If you’re at Westminster Abbey, walk over to the St. James Park tube station and take the District line over to Embankment where you’ll connect to the Northern line. Head south (you’ll need a Zone 2 pass) until you reach your stop: Clapham Common station. Head up the stairs and you’ll see a lovely green space in front of you, dotted with families relaxing, people walking their dogs, and a few pick-up games of football (aka soccer). Tucked away in a corner of the park, almost out of view behind some trees, will be Holy Trinity Church. Unlike the Abbey, this place is not overrun with tourists snapping photos or school groups in queues. It certainly doesn’t look like much. But, for my money, this is one of the most important churches, indeed one of the most important buildings, in the world. Affixed to the edifice is one of the ubiquitous blue signs denoting a historic location. It reads: “William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ worshipped in this church. Their campaigning resulted in the abolition of slavery in British dominions, 1833.” Another plaque erected by the church lists ten names of “servants of Christ…who in the latter part of the XVIIIth and early part of the XIXth centuries labored so abundantly for national righteousness and the conversion of the heathen and rested not until the curse of slavery was swept away from all parts of the British dominions”. A small bulletin board informs you that the church promotes racial reconciliation through regular “Wilberforce meetings”. Standing on that lovely common in the outskirts of London and gazing upon that simple church is to stand on holy ground.
One year after Richard Furman wrote his “Exposition”, William Wilberforce wrote “An Appeal to the Religion, Justice, and Humanity of the Inhabitants of the British Empire in behalf of the Negro slaves in the West Indies”. The epigraphs were Jeremiah 22:13 (“Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;”) and Micah 6:8 (“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”). Wilberforce and a small group of evangelical Anglicans and Methodists had worked tirelessly to awaken England from its moral slumber and had succeeded, after a 20-year campaign, in abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807. Now, this aging member of Parliament was calling on the British people to finish the job and abolish slavery entirely. It was the final chapter in one of the truly heroic lives in world history. Wilberforce was born wealthy in 1759, went to Cambridge, and became an MP at the age of 20. He seemed to be on his way to the comfortable life of a gentleman politician. But then Jesus got a hold of him. In 1785, he experienced a Methodist-style conversion and, upon talking with converted slave-trader John Newton (of “Amazing Grace” fame), he was convinced to use his position to do good. He committed himself to a life of advocating justice for the oppressed. He worked on prison reform, labor rights, electoral reform, missionary outreach, and even the prevention of cruelty to animals. But his great crusade was the end of slavery and he would soon link up with a small but committed group of men and women to do just that. It was these Christians who would end the practice of slavery in the largest empire the world had ever seen, and their example would cause a cascade of abolitionist movements in the 19th century which eradicated the practice in most of the world.
Discovering Wilberforce in college on the eve of my foreign study in England renewed my faith as only studying the saints can. Here was a Christian who, rather than taking Scripture out of context to justify his own selfishness, delved deep into the heart of the gospel message and allowed it to change him and, thus, the world. And that story is repeated wherever you find abolitionist movements anywhere in the world. The gospel message of radical equality before God (a unique message of Christianity) has broken chains around the world. In America, it was Quakers like John Woolman who started the first abolitionist societies. The Grimke sisters of South Carolina combined a passion for women’s rights with abolitionism, all spurred on by a deep faith in Christ. Indeed, it was the spiritual revival of the Second Great Awakening that lit the fuse of abolitionism. After all, it was a committed Calvinist preacher’s kid named Harriet Beecher Stowe who penned Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the book that woke the conscience of the nation. Of course, African-Americans themselves were spurred on to work for their liberation by the message of gospel, which calls us out of slavery into freedom. And the list goes on. While there has been a concerted effort by secular historians to downplay it, committed Christians were at the forefront of the abolition of modern slavery wherever it was found. The Enlightenment, when not leavened by the gospel, did not stand against slavery and the “meritocracy” of Enlightenment thinking was often just thinly-veiled white supremacy. To its great shame, the Church has sometimes stood alongside those who promote power above all. But Christ declares the power of the powerless, and the riches of poverty. Those who took Jesus seriously changed the Church and made the world more just, peaceful, and equitable.
Christian abolitionism didn’t start or end with Wilberforce. Early Church Fathers both Eastern and Western condemned slavery. St. John Chrysostom (349-407) said that “slavery is the fruit of covetousness, of degradation, of savagery…[it] was the fruit of sin.” Similarly, St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) wrote that “the condition of slavery is the result of sin…by nature, as God first created us, no one is the slave either of man or of sin”. In the supposedly-backward Middle Ages, the Church worked to end slavery in Europe. In 873, Pope John VIII declared it a sin for a Christian to own another Christian. The Sachsenspiegel (c. 1220), the most important law book of the Holy Roman Empire, condemned slavery as a violation of man’s likeness to God. Queen Isabella of Castille banned slavery in the newly-discovered colonies and banned the enslavement of Native Americans in 1493 (that second decree was more successful than the first, to be fair). And so on. While the Church has never been consistent in applying Christian principles, slavery could not withstand the gospel and faithful Christians have always stood against it. Even today, it is Christians who stand at the forefront of movements to end slavery and sex trafficking (see, for example, the wonderful work of the International Justice Mission). The message of Scripture, far from promoting slavery, has liberated millions from bondage both material and spiritual and broken down systemic oppression the world over.
In light of all this, how are we to interpret difficult passages of Scripture? How do we keep our own biases and presuppositions, conscious and unconscious, out and allow God in? These are big questions, of course, much too big for this essay. But I want to underline a few basic principles as I conclude this study.
First: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inerrant Word of God and contain all things necessary for salvation. They are the bedrock of all truth and the basis for living a holy (and joyful) life. Simply dismissing difficult passages as “from a different time” and therefore able to be discarded denies God’s ability to use His word to teach, correct, and encourage. We must avoid the Thomas Jefferson-ish temptation to remove the parts of Scripture that make us uncomfortable and face them head on.
Second: That said, not all Scripture is the same. The Bible contains a wide variety of literary styles from history to poetry to philosophy to prophecy to personal letters. Each passage must be interpreted with an understanding of the style of writing and the historical context in which it was written. Conversely, each passage must also be interpreted in the light of the entire message of Holy Scripture, since each part contributes to the whole of God’s salvation story. Which brings us to…
Third: The central story of Holy Scripture is the incarnation of Jesus Christ and His salvation of the world. All Scripture must be interpreted through the lens of the gospel message. Interpreting the Old Testament without reference to the Jesus revolution is to miss the entire point of the story. The four Gospels are the center of the Biblical canon for Christians, the first among equals, just as the Torah was (and is) for the Jews. Any interpretation of Scripture that undermines, detracts, or contradicts the message of salvation found in the Gospels is a false interpretation. If you have to discard the Golden Rule to justify what you are doing, you have entered the realm of heresy.
Fourth: The tradition of the Church should not be ignored, especially the teachings of the early Church Fathers. When the united Church spoke with one voice, particularly in the councils, we ought to give special weight to their interpretation of Scripture and not throw it out because the culture has “moved on”. Moving on is not the same as progress. When Sts. Augustine, John Chrysostom, and Gregory of Nyssa (among others) condemn the practice of slavery as sinful, we ought to take notice.
Fifth: Interpreting Scripture is not meant to be a solo activity. Christ gave us the Church to build each other up in the faith. Praying and studying Scripture together, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will keep us from straying too far off the narrow path (Matthew 7:14). If the Church speaks with one voice on something, we ought to be humble enough to submit to its teaching, understanding that our obedience will be rewarded even if the Church is in the wrong. That is why those in Church leadership must be especially careful about how they present the Gospel, for if they lead the sheep astray, it is the shepherds who will be held accountable.
Lastly: Sometimes we must say with St. Paul: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33) If a particular passage continues to elude our understanding, we may continue to struggle with it, perhaps all of our lives. But we must be radicals, that is we must delve our roots deep into the center of God, which will always be a mystery. The center of that mystery is love and that love is demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ. Scripture is not an end in itself — it is merely a window through which we may glimpse the infinite God in all His inscrutable wonder. This can be frustrating at times or even disheartening, for sometimes God acts in ways we think unjust or feels absent when His presence seems necessary. That is why we must have faith. Life is a risk and none of us will get out of it alive. I intend to use what little time I have in service to love, specifically the love found in Jesus Christ. If I’m right in taking this risk, I will leave behind a legacy of peace and hope and salvation. If I’m wrong, at least I will have served something greater than my own selfishness, at least I will have tried to make the world a little better by my being here. Isn’t that worth the risk?


