Just as children imitate their parents, we are called to imitate god. The armor of god sermon by bob briggs, ephesians 6. The active role of the church is not altogether surprising, given the writer s previous indication that god has raised us up with christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places 2. The mystery weapon in ephesians 6 ephesians 6 6 children, obey your parents in the lord. Irving jensens chart of ephesians and then ephesians 46 goto page 63 ephesians. For the christian to stand strong, and to understand how the devil is out to get himher is very important. Put on the whole armour of god, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. That it may be, well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Before reflecting on the text of ephesians we need to look at the question of authorship. Godly leadership god gives grace to be leaders in his church. I highly recommend the short video from which i have quoted which you can view here.
There is a phrase that is used to describe someone who is anxious and eager to handle a situation. As if that werent breathtaking enough, ephesians 3. The purpose of the church is to submit to god s battle plan for victory. Tonight i want to speak concerning the armor of god that is found in ephesians 6. Stanley as he walks through the principles the apostle paul taught in this encouraging epistle. As a nation we reflect upon our beginnings, and the part that god played in our beginnings. Clearly paul does not intend this passage in ephesians to be an exhaustive list of functions in the lord s church.
That phrase echoes one of paul s major themes in ephesians. I will treasure the truths lloydjones expounds on in his book, which is really a collection of his sermons based on the passage of ephesians 6. Lord s day evening, december 31, 2017 place preached. Each of the 31 messages, divided into five volumes, will bring you closer to understanding what it means to live in christ and how that knowledge ought to direct your every. In this case, the armor of god is not at all passive. Sermons from ephesians walking together in unity 4. May we stand firm with this strategy best described from an acrostic of the word stand.
February 8, 2018 blessed be the god and father of our lord jesus christ, who has blessed us in christ with every spiritual blessing in the. He has one last practical suggestion for his readers vv. James fordyce, dd 17201 october 1796, was a scottish presbyterian minister and poet. This thanksgiving has been observed in the midst of another national crisis. Call to worship ask what i should give you, god invited young king solomon in a dream. Sermons on ephesians first presbyterian church, jackson. If you think back to what weve already seen in this great letter from paul to the churches in asia minor, you will remember that paul has laid out in great detail what it means to be in christ in ch. Timothy, a native of lystra, was probably converted on paul s first preaching journey acts 14. In these verses paul is bringing his letter to a close. In the remaining three chapters of this epistle, paul will focus on duty, i.
I went up on podium with tshirt and tie that my two children had bought me for my birthday a week ago last wednesday was my birthday. The passage begins by informing us to be strong in the lord and in the power of his might. Finally, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. The reason for this urgent instruction is the nature of the christian s opponent in spiritual warfare. Ephesians was composed during paul s stay in caesarea. Paul s address to the ephesian elders is a shining page even in the new testament p. We also have a selection of articles on how to preach, and we have over 650 sermons by cecil hutson. Read commentary on this popular bible verse and understand the real meaning behind god s word using john gill s exposition of the bible. Please use these sermons as the lord leads, but nothing on this site may be used for profit without my expressed, written permission.
By the time of paul s second preaching journey, he was well spoken of by the brethren at lystra and iconium acts 16. Loving wisely childrens sermon, illustration, preaching. Would that i had died instead of you, o absalom, my son, my son. This following story is told by leroy eims about the time when he was serving in the marines in the south pacific during world war ii. Sermon, which is the third on the sixth chapter, in sermons on the epistle to the ephesians. What unrequested gift do you suppose god might give you that you also need. We have many audio gospel sermons available in mp3 format. Thus, we know where god is bringing the world, because god has revealed that grace in christ. We feel the price was paid when jesus died on the cross. In the sermon you that heard here last sunday entitled the master builder s blueprint, we considered what makes a local church a true church of god. Now, although this is a battle cry for all christian soldiers, it s not just something to get the blood pumping. That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. David pours out his emotions as he mourns his loss a reaction that any parent can identify with. This is the remembrance that paul calls us to do this week in our text of ephesians 2.
Feb 09, 2018 february 8, 2018 blessed be the god and father of our lord jesus christ, who has blessed us in christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. As we will see as we look carefully at this verse today, it is a battle cry that is not just. The book of ephesians allan turners personal website. Ephesians 6 commentary spurgeons verse expositions of the. Sermons on ephesians ephesians central church of christ.
The sermons, bulletin articles and bible studies published in this website are from sound members of the church of christ and are free to everyone. This week s lectionary text from the hebrew scriptures brings us david s heartwrenching lament over the death of his son. Contextual overview 10 finally, be strong in the lord and in the strength of his might. The purpose for writing this letter paul does not write this letter to the ephesians to rebuke them for any irregularity of conduct, like he does the corinthians, nor for any perversion of the gospel, as he does the galatians. Robert pushed the rest of the lunch over to one side of the hospital tray. I am indebted to peter rollins for his excellent insights into the need for church to be a place where we consult our suffering. Aug 25, 20 the mystery weapon in ephesians 6 allowfullscreen ephesians 6 6 children, obey your parents in the lord. Instead, a christian s self portrait ought to be based on his or her personal, intimate relationship with jesus christ. To the praise of the glory of his grace the grace of god manifestly appears in the predestination of men to adoption. Feb, 2017 pastor peter frey continues our series in ephesians with encouragement to stand firm in the realities of the gospel. For three chapters, paul has dealt with doctrine in which he has described both. Perry stone teaches on ephesians 6 thy word is a lamp. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord, and in the power of his might.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord and in the power of his might. The spiritual blessings that have come to us are the work of all three members of the trinity. We saw that there are 5 marks which must be present in a church to identify it as a true church that is built according to the master builder s blueprint. We do all kinds of crazy tricks to get ourselves to remember the tiniest thing. Discover your true identity by studying the book of ephesians with dr. For the word of god is living and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts of intents of the heart. Everything in these three chapters spells out what is involved in christians walking worthily of their calling. Dec 27, 2015 if youll remember from last week, paul called us in ephesians chapter 5, verses 1 through 6, to imitate god and walk in love, giving ourselves up for god and others. Since he made his first appearance upon the pages of the bible, the devil has been in the business of lying, slandering and accusing the people of god, gen. Paul s letter to the ephesians is as carefully structured as that great temple of diana, and it contains greater beauty and wealth.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Put on the full armor of god, so that you can take your stand against the devil s schemes. Free sermon book of ephesians martyn lloydjones trust. Their role is to equip others to do god s work, to build up the body of christ and to help them mature in jesus. The imperative also calls for us to be strong in the strength of his might. April 6, 2014 after spending the first three chapters of ephesians focusing on the christian s position in christ and the calling that the church has received through the person and work of christ, the apostle paul. Scoobydoo and his cartoon friends would come early every saturday morning growing up in new ulm, mn so when i heard my mother s voice cheerfully call out, rise n shine, sleepyhead. He is best known for his collection of sermons published in 1766 as sermons for young women, popularly known as fordyce s sermons. This content is part of a series making god smile 3 of 8 series. Zion chapel, grand rapids, michigan, usa finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord, and in the power of his might. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. And paul reminded us that we cant imitate him and walk in love as long as immorality.
To be ready for battle we need to be properly clothed. For the christian to stand strong, and to understand how the. A collection of sermons on book of ephesians chapter 6 by dr. The epistle to the ephesians walking together in unity 4. The preaching of christ is the whip that flogs the devil. Solomon asked god to give him an understanding mind able to discern good from evil. The first three chapters are about what we have as christians, and the final three chapters. It s offensive posturing that obrien explains, involve s carrying the attack into enemy territory, of plundering satan s kingdom by announcing the promise of divine rescue to captives in the realm of. They are called gifts to the body of christ in the book of ephesians. Please feel free to use any of the content found within this website for the spreading of the gospel to all. On this web site, you will find s of pages of detailed class notes and 100 s of hours of audio lessons on a variety of bible books and bible subjects. Finally, my brethren the word finally reveals that this is paul s final section of his letter to the ephesians. Ephesians 6 commentary spurgeons verse expositions of. This is why this section begins by laying out several sermon ingredients that will be used to prepare a nutritious and appealing message.1526 678 67 674 649 903 945 504 723 57 1064 668 90 858 67 1310 379 473 1194 268 1269 458 1204 172 556 1063 947 256 359 978 1406 1207 721 1275


This is disgraceful. It’s also an example of an institution playing with people’s emotions to maintain power. The New York Times is reporting on a policy for requiring children of same sex couples to turn eighteen, move out of their parents’ homes and state that homosexuality is wrong before they can be baptized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A link to the Times article appears below.
Currently, the church is on the offensive and the defensive at the same time. This happens all the time with powerful people who are wrong. Society in general — which includes many individual Mormons — is maturing, and church officials are holding their noses while making the inevitable concessions. They don’t give any more than necessary, and they don’t draw the line at hypocrisy. It’s a strategy, not a matter of taking a moral position.
The LDS Church emphasizes family bonds. Anyone familiar with the human condition knows there are some families (including their own) who should disown a few destructive people, but the church hasn’t taken a strong stand on helping them do that. The church has social workers, but personally all I know of their social work involved trying to shame my grandmother into returning to the church after she left.
Couples married in the church are sealed for eternity, and getting a Cancellation of Sealing can be difficult and humiliating. For a personal account of the process, please consider reading the memoir Secret Ceremonies by Deborah Laake.
In case you read the Times article too fast — or skipped it entirely, here’s a screenshot of two paragraphs from the article (click the screenshot to see an enlargement, and then click the back arrow to return to this page). No matter where you stand on the topic of marriage equality or religion, I hope you will agree this new church policy is not pro-family.


