The Church of St Margaret, Westminster Abbey, in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Parliament Square, London, England, was, until 1972, the Anglican parish church of the House of Commons.  [ failed verification ] It is dedicated to Margaret of Antioch,  and forms part of a single World Heritage Site with the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey. St Margaret's, Westminster, London, United Kingdom. 183 likes · 6,188 were here. The Church of St Margaret, Westminster Abbey, is situated in the grounds. St. Margaret's Church stands between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and is often called "the parish church of the House of Commons.".
Find the perfect st margarets westminster stock photo. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100 million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. No need to register, buy now! It became the parish church of the Palace of Westminster in 1614, when the Puritans of the seventeenth century, unhappy with the highly liturgical Abbey, chose to hold Parliamentary services in the more "suitable" St Margaret's: a practice that has continued since that time. A Plan of St Margarets Parish Westminster showing the improvements of Parliament Street & Bridge Street This is a map showing the area south of King's Street before the development of Parliament Street. The building marked "A" was pulled down in 1806, with others, to create space around St Margaret's Church and the abbey. The dotted lines that.
Westminster St Margaret church is a parish; parish registers begin 1538 is situated at a small distance from the north door of Westminster Abbey. The ancient church was built in 1064, by Edward the Confessor, for the use of the neighbouring inhabitants and dedicated to the before mentioned St Margaret. It was rebuilt in the reign of Edward I, by the parishioners and merchants of the Staple. 17.08.2012 · Leaving Westminster Abbey we were treated to London swells leaving the Church and the bells pealing loudly. I think I spotted a Lord or Lady or two, and some were seen entering Parliament a few.
There are 5 ways to get from St Margarets to Westminster by bus, train, taxi or car. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and. The Anglican church of St Margaret, Westminster Abbey is situated in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Parliament Square, and is the parish church of the House of Commons. It is dedicated to Margaret Read More. About The Anglican church of St Margaret, Westminster Abbey is situated in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Parliament Square, and is the parish church of the House of. 11.10.2019 · Saint Margaret's Church on Parliament Square is a unique masterpiece of Gothic architecture. If you're interested in architecture you'll be more than happy. The church has a fascinating history. If you're interested in architecture you'll be more than happy. It may be well to conclude this chapter by remarking that St. Margaret's Church is dedicated not to the holy Queen of Scotland, as most persons imagine, but to St. Margaret "Virgin and Martyr of Antioch," on whose well-known legend Dean Milman founded the story of the poem which first made his name known to the world, "The Martyr of Antioch.".
Media in category "St Margaret's, Westminster" The following 71 files are in this category, out of 71 total. 最近無料でセミナーが受けられるような機会が多々あるのですがやはり子育てを理由に参加できません。。。 ファイナンシャルプランナーの方が講義してくださる、保険や家計のことを学べるいいチャンス. Entdecken Sie Rubbra: Masses von St. Margaret's Westminster Singers bei Amazon Music. Werbefrei streamen oder als CD und MP3 kaufen bei. Memorials of St. Margaret's church, Westminister, comprising the parish registers, 1539-1660, and other churchwardens' accounts, 1460-1603 by Westminister, Eng. St. Margaret's.
Westminster St Margaret and St John was a local act parish and so remained a single unit for administration of the New Poor Law. Following the Metropolitan Poor Act 1867, it joined with St George Hanover Square for this purpose in 1870 as the St George's Union. Date of Change. Note. Description of Change. Population transferred. 1.7.1870 abolished a Lost the constituent parishes of Close of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, and the parish of St. Margaret & St. John Westminster to St. George Hanover Square registration district.
The Deanery of Westminster St Margaret is a local community of neighbouring Church of England parish churches and congregations in central London. The twenty central London churches and congregations which form the Deanery of Westminster St Margaret, stretch across the West End, Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and. St Margaret's School is an independent girls' school in Hampstead, North London. The school has 150 girls and 24 teachers. Many versions of the story were told in 13th-century England, in Anglo-Norman including one ascribed to Nicholas Bozon, English, and Latin, and more than 250 churches are dedicated to her in England, most famously, St. Margaret's, Westminster, the parish church of the British Houses of Parliament in London. In art, she is usually pictured.
St Margaret's church lies in the shadow - both literally and figuratively - of Westminster Abbey next door. Only a fraction of the visitors to the Abbey ever stop to look into St Margaret's, which is a pity, since it is an interesting and historic church in its own right. The Palace of Westminster as a whole began to see significant alterations from the 18th century onwards, as Parliament struggled to carry out its business in the limited available space and ageing buildings. Calls for an entirely new palace went unheeded as instead more buildings of varying quality and style were added.
Anglican church of St Margaret, Westminster, historically part of the hundred of Ossulstone in the county of Middlesex, is situated in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Parliament Square, and is the parish church of the British Houses of Parliament in London. It is dedicated to Margaret of Antioch. Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey presents a unique pageant of British history; the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great, it has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. In the reign of Edward I, the church was rebuilt. The tower was at the west end and is said to have contained 3 bells. 1516: The foundation stone of a new tower was laid, which was also to be a porch.
Help and advice for Westminster St Margaret If you have found a problem on this page then please report it on the following form. We will then do our best to fix it. If you are wanting advice then the best place to ask is on the area's specific email lists. All the information that we have is in the web pages, so please do not ask us to supply. 16.07.2009 · en./wiki/St._Margaret's,_Westminster en./wiki/Westminster_Abbey Photo used with permission here. There are 5 ways to get from St Margarets to Westminster Abbey by subway, train, bus, taxi or car. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
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The prompt for today fits well with one of my revision topics for R.S, visions. So I thought I might list 5 things I learned about visions.
- Noetic refers to something that gives knowledge.
- An intelectual vision this means that what is seen is an experience rather than something being just observed, such as saying: can you see that woman?
- Bernadette of Lourdes had a number of visions of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. In one of these visions, she was told to dig in the ground at the feet of Mary. When she did this she discovered a mountain spring.
- In the Bible (Matthew 1: 20-21) Joseph, while engaged to Mary, has a dream telling him not to be afraid of marrying Mary, even though she is pregnant and he is not the father.
- An imaginitive vision is a vision that occurs during a dream.


~ ~ Wishing You a Great Year! ~ ~
From my son & I, the best for this year & the years to come ...
Gallery Music Videos "Somewhere In Between"
and "Under Bridges, Shadows" !
October 6, 2011 ~ ~ ~ August 21, 2011
August 14, 2011 ~ ~ ~ July 25, 2011
~ July 10, 2011 ~ ~ ~ Early June and May, 2011 ~
~ Early 2011, to April 8, 2011 ~
<~ February 6, 2011 ~
~ January 16, 2011 ~
~ December 19, 2010 ~
October 31, 2010
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~ October 24, 2010 ~ ~ ~ September 8, 2010 ~
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~ October 17, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ October 10, 2010 ~
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~ August 30, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ August 22, 2010 ~
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~ August 20, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ August 15, 2010 ~
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~ August 8, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ August 1, 2010
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~ July 18, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ July 4, 2010 ~
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June 20, 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ May 14, 2010 ~
~ April 9, 2010 ~ * ~ March 24, 2010 ~ * ~ March 3, 2010
. ~ . . ~ .
Left: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Center: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ RIGHT
9/8/09 ~ ~ 2/7/10, Who, My Valentine? ~ ~ 2004, almost 61.
~ December 13, 2009 ~
~ ~ ~
~ Photos from 2004 through 2008 ~
pm hartslc on LDSPals.com
Profile on LDS Pals.com ~ & More Photos ...
Join LDS Pals FONT>
~ ~ ~ A Widow's Might*" ~ ~
*(a name given me by a late beloved friend, who felt his plea to the Lord for His forgiveness might be aided if he was kind to a widow, whose "mite" ["might"] could also help him in his path ...)
Thank you for visiting my homepage. For you who do not share my faith & do not know of its Christian character and strength, I would love to answer any questions you might have, so please do ask.
While living my very busy and fulfilling life, I seek one sweet Christian man of the latter-day* faith for my future mate (for eternity). I am monogamous & chaste, but passionate & playful when appropriate. I know how to reverence sacred matters, & how to enjoy the lighter things life presents.
If you are a proportionate man of principle & seek to be active in the LDS faith, I hope that you will read my words carefully which tell a little about me & the ultimate & true Christian faith - named after the Savior, Jesus Christ, (*the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you wish to know more, the truth about this, the true, restored gospel of Jesus Christ, our Savior, please go to LDS.org, to contact the missionaries in your area, or check the listing under "churches" in your local phone book. )
I am a devout LDS* Christian who knows that the Lord Jesus Christ DOES have a prophet on the earth and he guides us with Christ's authority (& His priesthood), both of which are real & present in the world. "My house is a house of order, saith the Lord."
*If you wish to know more, please contact me. You may also visit the official LDS Church site: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (www.LDS.org)
Or, you can contact the missionaries in any U.S. city by checking the listing in any local phonebook for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Saints defined as followers / disciples of Christ).
I am looking for a strong, truly joyously faithful man who loves God & follows the Spirit of revelation as to His will. Man & woman are given the gift of the Holy Ghost to discern truth. It is here. I hope you will be willing to find more truths which can be added upon the truth you have now.
Thank you again, for stopping by. I hope that you will email me & comment on what you've read here. If you are truly interested, I hope that you will keep in touch & that, at the very least, we can become friends.
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Or by signing the
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Welcome to my home on the web. I'm glad you stopped by for a visit. Feel free to have a look around and check out my latest books (including book trailers and ordering information), ministry, bio, blog, and the special "for writers" and "for readers" tabs.
Writing is my ministry and passion, and my goal is to use my books to impact lives and to draw my readers closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Blessings in Christ,
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Time magazine named Pope Francis its Person of the Year on Wednesday, crediting him with shifting the message of the Catholic Church while capturing the imagination of millions of people who had become disillusioned with the Vatican.
This is the third time the magazine has chosen a pope as its Person of the Year. Time gave that honor to Pope John Paul II in 1994 and to Pope John XXIII in 1963.
The Argentine pontiff - who, as archbishop of Buenos Aires was known as the slum cardinal for his visits to the poor and penchant for subway travel - beat former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden and gay rights activist Edith Windsor for the award.
Other finalists included Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas.


