A sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia.
Exodus 3: 1-15
Romans 12: 9-21
Yesterday I spent most of the day at the National Book Festival. It was my idea of heaven—being in the same place with a whole bunch of people who share my love of reading! You really can’t beat it.
The best part of the day was meeting Kate DiCamillo, the author of Because of Winn-Dixie. Show of hands, has anyone read it? It tells the story of India Opal Buloni, a preacher’s kid who has just moved to Naomi, Florida, because her father has gotten a call to a new church. When the book opens, Opal is so very lonely. That is, until she adopts a dog—Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie opens her life to new relationships and teaches her about growing up. The story is completely beautiful, one I’ve returned to time and time again, even though I’m well past nine years old, the recommended reading age.
Surely I’m not alone here—don’t we all return to the stories that we see ourselves in? Maybe if not a book, a movie. Or music. A relationship in which you feel the most like yourself. I could feel Opal’s loneliness when I picked Because of Winn-Dixie up to read right after my dad’s new call meant a big move at a not so convenient time in my life. We return to the stories that teach us something new every time we read them. In that moment when I was seventeen, Opal and Winn-Dixie taught me that happiness and sadness go together in life, and those experiences open you up to the particular feeling of melancholy, and make the joys in life that much sweeter.
In a way, this story that we read today of Moses and the burning bush feels similar to Because of Winn-Dixie. Not so much in terms of content, but in familiarity. It’s a story we’ve been told time and time again. It’s included in children’s picture books and story bibles, one of the greatest hits of the Old Testament. I’m pretty sure there’s even a Veggie Tales episode about it, though I could be wrong about that one. And really, what’s not to love? It’s the call of Moses! The beginning of a huge arc in our narrative of faith.
In this story of Moses and the bush, God shows up in a big way. A big, firey, you best stop and pay attention to me kind of way. And Moses does. He stops. He pays attention. He’s afraid of the task that God asks of him, but he stops and he pays attention and he listens. He asks the question that I’m sure any of use would have. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
I can imagine that there were many more questions in Moses’ mind. Maybe something like, “Who am I to do this? I’m just Moses. Just a shepherd. I am a nobody. I long to be nobody. God, don’t you know the things that I have done? Don’t you know that I am not worthy of your call? God, I promise, I am not who you want.”
I love God’s response. God doesn’t say, “You are the one for this job because you are the most righteous of all men. You are perfect, Moses! You are my absolute favorite. You are the strongest, smartest, most intimidating person I could think of. That is why you are the man for the job!” Nope. That’s not what God says. In fact, God doesn’t really give Moses a reason. Instead, God’s response is this: “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
This thing that Moses has been called to do isn’t about Moses at all. It’s about this powerful God who sees these people created in God’s very own image hurting, oppressed, and bearing the weight of a mighty injustice.
I wonder how many times God had tried to get Moses’ attention. It seems like a burning bush is a pretty big first attempt. How many times had Moses chosen to look the other way when faced with an injustice such as the Israelites living in slavery? How many times had God tried to get his attention? “Moses,” God might’ve whispered, “Moses, do you see what’s happening? Moses, this isn’t okay… Moses, I didn’t create my people for them to hurt like this.” I sometimes wonder if God maybe got a little irritated with Moses. Shouldn’t Moses have known that this deep injustice wasn’t okay? Without God having to appear as a burning bush?
In Bridges to Worship, I often ask the children a few open ended questions so that they learn to find themselves in the stories of our faith. I ask them, “Who is in this story and what happens to them?,” and, “How is this story different from the time and place in which we live?,” and “Why do you think this story is important?,” “When would be a good time to remember this story?,” and we finish with, “Where do you see yourself in this story?”
While I was preparing for this sermon, I decided to ask myself the same questions. I admit that while I was reading this story and letting the words wash over me, I could feel a sense of familiarity sneaking in. Our final hymn, Here I Am, Lord, is meant to go with this story of Moses’ call, and the verses come from God’s point of view: “I have heard my people cry… All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save… I have borne my people’s pain… I have wept for love of them… I will give my life to them… Whom shall I send?”
“Whom shall I send?,” God asks. Moses answered this call. He trusted that God would be with him on the journey and I’d say that the willingness to let go of your own reservations and trust in something bigger than yourself is half the battle. This image of Moses answering God’s call has stuck with me for so long, in part because I’ve always loved that Moses is an unlikely hero—it’s relatable. Were I to ask the children where they see themselves in this story, it would be completely understandable for them to see themselves as Moses. God is asking that Moses do a very big thing. God wants Moses to go and ask Pharaoh for something we all know that Pharaoh won’t want to do, and with that comes the requirement that Moses no longer overlook the injustices that people are facing. It’s so much easier to turn away and not pay attention when people are hurting, especially if we don’t experience what hurts them in the same way.
I think it’s fascinating that in the scripture, we’re told that Moses is standing on holy ground. It is a sacred space that should be treated as such, for it is a place where God showed up in a big way so that Moses would notice, pay attention, and react. Where do you see the sacred spaces in your life? My answer has always been Montreat in North Carolina—going to youth conferences there for my entire life has made that little valley a place where I feel God like no other place, but it is always a place where I am challenged, pushed, and forced to pay attention to things that I’m sure God has been trying to bring to my attention for much longer than that one week of the year. Maybe your sacred space is the running trail, or within a relationship that challenges you (in a good and healthy way).
I wonder if you’ve ever had a sacred space that feels a little quirky, like it’s not supposed to be a sacred space, but it’s a place where you’ve noticed God. In thinking about the question I ask the children, “How is this story different from the time and place where we live?,” I found myself also thinking about how the story is similar to the time and place where we live.
“I have observed the misery of my people… I have heard their cry… I know their sufferings… I have come down to deliver them…,” God says to Moses. God says to us. It was only three weekends ago that a mass of white supremacists gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia, so that they could “unite the right,” or at least the white right. It was only three weekends ago that we watched as a man drove his car into a crowd, killing a young woman, because he was so very convinced that he was better than the people who were there doing a counter protest. He was so very convinced that his life was better, that the fact that the people there counter-protesting were also children of God, children created in the image of the same God who created him, that he killed someone.
Stick with me here, but I think that we might one day consider Charlottesville to be a sacred space. Not because what happened there was sacred—please do not hear me say that. But rather because it was a place that God showed up. The reactions to Charlottesville were incredible—our country was angry because we know that we are better than that. We are better because of our diversity. We are better because we claim to know that we are stronger together as a community, regardless of the color of our skin. But what happened in Charlottesville made us pay attention to what we have been hearing from communities of color for so very long. The rally in Charlottesville never should of happened. And perhaps if we had been listening to the cries of God’s oppressed children before now, it wouldn’t have happened. But I truly believe that God used that horrible day to get our attention—God was there in the clergy that stood between the counter protestors and those who were there as a part of the rally. God was there in the people who tried to make sure that folks were staying safe. God was shouting to us that day, “I have observed the misery of my people… I have heard their cry… I know their sufferings… I have come down to deliver them… Whom shall I send to set my people free?” Whom shall I send? When I think of the burning bush these days, I see the image that many of you may have seen of the clergy holding hands and standing vigil. Standing between hatred and love. Standing in the midst of fear and pain. In preparation for this sermon, when I answered those questions that I ask our children, I realized that I think that image is our burning bush these days.
Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that we are to live in harmony with one another, hating what is evil and holding fast to what is good. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. If our burning bush was Charlottesville, the flooding this week in Houston has reminded me of what we can be when we are following these teachings. In the midst of Charlottesville and its aftermath, I was afraid that we were being overcome by evil, but watching the reactions to the disaster of Houston has helped me see that perhaps we are more than what we are at our worst.
Friends, my prayer for us all is that we may be paying enough attention to what God is trying to say to us that we answer the call before God has to get our attention with a burning bush. May these words from Paul be true for us all: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” May it be so for all of us. Amen.


On Sunday 23rd April a large congregation from far and wide joined together with members of the Australian and New Zealand military at the Annual Sutton Veny ANZAC Day Commemoration Service. Always held at St Johns Church on the Sunday nearest to ANZAC Day this is the resting place of a large number of ANZAC soldiers and nurses who died in the Great War.
Wreaths were laid after the service at the memorial next to the Commonwealth Graves. Present at the event were representatives of the West Country Branch of the Britain Australia Society and members of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Also in attendance were Simon Bendy from the Commonwealth Graves Commission, Major General Christopher Elliott, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ball from the Australian Army and Lieutenant Commander Maddy Win from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Many of those who lie in rest here died of their wounds whilst other passed away in 1918 during an influenza epidemic. Five nurses are also buried on the site.
Afterwards the congregation returned to the church for a reception to further reflect on those who had died.


Spirituality: East/West & Ancient/Future Faith
Avi grew up in a typical white Evangelical Christian background. However, from an early age, he was an explorer of spirituality. He took the bus to Sunday School and visited churches of various denominations (that's all he was aware of as a child in Beloit, Wisconsin). Just before high school graduation, Avi found the Pentecostal church where he was "baptized in the Holy Ghost", the quintessential experience in this tradition.
However, given his inquisitive nature, Avi soon found himself bumping up against the fundamentalist dogma in this particular expression of Christianity, as well as having serious doubts about certain theological claims of exclusivity. Avi ended up doing his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and Journalism at Beloit College. There he continued to explore the spiritual landscape of world religions and his journey eventually led him to California where he was introduced to the Eastern Orthodox tradition. At the same time, a back injury was instrumental in Avi's discovery of yoga. He found resonance with the teachings of Swami Abhishiktananda (Fr. Henri LeSaux) and Swami Dayananda (Fr. Bede Griffiths), both Catholic monks who spent most of their lives in India. Avi was ordained in the Syrian Orthodox tradition, receiving his training from the late Metropolitan Archbishop Joseph Mar Koorilose (MISC) and the founding Archbishop of the MTOC, Veron Mar Enoch Ashe. After returning to the United States from India, Avi resumed his work in teaching and ministry.
Yeshu Mandala is a meditation and music community established by Avi Penhollow in 2003. There will soon be more information added regarding his work in kirtan and Christ conscious bhakti yoga. For more information on The Mar Thoma Orthodox Church click here.


