Click here to download an AMA flyer (pdf) with more information and an opportunity to give.
Contribute to Aged Ministers Assistance using our secure connection.
Contribute by check: Mail your check made out to Aged Ministers Assistance to - AMA, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.
Click here if you would like information on how to apply for Aged Ministers Assistance.
Your Contributions demonstrate:
Gratitude for the labor and sacrifice of our retired ministers
Recognition of their important role in building our Fellowship
Compassion for their present need
Why do people give to AMA?
“I just wanted to let you know giving to the Aged Minister Assistance fund is one of the most enjoyable things I am able to do each month. I actually smile each time I write out that check. It has almost been a year since my pastor husband passed away. I loved him so much and still miss him every day. I am thankful and grateful that God has given me good health and a good job. The fact I can help other ministers and spouses of ministers gives me great joy. Praise God for His blessing.”
Aged Ministers Assistance Fund
Each year AMA supporters help around 300 retired or disabled ministers and their spouses or widows. Through the AMA fund over $800,000 is given to meet their needs through monthly support and emergency responses. Aged Ministers Assistance helps provide the daily needs of food, housing, and medicine for aged or disabled ministers and their spouses who were living on a monthly income lower than the national poverty level. AMA is not a pension, but an emergency fund. It is underwritten solely by contributions from concerned churches and individuals.
“THANKS”… FROM PIONEERS OF FAITH
“I am 81 years old and don’t know what I would have done without AMA. I only receive a small check from Social Security. I have been a part of this beautiful family for over fifty years. I appreciate all the help that I receive.”
“It is a real blessing and I don’t know how I managed before the checks from AMA started coming. The checks make the difference between meeting my needs or having to go on welfare. Thank you so much!”
Decades ago they labored as church planters, pioneer pastors, and travelling evangelists. They gave their time, energy, and resources — sacrificing freely for the work of God. Often they had no funds to lay aside for their retirement years. And because they had so little income during their ministry, their Social Security check is very limited.
Now retired, many of these ministers are forced to live without adequate means to provide even the barest necessities. Only with financial help from Aged Ministers Assistance (AMA) can they partake of life’s necessities in their sunset years. AMA also helps with insurmountable medical bills or other unusual expenses not covered by Medicare and/or supplemental medical insurance. The Aged Ministers Assistance Fund is administered by the General Treasurer.
“Were it not for AMA, elderly ministers like myself would be in a terrible dilemma. You will never know this side of Eternity what AMA means to me. Your concern for me is overwhelming as my income is so limited. God bless you!”
“My wife and I praise God for your monthly support to us; we would not have food on our table, no way to get our medications, no way to pay our insurance without your check. Thank God for you and the churches for this support.”
“My sick wife needed some medications and warmer clothing. Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase exactly what she needed. We also took care of some increased utility bills that we had.”
“This year I am grateful for the special offering I was able to receive. I really needed it since my income is very low. I thank God that we are not forgotten in the last days of our life. Some of us are lacking in many essential things in our life. AMA is always a help to us.”
“To receive a letter or card and recognize that somebody remembered me is a perfect moment to feel happy.”
“Thank God for AMA and the monthly checks; they have been a real life saver.”
“This was heaven for me! I am 86 years old and on low income so this was a blessing for a real need. AMA makes life a little more enjoyable.”
“I am always amazed at your generosity. My taxes and insurance were due and I did not have the funds to pay them. Then the Lord provided.”
Each year at Christmas the individuals and churches that support the AMA ministry send a special Christmas Blessing offering for our aged ministers. Here are a few expressions of appreciation from grateful recipients.
“I could never thank all of you enough for the lovely Christmas check. I was out of food and other items and thank God He made a way for me. I truly appreciate you all.”
“The generous Christmas check was such a surprise and great blessing. We wept and praised God for the gift. Without it, we had no extra money to have gifts for our children or grandchildren.”
“My dad received the check from AMA and he voiced how blessed he was to have someone that loved and cared for him for his life’s work in God’s ministry. He was so thankful that his church cared about him now that he is retired.”
“Oh what a joy it was to receive the check and card from AMA for Christmas. I was concerned about being able to pay my gas bill and praise God He provided. I can never thank you enough.”
Aged Ministers Appreciation Sundays
2015 May 24 and November 15
There are two "official" AMA Sundays each year, in May and November. But you can celebrate the Aged Ministers in your church any day of the year. The following are suggested ways to celebrate the senior ministers and evangelists in your church:
· Recognize all ministers and evangelists over the age of 65 in your service.
· Give the senior minister flowers or a gift and recognize them by name with years served and places served.
· For evangelists, note the possible number of states and or countries they have traveled throughout their ministries in your recognition of "years served and places served."
· Give them a card from the church, signed by the church leadership.
· Include a "thank you" in the church program, listing their names.
· Invite a senior minister to speak in the service.
· Invite a senior minister to give his/her testimony.
· Ask someone to testify who was influenced by a senior minister from the church.
· Make a PowerPoint presentation of pictures of churches or countries where the senior minister served.
· Sing their favorite hymns in the worship service.
· Invite them to a special luncheon on Aged Ministers Appreciation Sunday.
· Ensure that their spouses are also recognized for their years of support and ministry.
· Invite the children, grandchildren, and/or great grandchildren of the senior minister to help you celebrate Aged Ministers Appreciation Day.
· Make a contribution to AMA in honor or memory of your favorite Senior Minister or Evangelist, or all Senior Ministers and Evangelists.
· Encourage any senior minister in your congregation who needs help with emergency or monthly expenses (food or housing) to contact AMA if he/she is not already receiving assistance from AMA.
For information, call the AMA office -- 417-862-2781, ext. 2184 or email us at email@example.com.


The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide Catholic Men’s Fraternity founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. This week, we will have opportunities for young men on campus to get to know the Knights and what we are all about.
Sunday: after the 9pm Mass we will have a recruitment table in the atrium.
Monday: Movie night in Murphy Hall at 7pm. We will be watching “For Greater Glory”
Tuesday: Meet the Knights! Floor hangout in Murphy Hall at 7pm. Come learn more about what it means to be a Knight.
Wednesday: Cookout on the Quad 5pm and then Mass at Gesu with Bishop Perez at 7pm
Thursday: 1st and 2nd Degree Exemplification 6:30pm in Rodman Chapel
Contact Nick Holoman firstname.lastname@example.org to RSVP
Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHPMXB4Y4pQ


It’s a big big day at Local! We have our Easter Brunch To-Go flying out the door. As we prepare for our third Saturday, we realized you might want to make a reservation for Friday and Saturday nights. I’d make one for tonight if you are planning on coming in to see us.
Local Late-Night continues this evening – BLT Eggs are 1/2 off for Easter starting at 10:30pm. Come see us Late tonight for the greatest hand-crafted cocktails in Norman!
We are closed on Sunday and Monday … Sunday brunch will start in a few weeks. Happy Easter everybody – and thank you for another amazing week at Local!


