|St. Hildegard von Bingen, O.S.B.|
Illumination from the Liber Scivias showing Hildegard receiving a vision and dictating to her scribe and secretary
|Doctor of the Church, Sibyl of the Rhine|
Bermersheim vor der Höhe, County Palatine of the Rhine, Holy Roman Empire
|Died||17 September 1179 (aged 81)
Bingen am Rhein, County Palatine of the Rhine, Holy Roman Empire
|Honored in||Roman Catholic Church
(Order of St. Benedict), Anglican Communion, Lutheranism
|Canonized||10 May 2012 (equivalent canonization), Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI|
|Major shrine||Eibingen Abbey
Saint Hildegard of Bingen, O.S.B. (German: Hildegard von Bingen; Latin: Hildegardis Bingensis) (1098 – 17 September 1179), also known as Saint Hildegard, and Sibyl of the Rhine, was a German writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath. Elected a magistra by her fellow nuns in 1136, she founded the monasteries of Rupertsberg in 1150 and Eibingen in 1165. One of her works as a composer, the Ordo Virtutum, is an early example of liturgical drama and arguably the oldest surviving morality play.
She wrote theological, botanical and medicinal texts, as well as letters, liturgical songs, and poems, while supervising brilliant miniature illuminations.
Although the history of her formal recognition as a saint is complicated, she has been recognized as a saint by parts of the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. On 7 October 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of the Church.
BiographyHildegard's date of birth is uncertain. She may have been born in the year 1098. Sickly from birth, Hildegard was her parents' tenth child and raised by a family of free nobles. In her Vita, Hildegard explains that from a very young age she had experienced visions.
Monastic lifePerhaps due to Hildegard's visions, or as a method of political positioning, Hildegard's parents, Hildebert and Mechthilde, offered her as an oblate to the church. The date of Hildegard's enclosure in the church is the subject of a contentious debate. Her Vita says she was enclosed with an older nun, Jutta, at the age of eight. However, Jutta's enclosure date is known to be in 1112, at which time Hildegard would have been fourteen. Some scholars speculate that Hildegard was placed in the care of Jutta, the daughter of Count Stephan II of Sponheim, at the age of eight, and the two women were enclosed together six years later. There is no written record of the twenty-four years Hildegard lived in the convent with Jutta. It is possible that Hildegard could have been a chantress and a worker in the herbarium and infirmarium.
In any case, Hildegard and Jutta were enclosed at Disibodenberg in the Palatinate Forest in what is now Germany. Jutta was also a visionary and thus attracted many followers who came to visit her at the enclosure. Hildegard also tells us that Jutta taught her to read and write, but that she was unlearned and therefore incapable of teaching Hildegard Biblical interpretation. Hildegard and Jutta most likely prayed, meditated, read scriptures such as the psalter, and did some sort of handwork during the hours of the Divine Office. This also might have been a time when Hildegard learned how to play the ten-stringed psaltery. Volmar, a frequent visitor, may have taught Hildegard simple psalm notation. The time she studied music could also have been the beginning of the compositions she would later create.
Upon Jutta's death in 1136, Hildegard was unanimously elected as "magistra" of the community by her fellow nuns. Abbot Kuno of Disibodenberg also asked Hildegard to be Prioress, which would be under his authority. Hildegard, however, wanted more independence for herself and her nuns and asked Abbot Kuno to allow them to move to Rupertsberg. This was to be a move towards poverty, from a stone complex that was well established to a temporary dwelling place. When the abbot declined Hildegard's proposition, Hildegard went over his head and received the approval of Archbishop Henry I of Mainz. Abbot Kuno did not relent, however, until Hildegard was stricken by an illness that kept her paralyzed and unable to move from her bed, an event that she attributed to God's unhappiness at her not following his orders to move her nuns to Rupertsberg. It was only when the Abbot himself could not move Hildegard that he decided to grant the nuns their own monastery. Hildegard and about twenty nuns thus moved to the St. Rupertsberg monastery in 1150, where Volmar served as provost, as well as Hildegard's confessor and scribe. In 1165 Hildegard founded a second monastery for her nuns at Eibingen.
VisionsHildegard says that she first saw "The Shade of the Living Light" at the age of three, and by the age of five she began to understand that she was experiencing visions. She used the term 'visio' to this feature of her experience, and recognized that it was a gift that she could not explain to others. Hildegard explained that she saw all things in the light of God through the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Hildegard was hesitant to share her visions, confiding only to Jutta, who in turn told Volmar, Hildegard's tutor and, later, secretary. Throughout her life, she continued to have many visions, and in 1141, at the age of 42, Hildegard received a vision she believed to be an instruction from God, to "write down that which you see and hear." Still hesitant to record her visions, Hildegard became physically ill. The illustrations recorded in the book of Scivias were visions that Hildegard experienced, causing her great suffering and tribulations. In her first theological text, Scivias ("Know the Ways"), Hildegard describes her struggle within:
But I, though I saw and heard these things, refused to write for a long time through doubt and bad opinion and the diversity of human words, not with stubbornness but in the exercise of humility, until, laid low by the scourge of God, I fell upon a bed of sickness; then, compelled at last by many illnesses, and by the witness of a certain noble maiden of good conduct [the nun Richardis von Stade] and of that man whom I had secretly sought and found, as mentioned above, I set my hand to the writing. While I was doing it, I sensed, as I mentioned before, the deep profundity of scriptural exposition; and, raising myself from illness by the strength I received, I brought this work to a close – though just barely – in ten years. [...] And I spoke and wrote these things not by the invention of my heart or that of any other person, but as by the secret mysteries of God I heard and received them in the heavenly places. And again I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, 'Cry out therefore, and write thus!'Hildegard's Vita was begun by Godfrey of Disibodenberg under Hildegard's supervision. It was between November 1147 and February 1148 at the synod in Trier that Pope Eugenus heard about Hildegard’s writings. It was from this that she received Papal approval to document her visions as revelations from the Holy Spirit giving her instant credence.
Before Hildegard’s death, a problem arose with the clergy of Mainz. A man buried in Rupertsburg had died after excommunication from the Church. Therefore, the clergy wanted to remove his body from the sacred ground. Hildegard did not accept this idea, replying that it was a sin and that the man had been reconciled to the church at the time of his death.
On 17 September 1179, when Hildegard died, her sisters claimed they saw two streams of light appear in the skies and cross over the room where she was dying.
WorksHildegard's musical, literary, and scientific writings are housed primarily in two manuscripts: the Dendermonde manuscript and the Riesenkodex. The Dendermonde manuscript was copied under Hildegard's supervision at Rupertsberg, while the Riesencodex was copied in the century after Hildegard's death.
MusicChurch has led to a great deal of popular interest in Hildegard, particularly her music. In addition to the Ordo Virtutum, sixty-nine musical compositions, each with its own original poetic text, survive, and at least four other texts are known, though their musical notation has been lost. This is one of the largest repertoires among medieval composers. Hildegard also wrote nearly 400 letters to correspondents ranging from Popes to Emperors to abbots and abbesses; two volumes of material on natural medicine and cures; an invented language called the Lingua ignota; various minor works, including a gospel commentary and two works of hagiography; and three great volumes of visionary theology: Scivias, Liber vitae meritorum ("Book of Life's Merits" or "Book of the Rewards of Life"), and Liber divinorum operum ("Book of Divine Works").
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In addition to the Ordo Virtutum Hildegard composed many liturgical songs that were collected into a cycle called the Symphonia armoniae celestium revelationum. The songs from the Symphonia are set to Hildegard’s own text and range from antiphons, hymns, and sequences, to responsories. Her music is described as monophonic; that is, consisting of exactly one melodic line. Hildegard's compositional style is characterized by soaring melodies, often well outside of the normal range of chant at the time. Additionally, scholars such as Margot Fassler and Marianna Richert Pfau describe Hildegard's music as highly melismatic, often with recurrent melodic units, and also note her close attention to the relationship between music and text, which was a rare occurrence in monastic chant of the twelfth century. Hildegard of Bingen’s songs are left open for rhythmic interpretation because of the use of neumes without a staff. The reverence for the Virgin Mary reflected in music shows how deeply influenced and inspired Hildegard of Bingen and her community were by the Virgin Mary and the saints.
The definition of viriditas or ‘greenness’ is an earthly expression of the heavenly in an integrity that overcomes dualisms. This ‘greenness’ or power of life appears frequently in Hildegard’s works.
Recent scholars have asserted that Hildegard made a close association between music and the female body in her musical compositions. The poetry and music of Hildegard’s Symphonia is concerned with the anatomy of female desire thus described as Sapphonic, or pertaining to Sappho, connecting her to a history of female rhetoricians.
MysticismIn addition to her music, Hildegard also wrote three books of visions, the first of which, her Scivias ("Know the Way"), was completed in 1151. Liber vitae meritorum ("Book of Life's Merits" or "Book of the Rewards of Life") and Liber divinorum operum ("Book of Divine Works", also known as De operatione Dei, "On God's Activity") followed. In these volumes, the last of which was completed when she was about 75, Hildegard first describes each vision, then interprets them through Biblical exegesis.
The narrative of her visions was richly decorated under her direction, with transcription assistance provided by the monk Volmar and nun Richardis. The book was celebrated in the Middle Ages, in part because of the approval given to it by Pope Eugenius III, and was later printed in Paris in 1513.
Herbal medicineHildegard also wrote Physica, a text on the natural sciences, as well as Causae et Curae. Hildegard of Bingen was well known for her healing powers involving practical application of tinctures, herbs, and precious stones. In both texts Hildegard describes the natural world around her, including the cosmos, animals, plants, stones, and minerals.
She combined these elements with a theological notion ultimately derived from Genesis: all things put on earth are for the use of humans. She is particularly interested in the healing properties of plants, animals, and stones, though she also questions God's effect on man's health. One example of her healing powers was curing the blind with the use of Rhine water.
Alphabetalternative alphabet. The text of her writing and compositions reveals Hildegard's use of this form of modified medieval Latin, encompassing many invented, conflated and abridged words. Due to her inventions of words for her lyrics and use of a constructed script, many conlangers look upon her as a medieval precursor. Scholars believe that Hildegard used her Lingua Ignota to increase solidarity among her nuns.
During her lifetimeMaddocks claims that it is likely Hildegard learned simple Latin and the tenets of the Christian faith but was not instructed in the Seven Liberal Arts, which formed the basis of all education for the learned classes in the Middle Ages: the Trivium of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric plus the Quadrivium of arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music. The correspondence she kept with the outside world, both spiritual and social, transgressed the cloister as a space of female confinement and served to document Hildegard’s grand style and strict formatting of medieval letter writing.
Contributing to Christian European rhetorical traditions, Hildegard "authorized herself as a theologian" through alternative rhetorical arts. Hildegard was creative in her interpretation of theology. She believed that her monastery should exclude novices who were not from the nobility because she did not want her community to be divided on the basis of social status. She also stated that "woman may be made from man, but no man can be made without a woman."
 Hildegard’s participation in these arts speaks to her significance as a female rhetorician, transcending bans on women's social participation and interpretation of scripture. The acceptance of public preaching by a woman, even a well-connected abbess and acknowledged prophet, does not fit the stereotype of this time. Her preaching was not limited to the monasteries; she preached publicly in 1160 in Germany. (New York: Routledge, 2001, 9). She conducted four preaching tours throughout Germany, speaking to both clergy and laity in chapter houses and in public, mainly denouncing clerical corruption and calling for reform.
Many abbots and abbesses asked her for prayers and opinions on various matters. She traveled widely during her four preaching tours. She had several fanatical followers, including Guibert of Gembloux, who wrote to her frequently and became her secretary after Volmar's death in 1173. Hildegard also influenced several monastic women, exchanging letters with Elisabeth of Schönau, a nearby visionary.
Hildegard corresponded with popes such as Eugene III and Anastasius IV, statesmen such as Abbot Suger, German emperors such as Frederick I Barbarossa, and other notable figures such as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who advanced her work, at the behest of her abbot, Kuno, at the Synod of Trier in 1147 and 1148. Hildegard of Bingen's correspondence is an important component of her literary output.
Beatification, canonization and recognition as a Doctor of the ChurchHildegard was one of the first persons for whom the Roman canonization process was officially applied, but the process took so long that four attempts at canonization were not completed and she remained at the level of her beatification. Her name was nonetheless taken up in the Roman Martyrology at the end of the sixteenth century. Her feast day is 17 September. Numerous popes have referred to Hildegard as a saint, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
On 10 May 2012, Pope Benedict XVI extended the liturgical cult of St. Hildegard to the entire Catholic Church in a process known as "equivalent canonization," thus laying the groundwork for naming her a Doctor of the Church. On 7 October 2012, the feast of the Holy Rosary, the Pope named her a Doctor of the Church, the fourth woman of 35 saints given that title by the Roman Catholic Church. He called her "perennially relevant" and "an authentic teacher of theology and a profound scholar of natural science and music."
Hildegard of Bingen also appears in the calendar of saints of various Anglican churches, such as that of the Church of England in which she is commemorated on 17 September.
Hildegard's parish and pilgrimage church in Eibingen near Rüdesheim houses her relics.
20th-century interest Hildegard's reincarnation has been debated since 1924 when Austrian mystic Rudolf Steiner lectured that a nun of her description was the past life of Russian poet Vladimir Soloviev, whose Sophianic visions are often compared to Hildegard. Sophiologist Robert Powell writes that hermetic astrology proves the match, and artist mystic Carl Schroeder claims to also be in the same lineage of Hildegard with the support and validation of reincarnation researchers Walter Semkiw and Kevin Ryerson.
In recent years, Hildegard has become of particular interest to feminist scholars. They note her reference to herself as a member of the "weaker sex" and her rather constant belittling of women. Hildegard frequently referred to herself as an unlearned woman, completely incapable of Biblical exegesis. Such a statement on her part, however, worked to her advantage because it made her statements that all of her writings and music came from visions of the Divine more believable, therefore giving Hildegard the authority to speak in a time and place where few women were permitted a voice. Hildegard used her voice to condemn church practices she disagreed with, in particular simony.
In space, the minor planet 898 Hildegard is named for her.
In film, Hildegard has been portrayed by Patricia Routledge in a BBC documentary called "Hildegard of Bingen" (1994) and by Barbara Sukowa in the film Vision, directed by Margarethe von Trotta.
Hildegard was the subject of a 2012 fictionalized biographic novel "Illuminations" by Mary Sharratt.
The first single of the album Mala by folk singer Devendra Banhart is named after her.


