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https://www.weststockbridgeunitedchurchofchrist.org/post/there-are-angels-among-us | 2022-11-27T05:28:31 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446710192.90/warc/CC-MAIN-20221127041342-20221127071342-00251.warc.gz | 0.973022 | 516 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__116370204 | en | Updated: Jun 4, 2019
I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when I don’t feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.
(Words scratched on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany by a Jew hiding from Nazi persecution.)
We rarely think about whether or not we “believe in” the sun. If it’s daytime, and there is light outside, we know that the sun is there. She may be hiding behind clouds, but we know she’s there. Believing in love sometimes takes a bit more effort. I think we have to feel unconditional love at least once in our lives to know that it exists. There are plenty of children in this world who have never felt love like that, and those little ones often grow into adults who continue to wonder if such a thing is real.
Perhaps that’s why so many people struggle to believe in God. Like love, God needs to be experienced to be believed. God does not literally speak to us from the heavens. It might be easier to believe in God if that were the case. (It also might be scary as heck!) But God can speak to us through other human beings. If you’ve never experienced a “God moment” like that I imagine it would be hard to believe that God exists.
How you define a God moment is up for debate, but I would say that any time someone shows mercy; anytime someone cares for another human being; anytime compassion is expressed - that’s when a God moment happens. Perhaps that’s why the author of the words above, though persecuted, could yet believe in God. Perhaps he or she was convinced that God would once again speak through others; speak to condemn evil acts, speak to challenge injustice, and speak to protect the vulnerable.
My goal is to intentionally speak and act in ways that allow God moments to happen - to be someone who God can speak through. I certainly won’t get it right every time, but the nice thing about being a part of a faith community is having the support one needs to even give it a try. And hopefully the collective attempts of the Church Universal, to speak and act as imitators of Christ, will give the world cause to believe that God can live and work through God’s people even today.
Your Pastor -
The Rev. Patty Fox | christianity |
https://www.lancasterbarnstormers.com/product/salvation-army-2/ | 2022-12-01T13:04:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446710813.48/warc/CC-MAIN-20221201121601-20221201151601-00375.warc.gz | 0.957622 | 109 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__106756503 | en | Business & Non-Profit- Salvation Army
Salvation Army lists five things that show their impact in the world. Salvation Army meets human needs without discrimination, assist 25 million Americans annually, serving 131 countries globally, and contains over 1.8 million members that are one of either officers, soldiers, or adherents, and they have been around since 1865. With this impact, the Salvation Army is an international movement spreading messages based off the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God and to preach the Bible. | christianity |
http://mhss.sk.ca/cemeteries/Stoney-Hill-Cemetery.shtml | 2018-02-21T23:13:51 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-09/segments/1518891813818.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20180221222354-20180222002354-00023.warc.gz | 0.925445 | 288 | CC-MAIN-2018-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-09__0__68864638 | en | Our Society's Calendar
Return to Odessa - Feb. 16
March 2-3 - Dr. Gordon Jensen on The Reformation; AGM; Workshops and
Stoney Hill Cemetery
Name of R.M. Laird, No. 404
Name of church and denomination: St John Lutheran
Name of Community: Laird
Condition of Cemetery: Neglected
Approximate number of burials: 134
Ownership of cemetery: Church
Legal Land Location: SW 27-43-5, W3rd, 2 miles west, 2 miles north, and ½ mile west of Laird.
Recorded by: John P. Nickel
Date: 06 August 1993
Comments: A memorial across the road from the cemetery was erected by the St. John Lutheran church, dedicated to the glory of God and in honor of the Stoney Hill pioneers who established a congregation here on January 6, 1901, built a church and worshipped here, until 1952, when the church was moved into, the village of Laird.
[Note: this information has now been moved to our MHSS.sk.ca website proper. For faster updating, and so that you may download the data easier, you may now open or download this linked PDF file with the most recent data we have for those interred in this cemetery: Stoney-Hill-Cemetery.pdf]
Back to Cemeteries Index | christianity |
https://zioncounselling.com/inspirations | 2024-04-21T17:48:16 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817790.98/warc/CC-MAIN-20240421163736-20240421193736-00276.warc.gz | 0.943532 | 1,960 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__35963807 | en | 'Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom.
Oh why lament its fall?'
‘Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?’
‘I am afraid to tell you who I am, because,
if I tell you who I am, you may not like who I am, and it’s all that I have’. John Powell
'How beautiful, how grand and liberating this experience is, when people learn to help each other. It is impossible to overemphasize the immense need humans have to be really listened to, to be taken seriously, to be understood. Modern psychology has brought it very much to our attention. At the very heart of all psychotherapy is this type of relationship in which one can tell everything, just as a little child will tell all to his mother. No one can develop freely in this world and find a full life without feeling understood by at least one person…..…. He who would see himself clearly must open up to a confidant freely chosen and worthy of such trust.” Paul Tournier, M.D.
'When I despair, I remember that all through history the way
of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants,
and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in
the end they always fall. Think of it...always.' Mahatma Gandhi
‘What if you discovered that the least of the brethren of Jesus, the one who needs your love the most, the one you can help the most by loving, the one to whom your love will be most meaningful – what if you discovered that this least of the brethren of Jesus…… is you?’ Carl Jung
‘So long as we imagine it is we who have to look for God, we must often lose heart. But it is the other way about – He is looking for us.’ Simon Tugwell
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30
‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.’ Robert Frost
‘The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.’ Albert Schweitzer
'The first and best victory is to conquer self.' Plato
‘The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last.’ C S Lewis
'There will come a time when you believe everything is
finished. That will be the beginning.' Louis L'Amour
'The Road goes ever on and on.
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way.’
J R R Tolkien
‘One thing God has spoken,
Two things have I heard:
That you, O God, are strong,
And that You, O Lord, are loving.'
God, Psalm 62: 11-12
‘No man, for any considerable period of time, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the truth.’ Nathaniel Hawthorne
‘To be, rather than to appear’
Who can give a man this, his own name?'
‘The deepest desire of our hearts if for union with God. God created us for union with himself. This is the original purpose of our lives.' Brennan Manning
'He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' God, Isaiah 40:28-31
‘Then the time came when the risk it took
To remain tight in a bud was more painful
Than the risk it took to blossom.’
'To do for yourself the best that you have it in you to do – to grit your teeth and clench your fists in order to survive the world at its harshest and worst –is, by that very act, to be unable to let something be done for you and in you that is more wonderful still. The trouble with steeling yourself against the harshness of reality is that the same steel that secures your life against being destroyed secures your life also against being opened up and transformed by the holy power that life itself comes from. You can survive on your own. You can grow strong on your own. You can even prevail on your own. But you cannot become human on your own.’ Frederick Buechner
‘I have loved you with an everlasting love.’God, Jeremiah 31:3
‘Show me your face, let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.’ God, Song of Songs 2:14
'After winter comes the summer, After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there comes clear,open skies.' Samuel Rutherford
'When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.' Alexander Graham Bell
'Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.' Carl Jung
'Do not consider painful what is good for you.' Euripides
'Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through. Face it.' Joseph Conrad
'Every one of us gladly turns away from his problems; if possible, they must not be mentioned, or, better still, their existence is denied. We wish to make our lives simple, certain, and smooth, and for that reason problems are taboo. We want to have certainties and no doubts—results and no experiments—without even seeing that certainties can arise only through doubt and results only through experiment. The artful denial of a problem will not produce conviction; on the contrary, a wider and higher consciousness is required to give us the certainty and clarity we need.' C.G. Jung, Collected Works, Vol. 8
'Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as it is, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful friend will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blowing the rest away.' Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot)
'Love asks people to become more of their true selves in each other’s presence and to become more steadily alive and sensitive to each other’s person.' Eugene Kennedy, Living with Everyday Problems
'Make your own recovery the first priority in your life.' Robin Norwood
'The woman who sweats under her mask, whose role makes her itch with discomfort, who hates the division in herself, is already beginning to be free.' Thomas Merton
'One is always in the dark about one’s own personality. One needs others to get to know oneself.' Carl Jung, Jung Speaks
'The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives
And release from darkness for the prisoners,
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
And the day of vengeance of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
And provide for those who grieve in Zion –
To bestow on them a crown of beauty
Instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
And a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
A planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
And restore the places long devastated;
They will renew the ruined cities
That have been devastated for generations.
Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
Foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be called priests of the Lord,
You will named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
And in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.'
God, Isaiah 61 | christianity |
http://forestacres.wistv.com/news/community-spirit/79303-church-collecting-warm-garments-homeless | 2014-03-09T11:55:36 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2014-10/segments/1393999677605/warc/CC-MAIN-20140305060757-00069-ip-10-183-142-35.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.93043 | 145 | CC-MAIN-2014-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2014-10__0__163324567 | en | Church collecting warm garments for homeless | Community Spirit
FOREST ACRES, SC (WIS) - A Forest Acres church is collecting warm garments to donate to people in need.
The H.U.G.S. for the Homeless Collection Drive is Saturday, October 26 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The church is collecting hats, underwear, gloves and socks for all sizes and both genders.
Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. - noon Saturday at the church at 3909 Forest Drive, east of the intersection of Beltline and Forest Drive.
The items will be distributed to the homeless through a variety of agencies throughout the Midlands.
Copyright 2013 WIS. All rights reserved. | christianity |
http://www.cvaumc.org/im-new-here | 2020-07-11T05:23:55 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-29/segments/1593655921988.66/warc/CC-MAIN-20200711032932-20200711062932-00202.warc.gz | 0.953626 | 473 | CC-MAIN-2020-29 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-29__0__219809701 | en | We’re glad you are here!
9:00 – 10:00 AM Contemporary Worship
This service is informal and engages children in worship through interactive participation in song and dance. The music includes a mix of groups led by the worship band with piano accompanist, hymns, and modern Christian music. Communion is served each week. After the Children’s Message in the sanctuary, children may remain in the sanctuary or leave for Children’s Church … their own time of education and interaction. They are divided into two groups by age: Pre-K & K/1st-5th grade.
11:00 – 12:00 PM Traditional Worship
This service is more formal in presentation and uses both printed and extemporaneous prayers. A crucifer and acolytes join the procession with our pastors. The music includes congregational hymns, choral anthems, organ, handbells, and instrumental ensemble with Communion on the first Sunday of each month. After the Children’s Message in the sanctuary, children may remain in the sanctuary or leave for Children’s Church…their own time of education and interaction. They are divided into two groups by age: Pre-K & K/1st-5th grade.
Fellowship and Community
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Be sure and stop by the Reed Room, adjacent to the sanctuary, for coffee and refreshments each Sunday morning. Breakfast foods and beverages are offered at 8:30 am and again after the 9:00 am service with additional food and beverages before and after the 11:00 am service.
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Small Group Opportunities- Sermon Discussion Small Group and Soul Sisters meet in the Reed Room between services.
The Nursery staffed by child care professionals, is available during both services and is located in rooms 101/103 on the Lower Level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to come as you are– no special assembly required.
Absolutely not! You’ll find that we will greet you warmly and welcome you but you will not be required to stand up during worship or be recognized in any other way.
If you’re interested in joining Aldersgate Church please contact Pastor Chip. | christianity |
https://mccawfuneralservice.com/tribute/details/2879/Vern-Joe-Holland/obituary.html | 2018-11-17T09:30:10 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-47/segments/1542039743351.61/warc/CC-MAIN-20181117082141-20181117104141-00249.warc.gz | 0.9611 | 282 | CC-MAIN-2018-47 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-47__0__96799074 | en | Vernon "Vern" Joseph "Joe" Holland passed suddenly at his home, near Rivercourse, Alberta on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the age of 68 years.
Vern is survived by: his loving wife, Lynn; his brothers, Dale (Dianne) Holland and Bruce (Judy) Holland; his sister, Gayle (Dave) Weishaar; his nieces and nephews, Ward (Cheryl Carlson), Brooke (Chad) Smith, Jewel (Jamie) Smith and Tagen (Kris) Koep; his great nieces and nephews, Jaxon, Rowan, Maeve, Lennon, Winnie, Joe and Hudson.
Vern was predeceased by: his parents, Floyd and Cecilia; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hilda and Ted Fitch; and his niece and nephew, Tanner Weishaar and Alexis Weishaar.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Vern will be conducted from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of the donor’s choice.
Vern's funeral card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below. | christianity |
https://www.associazionecardinalecostantini.it/pubblicazioni/the-secrets-of-a-vatican-cardinal-celso-costantinis-wartime-diaries-1938-1947/ | 2024-02-22T04:00:05 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947473690.28/warc/CC-MAIN-20240222030017-20240222060017-00407.warc.gz | 0.911652 | 288 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__148870804 | en | Bruno Fabio Pighin
On 19 April 1940 Celso Costantini prophetically wrote in his diary that if Italy followed Hitler into war, it would be allying itself with the “Anti-Christ.” Within weeks, Mussolini’s fascist regime plunged Italy into the destructive maelstrom of global military conflict. The ensuing years brought world war, the fall of fascism, occupation, liberation, and the emergence of a new political order. The Secrets of a Vatican Cardinal is an extraordinary and detailed behind-the-scenes account of crucial episodes in Europe’s wartime history from a unique vantage point: the Vatican and the Eternal City. Costantini, a close advisor to Pope Pius XII, possessed a perspective few of his contemporaries could match. His diaries offer new insights into the great issues of the time – the Nazi occupation, the fall of Mussolini, the tumultuous end of the Italian monarchy, the birth of republican democracy in Italy, and the emergence of a new international order – while also recounting heartbreaking stories of the suffering, perseverance, and heroism of ordinary people. Less than a century later, with the world’s attention gripped by the first papal resignation in six hundred years, The Secrets of a Vatican Cardinal presents a clear-eyed, fascinating, and complex portrait of the Roman Catholic Church’s recent history.
Numero pagine: 524 | christianity |
https://www.sittingforacause.com/blog/news/dear-dimes/ | 2021-01-21T10:18:25 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-04/segments/1610703524743.61/warc/CC-MAIN-20210121101406-20210121131406-00053.warc.gz | 0.986993 | 975 | CC-MAIN-2021-04 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-04__0__71888081 | en | “Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.”Unknown
This is hard to write because there will never be adequate words to honor you or the life you lived.
It’s been one month since we said goodbye to you. It’s weird how it feels like yesterday but also like an eternity ago. The pain is fresh, but it’s like I haven’t seen you in forever. Such contradictory feelings. I’m not sure how to process them.
It amazes me how quiet the house is without you. You weren’t a vocal dog, but you sure did stomp around the house and throw your body down when you found a cool spot to rest. I never realized how much noise you made. The silence of your absence is absolutely deafening. Not to mention having you by my side almost 24/7 for eight years and then not having you here at all has made my world feel incredibly empty.
I was talking to our friend Aaron the other day and he asked me what lessons I learned from you. I learned so much from you, but the most important lesson you taught me was to love everyone. That’s such an important lesson given the world we live in right now. You loved every living being you came in contact with. Like I told Aaron, you were the perfect example of what God wants us all to be. What a gift it was to witness your unconditional love for all things. I truly feel like I didn’t deserve you because you were so incredible, but I am so blessed God chose me to be your mom. I know without a doubt that you made God so proud. He’s rewarding you in heaven with all the pupcakes, fries, and pup patties you can eat.
Beyond your profound capacity for love, you lived your life with patience, loyalty, forgiveness, and kindness. You and I both know you had your stubborn moments, but those moments were constantly outshined by how gentle, selfless, and sweet you were. You were just as beautiful on the inside as you were on the outside.
I hope you know the impact you had on this world. Your life was filled with incredible purpose. You helped save so many lives through our company. You made many friends along the way and brought joy to so many people, some we knew and others we didn’t. You were a patient foster sister and never complained about having to share your space or toys, even when I could tell you were over it.
Not only did you make the world a better place, you made MY world a better place. Of the many “hats” you wore during your life, the one I will appreciate the most was being the best support system I could have ever asked for. You were there for a lot of good moments in my life, but most importantly you were there for some of the toughest ones. You were my source of comfort and strength when we said goodbye to your great grandpa Poppy and your fur siblings, Flip and Sadie. You loved me through breakups. You made me brave enough to handle my hereditary hemochromatosis diagnosis by going with me to every blood test and therapeutic phlebotomy. You even made the journey to Arizona with your grandma and me to support me through additional health concerns even though you hated the car. You always had my back, even when it meant doing things you didn’t want to do.
One of the things that makes losing you so hard is that you’ve always been my source of comfort, strength, and bravery during tough times. Losing you is one of the toughest things ever and I don’t have you to get me through it.
I’m not quite sure how to do life without you. I know you taught Elsie everything you could before you left and for that I am grateful. But you and I both know that, as much as we love her, she can be a little stinker and really would have benefitted from more time with you.
If I’m being honest, we all would have benefitted from more time with you. The reality is that there was just never going to be enough time with you. You were too good for this world and we were lucky God let us keep you for as long as He did.
So, my sweet, beautiful girl, please never forget:
You will always be the best girl and were truly my once in a lifetime dog. Thank you for ALL the things. I love you forever and appreciate you more than I could ever put into words. You changed my life. I will miss you every day until we meet again. | christianity |
http://onlinedarshan.com/inspiring-tho/i14.htm | 2023-12-01T07:10:42 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100276.12/warc/CC-MAIN-20231201053039-20231201083039-00472.warc.gz | 0.867316 | 536 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__203195209 | en | Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, let me sow pardon;
Where there is doubt, let me sow faith;
Where there is despair, let me sow hope;
Where there is discord, let me sow unity;
Where there is darkness, let me sow light and
Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not seek so much
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying to the little self
That we are born to eternal life.
-St Francis of Assisi
This is my prayer to thee, my Lord-
strike, strike at the root of penury in my heart.
Give me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown
the poor or bend my knees before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
And give me the strength to surrender my strength to
Thy will with love.
For all that God, in mercy, sends;
For health and children, home and friends:
For comfort in the time of need
For every kindly word and deed
For happy thoughts and holy talk,
For Guidance in our daily walk-
For everything GIVE THANKS!
To practise non-violence, truth and purity is Divine Life
To be kind, generous, humble, tolerant is Divine Life.
To practise virtues and be righteous is Divine Life.
To serve the poor in selfless, dedicated ways is Divine Life.
To serve the sick with all-is-God attitude is Divine Life.
To be merciful, courageous and devotion is Divine Life.
To sing the Name of God and pray is Divine Life.
To do Japa and meditation is Divine Life.
To be an instrument in the hands of God is Divine Life.
To act rightly and live in God is Divine Life.
To do unconditional self-surrender to God is Divine Life.
To restrain the senses and to have God-communion is Divine
To be one with the Divine Will is Divine Life.
To be a silent witness of the three states (walking, dreaming
and deep sleep) is Divine Life. | christianity |
https://poetisatinta.wordpress.com/2021/08/26/mother-mary-teresa/ | 2022-08-07T22:31:00 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570730.59/warc/CC-MAIN-20220807211157-20220808001157-00259.warc.gz | 0.98584 | 532 | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-33__0__212409919 | en | Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, (1910-1997) was born in Skopje North Macedonia on 26 August 1910. After living in Skopje for eighteen years, she moved to Ireland and then to India, where she lived for most of her life. Teresa was in her early years when she was fascinated by stories of the lives of missionaries and their service in Bengal, by age 12, she was convinced that she should commit herself to religious life. Her resolve strengthened on 15 August 1928 as she prayed at the shrine of the Black Madonna of Vitina-Letnice, where she often went on pilgrimages. On 10 September 1946, Teresa experienced what she later described as “the call within the call” when she travelled by train to the Loreto convent in Darjeeling from Calcutta for her annual retreat. “I was to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them”.
On 17 August 1948, she stepped out for the first time in her white and blue sari, for which she was so well known, Clad in a white, blue-bordered sari, she along with her sisters of the Missionaries of Charity became a symbol of love, care and compassion for the world. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, known the world over as Mother Teresa, an Albanian-born Indian citizen who abided by her religious faith of Roman Catholicism to serve the unwanted, unloved and uncared people of the world. One of the greatest humanitarians of the 20th century, she led all her life serving the poorest of the poor. She was a ray of hope and for her service to the humanity she was honoured with Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
During the last years of her life, despite increasingly severe health problems, Mother Teresa continued to govern her Society and respond to the needs of the poor and the Church. By 1997, Mother Teresa’s Sisters numbered nearly 4,000 members and were established in 610 foundations in 123 countries of the world. In March 1997 she blessed her newly-elected successor as Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity and then made one more trip abroad. After meeting Pope John Paul II for the last time, she returned to Calcutta and spent her final weeks receiving visitors and instructing her Sisters. On 5th September 1997 aged 87 years, Mother Teresa’s life came to an end. She was given the honour of a state funeral by the Government of India and her body was buried in the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity. She was canonised by Pope Francis on 4 September 2016. | christianity |
https://forum2020.nd.edu/events/2020/11/10/election-prayer-nights-this-far-by-faith/ | 2021-09-25T14:29:42 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-39/segments/1631780057687.51/warc/CC-MAIN-20210925142524-20210925172524-00128.warc.gz | 0.922771 | 109 | CC-MAIN-2021-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-39__0__88293950 | en | Do you find yourself praying for insight into this challenging and divisive election season? Campus Ministry invites you to bring your participation in political life into the light of prayer. In celebration of Black Catholic History Month, Night Prayer will be prayed in the Black Catholic Spiritual tradition. We welcome students of all faith traditions to attend any (or all) of three short prayer services on Tuesday evenings.
UPDATE: This prayer has been moved from in-person to virtual. Join via Zoom; Meeting ID:490 792 5885, Passcode: 836250 | christianity |
http://ecclsoc.org/about/ | 2022-05-27T05:59:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-21/segments/1652662636717.74/warc/CC-MAIN-20220527050925-20220527080925-00684.warc.gz | 0.948367 | 225 | CC-MAIN-2022-21 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-21__0__14675025 | en | The Ecclesiological Society is for those who are interested in and enthusiastic about church history and church architecture.
Members’ interests range over all periods and places, from the earliest churches in Britain through to the most recent developments in ecclesiastical architecture, fittings and liturgy across the world.
The Society publishes a regular journal ‘Ecclesiology Today’, and a magazine style update ‘Churchcrawler’ for members. In addition there are regular online newsletters and occasionally as the need arises books are published where gaps in knowledge exist, most recently ‘Pews, Benches and Chairs: Church Seating in English Parish Churches from the Fourteenth Century to the Present’. There are regular events and lectures.
We are a friendly and informal Society, sharing our interest in churches.
We started life in 1879, when the Society was founded. At that time we were known as the St Paul’s Ecclesiological Society, because we originally met at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. In 1937 we shortened the name to The Ecclesiological Society. | christianity |
https://unityrenaissance.org/message/ | 2024-02-27T09:25:29 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474674.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20240227085429-20240227115429-00052.warc.gz | 0.953025 | 3,904 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__3564449 | en | Rev. Paula Retiring at Year End
Today I announced to the congregation that I will be retiring from my position as senior minister at the end of this year. My last Sunday will be Dec. 18.
I know this is the right decision for me, though I make it with a heavy heart. Unity Renaissance has been at the center of my life for some 9½ years. I love our community, and all of you, very much. At the same time, I am feeling complete with my ministry here. I’ve done what I came here to do, and it is time to pass the torch to new leadership.
Let me assure you that nothing happened to cause my decision other than my own inner urging to create the next chapter of my life. All is well with Richard and me, the Board, the staff, and the congregation. But I will be 68 in February, and time is precious. I am looking forward to having more time with my beloved Richard, with my precious children and grandchildren (including our first grandson due Jan. 3!), and more time for myself. I will spend much of 2023 resting and rejuvenating before contemplating what’s next.
Rev. Richard will not be retiring along with me. He will continue as Music Director for the foreseeable future. Rev. Ann DeMichael will also be continuing as Adult Education Director and Director of Prayer and Pastoral Care. Neither Richard nor Ann, both Unity ministers, is interested in applying for the senior minister position. Nevertheless, they will provide tremendous continuity and stability as we move forward, as will our exceptional Board, staff, and volunteers.
The Board is already in touch with Unity Worldwide Ministries to chart the way forward. In keeping with UWM’s recommendation, the Board will be looking to hire a transitional minister at the beginning of 2023 who will serve Unity Renaissance for several months. The role of the transitional minister is to help the church adjust to operating without the departing minister. The transitional minister will also work with the Board and congregation to move through the steps of hiring a new senior minister. You will be a vital part of that process. The Board is committed to keeping you informed and engaged through each phase of the ministerial search, via meetings, emails, regular updates, and Q&A sessions.
There is much more to understand about what will be happening at Unity Renaissance in the coming months and year. I encourage you to attend the Community Forum with our Board at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, to ask your questions and learn more.
Meanwhile, know that whatever you are feeling about this news is normal and okay. You may be sad, angry, shocked, in denial, or even excited about the changes to come. My own feelings are all over the map! As much as I look forward to retirement, I am very sad to be leaving you.
I will be holding small group meetings later in the fall to talk to you about what’s happening and process it together. This is a great time to put our spiritual tools into practice – to have faith in our community, and each other; to affirm Divine Order will prevail; and to know all will be well.
Here’s how you can best support Unity Renaissance in this time of change:
• First, recognize that the church is not the minister. Unity Renaissance is much bigger and stronger than the leadership of a single person. You are part of a spiritual community and a consciousness that continues on, no matter who is in charge.
• Second, lean in, not out. It’s normal for some people to think this would be a great time to take a break from church, and to stop attending, contributing, or volunteering. Please don’t! Community is strengthened when we stick together through times of change and shape our future together. You are a valued part of our spiritual family. Unity Renaissance needs you! Please take this opportunity to engage even more deeply with our spiritual family and find new ways to call this place your home.
• Third, hold positive intentions for our future minister and our evolving community. We have a strong Board, strong staff, and strong lay leadership. See this change opening the way for an exciting new era for Unity Renaissance.
I am grateful to have three more months with you before I go. It will be precious time indeed! I look forward to spending time with each of you, appreciating how far we’ve come, and focusing on what’s most important.
It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life to serve all of you. I love Unity Renaissance more than words can ever express! Thank you for making this minister’s dreams come true.
Rev. Paula Mekdeci
FAQs on Rev. Paula’s Retirement
- Why is Rev. Paula retiring? After what will be nearly 9½ years of service, two capital campaigns, one prolonged pandemic, nearly 350 Sunday talks, and dozens of classes, Rev. Paula is feeling complete with her time here as senior minister. She will be turning 68 in February and wants more time for family, travel, hobbies and interests, friends, and herself. It is worth noting that Rev. Paula will have served longer than any of our previous ministers other than our founding minister, Rev. Judi Meyer, who served 16 years and retired at age 55.
- Did something happen to make Paula leave? Rev. Paula has been very clear that nothing happened, nothing is wrong, and that her relationships with her husband, family, and our Board, staff, and congregation are all healthy, happy, and strong. She is simply ready to create the next chapter of her life.
- When will her retirement be effective? Officially, Jan. 1, 2023, though Paula’s last Sunday will be Dec. 18, 2022.
- What will be happening between now and then? We will continue to operate as usual, with Sunday services, classes, workshops, social events, and meaningful time together. In addition, Rev. Paula will be available for one-on-one meetings with congregants as well as small group meetings to process this change and help us say goodbye.
- Is Rev. Richard leaving too? Richard will continue as music director, but recognizes that a new minister will have his or her own preferences for music choices and staffing.
- What if I’m feeling angry or excited that Rev. Paula is retiring? You have a right to your feelings, no matter what they are! Grief includes shock/denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, acceptance, and hope. You may feel a mix of these things. Or you may be excited that change is coming! Different people feel different things at different times; all of it is normal and okay.
- When will we get a new minister? Can’t we just hire a new one now? The Board will first work with Unity Worldwide Ministries to hire a Transitional Minister who will help the church learn to operate without Rev. Paula. The Transitional Minister is expected to join us in early 2023 and stay for several months. That person will guide us in the search for a new Senior Minister.
- Could Rev. Ann or Rev. Richard (both of whom are credentialed Unity ministers) be our new minister? Neither Rev. Ann DeMichael nor Rev. Richard Mekdeci is interested in filling the Senior Minister position. However, both will continue in their current roles at Unity Renaissance – Ann as Director of Prayer and Pastoral Care and Director of Adult Education, and Richard as Music Director and teacher in Adult Education.
- Could someone else from our congregation be Senior Minister (Tom Baker, Rev. Margaret, etc.)? As a Unity church, we are required to hire a credentialed Unity leader as our minister. At the present time, Rev. Ann and Rev. Richard are the only credentialed Unity ministers in our congregation.
- Why do we need a Transitional Minister? When a minister leaves after having successfully served a congregation for many years, Unity Worldwide Ministries recommends a buffer time before the new minister is hired. This gives the congregation time to grieve and adjust to operating without the departing minister. The Transitional Minister will lead the church during that time and steer the change process.
- What is the process for selecting the Transitional Minister? Unity Worldwide Ministries will provide our Board with the names and background information on a few qualified individuals who could serve as Transitional Minister. These are Unity ministers who have specifically been trained for this work for 2-3 years. Our Board will review the candidates, conduct interviews, and select the individual who is best suited to our community.
- Can the Transitional Minister stay if we like him or her? Unity Worldwide Ministries’ guidelines specifically forbid the transitional minister from staying on or applying for the permanent Senior Minister position.
- What is the process for hiring a new Senior Minister? How long will it take? The Transitional Minister will lead us in the search process for a new Senior Minister. The process includes developing a church packet to inform potential candidates of the opening, and the formation of a Ministerial Search Team to lead the effort. The Ministerial Search Team will send out the application packet, review all applications, determine finalists, and invite finalists to come to Unity Renaissance to give a Sunday talk and workshop, participate in a Q&A with the congregation, and meet separately with the Board and key staff. After all finalists have visited and presented, the Ministerial Search Team will make a recommendation to the Board for consideration. The process will likely take several months.
- Who will decide who the next minister is? The Board of Trustees will make the final decision, taking into account the recommendation of the Ministerial Search Team and input from the congregation.
- Who will be on the Ministerial Search Team? The Transitional Minister will support the Board in creating a Ministerial Search Team. The Board will appoint one Trustee to serve as a liaison to the Ministerial Search Team, and will review applications from congregants for the remaining members.
- Will the congregation have a vote? No, but the congregation will be asked for feedback after each candidate’s talk, workshop, and Q&A. Since the role of Senior Minister involves much more than Sunday services, the Ministerial Search Team and ultimately the Board will need to evaluate their administrative and business skills as well as their pastoral and presentation skills.
- What will the Board be looking for in a new minister? The Board and Ministerial Search team will be looking for someone who aligns with our vision, mission, and values, and can take Unity Renaissance to the next level in terms of growth and impact. Cultivating and embracing diversity will continue to be central to who we are. In all we do, we will be guided by our Core Values:
- Love – With open hearts, we behold, affirm, and embrace the highest and best in each person.
- Acceptance – All people are welcome here.
- Creativity – We give our spiritual gifts in diverse and inspiring ways.
- Spirit-Centered – Attuned to God, we emanate peace, love and wisdom.
- Community – We care about one another and cherish opportunities to give, love, serve, and celebrate together.
- Will our new minister be younger? Female or male? White or Black? We don’t know! It depends on the best qualified and best suited candidate to lead our church.
- Who will be the primary Sunday speaker after Paula leaves? We will likely rely on guest speakers (and many of the spiritual leaders in our congregation) and the Transitional Minister until the new Senior Minister arrives.
- How will the church and ministry operate after Paula leaves? Who will fill her role as CEO to lead the staff and organization? The Transitional Minister will serve as CEO initially, and the new Senior Minister thereafter. We also have an exceptional staff who have worked with Paula in the day-to-day operation of Unity Renaissance who will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.
- Will the Transitional Minister change things or keep them the same until the new Senior Minister gets here? Change is inevitable. The Transitional Minister will be here not to keep everything as it is, but to help the congregation prepare for what’s next. The Transitional Minister will also help the congregation work through its feelings and let go of how things have been with Rev. Paula. This will prepare the way for the new Senior Minister, and the exciting talents and opportunities they bring!
- What have you done before when the minister left? When Rev. Laura Bennett left, we followed the same process (church packet, Ministerial Search Team, tryouts, etc.), and it worked very well. Congregants felt informed and involved, and the Board made the final decision.
- How will Youth Education be affected? We are blessed to have strong leadership in Youth Education with Director Ana Vincent and Assistant Director Bea Clendenin. Both of them will continue in their current capacity, teaching our children Unity principles and supporting them in their social and spiritual growth. It will be up to the new Senior Minister whether there are changes in programming or personnel down the road. However, our youth will remain a top priority for Unity Renaissance.
- Will our music change? It may. That will be up to the next Senior Minister. Rev. Richard and the Unity Renaissance Music Team and U.R. Singers will continue on. It will be up to the new Senior Minister whether there are changes in programming down the road.
- Will we still have classes? Absolutely! Adult Education will continue to operate and hopefully grow. Classes are a mainstay in the Unity Movement – a key way for us to deepen our spiritual understanding, and bond with one another.
- Will our theology change? No! Unity Renaissance is, and will remain, a Unity church. As such, it embraces the teachings of Unity, and Unity’s emphasis on prayer, education, and community. The Unity movement honors (as Rev. Paula says each Sunday) “all paths to God, all names for God, and all expressions for God.” It is based on the teachings of Jesus, the power of prayer, and a metaphysical interpretation of the Bible. These are foundational to Unity and do not change from minister to minister.
- What are the biggest changes the community needs to be prepared for? Not having Rev. Paula here will be the biggest change! Beyond that, things will change as our new credentialed leaders come on board. We don’t yet know how, but we will all be part of that change. In fact, we are here to shape the future for Unity Renaissance. After we let go of the old, we will be ready to step into an exciting future together.
- After she retires, will Rev. Paula be able to attend church here? Can she participate in classes and events? Under Unity’s ministerial Code of Ethics, Rev. Paula must “release her ministry” after she leaves. That means she must cease all involvement with the church. This is done so the new order may be established without people holding on to the past. Once a minister leaves a congregation, it takes time for both the minister and the congregation to adjust to this new reality. If, after at least one year after the hiring of our new Senior Minister, Rev. Paula wishes to inquire about returning to active membership, she may speak with the new minister and Unity Worldwide Ministries to determine the best path forward.
- Can we still contact Paula after she retires? Can we call, email, or contact her via social media? As hard as it is, the answer is no. It is best to make a clean break.
- What if we’re personal friends? Well, we all feel like personal friends at Unity Renaissance! But you are asked to not contact Rev. Paula. It is not that Paula doesn’t care; it’s that she is bound by the Code of Ethics.
- What if I’d like Rev. Paula to perform a wedding or memorial service? The Transitional Minister (and eventually new Senior Minister) will be available to perform special services; Rev. Ann DeMichael and Rev. Richard Mekdeci are also qualified to conduct such ceremonies.
- What if a member of the staff needs Paula’s help, guidance or direction based on things she created and/or led when she was minister? We will need to find our way without her.
- How can I best support the church during this transition?
- First, recognize that the church is not the minister. Unity Renaissance is much bigger and deeper than the leadership of a single person. You are part of a spiritual community and a consciousness that continues on, no matter who is in charge.
- Second, lean in, not out. It’s normal for some people to think this would be a great time to take a break from church, and to stop attending, giving, or volunteering. Please don’t! Community is strengthened when we stick together through times of change and shape our future together. You are a valued part of our spiritual family. We need you and we hope you take this opportunity to engage even more deeply with Unity Renaissance and find new ways to call this place your home.
- Third, hold positive intentions for our future minister and our evolving community. We have a strong Board, strong staff, and strong lay leadership. See this change opening the way for an exciting new era for Unity Renaissance.
- Who should I contact with questions? You may submit your questions to the email address [email protected]. A member of the Board will monitor the email and get you a response.
As we step into our journey of transition, the board is working diligently to ensure continuity within our community. We have had several meetings with Toni Boehm at UWM who is helping us in our search for a transitional minister. Toni will be sending out a request to the Transitional Ministers team on November 1, 2022. After that we will meet with the potential Transitional Ministers and select the one who is the best fit for Unity Renaissance. Rest assured the Board is meeting regularly with Toni and Pat Bessey, our Eastern Region consultant, to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to a board member or email us at the transition email, [email protected]. This email is monitored daily and a board member will get back to you. We will come through this together, stronger and better than ever.
Valerie Winters,Board Vice President
“We Are Here For You” – Rev. Paula Mekdeci – December 10, 2020
Dear Friends, The holidays can be wondrous and joyful, but can also bring up feelings of sadness or grief. This year, because...Read more » | christianity |
http://kzsgqru.wz.cz/160-virgin-of-paris-statue-case-study.php | 2018-11-17T20:01:31 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-47/segments/1542039743732.41/warc/CC-MAIN-20181117185331-20181117211331-00426.warc.gz | 0.920693 | 1,217 | CC-MAIN-2018-47 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-47__0__221421071 | en | The Virgin and Child of Isenheim is one of the most beautiful German late Gothic Madonnas. It features impressively complex drapery, with turbulent folds artificially broken and puffed up in front of the body. The crescent moon at the Virgin's feet evokes belief in the Immaculate Conception. The opulent beauty of the mother and the complete nakedness of her Son are in line with the humanization of Mary and Christ in the late Middle Ages.