We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, that He was conceived and born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and sacrificed Himself to be punished in substitution for sinners. By the blood of His cross and His resurrection from the dead, He obtained for us eternal redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. He was raised bodily and ascended to the right hand of the Father. He will return to the earth personally and visibly to consummate His kingdom. Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10-14; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11;Hebrews 7:25; 9:13-15; 10:19; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:1-2.
We Believe in The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates and forever indwells all Christians. Jesus Christ baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit to empower believers for ministry and witness. Joel 2:28; Matthew 3:11; John 1:12-13; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:14-16; John 7:37-39; Romans 8:9; 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 14:29; Eph 1:13-14; 5:18.
We Believe in Salvation
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. No ritual, work, or any other activity is required in order to be saved. This saving grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also sanctifies us by enabling us to do what is pleasing in God’s sight in order that we might be progressively conformed to the image of Christ. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. John 1:12-13; 6:37-44; 10:25-30; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 3-4; 8:1-17,31-39; 10:8-10; 1 Corinthians 1:4–8; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 1:7,9.
Salvation (Latin salvatio;
Greek sōtēria; Hebrew yeshu'a) is being saved or protected from harm or being saved or delivered from some dire situation. In religion, salvation is stated as the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences.
We Believe in Baptism, Communion, & The Church
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are to be observed until the time of Christ’s return. They are not a means of salvation. Baptism in water is by immersion and a direct commandment of our Lord for believers only. Water baptism is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in death, burial and resurrection. Matthew 26:26-29; 28:19; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; Col 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21.
We believe that the church is God’s primary instrument through which He is fulfilling His redemptive purposes in the earth. To equip the saints for the work of ministry. We also affirm the priesthood of all believers and the importance of every Christian being joined with and actively involved in a local community of the saints. God has called the church to preach the gospel to all nations, and especially to remember the poor and to minister to their needs through sacrificial giving and practical service.
Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:11-16;
1 Timothy 2:11-15;
1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10.
We affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message


St. Gilbert's Guild
St. Gilbert's Guild supports the clergy in assuring
that the Daily Office is said each day at St. Mark's.
Members of this Guild are especially helpful by reading
Morning and Evening Prayer when the clergy are away for
vacations, retreats, meetings, and regular days off.
Those who read the Daily Office as a rule of Life are
encouraged to join and assist in providing this service
to our Parish family.
St. Monnica's Guild
The Guild offers intercessory prayer and maintains
prayer lists for use in corporate worship and individual
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is a men's ministry
of the church. Its goal is to bring men to Christ
through observance of three basic disciplines - prayer,
study and service.
Altar Guild and Flower Guild
The Altar Guild is entrusted with the responsibility of
assisting the clergy in caring for the altar and all
items that are used during our worship. Altar Guild work
is a labor of love offered to God, not just a chore that
must be done. If you like to polish, clean, put things
in order, pay attention to details and stay in the
background, the Altar Guild is an excellent ministry for
you. The Flower Guild prepares the flowers and greens
for the decoration of the altar. Special service is
required during the festival seasons such as the
"Greening" of the Church for Christmas and preparations
for Holy Week.
Acolytes and Adult Servers
This group consists of the acolytes, lectors, lay
eucharistic ministers and ushers of the parish. Servers
must be regular in attendance for worship and reliable
in scheduled service.
The Order of the Daughters of the
To all women and girls. The Order of the Daughters of
the Holy Cross, founded in 2009 as an Anglican order,
not unlike what many may remember as “The Daughters of
the King.” Brochures are in the Tract Rack. Bp.
Ackerman is the national Chaplain.
If you are interested in finding more information on
these guilds please contact the


How Can you Support Us?
Here’s the reality….Morehead’s MSC is only able to minister to our campus and community through the generous support of the United Methodist Conference, area churches, and individuals like you. Monetary donations are always greatly appreciated and will be used responsibly to fund the MSC’s mission of equipping those involved at the MSC to go out and spread the love, understanding and compassion of Christ to others. We know it is the students who are the real “ministers” on campus.
PRAY. One of the best ways to support the students and leadership at the MSC is to keep us in your prayers. Please pray for the students attending Morehead State University, for the faculty and staff, and for our staff and student leadership.
Please prayerfully consider a monthly donation. Your monthly gift would give the MSC a reliable and consistent means of support, allowing us to spend less time on fundraising and more time on ministry. No amount is too small. This is an opportunity to team up with the current students and make an eternal difference.
Other Ways to Contribute
Campus Mail UPO 1342
Morehead, KY 40351


PRAISE HIM MINISTRIES
GOOD FRIDAY WORLD-WIDE SIMULCAST EVENT
APRIL 2, 2021
Join with others around the globe for the Good Friday Simulcast on April 2, 2021. Registration is FREE. Simply sign up, and we'll send you all the information you need to view or host this incredible night of worship!
8:00PM / 7:00PM ET & CT
6:00PM / 5:00PM MT & PT
This event has a flexible start time. If the following times do not work for you or your group, you can pick any time AFTER the time indicated for your time zone.
ABOUT THE EVENT.
Praise Him Ministries presents, Good Friday, an event for community outreach, sharing the Gospel, and offering Jesus Christ to the nation.
Join Michael W. Smith, CAIN, and Vertical Worship in song while hearing a powerful message from Bible teacher, Matt Dragoun. You can choose to view the event from any personal digital device, host people in your home, or host at your church!


Your Choice: Complicit or Courageous?
IT’S BEEN CALLED perhaps the most important, must-read book of our time. It was one of my husband’s Christmas gifts. Something we’ve both been wanting to read after hearing about it at church. Forget the “Jelly-of-the-Month Club,” this is a gift that will give wisdom about what’s happening and what’s on the way for the USA.
FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT back in March when I was blessed to attend the National Religious Broadcaster’s Conference. Bestselling author, radio show host and historian Eric Metaxas was one of the international speakers who blew the audience away.
IN “LETTER TO THE AMERICAN CHURCH,” Metaxas goes straight for the jugular, calling pastors and congregations to wake up to the cultural moment we are in and to take a stand against the onslaught of anti-God Socialism, divisive Marxism, controlling Communism and tyrannical globalism — coordinated, planned, deceptive attacks on our civil liberties and religious freedoms in America.
THE AUTHOR of a bestselling biography of martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas reveals the haunting similarities between today’s American Church and the complicit German Church of the 1930s, which allowed (via complacency) an invasion of Nazi evil. Echoing the German martyr’s prophetic call, a bold Metaxas exhorts his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of a rising onslaught upon morality.
METAXAS maintains that an attenuated and unbiblical “faith” based on what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” has all but extinguished the spiritual vitality of millions of Americans. Translation: sin is accepted and the cross of Christ discarded.
AS BONHOEFFER and other heroes of the faith insisted, the Church has an irreplaceable role in the culture of a nation. It is our duty to fight the powers of darkness, especially on behalf of the weak and vulnerable.
SILENCE IS NOT an option. God calls us to defend the unborn, to confront the lies of cultural Marxism, and to battle the globalist tyranny that crushes human freedom. We’re at a tipping point right now.
READ MORE ABOUT METAXAS’ WARNING HERE: https://www.beliefnet.com/…/radio-host-eric-metaxas…


We are the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia – “The Church of the 49ers, where God is the Gold!” We are a caring family of faith, living in Jesus’ love and following Him into the community. Come worship with us on Sundays at 10 a.m., with nursery care and children’s Sunday School provided. You are welcome to come to our free community dinners, served each Monday evening at 6 p.m. Our church is a Christ-centered, Bible-believing part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and everyone is encouraged to take an active part in church ministry. The sanctuary, social hall and meeting rooms are available to rent. Contact the church office Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30-4:30. We’d love to meet you!
Church of the 49ers
Long Business Description


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A JOURNAL FOR THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
STEERING YOUR THOUGHTS TOWARD // YOUR FREEDOM
The Overcomer's Journal is a practical tool to establish a daily practice of identifying the lies we've believed and their negative manifestations in our lives. The journal's simple process helps us take these thoughts captive and actively replace them with the truths of God's word. As we record and meditate on these truths, we actively rewire our minds to experience the freedom for which we were created.
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NEW SERVICE LOCATION:
933 Beville Rd., 102D,
South Daytona Florida, 32119
Sunday Service at 11;00 am.
Tuesday Prayer at 6:30 pm
Thursday Bible Studies at 6:30 pm
We have conferences, revivals, bible study, and prayer services, we are moving forward.
Jesus have done many miracles in the past and I can give testimonies of so many of miracles HE have done since I said yes to HIS perfect will for my life. There have been people trying to understand how, all I can say is God through Jesus Christ is still working powerful miracles through HIS faithful service... I can see miracles in the making!!!
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Matthew 22:37-40 KJV
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.


