Priest shortage leads to Mass every other week

Despite Sunday worship taking place at the Catholic Church in Boho in County Fermanagh for more than 1,500 years, a shortage of priests means the congregation now needs to join with the Immaculate Conception Church in nearby Monea.

The problem there is the church is too small for both combinations. The first joint service saw people standing outside.

 

Parishioners have warned that the move will lead to people drifting away from church.

Over 400 people have signed a petition asking for their weekend Masses to be reinstated.

Defending the changes to the BBC, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness from the Diocese of Clogher, said: “It’s understandable that some people will find this very difficult and there will in some cases be almost a great sense of loss to people that the kinds of celebrations that there were in their churches previously may no longer be possible.

“Given the fewer number of priests, the convenient Mass may not necessarily be in their own parish, it may be within a church elsewhere in the area.

“However, we have to look again at the opportunities that this presents to us to do things in a different way, but in a way that keeps our churches alive as places of praise and worship.”

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Forget Giving Gifts This Year, Book a Trip for Christmas

Going away for Christmas is a great way to discover a destination. Of course, you just have to be prepared to explain to extended family and friends why you are leaving them behind.

(Courtesy photo)The Sofitel New York Hotel in midtown Manhattan, near Broadway.

While cruise ships and tropical islands will naturally be busy there are deals, particularly in big cities and in Europe.

Booking a stay at any of the following three hotels would be my preferred alternative to giving gifts this Christmastime:

3. J.W. Marriott South Beach in Singapore

Singapore is one of my favorite destinations. The city-state in Southeast Asia is beyond incredible — and the J.W. Marriott South Beach makes for a great base to explore everything from colonial-era architecture to Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s marvels.

2. The Academy in London

Five historic Georgian townhouses near the British Museum in the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London’s West End have been transformed into The Academy, a 50-room, luxury boutique hotel in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio.

1. Sofitel New York

Located near Broadway in midtown Manhattan, the Sofitel New York is the official hotel of the Tony Awards. You can even book a ticket for a show directly through the hotel. And, of course, plan on having dinner before the show at Gaby Brasserie Française, the hotel’s Parisian-style restaurant.

Spires and Crosses, a travel column exclusive to The Christian Post, is published every week. Follow @dennislennox on Twitter and Instagram.

Dennis Lennox writes about travel, politics and religious affairs. He has been published in…

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Christmas lights row at Stoke-on-Trent church

For the past decade the Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association have put up the illuminations at St Mark’s Church, in Shelton but this year it’s been told to remove them from the church yard.

It’s reportedly down to a dispute over this year’s Christingle service.

 

Traditionally the lights have been turned on during the service but the residents’ association is boycotting the event due to an issue last year.

Speaking on behalf of the church, in a statement to Stoke-on-Trent Live, the Lichfield Diocese has stressed there will still be Christmas lights at the church this year.

“Shelton and Etruria Residents’ Association recently informed St Mark’s that it did not want to take part in this year’s Christingle service. Permission is needed for the installation of Christmas lights in a churchyard. Therefore, the district church council has asked the association to remove its lights so that alternative arrangements can be made.

“St Mark’s will still have Christmas lights which will be switched on during the carol service at the church. Everyone is welcome to this community event. Meanwhile, the door is also open for the residents’ association to discuss further involvement in church events should it wish.”

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Teens Open Heavens 21 October 2018 – Angry With Your Maker?

Topic: Angry With Your Maker? [Teens Open Heavens 21 October 2018]

Memorise: “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherd of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it? What makest thou? Or thy work, he hath no hands?” Isaiah 45:9

Read: 2 Kings 13-14 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 5-6, 1 Timothy 1

MESSAGE:

In 2 Kings 5:11-12, when Elisha did not meet any of Naaman’s expectations, Naaman was angry. In his rage, he set out to return to his home country, but for the timely intervention of his servant. Anyone who is angry with God is merely wasting his time. It is very dangerous to be angry with God or His servants.