The humanization of Mary
The humanization of Mary and her Son is consistent with the change in religious feeling in the late Middle Ages. The Virgin takes on more opulent forms, an individual feminine face, and a gentle, pensive expression. Her plump, laughing, wriggling Son is shown completely naked to emphasize the human nature of God Incarnate. The bird and the pomegranate in His hands refer to the Eucharist and the Passion. The crescent moon at the Virgin's feet expresses Mary's preeminence over the earthly world and her victory over sin. This symbolic image of the Immaculate Conception was common in the late Middle Ages. It identifies the Virgin with the "Woman" of the Apocalypse, whom Saint John described as a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head (Revelation 12:1). The moon is the symbol of fickleness and corruption.
A masterpiece of Germanic late Gothic art
This monumental figure is imposing because of the mass and complexity of the drapery and its powerful formal inventiveness. The Virgin is holding the material of her mantle in both hands so that it bunches in front of her body and fans out as a seat for her Child, who is thus openly offered for veneration. The cloth is brought alive by deep hollows and sharp, arbitrary folds. The edges of the mantle are artificially turned back to form two broad curving folds suspended in space. This design, which plays with the ornamental and expressive role of the drapery, is specific to German late Gothic sculpture. It is well served by the virtuosity of the carving, to which the soft wood of the linden, used in the southern half of the Empire, is ideally suited. The effect of power combines harmoniously with the delicacy of the modeling, the care given to exact detail and the lively sensitivity of the strong-featured faces.
The attribution to Hoffman
The female type used for the Virgin, the wriggling, chubby Child, and the pattern of the tumbling drapery are found in several Madonnas sculpted in Basel around 1510-20. Stylistically, these works belong in the circle of the sculptor Martin Hoffmann. Heir to the sculptural style of Strasbourg and the Franconian art of Veit Stoff, Hoffmann, who was born in Thuringia, brought a new, expressive, animated style to Basel. The Prophets on the town hall, paid for in 1521, are fine examples. However, as there are no period documents to support it, the attribution of this piece to Martin Hoffman remains hypothetical.
BibliographyGuillot de Suduiraut S., Sculptures allemandes de la fin du Moyen Age, dans les collections publiques françaises 1400-1530, cat. expo. Louvre, Paris, 1991, cat.26, pp.119-123.
Guillot de Suduiraut S., La Vierge à l'Enfant d'Issenheim. Un chef-d'oeuvre bâlois de la fin du Moyen Age, Dossiers du musée du Louvre, Paris, 1998.
The growth of the Marial cult in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries led to the creation of many Virgin and Child figures. This one, mentioned in the first inventory of the Sainte-Chapelle before 1279, is considered the most successful example that Parisian ivory carvers ever achieved; so perfect that many statuettes from the second half of the thirteenth century appear to have been based on this prestigious model.
Paris, the capital of ivory carving
In the thirteenth century, Paris became the undisputed capital of ivory carving. The material, which during the eleventh and twelfth centuries had reached western Europe only with difficulty, started arriving again in larger quantities, thanks to the development of new shipping lanes to ports on the Atlantic and, above all, Norman coasts. With the new influx of raw material, and the presence of a royal and church clientele, workers in ivory could give free rein to their skills, carving a wide array of objects, including statuettes in the round, diptychs, small plaques, caskets, mirror cases, and tabernacles.
An ideal of beauty
The statuette of the Sainte-Chapelle is unquestionably the most beautiful piece of ivory carving in the round ever made. Rivaling more monumental works, it features all the canons of that art form then in force. Slightly slouching hips, a lissom, slender body, a fine, triangular face surrounded by wavy hair, eyes drawn out toward the temples, and a small, smiling mouth form a complete portrait of the Gothic period's ideal of beauty.
Elegance and harmony
This Virgin and Child comes from the treasury of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, to which it was probably given by St. Louis. In the fourteenth century, Charles V had a gold plinth and emerald-encrusted ornamentation added, which was removed during the Revolution. The exquisite elegance and harmonious proportions of this statuette explain why it was so admired and imitated from the time of its creation. | christianity |
http://www.transformativegroups.com/DavidsDesk21.htm | 2018-12-19T16:02:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-51/segments/1544376832559.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20181219151124-20181219173124-00209.warc.gz | 0.963706 | 1,702 | CC-MAIN-2018-51 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-51__0__41382906 | en | DAVID’S DESK #21
David's Desk is my opportunity to share thoughts and tools for the spiritual journey. These letters are my personal insights and opinions and do not necessarily reflect the sentiments or thoughts of any other person in Lorian or of Lorian as a whole. If you wish to share this letter with others, please feel free to do so; however the material is ©2009 by David Spangler. If you no longer wish to receive these letters please let us know at [email protected]. Previous issues of "David's Desk" are posted on www.lorian.org.
As we move deeper into what President Obama called in his Inaugural address “this winter of our hardship,” some inspiration might not be unwelcome. During the years I lived in the Findhorn community in northern Scotland, our work itself was inspiring. But we often found inspiration of another sort when we were visited by Sir George Trevelyan, one of the founders of the adult education movement in Britain. Sir George had a gift for oratory, and his lectures were studies in eloquence, graced with poems that he recited from memory. It was always thrilling to hear him speak.
One of his favorite passages that he introduced to us was from the play A Sleep of Prisoners by Christopher Fry, an English playwright. First produced in 1951, it tells the story of a group of soldiers who are prisoners of war held in an empty church at night. In the play, one of the characters, Sergeant Meadows says:
The human heart can go the lengths of God.
Dark and cold we may be, but this
Is no winter now. The frozen misery
of centuries breaks, cracks, begins to move;
The thunder is the thunder of the floes,
The thaw, the flood, the upstart Spring.
Thank God our Time is now when wrong
Comes up to face us everywhere,
Never leave us till we take
The longest stride of soul men ever took.
Affairs are now soul size.
Is exploration into God.
Where are you making for? It takes
So many thousand years to wake
But will you wake for pity's sake?
For Sir George, this poem encapsulated the times in which we live. I agree. And its sentiments are no less true now than they were nearly forty years ago when I first heard them. Down the years, many of its passages have rung in my memory and have been an inspiration.
The human heart can go the lengths of God. What an amazing statement this is. In a way it is at the heart of the incarnational worldview I wrote about last month. It says that as human beings, as individuals with bodies and personalities and all the foibles and challenges of earthly life, there is nothing of God that is closed to us. We have in ourselves the dimensions of the Sacred. Our humanity does not separate us from that great Mystery but rather folds us into it. Wherever God loves, our hearts can follow. And that is everywhere. In a world still dangerously riven with hatred, strife, fear and anger, it is good to know we have such a power within us. If our hearts can go the length of God, then there is hope and promise we can go the lengths of the differences between us.
Thank God our time is now when wrong comes up to face us everywhere. In an interview when asked how he felt becoming President at a time of major crisis, President Obama said that it was such times that made public service meaningful. In his address to both house of Congress last night, he revisited this theme, saying, “Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege, one that has been entrusted to few generations of Americans, for in our hands lies the ability to shape our world, for good or for ill.”
No one wishes for crisis, but when crises come, they can call forth our best impulses, those of compassion, courage, creativity, and community. And if there are crimes and evils hidden in the dark places of our society and the darker places of our consciousnesses, all the better they come to the surface to be seen, understood, confronted, and healed. If our generation is called to bear a burden of that healing, it is a powerful calling and honor and one within our capability.
But the playwright is saying more than that crisis brings forth the best in us or gives thanks that evil is being brought into the light. The full quote is asking that this wrong, coming up to face us everywhere, “never leave us till we take the longest stride of soul men ever took.” It’s not the crisis or the confrontation with wrongness that is most important but that we have the opportunity, the impetus, to take that long soul-stride, to stride the “lengths of God.” In short, to fulfill the potential of our human hearts. Rather than being beaten down by crisis, by evil, by the wrongs of the world, or the challenges and fears of the moment, we need to find that spaciousness of love and hope and vision that can truly transform things. And we can, for that spaciousness is in us, accessible to beings like us that can “go the lengths of God.”
The nineteenth century American poet Sam Walter Foss wrote in his work The Coming American, “Bring me men to match my mountains, Bring me men to match my plains…” The American Rockies inspired awe with their majesty and ruggedness, and the vastness of the American plains offered an unmatched spaciousness and fruitfulness. They were symbols of the challenges and opportunities of a new world, calling to an adventurous and creative spirit. Generations of Americans responded.
But now a poet might write, “Bring me souls to match this world. Bring me hearts to match its life.” It is no mere continent that lies before us now but the earth itself with all its rich diversity and wonder of life and all humanity upon it. The global challenges we face are as unknown a terrain as the American continent was to the pioneers of two hundred years ago, daunting and yet capable of inspiring our creative spirit. But to meet these challenges we shall have to let our hearts go “the lengths of God” and find in us the source of our power to create wholeness. As Fry says, “affairs are now soul size.” So let us be men and women to match our souls.
The enterprise is exploration into God. Yes, it is. It is an exploration into the sacredness within all things great and small around us and within us. But it’s also an exploration into ourselves and into each other in new ways, honoring ways, respectful ways, loving ways, incarnational ways. We need spirit, but we also need a vision of love for the life of the earth that let’s us cherish it as home. For that life—human life, plant life, animal life, earth life—is all within the length of God.
Where are you making for? This is the question of our time. What is our vision? What kind of world do we want, for ourselves, for our children, for our children’s children? What kind of world do we want for the fish and the birds, the beasts and the insects, the forests and the meadows, the crops that feed us and the flowers that bring us beauty? I believe we want to create a world large enough to be a soul home for us and for all beings, loving and large enough to give expression to the soul of the world itself, spacious and whole enough to express the lengths of God. And I believe we can. The capacity to do so is innate in us. If affairs are soul size, we can meet them because we are soul size, too.
It takes so many thousand years to wake but will you wake for pity’s sake? This is the call. To wake to ourselves and our incarnations. To wake to each other. To wake to our world as home. To wake to our hearts that can go the lengths of God. | christianity |
https://www.riverparkchurch.org/vbs | 2024-02-23T00:15:42 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947473871.23/warc/CC-MAIN-20240222225655-20240223015655-00868.warc.gz | 0.974499 | 209 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__8750106 | en | Vacation Bible School 2019
The Perilous Adventures of Paul
Join us 6:00pm-8:00pm, Monday, July 15th - Wednesday, July 17th as we embark on some amazing, sometimes perilous, always faith building, Adventures with Paul!
No matter what adventure Paul faced, he always kept his faith and followed God. Children ages 4 yrs - 6th grade will learn how God was with Paul through every adventure, just as he is with us.
Children will be divided into groups by age or grade becoming a “citizen” of one of the several cities Paul visited on his journeys. Paul will speak to the “citizens” of the cities every night, telling about an experience he had on one of his Adventures. Children will then follow the leaders of their city to the activity centers. Each city group will visit two interactive or craft stations every evening.
Vacation Bible School is free for children 4 years - 6th grade. Registration closes July 15th. | christianity |
http://firstpresmhc.org/ministry_stephen.htm | 2017-08-24T01:06:19 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-34/segments/1502886126017.3/warc/CC-MAIN-20170824004740-20170824024740-00488.warc.gz | 0.975967 | 607 | CC-MAIN-2017-34 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-34__0__105551702 | en | What is the Stephen Ministry? It is a trained lay, caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need. It is a commitment to caring and supporting one another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing relationship. It is a meaningful way for our church to share one another's burdens and joys. It is a ministry which is already working in many congregations throughout the country. It is a ministry named after St. Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, who was commissioned by the apostles to care for the community's needs.
What kinds of needs will the Stephen Ministry address? People who are grieving the loss of a loved one. People who are chronically ill. People who are lonely. People who are depressed. People who are separated or in process of divorce. People who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally ill. People experiencing job change, loss, or financial difficulties. People who are having difficulty adjusting to a new community. People and families experiencing crisis in new parenthood. People and families in conflict or crisis throughout parenting experiences -- early childhood to adolescence.
What preparations do the Stephen Ministers make in order to begin their service? A Stephen Ministry training program prepares interested men and women to become Stephen Ministers, equipping them to care for the many needs in our community. Their 50 hours of training includes topics such as: - confidentiality - listening - focusing on feelings - crisis theory and intervention - telecare - use of prayer and the Bible - being professional - the "small step" approach - grief, divorce, depression, older persons, stress, etc. - assertiveness training Following training, the Stephen Ministers are commissioned by our church into active, caring ministries. The Stephen Minister will work in continual consultation with church clergy and receive ongoing education in the helping ministry. What the Stephen Minister is not. A professional counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist. A social worker. An expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc. An ordained minister or deacon.
"I didn't know what to expect from my Stephen Minister, but he put me at ease. I had a friend I could trust and who really cared about me. My helper showed me how to work things out for myself and had the patience to let me do it." "When I really needed a friend, my Stephen Minister was there. We cried together a lot, prayed together, talked, and now we laugh together." "I wanted answers and she asked questions. She knew how to see things a new way, and her questions helped me find my own answers. I thought God had forgotten me, but my Stephen Minister helped me grow closer to God." "I wish the whole world was made up of people like my helper... Christians with God's own heart."
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or know someone who is, or if you would like to learn more about the program, call the First Presbyterian Church office, at (252) 247-2202 | christianity |
http://www.aggiepark.com/article.html?aid=1594 | 2021-01-19T11:01:58 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-04/segments/1610703518240.40/warc/CC-MAIN-20210119103923-20210119133923-00063.warc.gz | 0.948485 | 347 | CC-MAIN-2021-04 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-04__0__98929863 | en | Monday Lunch: April 1, 2019
Lunch Program: David Eubank '83, Director Free Burma Rangers, "Justice or Revenge: Love in War"
David Eubank was born in Texas and grew up as the son of Christian missionaries in Thailand before attending Texas A&M University and being commissioned as a officer in the US Army. He is former U.S. Army Special Forces and Ranger officer, and is the founder and leader of the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a humanitarian service movement for oppressed ethnic minorities of all races and religions in the Burma, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Sudan war zones. Along with relief, his personal mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ and to help people be free from oppression. FBR teams are comprised of men and women of different ethnicities and faiths that are united for freedom by the bond of love and service. David is joined on missions with his wife, Karen, and three children; Sahale 18, Suuzanne 16, and Peter 13. They work alongside the 70 ethnic FBR relief teams in the conflict areas of Burma, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria and Sudan giving help, hope, and love. The Eubank family started the Global Day of Prayer for Burma and the Good Life Club family outreach program. See pictures below.
Brisket, sausage, sides, and salad bar. Catered by Circle G BBQ.
$10 - Member Price
$15 - Regular Price
- Doors open - 11:00am
- Lunch Buffet - 11:30am
- Program - 12:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave. San Antonio TX 78213 | christianity |
https://www.sarasotaelks2495.org/prayer-wall | 2022-05-18T20:31:49 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-21/segments/1652662522309.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20220518183254-20220518213254-00625.warc.gz | 0.944509 | 883 | CC-MAIN-2022-21 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-21__0__198177041 | en | Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
You can submit a prayer request, and we will make sure to lift you up in prayer! Every prayer request that is submitted will be seen, and prayed for, even if you choose for it not to appear on the prayer wall. Please let us know when your prayer is answered. This way we can update the wall, encourage others, and give God the glory!
NOTE: We want to ensure the integrity of this prayer space in a way that honors you. Please take comfort in knowing that every prayer submission is reviewed, and prayed over before it is published. Most submissions do appear within the week they are submitted.
GET PRAYER RIGHT NOW
Call 877-800-7729 or text 877-800-7729 to connect with someone who will pray with you. Any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week someone is available.
The JOY FM has a free e-booklet available to you. God and Me (Steps To Everyday Faith) is 8 pages, talks about having a personal relationship with Jesus, and making Him Lord of your Life. Click here to download the free e-booklet.
Matthew 18:19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Romans 14:1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
13-14 Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. Here’s what you need to be concerned about: that you don’t get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. I’m convinced—Jesus convinced me!—that everything as it is in itself is holy. We, of course, by the way we treat it or talk about it, can contaminate it.
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Do Not Worry
Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Amen. | christianity |
https://christianmusicalsonline.com/heaven-came-down-1 | 2023-12-03T22:52:54 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100518.73/warc/CC-MAIN-20231203225036-20231204015036-00492.warc.gz | 0.967329 | 1,822 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__218139348 | en | This musical is based on the story of Jesus’ birth as recounted in the gospels. Mary and Joseph had a very special love for one another. Its not hard to imagine that they must have had conversations about their dreams, hopes, and aspirations. What young couple does not sit under a starry sky and imagine what their futures will hold. Joseph and Mary were no different. This musical includes the characters of Mary and Joseph of course, but also the sister (Joannah) that Joseph might well have had, Mary’s parents, Gabriel, and the wonderful Aunt Elizabeth and her adoring husband Zechariah.
Our story begins with the cast singing the beautiful opening number entitled “A Night of Glory.” The opening lyrics set up the story perfectly:
A tiny village; a lonely stable;
No one suspected that God was able.
Born in a manger in Bethlehem;
A star from Heaven shines down upon Him. (cont.)
Following this [full cast] opening number our story begins in a garden where Mary and her best friend Joannah are having a conversation about Mary’s recent betrothal to Joseph. As best of friends they are excited about the possibilities the future holds. Joseph soon enters the garden and Joannah exits to leave the “soon to wed” couple alone under the night sky. During their conversation Mary sees a falling star and tells Joseph that as a child her mother told her that they were angels being sent to earth on a “special assignment.” Mary and Joseph laugh together at the notion thought both are probably wishing in their hearts that such simple things were truly possible. Their conversation is light hearted until Joseph finds himself telling Mary why he was attracted to her. It was her purity, obedience to God’s law, and love for God the Father that caused him to fall in love. The title song to the show (Heaven Came Down) is sung as a duet just before Joseph exits. The song is a beautiful duet between this, the most famous couple in the bible.
After Joseph leaves Mary is left alone in the garden for a moment while she soaks in the security and presence of God she finds herself feeling because of Joseph’s love for her. Then, in an instant, she is in the presence of the angel Gabriel. He says to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have been chosen above all women to be the mother of God’s son. He shall be the Savior of the world…the Messiah.” Their conversation continues and Mary is overcome with peace and joy. When Gabriel leaves she realizes that she is in a world of trouble with her family. “Joannah will believe me…” she says as she runs off stage and the scene comes to a close.
The story progresses and eventually Joseph is confronted first by Mary with this unbelievable story – and then by his own emotions. He is in utter disbelief and finds himself needing time alone to take it all in. The scene ends with the passionate song Joseph sings as a soliloquy, “Mary, Why?”
Meanwhile, Mary tells her Mother and Father about the visit from the angel Gabriel. Her mother is quite compassionate and understanding. However, Mary’s father thinks first of only the repercussions from their family and the community in Nazareth. The scene ends with the powerful and thoughtful quartet sung by Mary, her mother and father, and Joseph. Each is in their own “world.” Each is equally perplexed.
Mary and her mother soon visit Elizabeth and Zechariah. These two are the comic relief in our story. A lively conversation takes place and, though always quick with a joke and full of good humor, Elizabeth is also very, very wise. She helps Mary see that she must “rejoice” in what God has done. And, she helps Mary understand that God is surely going to work everything out because clearly he has a plan to include Joseph in her life and in the life of the messiah that was now living inside of her.
Soon, back in Nazareth, Joseph is confronted by his sister Joannah. They have a heated conversation about Mary’s “condition.” The visit by his sister leaves him exhausted and Joseph falls fast asleep after she leaves. Joseph dreams that night and is told by an angel that the child Mary carries is indeed the Son of God. Joseph approaches Mary the next day not knowing whether she will take him back into her life or not. Naturally Mary is thrilled that Joseph now too understands and their love for one another is renewed.
Soon, the couple travel to Bethlehem when they are forced to take shelter in the only place they can find… a lonely stable. Here, Mary and Joseph together contemplate the night sky and what God has done for them. They know the future will be difficult but boldly accept that challenge. The brightest star ever shines over Bethlehem that night. Jesus is born and the air is filled with music. The entire cast joins Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus on stage as they reprise the song, “A Night of Glory.” The final lyrics in the musical are:
This is a night of glory, a time to praise the new born King.
So spread the Christmas story,
And let us lift our voice on high and sing!
This is a night of glory, a time to praise the new born King.
So spread the Christmas story, and let us lift our voice on high and sing!
A night of glory, so lift your voice and sing!
There are few who do not know the story of the birth of Jesus. The story is familiar, yet Gloria Emmerich has touch a chord in people’s hearts with her rendition of this famous account. By incorporating interactions of characters not usually incorporated in the story, the audience feels as though they themselves might have been there 2000 years ago. People have not changed in their hearts and audience members are made to feel that the story is happening in today’s world…with today’s headlines surrounding them. There are few dry eyes in the audience during the scene where Mary and Joseph “make up” or in the finale. The mix of comedy and drama are perfect. Appropriate reverence is giving to all characters in the musical.
The running time of this musical is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It can be shortened with simple cuts in several of the longer scenes. There are eight powerful songs in the show including solos, duets, a trio, a quartet and several choral numbers.
Cast of Characters
Asa (Mary’s father)
Joannah (Joseph’s sister)
Bernice (Mary’s mother)
Unlimited number of male and female chorus members.
THE USE OF A CHORUS
A chorus can easily be incorporated into this musical. Due to stage size, the original production did not utilize a chorus. However, a chorus of virtually any size could be added to a number of the scenes throughout the musical.
As a point of interest, (and so you know it is possible), in the original production the following roles were played by the same actor:
Asa and Zechariah
Doubling roles is accomplished with makeup, wigs, and costumes. We mention this because it demonstrates the possibility of doing a larger scale show such as this with a relatively small cast. (The original cast was made up of four men and four women.) On the other hand, you can easily utilize several dozen actors in this production by adding a chorus and not having actors play dual roles.
SET AND PROP REQUIREMENTS
As with all of our musicals, the sets can be very simple with only minimal scenery—leaving it up to the audience to “fill in the blanks.” The garden scene, Mary’s home, Elizabeth’s home, Joseph’s bedroom, and the stable are all simple to construct. This information, and dozens of other production helps are all found in the Director’s Notes which come as part of the Musical Production Kit. Sample pictures of sets used in the original production of this, and many other Gloria Emmerich musicals, can be found by going to the photo gallery on this website.
Click on the link below to download a perusal script. This perusal excerpt is available to assist you in the play selection process.
Excerpts are not intended for performance or academic use. In any of these cases you will need to purchase the rights via our website or by phone.
A full perusal script of this show is available for purchase on the “Pricing” page.
Click on the links below to listen to songs from Heaven Came Down. | christianity |
https://lazarianworldhomes.com/2022/08/11/tapachula-mexico-nazarene-campground/ | 2024-04-19T22:02:08 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817455.17/warc/CC-MAIN-20240419203449-20240419233449-00109.warc.gz | 0.927541 | 421 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__14803321 | en | The South Border District of the Church of the Nazarene occupies a significant location on the border between Mexico and Guatemala, specifically in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico. Nestled just outside the vibrant city of Tapachula, the district campground serves as a spiritual haven and gathering place for Nazarene communities in the region. Recent developments, made possible through the collaboration of Lazarian World Home, local churches, and the East Tennessee district church of the Nazarene, have brought a remarkable addition to the campground—a new dorm building.
The completion of the dorm building at the South Border District Nazarene campground marks a significant milestone in the growth and ministry opportunities within the region. This expansion not only enhances the capacity to host and accommodate individuals and groups visiting the campground but also creates a space for transformative ministry experiences to take place. With the new facility, the campground becomes a focal point for spiritual retreats, conferences, and various events that foster fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
The partnership between Lazarian World Home, local churches, and the East Tennessee district church of the Nazarene highlights the power of collaboration and collective effort in advancing the mission of the Church. Their combined dedication and resources have facilitated the realization of a vision that enables the South Border District campground to be a hub of impactful ministry initiatives. The new dorm building paves the way for a range of wonderful ministry opportunities, bringing people together, strengthening their faith, and creating a space for meaningful connections and spiritual transformation.
The South Border District Nazarene campground, with its newly constructed dorm building, embodies a place where individuals can experience the love of Christ, engage in deep fellowship, and explore their faith in a beautiful natural setting. It has become a tangible manifestation of the commitment to ministry, both locally and across borders. The wonderful ministry opportunities now available at the campground will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those who gather there, enriching the spiritual journey of individuals and strengthening the bonds of the Church within the South Border District. | christianity |
http://polkadotpraise.com/ | 2019-12-06T09:08:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-51/segments/1575540486979.4/warc/CC-MAIN-20191206073120-20191206101120-00297.warc.gz | 0.932922 | 319 | CC-MAIN-2019-51 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-51__0__149937896 | en | “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3
Welcome to Polka Dot Praise. Each card has a story, a story that gives you a glimpse into the wonderful people God has placed into my life. With the internet and texting correspondence is becoming a dying art. I still think it’s important for people to have the joy of opening their mailboxes and finding a handwritten note, a special touch into their busy or lonely day. I’ve chosen a postcard because you don’t have to write much, just a thought that will bless someone else (And the postage is less than first class mail. Always thinking of the budget!)
It gave me great personal pleasure to not only create a postcard, but then to dedicate it to one of the special people in my life as a way of saying “you are a treasure and I’m very grateful for you!”
I hope the backstories of each postcard make the selection a fun ride. CLICK HERE to read all of the stories.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ | christianity |
https://news.iheart.com/featured/coronavirus/content/2020-05-18-michigan-priest-goes-viral-for-using-holy-water-gun-to-bless-easter-baskets/?mid=398518&rid=9086000&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline3 | 2020-11-24T09:25:17 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-50/segments/1606141176049.8/warc/CC-MAIN-20201124082900-20201124112900-00006.warc.gz | 0.987568 | 387 | CC-MAIN-2020-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-50__0__8564837 | en | When the coronavirus pandemic forced churches across the country to stop hosting in-person services during the holiest time of the year, one priest from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, came up with a unique way to keep the annual tradition of blessing Easter baskets alive.
Reverend Timothy Pelc put on his vestments, along with a face shield, mask, and latex gloves, and grabbed his squirt gun. He filled it with holy water and waited for members of his congregation to drive up with their Easter baskets.
Pelc had fun standing outside the church and spraying congregants and their Easter baskets with the holy water, all while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
St. Ambrose Church shared photos of Rev. Pelc spraying people and blessing the Easter baskets on Facebook back in April, and they recently went viral.
People from all over the world started commenting on the pictures, including some from the Vatican. Pelc told BuzzFeed News, he was concerned that officials in the Vatican might not like the idea of putting holy water into a squirt gun, but so far, he hasn't heard anything.
"It was a good news story, and people were in the mood for something like that," Pelc said. "It was big in Ukraine, and the Germans are funny — that led to a whole sub-discussion about the types of water pistols," he added. "It even had two hits in the Vatican, which sort of concerned me, but I haven't heard anything yet."
Pelc said that his church is hoping to resume in-person services next week, but is not sure if the people in his parish are ready to return.
"People are saying they don't want to come out just yet," Pelc said. "There's still a lot of fear out there, and I don't blame them."
Photo: Facebook/St. Ambrose Parish | christianity |
https://stjamesff.org/join/ | 2021-01-21T11:19:50 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-04/segments/1610703524743.61/warc/CC-MAIN-20210121101406-20210121131406-00127.warc.gz | 0.918585 | 155 | CC-MAIN-2021-04 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-04__0__168209389 | en | We’d love to worship with you on a Sunday morning. We’re located at 321 S Lakeside Dr, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. We are the Church on Lake Alice. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (218) 736-6736 or send us an email at [email protected]
9-10 am Adult Sunday School
10:30 am Worship
‘Coffee Hour’, with tasty treats and great conversation, happens at 11:30 am each Sunday, immediately following Worship. Join us!
We’d love to see you outside of services. To learn more about upcoming opportunities, click here to get to our events page. | christianity |
https://www.tssbulletproof.com/blog/the-popemobile-delivers-bullet-proof-protection | 2023-10-01T06:44:04 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-40/segments/1695233510781.66/warc/CC-MAIN-20231001041719-20231001071719-00007.warc.gz | 0.981883 | 182 | CC-MAIN-2023-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-40__0__98204170 | en | As Pope Benedict XVI continues his travels through London this week, he’ll hit the streets in his custom vehicle. Dubbed the Popemobile, the vehicle is specially designed to keep the Pope safe, with armor-plating on most of the vehicle and bulletproof glass.
The London Daily Mirror reports that, “the Popemobile vehicle was first made famous by Pope John Paul II, who used a modified truck on his first papal visit to his Polish homeland. The current Popemobile is a Mercedes equipped with the latest security measures. The side panels and undercarriage are armored, and a bulletproof glass enclosure has been built on top of an M-class chassis.”
Bulletproof glass and other security measures were put into place after a failed May 1981 assassination attempt by sniper Mehmet Ali Agca on Pope John Paul II, who was shot four times. | christianity |
https://musc520-musical-styles-s14.fandom.com/wiki/Heinrich_Schutz:_Historia_der_Geburt_Jesu_Christi_(1664):_Oratorio | 2019-02-23T01:44:36 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-09/segments/1550249414450.79/warc/CC-MAIN-20190223001001-20190223023001-00296.warc.gz | 0.948151 | 521 | CC-MAIN-2019-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-09__0__219483658 | en | Write the first paragraph of your page here.
Heinrich Schutz was considered one of the great German composers of the 17th century, and one of the first to achieve international recognition. He composed in a variety of genres: madrigals, motets, sacred concertos, requiems, histories, and passions. The Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi was composed and published late in his lifetime, around 1664. It was a musical setting of the Nativity story, written for choir, soloists, and orchestra.
The Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi, also known as “The Christmas Story,” was composed when Schutz was in his 70s. It includes text taken from the Bible, concerning the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The choir is written in up to 6 parts, and the soloists consist of an Evangelist (who is the narrator and a tenor soloist), wise men, an angel, and some shepherds. The piece intersperses the solos and choral parts in eight interludes. Vaccaro and Fineman have written an article with an interesting analysis, that Schutz composed this piece with metrical symbolism: “In the oratorio, the musical language used by the human characters is expressed through binary means and the language of the supernatural characters through a ternary metric.”
Schutz came a generation before Bach, and laid the foundation for Bach, who composed his Christmas Oratorio in 1734. Bach continued many of the traditions that Schutz began, including using secco recitative for the tenor soloist. Bach divided his Oratorio into six parts, however they were meant to be sung during different feast days, as opposed to Schutz’s Historia that was composed to be sung in one setting. No doubt Bach was familiar with Schutz and influenced heavily by him.
It is interesting to see the chain of influence, over the course of music history. Schutz was influenced by Gabrieli and Monteverdi, and Bach was influenced by Schutz. Each composer has taken those influences and formed something uniquely their own, that has caused them to stand out in the canon of Western classical music. It is important to remember this thread when considering the works of the “great” composers, and through critical study and analysis. The Historia der Geburt Jesu Christi by Schutz and the Christmas Oratorio by Bach are excellent examples of this phenomenon. | christianity |
https://www.booknewz.com/2023/03/06/economics-as-an-antidote-to-envy/ | 2023-11-28T17:04:11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099892.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128151412-20231128181412-00069.warc.gz | 0.969284 | 2,202 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__270434745 | en | Fr. Robert Sirico’s new book, The Economics of the Parables, opens by reflecting on why Jesus chose economic imagery so often for his parables. In the Gospels, we hear stories of investing, trading, planting, and managing estates (the book covers a baker’s dozen of these parables), though not once of composing music, studying for a test, or playing sports. Fr. Sirico’s answer is that economics is a universal human experience—each person faces limited time and resources—thus economic imagery is fitting for parables intended to last throughout history. This is a point familiar to economists; indeed, my favorite introductory textbook (fittingly entitled Universal Economics) begins with the story of Adam and Eve:
Since the discouraging fiasco in the Garden of Eden, all the world has been a place conspicuous in its scarcity of resources, contributing heavily to an abundance of various sorrows and sins. People have had to adjust and adapt to limitations of what is available to satisfy unlimited desires. Some individuals and societies have been much more successful than others in thus making do.
Fr. Sirico’s approach to discerning economic lessons in the parables of Jesus is mainly pastoral, and the close reader can discern his honest effort to follow the example set by Pope Francis, who has become known for his ability to apply spiritual truths to gritty, everyday life. The spiritual significance of the parables is deepened, he argues, by a clearer understanding of the economic forces at play. Thus Fr. Sirico uses material reality to draw his reader toward the transcendent.
This essay focuses on a theme that runs throughout the book, specifically, how understanding economics can be an antidote to the temptation of envy. To quote the great Peter Kreeft: “Envy, though not the greatest sin, is the only one that gives the sinner no pleasure at all, not even fake and temporary satisfaction.” Once it becomes clear where prices (and wages) come from, the role of private property plays in society, and what profit and loss signals mean, envy is uncovered as the irrationality that it is. Economists have understood the mechanisms behind these market phenomena since the 16th-century priests of the School of Salamanca, but it is up to each generation not to forget these lessons. This latest book by Fr. Sirico is evidence that he is doing his part.
I want to begin by defining economics, as is done in the beginning of the book (and to hopefully clear it up for any students currently discerning their college major!). In Fr. Sirico’s words, economics is “the discipline that elucidates the implications of scarcity in the material world: the entire complex nature of exchange, trade, and human action.” While it deals with topics like money and financial markets, economists are also very interested in law, family, and religion, since these also facilitate trade and undergird the economy.
One common frustration with economics, capitalism, or “the market” concerns how things are valued. Economists adhere to the subjective theory of value, which simply means that goods and services have value in the market because subjects—you and I–give them value. Jesus also assumes this in his Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, as Fr. Sirico recognizes in his chapter on the subject:
The pearl was a luxury good and is presented with no condemnation in the parable. Instead, Jesus portrays the merchant as wise for having his priorities right in selling what must have been a substantial amount of property in order to obtain it. What might be seen as a pointless material good, may be seen by others as something wonderful, even a reflection of the beauty of Creation itself. People’s perspectives, and thus the value they place on objects, differ.
If high prices tempt us to view all businesspeople as greedy, or if we are angry because teachers and nurses aren’t paid as much as CEOs, we would do well to recognize that the only sustainable way to change market outcomes is by changing what people value. Valuations can be mistaken (and often are), and incomes say nothing about the objective value of persons as such. The important moral question is not where economic value and prices come from, but what we ought to value.
The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard illustrates this tension. It was not the sheer effort or time put into harvesting that determined the workers’ market wage (a denarius), but rather how their production was valued in the market. The landowner also offered a daily wage to those who began their work later in the day, perhaps because their last-minute contributions were even more valuable to him, or simply to be generous in case he needed them again in the future. Cultivating good habits like generosity and charity takes place prior to the market, as Fr. Sirico’s emphasizes: “Market exchange turns on the subjective value that a consumer places on a product, not on the objective values that are better called virtues. The critical task of forming character and conscience rests primarily with parents in the home, spiritual directors and guides, and a host of other authorities, not on economic institutions as such.”
Another common misconception about economics that invites envy concerns private property. However, this reflects a modern forgetfulness, and Fr. Sirico reminds us that St. Thomas Aquinas pointed out the social function of the private property in the 13th century:
[It] is not merely legitimate for a man to possess things as his own, it is even necessary for human life, and this for three reasons. First, because each person takes more trouble to care for something that is his sole responsibility than what is held in common or by many—for in such a case each individual shirks the work and leaves the responsibility to somebody else, which is what happens when too many officials are involved. Second, because human affairs are more efficiently organized if each person has his own responsibility to discharge; there would be chaos if everybody cared for everything. Third, because men live together in greater peace where everyone is content with his task.
Every parable relating to economic matters assumes the legitimacy of private property. This is especially notable in the Parable of the Two Debtors, which Jesus narrated after a woman used her property (an expensive perfume) to honor him while those in power looked on with disapproval. In this parable, God is portrayed as a moneylender who, though having a legitimate claim to repayment, has forgiven much. Fr. Sirico also uses the Parable of the Sower, which illustrates how seed scattered under different conditions yields varying results, to illustrate how a system of private property is the fertile soil necessary for economic flourishing. When this system of private property expands to include more people (usually via population growth or immigration), then property ownership, contracts, capital markets, and profit and loss signals encourage virtuous behavior, such as long-term thinking and deferred gratification, that Aquinas had noted.
Still, envy may tempt us to support policies of redistribution which are ultimately counterproductive. Fr. Sirico also addresses this temptation when discussing the Parable of the Rich Fool: “[Redistribution] only moves around the wealth that has already been created . . . There are times when it’s a good idea to do this, especially within families. But if the redistribution is orchestrated by officials far removed from the concrete context, or motivated by avarice, or covetousness, or envy, it can be the occasion of sin.” Redistribution is a zero- or even negative-sum game, meaning that there are always winners and losers, and the potential sum of losses may be larger than the winnings.
Finally, it is easy to misunderstand the role of profit and loss signals in the market economy. Profit occurs when entrepreneurs manage their time and resources wisely in the face of persistent uncertainty about the future. Moreover, “wealth in a market economy is dynamic because to be ‘rich’ is a reversible condition, as any perusal of the various lists of the wealthiest will demonstrate from year to year.” Due to our natural limitations, economic losses are also possible. However, it is important to note that neither profit nor loss for Fr. Sirico implies any moral successes or failures.