We're convinced the main thing ought to be the main thing - spiritual transformation.
Spiritual Formation - Preaching Ministry
Bio: Greg and his wife, Carol, have served with the Sylvan Hills church since March 1, 2006. Greg is chairman of the Sherwood Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. He holds a BTh from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, a BA in Bible from Oklahoma Christian University, and an MDiv. in Christian Ministry from Southern Christian University. Carol earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern State University and teaches in the North Little Rock school system.
Spiritual Formation - Children's Ministry
Bio: Sandy and Alex have been married since 2005. They met at Harding University, where Sandy earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development. They have worked in ministry together in Florida and North Little Rock, before joining the family at Sylvan Hills in August 2011. Sandy works with the SONkids (birth through 1st grade) and GO! (2nd through 6th grade) Ministries. “What you will find here at Sylvan Hills is a loving, caring network of support and encouragement as you grow your family in God. I look forward to meeting you!”
See more about our Children's Ministry
Spiritual Formation - Student Ministry
Bio: coming soon
See more about our Student Ministry
Bio: Wayne and his wife, Dianne, have been married since September of 1974. They have one son and have been members at Sylvan Hills since July 1989. He is retired from the Air Force and also worked for Union Pacific for 4 years before coming to work at Sylvan Hills in 1999.
Sylvan Hills Church of Christ
117 W Maryland Ave
Sherwood, AR 72120
Phone: (501) 835-4141
Fax: (501) 835-2419
Or use our contact form.


A Piece of Sky, A Grain of Rice: A Memoir in Four Meditations
Praise from Bernadette Murphy, author of Harley & Me: Embracing Risk on the Road to a More Authentic Life
When St. John of the Cross first penned Dark Night of the Soulin the 16th century, he clarified the halting and stumbling steps of a spiritual journey. Christine Hale's A Piece of Sky, A Grain of Rice takes this classic form and brings it into the 21st century, looking through the lens of loss, childhood trauma, Buddhism, and natural disasters, with tattoos and the author's love for her children front and center. Her narrative illuminates the experience of stepping through the chilly and often frightening darkness into a hoped-for new dawn in the company of a generous friend and trusty guide who's one step ahead.


‘Rarely do you come across a world class leader, author and communicator all in the one body! Not only does John manage to combine all these skills, but he tops all his talents by being an authentic and likable person. Simply put - I love to hear him teach, be around his leadership and most of all, just enjoy his company - I cannot recommend him highly enough!’
Andrew McCourt - Senior Pastor, Bayside Church, California
'Dr John Andrews has been a tremendous blessing to the churches of Singapore, equipping and inspiring people in ways that can be understood across ages and cultures. A man of conviction and clarity, his preaching and teaching ministry intertwine theology with personal testimonies to demonstrate the power and relevance of Spirit-centered faith.'
Rev Dominic Yeo - General Superintendent, Assemblies of God of Singapore / Senior Pastor, Trinity Christian Centre
'John (the Doctor) is a world class bible teacher. His insights into scripture are breath-taking at times. His application of this ancient text into contemporary leadership is razor sharp and his ability to break down complexity into digestible understanding is God-given. John loves teaching and graces the stage of conferences across the world, yet he has never lost his passion to serve the local church. John is a proven leader, an author many times over, a leadership coach and my friend. He loves his family, his sausage dogs and Liverpool FC. One of those attributes I admire; one I put up with; one I detest!'
Simon Jarvis - Senior Leader, One Church, UK
‘We love John Andrews. He's the real deal. He comes regularly to speak at the church I pastor in Singapore, but also at the Bible College of Wales in Swansea, where he lectures each term. The students absolutely love him and his transparency and vulnerability has often left us in tears. I will not hesitate to recommend him, that's for sure. I am a fan.’
Rev Yang Tuck Yoong - Senior Pastor, Cornerstone, Singapore / Chairman, Bible College of Wales, Swansea
'Dr John loves God, loves life and loves the Bible. His passion to teach the Word is infectious and his ability to teach the Word incredible. We invite John to minister regularly at our church. He never brings less than his best – opening the Bible to strengthen, challenge, inspire, equip, engage and encourage God’s people. We always look forward to him coming and his input continues to help move us forward.'
Martin and Esther Storey - Senior Leaders, CLM, Coventry
'We were blessed to have Dr John Andrews come minister at our church camp. It was a great camp and not only did John bless the people with the sharing of the Word, but in his interaction, friendliness and sincerity, together with his wife Dawn, they greatly ministered to our church members. John and Dawn were a real blessing, great to have around and fitted right in with our members despite our cultural differences. I would strongly recommend him if you need a great teacher and communicator, as well as a friend.'
Pastor Mark Poh - Senior Leaders, Emmanuel AG Church, Singapore
'John Andrews, in our opinion, is one of the best Bible teachers in Britain. He has a unique ability to bring the Scriptures alive and make them applicable to our daily lives. He is exactly the same off the stage to on it – his humility, love for people and passion for mission make him stand out and it’s incredible to see how his influence has grown in recent years through his books and media presence. We have witnessed him overcome tough times with strength and dignity. John is a Christian statesman who you should have no hesitation in inviting to your church or conference. As Becky’s first pastor who took her on her first mission trip as a teenage girl, it’s fair to say that One By One wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for this man's love for the mission field.'
Matthew and Becky Murray - Senior Leaders, Renew Church, Uttoxeter
'John is an excellent speaker who connects well with his audience, contemporary in communication and biblical in content, profound in outlook yet down-to-earth in practicability. In the years that he has ministered to the various groups that I have requested, he has connected well with the various age groups that he has spoken to and touched many lives.'
Rev. Peter Soh - Hinghwa Methodist Church
'One wise teacher said to explain something simply, you need to understand it profoundly. We commend John Andrews to you – he’s a gifted and anointed teacher who models this principle. His deep love of God’s Word, refined communication skills and the way he lives daily life continue to help thousands of believers every year to grow in their application of Biblical wisdom. We have seen first-hand his ministry at home and in other nations and are so grateful to partner with him.
John has served Wellspring Church in many ways through Sunday preaching, mid-week teaching seminars, leadership development courses and consultancy. He’s the real deal and we thank God for him!'
Tim and Helen Roberts - Senior Leaders, Wellspring Church, Watford
'John has been partnering with us for many years. His biblical insight, inspiration and encouragement, coupled with his relational delivery have had a profound impact on us as leaders and the wider church alike. John clearly has a genuine desire to serve local church, which is evident in his bespoke understanding of our needs and culture. I cannot recommend him highly enough.'
Richard Cooke - Senior Leader, The Bridge, Bolton
'I have known Dr John for almost 30 years, both as a colleague and friend. His outstanding grasp of contemporary culture and biblical theology has not compromised his rare gift of engaging truth with both seasoned and emerging leaders. He is one of only a handful of public speakers who can capture a crowd of diverse experience and maturity with current issues in an ucompromising context of Christian Mission. He has graced our pulpit literally dozens of time and I recommend his gift and personal integrity without hesitation. I am personally grateful for how he has blessed and progressed our church in equal measure.'
Anthony Hodgkinson - Emmanuel Community Church Interntional, London
Dr John is a trusted friend, and an excellent communicator. Our church have benefitted from his rich teaching in our leadership training course, School of Worship, Celebrations and (alongside his wife Dawn), a couples retreat. I think the depth of John’s teaching comes from a solid theological understanding of the biblical texts, held in tension with the need to make its application relevant to village churches or faith communities in the urban context. I have watched him serve in local church, national denominational teams, as a bible college principal and conference speaker. His wise and witty contributions have always been deeply appreciated by me. In addition to this, his willingness to work hard and serve with loyalty and honesty, are rare qualities these days, and the confluence of all these things has served to strengthen my conviction about the credibility of his leadership gift.
As an international speaker John is acutely aware of the need to make sure his message has relevance and impact across cultures. His youthful spirit also connects well with an emerging generation, who are eager to discover fresh missional strategies that are equal to the challenges of a biblical faith in the modern world. John has been a rich source of inspiration for them. Many who listen to John usually comment on the sincere manner in which he shares how biblical truth has profoundly shaped his own life. He is no stranger to pain or pressure, but has maintained a poise and integrity through times of stress and success that comes from a deeper place than just a professional appointment to Christian ministry.
’Dr John’ is a faithful husband, a loving father, a passionate leader, prolific author, insightful communicator, and more than any of this… a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Doug Williams - Emmanuel Community Church International, London


Are you a
15. who is satan (also called the demon,
lucifer, the devil etC)?
Satan was originally an angel (cherub guard) and as all the angels, God created him. He was a servant of God and was in one of the highest positions and highest rankings of all the angels of heaven. He was granted many luxuries (Ezekiel 28.12-19). He was the hallmark of a masterpiece, full of wisdom and finished in beauty.
A day came when the pride of Satan and his sin overtook him. He tried and wanted to be higher than God and this caused Satan to be punished and expelled from Heaven by God.
Satan represents the antithesis of God and Jesus Christ. He is the very opposite and his "qualities" among others, are the following:
• Son of perdition
When Satan was cast out of heaven, God allowed him to wander the earth. This will last until the day of the Last Judgment, where he will be bounded and sent off into the lake of fire and brimstone and will be tormented for eternity.
At the present time, Satan is able to control, the lives of all those who are not subject to God’ Will and His way, as many times as he wants. These people are therefore vulnerable to Satan’s scheming and evil thoughts. Satan is guilty of many of the disasters and misfortunes that occur in the world today.
On the other hand, all the servants of God and His Son Jesus Christ, who are within God’s command and will, shall not fear Satan. The devil cannot cause them any evil, because Jesus Christ has defeated Satan!
Note: This is a small explanation of the topic under analysis. If you have any doubt in what you have read or if you have any questions about anything that was unclear, please contact us and we will answer all your questions and giv
This is a brief explanation of the topic in matter. To learn more about the Bible, or if you want more details of its truth please contact us and we will gladly explain everything.