Judgment No 10/13
Civil Application No. SC 118/10
(1) BISHOP ELSON MADODA JAKAZI (2) THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF MANICALAND
(1) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF CENTRAL AFRICA (2) REVEREND JOSEPH CHIPUDHLA (3) RIGHT REVEREND RALPH PETER HATENDI
SUPREME COURT OF ZIMBABWE
HARARE, DECEMBER 10, 2012 & FEBRARY 21, 2013
T.M Kanengoni withC Nyika, for the applicants
A.P de Bourbon withT Mpofu, for the respondents
Before, ZIYAMBI JA, in chambers in terms of r 5 arw r 31 of the Supreme Court Rules.
This is an application for condonation of the late noting of an appeal and an extension of time within which to appeal against a judgment of the High Court (BHUNU J).
The judgment was delivered on 19 May 2010. The applicants filed an invalid notice of appeal on 21 May 2010. The invalidity of the notice of appeal was pointed out to the applicants’ legal practitioners in heads of argument filed by the respondents on 3 August 2010. On 22 October 2012, the matter came before the Supreme Court for hearing and the issue of the invalidity of the notice of appeal not having been addressed by the applicants, the matter was struck off the roll. The present application was filed on 1 November 2012. Bearing in mind the date of the judgment sought to be appealed against, it is clear that the delay in making this application is inordinate.
It is now trite that:
“The broad principles an appellate court would have regard to in determining whether to condone the late noting of an appeal are: the extent of the delay; the reasonableness of the explanation proffered for the delay; and the prospects of success of the appeal. See de Kuszaba-Dabrowski et Uxor v Steel NO 1996 RLR 60 (A)at 62 and 64; 1966 (2) SA 277 (RA); HB Farming Estate (Pty) Ltd & Anor v Legal and General Assurance Society Ltd 1981 (3) SA 129 (T) at 134A-B; Kombayi v Berkhout 1988 (1) ZLR 53 (S) 57G-58A. And as BEADLE CJ observed in R v Humanikwa 1968 (2) RLR 42 (A) at 44B:
“The longer the delay in applying for condonation in the late noting of an appeal the more certain the court must be that there is a real chance of the appeal succeeding.””
See Jensen v Acavalos 1993 (1) ZLR 216 (S) at p 220F-G.
The explanation given by the applicants for the delay is that the matter was being handled by the late George Chikumbirike who filed the defective notice of appeal and who was ill at the time that the respondents’ heads of argument for the appeal hearing were served on his firm. Mr Chikumbirike died on 4 May 2011 some 9 months after the filing of the said heads of argument. Mr Kanengoni, an associate in the firm Chikumbirike & Associates, who assumed the conduct of the applicants’ case after the demise of Mr Chikumbirike, said that he only looked at the record in this matter three days before the appeal hearing on 22 October 2012. Although fully aware of the defects in the notice of appeal, he nevertheless made no attempt at any time before the hearing to rectify the invalidity.
Legal practitioners are expected to know and comply with the Rules of the Court. It is bad enough to overlook a provision of the Rules but to deliberately refrain from compliance therewith when the oversight or non-compliance has been pointed out by a colleague is to exhibit a disdain for the Rules which will not, except in special circumstances, be readily condoned. The explanation proffered for the delay is in my view unacceptable.
This brings me to the consideration of the applicants’ prospects of success on appeal. In this regard it has been held that in cases of flagrant breaches of the rules, especially where there is no acceptable explanation therefor, the indulgence of condonation may be refused whatever the merits of the appeal are. This applies even where the blame lies solely with the attorney.
See Paul Gary Friendship v Cargo Carriers Limited & 2 Ors SC 1/13; Viking Woodwork (Pvt) Ltd v Blue Bells Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd 1998 (2) ZLR 249(S)at p 254 D-E;Tshivhase Royal Council & Anor v Tshivhase & Anor 1992 (4) SA 852(A) at p 859E-F.
The facts of the matter are these. On 23 September 2007, the first applicant who was then a Bishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa, the first respondent in this matter, and head of the Diocese of Manicaland, addressed a letter to the Archbishop of the first respondent and the Bishop of Upper Shire notifying them of the withdrawal of the Diocese of Manicaland from the first respondent. The letter read as follows:
RE: NOTIFICATION OF WITHDRAWAL OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF MANICALAND FROM THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF CENTRAL AFRICA.
The above subject refers.
To put to rest speculation from your office, the Church of the Province of Central Africa and the rest of the Anglican community, this letter comes to you as confirmation that the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland has withdrawn from the Church of the Province of Central Africa with effect from 21 September 2007.
The resolution by the Diocesan committee which is attached and my submission to the Provincial Synod when I moved a motion on the need for the dissolution of the Province also attached and the minutes of the standing committee is a statement of emphasis on this matter by the standing committee.
This your Grace is the kind of seriousness that we take of the matter.
The Rt Revd. Elson Jakazi
Cc All Bishops of the Church of the Province of Central Africa.”
The Bishops of the first respondent replied by issuing a statement acknowledging that the first applicant and his supporters had personally resigned or withdrawn from the first respondent and accepting the first applicant’s resignation as an individual but asserting that the Diocese of Manicaland could not be withdrawn from the first respondent except in accordance with the latter’s constitution. The statement read in part:
“We unanimously concurred that:
1. The Fundamental Declarations, Articles of the Constitution, Canons and laws of the C.P.C.A. do not permit the unilateral withdrawal of a Diocese from the Province even if, as alleged by Bishop Jakazi, but challenged by many, the Diocesan Standing Committee of that Diocese unanimously expresses a desire to no longer be associated with the Province.
2. Bishop Jakazi was, inter alia, expressing his personal attitude and intention to sever all ties with the Province and was himself withdrawing from the Province.
3. In the circumstances, we accepted his personal resignation and withdrawal from the body of the C.P.C.A.”
Thereafter, on 31 October 2007, in a letter written on his instructions by his Diocesan Registrar, the first applicant sought to retract his withdrawal from the first respondent. The retraction was not accepted by the first respondent who, through its Bishop Albert Chama, wrote back as follows:
“We write to advise you that following the letter of 31 October 2007 written on your instructions by the diocesan Registrar of Manicaland, Mr Peter Makombe retracting your withdrawal from the Church of the Province of Central Africa as per your letter of 23 September 2007, addressed to the former Archbishop of Central Africa Dr. Bernard Amos Malango and copied to all bishops of the Province. The Episcopal Synod held at the hotel on 20 December 2007 considered your letter of retraction and decided to uphold the earlier decision taken and communicated to you that you are no longer a Bishop of the Church of the Province of Central Africa.
Consequently we as dean of the Province of Central Africa immediately appoint a Vicar General for the Diocese of Manicaland pending the election of the next Bishop.”
Following upon this letter, the first respondent proceeded to appoint second and third respondents as Bishops. This prompted the applicants to file an urgent chamber application in the High Court seeking an order setting aside the appointment of the second and third respondents and declaring the first applicant to be the reigning bishop for the Diocese of Manicaland until such time as the applicants’ appeal has been determined in terms of the provisions of the first respondent’s constitution and canons.
The learned Judge, in dismissing the application, said:
“It is an established rule that resignation is a unilateral voluntary act which takes effect as soon as the resignation has been communicated to the correct person or authority. In the case of Muzengi v Standard Bank & Anor (2) ZLR 137 this Court held that a letter of resignation constitutes a final act of termination by an employee.”
What this means is that once the first applicant’s resignation letter was received by the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Central Africa the first applicant automatically ceased to be an employee or member of that church organization without any further formalities.
Having ceased to be an employee or member of the church organization he automatically stripped himself of any rights and privileges arising from the contract of employment, membership or his status as Bishop of that church organization. The 1st applicant was not dismissed. His was a voluntary act to resign from that church organization. That being the case, he can hardly be heard to complain or cry foul. Any appeal or review which he may launch means that he is appealing or seeking a review of his own conduct. This is wholly untenable and illogical such that it must be incompetent at law.
The applicant having voluntarily divested himself of all rights and privileges accruing to a member, employee or Bishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa he has no residual rights to meddle in the affairs of that organization by barring the appointment of replacement staff.”
The facts are common cause. The law is clear. Resignation is a unilateral act which takes effect upon being communicated. See Riva v NSSA 2002 (1) ZLR 412 (H), at p 414A-B where the Court said:
“It is common cause between parties that the giving of notice is a unilateral act; it requires no acceptance thereof or concurrence therein by the party receiving the notice, nor is such party entitled to refuse to accept such notice and to decline to act upon it. It seems to me to follow that notice once given is final and cannot be withdrawn except obviously with consent…”
See also Muzengi v Standard Bank Zimbabwe & Anor 2002 (1) ZLR 334 (S) at p 340A-F.
The above cases clearly show that the first applicant could not unilaterally withdraw his resignation from the first respondent.
The first applicant has submitted that he did not withdraw in his individual capacity but as a diocese. This issue was settled in The Church of the Province of Central Africa v The Diocesan Trustees for the Diocese of Harare SC48/12 where the Bishop of Harare raised the same argument as is now being raised by the applicants herein. The Court held that the Bishop of Harare had resigned his office.
Further, as the respondents submitted, the letter of resignation demonstrates quite clearly that the stated position taken therein was that of the first applicant and others who wished to withdraw from the first respondent. “This, your grace is the kind of seriousness that we take of the matter” said the first applicant in the letter.
Moreover since the Diocese itself could not be withdrawn by the applicants from the first respondent it seems to me the respondents are correct in their submission that the applicants were withdrawing in their individual capacities.
In view of the above the applicants have not established that there are any prospects of success on appeal.
It follows, that in the result, the application must fail.
The application for leave to appeal is accordingly dismissed with costs.
Chikumbirike & Associates, applicants’ legal practitioners
Gill, Godlonton & Gerrans, respondents’ legal practitioners


Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
– Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus’ command and promise in Matthew 28 are the last words he spoke before ascending to heaven. The first thing to know about missions is that they’re all about being like Jesus. Jesus left the comfort of heaven to go on a mission to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:10). Now God sends us on mission into our neighborhoods, our region, and even to places we may never go otherwise to continue Jesus’ mission by sharing everything Jesus has shared with us (Acts 1:8).
Cornerstone supports mission work around the world. With each project we support we strive to care for each missions partner, be actively involved with each partner and share the love of Christ through each partner. We cannot financially support every worthy missions project around the world, but we do prayerfully consider every work that comes before us as we listen for how God wants Cornerstone to be a part of what He is doing all over the world.
MACU is fully accredited and offers associate and bachelors degrees. All students major in Bible, as well as choosing another major in Applied Linguistics, Cross-Cultural Ministry, General Ministry, Leadership & Administration, Preaching, or Youth and Family Ministry.
In addition to its summer camp schedule, Tri-State also offers events throughout the year including an annual trip for Senior Saints, weekend retreats for both men and women, as well as retreats for children and teens.
Several members also volunteer their time to the camp – from attending representatives meetings to helping at clean up days to spending a week at camp as a staff member. Our minister also serves as a camp director and is dean of the middle school week.
For more information about Tri-State or to register, please click here to visit the camp’s website.
To date they have helped build nearly 100 churches in 25 states and Canada. While building worship facilities has been the primary focus, they have also assisted group homes and Christian service camps.
Daniel and Beverly Kalnin founded FLC in 1979 and Beverly has continued the ministry since Daniel’s death in 2008. Beverly is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Canada while a longtime native member of the ministry oversees the ministry in Thailand.
To learn more, please click here to visit the FLC website.
Sheri currently teaches and directs at IME, a school for missionary kids, teaches a class at a local Bible training institute, serves on the committee for the CJC (an annual CIY-type youth conference) and will be teaching once a week at the newly reopened Universidad Cristiana de Mexico.
For more information, click here to catch up with Sheri on Facebook!
Their ministry is extremely varied – effectively sharing the Gospel in a multitude of ways.
To learn more, please click here to visit CICM’s website.
The following excerpt from the PBT website really sums up their ministry:
We believe the single greatest way we can help a hurting world is to give them God’s Word. This can only be accomplished through the communication of God’s desired plans for us and by people coming to see who their creator is. Some places on this earth have never encountered one verse of God’s Word. As a result, they lack an accurate picture of the God of Heaven who knows them and loves them intimately. Why wouldn’t we expect the people living in these places to do and experience terrible things? Somebody has to take intentional steps to address the world’s pain. We believe we are those “somebodies.”
For more information, please click on this link to go to the Pioneer Bible Translators website.
Led by Chuck Seevers, KFCI is currently serving in China, India, Liberia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States. They are also seeking open doors to continue expanding the gospel globally.
To learn more, please click here to visit Kids For Christ’s website.
Josh is currently serving as pastor, and Viry is a dorm parent for their women’s ministry.
For more information, please click here to follow Josh and Viry on Facebook.
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training.
Today, Compassion helps more than 1.5 million children in 26 countries.
To learn more, please click here to visit Compassion’s website.


The history of the stables of the parpaillots
The manor house in La Haye dates from the 16th century. It was raised on the site of a castle built by Charlemagne in order to protect itself from Norman incursions.
In 1858 arrive in The Hague Claude GENEAU de LAMARLIERE and Rosalie LEFEBVRE
Leaving branch III of the family, Claude was the 3rd son of Augustin GENEAU de LAMARLIERE and Elisabeth MAILLARD.
On August 30, 1981, 170 of their descendants met in these places for a family meeting. Everyone has fond memories of it.
End of the 16th century at the end of the 17th century century
While the Reformation movement gradually died out in Artois at the end of the century, the region of Calais, from which the English had been driven out in 1558, was gradually repopulated. The persecuted Huguenots of Artois and Flanders found there refuge , joined around 1600 by Dutch emigrants.
The signing of the Edict of Nantes in 1598 allowed the opening of 2 temples: at Marck and at Guines. A community of about 3000 members, with very diverse social origins: Flemish farmers and craftsmen, rich Dutch merchants, helped each other and came to the aid of the poorest.
The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, preceded since 1660, by infamous measures, with its share of arrests, closures of places of worship and discrimination of all kinds caused the bulk of the population to flee.
In the region of Boulogne, a few families of nobles and notables who had remained faithful to Protestantism, animated until the end of the 17th century a small community of around 350 faithful who met in La Haye, a large fortified farm located in Nesles (Pas -de-Calais) where the reformed cult was proclaimed, as authorized by article VII of the edict of Nantes of 1598.
Several Protestants chose to be buried in a nearby meadow, which for a long time kept the name of "parpaillots cemetery".
But from 1672, authorizations for sermons and burials were gradually withdrawn.
In 1685, the few remaining families around abjured and at the end of the century there remained in the northern region only about 300 Protestant families.
The manor of the Hague in Nesles at the heart of the war of religions in the Boulonnais
On this day of October 13, 1561, the manor of the Hague, on the edge of the forest of Hardelot, was in full effervescence.
Many followers of the new religion were gathered in this place for a cultural ceremony under the direction of a Protestant pastor. It was because they felt safe in this brick fortress mansion, because the king, worried about the progress of the reformed religion, had ordered "to oppose the damned enterprises of heretics against faith and religion". ". This injunction had further added to the troubles reigning in the country, exacerbated passions and stirred up hatred between Catholics and Protestants.
General Chinot wants the skin of the Hugenots.
Those who had come to Nesles that day to listen to the sermon had gathered in what they called "the temple", this vast room in the manor. An austere room no doubt, but warmed by a good wood fire in the fireplace where the flames danced on the moldings of the sculptures of the ceiling favoring an atmosphere of meditation and discussion.
However, in Boulogne, we had heard of this meeting of the Huguenots, nickname given to the Calvinists, and the lieutenant general of the Seneschal Antoine Chinot, decided on the spot to raise a contingent of a hundred heavily armed men to invest the manor. The governor of the place, the sieur de Sénarpont, sympathizer of the reformed religion, tried well to dissuade him from it but was unsuccessful. Chinot wanted the skin of the Hugenots and he would have it at all costs. Hastily, at the head of this troop he went to the manor of The Hague where all was calm. The guard was also limited so the soldiers had no trouble crossing the drawbridge and investing the place.
Forty people massacred
“Everything is quickly overcome, says Yvette Charles, in the Dossiers de l'histoire Boulogne, the panes of the mullioned windows are shattered; a sword pierces the body of the preacher who was - in boots, covered with a hat and in a short coat - Forty people from the audience are wounded and then massacred; the rest, taking advantage of the general tumult, disperses, some taking the spiral staircase of the south-west turret, others taking advantage of an opening overlooking the nearby forest. After attacking the men, the lieutenant orders the destruction of the building but the manor resists the assaults, only the pulpit was knocked down, the doors knocked down, the drawbridge broken and the ditch filled in.
A few months later, when it was a question of burying on March 25, 1562, a man named Pierre Lucyen, follower of the new religion, the clergy of the city of Boulogne refused to let this burial take place in the cemetery assigned to the burial of Catholics. . The Alderman was forced to intervene and tried to calm things down by deciding to give, outside the city walls, a square of land to receive the mortal remains of the Huguenots.
The new governor of Boulogne, Morvilliers, protected the Reformed who, strengthened by this support, were not long in resuming their vexations towards the Catholics, especially since the latter were not left out and they had organised, on the public square, a burning of all the heretical books they had been able to seize.
The creation of a brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament was the signal, on March 22, 1567 of new exactions and on October 12 following, the inhabitants of Boulogne discovered with amazement the disappearance of the miraculous statue of the nautical Virgin. All searches to find her were in vain. This disappearance did not bring calm to the city where the event was commented on with passion and the brawls multiplied.
On November 2, the tension went up a notch when, during the office of the dead at Notre Dame, a rain of stones was thrown against the stained glass windows, interrupting the service while the Huguenots entered the church, smashed the statues, the objects of worship, the furniture and set them on fire, desecrated the tombs of the crypt whose lead coffins were melted down to make bullets.
The ransacked mansion and the filled ditches
The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre occurred on August 24, 1572. Three days later, in reaction to this tragedy, the Sieur Gaillac, then governor of Boulogne, at the head of one hundred and fifty soldiers, joined by the inhabitants of Saint-Étienne- au-Mont and Pont-de-Briques, invested the manor of the Hague surprising "twelve masters who held their supper there in the midst of a populace of two hundred men, women and children differently armed ".
There was then real carnage. “All, relates Y. Charles, were massacred, shot, knocked unconscious. Four ministers, fifteen private individuals, seventeen women were hanged at the doors, at the windows and at the neighboring trees of the meadow which was then called the cemetery of the parpaillots”.
And once again, the mansion was ransacked and the ditches filled in. This residence, however, remained an important center of the reformed religion until the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1698. This law resulted in the confiscation of the domain of Nesles for the benefit of the hospital of Boulogne but shortly after, the family Patras de Campaigno acquired it. During the Revolution, the manor was sold as national property to Baron de la Fresnoye.
Over time the fortress lost its importance and was gradually abandoned and then reduced to a state of ruin. Today, the fratricidal struggles have given way to a sweet peace of mind.