One parable that clearly illustrates this is the Parable of the Talents: “Religious institutions, along with all those whose task it is to form the moral consensus, should recognize entrepreneurship for what it is—a vocation, a calling in need of formation, maturation, and clarity of mission.” The Parable of the King Going to War and the Parable of the House on the Rock are rife with lessons about entrepreneurship as well. Fr. Sirico reminds his readers that entrepreneurs are successful when they fulfill the desires of their customers. Here again, the lesson is that many unjust market outcomes are the result of fundamental institutions like families, churches, and schools, not fulfilling their responsibility to form characters oriented toward the good, true, and beautiful. Much of what economists refer to as “transaction costs” would be eliminated in an economy consisting entirely of saints, but that is unfortunately not the world we inhabit. Economics reveals how we depend on God and man for our everyday needs.
When I was an undergraduate student at Creighton University, Fr. Sirico came to campus to talk about his first book, Defending the Free Market. I was just about to leave on for a semester abroad in the Dominican Republic (of which a substantial portion of the program was meant to open our eyes to the flaws of capitalism), so I thought I should open myself to other perspectives. Fr. Sirico’s talk was the first time I encountered the explicitly moral case for economic freedom, and something in me stirred. I didn’t know it yet, but this would also be the message I would devote my life to sharing. His book came with me to the Dominican Republic, and surely enough, I saw with my own eyes how economic restrictions and controls (both ill- and well-intended) harmed the people there. The rest is, as they say, history.
As a Catholic Christian and an economist, Fr. Sirico’s new book has my strongest recommendation. The Economics of the Parables is an excellent contribution to a burgeoning literature in which scholars take both their faith and economics seriously (other noteworthy examples include Faith and Liberty, Economics in Christian Perspective, and Biblical Games). The book contains much more than I was able to address, such as interest and usury, government debt, business cycles, and so on. My only word of advice is that Fr. Sirico should consider doing the Old Testament next! | christianity |
https://www.tiftonfirst.org/2021/05/25/summer-youth-activities/ | 2023-12-09T03:00:48 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100781.60/warc/CC-MAIN-20231209004202-20231209034202-00660.warc.gz | 0.972606 | 274 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__50570449 | en | It’s that time of year again! The school year is finished and summer is here! There are many wonderful ways to get plugged into the various Ministries of Tifton First United Methodist Church. One Ministry that is about to get really busy is our Youth Ministry! All rising 7th grade through 12th grade students are invited to attend!
Summer is an exciting time for Youth Ministry. We are kicking off summer with a Lock-In on Friday, June 4th from 7pm to 7am on Saturday.
Every Friday throughout the summer we will have $5 Fridays where students bring $5 for a surprise night of fun and fellowship. $5 Fridays will begin on June 11th and parents will receive weekly updates concerning that Friday’s activities.
We will be having additional Youth events, family days, movie nights, and so much more! If you are a parent of a Youth aged student and have not received the summer calendar, please let me know.
We are looking forward to welcoming our rising 6th grade students to Youth this fall! There will be various dates this summer where rising 6th grade students will be invited to join us!
It is such a blessing to work with this wonderful group of students! The goal of our Youth Ministry activities this summer is to help our students grow closer to each other and to Christ. | christianity |
https://www.rsfpost.com/christians_muslims_and_the_world_today | 2019-04-26T06:45:46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-18/segments/1555578760477.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20190426053538-20190426075538-00438.warc.gz | 0.940378 | 194 | CC-MAIN-2019-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-18__0__50880181 | en | The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe will host the event, "Christians, Muslims, and the World Today," to discuss efforts of the Christian church throughout the Middle East and to learn more about the beliefs of Islam.
Speakers include Rev. Dr. John Azumah, Associate Professor of World Christianity and Islam at Columbia Theological Seminary; Rev. Dr. Sasan Tavassoli, a former Shi'ite Muslim from Iran; and Marilyn Borst, Associate Director for Partnership Development of The Outreach Foundation, a global mission agency.
The event will start with light refreshments at 6pm, followed by a panel discussion from 6:30-7:30pm, and conclude with a question and answer session at 7:30pm.
The cost is $10 and the public can register here to attend or contact Holli Crawford at [email protected], (858) 756-2441. | christianity |
https://www.drjohnandrews.co.uk/endorsements | 2019-09-21T10:55:32 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-39/segments/1568514574409.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20190921104758-20190921130758-00244.warc.gz | 0.97606 | 1,650 | CC-MAIN-2019-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-39__0__60665047 | en | ‘Rarely do you come across a world class leader, author and communicator all in the one body! Not only does John manage to combine all these skills, but he tops all his talents by being an authentic and likable person. Simply put - I love to hear him teach, be around his leadership and most of all, just enjoy his company - I cannot recommend him highly enough!’
Andrew McCourt - Senior Pastor, Bayside Church, California
'Dr John Andrews has been a tremendous blessing to the churches of Singapore, equipping and inspiring people in ways that can be understood across ages and cultures. A man of conviction and clarity, his preaching and teaching ministry intertwine theology with personal testimonies to demonstrate the power and relevance of Spirit-centered faith.'
Rev Dominic Yeo - General Superintendent, Assemblies of God of Singapore / Senior Pastor, Trinity Christian Centre
'John (the Doctor) is a world class bible teacher. His insights into scripture are breath-taking at times. His application of this ancient text into contemporary leadership is razor sharp and his ability to break down complexity into digestible understanding is God-given. John loves teaching and graces the stage of conferences across the world, yet he has never lost his passion to serve the local church. John is a proven leader, an author many times over, a leadership coach and my friend. He loves his family, his sausage dogs and Liverpool FC. One of those attributes I admire; one I put up with; one I detest!'
Simon Jarvis - Senior Leader, One Church, UK
‘We love John Andrews. He's the real deal. He comes regularly to speak at the church I pastor in Singapore, but also at the Bible College of Wales in Swansea, where he lectures each term. The students absolutely love him and his transparency and vulnerability has often left us in tears. I will not hesitate to recommend him, that's for sure. I am a fan.’
Rev Yang Tuck Yoong - Senior Pastor, Cornerstone, Singapore / Chairman, Bible College of Wales, Swansea
'Dr John loves God, loves life and loves the Bible. His passion to teach the Word is infectious and his ability to teach the Word incredible. We invite John to minister regularly at our church. He never brings less than his best – opening the Bible to strengthen, challenge, inspire, equip, engage and encourage God’s people. We always look forward to him coming and his input continues to help move us forward.'
Martin and Esther Storey - Senior Leaders, CLM, Coventry
'We were blessed to have Dr John Andrews come minister at our church camp. It was a great camp and not only did John bless the people with the sharing of the Word, but in his interaction, friendliness and sincerity, together with his wife Dawn, they greatly ministered to our church members. John and Dawn were a real blessing, great to have around and fitted right in with our members despite our cultural differences. I would strongly recommend him if you need a great teacher and communicator, as well as a friend.'
Pastor Mark Poh - Senior Leaders, Emmanuel AG Church, Singapore
'John Andrews, in our opinion, is one of the best Bible teachers in Britain. He has a unique ability to bring the Scriptures alive and make them applicable to our daily lives. He is exactly the same off the stage to on it – his humility, love for people and passion for mission make him stand out and it’s incredible to see how his influence has grown in recent years through his books and media presence. We have witnessed him overcome tough times with strength and dignity. John is a Christian statesman who you should have no hesitation in inviting to your church or conference. As Becky’s first pastor who took her on her first mission trip as a teenage girl, it’s fair to say that One By One wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for this man's love for the mission field.'
Matthew and Becky Murray - Senior Leaders, Renew Church, Uttoxeter
'John is an excellent speaker who connects well with his audience, contemporary in communication and biblical in content, profound in outlook yet down-to-earth in practicability. In the years that he has ministered to the various groups that I have requested, he has connected well with the various age groups that he has spoken to and touched many lives.'
Rev. Peter Soh - Hinghwa Methodist Church
'One wise teacher said to explain something simply, you need to understand it profoundly. We commend John Andrews to you – he’s a gifted and anointed teacher who models this principle. His deep love of God’s Word, refined communication skills and the way he lives daily life continue to help thousands of believers every year to grow in their application of Biblical wisdom. We have seen first-hand his ministry at home and in other nations and are so grateful to partner with him.
John has served Wellspring Church in many ways through Sunday preaching, mid-week teaching seminars, leadership development courses and consultancy. He’s the real deal and we thank God for him!'
Tim and Helen Roberts - Senior Leaders, Wellspring Church, Watford
'John has been partnering with us for many years. His biblical insight, inspiration and encouragement, coupled with his relational delivery have had a profound impact on us as leaders and the wider church alike. John clearly has a genuine desire to serve local church, which is evident in his bespoke understanding of our needs and culture. I cannot recommend him highly enough.'
Richard Cooke - Senior Leader, The Bridge, Bolton
'I have known Dr John for almost 30 years, both as a colleague and friend. His outstanding grasp of contemporary culture and biblical theology has not compromised his rare gift of engaging truth with both seasoned and emerging leaders. He is one of only a handful of public speakers who can capture a crowd of diverse experience and maturity with current issues in an ucompromising context of Christian Mission. He has graced our pulpit literally dozens of time and I recommend his gift and personal integrity without hesitation. I am personally grateful for how he has blessed and progressed our church in equal measure.'
Anthony Hodgkinson - Emmanuel Community Church Interntional, London
Dr John is a trusted friend, and an excellent communicator. Our church have benefitted from his rich teaching in our leadership training course, School of Worship, Celebrations and (alongside his wife Dawn), a couples retreat. I think the depth of John’s teaching comes from a solid theological understanding of the biblical texts, held in tension with the need to make its application relevant to village churches or faith communities in the urban context. I have watched him serve in local church, national denominational teams, as a bible college principal and conference speaker. His wise and witty contributions have always been deeply appreciated by me. In addition to this, his willingness to work hard and serve with loyalty and honesty, are rare qualities these days, and the confluence of all these things has served to strengthen my conviction about the credibility of his leadership gift.
As an international speaker John is acutely aware of the need to make sure his message has relevance and impact across cultures. His youthful spirit also connects well with an emerging generation, who are eager to discover fresh missional strategies that are equal to the challenges of a biblical faith in the modern world. John has been a rich source of inspiration for them. Many who listen to John usually comment on the sincere manner in which he shares how biblical truth has profoundly shaped his own life. He is no stranger to pain or pressure, but has maintained a poise and integrity through times of stress and success that comes from a deeper place than just a professional appointment to Christian ministry.
’Dr John’ is a faithful husband, a loving father, a passionate leader, prolific author, insightful communicator, and more than any of this… a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Doug Williams - Emmanuel Community Church International, London | christianity |
https://findingthecurve.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/testing-the-spirits/ | 2018-04-20T01:12:32 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-17/segments/1524125937090.0/warc/CC-MAIN-20180420003432-20180420023432-00218.warc.gz | 0.963396 | 396 | CC-MAIN-2018-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-17__0__171828275 | en | I (D0n) read a lot. Guess that’s not really a confession coming from someone with a college degree in Literature. But nonetheless …
One magazine I really like is Neue. It touts itself as “The magazine for leaders shaping the future of the church.” Pretty tall order, if you ask me. Sometimes I think it falls short of that goal, but the Spring 2012 issue offers quite a bit of really interesting content. In particular, they asked “13 of today’s most influential pastors” to give advice to “emerging leaders” in the US church.
One thought that caught my eye is from Dr. George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. He said, “We have greater access to information than any other generation. But information is not knowledge. What are you doing to ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:12) and practice discernment in the Google Age?”
And that’s been a point I’ve considered a lot over the past couple years. There is a wealth of information available extremely rapidly to everyone today, but we know that not every source is credible, not every piece of data is accurate. And, as much as we need to carefully guard our hearts and minds and “test the spirits,” how much more responsibility do we carry as people who work with kids?
I see it as a mandate that we take very seriously the call to teach children and teens discernment and critical thinking skills. How can they be identify the truth within an ocean of information unless they are given the tools to sift it out? Of course the Holy Spirit is our guide, but scripture does teach that we are to “test the spirits” – to use the discernment God has given to decide what is right.
So, how do we step up to that challenge? | christianity |
https://leksykonsyndonologiczny.pl/en/specific-entries/exegetical-and-medical-aspects-of-jesus-death-and-their-coherence-with-the-shroud/ | 2023-11-29T06:39:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100056.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129041834-20231129071834-00557.warc.gz | 0.951795 | 10,391 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__158117062 | en | Exegetical and Medical Aspects of Jesus’ Death and Their Coherence with the Shroud
The account in the canonical gospels of Jesus’ trial, passion and death on the cross (Mattt 26:47–68; 27:1–2, 11–49; Mark 14:43–65, 15:1–37; Luke 22:39–53.63-65; 23:13–34.44–46; John 18:12–19, 37) presents the historical events (selectively) together with the theological ones. It is on this basis that an attempt is made to show the exegetical and medical aspects of Christ’s death. The juxtaposition of the textual data with an analysis of the traces left on the image visible on the Shroud of Turin, which recorded the suffering and the type of death inflicted, makes it possible to affirm or deny the overlap of the identity of the figure in the gospels and the one on the cloth.
Crucifixion, as we know from ancient sources, was among the most severe and degrading punishments in the ancient world. The Jewish historian Josephus Flavius, describing the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans in 66–70 after Christ, rated this punishment as the most repulsive of deaths (Josephus Flavius 2022). Crucifixion probably originated in Assyria and Babylon. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great introduced this cruel way of inflicting death in the Mediterranean countries, while the Romans took it over from the Phoenicians in the 3rd century BC. Crucifixion became common between the death of Herod I the Great (4 BC) and the fall of Jerusalem (70 BC). It was only abolished by Emperor Constantine the Great in 337 and replaced by hanging on the patibulum (gallows), which was, one might say, humane compared to the cross. The difference between the first and second means of inflicting the death penalty was explained by Isidore of Seville (560–636): (…) one hanging on the patibulum dies immediately, while one nailed on the cross suffers for a long time (…) (Isidorus Hispalensis, Etymologiarum sive Originum libri XX, 5: 27, 33–34, [in:] Kobielus 2000, p. 20; Sławiński 1997, p. 26).
When crucifixion was performed, nails were most often driven into the tree through the hands and feet; rarely the victim was tied to the cross. Josephus mentioned that after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, giving vent to anger and hatred, soldiers nailed captured Jews to the cross in various body positions even for fun (Josephus Flavius 2022). The large number of condemned required the executioners to be “efficient.” Tying the victim to a tree or cross with his hands suspended directly above his head resulted in death within minutes. The skeleton of a young person in his 20s, crucified decades after Christ, found in 1968 in a Jerusalem suburb during construction work, is evidence of the use of nails.
Archaeological research and historical records reveal that the Romans were most likely to carry out executions using a low T-shaped cross (Latin: crux commissa; English: low tau cross), which consisted of a vertical pole (Latin: stipes) 1.8–2.4 m high and a transverse beam (Latin: patibulum) 1.5–1.8 m long. In different regions of the empire also other types of crucifixion were performed, including the so-called Latin cross (Latin: crux immissa).
The condemned person generally had to carry the cross from the place where he had been subjected to scourging to the place of execution, which was usually outside the city walls. As the weight of the entire cross was about 140 kg, the condemned man carried only the crossbeam, weighing between 37 and 54 kg, which was placed around his neck and tied to his shoulders with thongs. At the execution site, the patibulum was pivoted to a post and this fastening was reinforced with ropes. If the agony was to be prolonged, a piece of uncut block or board (Latin: sedulum) was fastened in the middle of the lower part of the post. Very rarely, and probably in the times after Jesus, an additional block was attached under the feet, which made it possible to nail them to the cross.
It was Jewish law to give the condemned person a mild intoxicant: a mixture of strong wine and myrrh or gall before crucifixion. The victim was thrown to the ground, his arms spread out and attached to the beam he was carrying. The Romans would nail the victims rather than tie them with thongs.
Nails (similar to those used today for railway sleepers or railroad ties) were between 13 and 18 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. Once the condemned was fastened to the beam, he was lifted and the beam was fixed to the post. In the case of the cross on which Jesus hung, this task could easily be done by two soldiers without the use of a ladder. The feet were then nailed, usually to the front of the post. To attach them effectively, the legs had to be bent at the knees and the feet laterally twisted. The marks on the Shroud show that in Jesus this resulted in a dislocation of the right foot.
The condemned lived on the cross for three to four hours, but there were cases where he could have been dying for up to three days; the length of life on the cross was inversely proportional to the intensity of the torture. Soldiers could shorten the agony by breaking the legs below the knees. If the family of the condemned did not obtain permission for burial, dead bodies fell prey to insects, wild birds or predatory animals. The corpse was not released until it was established with certainty that death had occurred. The Roman custom was for one of the soldiers to deliver a fatal blow from the right side of the chest with a sword or spear as confirmation that the condemned had died. Spears of between 1.5 and 1.8 metres in length were most commonly used as they were easy to apply to a low cross, and therefore to one on which Jesus probably hung.
Death on the cross is now believed to have been the result of a number of factors. One of these was that the hanging body was positioned in such a way as to prevent proper breathing. If the victim was hung by his arms stretched above his head, death occurred within an hour, especially if the legs were so nailed together that the condemned could not use his arms to raise his body to exhale. Studies monitoring the respiratory and circulatory function which were carried out on volunteers by Frederick Zugibe showed that after just six minutes the respiratory volume in the subjects dropped by an average of 70%, the blood pressure by 50% and the heart rate doubled. After 12 minutes, breathing was only possible via the diaphragm. Twenty seconds of body elevation significantly improved circulation and respiration. The experiment had to be stopped after 30–40 minutes, usually because of excruciating pain in the wrists. In Roman times, prior to crucifixion, victims were subjected to cruel scourging which, if not resulting in death, caused considerable exhaustion due to pain and blood loss.
The Shroud of Turin, which continues to be the subject of multidisciplinary scientific study, is considered a highly probable testimony to Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. It is a pictorial record of the cruel execution and crucifixion, giving an idea of the great suffering endured by the condemned. It shows the image of a dead man, 180–183 cm tall, with Semitic facial features and a strong, proportionate body. The examination of the Shroud has shown that the body remained inside it for up to 36 hours, as there are no signs of decomposition on it. Traces of blood clots were left intact on the linen, and there were no traces of them being torn off, which may indicate that the body was not removed from it. The presence of bile dye was detected. As is well known, excessive bilirubin can appear in blood due to the increased production of bilirubin after great physical exertion (suffering, pain) and as a result of the liver’s inability to capture excess bilirubin during haemolysis of blood cells, especially in acute haemolytic conditions.
The evangelist Luke describes the first symptoms of mental and physical suffering, and these took place after the Last Supper, during Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Olives. The bloody sweat (haematidrosis) that appeared on Christ’s body is very rarely described in world medical literature. It is thought to be caused by terrible fear, unusually intense mental experiences or excessive exertion. Increasing fear of impending suffering and imminent cruel death along with loneliness and strong psychological experiences, compounded by abandonment by the loved ones, may have caused such symptoms.
All the evangelists wrote about Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Olives (Matt 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46; John 18:1–18). Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts are quite extensive and similar. They write that Jesus got up from prayer on three occasions and woke the apostles, inviting them to watch and pray. Although the evangelist Luke describes this prayer more briefly, he is the one who gives an extremely important detail: Jesus was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground (Luke 22:44). There are two important points contained in this verse. One is highlighted above. Jesus prayed so fervently that his sweat became like thick drops of blood. The second point clarifies the first. In this passage, the evangelist Luke uses the Greek term ἡ ἀγωνία, not meaning agony—that is, death—but struggle. The word was used to describe Olympic wrestling matches, as well as other sporting competitions. The term was also used to refer to the struggles of orators, who competed in the art of oratory. The word may also have referred to verbal disputes between advocates in court. The term ἡ ἀγωνία referred to a physical, spiritual, mental struggle, overcoming fear or trepidation. So, St Luke very accurately described Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Olives: it was so great that it caused a bloody sweat.
The Shroud represents the entirety of the victim’s ordeal. More than 700 traces of various wounds were found there. The prelude to the crucifixion was the beating of the condemned, especially on the face. The blows or slaps were dealt with fists or a stick. From the marks on the Shroud, it is evident that the injury was mainly to the right side of the face, which was almost massacred. A large haematoma under the eye made it very difficult, if not impossible, to see. The wide wound from the nose through the cheek, the swelling, the numerous haematomas, and the fractured jaw testify to the particular cruelty of the torturers.
The trial of Jesus of Nazareth described in the canonical Gospels had two stages. The first was religious in nature and was conducted by the High Council led by the high priest. The second trial was political in nature and was conducted by the political authority exercised on behalf of the occupying Romans in Israel by Pontius Pilate, who acted as procurator in Palestine. The wounds on Jesus’ face referred to above occurred during the religious trial. Once Jesus had been captured in Gethsemane—the oil press located in the Garden of Olives—he was led to the house of Caiaphas and then to the Sanhedrin’s council chamber. Edward Szymanek notes that St Mark’s account portrays this trial as a biased one, which aimed at a guilty verdict. However, since some serious charge against Jesus had to be found, false witnesses were used (Mark 14:58n), whose testimony, however, was not consistent. They spoke of how Jesus claimed that he would tear down the temple and that he would rebuild it in three days without human labour. Then the high priest asked: Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One? (Mark 14:61) This question did not refer to Jesus’ deity, for such a thing was probably not contemplated, but concerned his messianic dignity, for the Old Testament texts already referred to the Messiah as the Son of God (cf. 2 Sam 7:5–16; Ps 2:7; Ps 89:27). Jesus’ response is very surprising when he openly confessed: I am (Mark 14:62). The high priest treated Jesus’ confession as blasphemy, and the whole crowd lashed out at the condemned man: Some began to spit on him. They blindfolded him and struck him (…). And the guards greeted him with blows. (Mark 14:65; Matt 26:67). Feliks Gryglewicz and Franciszek Jóźwiak conclude that Jesus was abused not only for the crowd to give vent to great anger, but also to make a mockery of his prophetic message (Prophesy!—Mark 14, 65; in Matthew’s version somewhat more broadly: Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you—Matt 26, 68). The slap was usually administered with the right hand wrapped in cloth. The blow was delivered with vigour from the left side so that the condemned person, facing the executioner, received a blow on the right cheek. If the blow was inflicted by a servant holding the other end of the rope with which the condemned man was bound, then his hand was wrapped in that very rope, which intensified the blow and injured the victim’s face. In St John’s account, the beating of Jesus during the religious trial was more vicious. Annas asked Christ about his teaching and his disciples. Thereupon Jesus replied that he had spoken openly and that the high priest ought to ask those who were listening to him (cf. John 18:21), which caused the servant’s reaction: When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” (John 18, 22). The Greek term used by St John, τò ῥάπισμα, describes not so much a slap dealt by hand as a blow dealt with a rod or stick. Therefore Jesus, protesting, replied, If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me? (John 18:23). The Polish translation of this passage is not accurate. The verb δέρω used here means “to wound, to skin, to strip off the skin.” Jesus’ statement should therefore be translated: “Why are you wounding me?” The blow was so severe that it broke the nose, separated the cartilage from the bone and cut the skin on the nose and cheek.
The night after his arrest, Jesus walked about 2–3 km, being pushed and beaten on the march and during interrogation. A sleepless night in prison, probably in harsh conditions, a forced position, remaining without any opportunity to quench his thirst—all of this must have severely weakened the condemned man before his pending scourging and crucifixion.
The Shroud contains traces of 121 deep whip wounds. We can conclude from these that Jesus was flogged with short-handled whips with several thongs ending in iron balls or sharp animal bones (Latin: flagellum) which often ripped out the victim’s flesh during the blows, rupturing vessels, exposing nerves and penetrating to the bones.
In the Roman Empire, there was a ban on the whipping of Roman citizens, issued in 195 BC in the Lex Porcia, and renewed in 123 BC in the Lex Sempronia. Flagellation, however, was commonly used against members of conquered nations. Scourging was used to extract confessions or admissions of guilt. Roman law did not specify the number of strokes: it was decided by the lictor—the soldier administering the punishment.
Scourging customarily preceded crucifixion. It did not apply to women, senators and soldiers, except for deserters. Before inflicting this torture, the condemned was stripped naked and tied to a pole with his hands raised. This was carried out by two soldiers, on whose physical disposition and mental attitude towards the victim the strength of the blows depended, which could cause the victim to faint or even die. The infliction of this punishment often resulted in the body being massacred, while the severe pain and blood loss often caused shock and affected the duration of the agony on the cross.
The evangelist Matthew focuses on the theological significance of Jesus’ passion. He wrote about the physical suffering and torture to which Christ was subjected very briefly. He mentions the scourging in just one word (Matt 27:26). For him, it was more important that the leaders of the nation took responsibility for Jesus’ death. Josephus Flavius, on the other hand, states that the scourging preceded the crucifixion (Bell 2, 14, 9; 5, 11, 1).
The marks left on the Shroud by the thorny branches plaited into the shape of a coif and imposed on Jesus’ head as a parody of the coronation attest to the authenticity of the condemned man’s ordeal. This cynical act underlined the main accusation made against Jesus (that he dared to call himself king), since neither before nor since such a custom had been reported. The deep spikes of the coif of thorns that pierced the skin and often reached the periosteum caused neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve. On the forehead, 13 piercings can be counted, while on the back of the head—20. The shroud does not make the sides of the head visible, so it is assumed that there may have been about 50 total thorn injuries.
In Palestine, such a coif was made from the many thorny plants growing in the region. It could have been the thorn of Christ (Ziziphus spina-christi). Hanna Górska speculates that the most likely shrub used to crown Jesus was the thorn bloodroot (Sarcopoterium spinosum). It was commonly used in Jerusalem as fuel. The Gospel accounts of the Passion mention the burning of a fire in the courtyard of the high priest, at which the soldiers warmed themselves (Mark 14:67; Luke 22:55–56; John 18:22). Probably the same fuel was gathered in the fortress of Antonia, where Jesus’ political trial took place. The soldiers therefore did not need to look for a special bush. To describe the plant from which the crown was made, the evangelists used the Greek term ἡ ἄκανθα—‘thorn, thorny bush’ (cf. Matt 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2). This is a common term and not a proper name, so it is not possible to resolve which plant the soldiers used when crowning Jesus.
On the cloth of the Shroud there are numerous traces of deep wounds on the arms, especially on the right arm. The crossbeam, which weighed about 60 kg, was fixed asymmetrically on the shoulders, which meant that the condemned could not cushion his fall or support himself with his hand, which meant that he usually fell on his left knee or on his face. The knee was so damaged that the victim was most likely unable to walk on his own. On the last part of the path—the uphill path—he was probably dragged. The marks on the Shroud also show the last act of suffering: the nailing of the outspread hands and feet and the suspension of the body.
Because of the loss of strength caused by the suffering inflicted on Him, it is most likely that Jesus could not carry the cross Himself. On the 600–650 m route between the Praetorium of Pilate’s palace, where the scourging took place, and the place of crucifixion, the condemned fell several times.
Taking into account the loss of blood, the strong emotional ordeal and the great physical suffering along with the lack of sleep, meals or drink (which was of vital importance in the hot Mediterranean climate), it can be assumed that Jesus was already in a critical condition before the crucifixion. When the victim was knocked to the ground before being nailed to the cross, the dried wounds would reopen, resulting in further blood loss. With every breath, the unhealed wounds on contact with the rough and rugged tree of the cross would open, releasing blood.
The Evangelists did not write about the wounds suffered on the way of the cross. The information they provided is very sparse. Matthew only indicated that Jesus was led to the crucifixion (Matt 27:31) and then that they forced Simon to carry His cross. Mark added that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:20–21). Luke supplemented this information by stating that a multitude of people followed Him. He also wrote of the weeping women—whom Jesus admonished to weep over themselves and their sons—and of two other condemned who were led with Christ to be executed (Luke 23:26–32). St John, on the other hand, wrote that Jesus himself carried the cross (John 19:17).
The nails were driven into the wrists, not the palms because, as has been shown, only the bones and ligaments of the wrist can support the weight of the body. Nails were driven between the radius bone and the wrist bones or between the wrist bones themselves, proximal to the flexor muscle trochlea and wrist ligaments. Although the nail mostly passed between the bones and did not cause fractures, the damage to the periosteum itself caused unbearable pain. The driven nail could crush or damage the median nerve, causing excruciating pain in both arms along with the paralysis of the hand. The feet were usually nailed to the anterior cruciate through the first or second metatarsal space, distal to the junction of the tarsal and metatarsal bones. It is very likely that the nerves, the vessels and muscles of the foot were traumatised, which resulted in increased bleeding from the wounds and excruciating pain (causalgia), which, as we know today, is difficult to alleviate even with narcotics.
The Evangelists, however, did not convey the details of the nailing or the type of torture inflicted. Mark indicated that Jesus was given wine laced with myrrh to act as an intoxicant, but Jesus did not accept it (Mark 15:23). He also gave information about the separation of garments (Mark 15:24) and the mocking on the cross (Mark 15:29–32).
The question of the time of the crucifixion is of interest. Mark indicates that it was the third hour (Mark 15:25). The third hour of the day would mean the ninth hour of the morning. Exegetes surmise that it is rather the time of day between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. This can be inferred from the text. According to Matthew, the crucifixion took place later, but this information refers to the time of the dying. He wrote that from six o’clock to nine o’clock darkness enveloped the whole earth (cf. Matt 27:45). Given Matthew’s account, Jesus’ death occurred at around 3 p.m. Luke gave a similar time, writing that from the sixth hour of the day until the ninth hour Jesus’ moribund state continued (Luke 23:44–46).
The most devastating, pathophysiological consequence of the crucifixion was the inability to breathe properly, especially to exhale properly. The weight pulling the body down on outstretched arms and bent knees forced the intercostal muscles into an inspiratory position and prevented passive exhalation. The latter could only be done with the diaphragm muscles. Respiration was therefore shallow, inefficient, with rapidly developing hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. To exhale, the victim had to raise his arms and, resting on his feet, spread his knees. This movement in turn caused severe pain in the pierced feet and wrists from irritated and nail-damaged nerves, and increased bleeding from the wounds along with pain in the injured back that was rubbing against the uncut wood of the cross. The tetanic muscle cramps that followed fatigue plus water and electrolyte disturbances made breathing impossible.
The Gospel account states that Jesus only spoke from the cross seven times. Each spoken word must have caused great suffering, as the utterances could only take place in a phase of active, non-physiological exhalation forced by the position of the hanging body. The first of these utterances is recorded by St Luke: Father, forgive them, they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ prayer for his persecutors is very deeply rooted in his teaching (cf. Luke 6:28). Exegetes question the authenticity of these words because they are missing from several codices (e.g. 3rd century P75, 4th century Codex Vaticanus (B), 5th century Codex Bezae (D)). It appears that some copyists deleted this prayer for persecutors because of the conflict that arose at the end of the 1st century between Judaism and Christianity after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple. However, this prayer was known to Tatian the Syrian when he created the Diatessaron around 170, as well as to St Irenaeus (†204). It must therefore be accepted as authentic. This rather lengthy utterance of Jesus must have cost Him a great deal of effort because of the severe respiratory distress resulting from the dangling position of His body on the cross. By uttering these words at just such a moment, Christ set an example of how to pray for persecutors. At the end of his journey to Jerusalem, he taught that one should always forgive (Luke 17:3–4). The use of the past imperfect tense (imperfectum) in this statement is significant: “Jesus said…” (orig. Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἔλεγεν). It follows that the words of the prayer “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” were repeated by Him many times. They were spoken with a certain insistence and resembled the insistence of the widow in the parable, the same one who repeatedly asked the dishonest judge to grant her request (cf. Luke 18:1–8).
Despite so much suffering, Jesus, hanging on the cross, noticed even the repentant thief. To him he addressed his second utterance: Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43). Two terms are significant. The first is the Greek ὁ παράδεισος—‘paradise.’ This term is derived from ancient Iranian, in which pairi-daēza means a garden surrounded by an irrigating ditch or a beautiful valley. The Septuagint translates the Hebrew gan in this way. Thus, the word primarily means a garden of paradise. It is a symbol of exceptional fertility and a garden in which man is happy (Gen 2:8; Song 4:13; Eccl 2:5; Neh 2:8). The Slavonic Book of Enoch, which is probably a translation from the Greek original dating from the 1st century BC, presents the third heaven as paradise. God, on the other hand, has His throne in the seventh heaven. From time to time, He descends into the third heaven (EnochSl 8–9). Such views are also expressed by St Paul, writing that he was raptured into the third heaven (2 Cor 2:2.4). The second term with theological significance is σήμερον—‘today.’ This today points to the present moment in which salvation takes place. Jesus, hanging on the cross, saves man, and the repentant thief, as one of the first men, shares not only in Jesus’ passion, but also in the work of salvation, and together with Jesus he will receive salvation, entering paradise with him on the same day.
A third statement is given by St John the Evangelist: Woman, behold, your son (…). Behold, your mother (John 19:26n). In the light of the law, these words have a very significant meaning. It is a testament in which the dying Christ placed his mother in the care of the beloved disciple, by which the disciple became her son. The second dimension of this statement is of theological significance and is the revelation of God’s design. It is the culminating moment of the revelation of God’s sonship: Jesus as Son of God bequeaths to his mother the beloved disciple. In turn, he entrusts his mother to the beloved disciple. Through this act of will, Jesus does not cease to be the only son of his mother. At the hour of his death, Christ calls forth a new family—God’s family. He dies as the Son of God because His Father is God. He also dies as the Son of Man, for He took humanity from His mother. He now establishes her as the mother of all His beloved disciples.
The fourth utterance of Jesus from the cross is recorded by St Matthew: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:46). The evangelist noted that it was the ninth hour of the day. On the day before Passover at this hour in the temple, the people of God slaughtered the Passover lambs. It is the hour of sacrifice and prayer. Jesus then cried out in a loud voice, literally: φωνῇ μεγάλῃ—with a great voice. This phrase in the Bible means the cry of the orant. Jesus’ great prayer is heard from the cross. Christ had been abandoned by the disciples, while the people who stand beneath the cross mocked Him. It can be said that He was also abandoned by His own people, who handed Him over to the Romans for crucifixion. He therefore cries out to God. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews records: he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Heb 5:7–9). Jesus, feeling abandoned by the people, cries out to God with full confidence, turning to Him: “My God.” This is a God who is very close and can be fully trusted. The words of the prayer taken from the psalm (Ps 22:2) are full of pain, a sense of abandonment, but also hope, which speaks from the further verses of the song.
Another, the fifth, statement of Jesus from the cross is recorded by St John. It is just: I thirst (John 19:28). The cry of the dying Christ is very powerful. At the end of his passion, he cries out “I thirst,” thus praying the words of the psalm: Instead they gave me poison for my food; and for my thirst they gave me vinegar (Ps 69, 22). This one phrase expresses the desire to live and to give the gift of life to those for whom He offers Himself. This thirst is of a personal nature, to which Jesus refers in this prayer. It is God who gives life. Jesus desires all this to happen so that those for whom He gave life might also have life and have it in abundance (cf. John 10:10).
The sixth statement also comes from the Gospel according to St John: It is finished (John 19:30). These words are like a seal put on the whole work of Jesus. He affirmed that everything the Father had commanded him had been accomplished. John portrays Christ as God and Lord. Even the scene on the cross is more reminiscent of sitting on a royal throne than of a terrible dying. Jesus is Lord, which is why He uttered the words ‘it is done,’ and then He Himself gave up the ghost and bowed His head. In John’s account, from the cross of Jesus flows the majesty of God who accomplishes man’s salvation. This expresses the truth that salvation was “accomplished” on the cross. The last words from the cross recorded by St Luke are similarly eloquent: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46). These words are taken from Ps 30:6 in the Septuagint version. It is a prayer of lamentation by a man who, being in a difficult situation in life, turns to God. He trusts God because only He can help him. At the moment of death, Jesus cites a prayer of complete trust in God. Luke records that after these words Christ gave up the ghost. Leaving aside the exegetical question which words of Jesus were actually spoken and which were woven into the account of the evangelists to give Jesus’ death salvific significance, the effort of the condemned man to say anything was medically overwhelming.
When the soldiers came to Golgotha again, they broke the shins of the two villains, and seeing that Jesus had already died, they only pierced his side with a spear, and then blood and water flowed from the wound (John 19:34). The blow thus inflicted left a mark measuring 3.4 × 1.4 cm at the level of the fifth and sixth ribs of the right side of the chest, at a distance of 13 cm from the sternum. It was inflicted with a broad stabbing instrument, probably one of the Roman spears. The Evangelist John, in his description of the crucifixion, does not specify whether it was the left or right side of the body. According to Roman custom, it was the right side, and the large amount of blood flowing out came from the filled cavities on the right side of the heart rather than from the thick-walled, shrunken left ventricle.
From a medical point of view, the question of whether water or blood flowed out first is difficult. Although John states that the blood flowed out first, this does not necessarily correspond to reality, since in the ancient Greek tradition the order of the words was rather due to their meaning.
The word ‘water’ can be understood as a serous fluid from the pleura or pericardial sac. Blood may have flowed from the right heart cavity or from the pericardial sac. Also, in the pleural cavity there could have been bloody fluid resulting from damage to the chest from the blows inflicted on Jesus with a stick (acute lung injury), as well as from the whipping that ruptured the skin, muscles, vessels and intercostal nerves, which also led to serious bone injuries.