There were many mourners at LATE MISS NANCY BUCKETT FUNERAL IN GLOUCESTER, a daughter of the Rev. W. R. Buckett, Vicar of St. James' Bermondsey, and formerly Chaplain of the Mariners’ Church, Gloucester. Miss Buckett, who was 29 years of age, and who died after only a few days’ illness, received her early education at Ribston Hall High School for Girls, and had recently been in training for work with the Church of England Zevana Missionary Society. The first part of the funeral service was conducted at the Mariners’ Church the Chaplain (Rev. W. Asbury Smith.)
The principal mourners included the Rev. W. R. Buckett (father) and Mrs. Buckett, the Misses Phyllis and Mollie Buckett (sisters), Mr. Buckett (uncle), and Mr. and Mrs. Legge (Cheltenham). Among many others present were: Canon Billett and Miss Billett, Rev. R. S. Callander. Rev. Dr. Crawford, Rev. P. K. Prince, Rev. E. D. S. Camus, Rev. J. Warwick Armstrong and Mrs. Armstrong, Rev. Goodchild (Bristol). Lt.-Commander Colman, R.N.R. Mr. W. F. Marvin (Hon, Treasurer), and Mr. H. Gascoigne (Lay Reader), representing the Mariners’ Church. Miss Lucy Whitaker (headmistress). and Miss Cotterell (representing the Ribston Hall High School for Girls), Miss Neatby (representing the Church of England Zenana Missionary Society), Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Mr. E. Baker, Mr. ’Boucher, Mr. Maysey, Mrs. Whalley, Miss Cooper, Miss Daubeny, Mrs. Craddock. Miss Marshall. Mrs. Astley Gardiner. Misses Luce, Miss V. Candle, Miss Flunk, Mrs. Jeens. Mrs. Cant. Miss Clissold. Misses and D. Caudle. Mrs. Ridler, Miss Rouse, Mrs. Gowing, Mrs. T. Walker. There were many floral tributes.


Are you familiar with the picture below?
To we African Christians that never question any doctrine thrown upon us, that picture above is Jesus of Nazareth…. the true son of God. But in reality, that is the picture of a man named Robert Powell, from the 1977 movie “Jesus of Nazareth”. How we came to believe that a Jewish man can look like this and even hung the pictures in our houses still surprises me till date.
Yes! I grew up believing it all. Currently, I am a Catholic but I have of late started questioning within my mind, most of the Catholic teachings. One of such is the Image of Jesus of Nazareth as depicted on pictures.
Jesus of Nazareth can never be blonde. Is like saying that the Igbo race are blondes. It is impossible. However, we believed that Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew is white with Blonde hairs.
If today, I enter any church in Igbo land, and try to make them unlearn this particular belief, I will be excommunicated and labeled the devil or possessed. But the absolute truth is that, the pictures of Jesus of Nazareth in all churches in Africa and beyond is never the real Jesus; he was never photographed and can never be a white man with blonde hairs. It is far more likely, both geographically and genetically, that he was black rather than white. That is the blunt truth.
A careful study of the race Jesus was born into will provide enough evidence to the fact that the white missionaries always attribute goodness to their race and evil to black Africans. If Jesus of Nazareth is the son of God, and we don’t have the picture of God that is accepted in Christianity, why then do we accept the pictures of Actors as Jesus of Nazareth?
When will Black Africans most especially; start to unlearn loads of craps dumped on us by the Missionaries? How our forefathers were even convinced to accept anything from the White man as superior still baffles me.
Till now, people are yet to open their eyes and see between the truth and lies in the Church. We learn a lot of rubbish growing up as black kids in Africa. The sooner we start to unlearn every single thing the White missionaries taught us, the better for us. The religion brought to Africa was designed for control and not redemption.
Take a look at the picture below. That is the picture of the Altar at Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State (Igbo land), the giant cross on the altar wall is that of a White Jesus.
Tell me how will a Black African Kid who grew up believing that God, Jesus and Angels with other holy beings are Whites will not feel inferior as black?


Where You’ll Go
Explore the cave churches in El Mokattam Mountain on this Cairo Day Tour and discover the amazing monastery of St. Simon the Tanner. Journey through ‘garbage city,’ residence to the mostly-Coptic Zabbaleen trash collectors, find out how the churches were engraved into the rock and observe the spot where the Virgin Mary is alleged to have appeared.
What You’ll See / Experience
At first visit the monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner which is situated inside the mountain. The monastery on this Cairo Day tour comprises of seven churches; all of them are imprinted inside the mountain. Your guide will present you and preface about the Christianity of Egypt. How Christianity started in Egypt and what is the implication of Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. Your guide will clarify how they carved the church, how was El Mokattam Mountain was moved from the north of Cairo to the centre, enjoy some free moment inside the church. You will also get the opportunity to catch some grand photos from the mountain.
When You’ll Go
This 3 hour Cairo day tour normally heads off at 9:00am from Cairo or Giza Hotels. Driver or guide also drops you in hotel at the end of the trip. A dress code is necessary to go into places of devotion and special museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops permitted. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may encounter refused entry if you fail to conform to these dress codes.


Men for Christ Weekend
The Men for Christ Weekend is coming up soon. What a blessing this time is for our men to get away, learn how to be better men for the King, and to gain brothers in Christ.
Dustin Hall, Guest Speaker
Dates: September 8-10, 2023
Theme: A Different Kind of Strong
Guest Speaker: Dustin Hall
Registration Fee: $110.00 Friday-Sunday
NEW FOR 2023
Want to spend more time at camp?
You can arrive Thursday, September 7th after 7:00 pm! No supper will be provided Thursday but Friday breakfast will be served.
The fee is $150.00 (Thursday-Sunday)
Registration Deadline: September 5, 2023
Click here to download the brochure for this year's retreat.


Thank you to Moderate of America for submitting their article for publication. Click below to view their site!
Author: Moderates of America
People say homosexuality an “abomination” by saying that is what the Bible says in Leviticus 18:22 (That verse, by the way, reads: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such thing is an abomination.”)
Exodus 21:7 “When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go free as male slaves do.”
I’m interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. What would a good price for her be? [West Wing] I don’t have a daughter, but if I did, should I feel obligated?
Exodus 35:2 “On six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be sacred to you as the Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Anyone who does work on that day shall be put to death.”
“My Mom and Dad work on the Sabbath [but] Exodus 35:2 clearly says they should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill them myself or is it okay to call the police?” [West Wing]
Leviticus 11:7 “and the pig, which does indeed have hoofs and is cloven-footed, but does not chew the cud and is therefore unclean for you. 8Their flesh you shall not eat, and their dead bodies you shall not touch; they are unclean for you.”
“Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point?” [West Wing]
“Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my neighbor, Charles, for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads?” [West Wing]
So if we must point out that homosexuality is an abomination and that everything must be followed down to the very last word, where are all the people stoning to death my parents? Where is RG3’s death threat for touching the unclean pig skin?
My point is, at what point does the bible start to become a political chip and is not taken seriously. 533 times more does the word love outnumber homosexual. 80 times the word hate is used and most, if not all, are telling us not to.
I guess my point is to you guys is, why as Christians do we condemn so easily when that is Gods job? Why can’t we all love and worship rather than worrying about if we should allow gay marriage or not. Gay marriage isn’t mentioned in the bible but rather gay intercourse. I’m aware of the whole Adam and Eve argument, yet same-sex marriage isn’t mention as a sin.
Paul in his letters to Corinthians says that a lot of things (gay-intercourse, prostitution, etc.) could potentially separate us from God, but he later goes on to say none of these things, however, can separate us from the Love of God. We condemn and focus way too much of our time condemning rather than actually worshipping God, and again God says we are not supposed to condemn.
I believe some people manipulate the bible into saying we should hate homosexuals and WE should condemn them and their actions. He say nothing about that, God is the one who is the ultimate judge. In Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be [forgiven.]