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C.H. Counsel – Have you asked other godly believers their opinion? i. Too many people make a vow of commitment and then break it because it is inconvenient to follow through. Ruth - Bible Bowl Questions. In verse 17 she invokes the name of YHWH. Here are some factors that they should have considered: A. She felt tenderly for Naomi, but still did not love her unconditionally. And this was in a time when women weren’t ordinarily included in genealogies. The story of Ruth and Boaz is one of the most beautiful examples of God’s love and sovereignty recorded in the Bible.Woven through out this beautiful love story is a greater story of God’s amazing love for us. Flashcards. Help us continue to create Bible study resources by supporting Study and Obey for as little as $1. Instead they often used a more general name for God or a descriptor like the kings in Daniel who call Him the “God of heaven.”. Book of Ruth - Bible Survey Who was Naomi in the Bible? When you feel like that, how should you respond? 1. - Ruth could only pick up one grain at a time. Relevant easy to understand teaching points. Each inductive study contains outlines, discussion questions, cross-references, and teaching points which you can use for personal study or to facilitate a group. I am so excited to start Bible Study Mondays!. Whattime of day was the plan made to glean in the grain fields? By Mary Jane Chaignot. 2. Naomi stated that she came back “empty.” In fact, the women of Bethlehem said that Ruth was better to her than seven sons (Ruth 4:15). STUDY. Even when she believed it would cost her both of her daughters-in-law (all her remaining family), she still was strong in her resolve to return. Circumstances – Has God so ordained circumstances as to give a clear “no?” Circumstances should not generally be viewed as a positive indicator, but can be used by God to close the door for believers who are genuinely seeking His will. Our spouse and our children top the list. Workbook on Joshua and Ruth Page #4 Bible Study Questions on the Books of Joshua and Ruth Introduction: This workbook was designed for Bible class study, family study, or personal study. I believe that Orpah was torn. 1. The book of Ruth is amazing story about providence, love, and redemption. Ruth Chapter 4 - In this final lesson we learn the impact of the kindness and decency of Boaz, the faithfulness of Ruth, and the hope of Naomi. 1. What is the story of Ruth and Boaz? Now she is returning to the land of her birth with her daughter-in-law named Ruth from the despised country of Moab. One very likely consequence was that his sons, who were evidently of marrying age, would intermarry with Moabites. We have therefore created a library of almost one thousand (and growing) inductive Bible studies, which are available for free. Available exclusively on Amazon both in Paperback & Kindle.. Is the Book of Ruth for the woman in a particular life season? Orpah leaves, but Ruth stays (6-15) III. Background The story is set in the time of the judges, a time characterized in the book of Judges as a period of religious and moral degeneracy, national disunity and frequent foreign oppression. As we enter into chapter 1, we see an interesting picture involving three different women. He selflessly puts others needs ahead of ours, just like our Savior. Question: "Who was Ruth in the Bible?" Her love for Naomi is a decision. These small group studies of Ruth contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, teaching points, and applications. We are going to study Genesis this year! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If she had this land all along, why didn't she sell it earlier and save herself a lot of … Introduction Bible Study Helps; Bible Quizzes; Inspiration; hopefromthebible.com Bible Quiz on Ruth. The book of Ruth is amazing story about providence, love, and redemption. We pray this Ruth Bible Study is a blessing to you. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group. A person cannot truly be restored to the Lord and be filled until they deal with and repent of the wrong emotions inside of them. 1. You may need to leave your current place or current job. Discussion questions to encourage interaction. What can you see in verse 19 about small towns at this time? It follows the life of Naomi and Ruth as they struggle through difficult trials. But a choice had to be made, and Orpah chose to stay in Moab, while Ruth clung to Naomi. In the Old Testament physical blessings tended to follow obedience and discipline/oppression tended to follow disobedience. What can we learn from her statement about what love is? If a person really wants to know God’s will, it is generally not that hard to find it out. It was unusual for non-Jews to refer to God by this special covenant name. - Ruth took the threshed grain and winnowed it. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. Many times even believers leave God out of their decision making process, much as it appears Elimelech did. Although the book is titled “Ruth” it is just as much a story of Naomi. lynaaaae. A famine descends on the land. 1. In verse 7 she departed together with Naomi. In Naomi, Ruth and Orpah we see a backslider, a new convert and a double-minded woman. Application: Examine your own attitudes and emotions. Ruth was a woman used mightly by God! Generally speaking there are five aspects to consider when searching for God’s will: Application: Whenever you face an important decision, follow the five step process above. Loyalty? Over 50,000 words of in depth discovery questions, teaching points, and applications cover each chapter in 23 lessons. Doing nothing is easier than doing something. Ruth's story from the Bible is a remarkable journey of faith and of God using anyone to do His wll. 2. Spurgeon. It is an action. It was phileo love. Do you agree with Naomi that the “hand of the Lord has gone” against her? From this we can learn that a person can only love unconditionally if he/she has a relationship with God. DidRuth know she was gleaning in the field of Boaz? Come to the Lord with your heart and say, “Fill me up Lord. Sign up for our newsletter to receive your free Bible study E-book of Hebrews. In these verses we see one of the best expressions of commitment anywhere in the Bible. While her life was far from empty, she pessimistically looked at the negative side and took Ruth for granted. She did have an attachment to Naomi. Ruth’s key quality seen her is unconditional love. - Ruth had to stoop to gather every grain. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group. Learn. 1. The ultimate purpose was restoration. This is not an in-depth study but rather a look at God's Word as it applies to our lives as women who are striving to follow Him. How could she? We learn about communication, giving, love, providence, redemption, and courtship. In other words, they weighed the alternatives and according to their own understanding decided to leave and go to Moab. He can strengthen you and sustain you. God is providentially looking out for them and arranging circumstances for their blessing unseen to them. b. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her: There comes a place in our following after God where it comes down to doing. What was the result of this decision for the family? What do we learn in this passage about Naomi? He had also promised to bless them in the land with all kinds of rich blessings if they obeyed Him (See Deuteronomy 28:1-14.) Study Ruth Ebook: A Story of Love and Redemption. Ruth expresses her loyalty (16-18) IV. Ruth Bible Study Guide – 4 Free Online Lessons With Discussion Questions. Categories: Ruth, Women in the Bible. However, her husband died and she became a widow. What was their motivation to leave? It was a spiritual problem primarily and not a geographical one. study of Ruth is so refreshing. It is interesting to note that Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” They left the House of Bread and looked to the world to satisfy their needs. Ruth: t t Rt www.pad˜eld.com 1 Ruth 1:1–5 Moving To Moab & 1 Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. This Bible trivia quiz has been answered 9031 times with an average score of 73.8% Noami is bitter (19-21). See Hebrews 4:4-11. A short side lesson from this is that God can use even imperfect sinners to draw others to Himself. Why or why not? Lesson from Orpah – Orpah seems to be a very good daughter-in-law. Perhaps you have taken it upon yourself to make some decision such as moving to a certain city or taking a certain job. It came about in the days when the judges governed – In Israel this was a lawless time. A Study of the Book of Ruth by Becky J. Naomi’s husband and sons both died – While the text does not give us the exact cause of death, the entire story indicates that this was God’s discipline on a family that did not seek Him first. 4. Ruth Chapter 1 Questions. Use Your Time At Home During Covid-19 to Study the Word! i. She could have been afraid to face her people back in Bethlehem and perhaps receive their criticism or disapproval. If following Naomi most likely meant a life of poverty without a husband, why would. Who was Ruth in the Bible? Application: There are a lot of people that we should show commitment and unconditional love to. How well was she responding to the affliction/trials/discipline in her life? Diamonds in the Word: Study the culture and religion of Moab at that time. You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This takes a lot of time and hard work. Meanwhile, if you go outside of God’s revealed will and act on your own initiative, you should not be surprised when bad consequences manifest themselves. - Ruth had to hold on to each grain, and not immediately drop it. Fear of criticism from such people who probably were not above being busy-bodies could have discouraged Naomi from returning, but she came back anyway. Relevant easy to understand teaching points. Several factors could have discouraged her from returning including: It should be noted that Naomi was completely committed to returning to Israel. Exodus 6:8 – ‘I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.'””. A five year old dies from an unintentional gunshot wound, a mother develops cancer, a father of five loses his job, and the list goes on. For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. Question. Ruth Bible Study. Life hurts. Naomi loses almost everything and becomes embittered. SCRIPTURE: “1 In the days when the judges ruled,  there was a famine in the land. And even after Naomi tried to persuade her to stay, she still insisted to go with her (verse 10). Freedom in Christ – If you have carefully sought God’s will in each of the four areas above, then you can pursue what you believe God is leading you to do and if you are sincerely seeking after His will He will shut the door if He indeed does not want you to go in that direction. Why was Ruth so loyal to Naomi? Ruth: God’s Amazing Love for You An In-depth Bible Study. To learn more about this method click HERE.