Monday, July 26, 2010

Sabbath Parties with Kids and Moms at Local Battered Women's Shelter


Canton Adventist Church's Photos - CFVC Birthday Parties


7/8/10

CANTON, GA—From its inception, the Canton, Ga., Seventh-day Adventist Church has had the desire to be actively engaged in serving and building relationships with people in its community. In January 2010, it began its newest initiative: throwing birthday parties each month for the children and their families who live at the Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC), an emergency shelter and housing center for victims of domestic violence. Located less than one mile from the Canton church, the CFVC runs the largest transitional housing facility of its kind in the United States.

On one Sabbath each month, the families of the Canton Church put together a great birthday party with all the trimmings to serve 7-10 children along with their moms and siblings. Together they play games, sing to the birthday kids, share cake and pass out presents and party favors. Most of the families at the Canton Church pitch in by making the food, organizing the games, buying the gifts and building relationships with the moms and kids.

Over Easter weekend, the Canton Church joined hands with The Quest, a community church the Canton church rents its facility to on Sundays, in throwing an Easter egg hunt for the entire complex, over 100 kids and their families. The church members spent over an hour hiding 1,500 eggs and the kids found them all in under ten minutes!

Brinne Pruett, CFVC ministry leader at the Canton Church says, “Seeing the kids' faces light up at these events is such a wonderful feeling. The moms are always so appreciative of our efforts. Hopefully these kids will remember these events for a long time, and know that they always have a friend in Canton Adventist."

Natalie Durham, co-leader, shares, “My experience with CFVC has been one of many blessings. I have enjoyed meeting these strong and courageous women who just love and adore their children. It's been such an honor to throw these birthday parties and watch how excited these children become. I've enjoyed playing musical chairs with the kids and seeing their childlike spirit come alive again. This ministry is important to me and I can only imagine how much those kids look forward to us coming.”

By Todd Leonard

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Sherbert v. Verner


Syllabus


SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES


374 U.S. 398


Sherbert v. Verner


APPEAL FROM THE SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
No. 526



Argued: April 24, 1963 --- Decided: June 17, 1963


Appellant, a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was discharged by her South Carolina employer because she would not work on Saturday, the Sabbath Day of her faith. She was unable to obtain other employment because she would not work on Saturday, and she filed a claim for unemployment compensation benefits under the South Carolina Unemployment Compensation Act, which provides that a claimant is ineligible for benefits if he has failed, without good cause, to accept available suitable work when offered him. The State Commission denied appellant's application on the ground that she would not accept suitable work when offered, and its action was sustained by the State Supreme Court.

Held: As so applied, the South Carolina statute abridged appellant's right to the free exercise of her religion, in violation of the First Amendment, made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 399-410.

(a) Disqualification of appellant for unemployment compensation benefits, solely because of her refusal to accept employment in which she would have to work on Saturday contrary to her religious belief, imposes an unconstitutional burden on the free exercise of her religion. Pp. 403-406.

(b) There is no compelling state interest enforced in the eligibility provisions of the South Carolina statute which justifies the substantial infringement of appellant's right to religious freedom under the First Amendment. Pp. 406-409.

(c) This decision does not foster the "establishment" of the Seventh-Day Adventist religion in South Carolina contrary to the First Amendment. Pp. 409-410.



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Adventist church closes


By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter 07/14/2010





THE INTERLAKES Seventh Day Adventist Church has closed. Members of the congregation voted three weeks ago. The building will eventually be put up for sale. (Photo by Elisa Sand)



A local church with roots that date back to 1882 has dissolved.

Members of the Interlakes Seventh Day Adventist Church decided to close effective three weeks ago.

The Rev. Don Johnson said that the decision was made because the congregation had gotten so small.

"We hated to see this happen," he said. "We're at six to eight members."

Johnson said that most of the youth in the congregation have grown up and moved away, leaving a primarily elderly congregation.

According to the "History of Lake County" book, the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Madison was established in 1882 and held services first at Herrick School before constructing its first church building in 1884. There's no record of the first location. The current church, located at N.W. 3rd Street and Grant Avenue, was built in 1907 and expanded in 1923. A 1968 remodeling project lowered the roof, added the brick exterior and installed new pews.