Not sure why i’m only discovering this song now, but this really affirms that His timing is so great. I needed to hear this right now. “YOU loved a people UNDESERVING" that should just be ONE reason why we should live our lives for Him. no excuses
brothers and sisters. we’re almost there! if you haven’t signed up for camp yet, because you’re unsure, just say yes! if you’re already a member and still discerning if you should serve for camp because you’ve been asked to, just say yes!
I said yes 8 years ago for my first youth camp. and continued to say yes when brothers and sisters, titos and titas, asked me to serve, share, and lead. It’s difficult to realize it while it’s happening, but every time you say yes to something centered in Christ, we open ourselves up to the infinite blessings that God already has for us. It’s really crazy how much he loves us, and how many blessings and good things he has in store for us. But, in order to receive those blessings, our relationship calls us to say yes to what He calls us to do for Him! how else are we to experience his grace and blessings if we don’t say yes? having been blessed with a very eye-opening first youth camp, being so privileged to serve in so many activities, and to lead alongside such inspirational people, has brought me to where i am today. my personal testimony is filled with yes-es and filled with so many great things.
God’s greatness WILL happen whether anybody likes it or not! there’s nothing we can do to stop or to slow down his awesomeness. if we are too hesitant to answer his call, or if we turn down His invitation altogether, we will miss out on the opportunity to be part of something that we know WILL be great because it will be lifted up to our Lord. many are called, but few are chosen. that is why service is a privilege. this is something so powerful and TRUE that my Godfather told me a few weeks ago when talking about my service in the CFC community.
so what are you waiting for? say yes already! Register for camp!
camp LIVE FREE forms and promo teaser will officially be released tomorrow afternoon! the online reg will be live as well! #LIVEFREE
such a beautiful voice that sings praises to Him. and i can attempt to sing her songs because they work in my vocal range and the piano parts aren’t too difficult hehe i’m inspired to record something now. even though i didn’t all summer and now that school’s starting i feel like it… whatevs. it’s in God’s time :P
being a brother, friend, son, and youth leader - had i been enough? no. This year it’s become clear that I’m nowhere near enough for the youth and my family and school but all i can do now, is give what i can to service, school and family and let God take care of my wants and needs.
attending YFC and SFC conferences, and attending two SHouTs this summer - is it enough? of course not! I’m so blessed to have been able to attend everything that i did but even more blessed to realize that there’s so much more i need to experience, and learn to bring me and my friends and family closer to Christ
this world will change, and eventually fade. we need to trust in our heavenly Father because he is omnipotent, and never changing. He is enough. this is what we forget at times and is where we fail. we need to trust in his providence in our lives.
if you’re feeling down, don’t give up because He loves us and His love is enough
I love How I Met Your Mother, but this comparison is really interesting. It’s essentially Friends for the current Generation.
Pretty interesting, no?
I love them both! Watching How I Met Your Mother is like watching new episodes of Friends. Everytime something happens, I always compare it to something that happened in Friends.
IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE WHY I LIKE FRIENDS NOW! my mind is blown!
"The protection for brothers is discernment. God would not lead you to a sister who would hurt you, unless that pain was supposed to teach you a lesson." - Erin Marie Gonzalez, Canada MV Shout 2012
New Mighty Morphin’ Collector Toys coming in 2013! Including a Power Morpher!


Shopping and gift-giving and events and parties with friends and family are all part of the joy of the Christmas season. But, when the busyness of wrapping, baking, shopping, decorating, partying, planning and entertaining threaten to overwhelm me, I have to take a step back and remember Jesus and how he came into the world. He was born in a simple barn with few possessions. I’m reminded that it’s often the simplest Christmas traditions that leave the greatest impact and have the most meaning.
Attending Midnight Mass at the beautiful St. Catherine’s church in Indianola with my grandparents is one of my favorite childhood Christmas memories. I could barely keep my eyes open in the dimly-lit church on Christmas Eve, but I can still picture the majestic altar surrounded by soft white Christmas lights. And, I can still feel the love of family surrounding me as we celebrated the real meaning of Christmas.
In my own family, one tradition that we now cherish is Sharing a Meal at our house with our sweet neighbor. This tradition started the year her husband died. Although she is an active 80-something gal and regularly enjoys the company of friends and family, we know that mealtime can be lonely. We enjoy this chance to visit with her and get caught up.
I have recently learned of other tips and ideas from friends and family who also strive to Keep It Simple at Christmas. Here are a few of my favorites:
Nativity Play: My friend Amy said her kids and their cousins reenact the story of Jesus’ birth each Christmas at their grandma’s house. They simply grab a few sheets, belts and other scraps of fabric, and the kids play the roles of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Three Wise Men and the Angel.
Straw in a Manger: My friend Becky has six children, and one way she encourages good behavior for her kids and keeps the focus on Jesus is through the straw-for-good-deeds tradition. Throughout the Christmas season, she keeps a basketful of straw near the nativity scene in her house, and the kids place one strand of straw in the manger each time they do a good deed. “Thanks for helping mom without being asked! Go ahead and put a strand of straw in the manager,” she tells them. By Christmas, baby Jesus has a full bed of straw, and she can reflect on the joy that her kids have done some good deeds this year.
Give to a Charity: My friend Kristina recently told me about an annual tradition that she shares with her twin 8-year-old daughters. She encourages her children to manage their money throughout the year by separating it into spend, save and give jars. At Christmastime, the girls each take the money from their give jars and enjoy purchasing gifts for children at a nearby homeless shelter. I am also impressed that she and her husband have never hooked up a cable or satellite service to the one television in their house. They do have Netflix, but they don’t have commercials. That means her kids aren’t bombarded by the latest fads in toys, which also helps keep Christmas simple.
Christmas Star From Afar – This is a great alternative to Elf on Shelf. The set features a book with daily readings and a wooden nativity scene. It encourages children to hunt for their Star in a hide-and-seek game. Once they find the Star, they move the Three Wise Men figures to the star’s location. On Christmas morning, the Star is moved to the stable with the newborn baby Jesus, and the Three Wise Men reach their final destination. Affliate link: http://amzn.to/2ySUWms
Thank you for reading, and may you and your family have a blessed and simple Christmas!


I can't help having been more than a little pleased that the Catholic Church couldn't find any remains when they tried to dig up Cardinal Newman...
He wanted to be buried with to his 'friend' Fr Ambrose St John....now who does that usually? It would be 'next to' or near....not WITH!
...The cardinal repeated on three occasions his desire to be buried with his friend, including shortly before his death in 1890.
"I wish, with all my heart, to be buried in Fr Ambrose St John's grave - and I give this as my last, my imperative will," he wrote, later adding: "This I confirm and insist on."
Newman wrote after the death of St John in 1875: "I have ever thought no bereavement was equal to that of a husband's or a wife's, but I feel it difficult to believe that any can be greater, or anyone's sorrow greater, than mine."...here
So - when I heard that the 'Vatican-grave-robbers' couldn't even find trace of his bones - I smiled - a lot in fact, and wondered if he had made a secret arrangement with the grave diggers before he died!