Worship with us In-Person or Online
Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 8:45am and 11am.
Updated Guidelines for Worship & Gathering
Beginning Sunday, March 13, 2022, we will resume taking communion at the altar rail. The Vestry is committed to following CDC guidance regarding masks, which states that masks are not required even for unvaccinated persons. Our Vestry is committed to following any future CDC recommendations.
Access our online member portal!
Email [email protected] for help setting up your account and managing your information.


Do you repeatedly struggle with the same issues? Do you feel defeated, discouraged, and depressed? Do you feel like there is no hope left?
If so, Joyce Schneider wants you to know that God wants something more for you. In her newest book, she uncovers some of the struggles that we all have but rarely feel comfortable sharing. Joyce uses her real-life experiences to show others that they are not alone. We have been taught through the ages that words cannot hurt us, but that is a lie. Words do hurt. They take root inside of us and change our perception of ourselves and others. But Jesus wants to weed that out.
In this confessional and inspirational guide, Joyce shows us how he can step in, remove that veil of deception, and allow us to see clearly once more. You too can be set free from the lies that get stuck inside. Male or female, young or old, you will be encouraged by this heartfelt story in Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but Words Can Kill My Spirit.
You can purchase Sticks and Stones today from Amazon.com, just click on the button below.
If you order ten or more books, we have a discount for you. The books are $10 each, no shipping. Email Joyce for details on ordering: email@example.com
We hope you enjoy this book, but even more that God uses this book to touch your heart and bring you healing!
Don’t let the lies of the past destroy your future. There is hope … His name is Jesus!


Welcome to Antioch
Welcome to our website. We aim to explain what Antioch is and what life in Antioch is about. You can keep up-to-date on our current events by visiting the calendar or to communicate with a real person, use our contact page.
Jesus is Risen from the Dead
Jesus Christ our only hope for salvation has risen from the dead.
Good Friday March
Ros Yates led us in singing as we set off on the Good Friday March on Friday 29th March. Antioch provided the stewards as 350 people walked up Acton High Street.
When we got to Acton Hill Church, the Youth band were there to help Trevor and Andy lead the service.
Veronica joined the young musicians of the youth band.
Miracle Healing Service
On Wednesday 27th February we held a
Miracle Healing Service with
Damian Stayne of the Cor et Lumen Christi Community.
Damian spoke to us of his experience of God's intervention in people's lives, when they invite him to act. He reminded us that Jesus healed many people, and did not restrict his work to those who were especially "holy". His concern was for those in need.
Damian also did not claim special healing powers for himself, but rather invited all those present to pray for those around them who requested prayer. It was this sort of prayer from those people who attended the meeting which brought out healings.
Many people testified to improvements, in different areas of their life. Difficulties in walking or moving quickly were overcome by the power of prayer, and several people reported improvements in hearing, seeing, and ease of movement in different parts of the body.
The common denominator was that Jesus Christ, who healed when he walked around the Holy Land two thousand years ago, was showing his love for those in need today, in exactly the same way.
This was an event which strengthened faith, encouraged confidence in God's power and invited us all to rejoice in the fact that God loves us and will never stop loving us.
We express our gratitude to Damian Stayne and his team for leading the evening, and to the Reverend Jennifer Smith and the members of Acton Hill Church in Acton who allowed us to use their beautiful church for our meeting.
The Pastors' Dinner - thanks to all the workers!
Bob Bell and his team of Mimi and Beth organised the cooks, the waiters, the table shifters and the washer-uppers so that the pastors of Acton and their spouses could share fellowship together. The food was delicious, the fellowship really enjoyable, and the entertainment, by Dan and Daniel, really good!
(We have a short video of this performance and it is now available to view on Kairos Media. Enjoy!)
The pastors were very pleased to attend this unique gathering, where fellowship and mutual appreciation were the touchstone.
Our Gappers thrive
We have Stephen in Michigan, on the left in this photo, and Katrina in Australia while others have gone not so far away. Susan is in Glasgow and Joe in Dublin. But in their case, it's not called gap but Uni! Find them on facebook!
The Lord's Day
Hugh Potter gave us a very informative teaching recently on the Lord's Day, and here is a link to a video, by Andy, which is also very helpful.
Some of us went to Belgium - "On Holiday"!
We ran an "Open House" so the other communities could savour Antioch life in London. Some came to taste our different teas, some to eat our delicious cakes, scones and other delicacies! Some came for the Antioch Quiz, others for the Antioch Olympic Games (thanks to Deborah and John for running those!)
Hugh and Dan were among several musicans who entertained us, thanks to them and to the Turner family for letting us use their home!
We had the Rodgers family from Cairo, and Joshua played along. Of course, in the meetings we once again got the wonderful sound of Andrew's trumpet, which really made a difference to the worship!
There were several workshops, for photography, singing, learning how to sing those awkward - and yet beautiful - Polish songs with no vowels (thanks PM!) as well as sculpture and some Polish folk dancing. Here we see Ros by some of her artwork. With Jamie she led a workshop on creating works of art.
On three mornings, Bruce Yocum gave some very encouraging, and thought-provoking teachings on "the Joshua Generation" and you can click here to get to them.
Antioch is . . .
Antioch is an ecumenical, charismatic, covenant, Christian community based in West London. We have been united by the Lord with a common way of life and mission. We belong to the Sword of the Spirit, a world-wide 'community of communities'. For more information see the about us pages.
We now have recordings of teachings from our meetings if you have missed them, or just want to hear them again. However, talks from "Members'" meetings are in the Members' section.
Short articles by our members
This is a series of short pieces about our experience of the Christian life. The first was by Arthur Delargy, and then we got the experience of Karen Jordan, who joined us from our sister community in Mumbai. Dominic Perrem told us about his walk of faith, and continues it in Dublin, in the Community of Nazareth, and then we got Bob Bell too. Read them and be inspired!
We have an outreach to students at the London colleges called koinonia. Their pages are worth a read!
This all sounds interesting, what do I do to find out more?
Check this page with some possible "next steps."


Monday, February 7, 2011
A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I miss the old God. I miss the one I used to know, the one that loved me for me, if I cussed, if I said sorry, if I failed, if I sinned, if I prayed the wrong way, if I went on a retreat or not, if I decided for myself what I wanted to do, if I asked him to help me make decisions but to not make every decision for me. Because ultimately, the Bible tells you what to do. He will help me to make decisions for myself. He will guide me. He will not spell out every single thing I need to do. He loves me. HE LOVES ME. Whether I go on a retreat or not. Whether I turn my back on him for 30 years. Whether I doubt him, then beg Him to take me back. There is nothing I can do to make God love me. Jesus died for that. For my sins. I can't do anything to get "right" with God. I am only human. It is all him. It isn't me. I'm just a little girl, I can do nothing to be perfect, good, deserving of his love. And I have forgotten that. I don't think I've ever felt God, but I definitely did tonight. It was a good experience. It took calling my dad to hear His true word, the word I had been missing for several months now. There's a lot I need to think about and change, but at least I know God will LOVE me the WHOLE TIME. I miss Him. And I haven't seen this God in a while. I have been trying to make up my own version of God. I am so excited for this. I am so relieved. I feel loved.


As of late 2013 we have been primarily serving in Cannon Beach,
to restart a church that nearly died out -- Cannon
Beach Bible Church.
Our ministry continues to be the same:
is to DO Matthew 28:19 & 20. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age."


Beulah Hill Christian Church is a family oriented church that is always looking for new people to become part of our church “family”. We’re a group of friendly, happy people who have discovered the true joy of Christian living. We are on a mission to serve God and are committed to meeting the needs of your family in the 21st century.
At Beulah Hill Christian Church you can: · Meet new friends and get to know your neighbors · Enjoy great programs all year long for your entire family · Hear positive, practical messages which encourage you each week · Trust your children to the care of dedicated and qualified volunteers
WHY NOT GET A LIFT THIS SUNDAY? We invite you to be our special guest this coming Sunday. Sunday School 10:00 am and Worship Service at 11:00am. We are located just out of town on Keen Road, once you cross Hwy 96. If you don’t have a church home, give us a try!
COME EXPERIENCE THE LOVE & PRESENCE OF CHRIST! We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visitors to our web site. We invite you to join us on Sunday’s for: Sunday School at 10:00 AM Worship Service at 11:00 AM We also have Bible Study & Children’s Activities Wednesday’s from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Please go to ” Contact Us” for information on contacting Beulah Hill Christian Church
_________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2012 Beulah Hill Christian Church. All Rights reserved.


