Thank Your Vicar Week encourages congregations to show gratitude

[ad_1]

The week celebrates the vital contribution clergy make to their communities, and gives parishes the opportunity to say a big thank you to their vicar and/or curate.

Rt Rev Philip North, the Bishop of Burnley, told Premier why the position can be quite challenging.

He said: “We’re basically now giving clergy two jobs.

“On one hand, they’ve got keeping the show on the road; they’ve got regular stuff of weekly services, teaching, school assemblies, worrying about buildings and worrying about money.

“But then we also say we’ve got to grow this parish, we’ve got to make new Christians; we’ve got to reach out and serve the community in new an imaginative ways.

“It’s an area of work which many clergy have not been trained when they were in college some years ago.

“It means many of our clergy are working tremendous hours. It can put a great deal of stress on family life. People very often appreciate their priest but forget to say thank you.”

The week has been promoted by St Luke’s Healthcare for the Clergy, a charity which cares for the health and wellbeing of Anglican clergy and their families.

Schools are invited to hold a special Thank Your Vicar assembly, using free downloadable resources from the St Luke’s website. The resources have also been designed to enhance the primary RE curriculum.

Rev North told Premier there are several ways to show appreciation to a church leader.

He said: “Someone standing up in the service saying ‘can we this week say thank you to our priest?’, or baking a cake, or keeping an extra eye on the family. I think simple gestures can be very powerful ones.”

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Jennifer LeClaire Reveals How Angels Are Intervening in Current Events .

[ad_1]

Jennifer LeClaire is now sharing her reflections and revelations through Walking in the Spirit. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.


“Days after devastating truck bomb in Somali capital, death toll still climbing.” “Passengers describe terror abroad Indonesia AirAsia flight.” “China’s Tiangong-1 Space Station will crash to the earth in the next few months.”

These are among the headlines in today’s news. Tomorrow’s news will offer more of the same.

In this short video, I share how angels are intervening in current events around the world. Have you seen angelic intervention in your life’s events?

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Home of Beloved Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz is Destroyed in California Wildfires

[ad_1]

Home of Beloved Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz is Destroyed in California Wildfires



Destructive wildfires continue to burn in northern California, with the death toll now reaching 40 people. Thousands of homes have also been damaged or destroyed, including the home of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz.


According to Entertainment Weekly, the Santa Rosa home of the late cartoonist was completely destroyed by the flames. Schulz’s son Monte Schulz reported that his stepmother, Jean Schulz, was able to evacuate safely, however.


The beloved cartoonist and creator of the Peanuts comic strip which ran in 2,600 newspapers while Schulz was alive, lived in the Santa Rosa house from the 1970s until his death in 2000.


“It’s the house he died in,” said Monte. “All of their memorabilia and everything is all gone.”


Thankfully for Peanuts fans, however, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which is also located in Santa Rosa, has not been damaged in the wildfires.


Entertainment Weekly reports that Schulz is revered as an influential figure in the community. The Santa Rosa airport has been named the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. The airport even has a recreation of his beloved character Snoopy, flying on his doghouse as he often did in the comic strip or in Peanuts TV specials.


According to the Los Angeles Times, firefighters are making progress on containing the fires, but there is still much work to be done. 


 


Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons


Publication date: October 16, 2017 

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Family pays tribute to student who died after St Paul’s Cathedral balcony fall

[ad_1]

Lidia Dragescu dropped 100ft (30m) from the Whispering Gallery to the floor of the building in central London.

The 23-year-old, from Romford, east London, was pronounced dead at the scene on 11th October.

Her family described her as “beautiful, kind and selfless” in a tribute statement.

They said: “Our daughter and sister was the most beautiful person in the world. Her heart was pure and kind, a soul from another world.

“She was an outstanding student and a talented figure skater. Beautiful, intelligent and kind.

“Her love for us was beyond measure, she was selfless and kind. Everything that she had she shared with us, always putting us first. We love her and will always love her.