GENESIS Chapter 12
GOD’S COVENANT WITH NOAH – A PICTURE OF GRACE
“And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.“– Genesis 9:11
Noah’s first act, when he came out of the ark, was to build, not a house for himself, but an altar “unto the Lord” on which he offered blood sacrifices as burnt offerings to God. These were received by God as a sweet-smelling savor. Having received these offerings, God declared that he would never again curse the ground for man’s sake and that, as long as the earth remained, its seasons would not cease.
Then we are told, “God blessed Noah and his sons” (9:1). This is the first time we read of God blessing anyone since the fall of our father Adam. The basis of the blessing was the sacrifice God had received. That blood sacrifice was symbolical. It was a picture of Christ, the Lamb of God, for whose sake and through whose merits all the blessings of grace flow to sinners upon the earth.
This is a new beginning. Judgment is over. Old things have passed away. All things are now new. And everything now rests upon a covenant that God made, a covenant of grace, based upon shed blood. Man had forfeited the blessing of God. He had forfeited his position as lord of creation. But grace restores him. Grace reinstates him. God made a covenant with Noah and, in its scope, that covenant reached even to the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea (9:2). This covenant was made to last forever.
Everything about Noah’s salvation by the ark is representative of our salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole story is full of spiritual suggestions.
The ark is a picture of Christ and our redemption by him.
The salvation of Noah and his family by water is a picture of our salvation by the washing of regeneration. Like Noah, though we are in the world, we are dead to it. As Noah came out of the ark, out of the flood of God’s wrath, so we have come up out of the watery grave to walk with Christ in the newness of life by the power of our resurrected Redeemer.
As Noah came out of the ark to walk abroad in the earth, so the believer in Christ walks in freedom. Noah’s sacrifices to God picture the believer’s employment in this world – The worship and praise of God our Savior.
When the Lord commanded Noah to be fruitful and fill the earth with his fruit, he set forth the fruitfulness of faith. Believer’s bear fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, unto God (Gal. 5:22-23).
And as his witnesses in this world, believing sinners are spiritual parents to immortal souls, travailing in birth until Christ is formed in other chosen sinners by the work of God the Holy Spirit.
Noah’s dominion over the beasts of the earth symbolized the believer’s dominion over the lusts of his own nature. Grace has made us priests and kings in Christ. We are priests to offer up sacrifices to God by Christ. We are kings to rule our own spirits by the Spirit of Christ.
Noah’s security, standing before God upon the ground of God’s own covenant, was a picture of every believer’s security before God upon the basis of God’s covenant.
Before ever the earth was made, before time began, in old eternity, God made a covenant with his Son for the salvation of his elect. We call it the covenant of grace, or the everlasting covenant. That covenant was a solemn compact between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, which guarantees and secures the salvation of God’s elect. It is a covenant ordered in all things and made sure from eternity (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:9).
It is a covenant ratified by the blood of Christ at Calvary (Heb. 13:20). It is a covenant established and sealed to God’s elect by the Holy Spirit in regeneration through faith (Eph. 1:13-14). It was this blessed covenant of grace that comforted, sustained, and gave satisfaction to David on his deathbed (2 Sam. 23:5). It is this very same covenant which is the comfort and strength of believing sinners today (2 Tim. 1:9-12). The covenant that God made with Noah was a covenant of pure grace and was representative of the covenant of grace which he made for us with Christ before the world began.
WHO MADE THIS COVENANT?
The source of this covenant was God alone. This was a covenant which God made with Noah, not a covenant that Noah made with God (Read vv. 11, 12, and 15). This was God’s covenant with Noah. Man had no part in making it, or in keeping it. And man could not break it. So it is with that everlasting covenant of grace that God has made for us. It is a covenant of pure grace (Rom. 9:11-18). It is a covenant of unconditional, unqualified promise. God says, “I will” and “you shall” (Gal. 4:22-31).
Believers do not stand before God under a covenant that demands anything of us. We live under a covenant of promise. Its’ favors are unconditional. Its’ mercies are unlimited. All its’ blessings are made sure to all the seed by the oath and promise of God. As God kept his covenant with Noah, so the covenant of grace has been faithfully kept to this day (8:22), kept by God himself. Nothing in the covenant depends, in any degree, upon man – God says, “I will remember my covenant,” and he does. The garments of salvation are all garments of God’s providing, garments of grace. None of God’s people wear garments of linen and wool, of works and grace.
C. H. Spurgeon said, “My looking to Jesus brings me joy and peace, but it is God’s looking to Jesus which secures my salvation and that of all his elect; for it is impossible for God to look at Christ, our bleeding Surety, and then be angry with us for sins already punished in him.”
The covenant of grace is an everlasting covenant. Time does not change God or his purpose. David rejoiced to declare on his dying bed, “The Lord hath made with me and everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.” Every child of God in this world can and should have the same joyful confidence in all his circumstances. Grace is never in jeopardy. Salvation is never in danger. God’s elect cannot, by any means, be lost (Isa. 54:9-10). The covenant of grace is a covenant made by God and kept by God.
WITH WHOM WAS THE COVENANT ESTABLISHED?
The covenant touched everything in God’s creation. The benefits of the covenant were given to all Noah’s posterity. But the covenant was made with only one man – Noah (v. 11). Even so, the covenant of grace was made with one Person – the Lord Jesus Christ; but that one Person was Surety for many (Heb. 7:22). God made his covenant for us with Christ. Our divine Surety met all the stipulations of the covenant for us. In him, only in him, every believer receives all the blessings of the covenant. They are ours in Christ and for his sake (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:9).
WHAT WAS THE BASIS, OR FOUNDATION, OF THE COVENANT?
This covenant was God’s response to Noah’s sacrifice (Gen. 8:20-22). The covenant which God made with Noah was God’s answer to the “sweet savor” that ascended to him from the altar. All the blessings of the covenant flowed to Noah, because of the sacrifice. And all the blessings of the covenant of grace flow to all of God’s elect through “the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb. 13:20), the blood of Christ, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8).
WHY WAS THIS COVENANT MADE?
We must not pry into the secrets of almighty God. I do not pretend to know all that moved God in the covenant he made with Noah, or in the covenant he made with Christ for us. However, this much he has revealed. God made his covenant to be…
• a wondrous display of his amazing grace (Gen. 8:21; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).
• a perpetual declaration of his glorious sovereignty (Gen. 8:22; Rom. 9:11-18).
• a solid ground of comfort to his elect (Rom. 8:28-32).
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COVENANT?
In a word – Everything! The covenant God made with Noah included all the elements of the world (8:22), all the creatures of the world (9:3, 9, 10), and all the governments of the world (9:6). The covenant of grace includes everything. “All things are of God” (2 Cor. 5:18). “All things are yours” (1 Cor. 3:21; Hos. 2:18; Rom. 8:28). Everything in this world is so absolutely governed by God that nothing happens, nothing is done, nothing moves, nothing lives, nothing dies, except that which God has purposed for the fulfilling of his covenant in his elect.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE RAINBOW, THE TOKEN OF THE COVENANT?
Read verses 12 – 16. Here we see the rainbow upon the earth; but when John was caught up to heaven, he saw the rainbow encircling God’s throne (Rev. 4:3), and he saw Christ, our Mediator, ruling all things for the fulfilment of God’s covenant, crowned with a rainbow on his head (Rev. 10:1).
The Lord is ever mindful of his covenant. He does not need a token to remind him of it; but we do. So he gave us the rainbow. It was the symbol to Noah of God’s covenant with him; and it is a symbol to us to remind us of God’s covenant with us in Christ.
When may we expect to see the rainbow, the token of the covenant? The only time the rainbow is seen is when there is a cloud (v. 14). When our blessed Savior died at Calvary, there was a dark cloud over the earth; and there, in the death of our Substitute, we see God’s covenant. The believer’s days in this world are often filled with clouds, clouds hung by our heavenly Father – “When I bring a cloud.”
We read the lines and promises of God’s covenant best when we read them drawn out for us upon the dark and cloudy sky of adversity. You will never see the rainbow until a cloud appears. But, as A. W. Pink wrote, “How blessed to know that the cloud that comes over our sky is of his bringing! And if so, how sure that some way he will reveal his glory in it!”
If we would see the rainbow, there must also be some rain. The cloud itself does not give the rainbow. We will never see a rainbow without the crystal drops of water to reflect the light of the sun. And you cannot see the rainbow unless the sun shines. It is only as Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shines in our hearts by the Spirit of grace that we are able to see God’s covenant and grace toward us in him.
Shine, O Sun of Righteousness Through all the clouds of time and sense;
Display the rainbow of your grace And rest my soul in covenant peace.
What do we see in the rainbow, the token of the covenant? In the rainbow, we see transcendent beauty and glory. That is what we see revealed in the covenant of God’s grace. In the rainbow, we see a symbol of justice and vengeance satisfied. There is the bow; but it has neither string nor arrow.
God has hung up his bow. The warfare is over (Isa. 40:1-2). That is the covenant fulfilled by our Surety. In the rainbow, we see streamers of joy, a banner of delight, flung across the heavens. That is what the covenant of grace is! (Jer. 31:3; 31-34; 32:37-41).
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor
Grace Baptist Church of Danville
2734 Old Stanford Road
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438 USA
Taken from http://grace-for-today.com/1504.htm


Speaking of ethics…
Gordon develops a biblical model for how Christian Super puts its ethics into practice through its investments.
Christian Super Biblical Framework – Gordon Preece, Christian Ethicist
Gordon explores a variety of ethical frameworks and concludes that what is needed is a relational ethical framework.
Mind the Moral Gap – Gordon Preece, Christian Ethicist
An expanded discussion on ethical frameworks, and how our relationship with God and our relationships with others can be seen as an important principle in ethical investing.
Philosophical Ethical Framework – Gordon Preece, Christian Ethicist
Mark talks about how he believes it’s time for the Fund to make a difference.
Trustee Perspective – Mark Spencer, Christian Super Chairman
Tony explores what makes Christian Super Christian.
Trustee Perspective – Tony Deenick, Christian Super Director


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Never miss an episode of David Jeremiah again!
- The Marked Life: How to Respond to Rejection
Learning to respond to rejection from Jesus Christ's example and teaching.Sunday 10th August 7:30am EDT - USA Network
- The Marked Life: How to Grow Your Faith
Evidence of the Christian faith should be apparent, productive and authentic.Sunday 3rd August 7:30am EDT - USA Network
- The Marked Life: How to Live Under Pressure
During His final days on Earth, Jesus encountered many challenges, but found rest for His body and soul in a time of retreat.
Comments - what do you think of David Jeremiah?


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Spring events have been cancelled, and we anticipate this will be true for most of the year. We will be adding more events soon, but please be sure to check with event coordinators to see if the event is still going on as planned.
Bremen Church of God Annual Christmas Bazaar
Bremen Church of God
5040 1st Road
Bremen, Indiana 46506
Upgrade this listing to add a photo gallery.


There is suffering, pain, and God.
In the times when suffering and pain make no sense, God will be by your side. David wrote of that reality in Psalm 23: 4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me.”
Many years later, Jesus promised His followers the same, “And, lo, I am with you always,” (Matthew 28:20).
Believers can count on God’s presence in suffering and pain, and His presence can provide a peace that “surpasses all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7).
And in that holy presence there can be peace and comfort … comfort because of who He is: He is love (I John 4:8). He and He alone brings to you the greatest of loves in your times of need.
In that peace and love there is empathy, an empathy that stretches beyond what no other person can give because of what Jesus experienced: “But those things which God foretold by the mouths of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled,” (Acts 3:18). He knows and understands because He, too, suffered crushing pain.
God’s presence comforts because of a promise of relief even though it may not be now nor here. The promise of the end to suffering and pain sees its fulfillment in heaven. It is there that, “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away,” (Revelation 21:4).
There is suffering.
There is pain.
And the good news is there is God.
This is the last blog in the series Suffering, Pain, and God.


23 December 2013
Aware Defeat Depression warmed the hearts of chilly Christmas shoppers as they hosted a series of carol services in CastleCourt shopping centre in the week before Christmas. Five choirs from Belfast and beyond helped raise and amazing £1608.11 over four days from Monday, December 16 2013.
It was all part of our charity partnership with CastleCourt.
Belfast Community Gospel Choir, Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir, 101 Music Choir and the choirs from Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School and Dundonald High School all gave up their time to help our fundraising effort.
All the money raised will go towards our support services and education programmes for people affected by depression.
Kieran, our Fundraising Officer, thanked everyone who took part, particularly all the volunteers who gave up their time in one of the busiest weeks of the year.
“I’d like to thank all the choirs and volunteers who helped us raise a fantastic amount of money,” he said.
“All of the choirs were fantastic and they all put so much hard work went in to preparing for the carol services.
“Every penny raised from the carols will go directly towards our services and education programmes to help people affected by depression.”