Some people are angry with God because He has not answered some of their prayers. It is possible that you have been tempted to be angry with God at one time or the other. Whenever this temptation comes, know that your miracle is at your doorstep. The devil has seen the miracle being released from Heaven, and so he tries to prevent you by sowing seeds of doubts and anger in your heart. No matter how bad things appear, never get angry at the only One who can help you.

Key Point: In which areas have been angry at God or holding a grudge against Him? He who fights God is a loser.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Teens Open Heavens 21 October 2018 Hymn 9:

1. I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see;
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Chorus
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus love me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

2. Though I forget Him and wander away,
Still He doth love me whenever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

3. Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song in eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me.”

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 21 October 2018 — Encourage, Don’t Criticize

Topic: Encourage, Don’t Criticize [Joyce Meyer Devotional 21 October 2018]

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. — Ephesians 5:4

We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.

It is the greater person who does the right thing; Christ’s righteousness dwells in you to help you do what is right. You are great in God’s eyes when you choose to do right and bless others.

No matter how rough your day is today, speak words that uplift and encourage those around you. Encourage others if you notice them doing a good job—not just those who work with you, but people wherever you go, such as store clerks, auto mechanics, and waiters.

Say something like, “I appreciate the extra effort you are making to do your job well.” You can change your life and someone else’s by choosing to speak positive words.

Prayer Starter: Father, please show me when I am being critical and negative toward others. Help me today to speak encouraging words of life to all those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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MFM Daily Devotional 21 October 2018 – The Power of Vision (Creating The Picture Of Possibility)

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 21 October 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – The Power of Vision (Creating The Picture Of Possibility)

TOPIC: The Power of Vision (Creating The Picture Of Possibility) Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 21 October 2018

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Genesis 13:14-15

MEMORY VERSE: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

The MESSAGE:

Vision, in this context, means the ability to see beyond the present. God saw that darkness was upon the face of the deep and declared, “Let there be light”, and light appeared. When the light appeared, darkness disappeared. God asked Abraham to lift up his eyes and look to all sides and that all the land, as far as he could see, shall be given to him. This means that whatever he could not see might not be given to him. God is therefore, interested in what we see and the pictures we create in our mind. May be for now, Abraham was not thinking of any good thing or things that had to do with his destiny and promises of God for his life. May be, all he could see were frustration and lack of his own children in his heart. God discovered this and began to teach him how to claim miracles.

What can we learn from Abraham? When you begin to imagine failure, then you become a failure. If you see nobody coming to your business centre to buy anything today, it means nobody will come. If you see yourself as a barren woman, then, you may remain barren forever. But if you learn from what God taught Abraham, you will begin to see things the way God sees them and you will become great in all your endeavours. As a barren woman, you need to begin to see yourself in the midst of your children; as a business man/woman, you need to begin to see many customers in your business centre that are too numerous for you to handle. As a career person, you need to begin to see yourself in the next office, higher than where you are now. It was when Abraham began to see things from God’s perspective that the promises were fulfilled. Joseph saw it all at an early age before he got to the throne. God asked Jeremiah, “What seest thou?” (Jeremiah 1:10-12).

Beloved, you need to learn how to create a picture of possibility in your heart before good things will begin to manifest and become possible in your life. There cannot be a great height without a good sight. God is ready to put the picture into your heart today, you should be ready to capture it. What God shows you is what will make you a show. God does not have a problem with what to give you; He only has a problem with what you can see. Get up beloved and begin to see after the order of Abraham.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
THE MORE YOU PUT YOUR GODLY IMAGINATION TO WORK, THE MORE YOU BRING FORTH GOOD THINGS.