She was born April 28, 1933, in Wood County, to Henry Baker and Eva (Wyatt) Haaser-Baker. She married Richard J. Kelbley Nov. 20, 1954, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, Fostoria, and he died Feb.
Surviving are six children, Albert J. (Charlene) Kelbley, Dennis (Pamela) Kelbley, Brenda (Kenny) Smith, Marvin K. Kelbley and Ronald G. (Cynthia) Kelbley, all of Fostoria, and Rebecca (Joe) Jaskowiak of Toledo; eight grandchildren, Joseph (Lindsay) Kelbley, Allen Kelbley, Melissa Kelbley, Jessica Kelbley, Andrew Smith, Matthew Smith, Shannon (Steve) Watkins and Nicole (Travis) Beagle; seven great-grandchildren, Shae, Samantha, Shia and Staysha Watkins, Colton Beagle, and Paighton and Kenzington Kelbley; and two sisters, Eleta Strausbaugh of Bowling Green and Phyllis Stearns of Yerma, California.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Larry Kelbley (1966); granddaughter, Margo Smith (1988); and 17 siblings.
Betty was a homemaker and a member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church, Fostoria. She will be remembered as kind, caring and hardworking. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, dancing and listening to polka and country music.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at Hoening Funeral Home, 242 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, where a Christian wake service will begin at 3:45 p.m.
Her Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, Fostoria, with the Rev. Todd Dominique presiding. A rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the Mass in St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery, Fostoria. A funeral luncheon will then be served at St. Wendelin parish hall.
Memorials are suggested to St. Wendelin Parish or Bridge Hospice Care.
The family would like to give a special thanks to her companion, Kelly Rivenbark, and the Bridge Hospice staff.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.


I had the absolute privilege of joining JAM International and their global offices at their annual affiliate week conference in Mozambique last week.
These meetings recapped the previous year and laid out the vision for the future. I truly grew to have a greater understanding of JAM’s operations on a global scale.
I am currently working on a Global Social Media Strategy for JAM International. Meeting with the affiliate offices face to face brought so much clarity and vision to my plan. I returned to South Africa completely energized!
This was one of the most surreal trips for me as we visited the village where the JAM story began. There is something so powerful about being in the presence of leaders from various nations that have a relationship with the Lord and vision to change the world.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
— Matthew 18:20
JAM’s 31 years of experience has been a testimony of the fruitfulness of this verse as millions of children are being fed across the continent of Africa.
Agricultural development is always at the center of conversations focused on sustainability and development. As an individual passionate about entrepreneurship, I was very excited to witness farming communities across Mozambique that were adding jobs and value to the villages.
One of the most inspiring things I witnessed was the farm of Señor Maschava. Señor Maschava was the man that was fighting for his village and doing everything that he could to find food when Peter landed in Mozambique 31 years ago. At the time there was a drought and massive lack of resources. To see the development of his farm today and his entrepreneurial venture as a provider for many families in his village was a-maize-zing!
We were then able to witness the idea of “Seed to Spoon.” To visually see the transition from agricultural development to school feeding was a perfect example of holistic development and how the programs JAM operates have a long term impact.
I am so excited for the future! Nothing energizes me more than being surrounded by passionate people with big vision. I extend my appreciation and gratefulness to each an everyone of you that was a part of this week and to JAM International for inviting me to have this experience. Finally, a massive thanks to the Lumos Travel Scholarship for providing such a life changing opportunity for me.


We are an Open Worship Christian church near Raeford N.C. that seeks to cause a connection through Jesus Christ that changes individuals and communities forever. Join us for Christian celebration on Sunday mornings @ 10:30 or contact the church office with any questions.
Meet Pastor Aaron
"As a second generation pastor, I understand the word ministry can mean many different things to different people. Our view of ministry is sharing the message and love of Christ through acts of service, prayer, teaching ..." Read More


Whether we’re ready or not, the invitation is for kingdom leaders to reclaim their calling to innovate.
10:00 - Session One
11:00 - Break
11:30 - Session Two & Discussion Time
12:30 - Lunch
13:30 - Session Three
14:30 - Q&A Session
15:30 - End
LAUNCH exists to be a Church Multiplication Catalyst. This means taking every opportunity to empower you to take hold entirely of the new things God is doing. The Future Church Podcast serves that aim, as LAUNCH Founder, Anthony Delaney unpacks the future thinking of practical and prophetic voices in church, leadership and culture to help us perceive and respond to the new reformation revolution we are living through.


The late gothic church of St. Vincent is a popular tourist destination because of its location at the foot of Austria's highest mountain. Visitors to the world-renowned sanctuary will also be astounded by its fascinating history.
The parish church is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa (patron saint). The first time the cemetery and ossuary were mentioned in the historical record was in 1253. The first "Heiligen Bluet" pilgrimage took place in 1273. In 1390 the decision was taken to build a larger church because the small old church was not big enough to accommodate the growing number of visiting pilgrims.
The church's special features are:
a gothic high altar dated 1520
the crypt containing the tomb of the Holy Briccius
a wrought iron-clad book of remembrance for victims of the Grossglockner
Church tour information:
Mrs. Karla Schachner
Telephone: +43 664 2407 880
Mrs. Karin Forsthuber
Telephone: +43 650 7406 502
Info- & Booking Centre Heiligenblut am Großglockner
Telefon: +43 4824 2700


RAFI-USA’s Come to the Table program presents “Spirit, Power, & Connection: Community Conversations.” Our hope for this series is that it will create opportunities for us to meet, learn from, and deepen our connections with each other as we work towards justice. We are hosting this series as a way to build connections between people, sectors, and ideas. We are excited to host speakers who have thought deeply on issues of justice in our food system, who are grounded in the work, and who can open a space to welcome the wisdom of everyone in the room.
Join RAFI-USA and Rural Forward NC online on July 14th from 6-8pm for a Community Conversation with Pastor Anthony Gibson and Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson of Peletah Ministries.
As hurricane season gets underway during a pandemic, what can communities do to prepare and care for each other? Speakers and attendees will share experiences and lessons learned, with time for small group discussions.
Pastors Anthony Gibson & Dawn Baldwin Gibson co-founded Peletah Ministries in 2011. Peletah has fed more than 75,000 people, supported hurricane survivors, hosted the Healthy Churches/Healthy Communities Summits, and started the Peletah Academic Center for Excellence, a culturally compentent trauma informed school.
About Pastor Anthony Gibson
As the primary preaching pastor at Peletah Ministries, Pastor Anthony has a passion for carefully unpacking the truths of Scripture. He and Pastor Dawn are the founders of Peletah Ministries. They have three children: Minister Spencer, (Malika) Kaitlyn, and Hannah (deceased) and two grandchildren (Phillip Alexander and Issac Anthony)
Pastor Anthony serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Craven County affiliate. He was recognized by the City of New Bern for his exemplary pastoral service in January 2013. He and Pastor Dawn were the 2013 keynote speakers for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship and Awards program in New Bern. In 2015, he received the Service Award from the North Carolina State University’s United Student Fellowship for his community work through Peletah Ministries. Pastor Anthony is passionate about the Word of God and seeing God’s people reach their destiny in God through wholeness and freedom.
Pastor Anthony has worked in the Mental Health field for more than 30 years. He is the Program Manager for Mental Health Services for eight Eastern NC counties for Easter Seals UCP. He has been active in church since he was a child. Pastor Anthony has a BS in Business from NC State University and the MS in Human Services from The Audrey Cohen College. He has completed doctoral work in Christian Theology from Christian Leadership University. He has completed numerous courses with the Duke University Non-Profit Management program.
About Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson
Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson is the Executive Pastor of Peletah Ministries. She and her husband, Pastor Anthony Gibson co-founded in 2011. Her role as executive pastor includes serving as Superintendent of Peletah Academic Center for Excellence, a culturally competent trauma informed school.
She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English, Sociology, and Criminal Justice from Shaw University and her Master of Arts in English with a concentration in Technical and Professional Communications. She has completed higher education administration doctoral coursework at George Washington University and Nova Southeastern University. She earned her doctorate in Christian Counseling at Christian Leadership University.
Dr. Dawn established the Joseph Community Farmers Market which has now been gifted to Peletah Academic Center for Excellence to become student managed. The market was recognized at the state and national levels for its work in underserved communities.
Also, Peletah recently hosted the First Annual Healthy Communities/Healthy Churches Summit with more than 100 participants. The second Healthy Communities/Healthy Churches focused on Mental Health in the church and the community. Peletah Ministries has fed more than 75,000 people through its partnership with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
She has authored and/or assisted with grants for nearly 2 million dollars for community resiliency and Hurricane Relief/Recovery programs including United States Department of Agriculture, School to Work, Golden Leaf Foundation, Blue Cross/Blue Shields, WalMart, Food Lion, Dollar General and many more.
Dr. Dawn serves as the Emotional and Spiritual Care Task Force Chairperson for the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD).
She is an author. She published her first book entitled, A Place Called Home, which chronicles nearly 200 years of her family’s history in Eastern NC in February of 2014. She co-authored- Soul Source Anthology: 23 Soulful Stories of Women Who Relied on God During Difficult Times. Soul Source was the 2018 Anthology of the Year at the Indie Author Legacy Awards in Baltimore Maryland. She has authored a book with her husband about marriage and trauma, An Uncommon Love.
Her awards include being the 2017 NAACP Craven County Woman of the Year, 2016 Wonder Woman Recognition, 1 in 5 women in New Bern Making History- Sun Journal Newspaper Publication: MY New Bern Magazine and 2015 NAACP Craven County Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Dawn is the wife of Pastor Anthony Gibson. The mother of three children Spencer (Malika), Kaitlyn, and Hannah (deceased). She is the grandmother of Phillip and Isaac.