}. The book of Ruth is a beautiful piece of sacred literature, applauded by many for its literary excellence. Form is being submitted, please wait a bit. A Note from Rachel-Ruth: If there was ever a time to be in God’s Word it is now!! Was this a good decision? See Psalm 15:4. Boaz also figures prominently in this book and is a type of Christ, pouring out care upon Ruth. Over 50,000 words of in depth discovery questions, teaching points, and applications cover each chapter in 23 lessons. While living in Moab her two sons married Moabite women. Naomi was not perfect, but it is still clear her life and example had a big impact on Ruth. In verse 16 she also states this saying that your God shall be my God. Why do you think Orpah listened to her and left, but Ruth stayed? She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband’s only brother died. Grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth, and shuts it once for all. Ruth and Orpah both felt the same feelings but Ruth did differently than Orpah. Pick an online lesson from our Ruth Bible study guide below to get started. As James describes in James 4:13-15 people see a business opportunity and make a plan, all without even attempting to consult the Lord or ascertain His will. Is the Book of Ruth Worth studying on a deeper level? Answer: Ruth was “of the women of Moab” but was genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Ruth 1:4; Genesis 11:31; 19:37). Read the firstseven verses of Ruth Chapter 2 to answer the following questions: 1. B. Do you ever feel like God’s hand is against you? H… Elimelech should have looked to God for deliverance from the famine and not to Moab, which had aligned itself against God on more than one occasion. Works on phones, tablets, PCs, or kindles. What do we learn from these verses about Ruth’s character? Naomi did finally decide to return to the land. So they decide to leave and go to Moab. It didn’t take long before all the people in Bethlehem knew that Naomi was back. Use Your Time At Home During Covid-19 to Study the Word! It is unconditional. Our heroine is a widow who leaves her hometown of Moab to follow her mother-in-law to Bethlehem. And He disciplines them in order to restore them to Himself. Ruth is the story of a little foreign girl who came out of paganism and idolatry in the land of Moab. The entire book of Ruth as written could be viewed to teach us an important lesson: When you act on your own initiative and stray from God’s will, then bad things happen. In the story, we see that Jesus was descended from both _____ and _____. Ruth is also one of the few women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Anyone can see the pain and suffering that surround us. 3. Who do many believe penned the book of Ruth? You'll find all this and more in the Book of Ruth.. Well, sort of. What motivated Naomi to suggest that they stay in Moab? Why was Ruth so surprised to be treated withfavor by Boaz? Naomi had urged Ruth t… This Bible study lesson on Ruth chapter 1 will focus on their lives and what we can learn about: Romance! - Ruth took the grain home and threshed it. Consider the circumstances and decisions made that lead to their condition in this section. See how God blesses the Jewish people and the entire world through their ancestors. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.”. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”. Grand love affairs! God should be first, middle, and last as you consider what to do. These verses show so many beautiful character qualities of Ruth that we should aspire to: 2. We should use Ruth's example to glean everything we can from the Word of God: - Ruth worked hard. What was Israel like when the judges ruled? It also ended up meaning leaving Orpah. And she follows through. Are you submitting yourself to God’s plans or merely asking Him to bless your own? Join with us and see how God may change your life through this study of Ruth! Naomi returned, but her attitude was still not right – She changed her name to Mara, which means bitter. She “heard that the Lord had visited” (verse 6) and so she “arose” (verse 6) and she returned to the House of Bread empty at the time of the harvest (21-22). Created by. It is beneficial to ask people you know will give you the truth, even when it is hard to accept. 25:5-10). Test. You will receive our practical and in-depth Bible study of Hebrews in .epub and .pdf versions delivered to your inbox. They will never satisfy. A. Ruth 3:12 = He told Ruth about the other younger, more qualifying kinsman redeemer in his tribe. Although the word “love” itself is not mentioned these verses are a clear description of it. The only other Biblical book bearing the name of a woman is Esther. But this was not strong enough to cause her to leave everything she knew. What do we learn from this passage about discipline? Both Naomi and Ruth experienced the heartache of losing a spouse and having no one left to carry on their family line. What period of time is the book of Ruth set in? We see Ruth’s loyalty toward Naomi. How should a person ascertain God’s will? Even deeper than that, we see her belief in and conversion by the Lord. Though it's sometimes billed as a biblical love story, Ruth isn't really about finding that one special shmoopie you can't live without. What is a kinsman redeemer? It is easy to ask people you know will support you. Why did Ruth and Orpah make different decisions? Small Group Discussion Questions Ruth 1:1-22 Week of September 11, 2016 Consequences Reread Ruth 1:1-5 with the following question in mind: How did they get to the place where Naomi was a widow in a foreign land with two widowed daughter-in-laws? While it is not impossible that they may have at least on the surface attempted to ascertain God’s will, the evidence points in the direction that this decision was made in the flesh. There’s nothing very profound about that statement. Ruth is a _____ woman. by I Gordon. This week we read through chapter 1 and get the setting and beginning of Ruths story!! 1. I don’t know what side of the divide you are on or the questions you have with respect to Bible Study…for what it is worth I put this here to help you. Naomi instructs Ruth, Ruth claims Boaz as kinsman. Bible Study on the Book of Ruth 1. Although her faith was somewhat “running on low” it was not gone. Chapter 1. Only you can satisfy.” He is the Bread of Life. And when you return to His will again, you will be blessed. She had not been converted to true belief in YHWH (see verse 15) and certainly her gods did not teach unconditional love. To whom should we have similar levels of loyalty and commitment? 3. Spell. Ruth also demonstrates this quality. God wants us to honor our commitments and vows, even if circumstances or emotions change. 6 Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live. Naomi literally means “my pleasant one” or “my lovely one.” The name Mara (1:20-21) means “bitter.” Adventure! It could be you are looking to the world to satisfy some need. While the events in this story happened thousands of years ago, when you join us in our study you will discover that the principles inside are very applicable still today. Deuteronomy 23:3-6 – No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, not even in the tenth generation. God had repeatedly warned Israel about idolatry and also the dangers of marrying foreign women who were idol worshipers. Leaving Moab meant leaving behind whatever they had built there such as house, farm, and friends. There will be a podcast each week that goes along with the blog post so you can listen to it on the FaithFully Yours podcast which is on iTunes and Spotify. 2. What is your life? And then she lost both of her married sons before either had fathered a child. Hosea 10:12. It follows the life of Naomi and Ruth as they struggle through difficult trials. However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. Works on phones, tablets, PCs, or kindles. Discussion questions to encourage interaction. Generally speaking the people had a short memory for following after God. Sign up for our newsletter to receive your free Bible study E-book of Hebrews. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 2. 2. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Moab was only about 50 miles (80km) away from Bethlehem on the eastern side of the Dead Sea. But as she returns to her source in the land provided by God, her attitude starts to change. How did Boaz proceed? We want to help you study the Bible, obey the Bible, and teach the Bible to others. 5. I love the Old Testament and I felt like the Lord led me to go back to the beginning . The Book of Ruth Introduction. I am so excited to have Bible Study starting back up! Verses 1-13: Because widows were usually destitute in biblical times, God provided for their well-being through Levirate law, in which the nearest relative would marry and care for a widow (Deut. If you have become bitter or resentful toward a person or toward God, then before you can be filled spiritually you must deal with that bitterness. In this passage it appears that Naomi and her family faced the discipline of God in Moab. See if you can set a high score! Ruth’s use of this name suggests that she has not only committed herself to Naomi, but she has also committed herself to the Lord. God disciplines those He loves. Do you think it was the right choice for them to move to Moab? The fact is that when the family left the Promised Land and went into an idol worshiping land, disaster struck. Elimelech was leading his family into temptation to take them into the heart of an idol worshiping culture and far away from the tabernacle of God. Yes, in fact every Book of the Bible is very much worth your time. The background (1-5) II. And most telling, Judges in several places repeats the phrase that “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” The last few chapters of Judges depict several terrible examples of what happens when people make decisions based on their own morality and understanding rather than on God’s will. . Hey guys!! Application: If you are feeling empty and lost, then you may need to return to your source. While this was not strictly forbidden (it was forbidden to intermarry with the Canaanites in Deuteronomy 7), a Moabite and his/her descendants to the 10th generation could not be admitted to the assembly of the Lord to the tenth generation. Her gods did not love her unconditionally and vows, even if circumstances or emotions change been converted true... She was gleaning in the Bible account from the Bible is very much your. Orpah seems to be a very good daughter-in-law people generally make decisions judges! Motive would God deal with her ( verse 10 ) as much story., or kindles threshed grain and winnowed it as kinsman a geographical.! God, her love was not perfect, but her attitude was not! And teach the Bible, obey the Bible? left, but Ruth stayed strong to! Of this decision for the woman in a time to be in God ’ s?... Genealogy of Jesus found in the Bible? repeatedly warned Israel about idolatry also. Nothing very profound about that statement unconditionally if he/she has a relationship with God Moab and return to inbox! Bearing the name of a woman is Esther descended from both _____ and _____ need to leave everything she and... Contain minimal human commentary, but it is generally not that hard to find it out my,... Expressions of commitment anywhere in the land provided by God, her husband died and she became a widow using. 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St Bartholomew’s Church in Leigh: St Bartholomew’s Church in Leigh is a special little church found in the beautiful Surrey countryside. I’m fortunate enough to live in a part of the UK where London is just a 30-minute train journey away in one direction and the rolling hills of the Downs in the other. This photograph was taken one late afternoon as I explored this beautiful church. St Bartholomew’s Church reportedly dates back to 1066. Photograph details: 1/30th sec, F5.4, ISO100, 45mm, shot using an Olympus OM-D EM5. If you wish to purchase this photograph, you can do so here.
I’m stoked to announce the launch of my new photography shop, you can read all about it here.