Pastor Josh Blunt has been called to serve as our Lead Pastor, and has oversight of all operations at Sunshine. His reverence for God’s Word and sincere love for people come together in his work as our main preaching pastor. He deeply loves his wife, Jaime, and their three teenage children, and is energized by adventures in hunting, fishing, travel, and Mexican cuisine. When he has a chance, he really enjoys playing music, too!
Grace’s deep love for Jesus, passion for serving, in addition to her gifts in administration and leadership allow her to provide integral support to Pastor Josh as he leads and equips our church in light of the Gospel. Grace is a Michigan native and received her bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications from Cornerstone University. She, and her husband, Eric, were married in 2014 and have the pleasure of raising their adorable son. Grace enjoys spending time with her family, theatre, baking, traveling, and exploring the beautiful city of Grand Rapids.
Ben is excited about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with youth and families. He also loves to play instruments as he helps to lead worship. He is called to encourage and equip people to worship and work for God and his glory. Ben and his wife, Lindsay, love to ride their bikes, fly fish, and adventure to new countries and new places. You might find Ben reading a good Russian novel with one of his two Australian Shepherds right by his side.
Cody is passionate about seeing all the families of the church of every generation supporting and encouraging each other in the journey of faith. He is called to be a support, equipper, and encouragement to families as they found their homes and lives on the gospel and grace of Jesus Christ. Cody and his wife, Rochelle, have four children and enjoy being outside together, and playing Legos and board games together.
Sue is passionate about finding opportunities to touch the lives of people who need to experience acceptance, encouragement, and God's life-changing love. She treasures her family, and feels blessed to support Pastor Cody by handling details of Family Supportive Ministry at Sunshine. She loves to spend her time reading, watching football, listening to music, and exploring ArtPrize.
Jeff has been called to serve as Director of Service Learning at SCC, and while he love to serve the church and staff, his passion is working with neighbors, contractors, and community service volunteers. He's a husband of 15 years to Margo, and father to three children. He loves sports, music, and anything that keeps him close to home. He is happiest when he's cleaning, organizing, fixing, constructing things, and providing sarcasm to the group.
Ashleigh’s passion for working with children and spreading the love of Jesus allow her to excel at her role at Sunshine! She has a history of working with children at many-a-summer-camp as a counselor and also as a nanny. She loves helping children to understand and learn more about our Heavenly Father. Not native to West Michigan, Ashleigh and her husband Jared are originally from the Midland area and have lived in Grand Rapids for a little over a year. They love spending their time hiking, watching movies and walking their pet Moose (who is really a black labrador but she doesn’t know that!).
Dick Carr is delighted for the opportunity to serve God by serving and caring for His people. He and his beautiful bride, Mary, became members at Sunshine in 1999 after they moved to Grand Rapids from New Jersey to be closer to family. They have 2 daughters, 1 son-in-law, 3 grandchildren and 1 grandson-in-law. Dick retired from Lucent Technologies; prior to that he worked for NJ Bell and AT&T. He is passionate about building relationships and encouraging others in Christ. His favorite ministry verse for those in affliction is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. His sweetheart of 60 years, Mary, went to be with her Savior this year after a bout with ALS. After the experience and struggle of caregiving for her, he is even more determined to care for God’s people at Sunshine: "I am so grateful to be part of this family here. There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. After all the love shown to Mary and myself, it would take a team of horses to pull me away from Sunshine."
Nekoda has her degree in Digital Media from Cornerstone University. She enjoys thinking of creative ways to keep people informed and engaged with church information. She creates original media for our communications and is working to enhance our digital publications (like The Blaze) and our social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Nate Morris is a Senior at Cornerstone University in the Audio Production program. He grew up in a musical household and got into audio through his love for playing music and arranging. Now, his goal is to spend his life working on music and ultimately use his gifts to impact people for Christ. In his spare time you can find him playing disc golf and going camping!


What does “Girl Power” in homeschooling mean to me? It means tailoring educational curriculum to my children – my girls. It means opening up avenues and possibilities for them. It means giving my girls good strong, female role models. It means helping my girls to grow into strong, confident, successful women – but also women who look outward and look to make a difference in the world around them. Girl Power is about harnessing all the gifts and talents and love that God has placed inside them, and sharing it with the world!
Our “Girl Power!” Learning Plan Thus Far:
“Girl Power!” Field Trips:


Each Sunday we offer 5 worship services in 3 different locations.
If you would like more information click here. Our Worship Services
One people in mission for God's glory...
Growing in Christ and making him known in love, through word, sign and deed...
Because all people matter to God.
If you would like to read more about the meaning of our mission statement click here. Our Mission
Loving God, Loving Others
We will be a thriving church, responding to God's grace and passionately living out our faith wherever we work, live and play.
Together we will work alongside others to develop thriving communities, where people feel connected, known, loved and valued.
Our strategic plan is for the 2015-2020. It contains 6 keys areas: Worship, Discipleship and Evangelism, Community Ministry, Communication, Mission Facilities and Collaboration with Other Churches.
If you would like to read more click here. Our Strategy
Meet our awesome staff by clicking here. Staff Profiles
If you are new to the church and would like to find out more click here. Newcomers


Welcome to New Day! I’m Melchee Johnson, and I’m grateful for your visit to my blog. My life’s journey has been grounded in faith and grace and love. I am a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Mostly, I am thankful, because God has called me His.
New Day is a fresh take on inspiration. We’re here to enliven your heart and soul through grace words that stir up joy in living for God. And let’s do live – with fervor and purpose, with conviction and in faith, serving God and loving others. Let’s live. Better.
New Day is based on this affirming promise found in Lamentations 3:22-23:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV)
If you’re interested, my 2017 focus verse is Colossians 2:7. Really speaks to where I want to be found this year:
“…rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (ESV)
Come back to see what we’re talking about, and join the conversation!
revised June 2017