If you're interested in joining a group of young people that have a desire to serve God and live for Him, you'll find yourself at home here. We study God's Word, learn what it means to Excel Purposefully In Christ, and how a young person can find joy and peace by discovering God's purpose for their life.
We have a lot going on, and would love to have you join us. The best place to start is to begin attending our regular services:
Sunday Mornings 9:45am - 10:45am
Wednesday Evenings 7:00pm - 8:30pm
See you soon!
David & Melody Scott
Phone: (707) 722-2110
For upcoming activities and events, see the calendar below:


It has been with a heavy heart that we have had to close our doors to future services until further notice.
This has been based on current government advice and the continuing situation with the Coronavirus outbreak.
Foremost in our minds has been the safety and well-being, physically and spiritually, of our congregation.
If you want to get in touch with us please do so by either calling 01787 378532, or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
We will continue to keep in touch with those who regularly attend, and also to those who want to reach out to us for prayer and spiritual help.
God bless, Grace Baptist Church in Sudbury. ... See MoreSee Less
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Venue: Nerve Centre
Silence follows the 1640 mission of two Portuguese Jesuit priests, Father Rodrigues and Father Garrpe, as they sneak into Japan to propagate the outlawed faith of Christianity and to search for their missing mentor, Father Ferreira. News has reached Portugal that Ferreira was tortured until he apostatised by stepping on an image of Christ. Refusing to accept this rumour, Rodrigues and Garrpe arrive to discover a land of crumbled churches and blood-soaked soil.
Nominated for an Oscar®
“One of Scorsese’s most tortured accounts of spiritual exile.” Richard Combs, Sight & Sound
Director: Martin Scorsese.
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson.


Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This year, it will be observed on Friday, April 07, 2023. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is considered to be one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified by the Romans on a Friday, which came to be known as Good Friday because it is believed to be the day that Jesus died for the sins of humanity. On this day, Christians attend church services and participate in solemn reflections, prayers, and meditations on the significance of Jesus’ death and sacrifice. In many countries, Good Friday is a day of fasting and penance, and it is also a public holiday in many countries. The day is characterized by a sense of mourning and reflection, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and redemption in the Christian faith.


Life can be overwhelming. Lately, parts of my life have been this way, trying to juggle work, church, writing, and really being intentional to take steps of action for justice. So many things to do and my emotions can sometimes get all out of whack. The worst is when these things start waking you up in the middle of the night or keeping you from even falling asleep. Tonight, God gave me a little reminder of something to help me reset my focus.
Chris and I were taking an evening walk. This has become a new routine for us and we typically spent some time praying together. As we were talking, Chris suggested that tonight, instead of making our requests, that we should just express our thanks and praise for what God has been doing. That was exactly what I wanted to do as well. As we finished the walk and got back home I found myself thinking about was it looks like to continually walk with thanksgiving on my lips.
One of my favorite chapters (out of all of the books I have read) is found in Ruthless Trust which is written by Brennan Manning. It is titled “The Way of Gratefulness” and at different times in my life God has brought me back to this chapter for reflection. Tonight, I found myself reading back through it. There are so many great quotes throughout this chapter so I will just suggest that you read it for yourself, but the main point is that gratitude is the truest sign of a disciple that trusts God.
He says that “to walk in gratitude is a way of living that is inclusive, attentive, contagious, and theocentric.” It is inclusive because a heart of gratitude gives thanks for the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow, because life is a gift from God. It is attentive because a heart of gratitude requires a certain awareness of life to recognize the intricate blessings that come our way. It is contagious because a heart of gratitute pushes out self-pity and resentfulness and replaces it with joy. It is theocentric becausea heart of gratitude focuses on the One who gives us all things. G.K. Chesterton wrote “the worst moment for an atheist is when he/she feels grateful and there is no one to thank.”
When I first read this chapter several years ago, I started a routine that I wish I had kept up with. I have never been great at journaling but I decided that each night before I went to sleep I would write five things down that I was thankful for in that day. I didn’t stress about doing anything else in the journal except this list of thanksgiving to God. There was something so transforming about focusing on the things that God provided me with that day instead of stressing about the things left undone or the things that didn’t go my way. For me, anxiety comes easy but peace of mind does not. Gratefulness is the gateway from anxiety to peace.
So tonight, here is my list of five, in no particular order:
- God’s generous encouragement when I had to do something difficult today.
- The smell of the sprinklers on Chris and I’s evening walks.
- An awesome conversation about prayer and Jesus with my mom.
- The ability to purchase the food I needed at the grocery store.
- The gentle reminder to walk in gratefulness.
What would your five be?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18