Coffee Break plans to meet this summer on … [Read More...]
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Feelings can be torturous – or the lack thereof. For example, sometimes we don’t “feel” like God is close or that He cares. That’s where the importance of reading the Bible often comes into play. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me… Read more
You may recall in Habakkuk that the prophet had put to God a question, desiring an answer from Him. In 2:1, he makes himself open to hear the voice of God, to hear what He might answer. Let’s expound on this idea a little more in Jeremiah. “Now all the captains of the forces, Johanan… Read more
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Throughout our adolescence and early adulthood, Jen and I have had hearts for missions work. God planted a seed in my heart for missions as I spent my teenage years, age 13-16, living in Honduras as part of a missionary family. Jen and I spent time praying and fasting over this decision to make sure that this is what God wants and we are convinced that God has called us into full time ministry.
First and foremost, we continue to ask for prayer support for our family as we have made this change. Please pray that God continues to work in our hearts and minds and that God will bless our efforts as we minister to the people of Honduras. We also ask that you pray about your role in our journey, because we cannot do this without you. We’ll be praying for your ability to support us and that you’ll be able to join and see us on a short term missions trip in the near future.
We pray that we can follow God’s call, when he says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”(Mark 16:15)
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
-Establish a relationship with the current church members in Santa Ana.
-Assist with the Youth Group and Children’s Church in Santa Ana.
-Host regional youth rallies (like SonQuest/Winterfest) by 2020.
-To care for and run the retreat center(Agua Viva Retreat Center) and camps for local missionaries and local Churches.
-Summer Intern Program.
-Assist with Torch groups in the summer.
-To visit Churches surrounding Tegucigalpa and establish relationships with them.
-To provide a weekly meal on Sundays for the Kids who want to learn about Christ.
-To have weekly Devotionals/Soccer nights with the local men that can attend.
-To preach the word and to be an example of Jesus to all those we encounter.


Calvin has spoken at churches across Canada (and sometimes internationally) on creation apologetics since 2001. He is well known for his ability to engage audiences of all ages and being able to communicate theological concepts and scientific information in an easy-to-understand manner.
Calvin was formerly on the pastoral staff of a church in Guelph, Ontario, overseeing the youth and small group ministries. Through working with young people, both inside the church and with a small group at the University of Guelph, Calvin personally witnessed the devastation brought to our youth by the teaching of evolutionary rationalism. But he also saw the life-transforming effect of biblical answers that encourage people to know that God’s Word can be trusted from the very first verse.
He is now the executive director and speaker for Answers in Genesis–Canada, and is excited about bringing the ministry of Answers in Genesis to Canada.
Calvin lives with his wife in Ingersoll, Ontario. His hobbies include music and wrestling.


We had a very nice picnic today with a few of our friends. Isn’t it nice to have friends?
The boys played football. To the left Keith is trying to catch the football – and he thought all those ballet lessons were for naught! On the right you see Levi trying to block a pass to Keith.
Here’s Jamie and Keith playing our favorite lawn game – Ladder Ball.
Isaac was a little hesitant about playing in the sprinkler with Jacob. Several of us took his hand and helped him get used to the sprinkler by taking him up close enough to see it wasn’t going to hurt him. He spent about an hour just running around circling the sprinkler but never getting close enough to get wet.
The weather was perfect – a sunny day with a little breeze to offset the 80 degrees that set in after a brief rain. Add to the nice weather a few good friends and you have a perfect day.
“Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed.”
Our son, Nathaniel, graduated from “A” school Avionics Intermediate Level in Pensacola, Florida on March 5, 2008. From there he went on to graduate from “C” school at Camp Pendleton in California on June 12, 2008. He is now certified to work on CH 46/CH 53 Rotary Wing Electrical and Weapons Systems. He also earned his gray belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program on June 5, 2008. It is his desire to advance as far as he can in the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, you can advance quicker if you are deployed over seas. Nathaniel is hoping to get a tour in Iraq some time in the next three years. On July 9 He will be flying out to Permanent Duty station MCBH in Kanoche Bay, Hawaii. Congratulations, Nathaniel on your accomplishment and thank you for serving your country.
In church last night we spent a marvelous hour exploring the function of the Law in man’s life regarding salvation. One would assume a light Bible study on a prayer meetin’ night, but not us; we were fed from both Testaments, old and new, a hearty meal!
There is a key to salvation – a key that unlocks man’s heart so that it is receptive to the redemptive power of the cross. Do you know what that key is? Have you ever knocked on a door to share the gospel only to be met with a man who claims to have no need of a Savior? There’s a popular saying that goes like this, “Ya gotta get ‘em lost before you can get ‘em saved.” Well, that’s where the Law comes in. We don’t have to follow the Law to get saved, rather we use the law as a window into our soul. It is our schoolmaster. Through our knowledge of the Law we judge just how sinful we are, realizing then the need of our acceptance of the One who has already paid our debt. If we don’t get those people on the other side of our door knocking to realize they are lost, then we can’t get them to realize they need to be found!
So, though we are not relying on keeping of the Law to gain a home in heaven, we surely need to use the Law to remind us of our need of the Savior. The Law brings the conviction necessary to persuade people of their guilt before God. Thus, the Law IS perfect, converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7) It’s a mirror that reflects our depraved soul. When you talk to someone who claims to not be a sinner, just point them to the Ten Commandments. Not one of us can ace that test!
Here are some choice morsels to enjoy: Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2; Psalm 19:7; Romans 3:19-20; I Timothy 1:8,9; Luke 11:52; Acts 28:23.
This is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to my kids. It was too long to post the entire letter, so I’ve just included the last two paragraphs along with some quotes from Amy Carmichael’s book If.
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
We absolutely do not have the right to walk on others to accomplish God’s will. We do not sin to accomplish God’s will. We do not walk contrary to others just to prove a point. God is not in that type of rebellious behavior. If rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, then isn’t it of Satan for us to make a decision to do something or not do something out of a knee jerk response? That is not spirituality or a better way. It’s just plain rebellion. It is not of God. Satan is manipulating us for his own glory, not God’s and we’re buying it. I’ve had to check my own behavior lately because I want to do things just because it’s different or the opposite of those who have hurt me. That’s wrong. If it’s not God centered – if it’s not for His glory, then why am I doing it? It’s out of self-satisfaction and that’s the wrong reason.
I want to serve God. That’s my desire. But I get in the way. I want to prove to others that God is directing me. That desire is wrong. My goal ought to be to prove to God that I want what He has or that I want to be more like Him. It’s about Him, not me. If my path to God or for God hurts others or disrespects their convictions or turns them cold toward me, then I better look to make sure it’s God’s path and not mine. Most likely I’ll find out it was my path all along. I need to get on and stay on His path – especially for the benefit of others. It is a great responsibility to lead. If I press my opinion or beliefs to the point of alienating or hurting another, then where is the love of God in my life? My pursuits will have been for nothing. Maybe I can have the satisfaction of believing I was right and they were wrong, but that satisfaction won’t change lives or direct people to Christ. Self satisfaction over our accomplishments or discoveries or even beliefs still begins with self – and that is not for God’s glory. I must realize that what God convicts others of is right and good and I must respect that and figure out how it fits into His will for my life.
God is capable of working it all out without our help. We just need to obey, love, watch and wait.
“If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even of their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
“If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
“If I want to be known as the doer of something that has proved the right thing, or as the one who suggested that it should be done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.” Amy Carmichael
In just two short weeks our family will say goodbye to the church family we’ve grown to love. Nine years of our life have been spent here. Most of my children grew up in this church. My first daughter was married here and gave us two grandsons. Eight of my children graduated from this school. My daughter and son-in-law served with us here on staff. All of this we have shared with our church family.
It is a hard thing to say goodbye to friends who have over the years become more like family. It’s hard to say when that moment actually happens – perhaps somewhere between joy and suffering. It is good to make friends, but it’s even better when they become family. Family to me is a person who has knit their heart to mine. Family is who you tell your hopes and dreams to or share your burden or hurt with. When suffering is shared, hearts are melded. It’s not in the telling, but the receiving. Your burden must be received and carried. Your load becomes lighter when you’ve shared it with someone who actually cares. I have experience this here. Some people call that person their best friend, but how do you do that when you have more than a dozen? You don’t have to share my blood line to become family. But then, that’s obvious when you look at our family. When we adopted, it was like taking a friend and telling them we wanted to be a part of their future.
So, we are at a close here where we serve. God is calling us away, but we can’t take our friends with us – the friends who have become family. This doesn’t seem right, but our ways are not God’s ways. We cannot know what God will do with the love that must be fragmented and sent on it’s way to develop in the hearts of others through us. It does make the yearning for heaven grow stronger where we will never have to part from those we love, those in our homemade family.
We’ve spent almost a decade here in this church. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve rejoiced and we’ve grieved. Some have loved us, some have cast us aside. Still, we’ve taken immeasurable treasure away with us that could only have been discovered here – to use in another place, at another time, to grow God’s family. I have to admit, God had to pry my fingers off one at a time, for I held on very tightly to this ministry we now call family. But I am not ashamed of that. I think it right to hold on to those whom God brings into our path, those we vow to serve – to hold tightly and not want to let them go. Only then, when my fear of losing them is so very great do I claim them. And, most likely, if you are reading this, you are counted among them – my very precious family.
You have been used by our Lord to change and shape us, to point us to Him and gain a better understanding of who He is. You have comforted us, encouraged and uplifted us. He’s used you to challenge us, to push us to pursue excellence, to become better in His service. Thank you, my church family. I will miss you beyond what I am able to express.
In the nursery during our Wednesday night service 2 1/2 year olds Isaac (my grandson) and Lincoln were having a conversation. I listened in:
Lincoln: “Are you a big boy?”
Isaac: “Uh huh. Are you big boy?”
Lincoln: “No, the kids are.” “My brothers are big boys.”
So I asked Lincoln: “Lincoln, are you a big boy?”
Lincoln: “No, my brothers are big boys.” “I’m a little boy.”
So, there you have it. Isaac is 11 days older than Lincoln. So, I guess in eleven days, Lincoln will be a big boy too.
Devin and Scott have been married a little over a year now. They live in Indiana in a cute little apartment close to where Scott works. Scott just got a new job where he’s been working for ABC and NBC at Indiana’s News Center (21 Alive) as a video editor for the past year. Our family recently went to his job site where we were given the 25 cent tour. It was very interesting! He has just received a promotion as head of the Web Production Department. The job entails on-air reporting and online management. On the side he will continue to do some video editing for the evening anchors.
Jillian and I enjoy talking with Scott about the things he works with since we both are dabling in visual communications ourselves. It’s not unusual for us to be shooting the breeze over one of the Adobe programs that has us stumped. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts a little over a year ago with an emphasis on Computer Art and Design. He’s our resident expert! Last time Devin and Scott came up to visit they brought their Wii. While Devin and her dad were playing Cow Racing, Scott and I were chatting about our mutual interest – which is anything to do with computers. With a little coaxing, we even had Grandma playing the Wii! Devin had made me a terrific birthday lunch and brought accessories for Jillian’s senior banquet. April and Adam and the boys came over and we had a very nice cookout that evening.
It is such a small world. Who’d ever imagine we’d have a son-in-law that has a degree in the area that Jillian and I are so interested in. Devin and I were laughing about how much Scott is like Dad. It really is true about daughters finding someone to marry that are like their fathers. She is fortunate!
Mollie is graduating May 25 from Lighthouse Academy boarding school. It’s her plan to eventually go to college for writing. Since she’s not had opportunity to earn college money while in boarding school, it is our hope that she’ll join the military where she can go to school on the governement’s dime and serve her country at the same time. Please pray that she will allow God to direct her future.
Mollie is gifted in the area of music. Many times while she was still home, she accompanied our church choir. I really miss listening to her while she worked on perfecting her specials on our living room piano. Her piano teacher told us that she has perfect pitch just like her brother Nathaniel. It would be great if she could further develop this talent for the Lord.