Over the past year or so, I have often pondered on the difference of believing in God and believing God. The difference in subtle, and yet can make all the difference in our day to day lives.
Believing in God is the first step. You first have to believe in God's existence, that he has created us, that he has a plan and purpose for our lives.
But in order to really move forward in our faith, we have to believe God. Believe that every word He has spoken is truth. Believe that He speaks to us. Believe that His promises are sure. We have to believe what He tells us.
In order to believe what God says, we have to know what it is. Here are just a few examples of what I'm talking about:
"Heavens above rain down righteousness: let the clouds shower it down." (Isaiah 45:8)
The imagery of a rain shower pouring down, soaking us from head to toe, is a powerful one. Can we imagine God's power and righteousness and blessings pouring down upon us and our lives in such fashion? Do we believe God when he says he will freely bless us in such a manner? Can we look around and witness the evidence?
"Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Love, or charity, meaning the true love of Christ, never fails. No matter what happens. No matter what we do. No matter what is done to us. Do we believe God when he promises that His love can rescue us from anything, anywhere, any time?
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)
God hears us. He hears our pleas and our cries. Whether we pray a "popcorn prayer" that is short and direct up to Heaven, or sink to our knees and beg for something, or have a heart so heavy no words can be formed to express our desire, do we believe God actually hears us? Do we pray expecting answers? Do we pray expecting deliverance?
The difference between believing in God and believing God really can make a huge difference in our lives. Because if we believe what he says is true, our lives can be filled with the joy of his promises. Then it also changes the way we read his word in scripture, because now we can search for those promises, and believe God when he breathes them over us.
I am trying desperately to move closer to the idea of believing God rather than just believing in Him. I have this amazing glimpse of what life could be like if I was more familiar with His words and His promises and if I actually expected their fulfillment in my life. And then, in a hazy mist somewhere down the road, I see my life bursting with joy, even in the storms of life, because I know God and believe Him.


The church of the Varò dates back to the fifteenth century but a crypt inside the Church, typical of the period when Christians were forced not to profess their faith, suggests that it has more ancient origins.
The Congregation of the Varò (Spanish word for “Visitation”), in the distant past, was very famous and could only be part of the nobles. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the Congregation no longer gave signs of life and the church was left in abandonment, so much so that it remained closed to worship. At the end of the following century, however, the church was restored and the Congregation – also called dell’Addolorata, in honor of the statue that was found inside, resumed life. Today the Congregation is very active and has more than eight hundred sisters.
Externally, the architectural elements of the greatest value of the building are the stone portal of Taormina and the small bell tower.
The interior of the Church, however, is a single nave and houses the papier-mâché statue of the Madonna dell’Addolorata; behind the Altar Maggiore, the fresco representing the triumph of the Cross stands out.


January 11, 2011
Hannibal Hamlin writes:
I’m pleased to announce the publication of Reformation 15 (2010), the first issue under my sole editorship, with Helen Parish editing the Reviews section. The issue is online at our website (http://www.equinoxpub.com/journals/index.php/Reformation), and print copies should be on their way to libraries and subscribers, and generally available shortly. Contents are listed below.
Submissions are now welcome for vol. 16 (2011) on all topics related to the Reformation period. We continue to be interested in research on aspects of early modern religion, in the fields of history, literature, art history, music, theology, the history of the book, and indeed most fields, but our purview is wide. I encourage scholars to push our envelope! 2011 is the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, or Authorized Version; lectures, conferences, exhibitions, television and radio programs, publications and other events will commemorate this anniversary on both sides of the Atlantic (for listings see http://www.kingjamesbibletrust.org/). Reformation thus extends a special invitation this year for submissions on early modern Bibles, Bible translation, and the literary and cultural influence of the Bible.


- The Bible is the inspired, written Word of God
- There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: The Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost
- In the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that He shed His blood on the cross for the remission of sins, and He was buried, and He arose from the dead
- That man is separated from God because of sin and that he needs to be born again
- That sanctification is a continual act of separation from that which is evil and to be dedicated to God
- In the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the physical evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance
- That divine healing is in the atonement and is for all believers
- That all believers should be baptized in water by immersion in the name of the Father, and Son, and the Holy Ghost
- In the rapture of the Church before the great tribulation
- That Heaven is prepared for the believers and Hell is prepared for the ungodly
- In the Lord's Supper (Communion)
Listen to a Message...
Many have expressed an interest in seeing the Abraham Lincoln Thanksgiving Day Proclamation as read in Pastor Donivan's preaching. Click here for a copy.


Photo from a postcard of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church (circa 1912)
For more than 130 years, people have been drawn to the church at the corner of W. Duffy and Barnard streets in the historic Victorian neighborhood of Savannah, Ga. The very first worshipers belonged to the Episcopal faith of St. John’s Parish, whose Church Aid Association secured the property at Barnard and W. Duffy streets, completing the building in 1889. The new church, one of two in Savannah designed by renowned architect Alfred S. Eichberg, became the home from which St. Matthew’s Chapel was admitted into the Diocese of Georgia as St. Paul’s Church in 1892. The congregation eventually outgrew the space, and the worship center then transitioned to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church who called it home from 1907 to 1943.
The Greek Orthodox congregation added another entrance, allowing for men and women to enter separately. Garvin’s Temple Baptist Church was the next congregation to occupy the historic church, adding their touch with memorial stained glass windows dedicated to departed loved ones (with many of those original stained-glass windows still a part of the new lofts!). The saga of the picturesque church began with an Episcopal congregation in 1889 and has come full circle as a condo conversion project that transformed the interior into a state-of-the-art living space while maintaining key architectural features from the original church. Careful work on the exterior has restored the structure to its original glory.


This letter was written by a mother who came to Life Centers of Ventura County for counseling and assistance. She was encouraged to write a letter to her unborn baby to help her heal some of the inner turmoil that was plaguing her. She gave LCVC unlimited permission to publish and/or share this in any way that it might help others.
April 12, 2015
When I was asked to write a letter to you Seth I admit that I did not even know where to begin. What could I possible say to you? For almost two weeks I pondered this very question.
I have a good friend who just found out she is pregnant. She sends me web pictures of the babies progression. But this week she went in for an ultrasound. Yesterday as a matter of fact. She sent me the most amazing pictures of her 13.5 week baby boy. She described how hyper he was jumping or doing flips in her womb. He seemed so excited to be there. It even looked like he was waving.
As I looked at her pictures reading her description It made me think of you at 13.5 weeks alive and growing. What a wonder! I would have rather been happy about you growing inside of me like she is about her baby boy. I would give anything to change the past and be excited about the wonderful gift God gave me, no matter how young I was.
So many girls kept their babies. I’m sorry I did not. Even if God would have granted me a husband to bring about other children, you would still be missing. No one could take the place of Seth. Every time I see a little boy I can’t help but think of you. I know you would be 41 now. That just really blows my mind. I wonder what kind of man you would have been.
It’s still really hard for me to grasp this fully. I ignored it for so long. How can I love you? I don’t deserve to love you. It’s painful to love you because I’m guilty of taking your life. No matter how much God forgives me or I forgive myself. But little by little my heart is opening to you. I wish you were here so I could love you. I have to learn to love you from where you are.
I know one day I will see you. I don’t know what to expect as far as what age you will be. But in the presence of Jesus it will be a good reunion.


Greetings! Welcome to my blog, Becoming Holy and Whole. I’d like to introduce myself and give you a bit of background. My name is Christine and I’m a wife and mom who is coming to the end of our eleven years of homeschooling. I’ve been praying (and trying to listen patiently, but I’m not good at the patiently part) about what God wants me to do in the next stage of life. So far though, the sense I’ve gotten is “wait”. I’ve struggled with this because I’m the type of person that feels like I need to be ‘doing’ to be of value (not good, I know, but I’ll get to that later in this introduction). But God has been teaching me many lessons over these last several months as I anticipate what my immediate future holds.
Over the years, God has grown me through many struggles. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and ulcerative colitis. The mental health aspect has actually probably been the most challenging of all my health issues. These disorders have manifested themselves in many, many ways and have been going on since childhood. I’ve been on medication for years (which I believe to be a gift from God). I’m only just now learning, by God’s grace, how to deal with some of these challenges aside from the medication, and I truly feel that understanding how God intends us to live this life in our thought process and what we put into, and do with our bodies (diet and exercise) can be a huge step to healing. It truly has been a long road but I’m seeing some progress in many aspects. All glory to God!
This blog is intended to be an outlet that will hopefully help some others on their spiritual and health journeys. I’ll be addressing life’s struggles as they come up or, sometimes, things that I have struggled with in the past that God is teaching me specific lessons about. These would include things about my identity in Christ (I’m a daughter of the great High King Jesus), how to live out that identity (I can live in freedom instead of the bondage of the lies that Satan throws at me daily), and I can make choices each day that help my spiritual and physical well being (quiet time, diet, exercise, etc.).
I loosely follow (at the moment) the Trim Healthy Mama plan. I hope in the future, as I figure out more and more about it and what my go-to recipes are, I’ll be able to incorporate more and more of these methods and recipes into my every day living. And I’d like to take you along on my journey. (See my post about THM here)
I also do a short strength training workout most weekday mornings (which I very much dislike but know is good for me and I like the results, even in only about 10 minutes a day) and try to walk….a lot! Taking walks is one of my hubby and I’s favorite things to do together. We talk, hash out our day, laugh, connect AND get exercise.
I tell you all this to let you in on my daily life and coping mechanisms as I continue to try to learn what God is trying to teach me. I’m not trying to sell you on anything (as far as workout methods and eating plans) but I will be coming at it from the point of views I state above. See it as ideas on things you might try.
So, if you ever feel unloved, unwanted, too much and at the same time too little, not good enough, to far gone to be saved by Jesus, lonely, unhealthy, depressed, anxious, obsessive, a pain in the rear to those around you, and insert-whatever-other-lies-are-in-your-brain-here, then this place is for you! Join me and others who are already along for the ride.
Feel free to request to be a part of our already growing Facebook group called by the same name (Becoming Holy and Whole) and also follow me on Instagram, also by the same name. In the Facebook group, we do health challenges, product spotlights, recipe spotlights, encourage each other and hold each other accountable. On Instagram, you can see when new blog posts are going up, quick posts or stories on what I’m eating and why (you can also see that here sometimes) and more.
Feel free to check out the posts already here on the blog. It’s still in it’s infancy but I hope to see where God takes this. I just want to help others who may be struggling with many things that many women tend to struggle with. I don’t claim to be an expert, just a God-Girl trying to live a life of worship. Will you walk along with me? Please follow in the sidebar at right and lets take a walk!