- An Afternoon of Music at the Orangery 01/09/2019
- 36th Annual Concert at Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston. 18/05/2019
- J. Layton Watkins Schools Choral Competition 11/04/2019
- A very special Happy 95th Birthday to our Top Tenor Cyril Scott. Happy Birthday Cyril!
- A Night of Great Voices Charity Gala Concert. St Catherine’s, Goseinon 23/03/2019
- St David’s Day Concert for Marie Curie 01/03/2019
- “Festival of Carols” St John’s Church, Gowerton 17/12/2018
- “Nine Lessons and Carols” at Tabernacle Church 13/12/2018
- Huw Roberts takes to the Air in celebration of his 60th Birthday.
- “A Concert with Carols” 08/12/2018


Vernon "Vern" Joseph "Joe" Holland passed suddenly at his home, near Rivercourse, Alberta on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the age of 68 years.
Vern is survived by: his loving wife, Lynn; his brothers, Dale (Dianne) Holland and Bruce (Judy) Holland; his sister, Gayle (Dave) Weishaar; his nieces and nephews, Ward (Cheryl Carlson), Brooke (Chad) Smith, Jewel (Jamie) Smith and Tagen (Kris) Koep; his great nieces and nephews, Jaxon, Rowan, Maeve, Lennon, Winnie, Joe and Hudson.
Vern was predeceased by: his parents, Floyd and Cecilia; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hilda and Ted Fitch; and his niece and nephew, Tanner Weishaar and Alexis Weishaar.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Vern will be conducted from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of the donor’s choice.
Vern's funeral card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.


Pastor Sarah Chen was born in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to Vancouver, B.C., Canada with her mother and younger sister when she was almost 14. She attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a degree in Linguistics and English Language. She worked as an English instructor helping immigrant students with TOEFL before she went on to graduate level seminary studies. She obtained her Master of Theological Studies from Regent College in Apr 2011 and is now working as an Assistant Pastor in the International Student Ministry in Eugene, Oregon. Sarah married musician Addison Wong in Aug 2014.
Donald Grafton and his wife, Floria, moved to the Eugene area in the spring of 2005 to study at New Hope Christian College (NHCC) at which time they started attending the Eugene Chinese Christian Church (ECCC). Upon graduation, Donald went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia and now teaches at NHCC. They returned to the Eugene area in 2012 and serve in various English ministries at ECCC.


I am happy to speak
before groups of any size. My delight is to lead hungry
hearts on a journey of discovery...guiding them closer
to the Father who loves them. Whether as an author,
speaker, teacher or mother - my joy is to assist in
turning on the light of understanding in someone's eye
- bringing them further on in God's plan & purpose
for their life. My goal is not to entertain, but to
equip & encourage fellow believers, strengthening
them in their daily walk.
I have spoken and taught in a variety of venues - as
a classroom teacher, private tutor and homeschooling
parent...leading small women's Bible studies as well
as larger conferences and retreats both in the U.S.
and in foreign (missions) settings.
Writing and teaching for me are very closely related.
I prefer to create everything from scratch - offering
"fresh manna" when I am called upon to share
or teach. I have written and taught various 13 week elective courses including "Proverbs 31; Portrait of a Fulfilled Woman" which has been enthusiastically received for the past ten years by women of all ages. A current favorite, "Walking in the Spirit" is destined to become a sequel to the book "The Road to Bethany" and another empowering step in the journey of faith.
My deepest desire is to "uncomplicate" the
Gospel; to bring powerful truths down to a place of
clarity where we can all more effectively apply them
to our daily lives. Life is difficult - but God is faithful
and His truths are meant to meet the challenges that
we must face.
The Lord has placed a burden on my heart for third world
ministry leaders who have an extraordinarily difficult
job - and the most meager resources. I want to
do everything in my power to make ministry tools more
available to them. It was a great joy for me to participate
in planning, creating and executing a conference for
pastors in Russia this past fall. I look forward
to other similar opportunities in Russia (where we've
been asked to return) as well as in other nations.
Asian or European, male or female, young or old
~ I believe that we are all His children and we
are free to be as close to Him as we desire. He made
My goal is to help make the pathway to Him
.... a little more clear.
Karon L. Storment


- December 8, 1940 - August 24, 2008
- Princeton, West Virginia
of Maxine's Passing
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Memories & CandlesPrevious
“So sorry to read of Maxine's passing.May God comfort all of you and give you peace. She will be missed.
1 of 1 | Posted by: Judy Webb - Bluefield WV
Maxine Mooney Harman, 67, of Ross Branch Road, Princeton, died peacefully Sunday evening, August 24, 2008 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born December 8, 1940, at Princeton, she was the daughter of the late William T. ¯Willie¯ Mooney & Ina M. Kirby Mooney. Maxine was a life long resident of Princeton. She retired from the Mercer County Board of Education as a School Bus Aid with 21 years of service. Maxine was a very active member of the Fairview Christian Community Church on the Beckley Road near Princeton. She served as the co-chairperson of the Care & Sharing Program. Maxine was a giver, a true friend, a devoted Christian and loved her family. Maxine will be remembered by many, certainly in many different ways, but most of all, she will be remembered as a servant for her Lord and her church family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin David Harman along with a sister, Betty Collins. Survivors Three Sisters & Four brothers, Daniel Mooney & wife Diana Johnny Mooney & wife Roberta Clinton Mooney & wife Shirley Ronnie Mooney & wife Wanda Alice Thomas & husband James Patricia Waughs Wilma Church & husband Jerry Numerous nieces and nephews that she loved with all her heart. An adopted grandson, Joseph and adopted brother Junior & Glendall, and a special aunt & sister in law, Sylvia Johnson. On Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. we will celebrate the home going of Maxine at the Fairview Christian Community Church near Princeton with Pastor Larry Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens on the Courthouse Road in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. Men of the Church will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Care & Share Program, c/o Fairview Christian Community Church, RR 02 Box 279, Princeton, WV 24740


Happy New Year – thankful for the “now”
Isn’t it crazy to think back a yr. and look at where our lives were. I simply am a different person in so many ways. Some changes are great, some not so great, yet I am different. Because our lives always move at such a fast pace sometimes I forget that we live on this incredibly slow paced island with magnificent beauty all around us. That beauty is not only found in the ocean’s coastline and the outline of the Pacific jungle. The beauty is found in people’s hearts, in their appearances, in their talents, in their frienships, in their humor. The goodness of God is realised in so many ways. It’s so easy never to live in the moment but always be looking ahead. I’m thankful for the now, for this yr., for today.
Our little “now” house and car – what a blessing. Figured some of u might want to see where we live.
Below is our street – if you look closely you can see an outline of some mountains.
Major Issue/Please pray:
There is a man in our church who is being plagued by one of the local spirits called “Taotaomona”. I have been working with/discipling him for quite some time. This attack is very real and for 17 days now his body has been infected with some major pain and it feels like the twisting of the muscles. The doctors can’t find anything wrong, and my friend is being tormented. I have visited him the last couple days and he seems undecided if he wants to follow Chirst or rely on the wishes of the witchdoctor. (he has visited the witchdoctor 2 times regarding his condition and obeyed their commands) He is a new beliver in our church and very confused.
It’s tough because many of the Christians here think the taotaomona isn’t real (I emphatically disagree) while other Christians just tell my friend to have more faith. Regardless, he is undecided about who he pledges his allegiance to, is majorly confused, and his body is in excruciating pain.
It sounds simple enough, but this is major. If my friend is to continue to be tormented and eventually die this has major ramifications. Christians are already looked down on to some degree here and he is one of the few locals who has come to faith. (much of our church is made up of foreigners from the surrounding islands/non-locals) Traditional animism superceeds all religious belief, even the dominant Catholicism. If we cannot pray and see the forces of darkness pushed back, the church may send the message that we are incredibly weak and without power. Obviously, the Lord is ultimately in control but this is a pivotal situation and we desperately need a power/truth encounter in this man’s life. I love him. I love his family – his daughter has really clung to Charity and is in the youth group. Many on the island are talking about it and won’t go near my friend. Please pray for the Spirit of God to dispel all this darkness and give my friend the faith to trust Jesus as supreme.