As Christians, we are drawn to experiencing “The Triune God” in the persons of the Holy
Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We see this reflected in our baptismal covenant (Book of Common Prayer pp. 304-5), which begins with those three subjects in the Apostles’ Creed.
This deep and mysterious three-fold nature of God is the core reality to which we commit
ourselves in baptism. They are all avenues to God, all part of one another, related to one
another in a community of love. We’ll never plumb the depths of this mystery completely, but experiencing and accepting God’s triune nature changes us at every level. From this deep well, we go on to experience God in ways that energize our lives and affect the lives of others in profound ways.
Christianity offers many doorways into spiritual experience, an experience of God, and we can choose the doorway through which we want to enter.
One way many Episcopalians affirm that they experience God’s majesty, glory and power is in nature. One of the gifts of creation – of sky, stars, ocean and much more – is that it draws us into a sense of God’s presence and power. The created world shows off the Creator’s glory. St. Paul said that we can clearly see God’s eternal power and divine nature “through everything God made.” (Rom. 1:20)
We also experience God through beauty as an important part of the Anglican tradition:
architecture, music, prayers, stained glass, vestments and textile arts, language. We can
and do experience God through beauty and beautiful things. In this way, God opens us to a wide variety of experiences of spirituality—all increasing our awareness of God’s invitation to us for a new kind of life.
An essential part of how we Episcopalians experience God is in liturgy—in Word, Sacrament, and the gathered community. In a rich, dynamic interaction, the individual’s experience of God speaks to the community, and the community’s experience of God speaks to the individual. The community, for Episcopalians specifically and Christians more broadly, is where everything comes together in the experience of God.
I. Growing in knowledge, grace, deeds and mercy
Key question: In what ways are you seeking to grow in both the knowledge and the
grace of God?
Within creation, there is a hunger to know God inside of each person. We can try many
different ways to dampen, ignore, or redirect that hunger, but it remains buried within us. It’s part of the natural blueprint of who we are. God made us not only as feeling people but thinking people. We wonder, we question, we evaluate. Our minds hunger to know and to understand God. Toward that end, we engage with God in much the same way we would engage with another person: we seek to know them and to understand them. We ask questions, we listen, we observe.
“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”
— Teresa of Ávila
This week read and reflect daily on the following scripture. Open a natural flow of
conversational prayer with the Holy Spirit as you meditate on the scriptures, inviting the
Spirit to connect with you.
2 Peter 3:18a
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea,
and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged
and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding
and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are
hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this so that no
one may deceive you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body,
yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your
faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were
taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
Ask God your questions
God is unafraid of our questions and unshaken by our doubts. God is not
threatened or diminished in any way by our inquiries. Take some time to write
out your questions to God. What do you wonder? What do you want to know?
What really matters to you?
© 2017 Robert E. Logan.


As a domestic abuse survivor, advocate, author, and founder of Create Soul Space: A Catholic’s Guide to Domestic Abuse, I know what a huge emotional, spiritual, physical, and psychological impact intimate partner violence has on a person. Domestic abuse seems to take away your very self—your creativity, goals, thoughts, aspirations, friendships, finances, sense of self, independence ... the list varies from situation to situation, and goes on.
I understand. I truly do. On a personal level. And I’m here to help.
You Have Questions. Trust Me, I Get It.
Marriage is a sacrament and is sacred. What am I supposed to do now? Am I stuck?
How can I even begin to heal from all the abuse? What about the betrayal trauma?
How could my intuition—that “still small voice” of the Holy Spirit (1 Kings 19:12)—have been so still and so small that I didn’t hear it when I got involved with this person?
I feel distanced from God. I’ve let my prayer life and my spiritual life slip. How do I get it back?
I feel like my current situation has opened old childhood wounds. Can I heal those finally, and get back to my true self?
Can I ever feel His loving presence again, after all I’ve been through?
If you need guidance and support because of the damage, trauma, betrayal and suffering you’ve endured after domestic abuse, I’m here to help. I’ve “been there, done that.”


Iglesia Rio de las Aguas Viva, Tecolote, Mexico
(River of Living Water Church)
Our home church plant in Mexico was birthed in 2015 shortly after Reverend Johnson & Pastor Jesus spoke for the very first time. There was such a burning desire between them to reach the hopeless and lost in Tecolote, that it sparked a ministry partnership that has lasted for over 9 years. With God's help and the support of GWM, Pastor Jesus and his team are able to feed hundreds of children and their families per month. The impact of the food ministry has lead to many souls won in the name of Jesus! Pastor Jesus and his wife Sophia also pastor Rio de las Aguas Viva in Tecolote where they meet weekly, share the gospel and disciple believers.