Hessie Willis Finley, age 94.
Passed away on Dec. 10, 2010 at Seneca Health and Rehab. Under the care of the Cottingham Hospice House.
Born on June 10, 1916 to the late Edward and Ada Poe Willis in Snow Creek Township, Mitchell County, NC. Mrs. Finley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.
Member of the Seneca Presbyterian Church for over 65 years. Faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Circle Leader, and President of the Woman of the Church. She also served the community as a Girl Scout Leader.
Predeceased by her husband of 64 years Carl M. Finley, one son, James Nelson, 2 sisters and 5 brothers.
Survived by sons and daughters in law Jerry D and Margaret Finley of Pendergrass, GA., Jesse M and Marina Finley of Anderson, SC. Daughters and sons in law Josephine Wood of Seneca, Lou and Dwight Pearson of Chester, SC, and Betty and Ray Hall of Hartwell, Ga.
Survived by 15 grandchildren and 33 Great grandchildren and 2 Great-great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Monday Dec. 13, 2010 at Seneca Presbyterian Church with the Dr. Nancy Morris officiating. The family will receive friends One hour prior to service at the church. With burial in Oconee Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Seneca Presbyterian Church 115 W. South First St. Seneca, SC 29678 or Hospice of the Foothills foundation 298 Memorial Dr. Seneca, SC 29672
Born: June 10, 1916
Place of Birth: Spruce Pine, NC
Death: December 10, 2010
Place of Death: Seneca, SC
Hobbies: Sunday School Teacher, Circle Leader, President of the Women of the Church, Girl Scout Leader
Jerry D & Margaret Finley, Son & daughter in law
Jesse M & Marina Finley, Son & daughter in law
Josephine Wood, Daughter
Lou & Dwight Pearson, Daughter & son-in-law
Betty & Ray Hall, Daughter & son-in-law
John Edward Willis, Father
Ada Viola Pope Willis, Mother
Carl M. Finley, Spouse
James Nelson, Son
Memorial donations may be made to:
Seneca Presbyterian Church 115 W. South First St. Seneca, SC 29678
OMC Hospice of the Foothills 298 Memorial Dr. Seneca, SC 29672
This memorial provided by:
Brown-Oglesby Funeral Home, Inc.


How often do we invite others to go to church or "come to Christ" by telling them what they will get out of it? We are shown by advertising in our world that by listing all the benefits of whatever is being sold we can get people to buy it. So we often use this same approach with regards to sharing Christ with others -- "come to church with me -- you'll love the singing", "come to our Wednesday service -- you'll hear a really inspirational speaker". Don't get me wrong, there is certainly nothing bad about this approach and many people are attracted through it. However, there are people for whom this approach doesn't work and there a short little account of one of these folks in Numbers 10:29-32.
In this passage, Moses first invites Hobab to join the Israelites on their journey from Sinai to the Promised Land -- “We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” (Numbers 10:29). As do many people Hobab responds that he'll not go, but instead return to his own land (Midian). Instead of giving up or again telling Hobab about all the great things that lie in wait, Moses instead offers the following -- “Please do not leave, inasmuch as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes." (Numbers 10:31). Interesting -- rather than listing benefits for Hobab, Moses asks for his help. Being familiar with the wilderness in which they find themselves, Moses and the people of Israel would certainly appreciate help, along with all the direction God provided them.
So perhaps a small lesson for us is that rather than "selling" God to others, perhaps we can involve them by asking for their help -- "can you edit this blog for me", "can you look over this (Bible) verse and help me make sense of it", "can you help babysit some children in our nursery Sunday morning". By humbling ourselves and admitting we all can use help, we often find others who are more than willing to come along.
It worked for Moses -- perhaps it'll work for you as well.....


Thanks for stopping by!
If you are looking for a church home, are in need of prayer, or just have a question - we are here for you! We are committed to being servants of Christ and His children. We would be honored to help you in any way possible along your spiritual journey. Please fill out the form below and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible!
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We are located at 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 just minutes away from area hotels and attractions. We look forward to seeing you soon!


Jonathan Smith - The spiritual drama HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN/NBC/1984-89
starred Michael Landon as a "honest" lawyer named Arthur Gordon who died in
1948. In heaven, God makes Arthur a probationary Angel and sends him back to
earth in the guise of Jonathan Smith. His mission: to help and council the
troubled and the needy. Beginning his assignment alone, Jonathan later partners
with a cynical, bearded ex-Oakland cop named Mark Gordon (Victor French), who
likes to wear an A's baseball cap.
They drive from assignment to assignment in Mark's aging grey Ford LTD sedan
(license plate: IDTD458) which on many occasions breaks down, but through the
power of God (a.k.a. "The Boss") and some good old fashioned elbow grease Mark
away finds a way to get the car going again.
Over the five years they were on the road, Jonathan and Mark interceded in the
lives of people who were lonely, desperate or dying. They befriended those with
cancer, the elderly in retirement homes, the physically challenged (amputees,
blind, disfigured, mentally ill, etc.), football players addicted to pills,
disillusioned movie stars, corrupt politicians, a grieving veteran WWII pilot
whose son was killed in Vietnam, bickering divorced parents fighting over
custody of the children, Nazi death camp survivors, a heartless business man,
and basically those who needed a second chance to get their lives together.
Jonathan even turned from an angel to a werewolf one Halloween night to help a
boy overcome his fear of monsters. And once one Christmas Eve, Jonathan and Mark
like the three ghosts in Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol gave several men a
look at their future.
Occasionally, along the way, both Jonathan and Mark lost faith in God but they
always found a way back to their mission. Once, the Devil himself interfered
with Mark when he accidentally ran over a girl. In his frenzy, Mark mistakenly
sells his soul to Satan in exchange of the girl's life. But through a little
slight of hand, Jonathan manages to retrieve the contract and resume their
mission on earth.
Jonathan, too, made mistakes. Once he used his angelic powers to lash out at
some bullies and lost his job for a time, until Mark's good deeds helped
Jonathan get reinstated. And when Jonathan learns his wife, Jane Gordon (Dorothy
McGuire) was dying, he hates God when He fails to reunite him with his wife in
death. But God had a plan and Jonathan soon dealt with his disappointment and
resumed his role as an angel.
See also "TV Character Bios:
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Homeschool Companion has been broadcasting since January, 2008. It airs every Wednesday through Friday from 11:05 am until 11:30 noon EST on more than 125 local stations plus is streamed at ltr.streamon.fm. This show covers a wide range of topics, from learning disabilities to health. Guests give expert advice and listeners are encouraged to give feedback on Homeschool Companion's Facebook page. If you would like to be guest on the show send us an overview of the topic you'd like to discuss. This is a great way to promote your ministry or organization and provide our listeners with valuable information.
Education Currents was launched January, 2010. It airs every Monday and Tuesday from 11:05 am until 11:30 noon EST on more than 125 local stations plus is streamed at ltr.streamon.fm. The purpose of this show is to provide current educational information to teachers, families, and students attending or involved in the traditional school environment. How do our children maintain a Christian worldview while attending public school? What can parents do to help their children when faced with opposing values? What right does a child have to talk about their belief system? How does No Child Left Behind help my child? This talk show is one of the first shows dedicated solely to educational issues from a faith-based world view.
There are a number of ways you can partner with us in this ministry. First, you can pray. Our show's reach is more than 45 million people. Second, you can share your story by being interviewed (again there is no cost to you). Third, you can provide us with 1-minute shows featuring your ministry that we can incorporate with our 24:30 show. Fourth, you can give a tax deductible donation. This faith ministry is not supported by any denomination or institution. One hundred percent of your donation goes to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Welcome to Faith Bible Church
Faith Bible Church
Thursday Morning Ladies Bible Study
Morning Fellowship Time
Sunday Morning Worship
Our Purpose is to GLORIFY God by Making and Maturing Disciples for Jesus Christ.
This is a new Sunday School class being presented by Frank Brunner. It is the precursor to The Truth Project study.
We hope that your visit to our website will lead you to visit us! You'll find friendly Greeters at the door and fellow church members in the foyer area enjoying fellowship as well as a cup of coffee and snacks both before and after the morning service! If you have any questions, please call us at 941-747-3322 or come to a service and anyone will be happy to help you!