Who We Are
In the fall of 2007, our founder began teaching English as a second language at a Tulsa area college. As she began interacting with hundreds of international students and immigrants from all over the world, the Lord burdened her heart with the need to reach them for Christ. However, realizing that she could not possibly reach all of the internationals on her own, she began speaking to other Christ-followers about the need to reach the international community for Christ, and then began to recruit them to join in God’s work among the internationals living in our nation. Soon, God had brought together a team of committed believers with a burning desire to bring His hope to those who have never heard – and yet who live right here in our backyard.
In 2010, we founded our organization and it began functioning as a non-profit organization, led by a Board of Directors. A volunteer leadership team began overseeing various branches of ministry and leading the nearly 50 volunteers who regularly participate in ministering to the international community. As a result of the efforts of these committed workers, we have touched the lives of hundreds of international students and immigrants from over 75 different nations, sharing the gospel with many who had never before even so much as heard the name of Jesus.
As we moves into the future, we desire to recruit more believers to join us in bringing the gospel to the nations living among us, so that we will be able to reach many more for Christ.
Will you join us in reaching the nations for Christ?


THE DOMINION SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS AND HOLY SPIRIT WELCOMES YOU
Empowering a New Generation
PROGRAMS AT THE DOMINION SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS AND HOLY SPIRIT
Learning and Exploring
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Apostle Ronald Harden, Ph.D
I am so elated that you are contemplating joining our fine institution here at the Dominion School of the Prophets. This school operates under the auspices of Laborer's Bible College, offering an interdisciplinary curriculum of study; students are allowed to take a wide range of classes; for credit; offered jointly with Laborer's Bible College, and are allowed to take classes directly relating to prophetism; proper. Additionally, the student(s) benefit from the invaluable life experience of our illustrious staff and gain invaluable insight from the demonstrative worship sessions that characterize each class. The old truism yet stands; it is better caught than taught; The Dominion School was founded in 1987 about the same time that God sovereignly reinstituted this concept to the body of Christ around the world. Since that time, the school has endeavored to promote the restoration of the prophetic office to the Body of Christ. Firstly, we have labored toward the training, activating, equipping, and maturing of those who are called to the prophetic office. Secondly, we have labored equally in preparing the entire fivefold ministry, and God's prophetic people for the great prophetic call upon the church; for we are all called as prophets with a small; and can have access to the prophetic anointing upon our lives and ministries. The Dominion School offers a diploma upon completion of all classes and internships. It serves as an oversight body for those seeking ordination to the prophetic office. At the same time, for any lay person simply desiring to witness the gifts stirred up in his life, or simply desiring to learn more about the anointing, glory, and ways of God this school bodes well for you. Without a doubt, if you decide to join the family at the Dominion School, one session will change your life forever, better preparing you to change the world
We believe in the whole counsel of God's word - the unadulterated gospel. We believe the church to be the body of Christ, and that organism He founded to carry out His work and purposes in the earth.
We believe the church must be a witness, even to the principalities and powers of manifold wisdom of God in accordance with Ephesians 3:10.
We believe in an overcoming church - one that storms down the very gates of hell, and tears down every stronghold of the enemy, in accordance with Matthew 16:17, II Corinthians 10:4,5.
We believe that those weapons with which we are to overcome the enemy are: "The Mighty Name of Jesus," "The Blood of Jesus," "The Nine Gifts of the Spirit," "The Word," "The Covenant," "Worship and Praise," and our "Position in Christ" as believers.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, whereby we receive the power to perform our work for Christ, and the power to live a sanctified and victorious life. This particular Church was established as a place of "Refuge" for those seeking greater dimensions in Christ. It was also established for the dejected, the despised, the neglected, the damned, downtrodden, the disenchanted, the sick, the bound, and the afflicted; to you we say: God's grace is sufficient.
Functionality You Will Love
Primarily, our mission is to disciple all cultures and every kingdom to the glory of God. Secondly, God has uniquely called this ministry as an instrument to promote the restoration of the Prophetic and Apostolic offices to the fivefold ministry. As a result, we established the Dominion School of the Prophets for the activation, maturation, training, and equipping of those already called to the Prophetic and Apostolic offices. In that same vein, we labor unceasingly toward the realization of a prophetic anointing upon every Christian ministry, and we labor to witness the emergence of a prophetic people on this earth.
Additionally, we are committed to proclaiming the message of God’s glory or His manifest presence to all of Christendom. God has determined that His glory “will fill this earth as the waters cover the sea.” We have covenanted to be carriers of this glory, believing God that His very essence, even the very essence of heaven, will be imparted, manifested, and demonstrated before the world. The glory realm is the heartcry of God, and it is the keystone to every groan, need, and ill of mankind. A proper understanding of the Davidic Tabernacle of worship, along with covenanted obedience, will gain us access to this realm. This is our mission.
To establish a Christian City, which shall be called the City of Refuge. This City is designed to this extent, that the world may witness a visible demonstration of the Kingdom of God, and might witness an example of a true covenant community. This city shall be a Christian commonwealth where God rule by way of His law-word and spirit and spirit are supreme and where Christ has the pre-eminence.
Take a moment to explore our news section. From holiday announcements to important milestones, we want to keep our community informed. Check out our latest updates and get in touch if you’d like to contribute.
THE DOMINION SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS AND HOLY SPIRIT UPDATES
NEW CLASS SCHEDULE
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
This ministry accepts the three ancient documents of the early church: The Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed.
In particular: We believe the Bible to be the inspired and infallible word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We believe that the baptism in the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:4 is given to believers who ask for it. We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy and separated life in the present world; We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ and the consummation of all things.


This past Sunday we finally had Collin baptized at People of Hope in Rochester. While the weather wasn't very cooperative, the service was beautiful. Many things were different this time around. We've changed churches since Will's baptism and the outfit that Will wore (which was also worn by all the Sharpe kids) was too small for Collin, but we were able to get a copy of the music played at Will's baptism. Spirit of Joy, the music group at People of Hope, played "Walk as a Child of the Light," a song by Cathy Nelson, the music director at our former church, Holy Spirit. It is so beautiful, I find it hard to keep it together when it is sung!
Collin before baptism. He is so cute even with original sin! ;)
Collin being baptized by Pastor Jason
After baptism with Pastor Jason
Grandma and Grandpa Sharpe
Grandpa Repede and Grandma Kim
The Winters-Collin's Godfamily!
The Buckmeiers with Collin (Amy and Jon are Will's godparents)
Allie and Collin
It was a very special day for Collin. As you can see, his strict organic diet went right out the window when the grandmas came!
Grandma Kim giving Collin frosting
Grandma Sharpe giving Collin carrot cake
It was also a special day for our entire family, celebrating our special blessing and miracle baby, Collin, with our family and friends.