“For Lidia, the world has been a bad place to live in.”

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and officers will compile a report for the coroner, City of London Police said.

St Paul’s Cathedral said the community was in shock and added in a statement: “We think and pray especially at this time for the woman who died, and for all those who were close to her and who loved and cared for her.”

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Why Jonathan Cahn Believes There Is Hope for America .

[ad_1]

(VisualMemoriesbyJ/Pixabay)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.


In his latest book, The Paradigm, New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Cahn reveals the warning signs occurring in America to indicate the coming of judgment. Similar to The Harbinger, which catapulted Cahn to national and international prominence, The Paradigm emphasizes our nation’s increasing abandonment of biblical values and godly morality.

“The context of The Paradigm is the accelerating fall of a nation that had once known God, a process that reaches a critical juncture where apart from some form of intervention the nation is in danger of being irrevocably sealed in a course of apostasy,” Cahn says.

He identifies patterns in the Bible that concern a nation’s progression to judgement, addressing abortion, idolatry and sexual immorality. The Paradigm reveals parallels between the apostasy of ancient Israel and the metamorphosis of values of today’s society. Cahn compares biblical leaders who sacrificed children for idols to present-day politicians who advocate for abortion. He draws on language used by feminist figures such as author Ginette Paris, who writes in her book titled The Sacrament of Abortion: “It is not immoral to choose abortion; it is simply another kind of morality, a pagan one.”

Cahn writes, “That any culture could permit the sacrificing of children is hard to fathom. But that such a thing could be considered a sacred act stretches the limits of comprehension.”

While The Paradigm expounds on the apostasy of both the present day and 3,000 years ago, it also pinpoints times when a nation is given a reprieve. Cahn points to instances when the judgment that had already been decreed was held back. He refers to the southern kingdom of Judah when Josiah sought to lead his nation back to God, or when the rise of Jehu provided a reprieve for Israel.

“Such reprieves may come, as they did in ancient times, shortly before a nation’s judgement,” Cahn says.

However, the reprieve that came about with Jehu’s reign did not amount to a revival. Although the apostasy slowed in its velocity, the people never turned back to God. Through this, The Paradigm challenges readers to consider the present state: Will America turn back to God?

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Catholic archbishop says same-sex marriage is threat to religious people

[ad_1]

Anthony Fisher made a call for a no-vote in the same-sex marriage postal survey during his mass on Sunday.

Under current laws in Australia, marriage must be between a man and a woman, but the government is circulating a non-binding survey on the issue measuring support for reform.

Speaking to parishioners in a congregation on Sunday, the Guardian reports he said the government should “keep out of the friendship business and out of the bedroom”.

He went on to tell the St Mary’s Cathedral congregation: “The state has no business telling us who we should love and how, sexually or otherwise.

“The only kind of friendship the state has a proper interest in recognising and regulating is heterosexual marriage, because that’s what leads to children – new citizens – and gives them the best start in life.”

Creative Commons/ David Lud

 

The archbishop said children should have a mother and a father and this was what marriage was intended for.

He also claimed changing the law would have a direct impact on religious freedom.

He explained: “If overseas experience is anything to go by, if marriage is redefined it will be very hard to speak up for real marriage anymore – in schools, at work, socially.

“Traditional believers will be vulnerable to discrimination suits and other kinds of bullying for their beliefs. Some may lose their jobs, promotions, businesses, political careers.”

The non-binding postal ballot began in September but the government will not legislate on the issue without it.

If most Australians vote no, the government will not allow Parliament to consider lifting the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The result of the voluntary postal survey will be announced on 15 November.

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Open Heavens 17 October 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Enjoying The Services Of Angels

Open Heavens 17 October 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Enjoying The Services Of Angels

Topic: Enjoying The Services Of Angels — Tuesday 17, October 2017.