Johnson said the church will be put up for sale and local members plan to attend nearby Seventh Day Adventists churches in the region.
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Source: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20440740&BRD=1302&PAG=461&dept_id=181987&rfi=6
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« Poverty is a challenge that the EU and the Churches must face together »


« Poverty is a challenge that the EU and the Churches must face together »

This was the appeal of Bishop Adrianus van Luyn, President of COMECE, to the EU leaders on the occasion of the 6th annual meeting of the EU Presidents with the Religious leaders in Europe, which was held on July 19 at the European Commission.

The meeting was hosted by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission and co-chaired by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council and Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament. It was dedicated to the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Around twenty senior figures from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions as well as from the Sikh and Hindu communities - coming from fourteen Members States - met to discuss the importance of combating poverty and social exclusion from the perspective of European governance.

Bishop van Luyn warned against adopting a way of fighting poverty that relies only on technical or administrative measures: "It will most probably fail to reach its goals: it confers on the poor the role of ‘objects of welfare'" he said. "On the contrary, what is needed is a way of helping poor people that will allow them to be ‘players' in the joint struggle with society against poverty and exclusion."

Appraising the efforts of the EU to overcome the economic crisis, he added "we can neither allow the poorest and the weakest in our society to become the victims of this crisis yet again, nor can we burden future generations with the task of cleaning up after our mistakes while failing to do anything ourselves."

This responsibility of the EU should also apply towards the poorest in the developing countries, especially in Africa, as well as to migrants: "We must not shirk the responsibility of joining forces to achieve the objectives concerning Poverty in the Millennium Development Goals" he concluded.

Cardinal Erdö, President of CCEE underlined that Poverty cannot be restricted to its material understanding but must be addressed in all its dimensions and this therefore raises an anthropological question for political and Church leaders on what exactly are the needs of a human being.

To overcome spreading individualism, Archbishop Zvolensky from Bratislava, called for "a concrete commitment to solidarity and charity, beginning in the family ". Quoting Pope John Paul II, he said "It is urgent therefore to promote not only family policies, but also those social policies which have the family as their principal object" (Centesimus Annus, 49).

Dr Flaminia Giovanelli, from Justice & Peace was the fourth representative of the Catholic delegation at this meeting. She mentioned that the Catholic Church supports and sometimes helps to create businesses that are between profit and non-profit companies, "a broad new composite reality embracing the private and public spheres, one which does not exclude profit, but instead considers it a means for achieving human and social ends."(Caritas in veritate 46)

President Barroso, Van Rompuy and Buzek all valued the contribution of Churches in the fight against Poverty, as they are important providers of social services in EU Member States. This summit meeting was the first held under the new Lisbon Treaty, which foresees in its Article 17 that the EU maintains "an open, transparent and regular Dialogue" with Churches and conviction communities. All three Presidents announced their intention to enhance the implementation of this Dialogue at a working level in the coming months.


Official pictures available here

List of participants


Article in Newspaper "La Croix" 19.07.2010:


Download the speeches of:
-Mgr van Luyn
-Dr Flaminia Giovanelli
-Mgr Zvolensky


Source: http://www.comece.org/content/site/en/euchurchdialogue/annualsummitmeetings/article/3579.html?SWS=e9af2612366115e1dcbcd331858c4500
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The Reforms of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 13

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1On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

2Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

3Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

4And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

5And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

6But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

7And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

8And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber.

9Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

10And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

11Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

12Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

13And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

15In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

16There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

18Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

19And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

21Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

23In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:

24And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

25And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

26Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

27Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

28And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

30Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.


King James Version (KJV)
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Sunday, July 25, 2010

All Nations Follow America's Lead


When all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Dan. 3:7.

History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the image at Babylon. All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious Sabbath. This is Satan's plan to make of no account the day instituted by God, and given to the world as a memorial of creation.

The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world.

As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to honor the false Sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her example.

Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.

Nations will be stirred to their very center. Support will be withdrawn from those who proclaim God's only standard of righteousness, the only sure test of character. And all who will not bow to the decree of the national councils and obey the national laws to exalt the Sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard of God's holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery alone, but of the Protestant world, the image of the beast.

The season of distress before God's people will call for a faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration, not even that of life itself, can induce them to make the least concession to false worship. To the loyal heart the commands of sinful, finite men will sink into insignificance beside the word of the eternal God. Truth will be obeyed though the result be imprisonment or exile or death.