Don’t go at random, there’s a trick.
We’ve all been in a similar situation. Looking for our cell phone and not remembering where we put it. And the worst part? Call it from the landline and not listen to it because it’s in silent mode!
But the point is: What do we do from there on? Our prayer we haven’t lost it, or there’s a plan.
And yet things aren’t that dark, as long as you know some tricks.
Take a look at the album below:
(Visited 17 times, 1 visits today)


Review: Cappella Romana Rach’d Portland
On Saturday, September 12th, we had the utmost honour and privilege to hear one of my favourite choral work of all time, The All-Night Vigil, op.37 by Sergei Vasilevich Rachmaninov. This work was composed and premiered in 1915. It is based on the Eastern Orthodox service of Vespers which is served on Saturday evenings and is hymns, prayers, and readings mainly from the Old Testament which are meant to prepare Orthodox Christians for worship on Sunday mornings. Vespers is an ancient liturgical service of the Church. On a personal note, it is this piece of music which is somewhat responsible for my conversion from Protestantism to Orthodoxy. Upon hearing this music for the first time, I was convinced that I had the investiage the depth of this faith tradition. One year later, I was Chrismated and joined the Russian Orthodox Church!
Needless to say, I was fairly excited about the fact that Cappella Romana was going to perform this music which holds a special place in my heart. Cappella Romana has a tradition of excellence when it comes to interpreting liturgical from all traditions of the Christian East. My high expectations for this performance were certainly surpassed. From the very first notes that the choir sung, I was aware that this group’s commitment to Orthodox liturgical music was fantastic. Their choices in tempo and dynamics were completely appropriate and facilitated a deeper meaning of the text being conveyed. In fact, Capella Romana illustrated a strong understanding of the text that they were singing. The ensemble skilfully maintained clarity throughout.
Although the group showed terrific precision in the technical aspects of choral singing, the interpretive and artistic aspects of this performance was equally impressive. A range of dynamics was used to emphasize portions of the text and this was done very well indeed by Capella Romana. There was a fantastic sense of drama at certain points during the performance that kept the listener’s attention.
What I loved most was the way that the choir had interwoven beautiful elements of the Orthodox Liturgy into the music Rachmaninoff had written. The part of the Deacon was sung in formidable fashion by a real Orthodox deacon – Rev. Dr. Nicholas Denysenko. His voice had a warm yet convicting quality to it – which is exactly what a deacon needs amidst the Orthodox services. The guest director was Mark Bailey who was simply wonderful.
This is one of the must stunning choral performances that I have ever heard. Cappella Romana brought us, for one evening, to a place of peace and beauty. The Vesper service is used in the Orthodox Chuch to prepare the faithful for Sunday’s Divine Liturgy and communion. Cappella Romana demonstrated that they understand not only the musical nuances of Rachmaninov’s music but the deeper spiritual meaning in this work as well. All of us in attendance felt that we were unified by the music which is meant to transcend the human experience. Bravo Cappella Romana!
-Jennifer West Co-founder and artistic director, Muzewest Concerts


I haven't blogged in a while.
My husband of almost 35 years passed away unexpectedly January 30th.
Five days after my birthday.
Two and a half months after his 56th birthday.
One week before Superbowl Sunday.
I mention the Superbowl because he LOVED football and looked forward to the Superbowl every year. He had always wanted John Cougar Mellencamp to perform the half-time show. Needless to say, he was not thrilled when Madonna was chosen. He would have been even more disappointed had he seen the performance. :(
It will be 6 weeks on Monday. Each week has brought new challenges, trials, hardships, but in the midst of the pain and shock, I have been able to feel the love of God through my friends and family.
My brother and sister were here almost 24-7 for the first week and continue to check up on me daily.
My parents were with me, and even in in their grief stricken state, were a great comfort to me.
Daemyan was well cared for the first week at the home of his best friends, Caleb and Christoph. This was so helpful since I was such a mess and had so many decisions to make. Difficult and heart wrenching decisions. And I needed to prepare to see his grieving family. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. He was the oldest of six and was adored by his sisters, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and of course, his parents. He had been looking forward the parent-sibling vacation this summer and a trip to San Antonio......
Even in the horrible grief of his family coming out to Washington for his funeral, I was able to catch glimpses of love through friends. The family was able to spend time with Whitey's best friends which was a great help to me since I was not up to entertaining. Our long-time friends invited everyone to their home on Superbowl Sunday, where he would have been. What a wonderful gift that was! Great food and great friendship was shared and even laughter through our pain.
Many other blessings were so obvious, I still am dumbfounded!
My sister became my personal secretary, my voice and my brain.
My brother was my moral support and companion. He and Syl took Daemyan to the school bus stop the first couple of mornings.
One of the ladies in my choir arranged for the Ladies Guild to prepare all of the food for the reception at no charge to me.
My dear friend Miles arranged for all the flowers. And they were GORGEOUS! Which reminds me that I need to get the pictures!!!
My choir sang at the service.
My friends from high school came to visit me and brought a quiche the night of the funeral. Perfect since I needed nutrition, but did not want to cook. I had given Terry that recipe years ago!
Karen's husband, Steve, also a good friend made Whitey's urn.
Karen picked Whitey's personal belongings up from work for me, since she works at Boeing.
My friend Sue brought me a load of hay for the horses. She also had some great insight and suggestions since she had lost her husband five years ago.
My friend Becky hired a couple gals to come in and clean my bathrooms and floors the night Whitey's family would arrive. She also worked herself into a lather getting the house to look comfy and inviting and preparing snacks and making sure the coffee didn't run out. She also lent me a purse for the funeral, packed with tissues, chapstick and breath strips~! (She thinks of everything!)
Al came over and fixed my furnace which had gone out the day after Whitey died.
Lori cut Daemyan's hair.
Denise came over with a tater tot casserole. Ed came over with two rotisserie chickens, deli salads and bread.
Father Christopher, my priest, was awesome. He came to the hospital right away and was able to pray with me and over Whitey. He was a great comfort.
Monetary gifts from Whitey's co-workers were a huge help. Friends and relatives were also very generous! The flowers, the cards, the phone calls. Everyone showing such love. Things happened without me even having to ask, which would have been hard since I didn't even know what I wanted or needed. I know I have probably left some things out but everything that was done for me was so appreciated, there are no words to adequately describe my gratitude.
Thank you everyone!


Welcome to St Martin's Church
St Martin's of Byker, Church of England. A friendly church serving the community of Byker through worship, prayer and community outreach. All welcome to worship with us!
|Sunday Worship:|| 9:30 AM|
|Sunday School:|| 9:30 AM|
|Wednesday Communion:|| 9:15 AM|
|Wednesday Communion:|| 7:00 PM|
|Morning Prayer (Mon-Thu):|| 8:45 AM|
Latest Church News
Thursday 1st December 2016
Advent Christmas Fun and Fundraising
Three events: Christmas Quiz, Christmas Raffle and Christmas Craft Fair will happen this week.
Forthcoming Events & Services
Sunday 11th December 2016 4:00PM
Christingle and Brownie Nativity
Saturday 17th December 2016 5:30PM
Byker Nativity and Carols in the High Main
The Vicar Writes
Tuesday 29th November 2016
Waiting for Christmas
For children four weeks of Advent preparations, however entertaining, are probably not a sufficient distraction for the interminable waiting for Christmas.
Readings for Next Sunday
Third Sunday of Advent


Acts 4: 10-12………….
12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Mark 16: 16 – 17
17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; IN MY NAME shall they…….
Philippians 2: 9 – 11
10. That at the NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;….
THE NAME OF JESUS Brand New Joint from Simeonyy, puts us to remembrance of the POWER and AUTHORITY
given to us where by we can run to and be saved in times of trouble and need.
Produced by @tobassadolphus