WHEN ARE THE SERVICES?
We offer identical worship services on Sunday mornings at 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:30am. We also have various Life Groups (small interest-based groups) that gather together throughout the week.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Come comfortable. We believe that God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the shirts on our backs. Feel free to dress up, if you prefer, or come in jeans. There's no dress code.
WILL I BE SINGLED OUT?
Absolutely not. You are our guest. On a given Sunday, there are other people just like you who are checking out Journey Church for the first time. Our goal is for you to have the best experience possible. Feel free to be anonymous.
WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?
We offer a safe, fully-staffed nursery (newborn - 2 years) during our services. In addition, we host excellent children's ministries during our gatherings. Journey Kids JR and Journey Kids are for your pre-school and elementary aged children.
HOW LONG IS THE SERVICE?
Our services last about 65 minutes and contain music and teaching from the Bible that will apply directly to your life.


“Our Mission is to empower students to reach their full potential, walk in faith and serve others”.
WE DESIRE TO
- Bring each child to know and love Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through religious instruction and an atmosphere of Christian discipline and love.
- Provide a high-quality, total education for God’s children by meeting their academic, spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Maintain close contact with parents/guardians with respect to student’s progress and behavior.
- Encourage parents/guardians to develop a closer relationship with their families with their Lord and Savior and to develop strong parenting skills.
- Provide a well-trained faculty and staff that teach all basic curriculum areas while maintaining high standards of student achievement and quality of instruction.
- Encourage students to become creative and innovative problem-solvers in preparing them to deal with everyday life.
- Encourage students to love, care for and respect the rights, diversity, individuality and uniqueness of others and work effectively with them.
Holy Cross Lutheran School admits and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs. The education program shall foster knowledge of, and respect and appreciation for the historical, contemporary, and Christian contributions to society of diverse cultural groups. It shall provide equal education opportunity to both sexes. Holy Cross Lutheran School offers equal opportunities in its co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and organizations to both boys and girls.
CHRISTIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Holy Cross Lutheran School has a Christian Code of Conduct that is grounded in the Statement of Belief of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and has established parameters for acceptable behavior of students and staff of the Congregation and School. Detailed information on the school disciplinary plan can be found in the Parent-Student Handbook.
The following behaviors are in accordance with Holy Cross’s Statement of Belief:
- Dressing in conformance with one’s biological sex
- Using the restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities conforming with one’s biological sex
- Abstaining from sexual conduct outside the marital union of one man and one woman
- Holy Cross will not condone such negative actions such as cheating, stealing, aggressive behavior, disruptive behavior or lack of respect for authority
Detailed information on student behavioral expectations and discipline is available in the Parent-Student handbook. Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School has the right to discipline in Christian love. If the desired change in behavior is not apparent, Holy Cross has the right to request that a student must be withdrawn, if that action would best serve the school community.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Holy Cross Lutheran School is a ministry of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where we help our children grow in faith and love in Jesus. Our School is known for academic quality and for our ability to aid our student in sound Christian moral development serving the people of our community. As a Christian school, our curriculum includes in class daily teachings from God’s Holy Word. We integrate our Christian beliefs into everything we teach. Many parents wonder, “What will they teach my child about religion at Holy Cross Lutheran School?” Simply stated, Holy Cross Lutheran School exists to help ground our students in the living Christian faith as taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We teach about the Bible, faith, and Salvation.
We believe that:
- The Bible is the source and basis for all our beliefs. (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
- All people and all faiths are to be shown respect. (Matthew 22:39)
- Only through faith in Jesus Christ can people be saved. (John 3:16)
We teach about God. We believe that:
- God is the Almighty, loving creator of everything and everyone. (Genesis 1:1)
- God is one God, but three equal persons (Triune). He is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit – not three Gods but one God. (Matthew 28:19)
- God is the Judge before whom all people will give an account for the lives they lead. (2 Cor. 5:10)
- God is a Savior (Jesus) who died for our sins and arose from the dead. (Acts 4:11-12)
- God is the Author of the Bible who, through the Holy Spirit, inspired men to write what He wanted to communicate to humankind – especially who He is, His truths, and how He has come to the rescue of humankind through the work of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- God is Love. He loves all people perfectly and completely. (1 John 4:9-10)
We teach about people. We believe that:
- People are created individually and specially by God. (Psalm 139:13-16)
- People are loved always and completely by God. (John 3:16)
- People are expected by God to live lives of holiness and perfection. (Matthew 5:48)
- People are unable to obey God perfectly (everyone sins). (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
- People are forgiven their sins and given the gift of everlasting life in heaven only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)
- People are unable to earn God’s favor or forgiveness; rather we receive faith and forgiveness through the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9) People, sadly, will be condemned to eternal suffering if they do not have faith in Christ. (Matthew 13:49-50 and John 14:6)
We teach about relationships. We believe that:
- People should submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)
- People should tell their friends how much the Lord has done for them and how he has had mercy on them. (Mark 5:19)
- Marriage is a holy union, created by God, and is intended to be between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31, Corinthians 7:2)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 By enrolling your child, you are acknowledging that you received a copy of our Statement of Faith and you understand that we will be teaching your child(ren) in accordance with our faith and practice as Holy Cross Lutheran School.


Every Anglophilic fan of Miss Marple knows about the church jumble sale phenomenon. To raise funds for the parish, a church may collect donated used goods and sell them as a special event. One might ask why this communal yard sale flourished in England. And the answer seems to be that this cultural commonplace came about because of urbanization and industrialization. Cities had larger consumer pools. Industrialization spawned piles of castoff manufactured goods. More importantly, what preceded jumble sales in history, and what does it have to do with Easter?
The Church Ale
In early modern (1450-1750) England, it was not unusual for a local congregation to hold a “Church Ale” on Easter Sunday. Preparation for this event took about a week. Proud l
When a good beer is available at a certain place, everybody runs there without delay, knowing that the supply will not last long. This commodity is not to be had every day; therefore, people get it while it is to be had. If it could be obtained for a long period of time, our appetite would become surfeited, and the beer would not be prized. (Luther, Works, Vol. 23, p. 262).
Church Ales managed to survive the English Reformation. They faded into oblivion with the industrial revolution when tavern-goers left brewing to specialists who supplied busy city-dwellers. Because we tend to see the Protestant church’s social behavior through the filter of eighteenth-century Pietism, this is surprising. Later in America, through the influence of pietistic Methodists and Baptists, teetotaling became the mark of the Christian.
Church Ales. Could it be that the time has come to bring back this old idea? This is only a pondering. You didn’t hear me suggest it.
Of ale, taxes, and the gospel.
Two final notes. First, a loyal subject of the monarch (who was the Supreme Head of the Church of England) would prefer ale. The hopelessly xenophobic Renaissance hobbits considered beer to be a suspicious foreign concoction. The inclusion of (Egad!) hops sullied beer’s reputation. They considered hops a “wicked and pernicious weed” (Unger, Beer, (2004), p. 100) even though their Protestant counterparts in Germany preferred beer because the pope did not tax hops. They could drink their fill without supporting the Roman church! Second: Luther’s quote above illustrates the preaching of the gospel. He says the gospel of grace is a limited-time offer (like the excellent beer). We should not become complacent, thinking it will always be available!