Baptism in the Episcopal Church is offered to all who seek to become members of the Body of Christ and rest in the assurance that they have been marked as Christ’s own forever. Parents wishing to have a child baptized, or adults wishing to be baptized may make an appointment for further discussion. There are four Sundays in the Church calendar for Baptism. Additional times may be scheduled in consultation with the Priest.
An Overview of Baptism
In baptism we are made sharers in the new life of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is the foundation for all future church participation and ministry. Each candidate for baptism in the Episcopal Church is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors (godparents) speak on behalf of candidates for baptism who are infants or younger children and cannot speak for themselves at the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates. During the baptism the members of the congregation promise to do all they can to support the candidates for baptism in their life in Christ. They join with the candidates by renewing the baptismal covenant. Candidates are baptized "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," and then marked on the forehead with the sign of the cross. Chrism may be used for this marking. The newly baptized is "sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever." When all baptisms have been completed, the celebrant and congregation welcome the newly administered within the eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or another feast.
The Catechism notes that "Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God." The baptismal promises are made for infants by their parents or sponsors, "who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him" (BCP, pp. 858-859). Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, All Saint's Day or the Sunday following, and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). (The Episcopal Church)
When two people desire to form a lasting, lifelong partnership with each other in God’s love, they turn to marriage. Marriage is a union, an unfolding process of intentional living and growing together. In a marriage, each person as an individual and both as a couple gradually transform and mature in God’s presence and image.
Christian marriage is a sacrament— an outward and visible sign of God’s grace bringing two persons together and nurturing their love.
Marriage is a vocation, a calling to a particular vowed manner of life over the course of a lifetime. Not all people are called to marriage, but for those who are, it is to be entered into with mutual care, respect, and delight.
All this is why a wedding in The Episcopal Church is a sacred ritual that acknowledges and celebrates, before God and the community, the desire of the couple to enter a lifelong covenant. It symbolizes the ending of former and other potential ways of life, establishing a particular pathway into the future—in which two people promise to travel together. By uniting within the context of a faith community, the couple recognize that God is active in the love they feel for one another, and they place their relationship in God’s care. The couple make their vows before God and the gathered community of family, friends and the Church. They in turn receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill those vows.
A wedding in The Episcopal Church is shaped by The Book of Common Prayer, Canon law, thoughtful and beautiful liturgical worship, and the laws of the state in which the marriage occurs. The Episcopal clergy person officiating at a wedding is responsible to provide pre-marital counseling and assists the couple in shaping a marriage service that reflects the tradition of the Episcopal church and the uniqueness of the persons who are committing to marriage. (The Diocese of Ft. Worth)
Funerals are an important aspect of the pastoral care of all members of the St. Alfred’s parish family. When someone has died, it is the duty of the church to welcome all who seek comfort and an appropriate celebration of a loved one’s life and new life in Christ.
Pre-planning your funeral is a great gift to your loved ones. To have prepared your wishes, in consultation with the Priest, ensures that your loved ones know that they are providing exactly the type of service you desire. It is never too early to make these arrangements. Click here to download Funeral Planning Guide and make an appointment with the Priest.
For those who have suffered a loss and are in immediate need of planning a funeral service we have a comprehensive check list for funeral planning. Please call the Church Office, 727-461-1717, for assistance and to let the clergy know of your loss. When the office is closed, a recorded message will provide emergency contact information. In some cases, arrangements are made through a funeral director, who will in turn consult the clergy regarding family preferences and availability of church and clergy.
In the Episcopal Church, a funeral may be held with the body present in a coffin or with the ashes present; or a memorial service may be held in the church after the remains, whether in a coffin, or ashes, have been committed to a final resting place. The clergy will be happy to discuss the theological and pastoral considerations in all these approaches, as well as in choosing the date for the service. The clergy will also be happy to provide or make referrals for grief counseling.
Following the guidelines of our Book of Common Prayer, baptized Christians are buried from the church, and we encourage a service to be held at a time when the congregation has the opportunity to be present. As with other sacramental rites in the church, funerals properly take place in the context of Christian community. You do not have to be a member of Good Samaritan in order for a funeral service to be held at the church.
The clergy will meet with the family to plan the service, including any music, in accordance with the liturgy provided in the Book of Common Prayer. Click here for our Funeral Planning Guide. There is no set fee for a funeral service at the church; families are asked to make a contribution to Good Samaritan’s Discretionary Fund, which assists people in need. Musicians will have fees for their services. Families may provide flowers arrangements for the altar. The clergy can assist in providing a referral for a florist.
Good Samaritan can provide space for a reception following a funeral; we ask that the family make arrangements for the food to be provided at the reception and pay a small fee for any extra needed clean up. Clergy will accompany the family to the cemetery to do a graveside committal service either before or after a service held in the church.
We commend to you the following description of the burial service of the Church from the Book of Common Prayer (p. 507):
“The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’ [Romans 8:38-39].
May God bless you in this time of mourning, lighten the burden of grief, and through the gift of grace bring you in due course to wholeness and peace.
PLEASE NOTE: The clergy are available to all parishioners to discuss funeral arrangements at any time and are happy to make preliminary plans for a service in accordance with your wishes at a time when you are healthy and able to make choices about the service.
Good Samaritan is extremely blessed to have a Memorial Garden for the interment of the cremated remains of our congregation and their families.


Next Steps Class
We view members here at Church of the Open Door as partners as we look to serve York and share the good news of Jesus! If you are interested in what it looks like to become a member, then we'd encourage you to register for our Next Steps class. In this class you will learn more details of what COD is all about and how to partner with us in living out the mission.
The class includes a total of 4 weeks where we will walk you through everything you need to know about Church of the Open Door, our mission, vision, and values. We desire to equip our members with all they need to know about being a part of COD. Click below for upcoming Next Steps classes and to register.
Join a Class
Partner with us in what God is doing at COD by serving within one of our ministries. Each of us plays an important part in the life of the church, what is your role? We have many opportunities to serve here at COD and know that serving helps to use your gifts as well as connect you with others!
Community is vitally important for anyone looking to grow as a believer. We have been created for community. Whether you are looking for a Sunday morning class, bible study or offsite group - we are here to help you find a place to connect.


Mynoa Ray Williams spent her last days on earth doing what she loved most: serving and helping people.\n\nMynoa was born into a loving family on November 10, 1949. She grew up the fourth of ten children. She adored her amazing parents, and from them she learned to work hard, love God, and serve others.\n\nShe graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Education. She was an accomplished musician as a pianist and a vocalist, and she performed vocally with her sisters. She knew a song for everything and sang throughout the day her whole life long.\n\nShortly after finishing school, Mynoa married her longtime friend Alan, and together they began their life’s dream of raising a family. She loved being a mom, and she anxiously awaited and welcomed each of her twelve children. She was an incredible mother, passing on to her children her passion for books, learning, and music, as well as her work ethic and her sense of fun.\n\nMynoa had an adventurous, energetic spirit and a knack for making even dull things interesting. She instigated many sock wars, got-you-last matches, and hikes. She was always willing to try something new and would jump into whatever game, sport, or water fight her kids and their friends were starting.\n\nThere were no strangers to Mynoa. She could talk to anyone anywhere. She is fondly remembered for the way she could get you to tell her your life story and make you feel genuinely cared about on first acquaintance.\n\nMynoa loved the Lord. She dedicated her life to Him, serving Him in many ways throughout her life. She was thrilled in her later years to be able to follow in her eight sons’ footsteps by serving a mission with her husband. And then another shortly thereafter. \n\nMynoa’s greatest joy was being with her family, and she gave her whole life to serving and loving them. She passed from this life surrounded by the people she lived her life for--her husband and children.\n\nMynoa was greeted on the other side by her father, Irving; her mother, Ethlyn; and her sister Juanita.\n\nShe leaves her precious memory to be held, honored, and cherished by the countless people whose lives she touched here on earth--most prominently her husband, Alan; her children, David (Cherise), Duane (Ruth), Juli (Peter), Russell, Keith (Meagen), Shirlene (Scott), Amy (Trevor), Josh (Emily), Nephi (Hannah), Spencer (Juliette), Moroni (Sarah), and Camilla (James); her forty-seven grandchildren; and her one great-grandbaby.\n\nWe will gather on Friday and Saturday, January 31 and February 1, at 114 South 400 West in Orem, Utah, to remember Mynoa and the gift her life has been for us: A night of memories and celebration of life will be held Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a viewing on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed shortly after by funeral services from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.


Built by the town’s inhabitants in 1838, Saint Martin’s church symbolizes the independence of the village which was officially recognized as a municipality in 1842. Saint Martin’s church houses a magnificent pulpit, a Stations of the Cross produced by a local artist and votive offerings which are a reminder of Yport’s origins as a fishing village.
Address : Place de Verdun 76111 YPORT
Opening hours : Open all year
Website : www.ville-yport.fr