From Maranatha - Page 215.
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Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Loud Cry 5/9 - Walter Veith-(31)

'>http://

TheClosingOfTime7 May 29, 2010
his series is an in-depth chapter by chapter study of the book of Revelation. Throughout the study, the total onslaught on Jesus Christ and the effects of this war on every individual living on this planet are clearly portrayed. The beauty of Christ's kingdom and laws are contrasted with Satan's government and plans, and Satan's deceptions are clearly revealed. This series is must-have for every Christian and non-Christian living today. The ideas explored hit home because they are current, relevant, and applicable to the dangers and deceptions raging today on planet earth. Excellent for sharing with friends and family as the ideas presented therein give outstanding behind-the-scenes information about current events. Buy the complete series and see how Jesus Christ is being attacked, and learn how to avoid the manipulative plans laid out by the enemy of souls.

Truth Behind Hip Hop

'>http://

15 Killed in German Techno Parade Panic

24 July 2010

VOA News

A shoe is left on the ground after a stampede at this year's techno-music festival "Loveparade 2010" in Duisburg, Germany, on 24 Jul 2010


German police say a stampede at a techno music festival in western Germany Saturday left at least 15 people dead and several others injured.

Police said the deaths occurred in the city of Duisburg, where thousands had gathered for the annual Love Parade festival.

A mass panic broke out when police tried to stop thousands of people from pushing through a tunnel leading to the event grounds, which was already overcrowded.

Local reports said 10 others had to be resuscitated at the scene.

Organizers decided not to cancel the festivities to avoid further panic. Most revelers continued to party, unaware of the deadly stampede.

The Love Parade was first held in Berlin in 1989. The one-day, open-air event is one of the biggest techno festivals in Europe, attracting on average of about 1 million spectators.


Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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Source: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/10-Killed-in-German-Techno-Parade-Panic-99171424.html

Related:
Video: Raw Video: 15 Killed in Mass Panic in Germany The Associated Press
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Religions: The Occult Connection


by David J. Stewart

I recently wrote a Gospel tract using Microsoft Publisher 2000. You can download the .pub file HERE if you'd like to have it. It's 6 MB because of all the photos. You can view the actual tract here. You must have Microsoft Publisher 2000, or more recent, to open this file--then you can print it to distribute. You may also want to write your own tracts. Below is exactly what the tract looks like, front and back. It prints on standard size paper. I've been giving it to many people lately. I call it "The Eliminator" because it blows Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses right out of the water. People love pictures, and these images speak volumes against these false religions. Here is the online version of this Gospel tract...


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Looking for clues?

Our frequent visitor from alexandria virgin-ia is busy this Sabbath morn. While the detective work continues, here's a clue:

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.

Ezekiel 20:12.

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CSI at Newbold Church



Saturday 28th March saw the first in the four - week series of talks regarding the Easter story. These will be presented by Pastors Patrick Johnson and Kirsten Oster-Lundqvist, who have come up with the theme of viewing the death of Christ as a possible crime , and approaching the analysis of the evidence in the same way a modern day murder would be investigated! In this week’s “episode” of CSI (Christ Scene Investigated) Patrick did the family service, while preaching together with Kirsten in the contemporary service was Pastor Victor Hulbert, BUC Communication Director.

Viewers of murder/crime shows such as the popular “CSI“ will know that all investigations follow a set pattern, and as Pastor Patrick Johnson pointed out, the main focus is always on the QUESTIONS asked. Therefore each of the parts of this series also concentrates on examining different aspects of the Easter story in an equally detailed manner.

Week One was entitled “ Questioning Jesus “ , and referred heavily to John 10: 1-21 for it’s evidence. This story of Jesus as the Good Shepherd takes place at a time when the Jews were of a divided opinion about Jesus, not convinced of his authenticity. In the present time , many people are also unsure of whether to “believe” or not . However John 10 shows us that Jesus, and Him alone , is indeed our salvation …”I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved “. …But of course there is always hope for those prepared to turn towards God …”I have other sheep who are not of this sheep pen , I must bring them also“

The main emphasis of this week’s talk was about the conclusions we can reach about His death. These were summed up in three points:

1) It was Voluntary - and may even have been deliberate, in order to illustrate His sacrifice for us.
2) It was Vicarious - on behalf of the sheep/us. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - and I lay down my life for the sheep”
3) It was Victorious - Christ was triumphantly resurrected to Eternal life! “ I lay down my life - only to take it up again. No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”
After such a good start, I’m sure we all look forward to the remaining “episodes “, which are as follows:

4th April “QUESTIONING THE TRIAL” Early and Family Service - Kirsten, Contemporary Service - Patrick

11th April “QUESTIONING THE CRUCIFIXION” Early and Contemporary Service - Patrick,
Family Service - Kirsten/Robyn Anthony