Jesus died relatively quickly, between three and six hours after the crucifixion. The fact that he hung his head and died after a loud cry may suggest an additional sudden cause of death. There may have been a myocardial infarction with rupture of the left ventricular free wall and spillage of blood into the pericardial sac with secondary cardiac tamponade; however, this complication rarely occurs in the first few days of an infarction. Shock due to the loss of blood and body fluids, severe trauma and great physical suffering could also have been the cause of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with possible embolization of the coronary vessels of the heart by small thrombi and secondary myocardial infarction.
The literature also cites the toxic effects on the heart of high concentrations of catecholamines released due to excessively strong physical sensations and emotions as a possible cause of death. These substances in such concentrations damage the left ventricular muscle, lead to a dramatic decrease in ejection fraction, pulmonary oedema and cardiogenic shock. They also trigger fatal arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation.
Many factors contributed to Jesus’ death, while each of those mentioned above – post-traumatic, post-haemorrhagic and hypovolaemic shock; acute respiratory and circulatory failure, caused by severe penetrating chest injuries, with massive pneumonia and exudative fluid in the pleural cavities; suffocation from expiratory failure caused by crucifixion; myocardial infarction or dangerous cardiac arrhythmias—could have independently led to a rapid death.
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Zugibe F.T., Caroll D., Dissecting Death: Secrets of a Medical Examiner, New York 2005.
Sources of Images
1., 5., 7. Fragment of the exhibition “Who is the Man from the Shroud?” at the John Paul II Centre in Krakow. Collection and ownership of the Polish Syndonological Centre in Krakow
2., 3., 8., 12. Sindonology.org, Shroud Scope, http://www.sindonology.org/shroudScope/shroudScope.shtml (copyright: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Turin; educational use)
4. Juan Manuel Miñarro Lopez, https://www.facebook.com/juanmanuel.minarrolopez/photos
6. Kim jest Człowiek z Całunu? [exhibition brochure], Kraków 2012.
9. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sarcopoterium_spinosum_at_Crete,_Greece_001.jpg (Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0)
10. Wikimedia Commons, https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plik:Sarcopoterium_spinosum_dry_skeleton_RJP_01.jpg (CC BY-SA 3.0)
11. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carpus.png (Zoph, CC BY-SA 3.0)
13. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fra_Angelico_027.jpg (public domain) | christianity |
http://dufurchristianchurch.org/ | 2016-05-30T06:47:25 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-22/segments/1464050919950.49/warc/CC-MAIN-20160524004839-00038-ip-10-185-217-139.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.974552 | 113 | CC-MAIN-2016-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2016-22__0__48582269 | en | Above all we want Jesus to be the focus of our gatherings. He is central to our salvation, way-of-life, and why we gather together. It's our prayer that you see Jesus living in us; that the way we live shows what we believe.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” | christianity |
http://bellcountylepc.org/bell-countys-history-and-historical-churches/ | 2021-10-23T01:58:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-43/segments/1634323585537.28/warc/CC-MAIN-20211023002852-20211023032852-00309.warc.gz | 0.986607 | 715 | CC-MAIN-2021-43 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-43__0__172122341 | en | Five years after Texas has entered the Union, Bell County was named after Milam County. On the banks of Nolan Creek, County Commissioners are able to select a county seat and has named it Nolandsville. Eventually after two years, the name of the town was then changed into Belton and it has become official then. Belton’s first settlers have built their houses, saloons, stores, hotels, and other infrastructures. When they lined up behind the South, the town has prospered until the Civil War. Things went out of the way for the South during that time and Belton was greatly affected, making it suffer through tough times. When the 1800s came, Belton was able to flourish once again after it was able to recover from the war. Up to this date there are still some historical churches in Bell County, Texas that can still be found.
Bell County has been through an amazing history which greatly involves its churches in town. Texas has been famous for its “cowboys” but despite that idea, many people don’t know that Texas, particularly Bell County, is a home to some historic churches.
Way back in 1828, the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the North took place. After 16 years, the Methodist Episcopal Church in the South was formed due to the consequence of debates over slavery during that time. This separation has resulted to the formation of the Mount Zion Methodist Church.
For 30 years (1844 – 1874), the minister of the Mount Zion UMS was Rev. R. P. Brown. And in 1878, Reverend George Sawyer has served as a pastor and lasted for only two years. M. J. J. Robertson’s property has been purchased by various trustees who included Isaiah Crofford, Robert Blair, Henry White, and Primus Crofford. This site has been regarded originally as being on one of the hills of a black community in the west part of Belton, known as Dangerfield. The house of the church was situated along FM 93 which was formerly named as the Old Nolanville Road.
After some years, Rev. R. H. Ponton was able to relocate the congregation together with the church trustees and has built a stucco building that is located on Nolan Creek’s South Bank.
The year 1939 marked the leadership of Rev. J. F. Muse when an agreement was done between the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church. This resulted in the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church of America. And in the early seventies the name of the congregation was modified and turned into United Methodist Church.
In 1970, an addition to the old stucco church was developed and completed four years after. Rev. Clifton served as the pastor during the restoration of the old stucco building in 1986. The building was then listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 after it was completed. In 1993, the 149th anniversary of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church was celebrated. This is actually the state’s second oldest black church and the oldest black Methodist church in Texas.
The First Christian Church Parsonage, built in the 1900, is also a historic church located at 608 N. Penelope St. The Old St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is another historical church in Bell County that is situated at 438 N. Wall Street. It was built in 1874. These are the historical churches in Bell County, Texas. | christianity |
http://www.stcathofalex.com/index.php?page=prayer | 2013-05-22T07:53:31 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701508530/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105148-00050-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.927999 | 364 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__108098951 | en | This group meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 8:30am in the Church Eucharistic chapel. Together we pray for any parishioner's request, which includes prayers of thanksgiving and petitions. Intentions to be prayed for may be submitted to the parish center by phone or in person.
The St. Catherine's telephone prayer chain is for immediate and crisis petitions. Each person on the chain prays for the requested petition and then phones the next person on the list. Intentions to be prayed for may be submitted to the parish center by phone or in person.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Many of you have a special gift for crocheting or knitting, and on many occasions we have need for Prayer Shawls. A prayer shawl is something like a Tallith, which is traditionally worn by Jewish Men or boys at morning prayers. The Old testament mentions "A mantel of prayer" and "being clothed in prayer." In recent years prayer shawls have crossed religious denominations - the prayer shawl gives encouragment and comfort to people in difficult times.These shawls are lovingly created while the person who makes them prays, and then as all the shawls are ready for delivery, they are blessed and sent to people who are hurting, mourning the loss of a loved one, sick or dying as a sign of comfort and healing not only from the creator of the shawl but also from the parish communities of St. Catherine and St. Joan of Arc.
W359 N8512 Brown St
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Toll Free 877.871.8489
|Archdiocese Clergy Abuse Claims & Information click here.||Copyright © 2012
St. Catherine of Alexandria | christianity |
https://sketchygospel.substack.com/p/lent-day-1-a-true-fast | 2023-03-25T20:10:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296945372.38/warc/CC-MAIN-20230325191930-20230325221930-00770.warc.gz | 0.969391 | 387 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__53123541 | en | Lent Day 1: A true fast
Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen"
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
It’s common to fast and abstain during lent.
It’s a practice that has been going on for hundreds of years and fasting has an even longer history. But in the Bible, we see how this practice can go off track.
The Israelites knew they needed God’s blessing and that fasting was a sign of repentance, but their repentance was fake. If it had been genuine, their actions would have backed them up. They would have been doing exactly what Isaiah told them to do.
Instead they were going through the motions, without true repentance. They wanted what God would give them, but not what it meant to live with God.
It’s not a coincidence that almsgiving has long been a key lenten practice too.
As we enter Lent and consider fasting, we shouldn’t lose sight of the significance of the season. Let us look through our hearts and repent of where we’ve sinned. Let us look to God’s heart for justice and look for how we can live it out.
Optional Prayer (you can pray in your own words of course)
“Lord, I am sorry for where I have fallen short of your standards. I’m sorry for where I’ve turned a blind eye to injustice. Thank you that through the sacrifice of your son, you have given me a new heart. Show me and help me live out your heart of Justice, today and always. Amen” | christianity |
https://www.audiblethought.com/blog/matrimony-and-the-fulfillment-of-humanity | 2023-01-31T03:30:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-06/segments/1674764499842.81/warc/CC-MAIN-20230131023947-20230131053947-00558.warc.gz | 0.97218 | 874 | CC-MAIN-2023-06 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-06__0__294246838 | en | The other day it occurred to me that a blog post on matrimony would not be amiss... There are all too many people that encourage only looking into the priesthood and the consecrated life, without encouraging young men or women to pray about matrimony, and I have recently encountered "Catholics" who are absolutely convinced that marriage is harmful to the spiritual life, but, as it were, a necessary evil. This is erroneous, fallacious, and dangerous. This conclusion is reached because the fact is acknowledged that the consecrated life is a higher calling than matrimony. (This is what the Church has said all along, so I won't get into it in any depth now, maybe later.) If this is true, it must be better for attaining salvation, and so a married person has given up his best shot at getting to Heaven. However, a vocation is that state in life for which a person is made. Practically by definition, it is through a person's vocation that the best and surest rout to Heaven is for that person. If you are one of those persons for whom I am writing this blog post, you're thinking right now: "Clearly, there is a contradiction... he just said that the best vocation is the consecrated life, but that the best vocation for anyone is their own vocation and that many people are not called to the consecrated life." So please, if you see this apparent contradiction, bear with me.
The religious life may be a higher calling than the married life, but the married life has a wholly different kind of glory. Only the consecrated life requires perpetual virginity, but marriage is still a sacrament which includes literally the fulfillment of chastity. Whereas the consecrated life takes a human faculty that brings joy and offers it to God pure and unused, matrimony takes that same faculty and uses it unto the end for which God made it. The sanctification of this faculty involves chastity, ordered to the love of the spouse and the good of the children; because marriage is so good, the abuse of chastity is so wrong. The consecrated life is a way of rising above our fallen nature in order to be brought as close to God as is possible in this life; marriage raises our fallen nature up, and brings it closer to what it was supposed to be in the beginning, when God blessed man and woman, and said "Be fruitful and multiply". In the one you may spend your whole life living God and praying to God for your fellow man, but in the other you devote your life still to God in a different mode. In the cloister you pray to God that the right people may come into the lives of sinners that they might convert; in matrimony you are on the front lines, coming into the lives of people and being used by God for the sakes of the sinners. In the cloister a person prays that good parents may give birth to and raise children to be the next generation; when you are married, you receive the graces from these prayers, because you are those parents.
It is only in matrimony that procreation is permitted because matrimony was made to sanctify the only way that humans can procreate. In this sacrament, a couple becomes a mother and a father, through mirroring God's trinity in the best way humanly possible: In matrimony two become one, and from their loving oneness children spring forth. A wise man once said that lust is wrong not because a person takes too much but that he settles for too little. This is why. Marriage carries with it great responsibility, great graces, great love, great symbolism, great joy, and humanity in its fullest.
So why is it that the consecrated life can be both higher objectively and worse for a certain person? Because both are so good, because individuals are given talents ordered to their specific vocation, to make the most out of it that can be made out of it, and because goodness comes exclusively from fulfillment of a thing's purpose. Just as a good knife is the one that cuts well, a good man is he who fulfills his calling. When a man is called to marriage, he will be holiest when he is married. | christianity |
http://cakeandeggs.com/on-loss-and-pregnancy/ | 2019-02-17T23:35:58 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-09/segments/1550247483873.51/warc/CC-MAIN-20190217233327-20190218015327-00180.warc.gz | 0.982838 | 521 | CC-MAIN-2019-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-09__0__115577768 | en | 3 years ago
Warning: Emotional Trigger Warning
On Sunday, I sat in church and when the pastor pulled up the verse "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7), for a moment I stopped breathing.
This was the exact verse I whispered to myself throughout the entire ride as we rushed to the hospital last year.
Last summer, I had a miscarriage and to say I was devastated would be an understatement. My heart was literally broken, not just by the loss of my unborn baby, but by what I thought was God’s betrayal to me. I whispered the verse the entire time we rushed to the hospital and I believed in my heart this baby would be saved. Even as we stared at the empty uterus on the ultrasound, I hoped against all hope. I refused to acknowledge an alternate scenario and the rest unfolded like a scene out of a bad movie.
Telling my mother about my loss was like yanking a stitch out of barely closed wound. The hurt and disappointment in her voice was palpable over the line. She had been waiting for this child for almost five years and in that moment, I knew I failed her.
It took a while to forgive myself and stop pinning God to my timetable because now I understood it wasn’t meant to be. As much as I wanted and loved that baby, they were not for this world. But to be in such a helpless position was, and still is, scary.
When we found out I was pregnant again, I was filled with a rush of emotions: fear, anxiety, and trepidation. I tried to stay detached, to protect my fragile heart from shattering again. I held my secret fast to my heart thinking it would be easier for everyone. Every week that passed and I was still pregnant, I barely gave myself a chance to hope. The first time I saw our bundle of joy on the ultrasound, my heart immediately melted and I could no longer deny what was happening. I was growing a tiny human.
Sure, I can obsess over every pain and comb through the community boards looking for answers. I can also email and call my Ob-Gyn every day but I also rejoice every time I am one week further along. Every backache, hip pain, and headache is only a reminder of what is to come. As annoying as pregnancy has been, it is truly a miracle of what the body can do. And I am grateful to be on this journey. | christianity |
https://www.stmarysschool.tn.org/discover-st-mary-s | 2024-02-28T15:13:34 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474737.17/warc/CC-MAIN-20240228143955-20240228173955-00318.warc.gz | 0.958261 | 319 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__41411403 | en | About St. Mary's School
A Brief History
St. Mary’s Catholic School was established in 1878 to teach children in an atmosphere of faith. St. Mary’s has been the only Catholic, parochial, elementary school to operate for over 140 years, in the Diocese of Memphis and is the oldest continuously existing parochial school in the state of TN. The school has been administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, in Nashville, from 1900 to present. It is owned and operated by St. Mary’s Parish and supported by parents and parishioners and the wider community.
It takes a special place to prepare the children of today for success tomorrow. A place where quality teachers and a remarkable curriculum make a difference. A place where students forge lasting friendships. A place where praying is as important as playing. A place like St. Mary’s School.
St. Mary’s is known for its traditional yet unique programs that encourage the highest degree of academic excellence and spiritual formation. It is a place where education is inspired by a supernatural vision that forms the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically.
Authentically Catholic in the Dominican Tradition
Our mission is founded on a Christian anthropology
that fosters a love for wisdom and truth while
integrating the four Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service. Through a solid moral formation and a classical approach to learning, St. Mary's provides a well-rounded experience in an environment that prepares children for the future. | christianity |
http://vineandbranchworldministries.com/2010/11/29/learning-to-manage-time-wisely/ | 2018-01-23T11:40:03 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-05/segments/1516084891926.62/warc/CC-MAIN-20180123111826-20180123131826-00099.warc.gz | 0.950409 | 384 | CC-MAIN-2018-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-05__0__93573666 | en | We are locked into time and space. Because of this, it is impossible for us to fully grasp what it would be like to be unhampered by temporal restraints. But we serve a God for whom all events are equally present. Henry David Thoreau once observed: “As if we could kill time without injuring eternity.” Time is our most precious resource, and Scripture assures us that our stewardship of the time we have been allotted is not something we should ignore.
In Psalm 90:17, Moses prayed that God would “establish the work of our hands. This old man had seen his entire generation wandering aimlessly in the desert. For forty years the Israelites had roamed, with no specific destination in sight. In view of that seemingly futile drifting, Moses had cried out to God for some assurance of significance. Moses essentially said, “Unless we are gripped by life’s brevity and place proper value on the time we have, no matter how long or short it is, we will never gain a wise heart.”
We can employ the skills and principles of time management, buy a new calendar (even a high priced electronic one), employ a better scheduling system–all are of little benefit until we understand the value of time. Granted, we may do a better job of scheduling our time, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing a better job of spending that time. Knowing the difference defines wisdom!
According to Moses, the years of our lives “quickly pass”. As we grow older, we look back and wonder where the time went. Each of us is allotted a finite number of days. Are we spending those days wandering aimlessly, with no goal, no purpose in sight? Or are we numbering those days and thereby gaining a heart of wisdom? “Lord teach us…” | christianity |
https://ministryscholarship.bpc.edu/ | 2024-04-21T23:56:22 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296818067.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20240421225303-20240422015303-00233.warc.gz | 0.949077 | 154 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__88211885 | en | Brewton-Parker has been committed to helping students find God’s purpose for their lives.
We Call, Prepare, and Inspire our students to be effective members of society while being ambassadors for Christ.
Therefore, Brewton-Parker College wants to create more opportunities for students to attend college and pursue their calling into the Christian Ministry. We believe in the pastoral mission to equip the Saints; that is to prepare and equip students with the tools to fulfil God's calling to ministry on their life. Therefore, we ask you to nominate a student or students (one form per student) at your church to receive a scholarship when they pursue Christian Studies at Brewton-Parker College. Please list the student's information below. | christianity |
https://giving.archchicago.org/ttwci | 2019-05-20T15:14:15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-22/segments/1558232256040.41/warc/CC-MAIN-20190520142005-20190520164005-00408.warc.gz | 0.964845 | 316 | CC-MAIN-2019-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-22__0__108889044 | en | When Cardinal George launched To Teach Who Christ Is in 2013, he envisioned a campaign to strengthen our parishes, Catholic education and faith formation for generations to come. Emboldened by his courage to step out in faith despite his own personal illness, I fully embraced the challenge to continue his work to bring to completion what he began. It is heartening to know that more than 70,000 faithful from across this Archdiocese chose to support their parishes and the important shared ministries of our local Church.
Indeed, the blessings of To Teach Who Christ Is are many. Together, we raised more than $400 million, and the partnerships we developed will be instrumental for future initiatives, like Renew My Church. Thank you for ensuring the vibrancy of our Church!
The campaign has now entered the pledge fulfillment phase. These next five years are equally important to our endeavor, as parishes receive their funds from pledge payments and can then complete the projects they outlined during their campaigns. So much has already been accomplished and, like you, I am excited to see the fruits of our efforts. Please keep us up to date on what is taking place in your parish as a result of of To Teach Who Chris Is, so we can share your good news with others.
Your friendship and generosity are deeply appreciated. Please remember me and this Archdiocese in your prayers, as you are always in mine.
Wishing you every blessing, with kind regards I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago | christianity |
https://www.hinducollegegazette.com/post/the-mahatma-versus-christian-missionaries | 2022-09-27T02:43:46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-40/segments/1664030334974.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20220927002241-20220927032241-00140.warc.gz | 0.9473 | 4,044 | CC-MAIN-2022-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-40__0__288111613 | en | Why India and the world need Gandhi: The New York Times
Gandhi very well understood that people belonging to different religions do not generally encounter one another in purely religious arenas. Rather, it is in the everyday social milieu that they cross paths. Therefore, did Gandhi try to understand religious plurality in a crisscross of overlapping human experiences. Gandhi, being a Hindu, started engaging with Christianity because it mattered to his friends in London. “The business acumen and honesty of the Muslim merchants brought them close to one who immediately recognized their "bania"(the Indian regional variant for trader/merchant) virtues.”
Gandhi’s engagement with Christianity can be unraveled based on his general attitudes towards religious pluralism, but it also deserves a distinct dissection of its own owing to its distinctive nature. Christianity, unlike the other religions, jostled with Gandhi in a power hierarchy of colonialism. It unquestionably tainted the relationship of Gandhi with the British, throughout his life. Although there was a presence of Christians in India long before British arrived, a quick rise in the number of Christian missionaries in India happened only with the entry of British. Christianity thus came to be concomitant with its ‘colonial genesis ’. Christianity was Gandhi’s tool to reprimand the colonial master. He himself admitted that he had learnt a lot from Christianity. The Christians who knew Gandhi in fact felt that Gandhi would make a much better Christian than they were.
In this essay, we aim to reveal Gandhi’s engagement with the religion of Christianity. In such a revelation we will begin by analyzing Gandhi’s take on, perception of, and use of Jesus Christ in his political life as a promoter of non-violent methods of resistance. In addition to this, we shall portray Gandhi’s views on conversions carried out by Christian missionaries against the backdrop of his belief that one does not need to convert in order to respect and learn from other religions.
Jesus: the Son of God?
For Gandhi, Christianity was not so much about worshipping Christ as it was about becoming Christ. Though he never revered Jesus as ‘Son of God’, he also did not let go of Christ all through his life. He rather chose to understand and grasp the ideals by which Jesus lived his life as a person. This was a reaffirmation of Gandhi’s ‘my life is my message’ approach which he also adopted towards Christianity. He thus wrote:
“Faith does not admit of telling. It has to be lived and then it becomes self-propagating. Nor do I consider myself fit to interpret Hinduism except through my own life. And if I may not interpret Hinduism through my written word, I may not compare it with Christianity.”
Gandhi turned to religion in order to justify the righteousness and just nature of freedom movements. In Young India of 4th August, 1920, Gandhi wrote:
“I venture to submit that the Bhagavad Gita is a gospel of non-cooperation between forces of darkness and those of light…To say of the Bible that it taboos non-cooperation is not to know Jesus, a prince among passive resisters, who uncompromisingly challenged the might of the Sadducees and the Pharisees and for the sake of truth did not hesitate to divide sons from their parents.”
Gandhi was always skeptical of popular religious beliefs and ever-ready to break the scriptural interpretations when they were used to justify violence and oppression. But being a man of quick wit, he turned to the same scriptures in order to challenge the acts of the oppressor. Bhagavad Gita was one of the texts that lay at the heart of Gandhi’s differences with those Indian revolutionaries who felt that resorting to violence was the correct way to go ahead. Bhagavad Gita is an account of Lord Krishna explaining to Arjun the justification for him to fight the battle of Kurukshetra. The likes of V.D. Savarkar chose to interpret Bhagavad Gita as a call for violence. But Gandhi used the text itself to give the following interpretation:
“… the Gita, … under the guise of physical warfare, it described the duel that perpetually went on in the hearts of mankind, … The author of the Mahabharata … has made the victors shed tears of sorrow and repentance, and has left them nothing but a legacy of miseries.”
In the same way, he used the Christian texts at various instances to condemn the acts of violence and excesses committed by the western civilizations. The colonial masters had tried to justify these using Christian religious scriptural interpretations. In his letter dated 29th of November, 147 to Madam Edmond Privat, whom he also called Bhakti, Gandhi wrote:
“Europe mistook the bold and brave resistance full of wisdom by Jesus of Nazareth for passive resistance, as if it was of the weak. As I read the New Testament for the first time I detected no passivity, no weakness about Jesus as depicted in the four gospels … Has not the West paid heavily in regarding Jesus as a passive resister? Christendom has been responsible for the wars which put to shame even those described in the Old Testament and other records, historical or semi-historical.”
Gandhi used his knowledge of Christian ideals from the scriptures and the life of Jesus Christ to also offer advice to Jews under the rule of Hitler. To one of his advice of non-violence, a newspaper under Anglo-Indian management retorted by saying that Gandhi has failed to understand the message of the scripture as portrayed through Christ’s life. They essentially said that it was because Christ opted for non-violence that he faced the hardships and bad times in life. They also concluded that Jesus had to die because he was upholding his idea of passive resistance. To this Gandhi replied as follows:
“Though I cannot claim to be a Christian in the sectarian sense the example of Jesus's suffering is a factor in the composition of my undying faith in non- violence which rules all my actions worldly and temporal. And I know there are hundreds of Christians who believe likewise. Jesus lived and died in vain if he did not teach us to regulate the whole of life by the eternal Law of Love.”
Gandhi’s proclivity to hold Jesus in high regard as a person and to imbibe from his way of life was a stern and lifelong journey, which even after his demise made repeated appearances in the way Gandhi is perceived by people all around the world. John Haynes Holmes, a prominent unitarian minister in New York said in 1921, “When I think of Mahatma Gandhi, I think of Jesus Christ”
Conversion or Commercialised Trade?
Gandhi, in his understanding of religious assistance in transcendence from light to dark, was hinting at a shift from tamasik to the sattvik i.e. a shift from darkness of aloofness to the light of moksha. He believed that a prayer was not asking its devotee to give up his swadharma and find refuge in a foreign dharma. Whereas, ‘conversion’, was the only connotation when the Christian missionaries promised a person, a shift towards light.
Gandhi welcomed the ideals of Christianity while ordaining his Hindu identity and expected the same from Christians. He wanted the Christians to help Hindus be ‘better Hindus’ and vice-versa. He was not the one to advocate conversion. He rather found the idea of having to change one’s way of being, like one’s name, attire, dietary habits and such, in order to adopt the ideals of Christianity, ridiculous. Gandhi as a kid, saw such missionaries standing at street corners speaking ill about Hinduism and trying to lure people to convert to Christianity.
Mirabehn, having renounced her previous ways of life, chose to adopt a lifestyle based on Hindu ideals, and wanted to convert to Hinduism. But Gandhi staunchly opposed her decision to abandon her religion. He wanted her to assimilate Hindu way of life into the folds of Christianity because he believed that there was a commonality of good in both Hinduism and Christianity. The need was to find it without abandoning one religion for the other. He wrote in Harijan of 25-1-1935:
“I am no keeper of anybody’s conscience, but I do feel that it argues some sort of weakness on the part of a person who easily declares his or her failure to derive comfort from the faith in which he or she is born.”
Gandhi ascribes the act of conversion being carried out by the Christian missionaries, to a colonial intent of destroying the cultural diversity of India. A question that Gandhi posed on the ideals of the missionaries who engaged in conversion in the name of Christianity was ‘why should not the service be its own reward?’. He believed that the aspiration and motivation of Christian missionaries behind the spreading the message of Christ was inspired by financial gains and insincere motives. He suspected that every time a Christian missionary rendered his medical or spiritual services to Indians, he did so with a hope that the recipient of such service would convert and accept Christ ( Harijan, 17-4-1937).
Gandhi believed that a tokenistic change of religion for material gain, through fear, starvation, etc., is not conversion, rather it is the selling of religion. Gandhi not only argued against the conversion and compartmentalization of religion, but he also was of the strong opinion that one could sincerely respect the tenets of another religion without forsaking their own religious identity. Joseph Doke writes about an instance when Gandhi was engaged in a simultaneous reading of Bhagavad Gita and revelations of Christ. After reading Sermon on the Mount, Gandhi exclaimed that both the texts (Bhagavad Gita and Sermon on the Mount) must have come from the same source.
Gandhi strongly advocated against the attempts of forced conversion of Christians. With respect to an incident of persecution of Christians in Gurgaon of 1947 he said that “these Christian brothers and sisters would be left to follow their own faith and avocation without let or hindrance. Surely, they were not less entitled to their freedom than they were under the British regime, now that there was freedom from political bondage. That freedom could never be confined to the Hindus only in the Union and the Muslims only in Pakistan.”
A letter about Jesus by Gandhi: BBC
Gandhi’s critique of the spree of conversion launched by the Christian missionaries, is very resounding of the spiritual bankruptcy of the white man that scholars of his time spoke about. Gandhi was being challenged by the white missionaries and colonial government of having wrongly understood the lesson of Christ to be that of non-violence. They argued that a white man with his civilised way of being knows better than to resort to non-violence. This argument and the whole concept of Orientalism does not stand when one reads the following lines from the work of Reinhold Niebuhr:
“It is no accident of history that the spirit of non-violence has been introduced into contemporary politics by a religious leader of the orient. The occident may be incapable of this kind of nonviolent social conflict, because the white man is a fiercer beast of prey than the oriental … his religious inheritance has been dissipated by the mechanical character of his civilisation.”
The need is for India to realise the spiritual treasure that Gandhi realised in himself and the scholars realised in the existence of the whole of India. It becomes crucial to understand and appreciate the importance of Gandhian thought on religions other than Hinduism, especially today. With the politico-religious environment of India being a rather volatile one, what one needs is a reminder of the foundation of mutual-respect on which our country was built. When Hindu fanatics in India are threatening to assault Hindus for visiting Churches , need is read the following words by Father of the Nation:
“For Hindus to expect Islam, Christianity or Zoroastrianism to be driven out of India is as idle a dream as it would be for Mussalmans to have only Islam of their imagination to rule the world.”
Sahil Bansal and Anirban Chanda (Guest Writers)
Sahil Bansal is a final year law student at Jindal Global Law School, India. His academic interests include reading and writing about Law, Gender, and History.
Anirban Chanda is a final year undergraduate law student at Jindal Global Law School, India. His academic interests include Constitutional Law, Legal History and Political Theory.
1.Margaret Chatterjee, ‘Reflections on Religious Pluralism in the Indian Context’ (1994) 7(5) J. Hin. Christ. S. < https://core.ac.uk/reader/62416170> accessed 5 December 2020
2.C.S. Adcock, The Limits of Tolerance – Indian Secularism and the Politics of Religious Freedom (OUP USA 2014) https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-limits-of-tolerance-9780199995448?cc=de&lang=en&
3.Timothy Gorringe, ‘Gandhi and the Christian Community’ in Harold Coward (ed.), Indian Critiques of Gandhi (SUNYP 2003) 153
4.Vinay Lal, ‘Gandhi's West, the West's Gandhi’ (2009) 40(2) N.L.H. < www.jstor.org/stable/27760259 > accessed 6 December 2020
5. Clara A.B. Joseph, ‘Mahatma Gandhi and Emmanuel Levinas: What's Wrong with Worshiping the Christ?’ (2014) 18(3) Int’l J. Hin. S. < www.jstor.org/stable/24713656> accessed 7 December 2020
6.Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari, ‘Mahatma Gandhi : My Life is My Message’ (Press Information Bureau) <https://pibindia.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/mahatma-gandhi-my-life-is-my- message/ > accessed 4 December 2020
7.Sarah Claerhout, ‘Gandhi, Conversion, and the Equality of Religions: More Experiments with Truth’ (2014) 61(1) Numen < www.jstor.org/stable/24644717 > accessed 6 December 2020.
8.The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Electronic Book), New Delhi, Publications Division Government of India, 1999, 98 volumes < https://www.gandhiashramsevagram.org/gandhi-literature/mahatma-gandhi-collected-works-volume-21.pdf > accessed 4 December 2020
9.Mahadev Desai, The Gita according to Gandhi (VJDNM 1946) 126 < https://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/gita-according-to-gandhi.pdf > accessed 5 December 2020
10.The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Electronic Book), New Delhi, Publications Division Government of India, 1999, 98 volumes < https://www.gandhiashramsevagram.org/gandhi-literature/mahatma-gandhi-collected-works-volume-97.pdf > accessed 5 December 2020
11.S.K. George, Gandhi’s Challenge to Christianity (NPH 1947) https://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/gandhis_challenge_to_christianity.pdf accessed 4 December 2020
12.Lloyd I. Rudolph, ‘Gandhi in the Mind of America’ (2010) 45(47) EPW < www.jstor.org/stable/25764146 > accessed 7 December 2020.
13.Margaret Chatterjee, ‘Gandhi and Christianity’ in John Hick and Lamont C. Hempel (eds.), Gandhi’s Significance for Today (SMP 1989) 156
14.Leah Renold, ‘ The Mahatma and the Missionary: Gandhi’s conflicting accounts of his first encounter with Christianity’ (2018) 19(1) J. Col. C. Hist. < https://digital.library.txstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10877/7936/2018-Mahatma-and-Missionary.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y > accessed 5 December 2020
15.The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Electronic Book), New Delhi, Publications Division Government of India, 1999, 98 volumes < https://www.gandhiashramsevagram.org/gandhi-literature/mahatma-gandhi-collected-works-volume-66.pdf > accessed 5 December 2020
16.The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Electronic Book), New Delhi, Publications Division Government of India, 1999, 98 volumes < https://www.gandhiashramsevagram.org/gandhi-literature/mahatma-gandhi-collected-works-volume-66.pdf > accessed 5 December 2020
17.Harijan (21 March 1936) in The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Electronic Book), New Delhi, Publications Division Government of India, 1999, 98 volumes.
18. Margaret Chatterjee, Gandhi’s Religious Thought (MP 1983) 50
19.M.K. Gandhi, In Search of Supreme (NPH 1961) 73 < https://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/in-search-of-the-supreme-III.pdf > accessed 5 December 2020
20.Reinhold Niebuhr, ‘The Preservation of Moral Values in Politics’ in Elizabeth Sifton (eds), Reinhold Niebuhr: Major Works on Religion and Politics (LCUS 2015)
21.‘Hindus will be beaten if they visit church on Christmas,’ threatens Bajrang Dal member in Assam (Scroll.in, 4 December 2020)<https://scroll.in/latest/980316/hindus-will-be-beaten-if-they-visit-church-on-christmas-threatens-bajrang-dal-member-in-assam > accessed 5 December 2020
22.Clifford Manshardt, The Mahatma and The Missionary: selected writings of Mohandas K. Gandhi (HRC 1949) 66-67 | christianity |
https://www.eirego.com/poisoned-glen/ | 2020-07-16T13:57:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-29/segments/1593657169226.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20200716122414-20200716152414-00481.warc.gz | 0.987095 | 229 | CC-MAIN-2020-29 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-29__0__119417796 | en | Poisoned Glen – is a picturesquely situated village at the foot of Mount Errigal, the highest peak of the Derryveagh mountain range in County Donegal and surrounded by vast valleys and shimmering lakes.
This place is known for frequent photographs of the beautiful ruins of the church in Dunlewey with Mount Errigal in the background. This church was built by Jane Smith Russell as a monument to the late husband, the owner of the estate of Dunlewey, who died in 1848 and his remains rested in a vault under the church floor.
The church is built of white marble and blue quartzite, which was mined in local quarries.
With the collapse of Dunlewey’s estate, the church ceased to be used regularly, and the cost of its maintenance was the reason for its deterioration and in 1955 for safety reasons the roof was removed, the furniture was sent to other churches in the diocese, and the bell was installed in the church in Cashel near the Doe castle.
The ruins of this church is really an amazing windfall for photography enthusiasts. | christianity |
http://www.knowlouisiana.org/resurrecting-dr-kings-dream-in-post-katrina-new-orleans | 2018-06-22T20:48:33 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-26/segments/1529267864795.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20180622201448-20180622221448-00064.warc.gz | 0.954167 | 1,351 | CC-MAIN-2018-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-26__0__204665602 | en | by Michael A. Cowan
In the ancient book of wisdom called Proverbs we read: “Without a vision, the people perish.” I might add, without a shared vision, we are left with divisions. Divisions limit, they damage, they kill.
The quality of life for all in the New Orleans to come depends not only on fair and feasible plans to fix the many things that are strained or broken here, but also on a shared vision underneath all our plans. It is painfully evident that New Orleans currently lacks such a unifying vision. I am convinced that Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream for America can light the way to a diverse, prosperous and equitable future New Orleans, and I would like to remind us of that dream, its source, and its challenge to us in New Orleans today. In 1962 Dr. King said:
“When the desegregation process is one hundred percent complete, the human relations dilemma of our nation will still be monumental unless we launch now the parallel thrust of the integration process. In the context of what our national community needs, desegregation alone is empty and shallow. We must always be aware that our ultimate goal is integration, and that desegregation is only a first step on the road to the good society. Integration is creative, and is therefore more profound and far-reaching than desegregation. Integration is the positive acceptance of desegregation and the welcomed participation of [all] in the total range of human activities. Integration is genuine interpersonal, intergroup doing. Integration is the ultimate goal of our national community. We do not have to look very far to see the pernicious effects of a desegregated society that is not integrated. It leads to physical proximity without spiritual affinity. It gives us a society where elbows are together and hearts are apart. It gives us spatial togetherness and spiritual apartness.”
People of good faith acting together for the well being of all: That was Dr. King’s American dream. He had a special name for it, which he discovered in the writings of a white theologian: the “Beloved Community.” The list of things that cry out to be done together across lines of ethnicity, religion and class in New Orleans will overwhelm us if we let it.
As a lifelong member and ordained minister of the black church, Dr. King’s prophetic vision was deeply shaped by the Jewish prophets. How often and how powerfully did we hear him retrieve the unforgettable words of Amos: “Let justice roll down like water, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” I want to dwell for a moment on the vision of “righteousness” from the great Jewish tradition, because it was the foundation stone of Dr. King’s vision, and because I am convinced that it holds particular meaning for our troubled city — and nation — right now. According to the biblical record, in times of trial, when despair filled the horizon of the Chosen People and there seemed no way out, God’s spirit would come upon that community through anointed leaders. When it did, three things always happened.
First, the system of justice was restored to reliable and proper functioning for all. Second, those who had been marginalized — the widow, the orphan, the outsider — came into fuller participation in the public life of the community. Third, those who had renewed their commitment to justice and the inclusion of all had a powerful experience of God’s presence among them.
In New Orleans today, our first Beloved Community challenge is restoring proper functioning to our criminal justice system. But as Rabbi Busch of Touro Synagogue reminded me, in the Jewish tradition, the practice of justice is not limited to proper operation of the criminal justice system; it extends to the entire functioning of government. Government must operate efficiently and equitably for all citizens. Waste, corruption and cronyism in city government have been a millstone around the neck of New Orleans. Envision a New Orleans known for transparent, accountable, and efficient city government. Many of us here may find that impossible to imagine, but remember: Without a shared vision the people perish.