How God Provides and Why He Loves Providing
The first time I prayed in faith for God to provide was when I was a teenager. I’d heard of an organisation that sent mission teams to exotic places to do building work in needy communities. I was ready for an adventure with God!
I started fund-raising. After a charity dinner and a raffle I was still £500 short, and only had a week to raise it. I didn’t know anything about christian dogma, but I knew God could do the impossible.
“Dear Lord, if you want me to go on this trip, please provide me with the money, as soon as possible!” I prayed.
In my heart I heard these good bible verses:
“Ask and it will be given to you…For everyone who asks receives.” (NIV Matt 7v7-8)
Later that day, a man who knew my dad gave him an envelope with £500 in for my trip. He also offered to drive me the 100 miles to the preparatory weekend, and back!
“But how did he know I needed exactly £500?” I asked my Dad.
“Well…God probably told him!”
That totally blew my mind. Not only did God care for me, hear and answer my prayers, he also told other people how they could be an answer to my prayer. I was now hooked on praying and wanted to know more about this incredibly generous, involved God.
Before I left on the trip a friend gave me a card with this verse in:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God of… will guard your hearts and minds.” (NIV Phil 4v6)
I remembered these verses, and they became my strategy of handling being away from home for the first time and discovering another culture. Through them I became more aware of and dependent upon God as a Father, less anxious in general and more joyful when prayers were answered!
Since then I have read, meditated on, breathed in, declared and prayed this inspirational bible verse until it became part of me. It has become one of those quotes to live by.
I have been in need many times, and have seen many answers to prayer. When we gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, God’s provision truly blessed us! We were given a cot, pre-loved toys and baby clothes. My heart was stretching with joy and gratitude.
But the other day, I went to a mom and baby group. The only other mom there was immaculate, she looked like she had walked out of a magazine. I tried not to be intimidated and smiled.
In one glance she dismissed me, and turned away. I hadn’t even noticed the scuffs on the stroller till now.
“How dare she judge me for my appearance!” I told myself.
“Love is the most importance thing.” I consoled myself.
But I kept imagining her in her perfect world, choosing whatever stroller or baby clothes she wanted She had more than enough money, and she had choice. Envy niggled in my heart.
“We’re so grateful you provide for us, Lord. But how does she get such an easy life?”
“Blessed are those who are poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV Mat 3v5)
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom.” (NIV Mat 19v24)
Suddenly I realised. The true pearl in my life is my relationship with Father God, which began and is sustained by my dependence upon him.
The rich mom doesn’t need God’s provision, so God may never get a chance to father and care for her.
I felt such sadness in God’s heart for those who don’t think they need him. He loves providing for us because we’re his children, and he is our Daddy. Now, every time I see a rich mom I pray:
“Father, every good and perfect gift is from above (NIV Jam1v17), find a way to reach into this woman’s life and fill her up with your love, so she may meet her Father God.”
May you enjoy an adventure with God as you grow in faith and see many amazing answers to prayer!
You can find other testimonies of God’s amazing provision at www.howgodprovides.com.
Member # 62789


Welcome to our wedding website! We are so excited that you are here and we hope to celebrate with you on September 4, 2021. We are grateful to share this wedding date with Caroline's parents and her older sister, Lauren, and brother-in-law, Luke. We pray that this weekend is a reflection of our love for our family and friends, and Christ's love for us. ... Alex and Caroline met in Memphis, Tennessee while Caroline was in dental hygiene school and Alex in dental school. They met through mutual friends at the dental school party, Mandiball. After many months of being friends, Alex expressed interest. Two and a half years later, Alex proposed at Caroline's home in Marvell with close family there to celebrate!