Is tyranny inevitable?
In his book A Free People’s Suicide, Os Guinness describes the Golden Triangle of Freedom: “Freedom requires virtue, which requires faith, which requires freedom.”
This triangle was built into the Constitution and understood by the Founding Fathers to be crucial to the survival of America.
Fast forward to 2021. The only one of those three pieces upheld by modern institutions is freedom. Virtue? Well, that’s subjective, isn’t it? Barefoot walks of shame back to your dorm are deemed virtuous by America’s feminist leaders. And faith is for fools, right? Only stupid rubes in MAGA hats believes in sky fairies. No, total freedom is all that matters. You’re free to do anything you want!
And that mindset is exactly how legalism came to replace morality in America. You can do whatever you want so long as you can justify it in a court of law and be declared “not guilty.” If it’s not an explicit violation of the law, you’re fine. Everything else is subjective. If someone tells you what you’re doing is bad, they’re your enemy.
But that’s not how a nation works. That’s how politicians find loopholes that allow them to rape kids on Epstein’s “Pleasure Island” and loot generational wealth from the middle class. They redefine laws around their twisted desires and create a society catered to hedonism instead of sovereign freedom and personal responsibility.
Virtue and faith are not subjective. Those are objective measurements. What measurements were used to found America? Well, as much as modern scholars may screech otherwise, those were Christian values. America was made by Christians, for Christians, so they could be better Christians, and so their children could be better Christians, which is to say, they’d be even better Americans. Political life and religious life were free to be the best versions they could be.
Deists, not theists?
Twitter nerds will push their glasses up their snouts and whine, “Ackshually, uh, 6 percent of the Founders were Christian deists, not theists.”
Yep, and those 6 percent were in league with the Adams and Washingtons who loudly proclaimed the need for morality and religion to accompany the form of government proposed. The Founders knew Christian morality was crucial to maintaining the careful balance required for a nation of free men.
And in fact, separating church and state was seen as a way to make the church more perfect! The church in Europe was seen as corrupt and polluted because it had been involved with regional politics for centuries. The church of England broke away from Rome not just so Henry could bang guilt-free but so the Catholic Church couldn’t dictate policies to England anymore. The Church of England still maintained power but was broken free from objective morality as defined by Rome.
The Puritans rebelled against what they saw as Anglican decadence and left for America, now wary of both England and Rome. Our cultural ancestors wanted a new land where religion was free to be religion without trying to also be politics. That’s what American separation of church and state is about, keeping both pure from the other.
That by necessity demonstrates a great respect for religion. It was so important that it needed to be protected from discrimination and also preserved from pollution.
“But America is not a Christian nation,” indeed. Where do you think inalienable rights come from? A Creator! And unlike American flags, American citizens are not made in China. America was founded on Christian principles and used Christian morality for our Christian laws.
You don’t have to be Christian to be American. But you do have to understand and respect Christian law. That leads to virtue, faith, and freedom.
If virtue, faith, and freedom are prerequisites of democracy, then 2021 America has no democracy. America has become a nation of perverts who demand the freedom to rub their genitals on everything. And God help you if you try to stop them.
But not everyone is willing to shrug and become a degenerate. Some of us (and all of you on my email list) crave more. We long to be worthy of the Constitution as it was written so we can be governed by it (by our own consent!)
It’s not enough to want. We must act. So here’s what I’m doing.
I’m rebuilding virtue and faith inside the Liminal Order.
Do you have to be a Christian to join? Absolutely not. But you must have faith in something, and you must adhere to objective virtue instead of legalism.
The Liminal Order is one answer. But we’re not everything. We’re not a church or school. We don’t cover every need a family has. That means there are gaps where other groups must step up. And those other groups must embody masculine virtue.
What’s so great about masculine virtue for a constitutional democratic republic? You need courage to build and maintain a nation of free men. Fathers, sons, brothers, families. You need people to tell you freedom is not “do whatever you want”, it’s “do what you must.”
Pope John Paul II said it better. “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” American men are free so that no one on earth can force us to violate our conscience.
Imagine if our public servants and elected leaders had masculine energy. They would put freedom above the Leviathan. We would band together. We would set higher standards and hold each other accountable. The bloated American federal government would fall in a day.
Masculine virtue will lead the way in the days ahead. Make sure you’re with a group of men who embody it. Practice masculine virtue yourself. Live it.
Virtue, faith, and freedom are the way to a better America.
P.S. If you want to hear a discussion on masculine virtue, sovereign living, and ideas so batshit crazy they could work, check out my classic interview with Twitter’s latest persona non grata, Bronze Age Pervert. Our interview was the first he ever gave. A surreal experience. Check it out.


All day long I have been hearing about the County Clerk in Kentucky who won't issue marriage licenses to gay couples for religious reasons. I assume she is Christian since she is claiming it is against God's law for her to do so. Now she has gone to jail for contempt of court and is apparently aiming to be a martyr for her cause.
My curiosity is aroused here because she isn't following Jesus teaching. When asked about the image of Caesar on a coin, he said, "Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and give unto God that which is God's. Since the Supreme Court has ruled that same sex marriage is legal, that makes it the law of the land and our government is our Caesar, so it seems to me that she is simply being bigoted and is completely disregarding Jesus teaching while she is breaking the law.
Does anyone else have thoughts on the subject?


Ministries of St. John's
Planning to be married? Congratulations! We share your joy and wish you God's blessing for your marriage.
Wedding dates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Be certain you have arranged a date with the church before you make arrangements for other elements of your wedding celebration. Contact the church office by phone at 715-778-5935.
Please click on the link below to complete a marriage information form and turn it into the church office. You will also need to download the facility usage agreement below, where costs of a wedding are listed, read it through and turn it into the office with a $100 non-refundable deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings
How many guests can be seated in the church?
200 in the sanctuary, with the option of seating 100 more in the narthex
Is there a charge for the use of the church?
Fees are charged to compensate the congregation for facility and utility costs. Look at the facility use agreement to see what the fees are.
Are there facilities for a reception at the church?
Yes, but additional Custodial and additional usage fees apply
Is it necessary to be a Lutheran or a member of St. John's to be married at the church?
We are open to discussing a marriage service for those who are not members or who are not Lutherans. However, there are extra fees for non-member weddings.
Can I get the member discount for my wedding if I am a former member or a family member is a member?
No, to get the member discount you have to be a current active member of St. John's. This means you have attended worship in the past year, took communion and contributed financially.
Is a pre-marriage preparation program required?
It is. The Pastor utilizes the Prepare/Enrich pre-marriage instrument. As part of their commitment to the process, couples will be asked to bear the nominal cost of their pre-marriage preparation.
May another pastor officiate at my wedding service?
The Pastor is glad to welcome visiting pastors to officiate for weddings at St. John's as long as they are rostered in the ELCA or one of our partner denominations. For more information, contact the office.
Can I use a church organist or pianist to play at my wedding?
Certainly! However, you are responsible for contacting them. If you need the names and numbers of our church organists, please contact the church office.
To plan for a baptism at St. John's, download the baptismal form below and return it to the church office. The Pastor will contact to you meet with her for a baptism class if this is your first child being baptized at St. John's. If you have had previous children baptized at St. John's, you will not need to go through the baptism class again.
- Baptism: God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism! It is an entrance into a life "walking wet" where we are united with all the baptized into the one body of Christ, anointed with gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world (ELW p. 227). There are particular days and seasons of the church year that are particularly fitting for baptisms, though they may be scheduled outside of those times. The Pastor will meet with those interested in baptism either one on one or in a larger group to prepare for this great celebration and entrance into the Kingdom of God! Contact the church office for more information!
- Sunday School: Open to all children ages 4 (by September 1) through 6th grade. Classes are held at 9AM from September to May. Our children learn the stories in the Bible through hands-on, interactive learning utilizing different learning styles! Children come to understand Christ's love for them and their call to love one another and the world God made! Throughout the year children have the opportunity to learn about giving through their own weekly offering! Money is distributed to supporting the charity organization Compassion International and our brother Yohannes. Children also participate in the annual Christmas Program. Over the course of the year, we provide additional family activities like the Pentecost Party, Rally Day festivities, family service projects, Advent Adventure, and more!
Click here for the 2018 Sunday school registration form
- Bible Presentation for Third Graders: Third graders are presented with a gift Bible from St. John's.
- Communion Milestone: Holy Communion preparation is open to families who feel their child is ready. Each year, preparation includes 2 separate class sessions with the Pastor and their parents during the Lenten season. Children who attend the required sessions will celebrate their Communion Milestone during the Maundy Thursday Service during Holy Week. Typically, children attend these sessions in their 5th grade year, but younger children are welcome!
- Confirmation: Confirmation is a ministry of worship, faith formation, service and fellowship for 7th-9th grade students. Students are encouraged to put their faith into action! Students help lead worship for the community and serve others through special service projects and attend summer Bible camp. It is an excellent opportunity for young people to explore and grow in their Christian faith and relationship. By using the Faith Inkubators curriculum and including adult mentors, our youth grow in their relationship to Christ, one another and the Church, and the world God made. Confirmation classes are held on Wednesday evenings during the school year from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Confirmation students attend classes during their 7th and 8th grade years and part of 9th grade until they are confirmed on Reformation Sunday. To register your child(ren) from confirmation, contact the Pastor at (715)778-5935.
- High School Ministry: In addition to weekly bible study and occasional fellowship and service events, our high school youth prepare for an annual summer mission trip. Stay tuned for our 2019 trip details!
- High School Bible Study: All confirmed 9-12 grade youth are invited to a student-led Bible study on Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:30. High school students assist our pastor with the confirmation opening as they like and then head to the education building for their own time of fellowship, study, and prayer! All are welcome!
St. John's offers multiple adult faith formation and adult forum opportunities:
• Sunday Morning Adult Forum 9AM throughout the school year. We offer various series for adult learning throughout the year! • Bible Study: Meets weekly from September through May on Mondays at 10:00AM in small dining room at the Valley Villas located at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. Books of the Bible or topical studies occur throughout the year. We begin on September 10, 2018 with a study on Luther's Catechism!
Our purpose: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
- WELCA Circle and Bible Study is held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 2 pm
- Quilting workday is held every first and third Thursday of the month (Sept. – Nov.; Jan. – May) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
- Bingo is on a rotating schedule at 2:00 p.m. at the Spring Valley Health Care Center


A List-full of things
I am thankful for having Jehovah God in my life. I am thankful for all of his creation and everything I've been blessed with. Even though I may not have a lot at the moment, I still feel immensely rich and abundant with all He has given me thus far. I am unemployed at the moment, but I still have money to put food on the table and not starve. I am thankful for the closet full of clothes I have, for my fabulous shoe collection too! lol. For the birds that sing every morning out in my front yard, for the trees that supply me with shade and our little tomato garden, for letting me have shelter and air conditioning. For our little Honda Civic that takes us wherever we need to go. For health and for my lovely parents that have ALWAYS been there for me and my brother. For their generosity and words of wisdom. For having a bed to sleep on every night, for my TV, and most importantly for God's undeserving mercy and grace! For all this I am thankful.