In post-Katrina New Orleans, we also face the profound “Beloved Community” challenge of including all in the recovery and future of the city. Whether the current hot topic is public housing, neighborhood rebuilding, or public schools, we have seen plan after plan dismissed, paralyzed, or limited to a snail’s pace by flare-ups of ethnic and class divisions. Without a shared vision people suffer and perish, and our very real ethnic and class divisions bear a significant measure of responsibility for the agonizingly slow pace of our recovery. Reaching out actively to include those who have been marginalized in the life of our city is also the public work of righteousness, the work of establishing the “Beloved Community.”
Why has it been so hard for New Orleanians before and after Katrina to speak with one voice, to share a vision for our future? I believe the answer is that black political leaders and white business leaders have been unable to come to agreement for the well being of all, while civil society leaders from our faith, non-profit, neighborhood, and higher education institutions have been too segregated from each other to insist that they do so. Compounding this impasse is the social fact that in our preoccupation with the politics of white and black, we have consistently failed to acknowledge the presence and welcome the participation of New Orleans’ Hispanic, Asian, Arab and other cultural communities at the table of public life.
New Orleans has struggled against surges of despair that threaten to drown hope itself. For all who trace our faith to the willingness of a man named Abraham to go when and where he was sent — Jews, Christians and Moslems — the experience of hope is tied to the conviction that we are not alone in this moment of supreme challenge, that our God cares about how history goes, including the small but precious piece of history called “New Orleans.”
That is our choice. May Dr. King’s God-given dream of the “Beloved Community” named America recapture our hearts and imaginations and move us to transform the promising beginnings into a mighty stream of genuine interpersonal and intergroup doing for the well being of New Orleans and this nation. Without a shared vision the people perish; but with one, they flourish.
Michael A. Cowan is a theologian at Loyola University in New Orleans. The preceding commentary was adapted from a speech. | christianity |
https://www.stmarys.net/housesaints/r | 2024-03-04T07:29:53 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00741.warc.gz | 0.990333 | 324 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__24367487 | en | St Oscar Romero
Oscar Arnulfo Romero was born in 1917 in El Salvador. As a child he trained as a carpenter, but felt a strong calling to be a priest. He joined the seminary at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest in 1942 in Rome. He returned back to El Salvador where he became famous for his inspirational sermons which were broadcast across the by five radio stations.
In 1970, Archbishop Romero was made Bishop and in 1977 he was made Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital city. When his close friend, Fr Rutilio Grande was shot and killed along with two parishioners for standing up for the rights of the poor, Archbishop Romero became a fierce advocate for human rights. He spoke up repeatedly for the voiceless, listening to the stories of the poor and establishing aid projects and pastoral programs to support the victims of violence. He fearlessly denounced the injustices of the military, who had murdered and terrorized thousands of citizens.
Archbishop Romero sermons were broadcast on the radio, which inspired people across the country. He challenged those who enjoyed wealth and privilege to change their lives and called upon the military to stop their violence. On the 24th of March 1980 as Archbishop Oscar was saying Mass, an army assassin shot and killed him.
At his funeral, thousands attended, but the army shot and killed 30 people. The civil war continued till 1992.
Oscar Romero was declared a martyr and beatified on the 23rd of May 2015. He was canonised on October 14, 2018.
Strength, Courage, Communication, Justice and Love | christianity |
https://www.kiddskids.org/covid-19-resources/ | 2024-02-21T19:24:04 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947473524.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20240221170215-20240221200215-00301.warc.gz | 0.934632 | 447 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__199914763 | en | Here at Kidd’s Kids we recognize the impact COVID-19 is having on many individuals and small businesses. We hope this list of resources can be helpful during this unprecedented time. Keep Lookin’ Up.
The Salvation Army:
To meet the increased need for physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support, The Salvation Army has multiple resources available throughout the region. This information is specific to their North Texas chapter, and we encourage you to visit the site of your local Salvation Army chapter.
Drive-through grocery services
In response to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, The Salvation Army of North Texas is operating 13 drive-through grocery service locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties to support families experiencing a loss in income or lowered wages. To find a list of drive-through grocery service locations and hours of operations, please visit SalvationArmyNTX.org.
Emotional and spiritual care hotline
With stay-at-home orders compounding stress and loneliness, The Salvation Army of North Texas is operating an emotional and spiritual care hotline for people impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. Staffed with trained professionals, the hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST at (844) 458-HOPE (4673)
Financial assistance is available
Jobless claims are reaching an all-time high. Through partnership with local governmental entities, The Salvation Army of North Texas is providing financial assistance to help families pay rent/mortgage, maintain utility service and purchase prescription medication. More information can be found at SalvationArmyNTX.org.
Implemented educational programming and activities for school-aged children
To support children impacted by school closures, The Salvation Army of North Texas is distributing educational activity kits to children at shelters and low-income families in the community to provide fun opportunities for kids to continue their education. The kits include educational curriculum, school supplies, arts and crafts, and food.
Increasing food delivery to seniors and veterans.
Case managers are delivering food to people in permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing and high-utilizer programs. | christianity |
https://dlane991.wixsite.com/website/about | 2021-04-22T02:39:47 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-17/segments/1618039560245.87/warc/CC-MAIN-20210422013104-20210422043104-00365.warc.gz | 0.983041 | 451 | CC-MAIN-2021-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-17__0__105586204 | en | Fighting with Faith
The Fields Family
Many of you have heard of the new battle with ALS Coach Jimmy Fields is facing. Coach Fields is a vital part of the Trinity Community. This school year Coach Fields will be entering his 6th year as the Varsity Head Football Coach and High School Bible Instructor. He has also served as Trinity’s Head Wrestling Coach for four of those five years.
These platforms have allowed Coach Fields to be an instrument in the spiritual development of our athletes and students here at TCS. Although Coach Fields could have coached at any level, he intentionally chooses to shape the life of the young athlete in the impressionable years of high school. He has always seen his 30+ years of coaching as a ministry, rather than a job. The Lord has been so faithful in using Coach Fields to further the Kingdom-for His glory! As far as the 2020 Crusader football season goes, he has said, “There will be no trying-there will be doing.” GO CRUSADERS!!!
During his tenure at TCS, the Trinity family has rejoiced in the marriages of his two children, Jay and Mallory, and the success of his wife, Shannen. She was the lead female actor in the Christian movie, “Facing the Giants” and is still working in the Christian film industry. Coach Fields remains strong in Christ and is committed to fight this battle with faith! It is now our privilege as brothers and sisters in Christ to reach out to Coach Fields and his family and minister to them in the midst of their trials.
We join Coach Fields and Shannen in their expression of faith in God’s sovereignty as they face uncertainties. Our prayers on their behalf are vital. For those who would like to offer financial support, one way is to donate by cash or check made payable to TCS with the “Fields Family” noted in the memo. Another option is through a gofundme page created for Coach Fields, shared on our TCS Facebook page. For those who wish to contribute through Trinity, we ask that donations be made by September 1st so that we can pass the gift along to the Fields family as soon as possible. | christianity |
http://horndeanbaptistchurch.org.uk/ministers-musings-the-hopes-and-fears-of-all-the-years/ | 2019-05-20T17:27:22 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-22/segments/1558232256082.54/warc/CC-MAIN-20190520162024-20190520184024-00072.warc.gz | 0.971358 | 475 | CC-MAIN-2019-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-22__0__2111546 | en | I have always found that Christmas is a natural time to reflect on life. It’s like a marker in the sand. This year seems particularly poignant in that way. Last Christmas I had just been diagnosed with cancer and all the treatment lay ahead of me. This Christmas the treatment is behind me and I am looking forward with fresh hope.
I am doing what might be called “summing up”. I think this is what the writer of the carol Oh little Town of Bethlehem was expressing when he penned the line “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”. It’s a kind of summary lyric. It summarises so much of what life is about in these two opposites; hope and fear.
But what the writer of the carol does, and what we should do is recognise that we are not just reflecting on life from a human perspective, but also from a divine perspective. We don’t experience the hopes and fears of life in a godless universe, but rather we experience these things with a God who gives us hope and who at the same time also knows our pain.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in poverty and vulnerability He proved God’s total commitment to us, and His solidarity with us in our sufferings. He also brought hope that whatever we go through we will overcome in the end, because the baby in the manger IS the Lord of Life whom death could not hold and who was raised back to life for our salvation.
I’m really looking forward to Christmas this year, but not because I’ve nothing to worry about. That next scan in January, and the one after that (and the one after that…) will be enough to keep testing my nerves, but I am looking forward to Christmas because all those fears are put into a different perspective by Jesus and what He means to me, and He is the source of my ultimate hope.
God Bless you this Christmas as you reflect on what has happened through 2015 and become aware again of your hopes and fears. May you also know the difference that the birth of Christ in Bethlehem makes to all those aspirations and anxieties you carry, because “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”.
Mark Wickenden, Minister | christianity |
http://firstunitedpres.org/welcome/b-fit/?view=mobile | 2017-08-16T15:11:23 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-34/segments/1502886102307.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20170816144701-20170816164701-00168.warc.gz | 0.944229 | 334 | CC-MAIN-2017-34 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-34__0__145533742 | en | BIBLE FITNESS PROGRAM: A 2-month adventure (June-July 2017) to help folks get to know their Bible better with weekly worship, readings, and classes.
KICKOFF MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
The beginning of summer marks a time when people start thinking
about getting fit. For some, it is an upcoming special event or
reunion that motivates them. For others, it is the anticipated time at
the pool or beach. The summer is a great time for getting fit.
And so, we are going to get fit as a church. No, this won’t really
help you to fit into those smaller pants or wow folks along the
beach. With this program, we are going to get Bible fit. What does
that mean? It means that June and July will be an intentional 8-week
program of helping the people of First United get to know their
Bibles better. We will use 40 key scripture passages divided into five
readings per week to guide our training. Stick with the B-Fit Program
and we will help you to feel more confident in your relationship with
The Bible is such a rich and beautiful resource for us, and yet so
many walk through their lives feeling hesitant and baffled by its
contents. We are committed to empowering people to live into the
new life that God is offering. The Bible holds power and wisdom
that we want all to have. Do not let another summer go by without
getting fit... Bible fit. Then, let us grow stronger and healthier in our
relationship with God together. | christianity |
https://onestorycatcher.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/epiphany-in-the-land-of-eternal-spring/ | 2018-06-25T19:23:15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-26/segments/1529267868876.81/warc/CC-MAIN-20180625185510-20180625205510-00209.warc.gz | 0.969298 | 1,271 | CC-MAIN-2018-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-26__0__208508946 | en | In these last four and a half months, as I have lived and served alongside people here in Santiago, I have been given the nickname by the people here as the ¨Pastora of the streets.¨ It is a name that the elders and young kids have given to me and I am honored to have. I have had many conversations with people who have come to me for prayer, for encouragement, for hope in the midst of struggle. I share with them the love God has for them that has been revealed in Christ. And at the same time, I rejoice with them in sharing that I have been delighted to see the hand of Christ in them, illuminating my time here…an Epiphany that occurs almost daily.
I find it quite fitting that my last day in Guatemala falls upon Epiphany. In the Lutheran tradition, Epiphany is a feast day that celebrates the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. In some Eastern church traditions, it also celebrates the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. The word, Epiphany, comes from the Greek word that means ¨manifestation, striking appearance, vision of God.¨
As I was telling a friend of mine about my new nickname given to me here, she encouraged me to write a sermon of the streets as I close my time here in Guatemala and as I ponder on what it has meant for us to receive visions of God in this day and in this land these last four and a half months. So here it is, my Epiphany sermon of the streets.
Scars, Story, Name – An Epiphany Sermon of the Streets
I have often wondered what our stories would sound like without scars. If the wounds we hold deep from war, from sickness, from despair, from hunger, from death – were swallowed up and held within an embrace as that of a mother who kisses skinned knees and wipes clean the tears from our faces when struggle is the daily bread that sticks to the roof of our mouths like the tortillas and salt used to still growling stomachs…
She opened her eyes wide as she walked up to me from the shore, her toothless grin competing with the silhouettes of the mountains cascading behind her.
¨Na’abi? What is your name?¨
¨Yaquiel,¨ I replied.
¨Yaquiel,¨ she sighed and repeated over and over again as she walked back to the shore to wash her peraje.
She looked like you – the One who gave us a new name.
He sat across from me in the tienda, tears in his eyes as he told me the memory of his mother saying she wished he were dead. Yet through the tears, he spoke of finding a Love more profound than the story-scabs he carried.
He looked like you – the One who wept alongside us.
She wept into her long, black hair that covered her face. She looked up at me and said, ¨I lost two children in the war, but I have been reminded in these last days what it is like to have a daughter again.¨
She looked like you – the One who yearns to gather us in Your embrace.
He ate lunch with me as he spoke of joining the guerilla army when he was ten years old. A weighted gaze adorned his young, but wrinkled brow that bowed heavily over his tortillas.
He reminded me of You and our yearning for Your Peace to reign eternal…
Like dry bones gifted flesh, we wonder if breath could enter into these scars and bring forth life. We wonder if we are being beckoned to be surprised at the hand of the Christ taking hold of us, showing us that our scars are not signs of punishment or abandonment, but rather that they are moments where we squint more earnestly to see Your hand at work in our world.
The Spirit hand that moves breath into our lungs and into the northern winds that stir up Lake Atitlán. The Spirit that groans alongside us in our daily labors. The Spirit Advocate who sees our scars and cries out for justice. The Spirit that whispers into our scars, ¨Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.¨* The voice of our Christ who declares, ¨I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you… ¨*
We waited on the shore and watched the sky turn from blue to yellow to purple as the eye of the moon gazed at us from above. We opened wide our scars to the epiphanies around us – the sounds of kids kicking a plastic soccer ball in the street, the waves of Lago Atitlán lapping as a fisherman rowed his cayuca, the splashing and beating of clothes against rocks as women cleaned their cortes, the mists that crowned Volcán San Pedro´s peak, the wrinkled hands of elders who open their homes and hearts, the broken body and blood poured out for us.
We felt the wintery scales from our scars fall off onto the flowered ground of this land of eternal Spring. The scars of our winters cracked open over our stories and ushered us into a womb of an empty grave that birthed us into resurrection, eternal Spring, where scars and wounds were swallowed up and held in an embrace as that of a mother embracing her beloved, as that of the Christ gathering us into His scars.
She emerged from the baptismal waters of Atitlán, ¨Quenta´abi May you be well.¨
She looked like you – the One who emerged from the water, Beloved of God.
We stepped into the Lake, all of us together, speaking a benediction into the breeze before us and behind us. Our words and stories floated in the wind and came back to us.
¨Na’abi? What is your name?¨ the eternal Spring breeze whispered to us.
¨Our name is not orphan,¨ we sang. ¨Our name is child.¨ | christianity |
http://www.mcmichigan.org/ | 2020-02-22T03:31:33 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-10/segments/1581875145648.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20200222023815-20200222053815-00479.warc.gz | 0.855526 | 573 | CC-MAIN-2020-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-10__0__155465797 | en | CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE MICHIGAN REGION
Merry Christmas from the Regional Resource Center. May your family have a blessed holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus! Regional Office Staff
Al & Kim Yerke, Janet McLavy, Jim Jordan
Regional Oversight Council and Ministry Multiplication Team
About the Michigan Region
The Michigan Region offers a variety of services and ministries to assist the local church in winning, building and equipping disciples for Jesus Christ.
Our Michigan Region Staff is available to help your church with your ministry needs.
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
“Every Church mobilizing believers to intentionally lead people to Christ and make disciple-makers.”
Vision Impact… On Point
Every believer a Spirit-empowered follower of Christ
Every follower of Christ a disciple-maker
Every church a disciple-making, church planting church
Our Driving Passion
The Missionary Church is a family of churches committed to the authority of Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Great Commission.
- We pursue relationship with God as our top priority.
- We depend on the Holy Spirit through prayer.
- We introduce people to the gospel and multiply disciples everywhere.
- We value, strengthen and multiply churches.
- We develop Spirit-led leaders to advance God’s mission in the world.
Michigan Region News
- MI Region Conference Handbook 2019-1
- 2018-19 Michigan Region Manual
- MI Region News and Notes 2020-01-2
- Michigan Vision for a Disciple-Making Culture
- 2019 Regional Conference Minutes
- Special Regional Conference Minutes February 23, 2019
- Pastors & Spouses’ Retreat 2020 Brochure
For Our Churches
- Annual/Contact Report – Complete the report online or by printing and mailing to the Regional Resource Center. These reports are due to the Regional Resource Center on February 15.
- Monthly Church Report – This report is due by the first Friday of each month.
Dates to Remember
- February 21-22, 2020 – Pastors & Spouses’ Retreat Brochure
- April 28, 2020 – ReGen 2020 at Elkton Missionary Church
- June 15-19, 2020 – Brown City Kidz Camp
- July 19-25, 2020 – Mancelona Family Camp
- July 30-August 9, 2020 – Brown City Family Camp
To Contact Us:
- 1091 Creekwood Trail, Burton, MI 48509
- Phone: 810-742-7462
- FAX: 810-742-8102
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday through Thursday (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) | christianity |
https://www.rotruck-lobb.com/obituary/Charles-Whetsell | 2021-06-15T19:52:57 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-25/segments/1623487621519.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20210615180356-20210615210356-00114.warc.gz | 0.963121 | 643 | CC-MAIN-2021-25 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-25__0__24793088 | en | Charles “Bud” Richard Whetsell, 85, of Kingwood, WV, died on Monday, October 26, 2020, at his home.
Bud was born April 25, 1935, in Whetsell Settlement, to the late Charles Sumner Whetsell and Ruby Bell (Hoffman) Whetsell Allen.
He was a 1953 graduate of Kingwood High School and the Mellon Bank School of Banking. In 1953 Bud won the National Public Speaking Contest in FFA in Kansas City. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Kingwood, where he was a Choir and Quartet Member, and a member of the Beatty Methodist Church in the Whetsell Settlement. Bud was the Chairman of the Buckwheat Festival in 2001, a Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club and Chairman of the Republican Party of Preston County. Bud was an Auditor at the Terra Alta Bank and for the Northern Railroad. He worked for the Governors Highway Safety Administration, then became the Assessor of Preston County for 25 years. His hobbies included golfing, bowling, fishing and hunting. Bud loved his grandchildren and gave his children their faith.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene (Davis) Whetsell; three daughters and spouses, Denise and Ike Harris of Kingwood, Debbie and Marc Halbritter of Richmond, Va, and Danita Sharp of Alexandria, VA; two sisters and spouses, Pauline and Bud Parrack of Oakland, MD, and Martha and Dale Childs of Morgantown; six grandchildren and spouses, Ashlee and Cory Walts of Philadelphia, Shane McCarty of Kingwood, Skyler and Mitch Levine of Tacoma Park, MD, Dylan Sharp of Alexandria, VA, Alex Halbritter and Aaron Ojalvo of Oakland, CA, and Darby Sharp of Alexandria, VA; one great-grandchild, Davis Walts of Philadelphia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, William Whetsell; two sisters, Susan Wilson and Jean Gerasimovich.
Friends will be received at the Rotruck-Lobb Kingwood Chapel, 295 South Price Street; on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, from 2-8pm; on Thursday, October 29, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Joe Lamm officiating. Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery.
The family requests that any memorial donations be made in Bud’s memory to the Church Choir at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 107 West High Street, Kingwood, WV 26537.
Social distancing and masks are REQUIRED.
Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at www.rotruck-lobb.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles "Bud" Richard Whetsell, please visit our floral store.
Wesley United Methodist Church
c/o Church Choir, 107 West High Street, Kingwood WV 26537 | christianity |
http://stannebrentwood.org/ | 2023-03-29T03:06:00 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296948932.75/warc/CC-MAIN-20230329023546-20230329053546-00743.warc.gz | 0.767549 | 2,071 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__273393162 | en | Saint Anne's R.C. Church
88 Second Ave, Brentwood NY 11717
Telephone: 631-273-8113 • Fax: 631-436-7914
Parish Website: www.stannebrentwood.org
Monday - Friday: 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM* (English)
Wednesday: 7:30 PM (French Creole)
Thursday: 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Saturday Morning Daily Mass: 9:00 AM (English)
Saturday: 5:00 PM (English), 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Sunday: 7:30 AM (English), 9:00 AM (Spanish), 11:00 AM (English), 12:30 PM (French Creole), 3:00 PM (Spanish), 5:00 PM (English), 6:00 PM (Spanish)
Daily: Monday – Friday 4:30 PM*
Saturdays: 4:00 - 4:45 PM
* new time as of 10/19/20
Donate to St. Anne's Parish Online
From Your Phone
- One-Time Donations
- Set up Recurring Donations
- Create Your Own Account
- Designs for your PC or Smart Phone
- It's Fast and Easy!
Watch Live from Our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel All Weekend Masses
Saint Anne’s Brentwood Facebook
Saint Anne’s Brentwood YouTube
Watch the video message:
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/26/23 - Jesus Raises Lazarus - Cycle A
This Fifth Sunday of Lent Jesus hears that his friend Lazarus is very sick, and when he returns to see Lazarus he has been dead for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha are very sad and Martha asks him why didn’t he come sooner? He could have healed Lazarus. Jesus said to Martha your brother will rise again. Yes, on the last day she replies. Do you believe that people who believe in me die, but that I give them life forever? She replies that he is God’s son. Jesus asks where he was buried and when he sees the tomb he weeps with the others. Jesus asks that the stone on the tomb be moved. He prays and commands Lazarus to come out from the tomb. He raises Lazarus from the dead. News of Jesus’ raising Lazarus travels fast. Many people come to believe in him, but many others are questioning his miracles and actions.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he shows us his power over death. We believe that by Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith calls us to be like Martha and Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus wept? When someone loses a loved one, how can you comfort them in their sorrow? Do you ever think of Jesus weeping with you when you are sad?
Family Prayer: Jesus you are the Resurrection and the life. Help us to live a life of compassion and trust. Amen.
Read more: Family Faith Formation (Religious Education) / Formación de Fe en Familia (Educación Religiosa)
Below is a video of the story of Jesus. Click the link for your language
Visit the Faith Formation page
March 26, 2023- 5th Sunday of Lent
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Lent seems to be long for forty days, but it passes very fast when we stay busy with daily preparation for Jesus Resurrection. Next week we will celebrate Palm Sunday, and the following weekend is Easter. Our Lenten preparations and efforts to be transformed by practice of extra prayer, fasting and alms giving, hopefully brought us closer to the Lord.
Today we have the Gospel of Lazarus being allowed to die, and then being raised from the dead back to life. And interestingly enough, Jesus calls Lazarus dying: “being asleep”, and Jesus promises to awaken him. Is Jesus mocking the death? Is he comparing the death to a sleep? Is it a parable?
3/26/23 - QUINTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA
Queridas Hermanas y Hermanos,
La Cuaresma parece larga por cuarenta días, pero pasa muy rápido cuando nos mantenemos ocupados con la preparación diaria para la Resurrección de Jesus. La semana que viene celebraremos el Domingo de Ramos, y el siguiente fin de semana es Semana Santa. Nuestras preparaciones para la Cuaresma y los esfuerzos para ser transformados mediante la práctica de oración extra, ayuno y limosnas, esperamos que nos hayan acercado más al Señor.
Hoy tenemos el Evangelio de que a Lázaro se le permitió morir y luego resucito de entre los muertos a la vida. Y curiosamente, Jesus llama a Lázaro moribundo: “estar dormido”, y Jesus promete despertarlo. ¿Jesus se está burlando de la muerte? ¿Está comparando la muerte con un sueño? ¿Es una parábola?
Bishop's Office/Chancery Information
Catholic Schools Week letter
Below, please find a letter from Bishop Barres (English and Spanish) regarding the celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
ENGLISH: Catholic Schools Week letter
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
READ: Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop, Diocese of Rockville Centre
God in the streets of Brentwood:
St Anne's Church has a New Tabernacle.
...or click on the links below to read the letters from the Diocese of Rockville Centre
Video links to this important announcement from Bishop Barres:
English Version: https://vimeo.com/539770359/666db7c84d
Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/539770598/4a8025fe89
Background Screening Update
The Office for the Protection of Children and Young People:
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (The Charter) promulgated by the Bishops of the United States in 2002 outlines specific practices and guidelines providing standards of safety in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. As directed in The Charter, the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires all employees, clergy, and volunteers to complete three requirements within thirty days of employment or volunteering:
- Attend Protecting God’s Children Program (Virtus)
- Sign the Codes of Conduct;
- Complete a background screen application. The Diocese requires all those who remain in active ministry be rescreened at 5 yr. intervals. volunteers/employees.
Police Alert Residents of Scams
"GOFUNDME" AND CROWDFUNDING SCAMS
"THIS IS PSE&G . WE WILL SHUT OFF YOUR SERVICE" SCAM
“THIS IS THE IRS. YOU OWE & WE ARE COMING FOR YOU” SCAM
SMARTPHONE USERS BEWARE OF MALWARE TARGETING MOBILE DEVICES
UNITED NATIONS FUND BENEFICIARY LETTER
“YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED” SCAMS
DIVERSION SCAM TO COMMIT BURGLARY/THEFT
IMPORTANCE OF PASSWORD SECURITY EFFORTS
The 'Equality Act' discriminates against people of faith and threatens unborn life.Tell Congress you oppose it!
Missionaries of Evangelization
2- Enter "Saint Anne’s
Church" in Parish or
3- Click Next
4- Enter your name & email
5- Click Sign Up
Spell "Saint Anne's" this way: | christianity |
https://authorsamcastellino.com/the-starting-point-for-a-theology-on-women/ | 2023-09-25T09:23:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-40/segments/1695233508959.20/warc/CC-MAIN-20230925083430-20230925113430-00003.warc.gz | 0.953778 | 784 | CC-MAIN-2023-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-40__0__269255310 | en | Some say there should be a theology on women. The zeitgeist says it’s time to develop a robust one. Should its starting point be the Son of God? No. Mary? No. Sophia? Yes. And here’s why.
The Father did Creation. But it is Sophia who sets up the relationships once Creation is done. Who is she? She is that part of the Father that has to do with his wisdom. The Old Testament was translated into Greek many years before Christ. Wisdom in Greek is the word Sophia, a female noun. She is described in Proverbs 8. Below is what she does.
She sets up our relationships—the relationship we have with ourselves, our family and friends, the stranger, and the natural world. Sophia, also called Woman Wisdom, is the glue that holds the moral order together, an order that is highly interconnected, a spider web of personal relationships where each creature affects every other, positively or negatively. Woman Wisdom becomes a “dynamic, relational reality within creation that is personified.” Relatedness is the fundamental character of creation with Woman Wisdom as the “relational infrastructure” of creation. In other words, there is something basic about the very structure of creation that can be properly understood in relational terms only, and for us humans, only in personal terms. Through Woman Wisdom, all creatures are related to every other creature for the benefit of all. Our efforts to understand the variety of relationships that God has built into his created order will more closely attune us to his desires for us and our world.
Surprisingly, disorder can play a positive role in a world built around relationships. “Moreover, disorderly elements are inherent in wisdom (as with persons); such disorder is essential for creativity, growth, and the emergence of genuine novelty. As such, elements of disorder are necessary for wisdom’s ways to be truly benevolent.” Disorder coupled with the dynamic character of Woman Wisdom as a dynamic, relational reality, means that wisdom for us is a process of always learning more. We need to be on the lookout where wisdom might be found; where it will show up next.
Woman Wisdom delights in us and our world (v. 31). “Wisdom does not set absolute standards or norms; Wisdom does not fix life in place … she is always ready to take new experience into account, recognizing that God may be about new things for new times and places.” For the most part, these experiences come from us. Through our unbound free will, unbound reason, unbound power, and unbound service to others, we can modify old relationships or design new ones and propose them to Woman Wisdom for her acceptance. It is our initiative which brings about this dynamic quality of Woman Wisdom as God’s ordering power. Disorder, as understood here, is a positive force that becomes the catchword under which Woman Wisdom changes her inventory of proper relationships.
In summary, the starting point for a theology on women is the Father, or more accurately, that part of the Father which has to do with his wisdom. That part of the Father is female. Her name is Sophia.
Terence E. Fretheim, God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation (Nashville, TN: Abington Press, 2005), 207.
Ibid., 209.
Ibid., 209.
Ibid., 209-210.
Ibid., 218.
The above is an extract from the chapter “The Personification Sophia” in my book The Prodigal Son Revisited: Exit and Return of Angels, Humans, and the Trinity. | christianity |
https://www.rlca2.com/staff | 2023-03-26T22:21:46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296946535.82/warc/CC-MAIN-20230326204136-20230326234136-00727.warc.gz | 0.970244 | 304 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__52344992 | en | I was born in Michigan and grew up in southern California and Wisconsin. Most of my young life was spent in Fond du Lac, WI. I attended Martin Luther College in Minnesota for a pre-seminary program with a focus on the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew. After I graduated in 2010, I studied abroad in Leipzig, Germany, at Lutheran Theological Seminary. Then I attended graduate school at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in suburban Milwaukee and completed a one-year internship as a vicar/assistant pastor in Verona, WI, on the west side of Madison. During that year, we started a new mission church. In 2015 I graduated with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and began the ministry here in Ann Arbor. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
In 2014 I met my future wife, Megan, at a conference. We were engaged on Coronado in San Diego and married in California in June 2016. We have two little daughters, Charlotte and Clara. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in Ann Arbor's downtown restaurant district, at local coffee shops, at classical musical concerts at Hill Auditorium, at one of Ann Arbor's 100+ parks with my daughters, or out on the golf course.
I love learning more about Jesus, sharing him in deeper and more relevant ways, and finding out what the Lord has planned for us at Redeemer! | christianity |
http://artismedia.com/portofolio/standrew.html | 2023-01-29T06:23:40 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-06/segments/1674764499700.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20230129044527-20230129074527-00299.warc.gz | 0.919178 | 232 | CC-MAIN-2023-06 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-06__0__221341183 | en | Web site design, Development, Online Content Management System based on OS Administrative Platform (html, PHP, mySQL)
Visit web site:
St Andrew Church has catered to the spiritual, physical and social needs of a diverse Orthodox community in the Chicago metropolitan area since 1926. The church also serves inter-Christian families and other Orthodox doctrines (e.g. Ethiopian, Serbian, Bulgarian).
The leaders of this Church were seeking new ways to reach and communicate with its followers and hired us to develop a web site that would be eye pleasing and effectively convey its message over the Internet, a new and unfamiliar medium for this institution.
We innovatively designed a database driven website that reflects the church's spirit. To make updates and site expansion easily accomplishable, we implemented a highly effective and user-friendly content management system. Our client was delighted with the result, remarking that the site's excellent appearance and structure makes it a great communication tool, allowing the church to reach the not so tech-savvy customers, too. | christianity |
https://www.gracechurchguildford.org.uk/membership/ | 2021-03-02T19:52:13 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-10/segments/1614178364764.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20210302190916-20210302220916-00226.warc.gz | 0.956461 | 104 | CC-MAIN-2021-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-10__0__175914957 | en | Grace Church Guildford is a church community of baptised believers joined together in membership.
We believe belonging to a local church through membership is a good thing. Twice a year we run a course in which we explore the Biblical pattern of membership, and for people to get to know more about Grace Church Guildford and how to join.
The next classes will be running for 3 weeks from Thursday 4th March, 8-9pm via Zoom. Please contact the church office for more information and the zoom details. | christianity |
https://www.maisonkitsune.com/mk/artiste/omolola/ | 2021-04-12T06:51:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-17/segments/1618038066613.21/warc/CC-MAIN-20210412053559-20210412083559-00343.warc.gz | 0.969756 | 235 | CC-MAIN-2021-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-17__0__177509104 | en | Hiding (feat. Lil Seyi)
Hailing from Laurel, Maryland but born to Nigerian parents, Omolola has always had a love for songwriting and music, from singing in church since she was a child, to writing her first song back in middle school. From the support of friends and family, and joining the collective Supa, she is able to share music that can be both a blessing and a soundtrack to life. She released her first two singles “Under the Sun” and “Awkward Length” and gained recognition after being featured on Spotify’s fresh finds playlists. She hopes to continue releasing music that resonates with people worldwide.
“Hiding” details the struggle that comes from vulnerability, even to God. Inspired by the story of Jonah in the Bible, Omolola and Lil Seyi describe the resistance to open up and the desire to hide, even to the depths of the ocean. However, Hiding then shows that no matter how far we go and how hard we try, we can’t hide ourselves from God because He always meets us where we’re at. | christianity |
https://www.thecrossroadscenter.org/post/the-crossroads-center-winter-graduation | 2023-12-01T14:03:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100287.49/warc/CC-MAIN-20231201120231-20231201150231-00072.warc.gz | 0.956671 | 613 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__272992297 | en | Once a quarter we recognize the clients of our Adult Residential Care (ARC) and Chaney Allen (Women's) Residential Programs that have completed the work required to become graduates of The Crossroads Center. On December 10, 2019 we recognized 12 graduates.
The client participant graduation celebration consisted of readings from our graduates and current residents, selections from our Recovery Choir, a time of reflection and story telling and an inspiring message from our Chief Executive Officer, Jamahal C. Boyd, Sr. Graduates received a certificate of completion and served as an encouragement for our current residents who are on their journey to become graduates themselves.
One of the most powerful and moving parts of the graduation celebration is when graduates and current residents share their stories of healing, hope, and wholeness. Here is a powerful excerpt from a reading one of our graduates permitted us to share:
"Abusing heroin will beat you down to a beastly level. It is arguably the lowest form of humanity, literally walking dead, absent a soul, degrading any moral compass one might have. There is no doubt in my mind that I am here today for reasons, my purpose is a gift from my Heavenly Father, my creator gets ALL the GLORY. I had to endure so much. I know today it was and will always be the polish to my testimony. I am living breathing glory to my all-merciful, all-gracious, forever-forgiving, first and last Father. Ms.George I am so much more than I have ever been. Up is the only direction I have. There is and will be bumps and bruises along the way of course. I welcome them today, cause what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Today I open my eyes and thank my God for everything the day will bring because I know it belongs to me. Today I praise my Heavenly Father for the good the bad and the ugly. Today I speak my existence into reality I say out loud NEVER STAGNANT NEVER AGAIN. The words "I am" are very important words they will be your elevation or they will be your detriment. Your choices will dictate your outcome. Today my choice is to get busy living or get busy dying, for me there is no in the middle, there is no more getting cool, there is no more partying, for me one more means death. I will leave you all with this, my last time using was horrifying, it was all miserable, it was desperation, it was self-mutilation, it was all evil, so far from God, so far from blessed, so far from loved, so far from home, so far gone, so close to death. Today my choice is very simple live or die. Change I must or die I will...."
It is such a privilege for The Crossroads Center to partner on this journey with these amazing women and men who have worked so hard to turn their lives around. Graduation is one of those special moments when you get to see that what we do matters! | christianity |
https://ioniansummer.com/tradition/easter-in-corfu/ | 2022-08-13T09:22:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571911.5/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813081639-20220813111639-00705.warc.gz | 0.957299 | 287 | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-33__0__46827554 | en | Easter in Corfu
Unique and cannot be compared to anything else in Greece. There is plenty of tradition to pleasantly surprise you in every corner of the city. One of the most characteristic customs is the concerts of opera and classical music, as well as ecclesiastical singing choirs with influences from Crete that date back to the 1700s. There is a range of events to keep you busy and satisfied.
There are specific events that take place every year. The first Resurrection takes place at 11 am on Holy Saturdays and is accompanied by joyful pealing church bells and sounds of marching bands. In the Old Town, there is a tradition of throwing clay pots from windows and balconies to crash on the streets. There are two possible explanations of this tradition; it either derives from the Venetians who were throwing old belongings on New Years Day so that the New Year would replace them, or it has pagan origins. According to Ancient Greek mythology, the tradition of smashing items aimed to wake up Persephone, the goddess of spring, to accelerate the coming of the season.
The same day at night, you can attend the Catholic Mass of the Resurrection in Duomo, or the Orthodox Resurrection Service at the Upper Square in the Old Town. Thousands of Christian believers holding lit candles flood the streets waiting for the Resurrection of Christ which is celebrated with lots of fireworks and drum beats.
Get all the information you need | christianity |
https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2021/08/31/serving-families-in-crisis-understanding-what-is-needed-in-light-of-the-one-thing-needed/ | 2023-03-26T15:08:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296945473.69/warc/CC-MAIN-20230326142035-20230326172035-00744.warc.gz | 0.948386 | 1,696 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__119473850 | en | Serving Families in Crisis: Understanding What Is Needed in Light of the ‘One Thing Needed’
This article first appeared in Issues on Lutheran Education, a resource provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education for Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN.
By Dr. Joshua Mears, Christian Family Solutions
A child suddenly loses a parent. A teen begins acting out after years of abuse. A natural disaster destroys a family home. Chronic illness. Suicide. Divorce. Addiction. All of these situations shake individuals to the core and threaten to destroy the foundational units of society – our families.
Those of us in the clinical counseling field seek to help and heal individuals and families in crisis by applying our knowledge of the theoretical frameworks of crises, assessing needs, and intervening with appropriate treatment. Our knowledge and training in social and behavioral sciences is essential; yet, as Christians in a counseling vocation, we rely steadfastly on Christ and his work in restoring souls during times of crisis and hardship. True healing can happen when evidence-based clinical treatment and the foundational truths of Scripture are fully integrated.