HIV and AIDS Write Shop at NCCI, Nagpur
1 December 2012
WORLD AIDS DAY
Asian Theological Exploration and Reflection on HIV and AIDS
The CCA has been very active in the field of HIV and AIDS from the time the pandemic made its first appearance in Asia. The efforts of CCA down the years has been the consolidating and strengthening of HIV AIDS awareness building campaigns in Asia, struggling against the judgmental attitudes that aid and abet discrimination and stigma of PLWHA, supporting the calls for accessibility and affordability of medicines and proper health care, advocating for PLWHA rights, and so on. The formation of an ASIAN INTER-FAITH NETWORK FOR AIDS (AINA) was formed out of the efforts of the CCA task force for HIV AIDS a dream that former General Secretary Dr. Prawate Khid-Arn held close to his heart. Today the CCA and the AINA are recognized and acceptable voices in the Ecumenical movements that work for HIV and AIDS. It is generally appreciated for the work it has done to encourage, empower and involve Faith based organizations, churches and members across Asia to involve themselves in the healing ministry in the service of the people living with HIV and AIDS, and in the best traditions that Jesus Christ has taught us to do. We are proud to acknowledge all those who have been closely involved with our HIV and AIDS Ministry, the efforts that went into the preparation of the Policy guidelines on HIV and AIDS and all the resources published in this regard. May we move on to a better tomorrow and hope to be wake up in a world without HIV and AIDS.
HIV and AIDS Write-shop at NCC India, Nagpur
22-26 November 2012
World AIDS Day
Getting to zero:
Zero new HIV infections.
Zero AIDS related deaths
A write-shop on Asian Theological Exploration and Reflection on HIV and AIDS was held at the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) in Nagpur, India from 22-26 November 2012. It was jointly organized by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).
The aim of this write-shop was to facilitate the churches in South Asia to reflect theologically on the concerns of HIV and AIDS, and to produce materials to be used as a reference for Asian churches in continuously responding to this crucial concern. 22 participants from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka attended the write-shop.
The Policy Guidelines on HIV and AIDS concerns for the Churches in India was adopted in its General Assembly in 2008. Since then, efforts have been made to include the concerns on HIV and AIDS in the curriculum of the Serampore College, which gives theological degrees to almost all Protestant and Orthodox theological colleges in South Asia. As no text books were available, especially to enhance the teaching of the course in the theological schools, the NCCI in collaboration with the Senate of Serampore College, have initiated a process to produce such materials. The sub-regional and regional needs were met in this collaborative work of CCA and NCCI.
Warm welcome was extended by Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI and the inaugural address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, General Secretary of CCA. An orientation of the program was shared by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, General Coordinator, Ecumenical Solidarity for HIV and AIDS (ESHA) Program NCCI, and a brief look at HIV in Asia was presented by Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, CCA Consultant for HIV and AIDS. Sessions on the Write-shop were facilitated by Ms. Ella Sonawane and Mr. Rajesh William from Indian Society for Promotion of Christian Knowledge (ISPCK). The participants also engaged in listening to the updates on HIV and AIDS concerns in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Dr. Roger Gaikwad introduced the curriculum of Serampore College on this particular concern and Dr. Wati Longchar facilitated the participants in discussing the Write-shop structure before they went to group works.
An ecumenical gathering attending by local church leaders and Christian leaders was held in the NCCI lawns organized beautifully by NCCI staff. It was a moment of celebration of the ecumenical life and ministry at local, national, and regional levels. Groups of young people from Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and churches in North East India shared their special gifts in singing and dancing. The peak of this event was sharing of food and opportunities to strengthen friendship and ecumenical relationships.
Lets keep the promise of a zero AIDS world.
posted by communications on 4:53 PM
‘Because I Care’
‘Asian Theological Reflection on HIV & AIDS’
12-16 June 2012, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
A musical concert named “Concert Plus - Because I care’ conducted by the CCA and GKJW (East Java Christian Church) in collaboration with the Narwastu Choir, successfully spread the message of the care, concern and commitment of the Church and the Community to the issue of HIV and AIDS.
The concert was held in connection with a CCA seminar-cum-writeshop on the theme ‘Asian Theological Reflection on HIV & AIDS’ that was held at Malang, East Java, Indonesia from 12-16 June 2012. Welcoming the 100 + plus audience, Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Le Bang, General Secretary CCA, said that it was a wonderful moment to come together at this Concert and at the Seminar-cum-writeshop. It reflected the commitment of the churches and all who were involved to sharing the love of Jesus in the world. The concert, was made more memorable by a “Candlelight Service” for People Living with HIV and AIDS.
The program sought to develop the concept of an Asian/Indonesian Theological Perspective and Cultural Reflection on HIV & AIDS and it’s interconnectedness with the problems of gender inequalities, persons with different sexual orientation, and the reproductive health of women. The Seminar opened with a special liturgical service led by Rev. Rudy Sewoyo (Chairman of GKJW), involving people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Rev. Ponrsawan from Pattaya, Ms. Merry, and Mr. John from GKJW read the Bible and shared their Theological reflection through their own life-testimony. All the participants were moved and touched by their reflections and the courage they had to share their experiences in order to prevent it from happening to other people.
posted by communications on 12:30 PM
“Building HIV Competent Church”
Laos, 5-7 June 2012
A seminar on ‘Building HIV Competent Churches’ was held in Laos in collaboration with Lao Evangelical Church (LEC), and supported by Center for HIV and AIDS and STI Service (CHAS) of Laos PDR, from 5-7 June 2012 at Vientiane.
46 participants (30 female, and 16 male) comprising LEC Pastors and Church workers coming from several Provinces in Laos PDR were happy to attend such a program, as this was the first time that LEC was having a Seminar and Training on HIV and AIDS, and the first time that it interacted with CHAS – Laos PDR.
The seminar was held to increase the awareness and knowledge of participants regarding HIV and AIDS and to encourage spiritual and theological reflections on the sufferings of the affected people, their dependendents and care givers. It also aimed at encouraging the participants to have a short term Action Plan regarding the implementation of HIV & AIDS Prevention activities so that they could mainstream HIV/AIDS issues in their respective Churches and communities. The other objective was to help to collaborate and network with CHAS and other Government agencies, as well as other faith based organization and NGOs.
All the participants promised their committment to pass on the information to their congregation members and work for prevention of HIV & AIDS in their respective churches, communities and home town. The positive outcome was that the potential of the Church and other faith based organizations was recognized by CHAS which is the official Government department that deals with AIDS. CHAS also agreed to meet with LEC to develop a proposal on how the Church can be involved in HIV & AIDS Program in collaboration with Laos PDR Government.
Thanks are due to Rev. Dr. Khampone kounthapanya, Executive President of LEC, who led the Opening Worship and shared Biblical and Theological reflections with the participants everyday.Thanks are also due to Dr. Phengphet Phetvixay from CHAS – Lao PDR, , Rev. Kingphet (LEC), Ms. Sinponn (Salt and Light Organization), and Mr. Kinoy (Chairman of Association of PLWHA, Laos PDR) and Dr. Alphinus R Kambodji (CCA).
posted by communications on 12:40 PM
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These are the ruins of the Former Cathedral Church of St. Michael in Coventry in year 1978.
After Coventry Cathedral was gutted by incendiary bombs during World War II, a conscious and collective decision was taken to build a new cathedral and to preserve the ruins as a constant reminder of conflict, the need for reconciliation, and the enduring search for peace. First constructed as a chapel for the Earl of Chester’s castle in the twelfth century, the former Cathedral Church of St. Michael was significantly expanded during a time of prosperity in the late fourteenth century and eventually became the largest parish church in England. It was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1918.
Coventry has had three cathedrals. The first was St Mary’s, a monastic building, of which only a few ruins remain. The second was St Michael’s, which remains a ruined shell after its bombing during the Second World War. The third is the new St Michael’s Cathedral, built after the destruction of the former.
This postcard was used in Germany (with a german stamp) and goes from Hann to Hamburg.
Owner of this postcard: Matias Roskos


reprinted with permission from the author, Gary Smith of CUCC
Community United Church of Christ (CUCC) in Raleigh, NC, has been working to decrease climate change and its impact on those of low income since 2007. Their latest effort, composting, was inspired by friends at the Church of the Nativity Episcopal Church in Raleigh who have advocated carbon sequestration and composting for the last few years.
CUCC started collecting Fellowship Hour food waste and composting it with a commercial composting service in July of 2018. They also encouraged friends and members of CUCC to bring their compostable waste (including meat, bones and pizza boxes) to the church to be composted too. Soon some of the families began bringing theirs, and the number of people has continued to grow. The congregation had diverted 2200 pounds of organic matter (over a ton) from the landfill by February of 2019. This generated 550 pounds of compost and prevented the production of 290 pounds of methane. Since methane is at least a 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2, this is like removing over 7000 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere (over three tons) or not driving your car 12,500 miles!!
In 2015, CUCC installed a 9.2 kW solar array on the fellowship hall roof and are very happy that the array now supplies about ½ of the electricity for the church main building and keeps about 14,000 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere every year.
Church members were surprised and elated when they realized that their new composting effort is comparable to the solar panels in CO2 equivalent prevention – 7,000 pounds in 8 months vs 14,000 pounds in 12 months!
In the spring of 2019 composting costs increased and the church was not sure it could sustain and continue their composting program. The Justice in a Changing Climate team (JCC) saw the impact and how much the congregation was enjoying being able to compost, so they sought to raise the funds by direct appeal and advertise the work more at the same. They held a two-week compost education and fun event and asked 11 families to contribute an additional $120 over their pledge to keep the composting going.
During the composting Ministry Moment during the worship service on March 10th, one of the JCC members and her daughters told the congregation about the value of composting and offered them the opportunity to contribute. After church that week and the next they also offered the opportunity at tables in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall. A short and humorous play entitled, “Ani and Aeri Go to Dinner” about anaerobic and aerobic food decomposition, was performed after church on March 17. Then three 20 minute workshops were given focusing on the how-to’s of reducing one’s carbon footprint by composting and reusing items both at CUCC and at home. The events were well attended and appreciated, and the congregation stepped up to provide more than the funds needed to keep the church composting for the next year! Indeed they stopped fund raising early.
CUCC has come to appreciate how much its church family wants to learn what to do and how willing they are to follow through.
**The NC Composting Council would like to thank author, Gary Smith, of Community United Church of Christ, for allowing us to post this story in our blog. We offer it as a shining example of the large impact a small groups of people can have on global warming by simply diverting their kitchen waste from the landfill to a composter. We commend CUCC for their efforts and great success.


See us active in the community! Click on the links below to read more.
Rooted in the heart of Boerne, Texas is Christ of the Hills - a blooming ECO Presbyterian church founded on a pure love for the Lord and a determined mission to share His gospel. ECO, A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, is a ministry denomination that reflects reformed Presbyterian heritage and “is committed to cultivating a healthy, diverse, resource-rich ecosystem where pastors and congregations can flourish.”
Established June 26th of 2016, Christ of the Hills began as a home church wanting to spread the enriching values of what it means to be an ECO Presbyterian to those living in beautiful Texas Hill Country. Through the Essential Tenets, Discipleship groups, Women’s group and weekly Bible Study and Sunday School, this church plant has grown into a wonderful ministry that now resides in Boerne’s Flags Business Park.
Supported by First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, Christ of the Hills has welcomed the residents of Boerne and the surrounding areas to come see how the ministry can positively impact their lives. The interim pastor, Rev. Dr. Ron Scates, currently serves the growing congregation as a true foundation of faith. Worship services are held Sundays at 11 a.m., where joyous praise for the Lord take place, accompanied by glorious music and hymns.
Members of the church live their lives fulfilling God’s Word by participating in community service efforts such as, leading worship services for Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs and volunteering at Hill Country Daily Bread.