UPSTANDERS | Not In Our Town | Speech given on 1.28.2018 | Billings, Montana
By Penny Ronning
Billings community, friends, people from different walks of life and professions all gathered together:
I speak to you today as a female, a community leader, and a Christian.
It requires courage to take a stand in our own communities, among our friends and family members that believe differently, among the people whose rejection could hurt the most.
What the parents of Sandy Hook Elementary School have been through and the courage within their actions every day since both breaks my heart and causes me to find my own courage to speak up on issues where I face possible rejection from community, family and friends. BUT we must speak up. We must.
How can we ever be the “good guys” or fight for human rights in other countries when the slaughter of children in a school classroom or the slaughter of members of the LGBTQ community dancing to music or the slaughter of members of a Sikh temple is considered bearable in our country?
What we choose to tolerate we will never change.*
When we choose to tolerate hate messaging or the lack of legally recognized equality for ALL, we allow the idea of superiority to build. When we choose to tolerate the degradation of others, we allow the presence of modern day slavery to build. When we choose to tolerate the messaging of “boys will be boys” when a young girl is raped, we allow the idea that men are afraid women will laugh at them and women are afraid men will kill them to build.**
As a Christian, if I do not rise up against hate, I deny Christ.
As a Christian, if I stay silent in the midst of hate, I deny Christ.
As a Christian, if I turn a blind eye to the degradation of those different from me, I deny Christ.
What you stand for right now is what you would have stood for at any other point in history. And if you are silent now you would have been silent in history.
I once heard a wise young man say, “You cannot control how others perceive you. You can only control your presentation.” We Christians fail in many ways in our presentation of Christ. To me, our greatest seems to be how we take His death on the cross as an individual act for “me” and “me” alone. We hold our hands up in praise and shout “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” And then we turn around and take His Son for our own grace, for our own redemption, for our own mercy. We are very good at taking Christ as God gave Him to us, but we are not so good at reciprocating that gift to others. We hold that “whosoever” in a tight grip of judgment as if it is our decision to determine who is worthy of inclusion.
And, I believe, we hold great responsibility in how the world perceives the LGBTQ population. The Christian church – and I’m talking both corporately and individually – has presented such great condemnation and rejection on this population we have virtually said to parents, “You are right in rejecting your own child.” We have virtually said to the world, “You are right in not hiring this person. You are right in not allowing this person housing. You are right in your condemnation of this person.”
In this, to me, we have failed in our presentation of Christ.
As Christians, I wish we would ask ourselves every day: If I never quoted one scripture or spoke the name of Jesus, would people see the love of Christ through me?
As Americans, I wish we would ask ourselves every day: Do I believe all people are created equal?
Today, in the United States of America 300,000 children are trafficked for sex each year.
Today, in the United States of America among the most vulnerable population to be trafficked are our homeless youth, and today, in the United States of America LGBTQ youth make up 40% of our homeless youth. Today, in the United States of America, women and girls of color are trafficked and murdered at astonishing rates and shockingly the crimes against them go unpunished in great numbers.
Today, we gather in a church that embraces Christ’s message of love, acceptance, and equality for ALL.
Today, we gather in a church whose message embraces the idea that there is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.
May we rise in our love and support for this church and their message.
Today, we gather in the strength of those who stood up years ago and said, Not in Our Town.
May we rise again in our love and support for those most vulnerable to hate and degradation.
Today, may we remember that in the midst of sorrow, in the midst of frustration, in the midst of all that is unfair, we must never forget the strength and beauty and power of all that is right, all that is just, and all who stand, speak and die for such things, for they are the ones who shine. They are the ones whose light can never be extinguished. Because of them, injustice is made just; sorrows have their limit; and that which must be changed, is.
Today, in the midst of sorrow, in the midst of frustration, in the midst of all that is unfair, be brave with your love; be strong with your morals; and be loud with your courage.


Italy·June 20 2022
Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter before starting your cruiseSOLD OUT
08:00 AM - Be ready at Best Western Hotel Universo load your bags on the bus and drive to the Vatican Museums 08:30 AM - Enter the Vatican Museums with our pre-booked tickets and skip the line! Visit the Vatican Museums and the Basilica of St. Peter with our local guide 11:30 AM - Get some time to rest and do some shopping at the Vatican before heading back to the hotel, pick up the rest of the group and head to Civitavecchia to embark on your amazing ship! 02:00 PM - Arrive in Civitavecchia and follow the embarkation procedures
Entrance with priority with our tickets
Enjoy this tour with your friends only!
Relax and enjoy the ride to Civitavecchia with our air conditioned private motorcoach
Our guides are all licensed, friendly and speak great English
One English speaking assistant will meet you at the hotel and stay with you all the way to Civitavecchia.
We have a reserved entrance to the Vatican Museums, it is extremely important to be on time when meeting our assistant in the morning
In order to enter the Vatican and the Basilica of St. Peter both men and women must have knees and shoulders covered.


Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany has a website
devoted to providing information about the Syrian refugees and the European migrant crisis. They explain that the situation is not new.
For more than four years, Catholic Relief Services and its local partners have been working to assist more than 600,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and northern Iraq. They are also working in the transit countries of Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Albania, where resources to help the migrants are limited. In response to the Holy Father’s call to help resettle migrants in Europe, we are working with Caritas Germany to resettle refugees by providing accommodations, job assistance, early-integration activities and volunteer training.
Many people have asked what their parishes can do to help refugees being resettled in America. Currently the U.S. is accepting very few Syrians. Catholic Relief Services and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops are working together on advocacy opportunities to expand U.S. policy on accepting refugees from Syria and Iraq, provide more U.S. funding to refugees in neighboring countries, and exercise leadership for diplomatic efforts to end the fighting.
Catholics are urged to contact President Obama and their members of Congress today and urge them to lead the world in a coordinated response to save the lives of refugees. The United States must do its part to resettle many more Syrian refugees here, and provide more humanitarian and development assistance to refugees in the Middle East who hope to return home or to remain in the region. Finally, our nation should lead a concerted diplomatic effort to finally end the fighting in Syria so that refugees can return to their homeland in safety.
The Catholic Charities’ website
also has links to background information about the situation as well as things that we can do now.
Labels: Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, refugees, Syria, USCCB


Read this article today, America Isn’t Growing Hostile Towards Christians, It’s Growing Hostile Towards Religious Bullies, and I really couldn’t agree more with what was written. But, I do have things to add.
For one, my father is Mormon, practicing and then non-practicing, and then practicing again… you get the picture. He also can’t stop listening to Conservative Talk Radio or watching Fox News on the computer.
Constantly, he is bombarding me with either Mormon teachings or some ridiculous thing he heard from a Conservative journalist or talk show host. Things like Gay people want to have sex with children and animals to women can’t get enough of sex and if they get knocked up, they go have an abortion and then go out to party to get knocked up again because it’s the most awesome thing ever. But also about how Christians are being persecuted.
What I don’t understand is how he can buy into that camp? Christians are not really a unified group. Most will have you believe that they are by spouting the term “Christians” around… except they pretty much all hate each other.
And this is generally speaking. This is purely in reference to those Christians, the one’s that spout hate and fear and think they’re being persecuted, when they themselves are the ones doing the persecuting. This in no way reflects the cheerful Christians who generally like everybody.
So, on the entire basis of Christianity, Mormons are seen as a cult. Baptists hate Catholics. Catholics are going to hell because they are evil. Catholics think only their religion is the true Christian one, and therefore all the other ones are false. Methodists and Presbyterians are really only semi-tolerated by Baptists, but are seen as inferior. How are these people even banding together when they can’t agree if the other is Christian enough or not? How can my dad band with them when they think he’s part of a cult; which means they don’t accept him at all; he doesn’t count as a Christian. It’s completely illogical!
Then there are those extremist Christians who believe that Jesus was white, was not a Jew, and they are his direct descendents and they and only they are getting into Heaven, because all other Christians are false. Also that Jews should be killed.
Or how about Christians who hate the Jews because they killed their lord and savior. In their thinking, yes Jesus was Jewish, but somehow he denounced that heathenism when he because a Christian. Umm… Jesus never denounced his race or his faith. He didn’t want Jewish people killed, he forgave them because they didn’t understand. He was never a Christian. Ever. Where do people come up with this stuff? He was simply trying to bring new understanding to the Jewish Faith, much like Martin Luther would later do. Luther didn’t want to form a new religion, he just wanted to help improve the Catholic Church, but in both instances, neither was accepted and new religions sprang up. However, Christianity, didn’t come along until after Jesus, and not even at first. His disciples were still spreading The New Way, which was basically Judaism reformed.
Which leads me to the topic of Christianity vs Judaism. So, in Judaism you have the Tanakh, or Jewish Bible. It’s basically everything from the Old Testament and a few other bits like high holiday information and such. Christians have the Old Testament and the New, with the New being all about Jesus. To be a Christian means that you follow the teachings of Jesus. Period. That’s how Christianity came to be founded. That’s what Jesus was trying to accomplish. For you to follow HIM. So, being a Christian that quotes from the OLD testament and claims that they are a Christian is quite hypocritical. It would just make you some sort of Jewish person who’s weird because they aren’t actually Jewish.
This, in part, is why these Christians are seen as bullies. They’re illogical, they don’t know what they’re talking about, they are hypocritical. They’re quoting things that really having nothing to do with them. Jesus’s main message was to LOVE. Love everyone. Accept everyone. If you’re talking badly about other people, berating them, forcing them to do what YOU want, playing the martyr, criticizing, NOT befriending, refusing service, etc… then you are not showing love and therefore have missed Jesus’ entire point. Can you really call yourself a Christian? No, you can’t. Not if you wish to be taken seriously, or actually be a Christian and not have it be some horrid lie. Not if you actually want to follow Jesus, your lord & savior and not have HIM think you’re some kind of hate mongering idiot. Plus you can’t just pick and choose parts of the Bible to use in your arsenal. It’s illogical and makes you look like an idiot.
And this is one major reason I am not longer a Christian. For one, it was my parents constant fights over which was better; Catholicism vs Mormonism. It was the constant tug of war over religion and my soul. A lot of abuse there, folks. All in the name of religion, which is not really unheard of considering world history is littered with all the “good” intentions that paved the road to hell. People slaughtered, enslaved, raped, pillaged, burned, tortured, locked up… all in the name of religion.
The other main reason was because most of the people I have ever met who were Christian were uneducated assholes. Mean and cruel. People who had no idea of history (anything from the fact that Jesus was a Jew, to the times of pre-Christianity with people following his words, to Catholicism and then Catholic Reformation (precursor to Protestantism) in 1130 with Arnold of Brescia, and others to follow, that Luther was only trying to reform the Catholic church but Protestantism took off because of this, that Protestantism gained another large foothold all because King Henry VIII wanted a divorce, etc). People who judged you for every single little thing. Fearful, hate mongering fiends. Why, in all of Gods green earth, would I want to be associated with a group of people like that?!
But no matter how many times I’ve counteracted my own fathers hate mongering with “Jesus loves everybody” or “You’re really only supposed to be following the New Testament” or “But all the other Christians see you as a cult, dad!” to anything else that might pop into my head to get his negative words away from me. Nothing works. He does take it in, ponders it over, but like a dog that’s been beaten, he goes back to what he thinks is safe; back to his conditioning and continues to funnel in all the hate messages put out by fellow “upstanding and moral Christians”. The same people who probably do fantasize about sleeping with someone of the same-sex, or with children. The same people who do cheat on their spouses. The same people who boast morality under fake flags of virtue while hiding their dirty secrets from the world. Hypocrites.
They do run the country. They have more power than is good for one group. They’re just playing the martyr so they can continue keeping anyone and everyone who dares to go against their beliefs under their boots, down in the mud. But, people have had enough of that shit. They and their religion are not being threatened, but their hate and fear mongering certainly are! And that is not a bad thing at all. They just don’t want to lose power that they should never have been able to seize in the first place. Power over others is NOT love, they’ve just deluded themselves into the thinking that it’s the same thing.