Doxology - This term refers to a short prayer or hymn of praise that extols the glory and majesty of God.
Prelude - An introductory performance or piece of music that precedes a principal matter or event is called a prelude. It is oftentimes the music opening a church service or an introductory voluntary.
Interlude - This is a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition or a religious service.
Postlude - This t he instrumental music played at the end of a church service or a performance.
Oratorio - It is a musical composition for solo voices, chorus, orchestra, and organ, to a religious text generally taken from Holy Scripture. The most prolific oratorio composers are Georg Freidrich Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach. The most famous oratorio ever written is Handel’s Messiah.
Chorale - This is originally a hymn of the Lutheran church sung by the entire congregation.
Spirituals - It is a term used for religious folk songs, usually of a deeply emotional character, created and first sung by African Americans in slavery.
Hymn - It is a type of song, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer. It is commonly used both in private devotions and in corporate worship.
Magnificat - (latin) Mary’s song of praise saying, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." - Luke 1:46-55. incorporated into the liturgical services of the Western churches (at Vespers) and of the Eastern Orthodox churches (at the morning services).
Requiem - It is a musical composition with a theme of prayer for salvation and redemption commonly used in masses immediately preceding a burial, and on occasions of more general remembrance.
Contemporary church music - This is a genre of popular music defined by its lyrical content performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. However, a common theme is praise, worship or thanks to God and/or Christ.


“The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, kill and destroy.” John 10:10 (ASV)
In this narrative Jesus teaches us the predictability of the enemy. He illustrates how the enemy is like a thief and what his intentions are (to steal, kill and destroy). Having knowledge and understanding about the enemy’s strategy, helps prepare us for battle. A lack of this wisdom can lead one to death on the battlefront.
Spiritual warfare is made up of two fighting positions, the offense and defense. What Paul describes to the church in Ephesus when he talks about the whole amour of God, is all used in defense except for one, which is the word of God. The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon we can use to counter the enemy’s strategy as illustrated by Jesus during his temptation in the wilderness.
2 Corinthians 10:4 states that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, by mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. This means none of our fights are physical. Another version says, “Our tools (weapons) are to demolish the massively corrupt culture, for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God and fitting every loose thought and emotions and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” Culture, philosophies, barriers and thoughts are intangible, and although they can be seen or expressed, they are in their very nature spiritual.
Here are four predictable strategies you need to know always:
- The enemy’s strategy is to silence you
- The enemy is out to shift your focus to self
- The enemy will always offer the opposite of what God has already done or give
- The enemy will do everything in his power to isolate you during spiritual warfare
Enemy’s strategy number 1: To silence you
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 MSG
One once said, you cannot fight a devil you do not know. The enemy is very predictable, and his mandate is to steal, kill and destroy. He can do either of the two, lead you to speak works that kill or stop you from speaking words of life. His goal is for you to profess what is contrary to Go’s word about your life.
Never allow the enemy to silence you. The greatest weapon of our warfare is the sword of the Holy Ghost- the Word of God. It is His words that are life (John 6:63), not ours! However, the outcome is in our hands, or should I say hearts. We make the decision. Learn to pray and speak His Word.
Enemy’s strategy number 2: To shift your focus from we to me
“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your [willing and humble] slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].”” Matthew 20:26-28 AMP
Ever noticed how every sin listed in the bible centers around ‘me’. Greed, gluttony, envy, pride, lust, sloth, sexual immorality and wrath. It’s all about ‘me’. The devil knows that too and therefore he will creep in so that we shift the focus to ‘me’. Notice how even when you fight with someone you love, you always try to have your way? Even the fighting is centered on self. But Jesus says, for you to win the argument, be first and be great, you should serve first.
When you find yourself concerned about just you, know that the enemy is starting to move in on your family and relationships. Don’t let him leverage on your vulnerabilities. Choose to forgive even when it’s hard to, choose to love the unlovable and choose to extend the same measure of grace that Jesus Christ has showed you. Jesus himself exemplified that and exhorts us to imitate him. It was because of His service that we were set free from sin. Selflessness has power over sin. Choose ‘we’ over ‘me’.
Enemy’s strategy number 3: He deceives
Here is what you have to know about the enemy you are fighting, he is a deceiver. He doesn’t come up with anything new. He takes what’s existing and alters it. The enemy is very predictable so take note of his devices and how he operates. Jesus here tells us that he(the devil) is the father of lies. He is the best at lying and give birth to lies.
Everything about him is a mirage of what God has already given us.“You are the children of your father, the Devil, and you want to follow your father’s desires. From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” John 8:44 GNB
Enemy’s strategy number 4: To ISOLATE you
Be careful when you do not ‘feel’ like being in the presence of other believers or going to church. I’m not talking about a season where God may be shifting you, or where God may be pulling you out of the crowd for His work. I’m talking about feelings. Here is the thing, our souls are made up of our mind, will and emotions. And being born again our souls are not changed, but we are admonished to deliberately and continuously renew our minds [with the Word of God] so that we may know His will.
Take control of your emotions. Because once your emotions control you, the enemy will plant thoughts that discredit Gods ability and character. When you are in a state of vulnerability, with your back against wall, it’s imperative to seek help. God is an ever present help, when u have no one there to stand by you. REFUSE to let the enemy isolate you, because like any predator would easily devour its prey when in isolation, the devil will do exactly that.
If you are unsure about where and how to start, here are some free prayer points to keep you way ahead of the enemy.
Share with a friend. Someone needs to hear this


The Jay Singers are a Norwich-based mixed voice chamber choir. We perform a wide range of secular and sacred music from the thirteenth century to the present day.
We have been together for nearly 20 years and perform frequently all over Norfolk and beyond.
COME TO OUR NEXT PERFORMANCE:
Bruckner Mass in E Minor
Dove The Passing of the Year
Saturday 4th July 7:30pm
St. Peter’s Church, St. Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3HG
Saturday 11th July 7:30pm
St. Peter Mancroft, St. Peter's Street, Norwich, NR2 1QZ
We are always looking for new talent.
May 2015: Vacancies for: Tenor and Bass.
Contact us now to enquire.
Registered Charity no 1129250


We believe and teach that the Great Commission is not an option to be considered, but it is our mission and is a command given by Jesus the Messiah to be obeyed. The passion of the Christian and Missionary Alliance is to tell the truth of God's love and mercy to each and everyone of us through His Son, Jesus.
For God so loved the world that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
CLICK HERE to experience our vision, purpose, and mission. The worldwide view of the Alliance is infused into the local church. We will work hard to fulfill the Great Commission and be found faithful when it is all said and done.
Where there is one person who does not know Jesus Christ as
their Savior, you have a mission field.


We are a ministry of Abundant Life Church located across the street at 306 Morgan Avenue in Elyria. Our center is based on the belief that our children's needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.
We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best child care in our area.
Administrator: Pastor Jerry Harper PhD
Curriculum Administrator: Megan Harper BA
Administrator: Elizabeth Harper BA
Infant Teachers: Lynette Deskins, Mary Payne, Lora Lattimore
Preschool Teachers: Brittany Caddell, Alexandria Ceja, Kirstie Lacks & Sarah Grondin
School Age Teacher: Jared Harper
315 Morgan Ave.
Elyria, OH 44035
Monday - Friday: 6AM - 6PM
Closed - Saturday & Sunday


Non-Fiction Picture Book
Ages 3 to 6
Holiday House, 2001, 0-8234-1767-0
Christmas means different things to different people and sometimes in the flurry of gift buying, decorating, and cooking we forget where Christmas came from. Of course there is the story of the Christ child and his birth in Bethlehem all those years ago. This story lies at the core of what Christmas is about, but what about all the symbols that we associate with Christmas such as Santa, St. Nick, angels, Christmas lights and all the other things we love about the holiday.
In this excellent picture book the author helps young children understand how Christmas became the holiday we enjoy today and it will surely help make Christmas a more meaningful time for all.
An Online Children’s Book Review Journal
Through The Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews
Kids book reviews, including book reviews of chapter books, novels, picture books, and non-fiction from famous children’s literature authors. Your review site of books for children.
Welcome to Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews. We have moved! Please visit the new site at www.lookingglassreview.com to enjoy the new website.


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If you would like to advertise with the Christian Business Guide, please contact Rich Golden at 215-816-8998. Or complete our contact form and we’ll respond within 48 hours with your best customized options.
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16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And everything you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3: 16-17 (EHV)
In everything you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus!
Our pastor gave a sermon recently asking if everything we did was God-pleasing. He admits he fails sometimes. He has ears, and he hears the conversations in the hallway. He knows not everything we members do is 100% perfect. We are sinful human beings. It is our human nature. It is ultimately why God sent his Son to save us, and we are so grateful for that.
But we can try to do good, and repent those times we fail. And we can give thanks and praise for His redeeming Son! And so, I read a lot. A few years ago I discovered I really like to paint. When I moved to Texas, I discovered I might actually have a knack for gardening after all. And in 2020, I learned to crochet again. Useful hobbies. I try to keep them God-pleasing, praising his name. When I see the talents God has gifted me with are needed or useful to others, I offer them with love and service. Next month, I might learn something new. Join me on my journey.