As such, when it comes to ministering to families in crisis, we see the partnership between clinically trained Christian counselors and called workers essentially linked. Called workers who become aware of the theoretical frameworks and resources can enable families to deal with crises more adequately. In addition, there are resiliency factors that enable some families to cope with crises better than other families. YOU as a called worker are equipped for the important work of supporting those resiliency factors, regardless of whether or not you ever counsel a family in crisis.
Called workers often have the distinct opportunity to minister to families in their times of greatest need. I want to encourage and embolden you, “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
First, let’s consider the types of crises families face and the opportunities they present. In doing so, we can see the inextricable linkages I describe between ministry and evidence-based treatment.
These include natural disasters, house fires, violent crime, or other significant calamites that cause grief and loss. In these situations, it is natural human tendency to ask “why.” The confusion around these events often leads the sufferer to explore an existential understanding of authority and power in this world.
Physical and mental illness:
Nearly half of adult Americans will at some point be diagnosed and treated for a major mental health condition. A family may also be impacted by chronic health related conditions that inhibit the overall ability of the family to function well. Being able to minister and support this family, knowing when to suggest other intervention, is critical and can prevent further escalation of the crises.
Whether chemical addictions or behavioral addictions, the consequences are overwhelming and extremely destructive for individuals and families. A treatment approach that focuses on moral deficiency might apply too much Law; a treatment approach on a medical model, while admirably grace-centered, could apply too much Gospel. The Christian (particularly Confessional Lutheran) worldview of our dual nature as described in Romans 7-8 equips us with a unique view of the addict, as well as a unique approach to support and treatment.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is the term used to describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other potentially traumatic experiences that occur to people under age 18. The secular world often suppresses the Christian community’s attempts to help people who are suffering from the impact of a sinful world: Self-determination strategies are often recommended for health and well-being. It is extremely important that Christians are able to articulate and defend the faith even if the societal and cultural view opposes a Christ-centered view of health and well-being.
Nearly half of the children born into marriages will go through a divorce prior to age 18. This is happening to approximately one million children every year, each one beginning an emotional journey as victims of a devastating process. There are many misguided reasons why individuals or churches choose not to offer support: privacy is one reason. Another is that religious views speak against divorce, and therefore we should not show grace and support to a divorced family unit. The result is a family in distress left to be counseled by the secular world.
Gaining a theoretical understanding of how to interact with and comfort a family in crisis is extremely important because it can guide the interventions when emotions are running high. One of the most important facets of ministering to a family in crisis is to help them make sense of what they are going through. The primary theoretical frameworks can do just that – articulate what is making the stress occur and how that stress is making the individuals within the family resort to maladaptive coping patterns. As a called worker, you may be the person who first sees the family’s state of confusion and guides them to appropriate intervention.
In addition, Christians have the wonderful opportunity to integrate clinical science and interventions with Christ-centered ministry. We know that Christ is the Wonderful Counselor who has cured all suffering or crises, and Scripture affirms this: “I lift up my eye to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). The best science and evidence-based practice for assisting families in crisis must always rely on Christ and his work in restoring souls during times of crisis and hardship.
Having a firm foundation in Christ-centered methods of healing may mean that we have to challenge people’s thoughts and interpretations about crises/tragedies. One of the most important foundational issues for some people when dealing with stress is why God allows them to go through these types of situations. Many well-meaning Christians develop certain catch phrases such as “God has a plan” or “He never allows you to go through more than you can handle” in order to grapple with this concept. Many times, these statements and cognitive interpretations of God’s providence can be detrimental to the development of realistic and positive adjustment to crises.
It is important to explore the issue of “why” with the family you are ministering to. Be empathic and patient as someone expresses their frustration and sadness. Lamenting to God is one of the most important tools that we have in these scenarios. We must learn to cry out to God for mercy when we feel that his promises for safety, blessings, and comfort are hollow.
In my work with families and in helping many get through life crises, the single most important predictive variable for the likelihood of positive outcomes is the daily ritual of family devotions. The daily gathering around God’s Word is helpful as the Holy Spirit joins with the members of the family unit around the Family Altar. It is key to building resilience.
I have provided an overview of the many crises that impact families today, and I’ve encouraged you familiarize yourself with the theoretical frameworks for diagnoses and intervention. Having appreciation for what we do on the clinical side helps you understand when and what type of clinical intervention may be needed. I hope you also can appreciate how important it is to integrate crisis treatment with our foundation and hope in Christ. As a called worker, know how important your work is, both in the midst of crisis and in helping families develop habitual time in God’s Word as a resilience measure. We in the clinical sector see our partnership with you as essential ministry to souls.
Joshua T. Mears, PSYD, LP, BC-TMH is Minnesota Clinical Director for Christian Family Solutions. Dr. Mears specializes in psychological assessments, child and adolescent behavioral disorders/family conflict, as well as chemical abuse issues.
Price, C.A., Bush, K.R., & Price, S.J. (2017), Families and Change: Coping with Stressful Events and Transitions (5th ed.). London: Sage
Barna Group (2019), “What Makes a Spiritually Vibrant Household?” https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/ | christianity |
http://mayparing.blogspot.com/2011/02/breastfeeding-and-bible.html | 2018-05-20T15:31:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-22/segments/1526794863626.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20180520151124-20180520171124-00044.warc.gz | 0.975991 | 433 | CC-MAIN-2018-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-22__0__71644015 | en | John Calvin, commenting on Genesis 21:7
"And she added, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."
Genesis 21:7 NIV
"If God Almighty came to you and said, "I myself have designed a special food that will strengthen your baby's body and develop his brain, which will comfort him and cheer his heart, and lay the foundation for his lifetime health and well-being. I have given this food into your keeping; I have placed it in your body; it is my loving provision for your child" - who would reply, "No thanks, no divine gifts, I'd rather give him a can of Similac"?"
Juli Loesch Wiley
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me.
Psalm 22:9-11 NIV
"For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance." For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
Isaiah 66:11-13 NIV
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 49:15,16 NIV
Want more breastfeeding related scriptures? Breastfeeding and the Bible.
Mother's milk, time-tested for millions of years, is the best nutrient for babies because it is nature's perfect food.
Robert S. Mendelsohn | christianity |
https://www.innerfm.org.au/christmas-day-programming-special/ | 2024-03-02T23:54:20 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476137.72/warc/CC-MAIN-20240302215752-20240303005752-00591.warc.gz | 0.841048 | 161 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__106322026 | en | Join us on Christmas Day with a variety of programming to keep you entertained for the day.
It all starts from 7am with the following lineup.
7-8am – Songs of Praise with Ron Jessop
8-9am – Worship on the Wireless with Ron Jessop
9-11am – Christmas Morning with Peter Wells
11am-2pm -Christmas Lunch with George Krupinski
2-4pm – Christmas Afternoon with Margaret Cockburn
4-6pm – Chrissie Cruisin’ with Ashley O’Halloran
6-8pm – Christmas Evenin’ with George Moutsos
8pm – Overnight Music Mix
Everyone at 96.5 Inner FM wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. | christianity |
http://www.benotafraid.net/Articles/Detail/ArticleId/58/Pink-Balloons-A-Grandmother-s-Journey | 2020-01-17T13:04:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-05/segments/1579250589560.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20200117123339-20200117151339-00337.warc.gz | 0.98064 | 2,438 | CC-MAIN-2020-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-05__0__95670645 | en | It was a cold, blustery, January day in New England, yet our spirits were high as we stripped wallpaper and painted walls to freshen up our kids newly purchased first home. It was just perfect for their growing family; complete with a room dressed in pink for my 2 year old granddaughter, plus a nursery for the little one on the way.
Though exhausted from the tasks at hand, we were driven with anticipation and excitement
of the upcoming moving day that weekend. In the midst of the day there would be an OB appointment – seemingly just a regularly scheduled appointment that gave none of us any reason for pause. However, within a few hours our hearts and minds would be in upheaval at the report from that appointment there was cause for concern for the wee babe – my second grandchild – who my daughter- in-love was carrying.
The next few days were a blur filled with specialist appointments and waiting for test results that left our stomachs in knots, all while moving our children into their long awaited goal of their first home. When Monday morning dawned we received the news; test results revealed the baby had full Trisomy 13.
Lori Peterson, pictured holding her grand-daughter, BNA Baby Erica Joy.
As a Mimi and a Mom, both roles I deeply cherish, I can only describe the feeling I had as anguish. Anguish for my granddaughter, who already had a spot in my heart and I loved dearly, though only 12 weeks in the womb. Anguish, likewise, for my children, in seeing their hearts torn at the relayed news, and me not being able to fix it – after all, as a mom, this was what I longed to do!
My mind was filled with prayers and pleading to God on behalf of my granddaughter and my children – I held nothing back – asking for grace, mercy, and yes, even miraculous healing. I desperately wanted to know how to love and support my kids best. They in turn loved their baby girl whose long term future, they were told, was very grim.
I, nor anyone I knew well, had ever heard of Trisomy 13 until this point. For the next several nights – into the wee hours – I researched, Googled, and prayed for God to give insight and lead me to resources and help as I, and the rest of our family, journeyed alongside our children. Through this process God lead me to find the Be Not Afraid website.
There was one seemingly big problem, however. Be Not Afraid was in the south and I and my children lived in New England, which are many miles apart. It seemed like a long shot in getting help from that far away, but I was desperate after looking for hours, finding nothing even close to resembling it near me. I filled out their contact page and within hours had received a reply which asked if we could connect by phone. Within a day or two I was on the phone with a Peer Minister.
I remember entering the conversation with an overwhelming sense of fear, hopelessness, and complete inadequacy. By the time the conversation ended, though still feeling very inadequate, I likewise felt empowered. I would now be able to help guide my children, along with the rest of our family, along this path God had chosen for us because…
1. I believe God is in control of all things and is always with us, and…
2. We now had a support network (through BNA) committed to walk by our side as a resource, guide, and prayer warrior, albeit from afar. Words do not sufficiently convey the gratitude I have for BNA.
The next several months were long and hard as my kids faced many appointments, with little news of encouragement and hope. Each step of the way my children were amazingly courageous as they walked in their pain. Through all of it, broken as we were at the realities given by the medical community, we embraced our sweet girl, who her parents named, Erica Joy, after my son, her daddy, Eric. Our BNA peer minister relayed to me that she had once heard the definition of “Joy” said to be, “the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” I loved, clung to, and tucked this away forever for this sweet child, our little Erica Joy, who at 37 weeks, went to the arms of God.
Never have I witnessed or experienced such pain as that day. Her soul, we knew, had already passed into heaven when her body was brought into this world. Still we met her, loved on her, sang to her, and thanked God for her, all the while clinging to and looking to that day when we will one day be reunited forever in Eternity.
We celebrated Erica’s short and significant life with a private family burial. The following day my husband, Senior Pastor of our church, presided over a beautiful memorial service that about 180 people attended. Following, we went outside where we let pink balloons – our Erica Joy balloons - float up to heaven.
Erica Joy is loved and missed every day! Her big sister, Madelyn Rose, often reminds us “Baby Erica is with God,” when a song, word, or conversation about heaven or God is spoken. You see, Erica’s short little life impacted and changed not only me, her Mimi, but our entire family forever.
As the Mimi, I would like to say it changed me for the good, as I know God’s desire is to use all of our life – not just the joys, but also the sorrows - for His purposes. In saying this, I hope that some of what I learned from my granddaughter’s life can help others who may find themselves on a similar journey. Offered below are my suggestions for those who have a grandchild prenatally diagnosed with a lethal or life-limiting disability.
1. Become informed
For me, this meant doing research and providing my children with materials that could help them understand, process, and move forward through the pregnancy and birth. BNA gave me many resources to draw from – books, other websites, etc., that I was able to either guide my children through or pass on to them. The books I gave them to read, I read myself, so I could understand, prompt discussion, or listen intelligently as they processed.
2. Be their biggest advocate
Affirm them often in the wonderful ways they love their unborn child. I did this verbally, and in written form – text, email’s, and cards I gave to them. Solicit prayer for them. Our church body and dear friends from near and far rallied for our children and family on their knees. I am confident God carried us because of these prayers.
3. Be a good listener
Though very imperfectly, I tried to listen to not only the spoken words, but the unspoken words that were being harbored in my children’s hearts. At times I would try to prompt them to share these- letting out their fears, tears and sorrows for release. Sometimes this was appreciated, and other times it was apparent it was just too hard and the best thing I could do was to just give a hug and go to prayer on their behalf – asking God to meet them in their struggles.
4. Be willing to do the hard stuff
As time went on my husband and I were asked to do other tasks by my children. These included keeping up their Caringbridge site (a super helpful tool to communicate to the masses, so repetitive conversations don’t need to happen), securing a photographer to come take pictures at Erica’s delivery, as well as making all the impending funeral arrangements – a task that was much too daunting for them to undertake given all they had on the minds, hearts, and plates.
5. Help keep the child’s memory alive
My home is full of photos of my grandchildren, including Erica. It is a constant reminder to others of the important place she has in my life. I also had a hardbound photo book made for myself and other family members. Talk frequently about the beloved child. In our family we talk about Erica all the time! We haven’t forgotten her and never will. Visit the grave if you are able. I find myself at Erica’s grave almost weekly.
6. Remember significant days and dates
These include anniversary dates and holidays. I continue to note monthly of the date of Erica Joy’s passing. At Christmas my husband and I gave monies in Erica’s memory to an organization that cares for orphaned, sick children. We presented to Erica’s parents a pretty packaged box that held a card telling them this, along with their other gifts.
7. Be a grace giver
Do this for others as there will undoubtedly be things said that are insensitive and just plain unhelpful. People generally do not intend to say hurtful things, but when faced with an uncomfortable situation, rather than just giving a hug or offering prayer, they insert their whole foot in their mouth. I found online a great list of “dos” and “don’ts” to say to grieving parents. I freely handed these out to people who would comment, “I just don’t know what to say.”
Likewise, give grace to yourself. I realized early on, my inadequacies in being able to provide “perfect” care for my children as I walked alongside them. Find support for yourself – a safe place to cry, to be prayed for, and to be a lifeline for you! This may be found in a spouse, trusted friend, counselor, pastor or a combination of them.
8. Be Present – during and after
I have already suggested many ways to be present during the pregnancy and impending birth, yet it is vitally as important to be present after you have said goodbye. Everyone grieves differently but everyone needs to be allowed to grieve. For my family, we found comfort in just being together. We all knew what each other was feeling and didn’t need to explain anything. Once my son returned to work, my girls and I rallied together daily – just being together, which sometimes included outings to keep our minds from “thinking” too much. Our church showed their presence by bringing meals to my children (and sometimes the whole family) for three continuous weeks. Not only did this provide nourishment, it gave others who cared a tangible way to express love.
I sit here now, nearly one year to the day from saying goodbye to my beautiful
Pink balloons were released at Baby Eric Joy's memorial service.
granddaughter. I ponder her middle name – JOY. I am acutely aware that my heart is forever seared by this sweet child. I likewise am aware that growth has occurred in my life from this pain. I am able to give praise to God for all of it, for I know that one does not erase the other. I think this is the JOY – woven in and amidst the sorrow as only God Almighty can do. I look at life differently and try to cherish every minute of it. Heaven seems closer. I take fewer things for granted. My marriage is stronger for we tethered ourselves to one another in the storm, and anchored that tether to God. Our family is bonded tighter because we loved, stood with, and supported one another through it all. Our church learned tangible lessons about putting into action real-life caring. God has opened new doors and given me opportunities to use what I learned and to walk alongside others who are going through similar experiences. I am forever changed because of Erica Joy and I am forever grateful to God for her life.
By Lori Peterson (Grandmother to BNA Baby Erica Joy) | christianity |
https://hihomeschool.com/product/detail.html?product_no=2450&cate_no=1&display_group=2 | 2020-10-25T08:18:15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-45/segments/1603107888402.81/warc/CC-MAIN-20201025070924-20201025100924-00698.warc.gz | 0.821379 | 241 | CC-MAIN-2020-45 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-45__0__98331620 | en | |상품명||Bible Truths 3 Student Worktext (4ED)|
|배송비||2,500원 (50,000원 이상 구매 시 무료)|
할인가가 적용된 최종 결제예정금액은 주문 시 확인할 수 있습니다.
The Bible Truths 3 Student Worktext is designed to introduce elementary students to higher thinking skills and encourage Christlikeness through the practical application of the Bible.
As they progress thematically through the Old and New Testaments, elementary students will enjoy the colorful illustrations, straightforward lessons, and learning projects that will help them grow in their knowledge of God and His Word. Each Bible lesson reinforces student comprehension with learning activities that improve reading comprehension and strengthen study skills. | christianity |
https://fydyjymalid.menards.club/minutes-of-the-philadelphia-baptist-association-book-10993fq.php | 2020-12-03T07:00:48 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-50/segments/1606141723602.80/warc/CC-MAIN-20201203062440-20201203092440-00138.warc.gz | 0.908738 | 2,751 | CC-MAIN-2020-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-50__0__33369251 | en | 3 edition of Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association found in the catalog.
Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association
|Series||Early American imprints -- no. 3738|
|The Physical Object|
|Number of Pages||11|
Jan 11, · Governor’s Letter Book, Edward B. Dudley Philadelphia Baptist Church, Minutes Docket of Slaves Indicted for Capital Crimes Minutes of the Georgia Baptist Association, – Book/Printed Material The minutes and sermon of the Second Presbyterian and Congregational Convention, held in the Central Presbyterian Church, Lombard Street, Philadelphia, on . Reason to Be: The African Baptist Association as a Response to Systemic Racism of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, from A.D. to A.D. (; rpt. Atlas, Mich.:Baptist Book Trust, ), p. 9 Nova Scotia Association Minutes 10 Systemic racism? White .
Mathematics for the million.
use of computerized mapping in crime control and prevention programs
Math for Daily Decisions (Skills for Success)
Last Summer of Mata Hari
International economic institutions
descriptive analysis of the Gary-Banneker performance contracted curriculum center
The Green Man Tree Oracle
Supporting literacy across the sunshine state
Records relating to North American railroads
note on the physical characters of the prehistoric Kansu race
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A Brief Account of the Churches Holding Believer's Baptism in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association There are 19 histories. Baptist History Homepage [p.
9] An Association Book Containing A Brief Account of the Beginning and Progress of the Churches Holding and Practicing Adult Baptism, and Commonly Called Baptists, in Pennsylvania and the Jersies; Now Annually Associating at Philadelphia: with the Time when, and the Persons by whom Each Church was Settled, and who were the Ministers that Labored among them in.
Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association,ed. Gillette published originally Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, New printing, Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press, Designated as a Tricentennial Edition edited by Terry Wolever.
For those reasons--its singular importance in the eighteenth-century and its lasting influence on Baptist life in America--the Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association,edited by A. Gillette and published in by the American Baptist Publication Society, is a classic of Baptist history in America.
Fortunately, the Baptist Book Trust. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association: held by special appointment, at Southampton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29th and 30th of October, A.D.
having been prevented meeting at the time appointed in the city of Philadelphia by a prevailing infectious disorder, with which God in his providence has been pleased to visit that city.
PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSN. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, Held in Philadelphia, October 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, The th Annual Meeting of the Philadelphia Baptist Association took place on Saturday, May 4, at Esperanza ( North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA ) The Rev.
Luis Cortes, founder, president and CEO of Esperanza, served as our host. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association: From to () by A.D. Gillette Hear about sales, receive special offers & more.
You can unsubscribe at any menards.club: Sep 13, · Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, from A.D. to A.D. being the first one hundred years of its existence by Philadelphia Baptist Association; Gillette, A.
D., Pages: Get this from a library. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, from A.D. to A.D. being the first one hundred years of its existence. [A D Gillette; Philadelphia Baptist Association.]. He currently teaches and directs the choir at Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church, in Philadelphia.
The Choir supports many Haitian Churches spiritually and financially in New York, Connecticut, Montreal, Lancaster, PA and in Philadelphia for their harvest festivals/5(7).
Get this from a library. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, held, by appointment, in Philadelphia, October [Philadelphia Baptist Association.]. Minutes of the 9th Annual Session of the Philadelphia Association Old Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ Minutes of the 46th Annual Session of the Mud River Old Regular Baptist Association Proceedings of the Seventy-Fourth Annual Session of the Union Association of Old Regular Baptists Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association held by appointment, in Philadelphia, October 4th, 5th, and 6th, Published: () Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, held at Lower Dublin, Philadelphia County, state of Pennsylvania, October 3d, 4th, and 5th, Author of A confession of faith put forth by the elders and brethren of many congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith) in London and the country, Minutes of the th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, and Minutes of the th Anniversary of 5/5(2).
Minutes Books of First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, A. Gillette, editor, Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association from A.D.to A.D. (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, ), and William Williams Keen, The Bi-Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the First Baptist Church of the City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society.
Minutes, North Carolina Negro Baptist Associations. Other Authors: /Bear Creek Baptist Association /Yadkin-Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Association of North Carolina /Zion Missionary Baptist Association; Similar Items.
African-American Baptist annual reports. Similar Items. Minutes of the Baptist Association, held at Philadelphia, October, Published: () Minutes of the Baptist Association, held at Philadelphia, October 6, Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, from A.D.
to A.D. being the first one hundred years of its existence / (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, ), by Philadelphia Baptist Association and A.
Gillette (page images at HathiTrust). Staff The Philadelphia Baptist Association (PBA) is staffed by a dedicated team that is committed to serving and holding in trust the congregations, missions and ministries that make up this region of the American Baptist Churches.
The Old Regular Baptists are a Christian denomination of Old School Baptist [see Black Rock Address] based primarily in the Appalachian region of the United States.
This group at one time was in full fellowship with the Primitive Baptist and Old School Baptist nationwide, due to divisions and changes among some of the Primitive Baptist,they.
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville. 1, likes · 5 talking about this · 3, were here. Celebrating over years of ministry, Philadelphia Baptist Church continues to present the relevant, 5/5(54).
PHILADELPHIA BURMESE BAPTIST CHURCH c/o Tasker Street Philadelphia, PA Pastor: Pastor La Seng Dingrin Pastor Saw Thomas PINN MEMORIAL BAPIST CHURCH. (The Philadelphia Association) The accepted view of the time line of Baptist in Kentucky according to Spencer’s History of Kentucky Baptists and Miniutes of the Burning Springs Association is as follows: THE ARMS GIVEN OFF FORMING ASSOCIATIONS THROUGH WHICH THE NEW SALEM ASSOCIATION CAME 1.
Philadelphia Association, organized 2. Please Note: A split occurred in from a result of a split in the Indian Bottom Church (J.T. Whitaker) in This side was known as the W.G.
Combs side of the Indian Bottom Association and dissolved in the year lasting only 5 years. Available in the National Library of Australia collection. Author: Philadelphia Baptist Association; Format: Book, Online; 12 p. National Library of Australia. Login | Register.
Catalogue. Search the catalogue for collection items held by the National Library of Australia Philadelphia Baptist Association.
Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist. History of the Western Union Baptist Association of Ohio /, by Charles D. Swayne and E. Curry (page images at HathiTrust) The monitor of Richland Creek Baptist Association: with biographical sketches of the founders and leaders of that organization /, by John Smith Gilmore and Richland Creek Baptist Association (page images at HathiTrust).
Aug 02, · Each volume is a 6 x 9 Hardback. The set contains - 7, pages Original Publisher: Mathews & Leigh - London Original Pub. Date: The Philadelphia Baptist Association, in its official minutes of October recommended, "that each member church of the Association subscribe for a copy of Dr.
Gill's incomparable Exposition of the Old and New Testaments for the use of their /5(8). Open Library is an initiative of the Internet Archive, a (c)(3) non-profit, building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital menards.club projects include the Wayback Machine, menards.club and menards.club Ketoctin Baptist Church, also known as Short Hill Church, is a historic Baptist church located at Round Hill, Loudoun County, menards.club is listed on both the U.S.
National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks RegisterAdded to NRHP: May 22, The official website of the American Baptist Association. The American Baptist A ssociation is a network of churches who have chosen to come together and share resources to further the reach of the gospel.
Their efforts have led to churches sending and supporting missionaries in. Yadkin Baptist Association of Southern Baptist Churches Minutes of the annual session of the Yadkin-Philadelphia Baptist Association and Minutes of the annual session of the Yadkin-Philadelphia Missionary Bapitst Convention Minutes of the annual session of the Little Yadkin River Primitive Baptist Association.
Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association: From to A.D. Gillette. Philadelphia American Baptist Publicatio, J. Newton Brown. Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association: From toBeing the First One Hundred Years of Its Existence.
A Brief instruction in the principles of the Christian religion, agreeable to the confession of faith, put forth by the elders and brethren of many congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith) in London, and in the country: To which is added, the proofs thereof, out of the Scriptures, in words at length by William Collins (Book).
Baptist History of the Liberty Baptist Association. Madison and Limestone p., Good condition, loose papers, typewritten manuscript Baptist Record book of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Monroe p., Good condition, photocopies Baptist Minutes for Pisgah Baptist Church. Cherokee.
In Baptist: Colonial period were united to form the Philadelphia Baptist Association, and through the association they embarked upon vigorous missionary menards.club the Philadelphia association included churches located in the present states of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia; and by further multiplication of churches had.
Central to Baptists of the early 18th century, the Bible was paramount to Baptist life as viewed through the Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association.
Indeed, the imagery of the biblical Zion in the midst of a great spiritual wilderness is the biblical analogy that emerges from Associational Minutes of. Seeking information or Minutes on the Philadelphia Association and their "Council of Elders" held around Kenova, WV in the 's - The Association Minutes show there was a printing of these Minutes.
United Baptist: 1.) Booklets, Pamphlets, Newspapers, Histories of the United Baptist The Regular Baptist Hymn Book - John A. Thompson Minutes of Pacolet (Skull Shoals) Baptist Church microfilm reel (partial reel) P Philadelphia Baptist Church (Pauline, S.C.) Minutes of Philadelphia Baptist Church microfilm reels.
P Ramah Primitive Baptist Church (Wilkinson County, Ga.) Minutes of Ramah Primitive Baptist Church THE PHILADELPHIA CONFESSION OF FAITH, Chapter 1 Of the Holy Scriptures 1.
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave.
Minutes of the New-Jersey Baptist Association, held at Mount-Holly, New-Jersey, September [microform] Dennis Heartt Philadelphia Australian/Harvard Citation New Jersey Baptist Association.History of the Baptist Churches in Ohio (Fund has been started on this project - 20% raised so far) 2.
Ministers of the Philadelphia Baptist Association (Fund started - 20% raised so far) 3. The Works of Benjamin Wallin - Volumes 1, 2 and 3. 4. Many others - some commentaries, etc.
Works out of print waiting for sponsorship to reprint: 1.Sep 25, · NEW Baptist History Collection CD-ROM - version * The Baptist History Collection CD-ROM - Version THE BAPTIST HISTORY COLLECTION CD version (ISBN# ) is now in menards.club may order this CD by clicking menards.club regular retail price for this new CD is $ | christianity |
http://grandteuton.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-to-read-right-now.html | 2018-05-25T01:16:30 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-22/segments/1526794866917.70/warc/CC-MAIN-20180525004413-20180525024413-00562.warc.gz | 0.967606 | 159 | CC-MAIN-2018-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-22__0__87890493 | en | Sorry I'm late with this recommendation, but (in case you're like me and don't watch the calendar as well as you ought) it's December, and it's also Advent.
So, I want to recommend that you all go out and get a copy of The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder. It's a wonderful book to read leading up to Christmas - we get to watch as Joachim opens his special Advent Calendar each day, and receives an update on the story of a little girl, a lamb, some angels, wise men, kings, oh, the whole nine yards and more.
It's a fun read with relatively short chapters for each day from December first right down through Christmas Eve. Highly recommended.
To Bethlehem! To Bethlehem! | christianity |
http://www.theprairie.co.uk/blog/christmas-2014/ | 2022-08-17T00:38:23 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572833.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817001643-20220817031643-00448.warc.gz | 0.928062 | 921 | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-33__0__83551479 | en | The summer holidays are now a warm and distant memory for many; the kids are back at school and, with the advent of the John Lewis Christmas Advert, the nation is now collectively bracing itself for Christmas 2014.
For Sheringham, it’s largely business as usual. A handful of businesses close down or operate on a reduced timetable over the winter months, yet this tiny resort on the outstanding North Norfolk Coast remains open and busy throughout the winter months.
The clocks have gone back and it’s dark outside, yet your path through Sheringham will be lit up with the Christmas lights adorning the High Street. These will be officially switched on at 6.30pm on the 5th of December.
The North Norfolk Railway is one of the main attractions in Sheringham and it runs a couple of big ticket events over Christmas and New Year, starting with the Santa Specials.
This service runs between the 29th of November and the 24th December, taking children of all ages on an exciting steam train journey from Sheringham Station to Santa’s Grotto based at Weybourne Station. There will be fun and games during the journey and children will meet Santa Claus himself to collect their Christmas gift. Biscuits and juice will be provided for the younger travelers and the grown ups will be offered a mince pie and a glass of sherry.
From 26th December to the 1st January the service will continue to run as the Mince Pie Special; a great way to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
Your visit to Sheringham would not be complete without visiting The Little Theatre. This year the pantomime is Robin Hood; a traditional story with a unique twist. Directed by West End star Killian Donnelly and starring Russel Hicken as the traditional dame, Nanny Polly Ticks, this promises to be great fun!
If you are staying in Sheringham over Christmas you are welcome to join in the celebrations at one of the local churches:
St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, Cromer Road
- Christingle Service on the 7th December at 4pm
- Christmas Tree Festival between the 11th and the 16th December
- Carols around the Trees on the 16th December at 7.30pm
- Carols & Readings at 10.30am & Candlelit Carols at 6.30pm, on the 21st December
- Midnight Communion at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve
- Christmas Praise at 10.00am on Christmas Day
For more details on services at St. Andrews, click here.
St. Peter’s Parish Church, Church Street
- 13th December: Brass Band Concert at 7.30pm
- 20th December: Christingle Service at 4.30pm
- 21st December: Nine Lessons & Carols at 6.30pm
- 24th December: Nativity Family Crib Service & Nativity Play
For more details on services at St. Peters, click here.
Our Lady and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Cromer Road
- 24th December: Morning Mass of Christmas Eve at 9.00am
- 24th December: Carols at 11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass
- 25th December: Christmas Day Mass at 10.30am
For more details on services at St. Joseph’s, click here.
Lighthouse Community Church, Cromer Road
- 14th December: Christmas All-Age Celebration at 10.15am
- 21st December: Christmas Celebration with drama and carols at 4.00pm
- 25th December: Christmas Day Celebration at 10.15am
For more details on services at the Lighthouse Church, click here.
Salvation Army, Co-Op Street
- 14th December: Carol Concert at 3.30pm
- 21st December: Carol Service at 6.00pm
- 25th December: Christians Awake! at 7.00am around the town with the band
- 25th December: Christmas Day Service at 10.30am
We highly recommend the local pubs, cafes and restaurants, especially after a long coastal walk in the bracing winter breeze. There is nothing better than a warm Norfolk welcome, hot food and a roaring fire to get the circulation going again!
Please click here if you are interested in booking The Prairie for Christmas or New Year – ideal for a large family get together! | christianity |
https://docs.ywamjapan.org/docs/about/ywam/ | 2023-06-04T04:46:31 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224649439.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20230604025306-20230604055306-00687.warc.gz | 0.969706 | 229 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__274854659 | en | About YWAM International
Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.
Also known as YWAM (pronounced “WHY-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known.
Back when we began in 1960, our main focus was to help youth get involved in missions.
Today, we still focus on youth and we also include people of all ages. We currently have tens of thousands of staff (called “YWAMers”) from nearly every country, including places like Indonesia, Nepal, Mozambique, and Colombia.
A Family of Ministries
We reach out in 180+ countries through three main areas — Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministry.
Our ministries cover every sphere of society, including ship-based medical care, performing arts teams, Bible training programs, business coaching, sports ministries, anti-trafficking work, and many more.
YWAM functions as a family of ministries rather than a centralized agency. | christianity |
https://wander-lush.org/best-churches-in-tbilisi-georgia/ | 2022-01-24T23:44:11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-05/segments/1642320304686.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20220124220008-20220125010008-00702.warc.gz | 0.947317 | 2,968 | CC-MAIN-2022-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-05__0__154361895 | en | Even after almost two years living in Georgia, I’m still the sort of person who can’t walk past a church without popping inside.
While I personally think every church, monastery and convent in Georgia is special in some way, believe me when I tell you you have to prioritise which ones you visit – otherwise the details and stories will be lost on you as one blends into the next.
Having visited most if not all of Tbilisi’s churches, there are, in my opinion, a few that stand out and are absolutely worth going out of your way to see – even if you’re not a church person. Some boast stunning city views, some are built on the grounds of historical monuments, and others are just plain pretty.
Here are 10 of the best churches in Tbilisi that are personal favourites of mine and worth including on your agenda.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
The 10 best churches in Tbilisi worth visiting
Tbilisi is known for its religious pluralism that goes back to the days of the Silk Road. You can find multiple synagogues, a mosque, and even an old Zoroastrian Temple in the Old Town.
For the purposes of this post I am only covering Orthodox, Apostolic and Catholic churches – otherwise the list would be far too long!
Also read: Guide to Christmas in Tbilisi, including Georgian traditions and Orthodox rituals.
1. Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba Tbilisi)
The largest church in Georgia and one of the biggest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, Sameba is hard to miss – no matter where you’re standing, chances are you can spot it’s lustrous gold dome. To truly appreciate the scale of the facade and the building’s monumental footprint, you need to see it up close.
The church is perched on Elia Hill, with a cascading staircase leading to the main door. From the top of the stairs you get a fantastic view of not just the churchyard but also the city. Inside, the bold verticality continues with soaring white columns leading the eye skywards to the central dome. You could spend a good hour inside the building exploring the various chapels, cloisters and crypts.
Sameba was constructed over a decade-long period starting in 1995. This was a tough period for Georgia, thus the church came to symbolise the nation’s revival in the wake of the USSR’s demise.
Located in Avlabari, traditionally an Armenian neighbourhood, Sameba sits where an old Armenian church once stood – it was destroyed during the Soviet era. The attached cemetery survived, and you can still see some of the gravestones out back.
Get there: 20-minute uphill walk from Avlabari Metro Station.
2. Anchiskhati Basilica
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Anchiskhati Basilica is a tiny, modest church tucked away between the river and popular Shavteli Street in the Old Town, close to the Clock Tower and puppet theatre.
You’d be forgiven for walking right past the arched entrance without a second glance. But there is a good reason to pause here: This is Tbilisi’s oldest surviving Orthodox church, with a history that goes back to the 6th Century.
Officially the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, the stone church is home to the Anchiskhati Choir, one of the country’s leading polyphonic choral groups. Visitors are welcome to drop in for morning mass and listen to liturgical chanting. Incredible acoustics make for a moving experience.
Get there: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square.
3. Metekhi St. Virgin Church
The Virgin Mary Assumption Church of Metekhi is another of my favourite churches in Tbilisi, mainly because of its location. Stradling Metekhi Rise, it appears to hang off the cliff above the Kura river.
There has been a church at this location for as long as Tbilisi has existed. According to some sources, it was King Vakhtang Gorgasali himself (the city’s founder) who commissioned the original structure as his court church in the 5th century. The statue in the courtyard shows Vakhtang on his steed, saluting his city.
When Georgia was part of the Russian Empire, Metekhi was used as a prison. In the Soviet Era, executions took place here at the hands of the NKVD. Today, the church offers tourists one of the best views of Tbilisi. Just across the river, the Old Town’s most magnificent balconies and facades are on full display, the panorama punctuated by another beautiful church, the Armenian St. George Cathedral of Tbilisi, with its distinctive cyan dome.
Get there: 10-minute walk from Abanotubani sulfur baths (via Metekhi Bridge). Note that the gates are locked from around 6pm until 10am.
4. Karmir Avetaran Armenian Church
Speaking of Armenian churches – there are a good many of them in Tbilisi, both functioning and forsaken. The boarded-up Surb Nshan Church in the Old Town has become Insta-famous, but I much prefer visiting a different abandoned church over the river in Avlabari.
Shamkoretsots Astvatsatsin (also known as Karmir Avetaran Church) was the tallest Armenian Apostolic church in the city when it was finished in 1809. After a robbery and a failed restoration, it closed in 1937 – and that’s where the mystery begins.
First, the church was repurposed as a bakery. But apparently the dough refused to rise. It was then used as a gym and a library before eventually housing artists’ studios. In April 1989, the church almost completely collapsed in the days following an earthquake. The cupola and western facade were destroyed, leaving part of the cathedral open and exposed.
You can climb into the belly of the church from a nearby car park. The whole area is scattered with bricks and debris, and a huge crack rises up right through the centre of the ruins. Like so many other buildings in Avlabari, it’s equal parts majestic and melancholy.
Get there: 15-minute walk from Abanotubani sulfur baths (via Metekhi Bridge).
5. Sioni Cathedral
Located in the heart of Tbilisi, Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition features on most walking tour routes through the old town. Before Sameba was consecrated in 2004, this was the seat of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
Fashioned from yellow tuff stone sourced from Bolnisi in Georgia’s southern Kvemo Kartli region, the design is simple, with mostly unadorned facades save for a few bas-relief carvings. The vivid frescoes that adorn the interior are a marvellous contrast. Sioni houses a relic of St. Nino’s Cross and burial sites for half a dozen important clergymen.