May 9: The day millions of Filipinos will turn their backs on the altar
But today, I need help from Filipinos to explain to this foreigner, yours truly, about faith in the Philippines. Because I’m not getting it.
For the headline to this article, I had originally written “Filipinos will turn their backs on Jesus”, but my wife scowled at me. “I don’t like that!”
So I dialed the headline language down, in respect of her sincere belief, which is as pure as faith can be. From the heart, deeply.
Which confuses me even more.
If we step back from the heart, from the soul, and look at the human face of faith in the Philippines, it is clear that there is a disconnect between what the priests say, and what the priests do. And those of other cloths and pulpits as well. There seems to be no CONVICTION among them to do what Jesus Christ preached, and died for. For Christians, the idea is that we should believe in Him, that Christ and His way and sacrifice is the path to salvation. Other faiths have similar paths based the idea that being a flawed and sinful man or woman is not good enough. We should be principled. We should be good.
We should sacrifice of ourselves to rise above our manly sins.
I’ve read much of the Bible. I was a student for several years. Genesis and Exodus are good reading. Not airplane reading, mind you, but good for the mind and spirit. Frankly, though, I couldn’t get through Deuteronomy or Numbers. Hard reading. I love Psalms, and have done that book page by page, for the poetry and the richness of meanings. Exodus, terrific. Job made me aware that God deals harshly with the wayward. I was discouraged during the reading.
I read Job and I’m surprised more faithful here in the Philippines don’t tremble at what they do, and at what their friends and family do. There is a lot of sin going down in the Philippines. Judges, senators, representatives, agency officials, mayors, governors . . . they are thieving and lying as if God were just kidding. As if Job were a joke. The main principle in the Philippines is that a law is broken only if you get caught. And forgiveness is just a “Hail Mary” away.
Kindly cite which book of the Bible that idea is found in, that we sin only if we are caught.
But I digress.
Back to the Bible.
The New Testament changes gear. It is the soft side of God, through a very kind and compassionate man, His Son, Jesus Christ. The first four books are from the perspective of four disciples: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books are the staples of every Christian’s beginning bible studies, and many a child carries a disciple’s name on his birth certificate, in respect of the faith into which he was born.
As we move on through the New Testament, we get to Acts. This book is an entertaining recounting of the work of the apostles during the founding of the Christian Church. It’s not a precise history, exactly (it is rather an adaptation, favoring certain themes and events), but meaningful, for sure. Luke is believed to have written Acts and the idea was to show that “virtue is better than vice” [Aune, David E. (1988), “The New Testament in its literary environment”].
“Virtue is better than vice”
“Virtue is better than vice”
I repeat intentionally. It is a lesson that seems not to have registered on Filipino public servants, or Filipino voters.
“Virtue is better than vice.” Well, is that not what Jesus Christ taught, lesson after lesson after lesson? How to put good in our minds and hearts, to put peace ahead of fighting, to think of others, to be humble, to heal rather than rend?
So I don’t get it.
I don’t understand the election survey polls that suggest half the voting base in the Philippines would opt for a known thief or a self-professed murderer. Or, to a much lesser extent, that it is okay to use a sacred house of worship for a political photo-op.
I don’t understand why the Catholic Church is complacent, as if the best the caretakers of faith can do is sit back and watch, impotent. It makes them sinful in my book, enablers of the most powerful sinners in the nation. I rather think Jesus would storm through Philippine cathedrals throwing out the priests. Then he’d worry about the money changers.
What kinds of disciples for Christ do Filipinos make, anyway?
Well, regular readers know my visual mind, the way concepts become metaphors or images. In my physical vision, it strikes me that the 2016 election Act, the selections made by Filipino citizens, will be as if the whole Christian congregation, on a quiet Sunday morning, decided to rise from the pew.
And turn their backs on the altar.
Do I have this picture wrong? If I do, kindly explain to me what faith means to Filipinos.
I have the suspicion that something a great deal more serious than the selection of a president is happening on election day.


Every morning is a blessing from the Lord almighty. Let our hearts give Him thanks in all our situations. By doing this we can enjoy His presence in us. Thereby be overcomes in this world.
By Perseverance we endure the promise
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised”.
Today we are deviating from Thessalonians as the Lord wants to breathe confidence in you so that you will be richly rewarded. Such rewards that are promised in the word often come with a condition. In today’s word the condition for us is that we need do His will.
There are truths that we can learn from today’s word. The word says, ‘Do not throw away your confidence’. We also must remember that the Lord came to save us and not to condemn us. Hence if we fall we must get up and get back on track. As an athlete, I always relate to running. If an athlete ever gives up on the track that he runs on, he will lose the race. Even if he falls, a good athlete will get up and run. This is perseverance. There is always a gap between the promise and the time one receives it. The gap is the time of endurance that an athlete takes in completing the race. The race is never easy.
Similarly our lives can never be a bed of roses. The hurdled that we face often will shatter us and make us throw away our confidence. Today’s word encourages us to hold on to God’s promises and have the determination to run on and to complete the race with the help of the Holy Spirit who will be our coach from within. By our endurance we will gain our lives. The word says it is the one who has endured to the end, who will be saved.( Mathew 24:13)
Let us walk this day with confidence to know that the Lord is breathing confidence into our lives to live a life of victory. Today let us ask the Holy Spirit to direct us so that we can run in such a way that we will win.
Dear Lord I come to you in Jesus name. You are my sure hope and I place my confidence in You. Help me and strengthen all my weaknesses so that I can persevere and do Your will at all times. Amen!
God bless you!
Your obedient servants in Christ
Theo & Manju


critical thinking as an instructional strategy Methodical Foundations of Anthroposophy: Collected Essays on Philosophy, The Answers of Spiritual Science to the Biggest questions of Existence . The Gospel of John in Relation to the three other Gospels, especially the Gospel of Luke V. Taylor, The Formation of the Gospel Tradition, London 1933, 21935 (das 8 Jesus and the Victory of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God II), Tübingen 1991; A. Weissenrieder, Images of Illness in the Gospel of Luke: Sources, in: J. B. Green / M. Turner, Jesus of Nazareth – Lord and Christ: Essays on the.
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I Live in Bergen, NY with my husband and 1 child left at home. I am a mother of 9 children. I worked as RN in every area at UMMC until 1996 when I became a midwife. I delivered babies at Millard Fillmore Suburban and Children's until 2000 when I returned to UMMC and have delivered many many babies there since. I have strong Christian faith and have been a member of City Church, Batavia NY since 2001.


In 2009, Pastor Christine A. Smith (Senior Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church; Wickliffe, Ohio) invited six other female ministers to sign and submit a grant proposal to the Ministers' Council (A national ministerial organization of the American Baptist Churches, USA) for a "Together in Ministry" grant funded through the Lily Foundation.
In January of 2010, we received notification that the proposal was accepted and the grant was given. The "Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland Network" was born!
Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland (WTIM) is an ecumenical network designed to provide encouragement, information sharing between female clergy, resources, praise reports and upcoming events. Although the founders of WTIM and Advisory Board members were American Baptist female clergy, groups of all denominations are welcomed to be listed in the Female Clergy Directory and on the website. The vision for the Network is to provide connections, opportunities for ministerial growth and exposure for female clergy in the Greater Cleveland area.
Our guiding Scripture is taken from Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) which states:
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The seven orginal grant proposal signers, who also served as the Board of Advisors for the Network were:
Pastor Christine A. Smith, Senior Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church; WTIM Facilitator
Rev. Camille Brown, Associate Minister, Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church; WTIM Financial Secretary
Pastor Rena B. Hunter (Baker), Senior Pastor, Church of the Master
Rev. Dr. Margaret Mitchell, Assistant to the Pastor for Ministry Support; Director, Olivet Health and Education Institute - Olivet Institutional Baptist Church (deceased)
Rev. Julia Moses, Associate Minister/Minister of Christian Education, Covenant Baptist Church; Chaplain, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Rev. Itherine Spencer, Mentor/President - Affinity Baptist Church Ministers' Council, Minister of Visitation - Affinity Baptist Church
Rev. Clifflora Wright, Associate Minister, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church; Chaplain, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Chaplain VITAS Intergrated Hospice
*Sister Kathryn Johnson, WTIM Recording Secretary (Support person for Board); Minister in Training, Covenant Baptist Church
Currently, WTIM functions primarily as an online network, sharing information and encouraging support for one another, sponsoring periodic gatherings, conferences, concerts, etc:
Pastor Christine A. Smith continues to serve as the Facilitator
Rev. Camille Brown continues to serve as the Financial Secretary
Since its founding, WTIM has held two national conferences (2011 and 2012), two community concerts, numerous "eblasts" to keep clergy women abreast of "happenings" throughout the Greater Cleveland Area and nation and an active prayer request/prayer support community for network participants.
Currently the WTIM Network has over 100 participants both locally and nationally.
Future events will involve leadership/guidance from the Facilitator in collaboration with WTIM Network members.
The WTIM Network Goals are to:
· Provide a website that will include a Directory of licensed/ordained clergy throughout the Greater Cleveland area. The WTIM website will also include a listing of female clergy/ministry groups along with their respective leaders.
· Provide support to and information sharing between groups.
· Provide an opportunity for female clergy to share information about their group on the WTIM website.
· Have periodic events where as many of our groups as possible can come together and learn, share, support and lift one another in the ministry.
· Provide greater opportunities for female clergy to share their gifts and talents and gain exposure through periodic workshops or special speaking opportunities.”
We praise God for providing this wonderful opportunity for female clergy to come together, support one another, share with one another teach and lift one another as we seek to do God's will, bringing glory to His name!