by Alvin Mitchell
Copy Right June 2005
By Alvin Mitchell
|The following study was inspired by Elfrem W., seeking answers to the following questions:
This message is not flagged. [ Flag Message - Mark as Unread ]Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2005 21:02:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: firstname.lastname@example.org Add to Address Book
Subject: Yahoo! WebHosting Email
Name = Elfrem
Comments: = "Question? Could you show in the Bible where Jesus Christ in shown as an Heavenly Presbytery? Define
Presbytery? Thanks for your support and help."
First of all, this “…law of first reference” to which you refer, I have no knowledge of. It is to my knowledge not a
biblical concept. I have never read it in any Bible myself, nor have I ever heard any Bible teacher of any substance
make reference thereto.
As for the term Presbytery, it is an English derivative of the Greek term “presbuterion” (pres-boo-ter’-ee-on). Its
literal meaning is “the order of elders”, and in the case of the local church is a general reference to its “elders”
and/or “bishops” (Gr., ep-is’-ko-pos), i.e., to the older (and, hopefully “wiser”), more spiritually mature
members of a congregation, whose business or duty it is to provide leadership and oversight, superintendence
(if you will), as they watch out for the spiritual (and physical) care and well being of God’s flock.
In the strict sense of the word, there is no place in the Bible where Jesus is ever spoken of directly as our Heavenly
Presbytery. On the other hand, where duty and function are concerned, there are several references that call our
attention to His Role as our Heavenly Presbyter (Gr., presbuteros—pres-boo’-ter-os: an experienced Elder,
whose job it is to look out for the well being of the saints). The first is in Revelation 1:13-15 , where He is
called the Ancient of Days, which equates Him with the God of the Old Testament, who, in Daniel 7:9, 13, is so
referenced (consider also Micah 5:2). Thus the age requirement, one might say, is fulfilled. He has been around for
a while. He is mature, seasoned; He is not a novice in this game, having been around for a very long time. He knows
His business. In John’s Gospel, He gives reference and witness to Himself not only as the Door—providing the only
entrance into Heaven, i.e., by means of which one can be saved—but, He is also the Good Shepherd, providing life
(eternal) for all who believe, by the giving of His Own. Moreover, as the Good Shepherd, He provides for and
superintends our spiritual needs through the medium of the Comforter (the Holy Spirit, who lives within all of us,
who have placed our faith, trust, and confidence in Jesus as Lord and Savior), who gives us guidance through
instruction, leading us (through the Word of God), into all the truth that God has in store for us, as He testifies (not of
Himself) and directs all eyes and hearts to the Savior, Jesus the Christ (convicting the world of sin as He does! John
10:7-15; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14). As our Heavenly Presbyter, He is also the One and only True vine, by
whose words we are pruned and honed, for maximum service and production, so that “we can be all that we can
be”, in the army of the God who lives on high! As such, we are branches in Him, without Whom we can do
nothing (that will ever in any way, please or appease the Father). It is He, through the Holy Spirit of the Father, from
whose roots provision is made that we may draw the nourishment needed to take us to the next level, in terms of our
spiritual maturity, and productivity (John 15:1-5). Finally, in the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus the Christ of Calvary is
called the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. As such, He is now seated at the right hand of the Father up
in Heaven—having been made (transformed, or, “morphed” if you will, into) flesh and blood (like us) so that He
could destroy the rightful hold and the claim that death had on all mankind through decimation of the of the holder of
death, namely the devil (due to the failure of Adam; see Romans 5:12-19), and so that He, who was originally,
throughout all of eternity past God in Spirit form (having been subjected to and, having experienced in His flesh, the
same trials and tribulations, sufferings and temptations as the man He himself created, all without ever even once
failing; and, having learned to obey the Father through those things which He suffered), so that He, I say, might now
occupy at the Right hand of the Father, as our Merciful and Faithful High Priest (3:1, 2; 2:15-17; 4:15; 5:8).
Furthermore, Elfrem, having completed His mission here on earth, as a Man among men, He is now the “Author of
our salvation forever more” to all believers who will obey Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith (a faith that
was begun and etched into the annals of Heaven by His flawless, faithful earthly sojourn and walk, washed and sealed
by His sin-free blood, so that, all that is needed for our salvation has already been done; there is nothing else to be
added, beyond our acceptance and obedience to the Father’s call, as our will is bent so as to conform to His)(Heb.
5:9; 12:2). In addition, here in Hebrews, He is the Mediator of the New Covenant between God and man (His
life of obedience all the way to the death on Calvary’s cross having done away with the Old Covenant based upon
the Law), by means of which we may now receive the promise of an eternal inheritance (forgiveness of sins, salvation
through faith, and eternal life) (9:15; 12:24).
Thus, then, we see, can we not Elfrem(?), that Jesus—who is the Great Shepherd of us His sheep (Heb. 13:20)—
serves in the role of our Great Heavenly Presbyter, in a number o f different ways, no matter what hat He wears.
Ok, Elfrem? Let me know it this is in anywise helpful, and if I can be of any further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask,
alright? Bye now.
Serving our only Heavenly Presbyter,


Greystones Municipal District and local businesses in the town come together each Christmas to support the installation of Christmas lights and the festivities around Santa’s arrival.
The lighting event is usually held in Burnaby Park on the last Saturday in November with an afternoon of family entertainment.
Local clergy relate the true spirit of Christmas in a short ecumenical service and the lights are switched on by the Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District and a representative from Greystones 2020.
In 2019 the lights were switched on on Saturday 23rd November in Burnaby Park. The event included carol singing by the choir from Colaiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole, a performance by the Greystones Players and the Holyhead Male Voice Choir together with a short ecumenical service.
There are over 1km of icicle lights throughout the town and two 30-foot-tall Christmas trees, each adorned with three thousand lights: one at the train station and one at the Harbour Marina.
Santa arrived to meet and greet all the children.


Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 5:15 p.m. Centering Prayer at St. John's, Kingston
Friday 7:00 - 7:30 am Intercessory Prayer (begins March 5)
Sunday 9:30 am Morning Prayer
10:15 am "Coffee Hour"
10:45 am Bible Study
4:00 pm Lent for youth (ages 8-16)
9:00 pm Centering Prayer (begins Feb. 28)
Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. will resume in March
Contact church office by Thursday at 2:00 p.m. prior to the Sunday you plan on attending
Space very limited; mask and social distancing required
SUNY Ulster Food Pantry Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SUNY New Paltz Pantry Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tops Supermarket Food Ministry Sunday mornings we pick up food to distribute to the SUNY Ulster Food Pantry & Ascension Holy Trinity Mission Ctr.
Courageous Lions Donate yarn to help crochet courageous lions to comfort children and families faced with illness.
“Clothe the Cold” We collect clean clothes in good condition for Family of New Paltz & the Ascension Holy Trinity Mission Center.
Ascension Holy Trinity Mission Center Food & clothing always needed. Wed. 10:00 a.m. - noon & 6-8 pm; Saturdays 10:00-noon.
Beginner’s AA Meeting St. Andrew’s Parish Hall, Tuesdays & Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Andy’s Peeps Online forum for St. Andrew’s community to share scripture, music, https://www.facebook.com/groups/andyspeeps/
Sunday School Sundays during the 10:30 a.m. service
Adult Christian Formation Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
Food for Body & Soul A Brown Bag Lunch with Conversation and Spiritual
Reflection, Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Lyme Support Group Third Tuesday of every month, 7:00 p.m.


Business & Professional
Orville & Ruth Merillat
The transformative bond between Orville and Ruth Merillat and Huntington University was forged through a common purpose, based on a shared faith.
The Merillats were business leaders and philanthropists, a couple who lived the American dream and lived their Christian principles. In doing so, they blessed both Huntington University and Huntington County.
Most of northwest Ohio is farm country. Orville D. Merillat and Ruth A. Miller were both born into farm families in Fulton County, on the Michigan border. Orville was born May 1, 1916, the seventh among 15 siblings. He learned carpentry as a boy and dropped out of high school after his freshman year to work as a carpenter in and around the Fulton County seat of Wauseon. It was there he met Ruth, who had graduated from high school in Wauseon and was in beauty school. They were married Jan. 19, 1941 – the day after her 20th birthday.
Less than a year later, America was at war and Orville enlisted in the Coast Guard. The Merillats moved to Orville’s San Francisco duty station. But he was soon shipped overseas and Ruth returned to Adrian, Mich. — a few miles north of Fulton County — to be with her mother.
When the war ended, Orville was mustered out as a chief petty officer. He and Ruth settled down in Adrian and wasted no time opening a business. Merillat Woodworking, Inc., supplied custom cabinetry to a booming post-war housing market. Orville provided the design and craftsmanship while Ruth ran the business operations.
Over the next four decades, Merillat Industries grew into the nation’s largest manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, produced by more than 3,000 employees at 10 facilities. The Merillats, both dedicated members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, dedicated themselves to return much of what they made to faith-based and community causes.
In the late 1960s, the Merillats’ son Richard was a student at Huntington College, supported by the United Brethren denomination. That association evolved into a philanthropic relationship that reshaped the 160-acre campus and continues to this day.
The Merillat Physical Education Center, opened in the spring of 1974, was the first Huntington College structure to bear the family name. In the years that followed, gifts from the Merillat family provided wherewithal for an arts center, dining commons, and library at the school which became Huntington University in 2005. Both Merillats served on the college’s board of trustees and were awarded honorary doctor of humanities degrees in 1978. More recently, Richard Merillat and his wife Lynette, for whom the RichLyn Library is named, established the Merillat Scholars program to provide study grants for United Brethren students, Youth for Christ student leaders, and children of Huntington alumni.
Orville Merillat died in 1999 and his Ruth passed away in 2020. Their legacy endures at Huntington University and several other Christian schools and family-focused institutions that benefited from their support. Orville Merillat was said to have a sign on the wall of his office in Michigan that read: “The only thing I can give you is an opportunity. It’s up to you on how you’re going to use it.” The Merillats’ remarkable life together was testimony to how, through hard work and a foundation of faith, people can do great things with the opportunities they have and realize a vision that will help provide opportunity for future generations.


Here's a great line-up of 2014 spring concerts that Phoenix Chamber Choir will be singing at:
Saturday May 3, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Queens Avenue United Church 529 Queens Avenue, New Westminster (at 6th Street)
More event information info here.
Saturday April 12th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Bethany Baptist Church
22680 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V6V 2P7
In celebration of our 30th anniversary season, we are excited to share news of our "30 for 30" fundraising campaign! During our 30th season, please consider making a $30 donation in support of Phoenix Chamber Choir. Your gift will help us to do what we do best, sharing our love of music and the choral arts with you – our family, friends and community. Click here to make a donation directly through Paypal on our website.