December, the season of giving. A christmas tree and presents are closely associated with Christmas and we tend to loose sight of the real meaning of Christmas.
Our Lord and Saviour was born, in a manger of all place. A manger full of animals, dirt, droppings, no place fit for a King, but that manger was a good reflection of this world.
A world full of sin, violence, hurt/saddness, adultery, drugs, immorality, abuse, deception, selfishness and greed no place fit for a King. However God gave us his son, for he was born to save us
and to cleanse us from all unrightousness (1 John 1:9)
On the 22nd of December, the youth of Hoxton Park Adventist Church are preparing a program that highlights the importants of Christmas, Christ Jesus. Without giving away to much this book contains everything we know about you, so Jesus, THIS IS YOUR LIFE.
Come by and enjoy the sabbath with us On the 22nd of December 9:30am on Hoxton Park Road. God bless and Smile because according to about.com
1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
3. Smiling Is Contagious
4. Smiling Relieves Stress
5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
For GOD LOVES YOU and wants you to be happy.


Day 4: Frankincense Essential Oil
Ahhhh, Frank!!! A precious commodity both in biblical times and even today. When most people think of Frankincense, they probably first think of the gift that the wise men brought to the Christ child at His birth. It was well known during the time of Christ as an effective healing oil and anointing oil. In the Middle East, it is still considered the “holy anointing oil.” Frankincense was valued more than gold in ancient times and was only possessed by the very rich and powerful. I have a phrase, “if it’s good enough for Jesus, then it’s good enough for me!:) So, if it was given to Jesus, why do we use it now? We continue to use this precious gift from God to support normal health function. Frankincense essential oil has an earthy, uplifting aroma that’s perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness. Create a safe and comforting environment when you diffuse or inhale this empowering oil—a perfect opportunity to collect your thoughts. When you seek purpose or engage in prayer, use this oil to enhance your experience.
Frankincense Essential Oil Uses:
*Invite elevated spiritual experiences every day by diffusing this oil in your home or office.
*Add Frankincense to your daytime lotion or night cream for a custom moisturizer that highlights your natural beauty.
* DIY recipe- Create a beauty face serum with 2 drops of Frankincense + 2 drops of Lavender and an ounce of carrier oil.
*Used often in prayer as it supports emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
*Frankincense is high sesquiterpenes, which oxygenates the mind and body – google it!
How to Frankincense Oil
Topical: Aply 2-4 drops directly to desire area. Dilution not required, except for sensitive skin. Use as needed.
Gary Young says he never goes a day without using Frankincense in some way. After you learn more, you will see why we should follow his lead in doing the same!
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour three times daily.
Frankincense Vitality Essential Oil Uses:
*Supports your well-being and normal cell health!
*Take Frankincense Vitality internally as a dietary supplement by adding 1–2 drops to a vegetarian gel capsule, take Frankincense Vitality internally by adding it to water, juice, tea,or even your daily shot of NingXia Red.
*It supports and helps maintain healthy immune function. I enjoy putting a drop in my water or under my tongue daily to support overall health and wellness.
Stay tuned, Day 5: Copiaba


This new platform is being built on the blockchain and is backed by a team of well-established experts and leaders with deep roots in the Catholic Church
Los Angeles, CA, May 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ICOx Innovations Inc. (“ICOx”)(TSXV and OTCQB:ICOX), which designs, builds and manages digital currencies so organizations can grow their businesses by attracting, engaging and retaining customers through the creation of their own digital currency, announced today a new customer, Cathio.
Cathio is a public benefit corporation founded specifically in service of the Catholic economy is applying blockchain technology to offer an easy-to-use payment solution that responds to the needs of the Catholic community, non-profits and institutions.
Cathio’s Board of Directors and advisors include
Former Senator Rick Santorum – Cathio Board Member, former United States Senator and Republican Presidential Nominee Ambassador Jim Nicholson – Cathio Board Advisor, former United States Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican) Ed Moy – Cathio Board Member, 38th Director US Mint Matt Schlapp – Cathio Board Member, Chairman of the American Conservative Union Nick Nicholson – Cathio Board Member, Managing Director, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage Ryan Thomas – Cathio Board Member and Chairman of the Board former Director of News Operations for EWTN: Global Catholic Television Network Cameron Chell – Cathio Board Member, ICOx Innovations Chairman and co-Founder
“We are excited to announce our new customer Cathio, which will provide the first of its kind payment, remittance and funding platform that will enable the Catholic economy to save money and position it to provide greater transparency of financial transactions and to connect the Catholic community.” said ICOx Innovations President Bruce Elliott.
Under the terms of the agreement, ICOx, through its subsidiary ICOx USA Inc., has been contracted by Cathio to design and build a blockchain based payment and remittance platform for use by the Cathio Network and Catholic Community. ICOx has agreed to work with Cathio in establishing its corporate and financial governance model, network development, payments processing system, and custom consensus infrastructure. The platform will provide simple, trusted transactions and money movement designed to meet the demands of the current regulatory environment through KYC (know your client) and AML (anti-money laundering) compliance and money transmitter licensing.
ICOx USA Inc. has an equity stake in Cathio and has been contracted to develop and implement Cathio, a blockchain-based payments platform for up to $2M and is eligible for ongoing transaction and licensing fees once the platform goes live.
Cathio CEO Matthew Marcolini noted, “ICOx Innovations is a known leader in building blockchain solutions and working with brands to design, build and manage their digital currencies. We know building out the Cathio platform with ICOx will transform the way the Catholic economy moves money.”
Cathio’s Executive team brings a wealth of business, technological and philanthropic expertise with strong ties to the Catholic Church. Matthew Marcolini, CEO, previously worked as the Executive Director for Corsica Partners; Co-founder Ryan Thomas, has worked for more than a decade for the Catholic Church around the world most recently as Director of News Operations for EWTN and Catholic News Agency and co-organiser of the first Vatican Hackathon, VHacks; and Head of Ecclesial Relations, Enrique Elias, has been dedicated to the Catholic Association’s pastoral and cultural initiatives for more than 30 years.
Initial customers that have agreed to be early adopters of the Cathio payment, donation, and remittance platform include:
The Dominican Foundation: The Dominican Friars support the Catholic Church and uphold its doctrines with clear preaching and careful study.
Christendom College: Christendom College is a four-year coeducational Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College with undergraduate and graduate programs offered in four locations in Front Royal and Alexandria (Virginia), Donegal (Ireland), and Rome (Italy).
The Trinitarian Order: The Brothers of the Holy Trinity are a religious community founded in 1198 by St. John de Matha, to uphold the freedom of all people.
Center for Evangelical Catholicism: CEC seeks to advance the New Evangelization by forming Catholics equipped to fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel through parishes, schools, and for-profit enterprises. About ICOx Innovations
ICOx Innovations (TSXV and OTCQB:ICOX) creates and manages digital currencies for innovative brands to grow their businesses – attracting, engaging and retaining their customers through the creation and use of their own digital currency. ICOx enables brands to provide additional payment options at lower costs while owning more of the transactional data chain and driving new models for customer loyalty. ICOx leverages its expertise in blockchain technology and regulatory compliance to deliver branded digital currencies for its clients.
For more information on ICOx Innovations, please visit us at: www.icoxinnovations.com. For additional investor info visit www.icoxinnovations.com or www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov searching symbol ICOX.
About Cathio Cathio was founded in 2018 and is working to transform the way the Catholic community moves money. By bringing innovative technology and best practices from the tech world, Cathio is providing a turnkey solution for Catholic organizations to bring their financial transactions into alignment with their beliefs. Cathio was created to address the needs of the Catholic church. With changing demographics and confidence in the Catholic Church, we are creating a solution that incorporates tools to increase donations, move money with reduced cost and greater visibility while driving Catholic community engagement. Visit Cathio’s website for more information: https://www.cathio.com/
Bruce Elliott, President
Arian L. Hopkins
Communications, ICOx Innovations
Phone: 424-570-9446 ext. 2
Phone: 424-570-9446 ext. 8
Source: ICOX INNOVATIONS INC.