Many exciting things have happened since last I wrote to you all. Breaking News: I head butted a goat. At the Burnetts. Probably one of the best things I've done in the last 17 months.
My companion caused me realize that each day I talk about a different member of my family. So one day I'll talk about Becca and then it will be my "I miss Becca Day". It changes each day-not consciously of course. Yesterday I missed Cameron as I told Sister Hicken that he was maybe the best whistler in the family because he could whistle my classical piano pieces(which almost no one can do, especially the 20th century composers). I missed Bethanie when I had a stroke of genius for all the things she and I will do when I get back. I missed you all on the different days..(this is not trunky talk..I'm simply telling you how much I love you. I'm not trunky because trunkiness is only for elephants. hah! Sister Martell wrote me a card the other day that had a big elephant on the front with those words. Every missionary also must know that trunkiness never was happiness.)
Well Jennifer is still progressing. She was supposed to get baptized yesterday...but get this. It's almost comical how many times this has happened to me on my mission. The very day before someone is supposed to be baptized, they call or text us with some crazy off the wall reason why they can't get baptized. It's ridiculous. Another word for it is Satan. Anyway. She had to re-schedule the baptism because she went to the doctor the day before to get these shots in her spine to help with her fibromialgia(don't ask me how to spell that). She apparently can't be submerged in water for at least 72 hours to make sure she doesn't get any infections due to the shots. Of all things! It sounds like something I could make up! Anyway..pray for her to be able to be baptized this coming Sunday.
We have been seeing the result of our faith and the faith and diligence of the members. We made a new mission plan in our branch. The title of this plan is- The Glenwood Ward. President Palmer asked the members to ask for a few simple things in every prayer they offer. 1) Convert Baptisms 2) Reactivation of members. He stressed the importance of each member playing a part in reaching this goal. We have seen progress in the people we are teaching, found more people to teach, and have been seeing less active members return to church. The Lord will continue to bless this area according to our faith and diligence.
This week I gained a knowledge of the importance of diligence. It seems that this attribute has been highlighted in all of my scripture studies this week. Diligence is the key to being worthy to receive power and authority. And how important that is! I read accounts in the Book of Mormon from Nephi and Lehi, Enos, and Ammon who received power because they truly desired to help people gain faith unto repentance. We cannot be missionaries who are truly focused on our purpose and receive power unless our strongest desire is to serve God and bring people to repentance. Diligence in all things with unshaken faith in Christ will bring the results we desire- conversion. Not only in others, but in ourselves. Yesterday in church, President Palmer gave wonderful remarks about the Atonement. Specifically he discussed the nature of the Savior-that He wants to forgive! I think I sometimes act like He is reluctant and almost unwilling to forgive. This is not the case. He did not pay a great price to purchase a gift just to put it away on a shelf. The gift He has, He will gladly and readily give! His requirement is that we come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Then we can obtain this wonderful gift of the fruit of His atonement. Forgiveness and progression. Diligence is a necessary part of this process.
Sister Hicken and I have been reminded and taught about the importance of the Holy Ghost and the role he has in our missionary work. It is true that the spirit is the most important element in this work. On Saturday we went to one of our investigator's homes and knocked on the door. After I knocked, a strong feeling came over me that we needed to leave right then. I looked at Sister Hicken and she voiced the exact feeling that I had. I don't know why but we knew it was the Spirit that urged us to go. I drove away feeling grateful that the spirit guided us and I knew that Heavenly Father was mindful. We drove to Beth's house(another of our investigators). It was our second visit with her. We were surprised and happy to find out that she had been reading the book of Mormon and was already to 2 Nephi 9. She has been religious and close to Heavenly Father all her life. She is reading and praying. I can see in her face that the spirit is softening her heart. Moroni's promise is real-but for it to actually work we must follow everything that Moroni admonishes. We must have a sincere heart. I know that she does. I was grateful again for the role the Holy Ghost had in that lesson. Our hearts were changed by the end of it. I had a stronger desire to do what is right, a greater belief and faith in our loving God and His Son, and a stronger testimony of the importance of this work.
Other interesting facts:
So you know how Hot Springs is the boyhood home of Bill Clinton? Well little did I know that my investigator, Howard Hawthorn, went to school with the man! haha! I guess Bill Clinton came to visit Hot Springs once a while ago and was in some parade I think...anyway, Howard Hawthorn was standing on the corner of one of the streets, Bill Clinton sees him and nonchalantly says "Hey Howard." And Howard waves. Haha!
The Heavens smiled down upon me on Wednesday of last week. We had our training with President Petersen in Little Rock. I had parked at the church in Hot Springs so we could carpool with the other sisters. Well when we came back that evening, who should drive up but my favorite Brother Griffin! He invited us to dinner. I got to see Sister Griffin and their granddaughter Ali who I got so close to last year. Ali couldn't stop hugging me..it was a grand reunion. And good catfish. Can Bethanie also learn how to make hush puppies? Because those are better even than fried ochre.
I love you all.
love sister wilde


the Catholic Home Missions Appeal.
From the USCCB Catholic Home Missions Website:
What Are the Home Missions?
"Home Missions” is the name for dioceses and parishes in America, in its territories and former territories, which cannot provide basic pastoral services to Catholics without outside help. By “basic pastoral services” we mean Mass and sacraments; religious education; ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay people; and subsidizing poor parishes.
For many decades, the Church in the United States has sent missionaries overseas to serve the people of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The Home Missions are dioceses and parishes here in America that need the same kind of support.
Where Are the Home Missions?
Surprisingly, the Catholic Church is poorly established in many parts of our country, especially Appalachia, the South, the Southwest along the Mexican border, the Rocky Mountain States, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and remote island chains like the Marshalls and the Carolines in the Pacific. Generally speaking, the home missions are everywhere Catholics are few and the Church is fragile.
Click HERE for an interactive map of home missions in the U.S.
Find out more about the USCCB's Catholic Home Missions effort at:
Included on the website are links to maps, videos, a scrapbook, newsletters, and the program's annual report.


Life Teen is an international youth ministry program, their focus is leading teens closer to Christ. They create a format to teach teens about their faith using the bible, catechism, and other resources. Life Teen isn’t just a program, it’s a community, a community that holds each other up, and leads each other to Our Father.
Here at St. Michael Church that is our focus, with the help of our youth minister, and chaperones (The Core Team), their main goal is bringing these teens to Christ. We also have a lot of fun, as well! With Life Nights (youth group night), we have games, teachings, and small groups! Some nights we just have fun and play games!
Along with Life Nights we also have an annual retreat that is offered to the teens at no cost to them! We also attend a Steubenville Youth Conference every summer!
Our Life Nights are on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, all in high school 9th-12th grade are welcome!
Praise and Worship. Teaching. Adoration.
What is an XLT? Praise and worship, a teaching, and adoration with praise and worship. That is the simple answer.
An XLT is a great time to meet Jesus, especially if you haven’t yet. It’s a great time to just sit back, relax and here Our Lord speak through music, a speaker, and to see Him face to face in the Eucharist!
XLT’s are on the last Tuesday of every other month, 6-7:30pm in the Church.
All are welcome!
Life Teen Bible Study
We will be going over the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into our faith, by hearing Christ words, and sharing our common experiences of the Word proclaimed through Scripture!
It will be a small group format led by Quincy, our youth minister, and members of our Core team.
Bible Study is every Tuesday 6-7:30 in the Parish Hall kitchen. All in high school are welcome!