This past Sunday three young members of our parish community and two of our CYO adult leaders were honored by Archbishop Aymond at St. Louis Cathedral at the annual Leadership Celebration.
Ed and Jenn Merritt received the Adult Service Award for five years of service to our CYO. Alexis Bellocq, Ginny Theriot, and Jake Theriot received the Parish Youth Leadership Award for their leadership and dedication to St. Clement of Rome Parish.
Jake Theriot also received the prestigious St. Timothy Award, the highest award the Archdiocese of New Orleans can bestow upon a young person, in recognition of his outstanding witness to Christian service, Catholic leadership, and good moral standards.
Congratulations to all of you and thank you for your service and dedication to our parish community. We are very proud of you.
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|Priests of the Zagreb Archdiocese Visit Jasenovac|
After visiting Stara Gradi┼íka, today, September 24, priests from the Zagreb Archdiocese paid a visit to Jasenovac. In the parish church on the occasion of the prayer of the Sixth Hour, Archbishop Cardinal Josip Bozani─ç said during the homily that in Jasenovac a person open to the truth feels deep pain caused by violence, injustice and inhumanity. Here, in the words of the cardinal, much that is unspeakable is etched deeply into the soul, leaving serious questions unanswered and many poisoned with hatred.
Although with the passage of years there are fewer people who can testify about their experiences and the horrors of the Second World War, the cardinal emphasized how important it is, with their assistance and testimony, for new generations to get to the truth and acquire an appropriate understanding of these events... read more
"New generations, especially children and young people, removed in time from the actual events, have the opportunity to illuminate the truth through their efforts. The truth is the only thing that can free us from the open and hidden conflicts stemming from its manipulation. As the Church, we wholeheartedly support the investigation of all the aspects of the events prior to, during and after World War II, which should be conducted as soon as possible using all truthful means. Although much time has passed, during which there were a multitude of opportunities, such effort today is not only not in vain but is also greatly needed. Efforts should be made concerning the availability of all the relevant documents and testimonies, the opening of the archives relevant to understanding the overall context, and the application of a valid scientific method permeated with a desire for the truth and commitment to the good," said the cardinal.
He commented that when God as well as morality based upon the common good and the good of others are removed from the personal and public environment, it is a short path to the craving for authority over others, enslavement and the extermination of groups of people, even entire nations. It is not possible to build the happiness of individuals or nations on the foundations of racial or class ideology, on the foundations of discrimination against someone's ancestry or religion, or on the foundations of godlessness that does not accept the truth that all people are God's creatures, of equal dignity, said the cardinal.
"In Jasenovac, we feel deep pain for all the victims, particularly those who suffered and were killed here by members of the Croatian nation, and even greater pain when the perpetrators were members of the Catholic Church. Although we acknowledge the sin of those who are unworthy to bear the name of Catholic, the Catholic Church never participated in or supported such crimes. Moreover, although some want the Church to attribute failure to 'omission,' there are many indications that representatives of the Church and its members provided various forms of opposition to the inhumane ideology directed against others, especially against members of the Jewish and Serbian nations, Romes and political dissenters among the Croatian nation during that difficult period," emphasized the cardinal, adding that the names of the victims, their lives and personal journeys through the darkness of the Jasenovac concentration camp obligate us to seek the truth.
This place, as well as hundreds of other execution sites in Croatia, requires the truth, to which nothing is added or omitted, the truth that will not be suppressed by new ideologies or promote new levels of humiliation and crime, said the cardinal.
The cardinal stated that the precious models of courageous witnesses, among whom, undoubtedly, the most exemplary is the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, must not be forgotten. The truth about the Blessed Stepinac has been suppressed, distorted, covered by a cloak of lies and has yet to penetrate the hearts and minds of new generations. "The victims of the Jasenovac camp cry out for the truth. They also cry out for the truth about our Beatus. The victims of the Jasenovac camp will be honored when they are approached with honor, as evident in concern for the truthful and complete listing of all the victims ÔÇô to the extent that they are not instrumentalized for anyone's political errors or manipulations.
We are well aware of the extent to which the victims of the Jasenovac camp were instrumentalized for the purpose of stigmatizing the Croatian nation as a genocidal nation and the Croatian state as an undesirable entity. We know that such abuses were even used to justify many killings and crimes that have still not been called by their real names, not only immediately following the Second World War but also throughout the period of the communist regime, as well as in the preparation and carrying out of the aggression and violence in Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina during the 1980s and 1990s," said the cardinal.
Archbishop Bozani─ç emphasized in his homily that a well-intentioned person simply cannot understand, much less accept, that the victims of Bleiburg and the death marches were consequences of what the Ustasha regime did in Jasenovac. "Petrified with amazement, we listened to the excuses voiced by tyrants during the Homeland War (1991-1995), who killed so many, destroyed so many families and homes, inflicted such unspeakable pain and expelled innocent people from their homes, that they were acting preventively in order that the atrocities in the Ustasha camp in Jasenovac would not be repeated. It is even more incomprehensible that today, from political stages, with no repercussions for lying in public, it is propagated that the Catholic Church is an Ustasha stronghold," said the cardinal.
He further emphasized that the site of the Jasenovac camp is a school where it is learned to what extent humans can be inhumane. Evil is not abstract. It is always concrete. It occurs in a specific place and is perpetrated by specific people. Here, one cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the victims of this camp. Here, profoundly sympathizing with innocent victims, there is a sense of suffering that gives a person the right to cry out in prayer: God, deliver us from evil, said the cardinal.
"While we pray here with Christian piety, remembering the victims of the Ustasha regime, from this place we also raise our cry for the truth about the victims of the communist regime because, unfortunately, it is still being concealed and negated in our country, as is the truth about the crimes of communism committed during the war, the postwar period and throughout its reign of terror. Why, even after nineteen years of democratic changes, are there still no list of the victims of communism, no due commemorations and no suitable memorials? Who is preventing this, who opposes it? Why has the European Parliamentary Resolution on European Conscience and Totalitarianism, dated April 2 of this year, in which it is clearly explained that reconciliation is the ultimate goal of the disclosure and assessment of the crimes committed by the communist totalitarian regimes, not been implemented until now in our country?" asked the cardinal, adding that precisely such a place cries out for peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, but also for remembrance.
"Nazism, fascism and communism are part of Croatian history because the Croatian population was also afflicted by the tragedy of the twentieth century that, in the words of the Servant of God John Paul II, was marked by three great evils: fascism, Nazism and communism. To justify a totalitarianism, i.e., to cover up and remain silent about the injustice that it inflicted, means to induce permanent unrest in society and the public because a historical lie is a crime. Questions regarding the Second World War and the totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century will continue to generate unrest and hostility in our society as long as we do not apply the same measure toward all totalitarian regimes and until the same measure of remembrance is guaranteed to all the victims," clarified the cardinal.
The cardinal stated that the priests had gone humbly to Jasenovac because they feel that the time has come, in a manner that does not violate the truth, to approach speaking about this place filled with pain, desiring only to pray over it. "We did not come here for debate or polemics. Although some continue to seek apologies, justifications, opinions or political views from us, we did not come here to convey them, because precisely such statements, based upon untruth, have frequently contaminated the truth. Nonetheless, it can be said that the Church has always manifested its freedom from political and other godless motives that led the minds of those who gave the orders and the hands of the executioners in all dictatorships, i.e., those who created the Bolshevik gulags, Nazi and fascist concentration camps, and the communist prisons. The Church has done so and will do so, although it has paid dearly with the lives of its faithful and leaders, and although it has been slandered without foundation.
When ideologues from various sides instructed the Catholic Church regarding what it should do in relation to the Memorial Area of Jasenovac, they forgot that the Church is the bearer of truth, regardless of the sinfulness of its faithful, sinfulness for which we repent every day, attempting to be better followers of Jesus Christ. The Church cannot and must not be a part of the political violence perpetrated against the victims. With this pilgrimage, we are first opening ourselves to God and then imbuing suffering with hope through prayer," explained the cardinal.
Following the prayer of the Sixth Hour, the priests toured the Memorial Area of the Jasenovac concentration camp. During the visit to the Jasenovac Memorial Area, the bishops and priests became acquainted with the concept of the museum exhibition, the manner in which the victims of the former concentration camp are listed, and the use of the database of the victims. The cardinal noted that listing the names of the victims gave them the dignity of victims.
After a visit to the Memorial Area of the Jasenovac concentration camp the archbishop of Zagreb wrote the following in the book of impressions: "In prayer for the victims and for the gift of God's Spirit that purifies the truth, heals through love and instills hope through justice and mercy, I have visited this memorial area, leading a pilgrimage of priests from the Archdiocese of Zagreb to Stara Gradi┼íka, Jasenovac and Petrinja."
Human suffering and Christ's victory over sin and death oblige us to live in the light of the Lord's resurrection and grow in love that transforms, in order for a safe and peaceful life to flourish everywhere, wrote the cardinal further.
At the end of the visit, Archbishop Bozani─ç said a prayer of absolution for the victims of the camp, inviting those present to pray for peace, justice and love, and particularly for those who promote the truth about the former Jasenovac concentration camp.
In a press statement, Nata┼ía Jovi─Źi─ç, the director of the Jasenovac Memorial Area, referred to the visit by the archbishop, bishops and priests of Zagreb as the crown of all the visits thus far made by representatives of the Catholic Church to this camp. As a memento, she gave the cardinal a book with a list of 72 thousand names of the victims of the camp, which is constantly being updated. (ika) /third station: Petrinja/ /back to first station: Stara Gradi┼íka/


As the holiday season approaches, a rosy-cheeked, white-bearded figure in a red suit takes center stage in the festivities, spreading joy and generosity to children around the world. This beloved character, known as Santa Claus, has deep historical roots that trace back to the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas. In this article, we embark on a journey through time and folklore to unwrap the origins of Saint Nick and discover how this revered saint evolved into the iconic symbol of Christmas we know today.
The Historical Saint Nicholas:
The story of Saint Nicholas begins in the third century in the bustling coastal city of Myra, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Born around 270 AD, Nicholas was raised in a wealthy Christian family and orphaned at an early age. Legend has it that he inherited a substantial fortune, which he decided to use to help those in need.
Acts of Kindness and Generosity:
Becoming the Bishop of Myra:
The Evolution of Saint Nicholas:
Over the centuries, the veneration of Saint Nicholas spread across Europe, and various cultures incorporated his stories and legends into their own traditions. The Dutch Sinterklaas, the Germanic figure of Kris Kringle, and the English Father Christmas all have roots in the historical Saint Nicholas.
Transformation in America:
Global Adoption of Santa Claus:
As cultural exchange and global communication increased, Santa Claus became a universal symbol of Christmas, transcending national and religious boundaries. While his appearance and name may vary, the essence of Santa as a benevolent figure who brings gifts to children is a common thread in celebrations around the world.
Different Names, Same Spirit:
Incorporation into Christmas Traditions:
The journey from the historical Saint Nicholas to the modern-day Santa Claus is a tale rich with cultural exchange, folklore, and the enduring human desire for generosity and goodwill. Saint Nick's transformation into the universally beloved figure we know today is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of traditions to evolve over time.
As families around the world prepare for the holiday season, the image of Santa Claus embodies the spirit of giving, kindness, and joy. Whether he's known as Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, or Santa Claus, the essence of this iconic figure continues to transcend borders, bringing warmth and magic to the hearts of children and adults alike. The legacy of Saint Nick serves as a reminder that, in the spirit of the season, the greatest gift is the joy of sharing and the generosity of the human spirit.