The obedience and disobedience of Moses
At the rock at Horeb the Lord said “you shall strike the rock, and water will come out” of it, that the people may drink” Moses did so in the sight of the elders, Exodus 17:6.
But Moses fails to follow the Lord’s instructions at another time. The Lord said, “assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water”. Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly.
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Note Aaron dies on Mount Horeb and is gathered to his people. Numbers 20:8-12; Deuteronomy 34:4.
Because Moses cannot enter the promised land he is allowed to go up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land that had been promised. He could see it with his eyes, but could not go over.
Moses the servant of the Lord died and was buried in the valley in the land of Moab. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eyes were not dim, nor his vigor abated, Deuteronomy 34. Joshua is commissioned by Moses to bring the sons of Israel into the promised land, because Moses was not allowed too. Deuteronomy 31:23.
The constant complaining and disobedience of the Israelites is noted here. The sons of Israel cried out to the Lord after Pharaoh’s army drew near, “it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness”, Exodus 14:10-12.
“for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this hole assembly with hunger.”
“Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.”
“And the LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people,”
The whole congregation complained, Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Numbers 14:2.
Here in Deuteronomy 31:16-20 the Lord predicts the Israelites will fall away from the Lords commandments and turn to other gods.
- 16 “This people will arise and play the harlot with the strange gods of the land, into the midst of which they are going, and will forsake Me and break My covenant” which I have made with them.
- 17 “Then My anger will be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them and hide My face from them, and they shall be consumed, and many evils and troubles shall come upon them; so that they will say in that day, Is it not because our God is not among us that these evils have come upon us?
- 18 “But I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they will do, for they will turn to other gods”.
- 19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.
- 20 “For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn Me and break My covenant.


Established in 2017, we are a Catholic parish, in on pilgrim journey, welcoming all who want to be part of our community celebrating Mass and the sacraments together. We are unique in that we are made up of cradle Catholics, converts, seekers of faith, married couples, single persons, LGBTQIA+ persons, diverse families, other differing nationalities, racial identities and unashamed to profess an ancient faith in the modern era. We are not concerned with externalities, as other are, but welcome like-minded sojourners of faith who are committed to living our faith in what we celebrate, preach and live out in our local communities and daily living. As inclusive Catholics who share the same apostolic tradition with all Catholics through a modern progressive social lens. Come, taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Bishop John Paul Luft, StSA
Deacon Lona Mary, Er. Dioc.
Parish Deacon & Administrator
Fr. Brett M. Banks, StSA
Ordinariate Priest on Assignment
Sacramental Celebration Schedule
Baptism & First Communion is open to all who desire to be, or have their children baptized on the 4th Sunday Mass of each month. Please fill out the "Get in touch" form for more information.
Confirmations are celebrated quarterly throughout the year and at the Easter Vigil, after a period of catholic education. Please fill out the "Get in touch" form for more information.
Matrimony along with premarital counseling is offered to parishioners and those who request after consultation with the pastor. Please use the "Get in touch" to setup a meeting.
Reconciliation (Confession) is offered each Sunday prior to and after Mass each Sunday or by appointment.
Anointing of the Sick may be requested at any time by any person by texting the parish and providing information on where to visit those to be anointed.
Parish Mailing Address: Parish Phone: Parish Email:
7712 Greenfield Drive | Alvarado, Texas 76009 682.272.9995 email@example.com


The bloopers found below are said to be written by actual students and are "genuine, authentic, and unretouched." They were compiled by Richard Lederer, and appear in the 12/31/95 edition of "National Review" magazine. It is truly astonishing what happens in Bible stories when they are retold by young scholars around the world...
In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so He took the Sabbath off.
Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.
Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals came on to in pears. Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.
The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with the unsympathetic Genitals. Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the apostles.
Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients.
The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Amendments. The First Commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple. The Fifth Commandment is to humor thy father and mother. The seventh Commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.
Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you. He also explained, "Man doth not live by sweat alone."
The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels. The epistles were the wives of the apostles. One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was, by profession, a taximan.
St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. A Christian should have only one wife. This is called monotony.


the sea-floor-contour picture above, the water would still, normally, have been quite deep even at the shallowest midpoint on the crossing.
the Nuweiba beach picture above the Israelites would have entered from the upper right, through the narrow valley
coming down from the mountains, from the west.
They were under treat of imminent death at the
hands of the Egyptian army in hot pursuit.
God saved them.
The would have departed through the parted sea
waters to the left in the picture (east).
In God's dealings with his people there are always
moral purposes and symbols.
Symbolically, God saved his people out of Egypt in the Passover and
the sacrificial blood of the lambs.
Thus, as Isaiah 51:10 says, they were "ransomed," and "redeemed:"
10Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters
of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?
11Therefore the redeemed of the LORD
shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and
joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
of course looks forward to the ultimate "Lamb of God" who is Jesus Christ.
is God who is the power behind it all. Mankind simply cooperates.
The passage through the divided sea was analogous
to Christian water baptism.
Two Scripture passages can give us some insight into this.
passage from 1 Peter 3:20-22 goes back to Noah's Ark and the Flood:
1 Peter 3:20-22 (King James Version):
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while
the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus
gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
The lesson above seems to be an act of a correct decision and response to God.
more directly concerned with the Exodus situation:
1 Corinthians 10:
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how
that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in
all eat the same spiritual meat;
all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5But with many of them God was not well
pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some
of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and
were destroyed of the destroyer.
these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are
let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee
as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion
of the body of Christ?
being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
lesson here seems to be that baptism is symbolic of an inward necessary decision of faith, and that lacking THAT, -- baptism
does not, of itself, save a person.


There once lived a man who faced a litany of untold suffering, whose riches could not buy relief. It is said by some he never lived, that he was simply a character in an allegorical story. Personally, I prefer to acknowledge Job as a man who truly lived and walked upon this earth, likely in the time of Abraham, according to our pastor. So, what can this old man teach us today?
Job was a man who faced extreme adversity amidst his own physical and emotional frailties. While his friends questioned what sin he might have done to cause the devastating calamities that struck him… and though Job was a man who questioned God’s faithfulness, and even rued the day he was born… yet he was a man who clung to a sliver of faith in Yahweh, Jehovah God.
Studying the book of Job currently in Sunday School, though having written this poem and blog several years ago, I find in Job’s struggles and ultimate praise of God a wisdom I can look to in dealing with life’s difficulties. When faced with our various problems in life, often our first question is why, perhaps followed by what did we do to cause this? I’ve been there with both questions.
Sometimes, we may become angry at God for allowing distressing trials. Sometimes, we may turn our back on God… because He does not seem to embody love to our way of thinking. Perhaps He did not prevent a catastrophic event in our life and we lost everything. After all, we reason, haven’t we lived a good life? We haven’t committed any horrible sins. So why should we suffer?
My husband’s ongoing multiple health issues and blindness, my diagnosis of cancer a few years ago, the untimely death of our daughter at 25, and numerous other difficult situations have tried our faith and patience, never mind the bonds of marriage. But, we are not alone in these various trials as the depths of tragedy and pain are evident in so many families around us.
In all honesty, though I have questioned why and wondered what we had done to cause the various problems we’ve faced, I have not been angry at God. To me, He is my creator. He is omniscient. He knows best why He allows the storms to happen. He knows how all things will work out for good even though I don’t like the bumps in the road. (see Romans 8:28) And, like Job said, shall we not accept and endure the trials just as we gladly accept our many blessings? (see Job 2:10)
Often, these difficulties can only be viewed through the perspective of a rear-view mirror with amazement at how the Lord has walked with us, even carried us, through all of life. And, I have found that even in the most difficult situations, including the loss of our daughter, Jenn, there was always something to be learned from living through the pain. For they were trials by which I gained a greater wisdom and understanding, even empathy for others, that I would not have earned had I not gone through adversity.
And so it was with Job. He lost everything… except his wife… a woman who has managed to go down in history as the biblical woman who told her husband to curse God and die after all that had happened to them. Actually, I rather appreciate Tim Gustafson’s comment in “Our Daily Bread” devotional for Sunday, 06/24/18: “[Job] merely noted that she spoke ‘like a foolish woman.’” We tend to gloss over Job’s reply to his wife, thinking poorly of her. (Job 2:10) But, like Gustafson, I suspect Job’s operative word “like” intimates that he knew his wife far better than the rash statement she had just uttered. For if Job were so highly respected and honored, it would only seem logical that his wife was also more of an upright and honorable woman than her words implied. Spoken from the depths of her own pain and anguish, she shows evidence of her frail humanity just as we do all too often.
We need to remember that she lost everything too, the most painful being the loss of their children. Their many servants were gone. Great herds of cattle and camels – gone. Huge flocks of sheep – gone. All the crops to feed everyone, including the great herds – gone. Ten beloved children, likely their spouses and children, and their homes – gone. And to top it off, Job’s health failed and her dear husband lived a miserable, painful and pitiful existence… on a garbage heap… mocked by his friends.
Yet through it all, Job did not sin. Soon after their losses, he said to his wife, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21b) He did not blame or curse God for what had happened. But, in questioning God and hearing the Almighty’s questions of him, Job was able to acknowledge an understanding of where he fit into the overall scheme of life… that God was far greater than he. God was in control. And, ultimately, God blessed him even more than before.
I am impressed with Job’s humility as he learned to put his trust and faith more fully into the hands of our God who is all knowing, all powerful, and so loving He wants the best for us, even when that comes by living through severe trials. And may I, too, be found worthy at the end of the journey.
Ode to Job
Linda A. Roorda
(Based on the book of Job)
One day Satan had a talk with God…
I’ve been out walking on this earth of Yours
And have my eyes upon those who claim
They love Your word and follow Your way.
But now I want to ask of You this…
Who will they follow in depths of despair?
Will they lose all and cling to their God
Or will they curse You even to Your face?
And God answered thus, Have you considered
My faithful servant, a man of honor?
For he is blameless, a man who loves me,
Who heeds my words, and shuns evil ways.
Then Satan mocked the great I Am.
Why should he not? You’ve blessed him richly!
Take it away! Strip him of it all!
Leave him destitute! Then learn of his heart!
In your hands gently I will place my man,
But one thing only you dare not commit.
Take away all, whatever you wish,
But take not his life while evil you bring.
And so began the worst day of all
When everything owned was taken by storm,
From crops to cattle, servants to children
All was destroyed, in mere moments of time.
In deep humility this man bowed to God,
Naked I came from my mother’s womb
And naked I leave; for as the Lord gives
So shall He take, praised be my Lord’s name.
Friends soon came to share his great pain
Tenderly bearing overwhelming grief.
But then they pointed with fingers of blame,
What evil within your soul is the cause?
Why me, Lord God? What have I done?
What did I do to bring on such shame?
Even my wife says to curse You and die,
But shall we accept the good without bad?
Yet now I rue the day I was born.
May its light darken, and no good recall.
Why did I live and not die right then?
For I have no peace, only turmoil within.
Even my friends betray me with words
Recalling my faith which flees from my soul.
But where is my hope, my confidence true?
Fleeting as wind when evil disrupts?
These friends say appeal, to God bare my soul.
Is it not He whose wonders we see?
As God corrects the man He calls blessed
Do not despise His wounding to heal.
So will I seek and call on His name
For what is man that He blesses much.
I know all my sin, for mercy I’ll plead;
Remember me God, forgive my offense.
Another dear friend now lays on my heart,
Does God pervert that which is done right?
No, for your sin does penalty come.
Plead now with God that He may restore.
How can I dispute and come out unscathed?
Can I be righteous before a just God?
With wisdom profound, His power is vast.
Were I but guiltless… but I can’t ask of Him.
If only I had died on the day I was born
I loathe my life and bitterly speak.
Does it please You, God, to oppress my soul,
To smile on evil and favor its schemes?
Yet You formed me. Your hands shaped my life.
Will you now destroy and turn me to dust?
You blessed me with much and watched over me.
Why did you hide your wrath until now?
And still my friend is asking of God,
Will this talker be vindicated?
Will God speak words against His own heart
Or will He utter His secrets of wisdom?
Though I can’t fathom the mysteries of God,
Can we set tests of Almighty’s power?
Higher than heaven, deeper than the depths
Can we yet measure how vast is His world?
You tell me to end the evil of sin,
Stretch out my hands with heart devoted,
That in this hope my life is valued
While the wicked fail like a dying gasp.
And yet I say, do not men at ease
Show their contempt when misfortune knocks,
And see him merely as laughingstock
The one who slips though still he loves God.
How I now long for the days gone by
When God as friend watched over my soul…
He knew my paths, that evil I shunned,
I feared my Lord with righteous wisdom.
I hear them mocking, men younger than I
Detested am I, they spit in my face.
In my affliction their snares set a trap
As I cry to God and plead for answers.
Unending pain and suffering confront.
Have I thus sinned or denied some their gain?
Have I rejoiced at my enemy’s fall?
No, I have not hid my sin from my God.
So let Him hear! Let Almighty speak!
If I have sinned to cause my deep shame.
Let the earth cry out against me with tears,
As the Lord my God will question me…
Where were You when I set the foundation?
Did you measure, its dimensions gauge?
Did you determine where cornerstone lay?
Did you cause stars and angels to sing?
Did you speak orders to bring forth the dawn?
Do you know the home where light and dark live?
Have you set time for birthing of young?
And provide food that all are nourished?
Will he who struggles to understand Me
Correct My ways and tell Me to change?
No, Lord, I will not; no answer have I.
Unworthy am I to even reply.
For who am I to question motives
And ponder means which you employ
You draw me near, Your wisdom to seek
As Humbly I bow before your glory.
In my humanity I can’t comprehend
Your higher ways from which I should gain,
Learning by faith to grasp adversity
Knowing Your will has my good at heart.
Lord, now I know you won’t abandon,
Your loving heart will gently embrace.
Your words will guide my soul through dark days
That through the trials I’ll praise your name still.
You’re in control, all things You do well,
Great wisdom is found within Your counsel.
I cannot measure Your wonderful ways
I spoke my turn without true knowledge.
While I like Job of long ago days
Cannot fathom wisdom from above
Not mine to know, but His to decree
The reasons and plans which He has set forth.
So, guide my feet Lord, let sin not take hold
May You yet impart wisdom to my heart
That I may praise and worship You, Lord
For my life exists to glorify You.
All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced without permission of author.