I was born and brought up in this captivating place called the Black Hills. Rapid City has been my humble abode for my entire life since I was born in 1991.
I had a summoning call towards cosmetology since I was about four years old. The desire was written in my heart. From pretending to do my dad’s hair with my toy blow dryer, spray bottle, combs, and hair ties to cutting all of my doll’s hair. As I got older I loved making over my friends. I don’t think I conscientiously chose this profession, but like many others, this profession called to me.
As is the case with my profession, I have other passions that have bubbled up since a young age. I thrive through writing and enjoy all types, but I especially enjoy poetry. I love music, drawing, and painting as well–more so when others do it, but I have begun to try my own hand at these on and off over the past few years.
One thing important I keep in mind when it comes to almost anything is this: comparison kills creativity. This inspires me to believe there is no wrong way to create, it is the expression of the heart. Speaking of the heart, my faith and devotion to the Divine Creator is nearest and dearest to me. The most important thing about me is who my heart belongs to–Jesus. He guides my direction and paves my pathway. I am very fortunate to have my precious family close. My husband, mom, dad, and older brother whom I spend holidays with, along with our toy poodle Lucy!
Overall, I truly enjoy my life. Laughter is my only drug of choice. I hold great value in simplicity, and I believe love is the key to everything before all else. “To truly love is to see the face of God.” My virtue is my greatest asset. I will leave you with a passage I draw strength from, a promise my dearest friend has made with me, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers they shall not overflow thee. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2.
Thank you for taking a little time to learn about me. SALON ONE is truly a family. I have learned to prosper and grow with these amazing people I have worked with since 2011. Then of course there are my clients who are very dear to me. I promise my best in all that I do!
And as a friend of mine would often say to me, “Have a great day, unless you have other plans!.”
What is your greatest personal indulgence?
Pizza Ranch. I go there at least once a week!
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
If I could have an unlimited supply of self discipline that would be great. Then, I would never overindulge.
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three.
Martin Luther King Jr


BIBLE READING|GALATIANS 6:7-10
Whenever the subject of sowing and reaping is discussed, as any farmer would tell you, there are two key factors in fruitfulness: The seed and the soil.
In His parable of the sower, Jesus Christ told us that there are four types of soils: the way side; the stony ground; the soil riddled with competing thorns, and then there is the good ground. It goes without saying that any farmer that is serious about increase or fruitfulness will not only worry about the quality of seed, but will pay very close attention to the preparation of the ground in order that the good seed he deposits with care in the prepared soil, will have every opportunity to yield an increase.
Life is about sowing and reaping. There is no escape from the eternal law of sowing and reaping. Sovereignty may defer it, grace may abort a particular process, but nothing eliminates it entirely. It remains in the world system until God Almighty makes a new heaven and a new earth. King Ahab was told by the prophet Elijah, because you have humbled yourself before your God, the judgment against you will be deferred to the next generation (1 Kings 21:29). The prophet Nathan said to David, God has forgiven you your sin and as a result you will not die. However, because you have caused the enemies of your God to blaspheme His name, the child of your adultery will die and the sword you used to murder Uriah will devastate your family (2 Sam. 12:13-14).
You must work within God’s eternal law of sowing and reaping by being careful to prepare your seed and the soil into which you plan to drop it so you may reap plentiful harvests continually.
PRAYER: Lord, the ability to understand the law of sowing and reaping please grant unto me, so that I can sow correctly.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR |2 SAMUEL 12-13 & LUKE 16


Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Opens In Branson October 28
November 2, 2021
Celebrate Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Opening October 28, 2021, in Branson
Experience the joy of the holidays at Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede! There’s no better place in Branson to celebrate the true spirit of the holidays than Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
Filled with festive horse-riding stunts, stirring holiday music, a spectacular live nativity and a four-course holiday feast, Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede is Branson’s #1 Choice For The Holidays!™
The Spirit of the Season
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction is decking the halls and grooming the horses for the holiday season, transforming into a dazzling Christmas spectacle that includes a full-scale living Nativity, glittering holiday decorations, familiar holiday tunes and even a visit from Santa Claus, himself!
Catch the holiday spirit as the Stampede arena is transformed into a Christmas fantasyland and Elves from the North and South Pole compete in a friendly holiday rivalry. The entire audience will enjoy cheering on their respective sides of the North Pole and South Pole as Stampede’s 32 magnificent horses race in exciting holiday competitions!
The young and young-at-heart will be amazed at “The Magic of Toys,” as The Sugar Plum Fairy magically brings toys to life in a stunning aerial display set to the unforgettable music of The Nutcracker. Of course, no Christmas is complete without an appearance by Santa, who arrives in his sleigh as the Stampede arena is filled with snow and Christmas cheer.
Spectacular Live Nativity
The true meaning of the season comes alive right before guests’ eyes, with the birth of Jesus portrayed in a living nativity with Mary, Joseph, the three wise men atop camels, and shepherds leading donkeys and their flock of sheep. Guests will feel as if they have been instantly transported deep into the natural beauty of Christmas, from the mountains of the Ozarks to the clear skies above Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. It’s the most special time of year for families, who continue to make Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede part of their annual family tradition.
Four-Course Holiday Feast
No Christmas celebration is complete without a festive holiday dinner! The entire family will enjoy our signature four-course holiday feast, which includes a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecue pork loin, herb-basted potato, buttery corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuit, a special holiday dessert, and unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea or coffee. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available by request.
From the dazzling decorations and magnificent music to the awe-inspiring living nativity, nothing compares to the way we bring the spirit of the season to life at Branson’s #1 Choice For The Holidays!™


A Christmas celebration with music and pageantry, the Boar's Head Festival appears to be an American custom of English origin. Its roots are in the ancient English tradition of slaying a boar for the Christmas feast, roasting the severed head with an apple in its mouth and ceremoniously bearing it into the castle's dining hall so that royalty and guests might admire it and the hunter's prowess.
With the passage of time, the slaying of the boar has come to represent the conquering of evil at the birth of the Christ Child. This pageant displays both the colorful magnificence of the great feast and the simple beauty of the Christmas story.
Sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches, the Boar's Head Festival is truly an ecumenical undertaking. Many members of our Island churches make up the 600 people who sing, perform or contribute their skills in the production of the festival by working on sets, costumes, lights, sound, publicity and programs.
Spectators will see and hear a brass ensemble, recorders, handbells, bagpipes, harpsichord, singers, dancers, tumblers, jesters, townspeople and a Christmas story. Musicians include an adult, youth and children's choir of over 100 voices and a 25 piece orchestra.
History of Boar's Head
1980: Josephine Ramage and the Interfaith Council of Churches of Grosse Ile launched the first Grosse Ile Boar's Head Festival. The Islanders theater group were also instrumental in the initial performance that involved about 200 to 300 people. Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosted the original pageant. And the script was rented from the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church.
1982: The second Boar's Head took place and the 12 Days of Christmas was added to the pageant. Doug Scott became the musical arranger and composer.
1984: The third Boar's Head was performed and King Winsaslaus was added.
1986: King Winsaslaus was removed.
1987: The Interfaith Council and Mrs. Ramage decided the production would occur every four years.
1990: The Boar's Head was performed at Grosse Ile High School. Nothing new was added, however a composition was written called "The Innocents." This piece would be brought to life in 1994.
1992: Josephine Ramage dies of leukemia
1993: Jill Ryan was appointed executive director and producer to succeed the late Josephine Ramage.
1994: Boar's Head is again performed at Grosse Ile High School and "The Innocents" was performed. About 400 to 500 people were involved.
1998: The pageant returns to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the "The Annuciation" is added as the new piece.
2002: The pageant is performed again at Sacred Heart Church and "The Prophet, Isaiah" is added to tell the prophecy of the coming of the Christ child. The pageant size continues to grow, reaching close to 600 people.
2004: The Grosse Ile Boars' Head Festival incorporates and becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
2006: The song, "There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue" is added to the pageant at the beginning, to tell the story of the young, virtuous maiden Mary, and her destiny of bringing our God to the world in human form, in Jesus, the Rose.
2011: Jewelry Designed for the Queen by Milkins Jewelers of Monroe
2014: Death of Rev. Ted Aller and Rev. Richard J. Milford, whose support was essential in ensuring the success of the Festival since its founding.
2015: A New Drama Director is appointed: Mrs. Krista Ewbank. We celebrated our 35th Anniversary.
2018: Thousands are predicted to attend this wonderful and unique celebration of the birth of our Savior.