Of the over 13,000 students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, about 25% of them are Roman Catholic. This means that the ministries of St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, the Catholic campus ministry at Minnesota State University, Mankato, support the spiritual development of approximately 5,000 college students during a critical transitional time of their lives. The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center is contributing to the formation of future leaders for the Catholic Church. At the Catholic Newman Center, university students receive a solid spiritual foundation to enable them to make better decisions that will affect themselves and society for decades to come. We seek to bring Christ to the university community through sound theological education both within the Catholic Newman Center and on the university campus. We also sponsor programs of outreach to the surrounding communities and instill in our students a devotion to active stewardship of their God-given gifts and talents.
The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center at Minnesota State University - Mankato is touching the future of the Catholic Church in our state, in our country, and in our world through its ministries. We are a place of transition for students. We seek to provide a spiritual haven in the midst of the secular university setting, so that they may be guided by their faith through their career and lifestyle decisions. Our Catholic Newman Center is full of students eager to learn the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church. After all, these students are in an environment of learning, at an age of learning in their lives, and we have a unique opportunity to guide them through continuing religious education.
We continue to seek new ways to bring more students to Christ and His Church and to bring the Christ to them in their dormitories, in their classes, and in their hearts. New programs to aid in the transition of our graduates from St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center to their permanent parishes around the world have been initiated. It is our hope that our students will take the spiritual gifts they have received through our ministries and share those gifts with others wherever their careers and vocations lead them. The impact they can have is tremendous!


This afternoon, I read an interview that Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu gave shortly after the creation of the Desmond Tutu Chair of Peace, Global Justice, and Reconciliation Studies at Butler University and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tutu, he was the Archbishop in Cape Town, South Africa and was one of the leaders of the struggle against Apartheid.
He has been a long time advocate for the rights of all people, and has earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986, the Pacem in Terris Award in 1987, the Sydney Peace Prize in 1999, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2007, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Put simply, Desmond Tutu is an internationally respected voice for peace and he might be one of the closest things that we have today to the prophetic voices of the Hebrew Bible.
I don’t say this because of the size of his audience, or the socio-political sway that he has. Rather, I say it because of the fact that Desmond Tutu has consistently spoken truth to power in a way that is rarely seen in our times. He has spoken out against injustice, regardless of who happens to be playing the role of oppressor and who happens to be playing the role of the oppressed, and he has refused to step down until changes are made.
As you can probably tell from the title of this post, Tutu had some things to say in this interview about issues that we might consider a little…contentious. If you know me, you probably know where I stand on these issues, but if you don’t it is fair to say that not everyone who calls themselves Christian will agree with me on everything (and those are conversations to be had face to face, not in a nightly blog post).
Regardless of that fact, I want to share one particular question and response that Tutu gave during this interview:
Q: What is the most pressing issue in which Christians need to relate their faith to power and injustice?
A: Anywhere where the humanity of people is undermined, anywhere where people are left in the dust, there we will find our cause. Sometimes you wish you could keep quiet. It’s the kind of thing you heard the prophet Jeremiah complain of where he says, “You know God, I didn’t want to be a prophet and you made me speak words of condemnation against a people I love deeply. Your word is like a fire burning in my breast.”
It isn’t that it’s questionable when you speak up for the right of people with different sexual orientation. People took some part of us and used it to discriminate against us. In our case, it was our ethnicity; it’s precisely the same thing for sexual orientation. People are killed because they’re gay. I don’t think, “What do I want to do today? I want to speak up on gay rights.” No. It’s God catching me by my neck. I wish I could keep quiet about the plight of the Palestinians. I can’t! The God who was there and showed that we should become free is the God described in the Scriptures as the same yesterday, today and forever.
There are two things that I want to highlight from that response.
– The most pressing issues that our church needs to face are those anywhere where the humanity of people is undermined, anywhere where people are left in the dust. Tutu could have named any issue that he felt strongly about, but he chose not to. Instead, he said that the job of the church is to respect and acknowledge the humanity of all of our brothers and sisters. Period.
– Speaking truth to power has never been easy, and it never should be easy. Tutu chose to speak about Jeremiah, but the reality is that there were very few people chosen by YHWH to speak truth to power that readily accepted the calling.But ultimately they did just that. They aligned themselves with the poor, the marginalized, the downtrodden, and the oppressed, and they demanded justice.
Where are you seeing the humanity of people being undermined?
Where do you see people being left in the dust?
What can you do about it?The Rainbow People of God To read the entire interview, click here.


The Role of the Black Church in Healthcare Conference
Date: June 18, 2021 8:00 AM
One of the greatest attributions to the health of many African Americans is their strong faith that has carried them through a multitude of trials and tribulations.
The role of the Black church has been prominent in the majority of African American households in one way or another. Many religious organizations and affiliations were formed in an era where rights and freedom for healthcare, education, and other means of successful living were not yet granted to African Americans. Therefore, the structure and community of the church is where leadership, trust, and support comes from. It was their faith that gave them strength to endure their individual battles, and the black church provided the structure of trust and support.
This program was created to foster dialogue, awareness, and education within the medical community regarding the current health of African Americans and implications of centuries of medical oppression.
The goal of this conference is to facilitate dialogue between prominent leaders whining the Black Church and medical professionals in an effort to bridge the gap of distrust and lack of access in healthcare systems to provide better care to African American patients, and to further eliminate racial disparities in health outcomes. Our agenda will allow us to hear the voices of local pastors, and our keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison-Bryant, visionary, national civil rights activist, community organizer, and Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia (one of the largest churches on the East coast).
The target audience for this conference will be Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Care Coordinators, Primary Care Physicians, practice staff members, and community members in Western North Carolina and across the United States.
Click here for more information about the conference and to register online.
If you have any questions, reach out to WCMS Board Member, Leslie Council Lake, at Leslie.Council.Lake@mahec.net or by calling (828) 257-4490.


The Spiritual Growth series was written as a response to the burden to see people trained for the work of ministry. They are also good for teaching in a church setting, bible study and connect groups. The books have been translated into a number of languages and are widely used in church planter training. The four titles are: Foundations for Christian Life (Part 1), Living the Christian Life (Part 2), Giftings for the Christian Life (Part 3), Spiritual Warfare in the Christian Life (Part 4).
Can I be sure I am ‘saved’? Is it really necessary for a Christian to go to church? I was baptised as a baby, is that enough? I have faith, I think, but what do I do with it?
Solid foundations for Christian life are important. This is the book for helping you build strong foundations from the Bible, the Word of God. It’s the first in the Spiritual Growth series of four books. It’s great for self-study or for groups and other training.
Living the Christian Life
I want God to guide me but how will He? Isn’t it OK to read my star signs? How can the Bible help with my anger? Why is my family so against me being a Christian? Is it sometimes alright not to forgive?
The Bible is full of very practical wisdom on how to live as a Jesus-follower in our society today. Living the Christian Life will help you tap into this wisdom with chapters as diverse as coping with stress, living a sexually pure life and honouring the government. It’s the second in the Spiritual Growth series of four books, great for self-study or for groups and other training.
Giftings for the Christian Life
Why is there so much controversy about the Holy Spirit? Aren’t gifts the things God gave me when I was born? How do I know if I am filled with the Holy Spirit? Do I really have to speak in tongues?
The C1 church moved in the power of the Holy Spirit, after the Day of Pentecost. The New Testament teaching on this is for us today, and we need to find what the Word of God says and let the Holy Spirit fire revolutionise us as happened ‘in the beginning’ of the church. Giftings for the Christian Life is clear, Biblical teaching on the Person of the Holy Spirit and how He moves, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they operate in and through God’s people. It’s the third in the Spiritual Growth series of four books, great for self-study or for groups and other training.
Spiritual Warfare in the Christian Life
Can’t I just have a peaceful, quiet Christian life? Isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? My friend said some strange things are happening in his house at night – what is that?
There is a battle going on in the unseen realm, between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. We need to be aware of the character, strategies and methods the enemy of our soul uses, and know our authority in Jesus, as God’s children, to overcome his evil plans. Spiritual Warfare in the Christian Life is clear, Biblical teaching to help you understand and practise the principles of this unseen spiritual warfare for the Jesus-follower. It’s the fourth in the Spiritual Growth series of four books, great for self-study or for groups and other training.


Christine Liu is a contemporary cappella and church musician in Taiwan.
She completed her music composition study at Northwestern University in Chicago, USA, where she founded the first East-Asian a cappella group on campus – The Treblemakers – and has been arranging and singing a cappella since then. She then studied at the Kirchenmusik Konservatorium Wien (Church Music Conservatory) in Vienna, Austria, where she served as an organist of the English Speaking Catholic Community. After moving back to her homeland Taiwan, and started a vocal group Voco Novo, and aims to bring Taiwanese traditional and aboriginal music into the world of a cappella. She is currently the alto and music director of Voco Novo, artistic director of Vocal Asia Festival, principle organist of the Holy Family Catholic Church, and the conductor of Tabor Youth Choir and Cultural-Bridges Bunun Singing Group.