The Practical Building Up of the Local Churches
According to the God-ordained Way
3. Perfecting the Believers
The third step of the God-ordained way for the building of the local church is the perfecting of the believers. Commenting on this step, Witness Lee writes:
After establishing the churches, the apostles then returned to perfect the saints that they might grow in the life of Christ in order to participate in the work of the ministry to build up the Body of Christ. The apostles must minister more and more riches of Christ into the living members of the Body of Christ in order to perfect them.
(Witness Lee, Body of Christ, 36)
Throughout his ministry, Witness Lee frequently emphasized the need for the gifted members of the Body to perfect all the other members. He writes of this need:
We must also realize that the gifted persons have to perfect the saints. The best way and the best place to perfect the saints is in the group meetings. If you are a gifted person, you should go to a group meeting to perfect the saints in that group. When you are with them, you can observe them and get to know everyones condition. Then you can not only perfect them in the meetings but also perfect them outside the meetings by going to be with them. Paul said in Acts 20 that he taught the saints publicly and from house to house (v. 20) and that he admonished each one with tears (v. 31). He taught the saints not only in the big meetings but also in the homes and one by one. This is a detailed, fine work. It takes much labor and time. If I am a person who has the portion, the capacity, and the gift to perfect the saints, I should attend a group meeting all the time. As everyone speaks in the group meeting, I will get to know their real situation. Then I can go to their homes to spend personal time with them. Perhaps I could visit one person each week to have a direct talk with each one of them. This is for the purpose of promoting each ones gifts, to develop his capacity, and to enrich his speaking. We can render much tutoring by this one-on-one contact. In this way the saints will be perfected face to face by some of the gifted persons. This labor will not be in vain because some saints will be perfected. Eventually, the saints will be perfected to do what the gifted persons do. Furthermore, the gifted persons will produce gifted persons.
(Witness Lee, Summary, 49)
© 2001-2002. Living Stream Ministry. All Rights Reserved.


Welcome! I’m Rachel.
I’m so glad you took the time to stop by here.
For those who don’t know me, I am a wife, previous cardiac and labor and delivery nurse, teacher, and mom to three boys. Two of my boys are still here with me, but in 2018 at eighteen weeks gestation our son, Asher, went home to be with Jesus. While I patiently wait to get to heaven to see him, my passion is to help other mothers navigate the many faces that pregnancy loss can yield and have a better understanding of what the Bible says about the babies that leave this earth too soon. I am currently writing a book that you can learn more about, in The Book section above.
Outside of this passion, you'll most likely find me either at the baseball field with my two young sons, working on and photographing our farm of twenty-five acres, leading bible study at our local church, or cheering on my husband who is a pit crew athlete in NASCAR.
I would love to get to know you better and hear the story of your son or daughter that you lost. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by subscribing to the email below, or connecting with me on Instagram!


Pope Francis has delivered a speech in his historic Myanmar visit. In his speech, Pope Francis has demanded respect for all the ethnic communities but consciously avoided the term Rohingya.
Pope Francis, although missed out the term ‘Rohingya’, strongly defended the rights of ethnic minorities in his keynote speech.
He said: “The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group – none excluded – to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good.”
Different rights groups had called on him to address Rohingyas by name to put more pressure on the Myanmar government to seek a solution.
With all due respect, Your Holiness, you should have mentioned the #Rohingya people loud and clear, and lashed out at those trying to wipe them out. You know what's going on in #Myanmar; time to call them out in no uncertain terms.. #MyanmarGenocide
— Karen Olsen (@Virgofolkie) November 28, 2017
Since August 25, the government of Myanmar has been accused of killing hundreds of Rohingyas and displacing them in tens of thousands.
The government of Myanmar, a country formerly known as Burma, labels them as ‘Bengali’ instead of ‘Rohingyas’ and demands the group has been migrated from Bangladesh, so they shouldn’t be listed as an ethnic group in Myanmar.
— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 27, 2017
Pope Francis said the people of Myanmar had “suffered greatly, and continue to suffer, from civil conflict and hostilities that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions”.
“As the nation now works to restore peace, the healing of those wounds must be a paramount political and spiritual priority.”
“Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building,” he added.
The Pope met Myanmar’s army chief and the country’s de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi before delivering his keynote speech.
Aung San Suu Kyi said that “social, economic and political” issues had “eroded trust and understanding, harmony and co-operation between different communities in Rakhine”.
Pope Francis avoids referring to Myanmar's persecuted Muslim minority by name in a major speech after meeting the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi https://t.co/cjJo4al7TY pic.twitter.com/FL2jG9lBAp
— CNN (@CNN) November 28, 2017
She admitted that the Rakhine state “most strongly captured the attention of the world”.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has expressed disappointment as Pope Francis didn’t mention Rohingyas by their name. But the group praised Pope’s Myanmar visit because it shed more light on the plight of the persecuted people.
Amnesty International’s Deputy Campaign Director Ming Yu Hah said, “Pope Francis’ visit has also helped focus international attention on Myanmar and the horrific crimes being carried out against the Rohingya people on a daily basis by Myanmar authorities.”