Our Vision Campaign is VCC's fund to build a permanent home. While we enjoy our time with BLHS, there are some additional ministry opportunities that would come with having a place of our own. We are currently working to raise funds to build on the land VCC owns. Please pray that we will continue to listen to the Lord's leading through this process. If you would like to support this process, you are invited to donate here selecting "Vision Campaign Fund."
Funds in image above are as of September 2022.


There are many reasons that I could say that I went to VOM. I had friends that were going, I missed not going earlier this year, I saw it as a chance to get to know some people better, this trip would count toward three credits for school, and of course my favorite reason was that my best friend was going along with me:)
These are pretty good reasons, and they were all a part of the reason that I wanted to go. But I think my true reason was to gain another view of the ministry. I had just spent a week in Nicaragua working in the field, and now I wanted to see what happened when you area supporting the field workers.
It truly is the scenario that Jesus told his disciples. “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 The laborers need support and that is the vision of VOM. The area the servants to the servers. Yes, they do everything they can to spread the Gospel, but instead of only doing direct evangelism, they are helping others reach their country men and provide a way for their needs to be met. I would also have to say that they have a good system on how to work with the people that they serve. In the area of volunteers, I think that they have also mastered the art of delegation and are great to work with if you are an over achievers type of team:)
My personal thoughts about VOM, I don’t know how God plans to use me, but I do know that He did not place VOM in my life for no reason. Maybe, it is to bring awareness to my own faith and how I sometime take it for granted and that someone pays the price everyday for their faith. Maybe, they are part of the plan that God has for my life. My future goals has been confirmed this summer. I have felt the Lord calling me to missions and being able to work both behind the scenes and in the field was a great experience to take part in. I don’t where I will serve, but I am willing to do whatever He calls me too.
Regardless of the reasons that I went to VOM, I was blessed by my last trip. Not only did I grow in areas of my own life, but I also got the chance to see His hand on other people’s lives and that is sometimes the greatest blessing of all.
The pictures of the Voice of the Martyrs trip are now available.
I have finally had the chance to post some of the pictures from Nicaragua. They are on the Picture page. Seeing them reminded me of all the things that I experienced while I was there. The laughter and the tears are something that I will never want to forget. I hope that when people look at my pictures that they see past the pain and poverty but see the beauty and the love that captured my heart….
For sometime I have been struggling with understanding what Service Learning is…
I read the official definition for it but it did not make sense to me until now. It is not about service or even learning how to do new things. It is what happens on the inside of a person once they have accomplished their goals. For me, it just took a little longer then most to set in. I did not realize what I had learned until I was talking to my College Plus! coach about VOM. She was asking me why I would consider an internship with them for next summer. This was my reason:
I believe that the American church (including myself) has a glamorized view of the mission field and sharing the gospel to non-believers. We have taken for granted the freedoms that we have here in America. For some, a big mission trip is staying in a nice hotel and going to a neighborhood, that you are afraid to go into in your own home town, and tell poor street kids about how Jesus loves them. I’m not saying this is wrong or judging those who do this, but I feel that this is what the American church calls missions. This is not true missions…
The true mission field is going where you are giving up yourself entirely. No will of your own and willing to die for what you are doing. That is what the people who are helped by VOM are doing. They are witnessing in their own countries and are willing to loose their jobs, families, go to prison, and even die for their belief in Jesus Christ.
What about me???
Is my faith so strong that I am willing to do this???
Only through time and maturity in my walk with the Lord will I ever be able to endure even half of what my persecuted brothers and sisters go through everyday. However, I must not give up hope in myself and I must never forget those who are in chains. That is why I support the work the Voice of the Martyrs is doing. They are truly the voice for those who, I’m afraid to say, have been forgotten by their fellow believers. It is up to us, and it starts with me, to set the record straight and to not let this continue to happen.
So, what am I going to do???
No idea, I’m in school, teaching music lessons, working part-time, and trying to be a good daughter and friend. There is not much time that I have left, but I can pray, tell others about the ministry, and ask the Lord to prepare my heart for whatever He has planned for my future.
So many things happened while at VOM and I learned many different things. Some were more spiritual in nature about God and being His child but others were more down to earth and practical in nature. Some were easy to learn but others proved to be challenges. One of my biggest challenges was being in charge of the finances….
I always thought I was good at balancing money. I know how to keep a budget and can say no when things cannot be bought. However, even with twelve people eating three meals a day for a week, and facing gas prices at almost $4.00 a gallon, you have to be a wise steward of the finances that are placed in your care. Especially when you want to give back to everyone some part of their money back.
This task proved to be bigger then I thought when I said yes to do it. The handling of the budget was biggest and hardest thing that I had to do. Not only did I have the food budget, but also the gas budget and the just in case budget. Since we placed it in one account, it was up to me to make sure I did not get finances mixed up. I went over budget in some things, but at the end of our trip, we had extra money to give back to each of the team members. I am happy to say that I have a better understanding of keeping and making a budget that I know will help me in the future.
The first few days of being on a mission trip are always the hardest. You find out what people like and dislike. You are trying to get to know them and they are getting to know you. With having the responsibility of being in charge of the meals, I was looking forward to cooking yet I was nervous about it as well. My greatest fear was that we would run out of food. This almost happened a couple of times when we had more guests then we thought. However, my faith in God’s provision grew while I was there and I realized that watching FoodNetwork finally paid off. I was able to use what was available to me and make something that was filling and delicious:) We always seemed to have guest every day for a meal or for desert and sometimes we never knew the headcount until we started eating. It was amazing to see that God always seemed to have the right amount of everything and leftovers too:)
One thing I did learn was that I now have a greater sympathy for those in charge of the meals when I go on mission trips. It is not about have everyone praise your cooking and you being the most popular person on the trip. It is being the one that wakes ups early before everyone else, planning in advance and even cooking in advance. The best advice that I followed was to make as much ahead of time and all you have to do is warm it in a crockpot. This not only saved time, but gave me a chance to spend more time working at the volunteer center. I enjoyed being the cook for the trip and I hope that I get to do it again in the future.
Well, we are on our way home from being at Voice of the Marytr. It was the most amazing trip that I ever had. God did so much in the time period that we had. It was an interesting group, some had come before but most of the group were first timers to VOM. We all came from many different life circumstances and walks in the Christian life. I think that is what I enjoyed the most about this trip.
To start from the very beginning is the only way to begin this reflective blog. This trip was first mentioned about 6 months ago when I was talking to one of my student’s mother about VOM. They were familiar with the ministry and what they did, but did not know that you could volunteer at their headquarters. My mom gave her further information and she discussed it with her husband. They later gave the okay about going. We then spent the last few months finding others to go with us. The final number was twelve people. Two moms, six twenty year olds, two teenage boys, and two kids. I think that was one of the first things I learned from this trip.
God can start working in the heart of someone at any age and that they can do things for Him at any age. So many Christians get trapped into the idea that you have to be in your late teens, early twenties, and single to be of any use for the ministry. Or, you can wait until your are retired and have grandkids. This is not true, God has never put an age limit on those who can serve Him. The scripture is full of children, young adults, single, married, men and women that had a heart to serve God and were used mightily for Him. He sees the hearts of people, and has the amazing way to bring people with the same heart together.
At the end of the trip, I did not want to come home, and could have stayed for another week. I learned to live with people that I only had a few things in common with and not really have a relationship with. Now, I see what God has done in their lives and I am excited to see what the future holds with them as my friends.
It is good to be home. My life will never be the same. I have been blessed by the opportunity that was given to me and I have felt God’s presence in everything that I did.
I tried to find one word to define my experience and I believe that I have found it. It is a word that many people would be surprised to hear, but by God’s grace and mercy this one word says it all about my trip.
Strange word to use when working in the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere but it is the truth. I experienced this the entire time that I was there and did not even realize it. I was watching a semon today on my iPad, since I slept for about 11 hours this morning and somehow this was able to sum up this trip. Click on the link below to watch this video…I hope you enjoy this.
I should be in bed but I still have to pack before going to bed. Good thing I have know how to pack light and fast. It is so hard to believe that this moment has finally come. I’m absolutely scared….but like my big sister said, being scared is a good thing. It makes you to rely on God more. This will be my last post until I get back…now on to packing and wrapping up the little details. Aiming to be in bed by 2am…four hours of sleep should be fine:/