St. Benedict’s Place for Independent Living
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ
for He himself will say, “I was a stranger and you took me in.”
– Rule of Benedict, chapter 53
Rental Units for Independent Living
Designed for seniors who seek to age meaningfully and gracefully with others in a peace-filled environment.
-TV lounge and common kitchenette for games and coffee hour
-Hairdressing at an additional cost
-Safe supportive environment
-Spacious grounds and paved walking paths
-Picturesque setting along the Red River
-Presence of a small Benedictine community of sisters
-Opportunity to join the sisters for Eucharist 4 times per week.
St. Benedict’s Place is owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Benedict
S. Marcelline is St.Benedict’s Place Manager, a retired nurse and Benedictine Sister


Alison Xamon Joins Uniting WA Board
Uniting WA is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Alison Xamon to its Board.
Ms Xamon is a lifelong member of the Uniting Church and is Chair of the Presbytery of the Uniting Church in WA and Secretary of the Church Council of Uniting Church in the City. She also founded and runs the church’s monthly evening service, Social.Justice.Church, and is a member of the Synod Standing Committee and it’s legal subcommittee.
A lawyer with a background in industrial, equal opportunity, mental health and human rights law, Ms Xamon is also a former State member of Parliament and Parliamentary Leader of the Greens.
Ms Xamon’s comprehensive background includes working in mental health and suicide prevention, the union movement, community development, and with children at risk as a qualified playleader.
Uniting WA Chair Erica Haddon welcomed the appointment, saying, “Alison’s deep understanding of the Uniting Church’s commitment to social justice and experience of advocating for positive social change will be of great benefit to Uniting WA.”


Pastor Mary McCauley is the National Director for the Redeemed Christian Church of God Teenage ministry in the UK, the Senior Pastor of RCCG De-Vine Sanctuary Parish in Croydon and a practical teacher of the Word who has empowered many through her ministrations and outreach projects.
An anointed woman of virtue with a vision and passion for youths, women and parents. Pastor Mary has helped many youths; women and their families from all walks of life discover their potentials thereby fulfilling their destinies. Her passion to help young people and their parents is giving the society hope and peace for the future.
She is also the CEO of Open Gate DR2 DV8, a community-based organisation with headquarters in Croydon offering different services for young people and their families addressing and preventing the exclusion of children from school, family, community, justice and life.
As the Proprietor and Head Teacher of ALTE SCHOOL, she works with the Local Education Authority and many schools to re-integrate young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion back into education. She is by Grace the wife of Pastor David McCauley, a mother and grandmother.


Devoted Youth Ministries
"All believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Our vision for out Youth Ministry at Calvary Chapel is to develop a devoted group of young Christians who understand the basics of Christianity, to give them a deep knowledge of God and mature them in their relationship with Him.
A typical Sunday would start by sitting in the main sanctuary for worship before being dismissed for our own bible study and fellowship time.
Wednesday nights are much more our own. We have a time of worship, bible study and discussion followed by a game or activity.
We have recently begun our Jr.High group as well. Now, each student that comes is receiving even more attention and a better tailored message for their age group. Each Wednesday night we will have a shared worship time. After worship our groups split up for bible study and fellowship time.
For more information contact Pastor Alejandro at firstname.lastname@example.org


Our grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. She raised her family in Akron, Ohio and had six children. Once diagnosed, and out of concern for her safety, they placed her in a Catholic run assisted living facility in Fairlawn. Her Catholic faith was very important to her, and her new home had daily Mass. She eventually moved into the full-time nursing home. She passed away in September of 2014 the day before my eighth wedding anniversary. I was blessed because she was at my wedding and still independent. She got to meet her great-granddaughter. She was also able to hold her first great-grandson. As I am writing this, she has ten great grandchildren, but most of these children she was not able to meet.
The day her three daughters took her to live at the assisted living facility, she wouldn’t get out of the car. Thinking about that breaks my heart. I am positive this was one of the hardest choices my aunts and uncles every had to make.
What if my grandma could have purchased long term care insurance? Or what if everyone could have afforded to let her stay in her home and have a caregiver?
My family opened a home care company because we want older adults to have care options that are affordable. We want seniors to have choices. We want the care they receive in their home to be excellent. We want to give peace of mind to those hardworking adult children who worry about their parents, or the parents of a disabled child to have respite care. Or a new Mom with multiple newborns to recover.
There are easier industries we could have chosen. There are easier paths than being caregivers. It is a calling and a privilege to have the trust of a family in taking care of a loved one who can’t take care of themselves.
We called our agency My Family for a reason. Because we treat all our clients like a member of our family.


The Monthly Prayer Request for Priests (MPRP) Apostolate is an international apostolate which was founded in 1990 to encourage people to support Catholic priests by prayer and sacrifice.
It is currently operative in over seventy dioceses in the United States and several dioceses overseas, with requests for new establishments coming in regularly. The eventual goal is to establish this apostolate in every diocese around the world.
Here is how the apostolate works: Each diocese prays for its own priests. Each day of the year bears the name of a priest from that diocese, obtained from the diocesan directory. Thus, by means of the calendar, the faithful are united in offering prayer and sacrifice for the particular "priest of the day," always remembering to include the general intention of prayer for all priests of the diocese and around the world. Many dioceses also include special dates for remembering the Pope, local bishops, specific religious orders, etc.
Each diocese has a volunteer "contact person" who is responsible for the printing and distribution of the calendars in that particular diocese. Financial donations are requested, but not required, from those who use the calendar. As the MPRP Apostolate has been entrusted to the Virgin Mary, Mother of All Priests, we rely on Her assistance to provide the funds necessary for this prayerful endeavor on behalf of our priests. She has never been known to fail in this regard.
The MPRP has been endorsed by many cardinals and bishops as a simple, yet powerful, means of spiritual and emotional support for priests. In addition to those who receive an individual mailing, many monasteries, seminaries, shrines, and churches participate by requesting and distributing calendars. The calendars can also be found printed in church bulletins or posted on the Web, depending on the diocese. Won't you join us in praying for a priest a day?


What part should the Church play in political life? How can the message of Jesus be heard, and help shape society’s future in times of political change and uncertainty?
The Church’s relationship with political authority is a thorny issue. It has to be worked out in different ways over time and from place to place. In the UK, with our long-standing Christian heritage, the situation is very different from those places where there is no such tradition. Further complications arise because of the multifaceted nature of church organizations – a church body established by law is in a very different situation from that of other denominations. The existence of non-Christian religious groups muddies the murky waters even further.
For those who look to the Bible for help, guidance is not easy to find. The history of ancient Israel provides some helpful insights on the relationship between faith and political power, but as far as the Christian Gospel is concerned, there are few parallels between first century Judaea and a twenty-first century democratic state.
The most obvious encounter between Jesus and political power occurs in his conversation with the Roman Governor Pilate immediately before his death. John’s Gospel gives us the most interesting and extensive account of this. Jesus is taken by others to Pilate – it is not a meeting that he sought or chose. On the other hand, it was the likely, if not the inevitable outcome of the things he had been saying and doing. It is clear that the issue for the Governor was not Jesus’ guilt or innocence but the likely response of the group of priests, representing in his eyes, the Jewish community, to any decision he might make. But the conversation with Jesus is shown as important for him personally, especially by the inscription he later insisted on being fastened to the cross, in spite of opposition, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
Jesus’ answers to the Governor’s questions are provocative and enigmatic. He refers to the kind of Kingdom he came to establish, to the truth and to the nature of power and guilt – all topics which are directly relevant to the exercise of political power. Above all, the conversation revolves around the theme of kingship. Jesus acknowledges that he is a king, but not the kind of king Pilate has in mind. In the other Gospels, Jesus’ enigmatic response to Pilate’s “Are you the King of the Jews?” suggests something similar – he does not deny he is a king, but neither does he accept the Governor’s implied understanding of kingship.
In the end, Pilate, driven by fear and the political realities he faced, handed Jesus over to be crucified.
Given the circumstances in which this took place, and in which the Gospel was written, is this encounter relevant for Church-State relations today? It was clearly important for the early Church and its relation with those in power – only here does Jesus come face to face with genuine political authority. For us, in contrast, there are plenty of opportunities for political engagement, and to some degree it is inevitable, even if it goes no further than abstaining from voting in an election.
One implication is that authentic Christian living, with its emphasis on serving others and standing alongside the poor and excluded, will draw the Church into the political arena, whether or not this is sought. Another is that the distinction between political power and Christ’s kingdom is crucial. The two overlap, but the way change is brought about in the two spheres is very different. In Christ’s kingdom, character and truth bring their own authority without resorting to coercive power over others. Individual believers may engage in direct political action, often in partnership with others who do not share their faith, but the Church, representing corporately the Body of Christ, has a special responsibility to demonstrate the way of Jesus and the kingdom he came to establish.
Pilate shows up the limitations of political power – probably greater in our day than his. Those who exercise it find their options, in practice, are restricted by the political realities they confront. The patience and self-control shown by Jesus in the face of the Governor’s inability, or unwillingness, to act justly is remarkable.
For the Church, injustice and ridicule may at times be the consequence of contact with those in power. The manner in which this is endured is also in itself a political act, as indeed was the crucifixion of Jesus.
Peter Shepherd (February 2017)


Is God calling you?
Absolutely! God calls everyone who loves Him into some kind of service. But service can take many forms, so where is God calling you?
We are all called to a deeper relationship with God and with each other, reflecting His love to others—wherever they are and whatever they do in life. For most of us that means getting involved in our local church. For some, the calling is leading the Church, and involves being authorised to minister in a public capacity.
What is a vocation to ordained ministry?
Having a vocation means committing yourself to service of God. For some, that will be to ordained ministry as a deacon or priest - who do a wide range of roles from leading a parish church to chaplaincy and much more besides.
Is this ministry for you?
It might be!
The rest of this site has lots of information you to help you think things through, and there is lots of help and support available. Why not find out more about how to explore your sense of calling?
If you do feel called in this way, you will need to allow that sense of calling to be tested by the Church. You’ll be asked to meet a number of people who have a background in working with people like you, and they will explore your sense of calling.
Callings in the Bible
In the Bible, there are lots of examples of very different people being called in very different ways. We’ve collected together some Bible passages which may help you reflect on your own sense of calling.
Exploring your own calling
You might be wondering whether there are other people like you who have been called? Meet some ordinands here.