Get there: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square.
6. Mamadaviti Church & Mtatsminda Pantheon
It took me several visits plus a full year living in Tbilisi before I finally got around to visiting St. David’s Church – AKA Mamadaviti. Now, I count it among my favourite places in the city.
Pretty as it is, it’s not the church itself that I love, it’s the grounds it sits on. Cut into the side of the cliff halfway up Mtatsminda, Tbilisi’s Holy Mountain, the churchyard is home to the Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures. A score of prominent artists, writers, dramatics and national heroes are buried here, memorialised with the most fabulous headstones and sculptures you can possibly imagine.
If you’re going to walk up to Mtatsminda, follow the route that leads from Sololaki past the church (see directions here). The Tbilisi Funicular also stops here.
Get there: 25-minute uphill walk from Rustaveli Metro Station.
7. Betlemi Upper Church of the Nativity of the Savior
Similarly located at one of the city’s highest points, the Upper Betlemi Church towers over Old Tbilisi. It’s reached by walking up a historic flight of stone steps known as the Betlemi Street Stairs. On Sunday mornings you’ll find the stairs busy with parishioners.
Erected in the 18th century, the church started life as an Armenian chapel before being transferred to the Orthodox Church in the 1990s. Several relics, including a carved Khachkar stone, were reportedly destroyed or disappeared in the process.
Betlemi Rise stretches out in front of the church and affords amazing views of the city, including Sameba and old Avlabari. It’s something of a community garden, shared by parishioners, local residents and a few dozen friendly cats. Bench seats erected under trellises are the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
From there, you can continue up a second flight of stairs to reach Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia.
Get there: 10-minute uphill walk from Abanotubani sulfur baths.
8. Holy Lord’s Transfiguration Convent & Queen Darejan’s Palace
Also located in Avlabari on the way to Sameba, just a few blocks from Karmir Avetaran, the Holy Lord’s Transfiguration Convent is a working nunnery partially set on the grounds of Queen Darejan’s Palace.
A tiny church was built here in the 1770s by Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II, and was one of the few structures to survive a fire that razed the city at the end of the same century.
If you walk up Wine Rise from Metekhi Bridge, you can trace the bottom of the palace and its towering stone walls. At the top, you can stand on the lovely round wooden balcony. I recommend visiting this tiny church on Sunday mornings during mass, when the nuns’ chanting spills out into the garden.
Get there: 15-minute walk from Abanotubani sulfur baths (via Metekhi Bridge). Note that the gates are locked between around 6pm and 10am.
9. St. Peter and Paul Apostles’ Church, one of the few Catholic churches in Tbilisi
Located in Chugureti district, footsteps away from Fabrika, St. Peter and Paul’s is an 1870s Catholic church with a beautiful lemon-coloured baroque facade. A statue of Pope John Paul II in the garden commemorates the October 1999 papal mass that took place here.
This is a great Tbilisi church to visit if you need to be reminded of the contrasts between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. Mass is held in Georgian every morning, on Sunday mornings in English, and on Sunday evenings in Latin.
Get there: 10-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station.
10. Tabori Monastery
One more for the view-seekers: Tbilisi has numerous hilltop churches but Tabori Monastery has the best vantage of all, looking directly over the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths, Narikala Fortress and the river, with the Peace Bridge also in view. This is by far my favourite frame of Tbilisi… It brings a tear to my eye every time!
It involves a bit of a hike to get up to Tabori: Starting from Abanotubani, take Bazovi Street and follow the hand-painted blue signs. If in doubt, ask a local: There are lots of people around this residential area. If you don’t want to walk to the top, there is an unmarked viewpoint roughly a third of the way up the hill.
I only recommend visiting at early twilight or during daylight hours – the path is unlit and I have seen syringes in this area before. It’s beautiful at any time of year, but summer sunsets here are something else.
Get there: 30-minute uphill walk from Abanotubani sulfur baths.
Dress code & tips for visiting churches in Tbilisi
Orthodox churches in Tbilisi have a strict dress code that you should abide by when going inside or walking in the yard. Men need to cover their shoulders and knees. Women must do the same, plus cover their hair. Some more conservative churches ask that women wear a long skirt rather than pants, but this is more common in rural areas.
Ninety-nine percent of churches have scarves and apron skirts that you can borrow at the front door. For the 1% that don’t – and just generally for hygiene reasons – I prefer to carry a lightweight cotton scarf in my bag at all times.
Be a responsible traveller and observe the behaviour code – especially if you’re visiting during mass. Do not run, talk loudly or smoke on church grounds. If there is a sign saying ‘no photography’, please respect the rules. If you’re unsure, ask someone before you start taking photos.
All churches in Tbilisi (and across Georgia) are free to visit. You will often see people at the front gate collecting money, but you are not obliged to give them anything (unless you want to).
I personally prefer to put a few coins into the official church donation box, which should be somewhere near the back of the building. Better still, buy a votive candle or something small from the gift shop.
You might also be interested in…
– The ultimate Georgia itinerary: Four detailed & custom designed itineraries
– Places to visit in Georgia: 35+ unique destinations around the country | christianity |
https://parkes.uca.org.au/news/r/uniting-for-breakfast-1/6888 | 2022-01-26T23:39:42 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-05/segments/1642320305006.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20220126222652-20220127012652-00702.warc.gz | 0.962831 | 104 | CC-MAIN-2022-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-05__0__167202912 | en | Come and enjoy a lovely breakfast (just $8 per person) and hear our guest speaker:
Rev John Mason (retired Uniting Church Minister)
John served as a Uniting Church Minister in Dubbo.
He then served in the NSW Legislative Assembly
as the member for Dubbo for nearly twenty years
and as leader of the opposition for four years.
RSVP to the church office on 68854200 by 31 May 2019
If you have dietary restrictions please advise at the time of booking | christianity |
http://www.mayhillfowler.com/nattering-on/ending-and-beginning/ | 2017-04-23T05:29:54 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-17/segments/1492917118477.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20170423031158-00199-ip-10-145-167-34.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.978879 | 1,642 | CC-MAIN-2017-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-17__0__312262811 | en | Two summers ago, late one afternoon I sat on a low stone wall, swinging my legs—one of the advantages of being only 5’2”—and contemplated the expanse of a cathedral town square before me. I was in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I had flown into Madrid that morning and immediately taken the train west, to Galicia and Santiago, the capital. It was chilly—I could feel a breeze off the Atlantic Ocean—and I realized I had brought clothes for Madrid and not Santiago. I was tired, but not unpleasantly.
I was a pilgrim, one of the first of thousands who would pour in streams through the winding medieval streets of Santiago during the following week. We were arriving from all over the world—later I would share Mass with a fellow middle-aged woman from Brazil—for the Feast of St. James, which is celebrated in Catholic Christendom on July 25. When July 25 falls on a Sunday, the commemoration is a Great Feast Year. And so it was in 2012—and not again until 2020.
Towards evening that first day, the square was almost empty, but I had no inclination to move from my perch. I was enjoying medieval Spanish Latin church music, coming from a source I could not see, but amplified by the ancient paving stones. From the stops and repetitions, I concluded that I was listening to a rehearsal for the festivities ahead.
I am not a Catholic. It seems to me unlikely that the martyred body of James, the brother of Jesus and first leader of the early church in Jerusalem, found its way to Galicia and was buried, to be discovered in the ninth century. But no matter. Santiago de Compostela is a holy place—one of a few I have been privileged to see—sanctified by the faith and works, even the imprints of the steps, from the centuries of believers who have travelled there long before me.
I was on a quest, just as pilgrims to Santiago in Chaucer’s day had been. I was trying to find closure to the extraordinary and largely inexplicable previous few years of my life. I would eventually get that satisfaction, and Santiago was a way-station. A link in the bracelet of end.
Ending. Beginning again.
And so the Great Day of St. James is an appropriate place to launch this new chapter in my blog Nattering On.
Surely, it is time for me to share the few truths I have learned, for family or friends or acquaintances or former readers or whoever might read.
In August, I will turn sixty-eight.
If not now, when?
This is a scary move for me, for reasons that will become clear as I write more.
But back to July, 2012 in Santiago, Spain, where in the unfolding of that evening lies a shard of truth.
I was alone. A middle-aged American woman who spoke no Spanish. It was dusk, and I did not know where I would spend the night.
On the cathedral square, just behind my perch on the parapet, reigns the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, founded in 1492 by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella as a pilgrims’ hospice, since many of the visitors to fifteenth-century Santiago arrived sick and dying. The doors of the Hostal have been open ever since. Today it is the best hotel in Santiago, one of the loveliest in Spain. It had been booked solid years in advance of July, 2012.
Yet somehow I knew that the Hostal would have a room for me. I stood, turned around, walked up the broad steps and through the fifteenth-century arch. The desk clerk could not have been more gracious and welcoming. Of course, he had a room.
And so my spiritual journey turned out to be temporal as well, for during Feast Week I would sit in close proximity to King Juan Carlos, now recently abdicated, but at the time crowing and regnant—I remember thinking that here was a man who had just entertained his mistress. And in contrast, his inward-looking wife, the drawn-faced but forbearing Queen Sofia, with her ladies-in-waiting passing by me on her way to and from her suite at the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos.
I would enjoy the spectacle of Paulo Coelho and his retinue of lovely women at the Hostal. Coelho, the most famous living chronicler of the camino, the pilgrimage road from France to Santiago, was the guest of the King and Queen of Spain for festival week. I do not know Coelho, but he is a fellow believer, and today I am one of the Brazilian writer’s two million+ followers on Twitter.
My sojourn in Santiago encapsulates much of what I will be sharing with you in the next few weeks.
Lately, I have been thinking about how the Lord, other than in Scripture, teaches us about Himself and our relationship to Him. Basic question: who are we? And who is He?
To begin, with the kernel in my Santiago story. Life unfolds simultaneously on two parallel tracks. We have been made creatures of a material world subject to the laws of physics and limitations of biology. Gathered in communities of our making, we daily live and work. Yet we are hardwired to seek He Who Hath Made Us, our Creator who is both immanent within the world and outside it beyond time.
Therefore, all of us—you, me, everyone we know and will never know—are at one and the same time the Mayhill that day in Santiago de Compostela and the innkeeper who took her in. We are seekers—and surely if you are reading this far you are either already curious about God or about to submit yourself to the discipline or on your way and yearning for Him. Some of you have travelled farther with Him than I ever will.
But most of the time we live in the rhythm of our daily chores. There is a deceptive simplicity to rhythm. It is hard to go about our business mindful at all times that a tedious stranger could be the angel in disguise mentioned in Hebrews.
The desk clerk at the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos undoubtedly was tired by nightfall. He had been dealing with entitled, imperious rich people all day. Even as I approached, a gentleman was grumping away from the massive desk. But the receptionist looked at me, looked again. He was calm, but with a flicker in his eye.
“Of course, we have a room for you.”
I will never forget the ripple of expression. It was as if a half-millennium of caring for strangers—more than—since 1492—suddenly coalesced, descended and gathered into one face.
His awareness. That young man. That stranger. I never asked his name, but he is in my thoughts and sometimes my prayers.
I do not know the why and wherefore of that evening. And sometimes mystery is beautiful. (If often not—as you will hear from me in subsequent weeks.) Perhaps there is timelessness in the power of community, as believers join one by one, but linking, hand-to-hand and face-to-face as we live, day by day, year into year, passing the connection on to those who come after us, century after century.
July 25, 2014
Farther and Further:
Camino De Santiago: Medieval Music from Spanish Pilgrimages (available on iTunes)
Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage (account of the camino and his spiritual journey)
Coelho, from Pilgrimage: “And when I think about it, I guess it is true that people always arrive at the right moment at the place where someone awaits them.” | christianity |
https://urmi.org/NewUrmi/english/news/sunday1r1.htm | 2022-08-07T15:36:37 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570651.49/warc/CC-MAIN-20220807150925-20220807180925-00700.warc.gz | 0.932179 | 285 | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-33__0__15377428 | en | 1st Sunday of Resurrection
1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen on you. 2For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise on you, and his glory shall be seen on you. 3And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5Then you shall see, and flow together, and your heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you, the forces of the Gentiles shall come to you. 6The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD. 7All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you: they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. | christianity |
https://stephenrobbo.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/catchers-of-the-light-a-new-word-for-chaplaincy-from-tonga/ | 2022-08-08T11:04:35 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570793.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808092125-20220808122125-00394.warc.gz | 0.969402 | 585 | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-33__0__139818080 | en | At present I am in the Kingdom of Tonga on behalf of Unitingworld. I am with three companions from the Uniting Church in Australia (Rev. Dr. Cliff Bird, Rev. Nau Ahosivi and Alimonie Taumoepeau). We have been invited by the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga to connect with the churches here and conduct disaster recovery chaplaincy training with the view to the establishment of a national disaster recovery network.
On Friday 15th the program was launched in a ceremony which included many of the ministers of the Free Wesleyan Church and key leaders of many other denominations. The church’s president gave a scriptural reflection and the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovalini, brought the official address. There was a tangible sense of anticipation and excitement, from all present, about this initiative. It seems the time is ripe. As the speaker reminded everyone, Tonga is second only to Vanuatu on the international risk register for natural disasters. This vulnerable island nation is no stranger to cyclones, high tides, Volcanic eruption and earthquakes; and the churches are keen to train and organise their ministry agents to work alongside relief agencies when disasters strike.
One of the very real challenges to this was that there was simply no word in the Tongan language which stands as an equivalent to the English word “Chaplain”.
Tonga has a very well established understanding of the role and the status of ministers, who are highly respected in their communities; but to see a ministry agent working out and beyond the known structures of worship and faith community leadership is a radically new concept. It is a personal, social and theological revolution to think, train and minister in this way.
The challenge of finding a Tongan equivalent to “chaplain” fell to the much-respected wordsmith Rev Dr, Mohenoa Puloka who, after some reflection suggested the word “Takiama”.
The origin of the Takiama goes back to the ancient history and culture of Tonga. The term literally means “catcher of the light”. When people of the islands travelled by day, they were guided by the winds and the waves; when they travelled by night they looked to the stars in the sky to navigate. The people who were had this skill were called Takiama, because they had the ability to ‘catch the light’, and – in the darkness – walk with the people, steering them to where they needed to go.
I have heard many metaphors used to describe disaster recovery chaplaincy, but none as vivid as this. In that context the chaplain is the “Takiama” for the people – the one who, in the greatest darkness – can look beyond it and catch the light of God to lead them forward. | christianity |
http://shandonprescdc.org/parent_handbook/ | 2019-02-22T20:21:30 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-09/segments/1550247526282.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20190222200334-20190222222334-00633.warc.gz | 0.954634 | 160 | CC-MAIN-2019-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-09__0__90359571 | en | Shandon Weekday School has been in operation since 1958. SWS was born as an extension of the church's desire for outreach to and for children of all races, creeds, and religious backgrounds. SWS seeks to provide a Christian, nurturing environment that encourages the social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth of children. Through a variety of programs in physical activity and group interaction plus creative learning in art, language, science, number exploration, movement and music, the child will grow to develop a good image of his/her own worth as a child of God. Our Mission is "to teach and care for children in a nurturing, Christian environment that encourages their social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth." Our Vision is "for every child to feel safe, loved, and valued." | christianity |
https://rebotec.com.au/faith-baptist-church-partners-with-rebotec-australia-to-empower-aged-care-and-disability-communities-with-high-quality-care-equipment/ | 2024-02-23T19:55:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474445.77/warc/CC-MAIN-20240223185223-20240223215223-00652.warc.gz | 0.953307 | 544 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__35631366 | en | Faith Baptist Church is thrilled to announce its exciting partnership with Rebotec Australia, a leading provider of high-quality care equipment. Together, they are actively collaborating to support the local aged care and disability communities with essential tools and resources that enhance the quality of life for individuals in need.
Faith Baptist Church has always been committed to making a positive impact on the lives of its community members. By joining forces with Rebotec Australia, a renowned provider of care equipment known for its dedication to innovation and quality, the church is taking a significant step towards fulfilling its mission.
Rebotec Australia specializes in offering a wide range of products designed to assist individuals with mobility challenges, aging-related issues, and disabilities. These include mobility aids, bathroom safety equipment, walking aids, and more. Through this partnership, Faith Baptist Church will have access to Rebotec Australia’s extensive catalogue of high-quality products, which will be used to support the elderly and disabled individuals in their local community.
“We are excited to collaborate with Rebotec Australia in our shared mission to support those in our community who need it the most,” “This partnership allows us to provide essential care equipment that promotes independence and enhances the overall well-being of individuals in aged care and disability communities.”
Rebotec Australia has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their products are designed with user comfort, safety, and durability in mind, ensuring that those who rely on them can do so with confidence.
“We are honored to partner with Faith Baptist Church to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mobility and care challenges,”. “By combining our expertise in care equipment with the church’s dedication to serving the community, we can empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.”
Together, Faith Baptist Church and Rebotec Australia plan to organize community events, educational workshops, and distribution programs to provide practical support to local aged care and disability communities. This partnership reflects their shared commitment to improving the lives of those they serve.
About Faith Baptist Church
Faith Baptist Church is a welcoming and compassionate community dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families. With a strong commitment to faith and community service, the church strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
About Rebotec Australia
Rebotec Australia is a leading provider of high-quality care equipment, specializing in mobility aids, bathroom safety equipment, and other products designed to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility and care needs. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Rebotec Australia aims to empower individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. | christianity |
http://www.biola.edu/academics/undergrad/bibstud/about/mission/ | 2015-11-25T22:20:19 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-48/segments/1448398446218.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20151124205406-00190-ip-10-71-132-137.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.876327 | 409 | CC-MAIN-2015-48 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-48__0__105534179 | en | Mission & Outcomes
The Mission of the Department of Biblical Studies Degree (BA) is to provide the student with a foundational knowledge of the history, literature, and theology of the Old and New Testaments, of systematic and historical theology, and of methods for further biblical and theological studies – equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Upon completion of the Bachelors Degree in Biblical & Theological Studies, graduates will:
- Bible Backgrounds
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social and cultural backgrounds of the Old and New Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with a keen sensitivity to these vital contextual issues.
Demonstrate the appropriate use of principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various Biblical genres.
- General Biblical Knowledge
Articulate the general content, outline, themes, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
- Research Tools
Recognize quality biblical and theological research tools that are available and be able to implement them for research in Biblical studies.
- Biblical Languages
Read and analyze a biblical text in either koine Greek or Hebrew.
- Church History
Distinguish major historical movements of the church and evaluate their impact upon the development of evangelical theology.
- Major Doctrines
Examine the issues, rationale, and Biblical texts for the major doctrines of the Bible, and systematize personal positions on additional theological issues as they relate to doctrines, spiritual disciplines, ministry, and life in general.
- Biblical Integration
Integrate biblical and theological truth into one's sense of the fulfillment of God's purpose in his/her life ("to be conformed to the image of His Son") resulting in a greater value of worship and gratitude to God as expressed in greater love for God "with all of one's heart, soul, mind, and strength" and a greater vision for personal mission and ministry. | christianity |
https://wnbrpodcast.com/2-peter-1-2/ | 2024-04-20T19:02:37 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817674.12/warc/CC-MAIN-20240420184033-20240420214033-00840.warc.gz | 0.978223 | 1,342 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__73509385 | en | 1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.
Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” | christianity |
http://niabalde.bloog.pl/id,361853304,title,Understanding-Verbal-And-Emotional-Abuse-Bible-Study-Hope-For-The-Heart-Bible-Study-Series-By-June-Hunt-Hope-For-The-Heart-Bible-Studies,index.html?smoybbtticaid=61af95 | 2018-03-22T11:26:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-13/segments/1521257647883.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20180322112241-20180322132241-00603.warc.gz | 0.862436 | 791 | CC-MAIN-2018-13 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-13__0__215035002 | en | Sometimes abuse is easy to spot, but not always. The wounds from emotional abuse can be difficult to detect...
Hurtful words, degrading looks, threatening behaviors—these experiences can wound your heart and cause immense pain. But, healing is possible.
Find refreshment in God's Word with this six-week study on understanding verbal and emotional abuse by Rose Publishing. Packed with practical tips, realistic advice, and discussion questions, the 6-week Understanding Verbal and Emotional Abuse Bible study invites you to dive deeper into the Bible and shows you how to apply its truth to your life. Discover:
- 8 Definitions for Verbal and Emotional Abuse
- 11 Signs of Brainwashing
- Bible Verses to Help Heal and Recover
- 12 Signs of Control and Manipulation and more!
Unlike other Bible studies on these topics, these studies use larger print, charts, bulleted list and an easy-to-scan format, along with discussion questions and life applications for each week.
112 pages. 6"x9" Paperback. Perfect for small groups, Bible study, and individual use.
Based on June Hunt's bestselling Hope for the Heart Series (over 1 million copies sold), you will learn biblical truths and practical how to s for stopping the pain of abuse, establishing healthy expectations, and for restoring peace in all your relationships. Based on June Hunt s easy-to-scan and Bible-based format, this interactive 6-week Bible study digs deep into scripture, showing you that you do have choices; you can have boundaries; and you can find healing.
3 Key Features of the Understanding Verbal and Emotional Abuse Hope for the Heart Bible Study
- Digs into Scripture: Find out what the Bible says about verbal and emotional abuse, restoration and healing, characteristics of abuse, and more.
- Interactive and Practical: Based on the bestselling Hope for the Heart series (over 1 million copies sold), this trusted study includes reflection questions, journaling, study guide, quizzes, and practical steps you can take each day.
- Relevant and Relatable: It shares real stories and answers tough questions, such as: How can I safely confront my abuser? Is restoration ever possible for the abuser?
- Anyone Can Lead It! Easy-to-follow leader tips, preparation guides, and step-by-step instructions will give you the confidence to take a disciple or an entire group through the study!
Simple Biblical Foundations for Practical Solutions
Unlike other group studies available, this Hope for the Heart Bible study is laid out in an easy-to-follow format with key principles straight from the Word of God. Relevant Scriptures are outlined and formatted to clearly give you a step-by-step roadmap to help you understanding verbal and emotional abuse, all while equipping you to lead others on the path to freedom!
- Summarizes Causes, Definitions, Characteristics, and Solutions
- Provides Clear Outlines, Key Points, and Scripture References
- Includes Reflection Questions and Space for Journaling
Publisher: Aspire Press (April 24, 2017)
Weight: 1.1 pounds
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http://philipgordon.org/jesusmeets-htms/callofthefishermen.htm | 2015-09-03T23:21:26 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-35/segments/1440645330174.85/warc/CC-MAIN-20150827031530-00084-ip-10-171-96-226.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.98561 | 3,031 | CC-MAIN-2015-35 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-35__0__136690417 | en | Jesus and the apostles
The Call of the Fishermen
John 1:35-51, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
The story of the call of the first four disciples, the Galilean fishermen Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, starts with John the Baptist, as we have seen in the chapter on Jesus and John the Baptist. John was at Bethany beside the River Jordan [*1], as usual baptising the crowds who came to him. In addition to the crowds who followed John, he had a number of closer disciples. These included Andrew, and probably also Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael [*2].
After John had baptised Jesus he was standing one day with Andrew and another of his disciples when Jesus passed by. John pointed out Jesus to the two disciples and said: "That man is the Lamb of God." Andrew and the other disciple went off with Jesus and spent the rest of the day with him.
The timing is a bit uncertain [*3] but the most obvious way of understanding it is that at about four o'clock in the afternoon Andrew went off, found his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. Andrew was by now convinced that Jesus was the expected Messiah and told Simon so.
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Though not specifically stated the impression is given that Andrew, Simon, Philip and Nathanael all went with him leaving John the Baptist behind in Bethany.
Philip is most likely identified with the Philip who became one of the twelve apostles (Mark 3:16-19). Some people guess that Nathanael is the same as Bartholomew [*4]. Otherwise Nathanael is not mentioned again. We do not know what their jobs were.
Our attention next turns to the fishermen, Andrew, Simon, James and John. [Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20]
Jesus was walking along the shore of the Lake of Galilee when he saw Simon and Andrew throwing their nets in the lake. These were a particular type of net called a "casting-net" which is still in use in some parts of the Middle East. I have seen it used on the White Nile at a dam called the Jebel Aulia Dam. The net itself is circular, maybe four metres across, with weights around the edge. The centre of the net is attached to a rope. It is wrapped up in a special way and thrown out into the water. In the water the edges are brought together by the weights and any fish are trapped inside. It is a slow and rather inefficient way of catching fish, but it does not require a boat, and so is cheaper. We know from elsewhere that Simon and Andrew did in fact also have boats, and they could have thrown their "casting-nets" from their boats.
Jesus said to them: "Come with me and I will lead you to catch men, not fish." They immediately left their nets and followed Jesus.
A little further on he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat with their father cleaning the nets. Jesus called them as well and they left the boat and followed him.
This is a very simple story of how Jesus gathered together his first four disciples. There was no theology about anything that day. But how much did they understand? Simon and Andrew had been disciples of John the Baptist so they were clearly in agreement with his teaching about sin and repentance in its social context of how people were to behave towards each other, with special reference to their positions of employment. Then John the Baptist had told them that Jesus was the "Lamb of God" and probably also that he was the "Messiah". They had already shown their willingness to leave home to follow John, so following Jesus would not have been a problem for them. This is also something that Jesus would have taken into account in choosing them.
Luke [in Luke 5:1-11] tells a story which is rather different in its details. Some people regard it as a different occasion and others regard it as the same occasion. I will treat it as the same occasion for three reasons. First because there is considerable similarity in the main points of the story and secondly because if there were two separate incidents it would be difficult to explain what had happened between them. Finally if we look at the reports of any two modern newspapers describing the same events, would we find the reports any closer than those of Matthew and Mark on the one hand and Luke on the other? I think not. [*5] Whatever the case, let us now look at Luke's report.
The picture of the fishermen is largely the same. Most fishing takes place at night. So here we are in the morning with the fishermen cleaning their nets before going home to rest. The main fishing would have been done from the boats during the night with the normal nets, but Matthew and Mark have some of them making one last attempt to catch fish with the inefficient casting-nets.
In Luke the picture of Jesus is different. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus is walking beside the lake. In Luke he is teaching a crowd of people. But is there really much difference? Supposing a modern eyewitness to an accident was quoted in a modern newspaper. One might say that he was walking along the road where the accident happened. The other might say that he was a postman making his first delivery of letters for the day in the street when the accident happened in that street.
Jesus got into Simon's boat and continued to teach the crowd with the boat bobbing about in the lake. By keeping the people from crowding right up to him he made it easier for his voice to reach the people further back. Also if the shoreline had a good slope at that point it would have formed a natural auditorium with the people further back looking over heads of those in front of them.
When Jesus had finished teaching he told Simon to go into deeper water and let out the nets. Simon was not very hopeful. He said that they had worked all night and caught nothing, but if Jesus said so he would do so. At this point Simon is showing the special regard in which he held Jesus. Luke has already told the story that Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law. If this did indeed take place before this event, Simon would have had a very special reason for doing what Jesus told him to do.
So Simon let down the nets into the lake and made a big catch of fish. They summoned their fellow fishermen [*6] in the other boat to come and help them and both boats were filled till they nearly sank.
Simon reacted in amazement and awareness of his own shortcoming. He wanted Jesus to leave him, to go away. How could he cope with the challenge of being with Jesus and the continuous awareness of his own failure? No. This was more than he could bear. But Jesus reassured him. "Don't be afraid," he said. And then he added his call to Simon to follow him: "From now on you will capture men." [*7]
They all pulled their boats up onto the shore, left them there and went off with Jesus.
What a journey it was to be! They could scarcely have guessed the half of it! It took them all over Galilee, Samaria and Judea and for some of them beyond. They left behind their assured source of income to face uncertainty. Peter was eventually crucified upside down in Rome [*8]. Andrew was said to have gone to Scythia, the land of an ancient tribe living to the north who originated in Siberia and were notorious as fierce warriors [*9]. James was put to death on the orders of Herod Agrippa I [Acts 12:1-2]. John became the writer of the gospel and is said to have lived much of his long life and died in Ephesus [*10].
I became a Christian in 1962 while a student studying physics at university. In my own little way, certainly not to be compared with the apostles, it has meant an enormous change in life. I later studied theology, went overseas as a missionary, worked overseas in a variety of secular jobs, and am currently working as a translator in a little village in Cornwall. More than these external changes I have had to change in many other ways.
But to return to the four fishermen. Why did Jesus choose them and not some of the more educated people about, such as the religious leaders, the rabbis? We have already seen that two of the four, Simon and Andrew, had been disciples of John the Baptist. Their lack of education did not mean that they were unintelligent, especially as educational opportunities were few in those days, and largely restricted to religious education. The problem with education is that it can close a person's mind to new ideas, just as much as it can open their mind. Persuading scientists and many other professional people to accept something new is a notoriously difficult problem! Jesus wanted "new skins for new wine". This is why he did not choose any rabbis to be among the apostles, even if they had been willing to join him. Besides the fishermen and others Jesus chose to be his disciples were mostly closely related to the ordinary people, whereas the rabbis had become a class apart.
We should also consider the social status of both Jesus and fishermen. In traditional settled Middle Eastern societies land ownership is the key to social status. Among nomads it is the ownership of camels and other herds. People like carpenters, fishermen, ferry-boatmen and other tradesmen living in the villages were not farmers owning land. Hence they were among the lower social classes. This included Jesus and his first four disciples. James and John may have achieved some social status from the fact that their father, Zebedee, was an employer with employees [Mark 1:20]. Tradesmen were probably however to be ranked above the landless day-labourers who appear in Jesus's parables.
There are some detailed points worthy of note in this story:
*1: Bethany [John 1:28]. The location of this village called Bethany is not known. Some ancient manuscripts read "Bethabara" and this is supported by the ancient Christian writer Origen. Place names are easily misread by copyists dealing with hand-written documents. It is a problem I face all the time as a translator.
*2: John, the gospel writer, certainly tells us that Andrew was one of John the Baptist's disciples [John 1:40]. The presence of the others, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel, in the same place as John the Baptist, away from their home village of Bethsaida, strongly suggests that they too were among John's disciples.
*3: John, the gospel writer, appears to count time in hours from sunrise with twelve hours between sunrise and sunset [see John 11:9]. Here he fixes the time as the "tenth" hour. Other times mentioned in the gospel are the "sixth" hour when Jesus arrived at the well in Samaria [John 4:6] and the "sixth" hour when Jesus was brought to Pilate. On this reckoning the "tenth" hour becomes four o'clock in the afternoon. Modern translations make this conversion to four o'clock whereas the older translations translate literally as the "tenth" hour.
*4. This is because Bartholomew means "Son of Tholomew" in Aramaic, the language of the people in Jesus's day. Tholomew was his father's name. It is common in the Middle East today for people to be known as "Son of so and so". I was often called "Son of Gordon" in the Middle East. People thought "Gordon" was my father's name. This person then was known as "Son of Tholomew", but we do not know his own name. Because Bartholomew comes next to Philip in the list of the apostles, it is thought that his own name may have been Nathanael.
*5 Questions like this are always complicated. On the one hand there are people who stand on their heads and perform all sorts of mental contortions to convince us that there are no differences, because to admit differences is to open the door to the possibility that the gospel writers are inaccurate and therefore unreliable and not to be trusted about anything. They are indeed right to be afraid of this, because many have taken this path to the point where the believe almost nothing the gospels record. But this does not mean that some of their attempts to "prove" that different versions are both exactly compatible are reasonable. On the other hand there are people who seem determined to find contradictions where there really are none. Perhaps a good starting point for any discussion of this matter is to ask whether the differences are greater than would be found in two reports by honest modern newspaper reporters.
*6. The word for which I have used "fellow fishermen" means in general "partners, companions, accomplices". The translation "partners" used in some versions might be taken to suggest there was a formal business partnership between them with agreed shares in the proceeds of the catches they took. While this is not uncommon in an industry such as fishing, even when on such a simple scale, the Greek word does not prove it here.
*7. The word used for "capture" was particularly used in the sense of capture alive in battle rather than kill. Whereas Matthew and Mark used what was perhaps the original image of fishing for men that Jesus used, Luke has avoided the image and used a straightforward word meaning "capture". He may have felt this to be more suited to his readers. As a translator I often have to consider which word of several might be more appropriate for the intended readers.
*8. Peter's death by crucifixion is recorded by the early historian of Christianity Eusebius in his book "Ecclesiastical History", Book II, Section 25; Book III, Section 1. [Loeb Classical Library, Volume 1, Pages 179 and 191.]
*9 Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History", Book III, Section 1. [Loeb Classical Library, Volume 1, Page 191.]
*10. Also Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History", Book III, Section 1. [Loeb Classical Library, Volume 1, Page 191.]
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© Philip Gordon 2001. You are welcome to download and reproduce these articles for personal or in-house use but not for publication without prior approval. | christianity |
http://www.michaelnassar.net/monastery-of-st-jeronimos/ | 2021-09-26T18:15:50 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-39/segments/1631780057913.34/warc/CC-MAIN-20210926175051-20210926205051-00283.warc.gz | 0.924452 | 175 | CC-MAIN-2021-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-39__0__232914103 | en | Chosen as the royal pantheon by King Manuel I and financed by the fabulous wealth that came from trade with India, the monumental Jeronimos Monastery is a brilliant synthesis of late-Gothic and early Renaissance styles. (You’ve heard me talk about Manueline architecture and design earlier. In this building it reaches its apotheosis) Begun in 1501, it’s also an example of unquestionable technical mastery; especially in the elegant and bold ribbed dome that covers the entire church and the graceful double arches and extravagantly carved columns of the interior cloister. Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbor in Belem, the monastery is a testament to Portugal’s continued belief in the Age of Exploration. Inside the main door of the church is another manifestation of that faith: the tomb of Vasco da Gama. | christianity |
http://emmausanglicanchurch.com/welcome/ | 2017-10-23T17:11:02 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-43/segments/1508187826210.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20171023164236-20171023184236-00886.warc.gz | 0.962767 | 510 | CC-MAIN-2017-43 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-43__0__202128320 | en | Welcome! We invite everyone to join us in worship of the risen Lord Jesus, and in fellowship as the body of Christ, as we seek to be God’s people in and for the world.
The Core Purpose of Emmaus Anglican Church is to: “To embody the good news of God, who desires to reconcile all people and all things to himself through Jesus.”
In a world that is confused, ungrounded, busy and loud, where people are over-advertised, over-worked, over-scheduled, and over-connected (distracted), Emmaus is seeking be a prophetic community here in Montreal. A community that celebrates all that is good, beautiful and true in the world, while also being a prophetic community that express, and lives into, the Kingdom of Heaven here and now.
Emmaus understands herself to be HISTORIC, THOUGHTFUL and LOVING:
Historic: That we are Anglican and understand ourselves, in a very specific way, to be a part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. Our worship is grounded in the historic liturgy expressed in the Book of Common Prayer. Our desire is to faithfully worship the living God through Word and Sacrament in a way that brings Him honour, and in a way that shapes and forms us to be His people in and for the world.
Thoughtful: We recognize that today, perhaps more than ever, we need to learn to think rightly, humbly and wisely about God and His world. We desire for our worship of the Triune God to be thoughtful, to provide space for quiet and contemplation, and to honour God’s Holy Word. We want our worship to engage our minds and our hearts so that we know how to think critically, generously, and wisely as we seek to be God’s people in and for the world.
Loving: That we desire is to be a loving community. A community of people whose hearts are open to all (2 Cor. 6:11), and who practice generosity and hospitality in our gatherings, our homes and our neighbourhoods. We know that we can think all the right things, say all the right things, and do all the right things, but if we don’t have love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13).
We invite you to join us, as we seek to be God’s people in and for the world, here in Montreal. | christianity |
http://smallinspirations.blogspot.com/2009/05/go-with-goers.html | 2017-05-23T07:05:24 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-22/segments/1495463607591.53/warc/CC-MAIN-20170523064440-20170523084440-00545.warc.gz | 0.983505 | 344 | CC-MAIN-2017-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-22__0__93596611 | en | I have a new favorite saying.
"Go with the Goers." (go-ers)
While talking with a friend last night she said her dad used to say this. We were talking about the changes coming in our church - big changes that seem a little overwhelming to many. I was commenting on how I really think that the church must keep changing in many ways. Of course, not in core theology but in the ways that it continues to reach people that feel lost or far from God.
I really believe that most organizations must embrace change in order to stay healthy.
Change is difficult, though. Just ask my 5 year old.
Personally, I like change.
I kinda thrive on it.
I like things to move fast. I move fast. While I enjoy the mundane in my life, I also find comfort in knowing that tomorrow is fresh and new! Full of God's mercy and grace. I know that he has something exciting just waiting for me each day if I am willing to trust in Him.
So, I go with the change more often than not. To my detriment, sometimes too quickly. I love change but thinking through things is not my greatest gift. Mostly though, I don't dwell in the way things were or the past too much. I don't find much comfort in the past. It seems like when I do that I often find pain, regret and disappointment.
Even sweet memories of my children can often cause me to wish they were still babies instead of enjoying the precious little people they are becoming.
The future - now that is bright.
So, how about you?