Memorise: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: – Psalm 104:4

Read: Psalm 91:9-13 (KJV)

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Bible in One Year: Galatians 4-6, Ephesians 1, Daniel 8:15-9:2, Hymn: Sing Hymn 8 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness

MESSAGE:

There are several misconceptions about the existence and purpose of angels. Some people don’t believe that angels exist. Some other people who believe in the existence of angels don’t know their purpose. It is important for us to know the truth of what God’s word says about angels, so that we don’t miss out on the ministry of angels in our lives. Today’s memory verse confirms that angels exist, and gives a hint on why they were created. From this scripture, we understand that angels are ministering spirits. We have two categories of angles: holy angels of God and fallen angels. The term “fallen angels” refers to Satan and the group of angels that rebelled along with him against God. These angels, now called the devil and demons, were cast out of heaven and are awaiting the day of God’s final judgement against them, when they will be sent into the place of eternal punishment (Isaiah 14:12-16, Ezekiel 28:12-19, Revelation 12:9, Matthew 8:29, Revelation 20:10). On the other hand, the holy angels of God are those angels that have remained loyal to God as their sovereign Lord. Concerning these angels, Psalms 103:20 says,

“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 18 October 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Hope In These Last Days

As a child of God, the angels of God are meant to minister to you and for you in the hour of great need, especially in situations beyond human control and power. Hebrews 1:14 says,

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

For example, angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation and before He went to the cross (Matthew 4:11, Luke 22:43). Psalm 91:11-12 mentions some specific assignments of the angels of God, saying,

“11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Years ago, when some of the brethren came to me suggesting that I begin to carry bodyguards around, because they would not want to lose me to hoodlums or hired assassins, I declined because, based on the above scripture, the One who called me has more than enough angelic bodyguards to take care of my security, and they are more effective than a billion human bodyguards could ever be. Note however that the angels of God should never be worshipped or prayed to. Often times, because of their awesome nature, those who encountered them attempted to do this, but every time, these angels themselves forbade them from doing so (Revelation 22:8-9). Are you enjoying the ministry of angels?

Action Point: Thank God for His ministering spirits that have been assigned to take care of you.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.


Why I Left the Megachurch I Created .

[ad_1]



  • If You Really Want to Be Free From Sexual Sin, This Bold Habit Can Help


    My secret addiction held me in chains until I decided to do what the Holy Spirit was telling me.



  • Darren Wilson interviews a person for his film.

    ‘Holy Ghost’ Filmmaker Darren Wilson Just Dropped the Surprise of a Lifetime


    “It’s funny, but when I was making my first film, ‘Finger of God,’ like over 10 …



  • How to Quit Porn in 2017

    How to Quit Porn in 2017


    Most men who make a New Year’s resolution to never watch porn again find themselves back on the same websites in no time. Discover the only key that can truly set someone free.



  • Why Transgender Activism Will Not Succeed in Changing America


    There’s one simple reason.



  • What You Should Know Before Saying ‘Yes’ to Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs


    “I woke up screaming. Both my legs from my knees down were locked, and I could feel my feet, my …



  • Crank Up the Heat on Your Spiritual Life

    Crank Up the Heat on Your Spiritual Life


    Life in the Spirit exists to give you a deep understanding of who the Holy Spirit is, how He works in your life and how you can interact with Him on a daily basis.



  • Washington, D.C.

    Are the Multitudes Gathering in DC Oddballs or Onto Something?


    Here’s the prophetic narrative that is behind all that’s taking place, intended to catalyze …



  • 5 Truths to Understand When Leading Leaders

    5 Truths to Understand When Leading Leaders


    When you lead other leaders, there are some specific truths that apply. If you don’t recognize these truths, you could end up losing your leaders and missing your most important goals.



  • Harvey Weinstein poses on the Red Carpet after arriving at the 89th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.

    James 4:17 Warns Us About This Sickening Hollywood Pattern


    Case in point: Harvey Weinstein. 



