two of my friends just lost their 13 year old cousin (Sean Woods) this past weekend as well. After being missed for a couple hours at a party, they found he had been accidentally drowned.
So if you would please pray for my cousins (the Oliva's) and my friends, the Piekarski's, cousins (the Woods) to be comforted and experience the peace of God through these untimely deaths in both of our family's, we would really appreciate that.
These events remind me alot of Kris Allen's song-
"Live Like We're Dying".
"Live Like We're Dying".


Delegates, alternates and bishops from across the Episcopal Church are here in Austin in General Convention. It happens every three years, and this is my first time here. It’s “the house gathered,” with politics, caucuses and all the trappings of the political tradition of the United States, but there’s more. There’s a sense that this is not just legislation being negotiated. Our Presiding Bishop challenged us yesterday in the opening worship to be about God’s work, which is walking in the way of sacrificial love.
I was in a hearing yesterday about racial reconciliation and the need for anti-racism training in our church. My take on this issue is that it runs inextricably into the issue of multicultural ministry: how to be the Church with folks who think and talk and pray differently than myself. There were the “bombshells,” to be sure, private agendas foisted over as public debate, but there was also carefully considered, well formulated and often highly educated arguments made. It was a way for a committee to try to “hear the heart of the church,” so to speak, before deliberating on the legislative floor and taking a vote. It is heartening to me to see that reactivity is being restrained, and we are trying to hear one another.
I spend most of my time in the exhibition hall with our booth for Borderland Ministries. The Border Ministry Summit we are hosting in November is giving me reason to walk around and visit with folks. I’ve made some new friends, renewed old friendships and discovered some new possibilities for partnerships in ministry. I almost feel that this is where the real “work” of organizing for ministry happens. They can vote on what they vote on—and it will be binding legislation for the Church, but we are putting organic feet on ways to do ministry, and that is exciting.
The energy in the air is pretty much always at an exhausting pitch. I almost feel like “I’ve been here, done this, time to go home already,” but there are five more days of this for me, with some exciting moments yet to come. I haven’t spoken with a lot of people yet, and I still hope to tag up with the delegation from my home diocese, Central Ecuador. I’m sure that next Wednesday when I head off to Honduras I’m going to be really ready of a break. The day of travel will provide that for me.
So, yes, it’s tiring, but getting together always makes us stronger. In the end it’s worth it, and that’s why we keep doing it. It’s energizing to see my church so hard at work doing important things.


Administrator: (St Joseph, Peebles and St James, Innerleithen)
Fr Wojciech Rybka SVD Telephone: 01721 720865
Welcome: Thank you for visiting the website of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Peebles. Our Parish is situated in the beautiful Scottish Borders, 23 miles south of Edinburgh.
Christmas Eve: ‘Midnight Mass’ is at 9.00pm in St James, Innerleithen
Christmas Day: Masses at 9.30am in St Joseph, Peebles and 11.30am in St James, Innerleithen


It is difficult to be human. It’s scary. Because in fact we are alone, we never really get to fully know anybody—not even ourselves. At the most we can touch, for a moment, the mystery that other lives are, for a moment of love, friendship, ideological or artistic or spiritual communion, sexual pleasure. But only barely.
Then we are again alone, we will die and we have no way of knowing what happens to us half an hour from that moment. We fear everything that we can not control, and that is almost everything, even though we like to imagine it is not so much so. In some issues, we might fool ourselves but in others, like sexuality, it is impossible. Here, control fails us in seconds before a desire, a dream that we would have never thought ourselves capable of, and suddenly there it is, happening to us. That is why the alliance of the cross and the sword that maintains empires is founded on our loneliness, our fragility, our need for warmth and approval, our vanity that makes us need to feel part of something eternal and transcendental. What this alliance controls the most is that part of life most impossible to control, the part we fear the most: our sexuality. We thank the cross and the sword for protecting us from what we can not control by obeying, by being part of their institutions, by believing that we need institutions to mediate between us and the chaos of life, uncertainty and death.


Itinerant work: Last month Patrizio was able to visit the church in Santa Maria a Vico and preaching there. God willing, Patrizio will be visiting 25th -26th March the church in Monte Sant’Angelo (Foggia) - picture aside - teaching and sharing the gospel in an outreach. Please pray for protection and blessings and we share fellowship and God’s Word. Patrizio has the privilege to write on “Il traguardo” a bi-monthly magazine for young people. His article for this month is from 2 Peter 1:3 to 11.
Irpinia project & GLO teams: Please keep praying for the Irpinia project (Avellino province – also known as Irpinia ) at this stage: “preparing the ground”. We hope to visit again Serino (27 March and 10th April – picture aside) and Solofra (15th April) with the book table in the market. Last Saturday in the Solofra market we met for the first time Patrizia a lady whom we gave a calendar. Antonio & Michele came too and took a calendar each. Pray for a seller called Sergio who came to the table asking for a calendar too. Our old friend Giovanna is asking prayers and we are praying for her soul to be saved too. Have a look at our glo teams 2017 summer program. There are many locations in Europe and of course, in Italy too. Choose before the Lord where to spend a period in mission like Potenza province, Monte Sant’ Angelo (Foggia), Naples, Avellino province. We need your involvement! Please have a look at
www.glo-europe.org/glo/programme.html applying on line. Invest this coming summer in mission, Ciao!
Jesus says “I am the bread that came down from heaven”
Patrizio & Jennifer Zucchetto
Via Luigi Pirandello, 1 - 80010 Quarto, Naples - Italy


St. Vincent’s House operates solely through the generous donations of concerned patrons. We do not and cannot do it alone. Together we can affect a positive change in the lives of those in need. Each gift contributed enables us to be a Safe Haven, an Oasis of Hope to the community we serve.
Together we will make a positive change in the lives of those in need…This is indeed a very special House where Hope is found.
Donations to St. Vincent's House are used to support our programs of emergency assistance, food, medical care and education.
A donation of:
$5 provides two meals to someone who is hungry
$20 of gas allows our transporation van to shuttle clients to necessary errands including doctors appointments, thegrocery store and potential job interviews
$50 A co-pay for a needed presciption
$100 provides emergency assistance to someone facing eviction or having their utilities (electric, gas, water) shut off
All donations allow St. Vincent's House to continue to provide Hope for our community and to say YES! to those in need.
Adopt St. Vincent’s House as your next community outreach or mission project for your church, or civic organization.
Designate St. Vincent’s House as your United Way choice.
Collect canned goods and other non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry. Special need for "Easy Open" canned proteins such as Vienna Sausages & Tuna.
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Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer ! Put your talents, time and skills to work to help us instill hope & change lives
Help us organize fund-raising events.
Donate a turkey for Thanksgiving basket.
Schedule a summer work project for your youth ministry group.
Underwrite your favorite St. Vincent’s House program.
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