" The only way I'm going is kicking and screaming." | christianity |
http://www.coloradograndparent.com/arvada-center-stages-realistic-revival-of-jesus-christ-superstar/ | 2018-02-22T16:22:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-09/segments/1518891814140.9/warc/CC-MAIN-20180222160706-20180222180706-00603.warc.gz | 0.929457 | 915 | CC-MAIN-2018-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-09__0__169452666 | en | By Claudia Carbone
Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera that shook up Broadway in its 1971 debut, currently is rocking the Arvada Center in a nearly flawless production. Director Rod Lansberry and his team meticulously researched the year 33 A.D for a realistic staging of the final days of Christ’s life. Add the cacophony of the 70s synthesizer-heavy rock music of a young (21) Andrew Lloyd Webber and punchy pop lyrics by 25-year-old Tim Rice, and it’s another spectacular hit musical for the Arvada Center. As an opera, there are no spoken words, only singing.
While the story is well known, the part of the Judas is emphasized more in this play than in the Bible version. AC veteran Matt LaFontaine is outstanding in the challenging role, capturing all the angst and psyche of the conflicted apostle who warns Jesus that things have gone sour. He betrays Him to the high priest Caiaphus, capably channeled by Stephen Day’s big bass voice in “This Jesus Must Die.”
Mary Magdalene also has an expanded role. Phamaly star Jenna Bainbridge beautifully captures the character with a real-life limp and her lilting voice comforting Jesus with “Everything’s Alright” and wondering “what’s it all about” in the haunting ballad “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
In his AC debut, New York City-based Billy Lewis, Jr. is a simpatico Jesus in looks and demeanor, even if his long locks are perfectly coiffed. JC reveals His humanity when He comes unglued in The Temple and shows fear and despair in the Garden of Gethsemane.” He prays, “I was inspired; now I’m sad and tired” and asks God to “take me now “before I change my mind.” Lewis delivers Jesus with conviction and passion, eliciting emotion without sentimentality.
The musical star of the show is the strong chorus whose perfectly blended voices arouse feelings with songs like “What’s the Buzz,” “Hosanna,” and the big finale “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The entire soundtrack was released as a concept album in 1970, paving the way for the stage production a year later. The title song and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” became immediate hit singles.
A highlight is local veteran actor Wayne Kennedy as Herod. His vaudevillian soft-shoe number with the ensemble in “King Herod’s Song” is terrific and adds a comedic touch to the drama. Another funny line is Jesus asking His apostles, “Why are you you obsessed with fighting? Stick to fishing from now on.”
Joe Callahan is fine as Annas, and Markus Warren understands the role Pontius Pilate played in The Passion and plays it accordingly.
Brian Mallgrave’s rotating set design realistically represents the mountains, rocks and sand of the Judaean Desert. Shannon McKinney’s lighting is a spectacular enhancement of the scenes, especially at the end when the only light is the white light on Jesus’s face on the cross.
This production is a moving portrayal of The Passion of Christ. No matter what your religion, you will be touched.
A note about The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities: The 526-seat Main Stage Theatre is one of three theaters in the multidisciplinary facility that include art galleries, children’s theatre, camps and classes. There’s not a bad seat in The Main Stage Theatre with its steep incline, and patrons are allowed to bring beverages to their seats.
The Arvada Center is at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Parking is free. Jesus Christ Superstar runs through April 16. For more information and tickets, call 720-898-7200 or visit arvadacenter.org.
Claudia Carbone is an award-winning journalist based in Denver. She covers performing arts, travel and restaurants for a variety of magazines and websites. Follow her travel blog Sleepin’ Around on GoWorldTravel.com.
Jesus Christ Superstar plays at the Arvada Center through April 16, Easter Sunday | christianity |
http://www.classymusings.com/blog/2016/6/27/her-year-in-review | 2019-09-17T19:32:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-39/segments/1568514573105.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20190917181046-20190917203046-00033.warc.gz | 0.957854 | 616 | CC-MAIN-2019-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-39__0__76129168 | en | Her Year in Review
We've decided to begin a tradition: write a new vow to each other every anniversary and read it to the other in front of God. Here's mine.
I remember the day in fragmented, fleeting moments. We were wide-eyed newlyweds basking in the glory of the beautiful sacrament. You in a handsome, tailored suit; me in a lacey, immaculate gown. Us in the center of our circle of family and friends, receiving wishes enough to last a lifetime. A bride and a groom celebrating, dancing, making merry.
And a year after, here we are: Stripped off the adornment, decoration, and finery characteristic of a wedding day. Removed from the fanciful dreams and delights painted by half-truths. Handed reality, rawness, and vulnerability on a not-so-silver plate. Outsiders will say, ‘What despair!’ But marked with my own blood, I say, ‘What peace!’
Because there is nothing that can awash my soul with serenity more than a marriage with you. There were the big adventures: traveling to new worlds, seeing the amazing and the majestic, making memories in foreign lands. But more importantly, there was the ordinary miraculous that you and I only know of: decorating a home, creating a routine, writing about our days, establishing weekend brunch traditions, fighting our fights, making up, dreaming of children, praying on bended knees, cheering for each other. It’s been proven: it’s the tiny things that are beautiful. Because they are the everyday.
We’ve done a lot but we’ve actually only just begun. There are still so many dreams to unfold, things to do, and a marriage to build. I vow to be a nobler wife, prodding you through life with only gentleness and kindness. I vow to laugh with you, without fear of the future. I vow to step into your world and get to know the corners like my own. I vow to be grateful, always, especially during the ugly moments. I vow to never ever give up on our hopes even when they seem impossible, even if they say negative for now.
These are the things you deserve because… wow, what a year you have given me. Thank you teaching me how to be a wife first; how to live my life solely for you; how to clothe myself with a singular, wondrous love directed to you and you alone. Never have I ever thought that I would be taught this breathtaking pursuit so soon in life. I will never trade it for the world.
I’ve heard it said, let your wedding be a wonder. Well I say, let our marriage be a wonder and infinitely more. God knows our first year was exactly that (I think He made sure of that). Happy Anniversary, Buddy! I love you, through the ordinary and the miraculous, always and forever. | christianity |
https://kamakaz68.wordpress.com/ | 2018-07-17T21:17:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-30/segments/1531676589902.8/warc/CC-MAIN-20180717203423-20180717223423-00165.warc.gz | 0.933602 | 108 | CC-MAIN-2018-30 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-30__0__152745351 | en | Angel Wings of Glory is a custom Christian T-shirt company located in San Diego, California. We specialize in custom Christian T-shirts and Accessories. We have our own designs and we can custom design for your organization and/or we can put your name/logo on our existing designs.
We are dedicated to producing quality Christian T-shirt & Accessories at an affordable price so that you can be proud to wear and be a witness to the ministry of Christ. We will be releasing new designs monthly so visit often. Thank you. | christianity |
https://oxgaps.org/singer-mylon-lefevre-died-christian-music-world-mourns-death-of-pioneering/ | 2024-02-26T16:49:33 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474661.10/warc/CC-MAIN-20240226162136-20240226192136-00459.warc.gz | 0.969334 | 1,022 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__64144753 | en | Mylon LeFevre, a pioneering force in contemporary Christian music known for his Southern rock-infused brand of gospel, passed away on September 8th 2023, due to long battle with cancer. LeFevre’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, musicians and the Christian community celebrating his memorable legacy.
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1944, LeFevre grew up performing with his family’s Southern gospel quartet. But it was in the 1970s that he carved out his unique niche, fusing faith-based lyrics with rock rhythms to create a progressive new sound aimed at engaging secular youth audiences.
LeFevre formed the band Mylon and Broken Heart in the mid-70s. Their album “Crack the Sky” was a breakthrough, spawning Christian radio hits like “Sweet Victory” that resonated with a generation of young believers. LeFevre’s authentic performance style coupled with innovative musical arrangements made his brand of Christian rock accessible in a way few had achieved before.
Over his long career, LeFevre used his platform not just for music, but ministry. His concerts evolved into revivals where he’d preach and lead youth to Christ by the thousands. Mylon and Broken Heart toured extensively nationwide, selling out arenas and exposing Christian rock to the masses.
His goal was always to bring new audiences, especially disenchanted youth, into the church through the connective power of rock. LeFevre’s openness about his faith journey through drug addiction and the vagabond lifestyle made his message relatable. His legacy became defined by his focus on redemption and using his talents for evangelism.
Beyond his pioneering sound, LeFevre co-founded the gospel label One Way Records in the 1970s which expanded Christian contemporary music distribution and signing new talent. The label proved instrumental in building what became the Christian music industry.
LeFevre’s sudden passing prompted many online tributes from Christian artists across genres who praised his innovation and ministry. “He broke down barriers with his music,” wrote singer Michael W. Smith. Author Brennan Manning called LeFevre’s onstage ministry “radically honest” in reflecting real struggles.
Mylon LeFevre wife shared the Memoria Post on Facebook by writing:-
Mylon Le Fevre
10-6-44 to 9-8-23
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:12 NKJV
When we discussed heaven through the years, Mylon was most excited about receiving the soul winner’s crown. With his contemporary Christian rock band, Mylon and Broken Heart, he had the privilege of leading over 250,000 youth to Jesus. He cherished all the years of music ministry and the countless lives touched through his songs but his greatest joy was teaching the Word of God, especially through our broadcast, On the Road to Freedom. (This pic was his fave spot.)
Throughout the last years of this intense non-stop battle, never once did I hear him falter in his good confession of faith. In every broadcast and church service, many witnesses can attest to his bold declaration: JESUS IS MY HEALER.
Until his very last breath he fought the good fight of faith. He finished his race. He kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7
My honey, we discussed many times how we both daily answered the call for the holy affirmation that I know you are now hearing,
“Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
My love, you are finally enjoying in this moment what you affectionately referred to as “the first day of forever.”
It has been my highest honor and privilege for God to trust me with you these past 25 years.
All my love, Christi
John L. Cooper Author of Awake & Alive of the Truth also shared a grief note on Facebook by writing:-
I just found out that my good friend, mentor, and Christian music veteran, Mylon LeFevre @mylonchristilefevre passed away last night. I don’t know what to say. Mylon was a hero; one of a kind. I’m gonna miss him. Much love to his wife Christi.
While health issues had slowed LeFevre’s public appearances in recent years, his mountainous impact on Christian music remains. The musical trailblazer’s unique style and dedication to his faith was an inspiration. He leaves a legacy of using creative expression like none before him to share his believes and touch endless lives. Even decades later, the songs of Mylon LeFevre continue ministering to legions of fans worldwide. | christianity |
http://katieleigh.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/advent-we-wait-together/ | 2013-05-24T03:58:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704134547/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113534-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.961531 | 523 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__139213820 | en | Last Monday night, J and I drove across town to the home of our friends Chris and Hannah, for their annual Advent readings. Every year, they make a pot of mulled cider, buy some festive goodies, and invite friends to join them as they light their Advent wreath and read from the week’s lectionary, and from the beautiful book God With Us.
This was our first time attending their readings, but as I listened to the words of Isaiah and Luke (and Scott Cairns), cradling a mug of cider in my hands, it struck me anew: during Advent, we wait together.
Sometimes the spiritual life seems like a solitary journey, a long, solo trek down a road that’s often dark, as you stumble your way forward, talking to a God who never does answer in the way you want him to. The tradition I grew up in emphasized a “personal relationship” with Christ, which is a valid and beautiful thing. But when I struggle, or feel joyful, or have questions, I also work through those times with my community.
After two years at our wee church in Boston, J and I are part of the team of people who make things happen. We helped decorate the church for Advent, with wreaths and candles, and flowers on the windowsills. We help plan services, choose songs, print bulletins. We answer questions and make announcements and wash dishes after the monthly potluck. Sometimes it feels like a lot of responsibility. But we are never alone, even in our small congregation. We sing and pray, grieve and rejoice, live and love, together.
My memories of Christmas, whether musical or literary or simply nostalgic, are filled with the faces of those I love: my parents and sister, my husband, my extended family, my friends, my fellow expats in Oxford. And as I continue to practice Advent (a relatively new tradition for me), I practice it in community.
We light the candles on the wreath; we read Zechariah’s song and Mary’s Magnificat and Simeon’s strange, exhilarating words. We sing all the Christmas carols we can, and we start every service with “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” And we wait for God to come, both as the baby in the manger and as the triumphant King. We wait for his justice and love to break through in our lives.
We wait together. And that is true comfort, and true joy. | christianity |
http://marthalawley.com/meet.htm | 2024-04-18T17:46:09 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817222.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20240418160034-20240418190034-00456.warc.gz | 0.971935 | 1,017 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__10925825 | en | Martha grew up in beautiful northern Wyoming where she enjoyed the many benefits of living in a small farming community. Having three brothers, she quickly learned the advantages of being the only girl. Martha accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at the age of 9. Only upon becoming an adult did she truly appreciate the great blessings of growing up in a Christian home.
After receiving a degree in Political Science from University of Wyoming, Martha moved to Waco, Texas to attend Baylor University School of Law, where she graduated with honors. Upon passing the Texas bar exam, Martha began her legal career in Houston specializing in business litigation. While in Houston she met and married the love of her life, Roger Lawley. Martha continued to actively practice law until 1994, when God called her family to Utah. For the next five years she was blessed to be a fulltime wife and mother as well as serving in her home church. In late 1999, God called Martha to be the Women’s Consultant for the Utah-Idaho Baptist Convention where she served until her family relocated to northern Wyoming.
Some of Martha’s most cherished childhood memories involve church – hearing Bible stories in Sunday school, enjoying church-wide fellowships and playing “Red Rover” at VBS. Her family was in church every time the doors were open and severe illness was the only acceptable excuse for not attending. Considering all that time Martha spent in church, you might think she figured out what “church” is all about. But, as time passed, she realized how little she really understood about church as described in the Bible. For years she defined church based on her experiences rather than what God’s Word says about it. As an adult, she found herself becoming frustrated and disillusioned, with church. God used Martha’s disappointment to motivate her to see what the Bible had to say about church. The more she learned about church from God’s Word, the more she understood its importance and the vital significance of each believer’s involvement. God continues to use these profound truths to change Martha’s attitudes and actions.
During this spiritual journey, Martha discovered that the image Scripture provides of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as the bride of Christ is rich with vital spiritual lessons. A greater understanding of this God-given pattern of the relationship between Christ and the church has radically changed her life. The insights she gained during her personal journey to understand the church and what God really wanted from her form the basis of her Bible study, Attending the Bride of Christ: Preparing for His Return.
Martha has been blessed with many opportunities to lead women’s conferences and retreats nationwide. God has graciously given her the gift of teaching and a passion to see lives continually changed through the power of God. Her humble, straightforward manner challenges women to go further with God. Her holistic approach to ministry emphasizes the importance of cooperating fully with God in all areas of spiritual transformation. She encourages women to wholeheartedly pursue the core spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, worship, using spiritual gifts in service, and personal evangelism / missions involvement. Martha’s greatest desire is to provoke women to look at things differently – to step outside their usual ways of thinking so they may see things from God’s perspective and allow Him to reorder their lives accordingly.
Martha is the author of Attending the Bride of Christ: Preparing for His Return, a women’s Bible study originally published in November 2005 and republished in February 2015. She is a contributing author to several women’s leadership books including, Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Enrichment Ministry (revised edition), and Transformed Lives: Taking Women’s Ministry to the Next Level. She has also written numerous articles for LifeWay Church Resources Women’s Ministry web page and serves as a Women’s Ministry Multiplier for LifeWay.
Martha and Roger have three wonderful children, Amber, Katie and Taylor, as well as two fantastic sons-in-law, Keith and Nathan, one amazing daughter-in-law, Cayley and four precious grandchildren, Jared, Katelyn, David and Macie! She loves to read and is hopelessly addicted to following the latest news developments online and reading conservative political blogs. Roger and Martha enjoy getting away to the Big Horn Mountains and traveling together. Martha remains devoted to her local church where she and Roger, teach a young adult small group and she also serves as a Bible study leader and women’s ministry team member.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”Ephesians 3:20 -21 | christianity |
https://lemcon.asia/church-of-pila/ | 2024-04-24T13:03:59 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296819273.90/warc/CC-MAIN-20240424112049-20240424142049-00048.warc.gz | 0.947899 | 262 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__100703805 | en | The San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, situated in Pila, Laguna, stands as a significant Roman Catholic edifice dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Established in 1578, it holds the distinction of being the earliest parish church under the patronage of Saint Anthony in the Philippines, and likely, the first of its kind in Asia, by 1581. This historical landmark not only highlights the early spread of Roman Catholicism in the region but also marks a pivotal moment in the religious history of the Philippines and Asia, showcasing the deep-rooted influence of Antonine devotion in the area’s cultural and spiritual development.
The San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, located in Pila, Laguna, is a pivotal historical and religious site in the Philippines. Established in the 16th century, it showcases Spanish colonial architecture with a baroque facade and intricate interior designs. This church is not only a place of worship but also serves as a cultural hub for the town, which is a National Historical Landmark. The structure has undergone several reconstructions due to damages from natural disasters. Today, it remains a vital part of Pila’s community, hosting religious and cultural events that attract both locals and visitors, embodying the town’s rich heritage and devout spirituality. | christianity |
https://journeytoexcellence.com/why/clear-purpose | 2023-06-05T16:56:13 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224652149.61/warc/CC-MAIN-20230605153700-20230605183700-00262.warc.gz | 0.952249 | 294 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__109239684 | en | Adventist Education exists to lead students to encounter Jesus, accept His gift of salvation, and follow Him. Central to this ministry is a shared understanding of the biblical worldview that embraces God’s plan for humankind—creation, the fall, redemption, and re-creation. Ellen White clearly stated the purpose of Adventist education this way, “To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life.” (Education 15-16).
Clearly identifying the importance of integrating Christian faith and values throughout the school program ensures that the best education is available to each student. This desired focus, this high and holy aim of Adventist education, is reflected in the following words: “True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of the wider service in the world to come” (Education 13). | christianity |
http://skipti.net/2019/11/05/short-course-on-covering-the-basics/ | 2021-11-29T03:32:15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-49/segments/1637964358685.55/warc/CC-MAIN-20211129014336-20211129044336-00130.warc.gz | 0.972985 | 474 | CC-MAIN-2021-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-49__0__111258305 | en | Christian Church Website Designer
There are many churches with websites online so that they can reach more people and if your church does not have one yet, this might be the best time to create one. There are many good website hosting providers that you can find and you might get confused as to which one is the best. You may need church themes or you might want a place where you can upload sermons and preachings and things like that. You can also get those website designers to help you with spreading your website out there. Let us learn more about those web designers and hosting providers for Christian church websites.
Before you even think of building a Christian website online, you must first get a good web hosting provider to help you with such things. It can be tough to build a website and if you have no idea how it is done, the best thing to do is to get help from those webs hosting providers. You are going to start with a platform provided by those web hosting services. With those hosting providers, they can give you a lot of wonderful features for your websites and you can really benefit a whole lot from them. You can not really do so well if you do not have those web hosting providers with you. Having help from website hosting providers will really give you courage to create the website of your dream.
When you build and create a website, you are going to want other people to find your website and there are many ways that you can do that. If you have never used SEO before, you are missing out because it can actually help you to promote your website online. You can use those marketing strategies to boost your website online so that more and more people will find it. Using those online search optimization strategies can really help you bring more and more people to your website and that is what you might really like because you can get to reach out to more people about your church and the Word of God. Using SEO for your online church website can really help because if people are looking for good churches that they can go to for Sunday worship, they can search online and find your website easily if you have used good website optimization strategies. If you want a good church website to go up online and bring in visitors to your church, you can get help from those Christian church website hosting providers and they will give you all the help that you need from them. | christianity |
http://www.parishoftheplains.com/5.html | 2013-12-07T08:04:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-48/segments/1386163053865/warc/CC-MAIN-20131204131733-00030-ip-10-33-133-15.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.965339 | 1,081 | CC-MAIN-2013-48 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-48__0__134256484 | en | Pastor Alm and all members were present. Pastor opened with prayer and a scripture reading from the 1st Chapter in Luke. Phil read the minutes of the November meeting. Ben read the minutes from the November 7th joint meeting submitted by Johnadene Winkelman. Arden presented the Treasurer’s Report for November. Sue moved to donate $250.00 to the local Salvation Army. Galen 2nd, motion carried. Old Business: Ben reported he had the Christmas candy and 2 boxes of apples ordered for Christmas Eve. New Business: There will be a potluck Christmas brunch at the church this Sunday, Dec 9th. We will go Christmas Caroling Sunday, Dec 16th. The Christmas Eve program will be at 6:00 pm. Pastor will put something together. Church will be held at 10:45 am starting January 6th for Weyerts. Annual Meeting dates: We will have our annual meeting and lunch Jan 20th and the UCP church will be Jan 27th. Weyerts will have church at 9:00 am and the UCP church will be at 10:45 on the 27th for their meeting. A budget meeting for the two board Treasurer’s will be held at some point to set up Pastor’s proposed salary package. Pastor handed out the Parish of the Plains Treasurer’s report for the month of November. With no further business, the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Phil Narjes, Secretary
United Church of the Plains
The Governing Board of the United Church of the Plains met Wednesday December 5, 2012 at Trinity parsonage site. Present were: Janet Waite, Colleen McKay, Wendell Draper, Deana Winkelman, & Johnadene Winkelman. Hannah Geller, Phil Flohr Weston McConnell, and Greg Vath were excused.
Also present were:
Moderator: Pastor Eric Alm
Parish Treasurer: Karen Larson
We opened with devotions led by Pastor.
The following items were on the agenda:
Minutes of the November Meeting, both Treasurers’ Reports, and Pastor’s Report were all approved.
The respective committees submitted their reports.
Pastor talked with Highlands Camp about Vacation Bible School and with Dixie Anders about having a joint Bible school with Light Memorial. They have offered to bring the Sidney group to Dalton each day so the Bible school can be held in Dalton. There is not a firm date set at this time.
Karen reported that six from the youth group went to Sullivan Hills for the retreat and all seemed to have a very good time.
Unfortunately the Grace sale did not go through.
Colleen will check on buying a small copier for the Presbyterian site since the one at that site is not working.
A group that used the parsonage site had Sharon clean before they used it. It was decided to have this done at least once a month since the building has a lot of use.
A man from Kimball presented the plan for the mission trip for 2014 at a Sunday service. It was reported that we have a couple of people interested in going.
Confirmation is underway and going well.
We discussed purchasing a camera to use with our TV screen for funerals, etc. since we are presently borrowing one. we voted to look into purchasing one.
Leon Kriesel has offered to donate a live Christmas tree for the sanctuary. We were very pleased with his offer and we will try to get it up before next Sunday.
Barb Reimers will come to the next meeting to discuss insurance.
Our annual meeting will be January 27 and we will see if we can switch worship times with Grace so we can go directly to the meeting after lunch. We will need to have reports turned in to Deana or Johnadene by January 13 so that the Annual Report can be printed before the meeting.
The meeting adjourned with prayer.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 2 at the parsonage. Communion Assistants and Offering Counters for December are Wendell & Phil and for January are Johnadene and Janet Waite.
Johnadene Winkelman, Clerk Respectfully submitted, Johnadene Winkelman, Clerk
United Church Women
UCW met December 16 2 9:30 AM. Bev opened the meeting with prayer and the purpose.
Minutes of the last meeting were given and approved. Treasurers report given and was accepted.
Motion made by Janet and seconded by Bev to nominate Connie Winkelman as our president for 2013. Unanimous vote for Connie was given by the group. Barb Reimers Vice President, Frances Miller Secretary, and Adalia McGuire will serve another term as Treasurer. Thank you to Bev for being a great President. Funeral lunch chairperson will be Trudy and Bernice. Thank you Karen for being chairperson of the funeral lunches. Great job well done.
Discussion held pertaining 2013 committees. Decided to have chairperson of the month next year. Sign up sheet was passed around the groups. Next meeting will be January 20 after church at the Presbyterian site.
Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Frances Miller, Secretary | christianity |
https://annemarielizbrown.wordpress.com/2018/06/10/raising-the-new-from-the-inside-out/ | 2022-12-03T05:45:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446710924.83/warc/CC-MAIN-20221203043643-20221203073643-00319.warc.gz | 0.958203 | 425 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__190576462 | en | “They’ll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They’ll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.”
Isaiah 61:1-7 (MSG)
The verses leading up to this talk about how exactly those who mourn in Zion are able to ‘rebuild new cities.’
About what conditions are needed to move from mourning, to rebuilding.
What is within their power to rebuild will be dependent upon what they hear when all they see is ruin.
And the nature of what they rebuild will be shaped by the sort of voice that guides them.
The character of what they rebuild will be shaped by the name they choose to be known by.
New cities are raised from ruin because their hearts heard him even when their here and now eyes could only see and feel ruin.
What if it is he .. his companionship is precisely the condition we need to move from mourning to rebuilding?
Even when their here and now eyes could see more ruin than they could a new city…. The tune, the name, the voice is what lead them to even here find the energy through which to move, to hope.
He works from the inside out. He’s a soul dweller.
There he mends.
There he speaks. Brings forth a new melody. Brings forth a new name.
That’s where we will see the birth of new life. The birth of a new city. Not just once, but daily.
If we’ll only listen.
If we’ll only let him.
“So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT) | christianity |
https://wordbymouth.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/gods-covenant-with-noah-a-picture-of-grace/ | 2017-04-28T23:32:54 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-17/segments/1492917123102.83/warc/CC-MAIN-20170423031203-00383-ip-10-145-167-34.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.956157 | 2,831 | CC-MAIN-2017-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-17__0__234319472 | en | GENESIS Chapter 12
GOD’S COVENANT WITH NOAH – A PICTURE OF GRACE
“And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.“– Genesis 9:11
Noah’s first act, when he came out of the ark, was to build, not a house for himself, but an altar “unto the Lord” on which he offered blood sacrifices as burnt offerings to God. These were received by God as a sweet-smelling savor. Having received these offerings, God declared that he would never again curse the ground for man’s sake and that, as long as the earth remained, its seasons would not cease.
Then we are told, “God blessed Noah and his sons” (9:1). This is the first time we read of God blessing anyone since the fall of our father Adam. The basis of the blessing was the sacrifice God had received. That blood sacrifice was symbolical. It was a picture of Christ, the Lamb of God, for whose sake and through whose merits all the blessings of grace flow to sinners upon the earth.
This is a new beginning. Judgment is over. Old things have passed away. All things are now new. And everything now rests upon a covenant that God made, a covenant of grace, based upon shed blood. Man had forfeited the blessing of God. He had forfeited his position as lord of creation. But grace restores him. Grace reinstates him. God made a covenant with Noah and, in its scope, that covenant reached even to the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea (9:2). This covenant was made to last forever.
Everything about Noah’s salvation by the ark is representative of our salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole story is full of spiritual suggestions.
The ark is a picture of Christ and our redemption by him.
The salvation of Noah and his family by water is a picture of our salvation by the washing of regeneration. Like Noah, though we are in the world, we are dead to it. As Noah came out of the ark, out of the flood of God’s wrath, so we have come up out of the watery grave to walk with Christ in the newness of life by the power of our resurrected Redeemer.
As Noah came out of the ark to walk abroad in the earth, so the believer in Christ walks in freedom. Noah’s sacrifices to God picture the believer’s employment in this world – The worship and praise of God our Savior.
When the Lord commanded Noah to be fruitful and fill the earth with his fruit, he set forth the fruitfulness of faith. Believer’s bear fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, unto God (Gal. 5:22-23).
And as his witnesses in this world, believing sinners are spiritual parents to immortal souls, travailing in birth until Christ is formed in other chosen sinners by the work of God the Holy Spirit.
Noah’s dominion over the beasts of the earth symbolized the believer’s dominion over the lusts of his own nature. Grace has made us priests and kings in Christ. We are priests to offer up sacrifices to God by Christ. We are kings to rule our own spirits by the Spirit of Christ.
Noah’s security, standing before God upon the ground of God’s own covenant, was a picture of every believer’s security before God upon the basis of God’s covenant.
Before ever the earth was made, before time began, in old eternity, God made a covenant with his Son for the salvation of his elect. We call it the covenant of grace, or the everlasting covenant. That covenant was a solemn compact between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, which guarantees and secures the salvation of God’s elect. It is a covenant ordered in all things and made sure from eternity (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:9).
It is a covenant ratified by the blood of Christ at Calvary (Heb. 13:20). It is a covenant established and sealed to God’s elect by the Holy Spirit in regeneration through faith (Eph. 1:13-14). It was this blessed covenant of grace that comforted, sustained, and gave satisfaction to David on his deathbed (2 Sam. 23:5). It is this very same covenant which is the comfort and strength of believing sinners today (2 Tim. 1:9-12). The covenant that God made with Noah was a covenant of pure grace and was representative of the covenant of grace which he made for us with Christ before the world began.
WHO MADE THIS COVENANT?
The source of this covenant was God alone. This was a covenant which God made with Noah, not a covenant that Noah made with God (Read vv. 11, 12, and 15). This was God’s covenant with Noah. Man had no part in making it, or in keeping it. And man could not break it. So it is with that everlasting covenant of grace that God has made for us. It is a covenant of pure grace (Rom. 9:11-18). It is a covenant of unconditional, unqualified promise. God says, “I will” and “you shall” (Gal. 4:22-31).
Believers do not stand before God under a covenant that demands anything of us. We live under a covenant of promise. Its’ favors are unconditional. Its’ mercies are unlimited. All its’ blessings are made sure to all the seed by the oath and promise of God. As God kept his covenant with Noah, so the covenant of grace has been faithfully kept to this day (8:22), kept by God himself. Nothing in the covenant depends, in any degree, upon man – God says, “I will remember my covenant,” and he does. The garments of salvation are all garments of God’s providing, garments of grace. None of God’s people wear garments of linen and wool, of works and grace.
C. H. Spurgeon said, “My looking to Jesus brings me joy and peace, but it is God’s looking to Jesus which secures my salvation and that of all his elect; for it is impossible for God to look at Christ, our bleeding Surety, and then be angry with us for sins already punished in him.”
The covenant of grace is an everlasting covenant. Time does not change God or his purpose. David rejoiced to declare on his dying bed, “The Lord hath made with me and everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.” Every child of God in this world can and should have the same joyful confidence in all his circumstances. Grace is never in jeopardy. Salvation is never in danger. God’s elect cannot, by any means, be lost (Isa. 54:9-10). The covenant of grace is a covenant made by God and kept by God.
WITH WHOM WAS THE COVENANT ESTABLISHED?
The covenant touched everything in God’s creation. The benefits of the covenant were given to all Noah’s posterity. But the covenant was made with only one man – Noah (v. 11). Even so, the covenant of grace was made with one Person – the Lord Jesus Christ; but that one Person was Surety for many (Heb. 7:22). God made his covenant for us with Christ. Our divine Surety met all the stipulations of the covenant for us. In him, only in him, every believer receives all the blessings of the covenant. They are ours in Christ and for his sake (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:9).
WHAT WAS THE BASIS, OR FOUNDATION, OF THE COVENANT?
This covenant was God’s response to Noah’s sacrifice (Gen. 8:20-22). The covenant which God made with Noah was God’s answer to the “sweet savor” that ascended to him from the altar. All the blessings of the covenant flowed to Noah, because of the sacrifice. And all the blessings of the covenant of grace flow to all of God’s elect through “the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb. 13:20), the blood of Christ, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8).
WHY WAS THIS COVENANT MADE?
We must not pry into the secrets of almighty God. I do not pretend to know all that moved God in the covenant he made with Noah, or in the covenant he made with Christ for us. However, this much he has revealed. God made his covenant to be…
• a wondrous display of his amazing grace (Gen. 8:21; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).
• a perpetual declaration of his glorious sovereignty (Gen. 8:22; Rom. 9:11-18).
• a solid ground of comfort to his elect (Rom. 8:28-32).
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COVENANT?
In a word – Everything! The covenant God made with Noah included all the elements of the world (8:22), all the creatures of the world (9:3, 9, 10), and all the governments of the world (9:6). The covenant of grace includes everything. “All things are of God” (2 Cor. 5:18). “All things are yours” (1 Cor. 3:21; Hos. 2:18; Rom. 8:28). Everything in this world is so absolutely governed by God that nothing happens, nothing is done, nothing moves, nothing lives, nothing dies, except that which God has purposed for the fulfilling of his covenant in his elect.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE RAINBOW, THE TOKEN OF THE COVENANT?
Read verses 12 – 16. Here we see the rainbow upon the earth; but when John was caught up to heaven, he saw the rainbow encircling God’s throne (Rev. 4:3), and he saw Christ, our Mediator, ruling all things for the fulfilment of God’s covenant, crowned with a rainbow on his head (Rev. 10:1).
The Lord is ever mindful of his covenant. He does not need a token to remind him of it; but we do. So he gave us the rainbow. It was the symbol to Noah of God’s covenant with him; and it is a symbol to us to remind us of God’s covenant with us in Christ.
When may we expect to see the rainbow, the token of the covenant? The only time the rainbow is seen is when there is a cloud (v. 14). When our blessed Savior died at Calvary, there was a dark cloud over the earth; and there, in the death of our Substitute, we see God’s covenant. The believer’s days in this world are often filled with clouds, clouds hung by our heavenly Father – “When I bring a cloud.”
We read the lines and promises of God’s covenant best when we read them drawn out for us upon the dark and cloudy sky of adversity. You will never see the rainbow until a cloud appears. But, as A. W. Pink wrote, “How blessed to know that the cloud that comes over our sky is of his bringing! And if so, how sure that some way he will reveal his glory in it!”
If we would see the rainbow, there must also be some rain. The cloud itself does not give the rainbow. We will never see a rainbow without the crystal drops of water to reflect the light of the sun. And you cannot see the rainbow unless the sun shines. It is only as Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shines in our hearts by the Spirit of grace that we are able to see God’s covenant and grace toward us in him.
Shine, O Sun of Righteousness Through all the clouds of time and sense;
Display the rainbow of your grace And rest my soul in covenant peace.
What do we see in the rainbow, the token of the covenant? In the rainbow, we see transcendent beauty and glory. That is what we see revealed in the covenant of God’s grace. In the rainbow, we see a symbol of justice and vengeance satisfied. There is the bow; but it has neither string nor arrow.
God has hung up his bow. The warfare is over (Isa. 40:1-2). That is the covenant fulfilled by our Surety. In the rainbow, we see streamers of joy, a banner of delight, flung across the heavens. That is what the covenant of grace is! (Jer. 31:3; 31-34; 32:37-41).
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor
Grace Baptist Church of Danville
2734 Old Stanford Road
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438 USA
Taken from http://grace-for-today.com/1504.htm | christianity |
http://steamboatwriters.com/michael-marx/ | 2019-04-25T04:21:08 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-18/segments/1555578681624.79/warc/CC-MAIN-20190425034241-20190425060241-00164.warc.gz | 0.952205 | 316 | CC-MAIN-2019-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-18__0__207619796 | en | Michael J. Marx, MBA, EdD, PCC is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in business coaching and life coaching. His passion is adult learning and he serves on the faculty of Concordia University Wisconsin (teaching MBA International Business, and MBA International Finance), and the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (teaching Coaching Skills Mastery, and Ethics & Risk Management).
Irrepressibly adventurous, Michael and his wife Joy lived and worked in Europe for over two decades. More recently, they traveled the U.S. and Canada in an RV, operating their location-neutral businesses and coaching/teaching via internet video. A ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado is now called home. Their German golden retriever, “Angel,” writes a blog (in two languages!) about her family’s adventures at: https://travelswithangel.wordpress.com/
A strong advocate for professionalism in Christian coaching, Michael currently serves as the leader of the ICF ethics community. His enthusiasm for the subject brought him to write Ethics and Risk Management for Christian Coaches (2016). Additionally, he is the president of Christian Coaches Network International.
Michael is a sought-after subject matter expert. He often speaks and conducts workshops on trust building, coaching relationships, ethics, evidenced-based coaching, and one-to-one (dyadic) learning. His hobbies include skiing and dog sledding. His greatest joy, however, comes from mentoring. Learn more about Michael at: www.BlazingNewTrailsCoaching.com | christianity |
https://uwwintervarsity.org/staff | 2024-04-24T00:23:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296818835.29/warc/CC-MAIN-20240423223805-20240424013805-00442.warc.gz | 0.949416 | 169 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__1748816 | en | Campus Staff Ministers
Campus Staff Ministers are appointed by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to serve at UW-Whitewater and advance mission on campus. Staff provide leadership, oversight, coaching, and training for student leaders, seeking to empower them to guide the ministry forward. InterVarsity Staff are funded entirely by the support of people who believe in the work they do on campus at UW-Whitewater.
Financially Supporting InterVarsity
Having a team of campus ministers at UW-Whitewater requires financial support from a team of partners who want to see God's work advance on campus. Would you be interested in praying for and donating to support our staff team? Your support will continue the long legacy of God's work at UW-Whitewater through InterVarsity, lasting from 1956 to present, and into the future. | christianity |
http://www.stanneshrine.org/ | 2016-05-29T01:46:37 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-22/segments/1464049278385.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20160524002118-00196-ip-10-185-217-139.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.90278 | 153 | CC-MAIN-2016-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2016-22__0__61236831 | en | We, the faithful of Saint Anne Catholic Church & Shrine, have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, through baptism, to be a community of disciples of Jesus Christ; participate in common worship, and live the Gospel values by reaching out to others in loving service.
Monday-Thursday / Lunes-Jueves
10:00am - 7:00pm
Friday / Viernes 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday / Sábado 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday / Domingo 9:00 - 2:00pm
The office is closed from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
La oficina esta cerrada de 12:00pm - 1:00pm | christianity |
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