JACQUI and I were back in St Barnabas churchyard in Waunarlwydd yesterday. We had arranged to meet a tree surgeon and talk about starting work on restoring the Feeney family grave we discovered the previous week (see “Where is Edward?” below).
We agreed a fee to cut down and remove all of the bushes that have totally obscured the grave. They include hawthorn, holly and rhododendron, and must have been growing for decades.
We were joined at the grave by the St Barnabas churchwarden – who turns out to be a cousin of mine through my paternal grandmother’s family line. He came with the church’s complete baptism and burial records.
These confirmed that the grave contains my great-grandparents, William Henry and Elizabeth Feeney, and their children Thomas Henry, Mary Jane and Margaret Ann. But he brought with him another intriguing clue in the search for my grandfather’s resting place.
The church has a burial date for my father’s father, Edward Feeney, but no record of a plot number. This indicates that he was not buried with his parents and siblings in the family grave, or with his wife, Beatrice Ellen, in her grave elsewhere in the churchyard.
But while I was pulling aside branches to show my cousin the ornately decorated front of the Celtic cross on the Feeney grave, Jacqui spotted something. On top of the middle of the grave, right at the heart of the tangled knots of branch and foliage, there was a ceramic urn.
Could this contain Edward’s ashes? We shall, hopefully, be able to answer that question when the tree surgeon has opened up the graveside for closer inspection next week.


In our rat race world, we almost have no time to ponder the deeper things. Most Christians have grown up hearing all sorts of Christian prayers and most have said more than a few prayers. But developing a daily habit of meaningful prayer may seem too hard.
Ever since the beginning of time, religion has played a crucial role in the lives of many people. That’s why it’s safe to say that the history of religion can be a fascinating study for everyone. Our book makes this study even more interesting.


Discipleship Habit #2: Read Scripture Every Day
Week 15 Jesus, Speak Directly to Me
Lord Jesus, You are good, and we praise You. Through Your Scripture, You lovingly tell us the story of our salvation and continue to speak to us today. Forgive us for the times that we haven’t listened to You in the Scripture. In Your Scripture you tell us, “the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Thank You for coming to us so powerfully through Your Word. Help us to know that You long to speak to us through Your Word. Lord, teach us how to listen to Your voice speaking to us through Your Scriptures. Inspire us to meet You in Your Word daily. Jesus, we trust in You. We make this prayer in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Each week, we grow more deeply into the habits of discipleship, into that “ONE THING”, which is the loving encounter with Jesus Christ in his Church. Last month, we focused on the habit of prayer. This month, we turn to the habit of growing in deeper relationship with Jesus by coming to know, more deeply, God’s Word in Sacred Scripture.
Pause, for a few moments, and consider how Jesus prayed during His earthly life. He was raised in a Jewish family and steeped in Jewish traditions. He was taught to pray, by His family, His teachers, and the rabbis. He was taught the Sacred Scriptures from childhood, memorizing them, and coming to grow into God’s Word. As disciples, we do as Jesus did.
How does one begin the habit of reading and praying with Scripture? An easy way to begin this habit is to pray with the whole Church, each day, by praying the readings of the day. These can be easily found in your parish bulletin, on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org/bible/readings), and you can download an app for your smartphone (look for “Daily Readings” at the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store). When you read the daily readings, you not only have the opportunity to pray the daily Scriptures (habit of prayer), but you do so with the entire Church throughout the world (habit of community). There are terrific publications you can also subscribe to in printed or electronic form, like Give Us This Day, The Word Among Us, Magnificat, and Living Faith. You can also find great websites that offer reflections on the readings of the day.
Throughout the month, practice incorporating reading and praying with Sacred Scripture into your day. By listening to God’s living Word in Sacred Scripture, we can hear the voice of Christ speaking directly to us in our lives.
What is your favorite Bible verse? In what way does it impact how you think about Jesus? … about yourself?
Praying with Ignatian Contemplation
The Scriptures are God’s Word revealed to His people. He continues to speak to us through them today. Leaning to listen to God speak through Scripture is like learning any new language. It takes practice.
One way the Church has taught us to listen to God speaking through the Scripture is through Ignatian Contemplation. In this prayer, one uses his or her senses in an imaginative way to reflect on a Gospel event in Jesus’ life. One uses the senses – seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling – to make the Gospel scene feel real and alive. Begin by selecting a passage from Sacred Scripture with which you may wish to pray. Some suggestions might be:
John 11:1 - 44: The Raising of Lazarus.
Mark 10:46 – 52: The Blind Bartimaeus.
1 Samuel 3:9: Speak, Lord.
The Ignatian Contemplation method:
Lord, inspire me to read Your Scriptures
and to meditate upon them day and night.
I beg You to give me real understanding of what I need,
that I in turn may put its precepts into practice.
Yet, I know that understanding and good intentions are worthless,
unless rooted in Your graceful love.
So I ask that the words of Scripture may also be not just signs on
a page, but channels of grace into my heart.
Origen of Alexandria, 184 – 253 AD


The Sandton Hindu Samaj is a religious group formed by the Hindu community of Marlboro Gardens. The community raised funds and built the Shree Radhe Shyam Mandir in Marlboro Gardens in July 1994. The Mandir construction included a Dining/Wedding Hall and a priest’s quarters.
The Sandton Hindu Samaj hosts many religious festivals at the Mandir and dates of upcoming events can be found here. The samaj has successfully started a Gujarati School for the youth. The hall can also be rented from the samaj for havan’s, weddings and other religious functions.
WELCOME TO RIVERS CHURCH!
CHRIST CENTRED, DYNAMIC, RELEVANT,
VIBRANT, CREATIVE & MULTICULTURAL
Rivers is a dynamic church that offers both inspirational and practical biblical teaching with motivation for people of all ages, races and walks of life. It is a Christ centred church that preaches the truth about Jesus in a fresh illustrative and creative way. We actively reach out to embrace people through services, television, our foundation to the poor and community relationships. As a result we are a fast growing church on 3 campuses that started with 70 people and currently exceeds 10,000.
We love God passionately, love people unconditionally and live life purposefully. We believe in our nation and are totally committed to serving the purposes of God and making a significant difference to the lives of people in spiritual, social, emotional and physical need. Rivers aims for excellence in every area of ministry because we place high value on the church and its ministry to people. We believe that God is good and that He wants to help, bless, grow, enlarge, change and release people’s potential. We are committed to bringing the grace of God into the lives of needy and broken people through the love of God.
Weekend services are geared to inspire and equip the whole family. Our exciting Kidszone Children’s Church provides a FULL children’s programme during all weekend services and we have teen, youth and young adult ministries that build into the lives of each age group.