St Paul's Egham Hythe is commited to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults as an integral part of our life and ministry.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Alison Hawkins. If you have any safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact her at firstname.lastname@example.org
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Jackie Broadfoot - email@example.com 07918 559387
Parish Safeguarding Policy
At the PCC meeting held on 3rd May 2023 the PCC of St Paul’s Egham Hythe adopted the Church of England “Promoting a Safer Church” Policy Statement, national policies and Practice Guidance approved by the House of Bishops. This policy statement actively underpins all safeguarding work within the church.


About Our Church"...to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ."
The Episcopal Church (TEC) is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and is based in the United States with additional dioceses elsewhere. It is a mainline Christian denomination divided into nine provinces. The Episcopal Church describes itself as “Protestant, yet Catholic”
Our Beliefs & Values
We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.
We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
For the Episcopal Church, the Jesus Movement calls us to focus on three specific Priorities:
Listen for Jesus’ movement in our lives and in the world. Give thanks. Proclaim and celebrate it! Invite the Spirit to do the rest.
Embody the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus with each other.
Encounter and honor the face of God in creation.
“We seek every day to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”


Denise has traveled to third world countries where she has personally observed poverty and injustice, particularly towards women. The impoverished conditions Denise has observed overseas, as well as in the United States, have caused her to have an overwhelming desire to help enhance human welfare.
Her evangelistic mission has taken her to Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Kenya, India, Guyana, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Denise works as an Employee Relations Consultant in Georgia. Denise is also an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.


St. Paul University Iloilo (SPUI), through its Advocacy Program Office, held a seminar on “Sex, Gender, and Sexuality” for three groups on July 12, 13, and 14, 2017 at the Marian Theater. The invited speaker to the event was Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Vicente Cancino, Jr., M.I., a Camillian priest and a medical doctor who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Health Care. The first day of the seminar was geared toward the SPUI administrators, faculty, and staff as well as the invited representatives from other schools in Iloilo City. The second and third days were held for the Senior High School Students of SPUI.
In his talk, Fr. Cancino lays out the dynamism of sex and illustrates how individuals engage this in the different stages of their lives. He emphasizes that the individual’s vision and values define how one relates with the others. A healthy way of embodying one’s sex and gender largely depends on how one integrates one’s sexuality with one’s vision and values. And in the Catholic tradition, the guiding principle in relating with one another, despite differences in sex and gender, is God’s loving mercy.
An open forum followed after the lecture where the participants and the speaker discussed how schools could help students deal with their issues on sex, gender, and sexuality as well as how these could be integrated in the academic setting and other services offered by the schools.
The seminar ended with the celebration of the Eucharist by the speaker himself, Fr. Cancino.


Christian Counseling, Asheville NC
While there is a deep joy and peace that can come from deciding to follow Christ, not all of our problems disappear the moment we enter into relationship with God. We are still faced with the challenges of living in this fallen world. Perhaps you are still carrying traumas from your past, having difficulties in your relationships, harboring unforgiveness, struggling with addiction, or fighting feelings of inadequacy. Throughout our conversion, a tug of war occurs between our old selves and our new identities in Christ. This battle doesn’t resolve overnight and can sometimes be challenging. However, with counsel, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit, you can make steps towards receiving the healing and forward progress you are desiring.
Or perhaps you’ve been wounded by religion and are looking to work through the obstacles impeding your relationship with God. As someone who experienced religious trauma and has worked through it (and still is), I understand this process. Often times, the God presented to us by the world is an inaccurate depiction. We can experience hurtful judgment, abuse, shame, or even punishment from those who represent Him. And in an effort to avoid more pain, we associate God with our past hurt and dismiss Him altogether. If you have experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma and are interested in beginning this process of healing, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re local to Asheville, NC and would be happy to have an introductory conversation with you.
Christian Men’s Group
Join our Weekly Christian Men’s Group led by Taylor Houchens Counseling, PLLC. We meet every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm in West Asheville. This is a place for men to let down their masks and be truly honest with one another. It is a place to be seen, heard, supported, held accountable, and challenged. A place to become a better man.
This group has been successfully meeting every week and growing for over a year now. Why? Because it’s honest. Men get real with other men about their lives. Because here, you belong. There is true acceptance and brotherhood and you know you are not alone. Because you grow. You are held accountable by other men and challenged to keep your word and remain in integrity. Because of God. We strive to honor God’s word and pray for each other, inviting God into each meeting. Because here, you matter. This is a space for your story to be heard. It is a place for you to be seen and known. Because your life improves. Each man’s life tangibly improves by consistently showing up and doing his work.
If you are interested in joining, join us. We are welcoming new men, whether you subscribe to the Christian faith or not.
Serving the Following Asheville, NC Communities:
- Black Mountain
- Biltmore Forest
- Hlls River
- Mills River
- Enka Village
Taylor Houchens, M.S., LPC
191 East Chestnut Street
Asheville, NC 28804


Some of you many not know this, but my Grand-daddy was a Baptist Preacher...He served in WWII and was such a patriotic man...he LOVED his Country and respected what the men and women who serve do for us!
When he passed away almost 13 years ago, I got his little box of sermons, devotionals and prayers...ALL handwritten AND dated by him!!! It's something that is very special to me especially since his handwriting brings back so many fond memories of the man I loved so much and respected!
Well...I was going through his little box of sermons looking for a wedding prayer or something that can be read at our wedding in honor of my Grand-daddy. While I didn't find anything fitting for the wedding, I did find a Memorial Day Prayer he read in Miles City Park on 5.30.1984....I thought I would share here on my blog in memory of the all the men and women who have given so much for our freedom!
Here goes, written just as it was by my Grand-daddy...
We thank You for the gift of memory and as we look backward to days gone by - days torn by war and strife - may we be thankful for peace -
Many of us know that peace was bought with a price - today we remember those who made the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives that we may enjoy peace -
May we dedicate ourselves anew - that this government of the people - by the people - and for the people may never perish from the earth and may we ask not what our country can do for us - but rather what we can do for our country even as those who have gone before us -
In Jesus name we pray - Amen"


|San Rafael Arcangel Mission was founded
December 14, 1817. It is the twentieth in the chain of
21 California Missions. The mission was named for Saint Rafael the Archangel.
San Rafael was famous for its hospital. Mission San Rafael Arcangel
is a 1949 replica of the original Mission, which was constructed in 1817.
The building has been restored and includes a gift shop and small museum.
The chapel is open to the public daily.
|21 California Missions|


This Christmas 2019, we are thrilled to be hosting Carols at the Barn once again!
21 & 22 December 6-7:30pm
Our annual 2 evenings of festivities, fun, food & Christmas carols has become our favourite night of the year – celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with so many friends & families!
Everything is completely FREE as our Christmas gift to the community – we are delighted that so many of you have chosen to make this event part of your own Christmas tradition!
So… invite your loved ones, wrap up warm, bring your travel mug & join us for some Christmas cheer!!!


- This event has passed.
Victoria Soul Gospel Choir w/ David Vest at First Metropolitan United Church
May 10, 2019 @ 19:00 - 21:30| $25
The Victoria Soul Gospel Choir perform with David Vest for the ‘Mom’s The Word Benefit Concert’ live at First Metropolitan United Church Friday May 10, 2019
Tickets $25 – available at Munro’s Books, Ivy’s Bookshop and victoriasoulgospel.ca3
Victoria Soul Gospel Choir: http://www.victoriasoulgospel.ca
David Vest: http://www.davidvest.ca


Buy the complete Appreciating Church pack for £22. It includes:
- Appreciating Church
- More than Welcome cards
Appreciating Church is a resource to help churches and their communities explore the organisational and personal development approach Appreciative Inquiry. As well as information the philosophy and tools of Appreciative Inquiry, Appreciating Church includes guidance to help embed the approach in the spiritual life of the Church. There are stories and experiences of AI in action, ranging from asking a different question in the church meeting to delivering a major project; ideas and examples of AI; small group tasks and practical methods; suggested worship materials to support the process; and signposts to further reading.
Further information about Appreciating Church can be found at www.appreciating.church.
More than Welcome is a card-based activity game involving questions, group activities and a SOAR task that can support church communities to extent their welcome to all people. It’s a development by the Appreciating Church partnership supported by Appreciating People.
UK £22.00 plus shipping
Europe €22.00 plus shipping


Thursday, November 24, 2011
Blessed All Year Long
Wishing you and your family a very blessed and thankful Thanksgiving.
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.
Praise Him All Creatures Here Below.
Praise Him Above Ye Heavenly Host.
Praise Father, Son, And Holy Ghost.
11/24/2011 06:22:00 AM
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