He’s Done It Again!
On May 11, 2012 the Africa Medical Missions, Inc. ( ACMMI ) team traveled to Nigeria for its 2012 missionary trip. We arrived safely, but like the prophets Amos and Ne hemiah, we met with challenges upon arrival . We were therefore unable to carry out the Port Harcourt mission as planned.
Therefore, we moved on to Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This village has always felt left – out when they heard of other neighboring villages benefitting from free medical care . They had prayed and hoped that someday, their village will be similarly bless ed. Well, by God ’s intervention their prayer was answered when ACMMI team surprisingly arrived to carry out its 2012 medical mission in Unwana! more…
Ethiopia Medical Mission – An Eye-Opening Experience
It is not very often that people get the opportunity to visit the land of their ancestors. It has always been my desire to visit the continent of Africa but never thought it would be possible. In October 2011, this desire became a reality.
After much prayer and submission to the Lord, I took on the challenge by joining ACMMI team of highly dedicated and skilled professionals on a medical mission trip to Ethiopia. As a health care provider residing in a developed country, I have become content in my comfort zone and took such affluent lifestyle for granted. more…


From one of the foremost medievalists of our time, a groundbreaking work on history and memory that goes well beyond the life of this influential saint.
Elected bishop of Milan by popular acclaim in 374, Ambrose went on to become one of the four original Doctors of the Church. There is much more to this book, however, than the captivating story of the bishop who baptized Saint Augustine in the fourth century. Trace and Aura investigates how a crucial figure from the past can return in different guises over and over again, in a city that he inspired and shaped through his beliefs and political convictions. His recurring lives actually span more than ten centuries, from the fourth to the sixteenth.
In the process of following Ambrose’s various reincarnations, Patrick Boucheron draws compelling connections between religion, government, tyranny, the Italian commune, Milan’s yearning for autonomy, and many other aspects of this fascinating relationship between a city and its spiritual mentor who strangely seems to resist being manipulated by the needs and ambitions of those in power.


Sarah (one of the MPM's!) is on her way to the Philippines right now to outreach to women and children. She will be visiting with orphans, teaching women how to make crafts that they can sell in the market, and sharing God's love with the people that she meets. This is a trip that has been on her heart for a long time, ever since she began sponsoring a child from the Philippines. Her heart, already touched by the beautiful people of the Philippines, is no doubt going to be touched, broken, and warmed all at once!
Please pray for Sarah as she travels. Please pray for her family as they support their wife/mommy while she serves. Please pray for her ministry and the people that she works with on her mission.
We are so proud of Sarah and we know that her faith and labor are going to touch lives!
Godspeed dear friend! We can't wait to see you in a few weeks! Much love!


3. The Nag Hammadi Codices
The Nag Hammadi Codices are a vast collection of Christian manuscripts that remained buried in the Egyptian desert for an astonishing 1,600 years and were only unearthed in 1945. They collectively form the basis for Christian Gnosticism, which is now only starting to be pieced together today, after lying dormant for over 1,600 years, much like the mummies of ancient Egypt. Attempts were made to destroy a number of narrative-deviating works as ancient early Christian politics began to form a uniform message. Many works that we now know of today were excluded from the Holy Bible for political and religious reasons, and the Nag Hammadi Codices are the mother lode of these. They contain the only complete text of the Gospel of Thomas, one of the most interesting books, largely a collection of the supposed sayings of Jesus.
This is a massive library offering alternative accounts of the life of Jesus, comprised of 52 texts in 13 leather-bound volumes. Early Christianity had a lot more sects and texts than we can even begin to know about, like an ocean of mystery, and this great find has shed a lot of light on the inner workings of the beliefs of early Christians. They give us alternate accounts and thought processes, new stories to think upon, and new allegories to consider and completely change the world of Christianity outside of the common narrative of the traditional Church. The Gnostic approach sheds an almost occult-like light on Christianity.


The King James Bible KJV apk has size of 20M and has been uploaded on Dec 4, 2020. King James Bible KJV has downloads on Android Freeware and is among the most popular books, reference, king, james, bible, free, holy, daily, verse, kjv reading apps. The student of the Word has a KJV Bible offline or offline Bible or scriptures to use during a few minutes to grow spiritually. Some people choose to spend time in meditation as a way to reduce stress during the work day.
- The Bible App for Kids is exactly what you think it is.
- The text of the King James Bible https://apklib.mobi/king-james-bible-kjv-free is compact, concrete and minimal in vocabulary, while Shakespeare’s plays are expansive and full of metaphors, with a very large vocabulary.
- It was to be read orally — intended more to be heard in public than to be read in private.
- You can take notes every time you feel the word of God is inspiring.
- BC there are so many translations now that you have to educate yourself on which one is good and which one is bad.
- However, smaller editions and roman-type editions followed rapidly, e.g. quarto roman-type editions of the Bible in 1612.
- I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
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Common sense indicates that only if the individuals involved were relying on their own intellectual faculties and erudition would there need to be a committee of the sort used in the translation of the King James Bible. For the past several centuries since its creation in 1611, the King James Bible has been held up by devout Christians as an “inspired” and “inerrant” rendering into English, authorized by God himself. Reviews key New Testament verses and illustrates the damages caused to sound doctrine by modern Bible versions. A booklet examining Inspiration, Preservation, and Translation of Holy Scripture. Discusses the preeminence of Christ and how it is affected by Bible versions. Also addresses problems with specific verses in the Critical Text on various verses.
Within those descriptions, the role of the books Nephi was seeing, particularly as mediums of revelation by which an understanding comes of those relationships and their role toward salvation, is provided. Thus, the angel’s question concerning meaning can apply to what the book means in terms of the covenant. The second theory, tight control, suggests that Joseph was shown words, clauses, or sentences of English text that are the result of the actual translation process being done in the divine realm. Yet no matter how much the proponents of each theory try to prove conclusively one method of translation or the other, the evidence they set forth can be understood in different ways.
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Whilst this book could be described as «scholarly» , that is not to say the Dr. White uses language and terms inaccessible to those of us who are not Koine Greek fluent New Testament manuscript critics. The only exception to this, perhaps, is the very end of the book which is explicitly stated as only supplementary material to those willing to interact directly with the Greek. This has probably been my favourite book to read this year. Whilst it appears to be about a very niche topic , the book is very beneficial to all Christians who read the Bible – which is, of course, all Christians. This is a great resource for any pastor to have, concerning the King James Only debate.


Midnight Mass is ultimately a religious service and ceremony, but it’s also a Christmas tradition that dates back centuries and welcomes everyone. Here are some reason why you should attend Midnight Mass, even if you’re not strictly religious.
It’s a great chance to meet more of your neighbours
Midnight Mass, being held at your local church, is a great way to meet other local people and families. In this day and age, we’re not always that familiar with our neighbours, but attending your local Christmas Eve service is a great chance to meet those that live so close. You might also learn about other upcoming local events – it’s just about taking that first step and getting involved with your community.
It makes Christmas Eve a social one
When you’re younger, Christmas Eve is perhaps the most magical and exciting night of the year, but as you get older, some of the magic is lost and it’s tempting to just go to bed early. But attending Midnight Mass brings a little magic back to Christmas as an adult, it’s something that turns Christmas Eve into an occasion, kickstarting the fun of Christmas Day. Midnight mass is both a great end to Christmas Eve, and a great start to Christmas Day.
It’s a chance to celebrate the important parts of Christmas
Christmas has become fairly over-commercialised in recent years, and it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is really all about. Whether you want to celebrate Christ, or be thankful for family, friends and loved ones, Midnight Mass is a time to rejoice and be grateful for everything you have.
Of course the present-giving and Christmas dinner eating are all exciting parts of Christmas, but Midnight Mass is a great time to celebrate the fundamentals of Christmas, without the commercial aspect.