Icon "The Holy Prophet Elijah" Russia, Кон. XIX century, author unknown
the end of XIX century;
wood, oil, gilding;
The icon represents the holy prophet Elijah. The Holy Prophet Elijah - one of the greatest prophets - who was born in Fesvii Gilead in the tribe of Levi for 900 years before the Incarnation of God. St. Epiphanius of Cyprus announces the birth of the prophet Elijah is the legend: "When Elijah was born, his father Sovakh had a vision of comely men who greeted him, swaddled fire and fueled the flames of fire." The baby's name Elijah (the fortress of the Lord) has defined his life. From an early age he devoted himself to the One God, settled in the desert and spent a life in strict fasting, prayer and contemplation of God. Called to the prophetic ministry in the Israelite king Ahab, the prophet became a fiery zealot of true faith and piety. According to the legend of the Holy Church, the prophet Elijah will be the Forerunner Dread Second Coming of Christ to the earth, and while preaching takes bodily death.
The life of the holy Prophet Elijah is described in the Old Testament books (3 Kings .; 4 Kgs .; Sir. 48, 1-15; 1 Mac. 2, 58). During the Transfiguration of the Lord spoke to Elijah on Mount Tabor the Savior (Matt. 17: 3; Mk. 9, 4; Lk. 9, 30).
We will be happy to answer all your questions about this job, please call us


Tiny Tots and Doodlebugs
Caterpillars and Butterflies
The Caterpillars and Butterflies classes are for younger toddlers, anywhere from 12 to 24 months. These children are beginning to explore their world and their independence. They begin eating at the table in chairs for lunch and they begin attending weekly chapel with the older children. The teachers complete lesson plans which include daily art, music, science, Bible, and play times. They are learning to feed their pet fish and water their classroom plants, and they are working on their social and emotional skills. Hearing them sing Jesus Loves Me and watching them do introductory sign language is enough to melt one’s heart.
The ratio for this class is 1:6.
Wiggle Worms and Jellybeans
During the course of the school year, these children will turn 3 and begin preparing for the 3-year-old preschool classes.
They are completing daily art, science, music, and Bible activities. They are learning to button and unbutton, complete specific physical movements, practice their fine motor skills and they are strongly focusing on potty training. They participate in weekly chapel and have reading buddies with the church staff .
The ratio in these classrooms are 1:8.
Lizard Lane, Terrific Tigers and Ladybugs
We have three Pre-Kindergarten/4-year-old classes at Immanuel Lutheran Christian Academy as well. These children are preparing for kindergarten!
They are using the Handwriting Without Tears program and practicing writing every day! They have letters of the week, show and tell weekly, are learning the pledges to the American and Christian flags, and so much more. By the end of the year, the children are learning to read small sight words.
The teachers complete lesson plans that include cooking, sensory, nature, art, science, music, and imaginative experiences. The children attend weekly chapel services, P.E. and music classes.
The children are tying shoes, buttoning pants, zipping jackets, cleaning up after themselves, cleaning their lunch space, and helping with smaller children. They have many opportunities to give, and are learning about the love of Jesus every day. The ratio for each of our 4-year old classes are 1:15.


Taking a weekend off for a retreat is great gift, and a rather good thing to do annually. A time when everything else can be put on hold, so that you can focus the attention of both your the mind and soul on God and your relationship with Him, and by natural progression, everyone else.
I was fortunate enough this weekend to make such a retreat with about 20 other people, and although my physical health is not currently optimal, spiritually I'm very glad that that I did.
You see, anyone with half a teaspoonful of wisdom is aware that there's a lot more to life than what you see. Add to that the significant tradition over multiple millennia across multiple cultures of inner reflection and prayer and an inquiring mind would be inclined to ask; why?
The much abbreviated answer is that God not only exists, but is much closer to each one of us than we may acknowledge, consider or prefer. We live and move and have our being as a direct conscious act of God's will. He wants us to live, move and have our being.
Much has been discussed and debated by people on this very topic since we began thinking freely, and this will and must continue, as it's a part of a person's coming to terms with God.
Certainly, you need to trust whomever is giving the retreat, otherwise the effort you would spend on contemplation and consideration will be used on analysing the intention of the one directing it. Fortunately I knew from experience that I could fully trust those responsible for the retreat I attended.
Over the years, a great deal has been said about the Catholic church, and what people representing or appearing to represent the church have said and done.
The mystery of the Catholic church and it's relationship with Jesus Christ is something that would be best discussed over many future posts to this blog, but to sum up my thoughts at this time, I'll quote from protestant the historian Thomas Babington Macaulay, using his passage about the longevity of the papacy and of the Church that it serves:
"The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs. That line we trace back in an unbroken series, from the Pope who crowned Napoleon in the nineteenth century to the Pope who crowned Pepin in the eighth; and far beyond the time of Pepin the august dynasty extends, till it is lost in the twilight of fable.
"The republic of Venice came next in antiquity. But the republic of Venice was modern when compared with the Papacy; and the republic of Venice is gone, and the Papacy remains. The Papacy remains, not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and youthful vigour. The Catholic Church is still sending forth to the farthest ends of the world missionaries as zealous as those who landed in Kent with Augustine, and still confronting hostile kings with the same spirit with which she confronted Attila. ...
"Nor do we see any sign which indicates that the term of her long dominion is approaching. She saw the commencement of all the governments and of all the ecclesiastical establishments that now exist in the world; and we feel no assurance that she is not destined to see the end of them all. She was great and respected before the Saxon had set foot on Britain, before the Frank had passed the Rhine, when Grecian eloquence still flourished at Antioch, when idols were still worshipped in the temple of Mecca.
"And she may still exist in undiminished vigour when some traveller from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, take his stand on a broken arch of London Bridge to sketch the ruins of St. Paul's."


And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. - Mark 16:15
To connect with the community through our witness, our worship, and our work with the sincere expectation of meeting natural and spiritual needs that bring individuals to God or closer to God.
Outreach provides Fresh Anointing Members of all ages with ways and materials to fulfill the great commission by offering various alternatives to perform in reach and outreach to the hurt and the hurting.
Evangelist ministry is for the whole church. Its focus is to disseminate the gospel by going door-to-door sharing the good news of Christ in the community.
The Connection ministry provides members of the evangelistic team an opportunity to connect with each visitor to determine their needs, thank them for their attendance, and provide information on other church programs and activities.
Our food pantry is able to feed individuals or families ineligible for public assistance. The food pantry is operated on a call-in basis.
Health & Wellness seminars provide a series of community service health seminars aimed at approving the body, soul and spirit.
Through the kindness and generosity of church members and community advocates, our benevolence team assists families with transitional needs such as clothing, utility bills, and community connections.
If you need prayer or if we can be of assistance to you please call 843-863-0605.


Obituary of Marianne Grabowicz
Marianne (Tricka) Grabowicz, a Windsor resident of 53 years, peacefully transcended on May 21st, 2017. Along with the celebration of The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, Marianne was born to Joseph and Mary (Christian) Tricka of South Glastonbury. Family, faith, Polish tradition, pride, valor, farming, integrity and steadfast work ethics where instilled early on in her life; when the essence of South Glastonbury living was magically simplistic; enveloped by Nature’s own natural beauty. Sadly she was recently predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Victor; along with her sister, Frances Dzialo. Marianne is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, son William and his wife Judy; along with her two grandchildren Jessica and Ben Grabowicz. Meg leaves behind her precious brother-in-law Alexander W. Dzialo, Sr. and many beloved nieces and nephews as well.
Heartfelt gratitude to the Twain Team, Bliss 11 East, Palliative Care and CB2; for you restored and redefined faith of human compassion and kindnesses, respect and dignity. Words are insufficient.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27th at 10am at St. Augustine Church; 55 Hopewell Road, South Glastonbury. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Gabriel Church, 379 Broad Street, Windsor, CT 06095. Please visit www.mulryanfh.com .


PERHAPS A FEW BENJAMINS CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND, EH?
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FBC Kingdom Women will take a short break. They will resume meeting = May 4
Please check the Calendar and Announcements also on this website for other important information/updates.
DEACON SELECTION TO COME: The members will be selecting 3 men to add to the deacon body very soon. Please check the foyer to get an updated Deacon Handbook that explains expectations for the men, their families, and what this would mean to FBC and for The Church. You should also find a list of men from which to begin this selection process.
FBC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The men of the church are inviting everyone to share in helping out seniors as they get started on their college education. The wooden box in the foyer or designated and placed in the offering plate are places to put those donations.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18


2011- On the behalf of of Årsta Church I was commissioned to make figurines to their Nativity scen . The first meeting took place in my studio at that time; Liljeholmen. Henrik Fergin that was the initiator of this project, was explaining to me that they wanted to create a place in the church, were they could sit and talk about the Nativity Scene and the events that took place in the bible. Present at the meeting was also the set designer Thor Svae that was hired to create the scenery of the Nativity Scene, both inside the church and outside in the public square. My job was to try to create something modern, that would go along withe the withe ”cube” church. My immediate answer to this was to not create something modern. Instead to dive in to the Catholic tradition of figuration. With a lot of details, colors and expression. In my point of view, they needed to not only ”catch” the attention of the viewer, but also keep it for a while to be able to talk about the stories in the bible. A tricky thing with small children that easily gets bored. So in the end we agreed to create
a very lively native scene. With many characters and a lot of expressions. It was a success. Every year since 2011 the church of Årsta is adding one or several new figure to the scen.
The nativity scene holds currently approximately 35 figurines.
The figures are about 28 cm high in ceramics, painted with oil paint.


Please join us for our Fall Gospel Concert Featuring Rev. Wendy Mitchell Allen, Rev. Dr. Norris Weir, Grace Hampton from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and other local artists. Saturday October 14th, 2017 Starting at 6:30PM, Doors open at 6:00 PM Church of the Holy Spirit 525 River Street, Mattapan, MA 02126 $25 in Advance, $30…
Opening event for the Neighborhood Arts Concerts Featuring: Voci Angelica – “Common Ground” Songs of Hope, Love, Loss, and Prayer
32nd annual celebration of the Scholarship Ministry. Adults $25.00; Children 12 and under $15.00. Donations are also accepted.
The Rt. Rev. Alan Gates, Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts will join us for the 10:30 am service. Please come worship with us and invite a friend to church.