PROPHETIC WORD:
From now henceforth, you shall not be moved by what is happening around you but by what God says and shows you.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Father, I thank You for giving us the power and opportunity to see Your plans for us, in Jesus’ name.
2. Satanic vision against my divine vision, disappear by fire, in the name of Jesus.
3. Every wrong picture working as vision against my prayers, catch fire, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. As from today, I shall see according to God’s plan for my life, in the name of Jesus.
5. Satan, get away from me, by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus.
6. Father, give me the grace to see Your plans for me and the power to work towards it, in the name of Jesus.
7. Revelation gifts, my life is available, bombard me, in the name of Jesus.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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TREM 21 October 2018 Daily Devotional – Hold On To The Grace Of God

Topic: Hold On To The Grace Of God [TREM 21 October 2018 Daily Devotional]

“Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it”. – Zechariah 4:7

At times, we fall victims because we don’t use what God has given to us. Do you think that God is interested in your failure? Certainly not. He’s not interested in your defeat. He is interested in your victory because every time you overcome, it gives Him joy. Every time you win any battle in life, heaven rejoices. It is an advertisement regarding what the kingdom of God is all about. The scripture says, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

You don’t have any reason to fear because grace has been released in your direction. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everyone. He gave it to us at the time of salvation. All through the scriptures you will see grace at work. God wants us to hold on to His grace. When you are going into that exam hall; believe God that grace will see you through. When you are traveling on the highway; believe God that you will get there safe and sound. I always expect grace in my activities every day. Do you know that another word for grace is favour? God has encompassed us with favour like a shield. I attract favour anywhere I go. Whether they like you or not, they must favour you because that is how God wants it to be.

Grace will enable you pay off your debts. One idea from God can take you from a nobody to become a multimillionaire. Don’t write yourself off. Always depend on God’s grace. Don’t ever compare yourself with others. You are a different person. You are not the same with somebody else. You must always see yourself as an individual. God doesn’t have to apologize to anyone for the favour He bestows upon you. Favour is part of your entitlement and inheritance in Christ. So, go ahead and enjoy God’s Grace.

Further reading: 2 Timothy 2:1, Zechariah 4:1-10

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 62-64; Evening- 1 Timothy 1

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

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DCLM Daily Manna 21 October 2018 – Thou Art The Man

Topic: Thou Art The Man [DCLM Daily Manna 21 October 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: 2 Samuel 12:7-14 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die“ (2 Samuel 12:13).

MESSAGE:

A leader without a leader, and he who controls without being under any control is under the imminent danger of falling into arbitrariness. The text centres on David, the shepherd king of Israel who was divinely anointed as king, preserved from evil and bountifully loaded with God’s liberality. These could have been increased by God if he had asked for more. Yet, he couldn’t resist the temptation of coveting his servant’s wife.

Like David, many contemporary leaders instruct, direct, correct and reprimand people under them but end up perpetrating worse atrocities without any one being bold enough to challenge them. The message of God through Nathan is instructive. It clearly shows that God is no Respecter of persons and will not excuse any sin even when it is committed by a leader. Little wonder the Scripture says, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1).

Those who occupy positions of leadership must therefore remember that they are accountable to God, hence should avoid acts of impunity. Leaders in the church, government, associations, family and at whatever level, must remember to lead with the fear of God, be exemplary in character and avoid acts of impunity because to whom much is given, much will also be required.

A leader must be humble enough to acknowledge his mistakes like David and follow the path of rectitude. Spiritual leaders, who sin against God must take personal responsibility, expose themselves and repent genuinely. The gate of mercy is still open for those with contrite and humble spirit, who wish to avoid the danger of having to face God’s ultimate judgment.

Thought For The Day: A leader’s sin is a leading sin.

Bible Reading In One Year: Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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Seeds of Destiny 21 October 2018 Devotional – The Eternal Peril of Bitterness

Topic: The Eternal Peril of Bitterness [Seeds of Destiny 21 October 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Hebrews 12:15

Thought For The Day: Any forgiveness that is done with the mouth but the heart remains bitter is a waste of forgiveness.