  • Why Muslims Are Abandoning Allah and Turning to Jesus in Record Numbers


    Here are six specific reasons I believe Islam will diminish and become severely crippled as we …



  • People worship outside the California tent at Awaken the Dawn.

    What Happens When Christians from Every State Make an Appeal to Heaven in the Nation’s Most Symbolic Location?


    “We’ve heard from all the crises God, but would you release something that would eclipse …



  • Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

    Major Church Head Refuses to Admit Gay Sex Is a Sin


    He said he admitted to morally “copping out because I am struggling with the issue.”



  • Taylor Benge says he is now a firm believer in God.

    Vegas Massacre Survivor: I Was Agnostic, But ‘I’m a Firm Believer in God’ After Shooting


    “There’s no way that, you know, all that happened and I made it and I was blessed enough to …



  • God's Power at Work in the Church Today

    God’s Power at Work in the Church Today


    Charisma’s founder, Steve Strang writes about today’s hottest topics affecting the Christian faith.



  • Continue Your Journey with the Holy Spirit

    Continue Your Journey with the Holy Spirit


    Follow God on the most fulfilling journey of your life with Encounter the Holy Spirit! Break away from past hurts and press into the One who wants a personal encounter with you.



  • Dream the Unimaginable In His Presence

    Dream the Unimaginable In His Presence


    Reach your full potential and be led by His Spirit. In His Presence takes you to a deeper understanding of who God is and how he communicates with us.



  • Set Your Spirit on Fire

    Set Your Spirit on Fire


    Receive the power and gifts that come through the Holy Spirit Baptism. Don’t go empty-handed; accept all that He has for you! His power is available to those who ask.



  • Put on the Full Armor of God

    Put on the Full Armor of God


    Break every stronghold with the power of the Holy Spirit. Use the power of your tongue to declare and decree the Word of God. Witness heaven move on your behalf.

  • [ad_2]

    Source link

    قالب وردپرس

    Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily October 16, 2017 devotional – But God!

    Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily October 16, 2017 devotional – But God!

    Today’s Scripture: “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! …But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” – (Psalm 3:1-3, NIV)

    Topic: But God! [Monday October 16, 2017]

    When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne. Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heartbroken, betrayed and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems. He told the Lord about his faith when he said, “But You, God, are a shield around me…” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what.

    We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider today. The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer today. Things may look impossible today, BUT WITH GOD, all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory He has in store for you!

    A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life. Today I open my heart to You and choose to focus on You instead of my circumstances. I know that with You, all things are possible in Jesus name. Amen.”

    From Joel Osteen Ministries.


    Church bells ring in protest of Greece’s gender rights law

    [ad_1]

    Under the guidance of Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop Amvrosios of Kalavryta, clerics in his diocese decided that, from Sunday, the bells would ring every day at noon for three minutes until Saturday.

    Wikimedia Commons

     

    The decision follows Greece’s parliament passing the bill – backed by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras – with 171 votes in favour in Greece’s 300-seat parliament last week.

    The Orthodox Church said in a statement that the change in law was “a satanic deed” and would lead to “the destruction of social cohesion and the spiritual necrosis of man”.

    Greeks over the age of 15 will now be able to change the gender listed on their identity cards and other official documents following a simplified procedure in court.

    The Church is continuing to call for the bill to be withdrawn.

    A statement obtained by the AP, by the Kalavryta diocese’s clerics on Saturday read: “It is an outrageous inspiration for someone to change his gender in a few minutes, with a simple declaration, so contrary to what God has gifted people with … whoever has ‘gender dysphoria’ is mentally ill.

    The statement also said homosexuality is a “deadly sin” and expressed a worry that legislation allowing adoption by same-sex couples would be next.

    The clerics have also said they will display protest banners in the city of Aigion, which is the largest in the diocese.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

    قالب وردپرس