Sometime ago, a young lady gave a shocking testimony in our Church: She said that in the dream of the night, she saw her soul leave her body to eternity where she stood before a man who wore a white garment. The man brought out the Book of Life and opened it before her but her name was not found in it. Then the man showed her the picture of a lady who she knew before in the world and with whom she had quarrelled. The man said, ‘You told her you had forgiven her, but you were still bitter towards her; each time you saw her, you got angry within yourself but laughed with her outside. Now because you could not forgive her from your heart, you will be thrown into the hellfire to be tormented forever.’ It was at this point that she saw my wife and I on our knees interceding for her. So, the man lifted her up and gave her a second chance.

Beloved, any forgiveness that is done with the mouth but the heart remains bitter is a waste of forgiveness.

My counsel is, forgive from the depth of your heart; forgive that man who jilted you; forgive that lady who took away your husband or fiancé; forgive that robber, that young man or relation of yours who raped you; forgive that brother or sister in church who you did business with but duped you; forgive your parents who abandoned you; forgive the lecturer who took advantage of you and went ahead to fail you; forgive, forgive, I say, forgive!

Remember This: Any forgiveness that is done with the mouth but the heart remains bitter is a waste of forgiveness.

Assignments:
1. Ask God for fresh grace to forgive.
2. Show your total forgiveness by reconciling with anyone who has hurt you in the past.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for fresh grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Remove every trace of bitterness and heaviness from my heart. I receive mercy from You Lord, in Jesus; Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE DANGER OF UNFORGIVENESS

Quote: Do you know that if God should judge you as you judged others, you shouldn’t be alive? Culled from, AM I BITTER? By Dr Becky Paul-Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 37:1 to 38:28, 1 Timothy 6:1 to 21, Psalm 89:38 to 52, Proverbs 25:28

Amazing Fact: You can use water to easily determine the age of an egg

Today In History: 21/10/1945, Women in France allowed to vote for first time

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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Our Daily Bread 21 October 2018 Devotional – My Real Face

Topic: My Real Face [Our Daily Bread 21 October 2018 Devotional]

Read: 1 Timothy 1:12–17, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 62–64; 1 Timothy 1

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12

For years, feelings of unworthiness and shame over my less-than-godly past had an adverse impact on every aspect of my life. What if others discovered the extent of my blemished reputation? Though God helped me muster up courage to invite a ministry leader to lunch, I strived to seem perfect. I scrubbed my house spotless, whipped up a three-course meal, and donned my best jeans and blouse.

I rushed to turn off the front-yard sprinklers. Twisting the leaking nozzle, I screamed when a gush of water drenched me. With towel-dried hair and smeared makeup, I changed into dry sweat pants and a T-shirt . . . just in time to hear the doorbell. Frustrated, I confessed my morning’s antics and motives. My new friend shared her own battles with fear and insecurity stemming from guilt over past failings. After we prayed, she welcomed me to her team of God’s imperfect servants.

The apostle Paul accepted his new life in Christ, refusing to deny his past or let it stop him from serving the Lord (1 Timothy 1:12­–14). Because Paul knew Jesus’s work on the cross saved and changed him—the worst of sinners—he praised God and encouraged others to honor and obey Him (vv. 15–17).

When we accept God’s grace and forgiveness, we’re freed from our past. Flawed but fiercely loved, we have no reason to be ashamed of our real faces as we serve others with our God-given gifts.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for eliminating our shame and insecurities as You use us to serve You, no matter what our life looked like before You saved us.

God accepts us as we are, and changes us as we serve Him in love.

INSIGHT
When Paul said he was shown mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief (1 Timothy 1:13), he was echoing a common theme of Scripture. Old Testament sacrifices were made for sins done in ignorance (see Leviticus 4:2, 13, 22; Hebrews 9:7). So was mercy only given to Eve who was deceived—and not to Adam? (1 Timothy 2:14). No. Even when we consciously do wrong, as Adam did, He still offers His mercy. Who doesn’t need to hear Jesus say, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Mart DeHaan

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Xochitl Dixon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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