18th April “QUESTIONING THE RESURRECTION” Early and Family Service - Patrick,
Contemporary Service - Kirsten. (Lesley Dennison)
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NOTE:
I provide this information for the faithful brethren that are living under a rock (which are clueless to the changes that have taken place all around them), and innocently believe that their beloved church is still singing "When the role is called up yonder", and we're all following the a church manual; While in reality (au contraire) everything goes, and the beloved church is being swept by every wind of doctrine imaginable (some pantheistic) while the stewards condone it all, if not look the other way. This is what is really happening; And, it's no secret (except to the uninformed masses), since they publish their exploits on the internet for the whole world to see...
Can't you see the strange crosses invading the churches?
Or, the worldly music, instruments such as electric guitars and drums behind the pulpits?
Or, the jovial atmosphere during the solemn divine worship service?
Or, the comedy skits, the puppets, the pantomime?
Or, the applause? When did all this strange phenomenon become part of our worship to a Holy God?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:4,5.
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And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.............. Ephesians 5:11-13
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Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them........Romans 1:32
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Arsenio.
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The Council of Trent


The Reformers had constantly charged ... that the Catholic Church had apostatized from the truth as contained in the written word. "The written word," "The Bible and the Bible only," "Thus saith the Lord," these were their constant watchwords; and "The Scripture, as in the written word, the sole standard of appeal," this was the proclaimed platform of the Reformation and of Protestantism.

Scripture alone or Scripture and tradition?
"The Scripture and tradition." "The Bible as interpreted by the Church and according to the unanimous consent of the Father," this was the position and claim of the Catholic Church. This was the main issue in the Council of Trent, which was called especially to consider the questions that had been raised and forced upon the attention of Europe by the Reformers. The very first question concerning faith that was considered by the council was the question involved in this issue.

There was a strong party even of the Catholics within the council who were in favor of abandoning tradition and adopting the Scriptures only, as the standard of authority. This view was so decidedly held in the debates in the council that the pope's legates actually wrote to him that there was "a strong tendency to set aside tradition altogether and to make Scripture the sole standard of appeal." But to do this would manifestly be to go a long way toward justifying the claims of the Protestants. By this crisis there was developed upon the ultra-Catholic portion of the council the task of convincing the others that "Scripture and tradition" were the only sure ground to stand upon. If this could be done, the council could be carried to issue a decree condemning the Reformation, otherwise not. The question was debated day after day, until the council was fairly brought to a standstill.

The Archbishop of Reggio
Finally, after a long and intensive mental strain, the Archbishop of Reggio came into the council with substantially the following argument to the party who held for Scripture alone: "The Protestants claim to stand upon the written word only. They profess to hold the Scripture alone as the standard of faith. They justify their revolt by the plea that the Church has apostatized from the written word and follows tradition. Now the Protestants' claim, that they stand upon the written word only, is not true. Their profession of holding the Scripture alone as the standard of faith, is false.

PROOF: The written word explicitly enjoins the observance of the seventh day as the Sabbath. They do not observe the seventh day, but reject it. If they do truly hold the Scripture alone as their standard, they would be observing the seventh day as is enjoined in the Scripture throughout. Yet they not only reject the observance of the Sabbath enjoined in the written word, but they have adopted and do practice the observance of Sunday, for which they have only the tradition of the Church. Consequently the claim of 'Scripture alone as the standard,' fails; and the doctrine of 'Scripture and tradition' as essential, is fully established, the Protestants themselves being judges."

There was no getting around this, for the Protestants' own statement of faith -- the Augsburg Confession, 1530 -- had clearly admitted that "the observation of the Lord's day" had been appointed by "the Church" only.

The argument was hailed in the council as of Inspiration only; the party for "Scripture alone," surrendered; and the council at once unanimously condemned Protestantism and the whole Reformation as only an unwarranted revolt from the communion and authority of the Catholic Church; and proceeded, April 8, 1546, "to the promulgation of two decrees, the first of which enacts, under anathema, that Scripture and tradition are to be received and venerated equally, and that the deutero-canonical [the apocryphal] books are part of the canon of Scripture. ...

Inconsistency brings defeat
Thus it was the inconsistency of the Protestant practice with the Protestant profession that gave to the Catholic Church her long-sought and anxiously desired ground upon which to condemn Protestantism and the whole Reformation movement as only a selfishly ambitious rebellion against church authority. And in this vital controversy the key, the chiefest, and culminative expression, of the Protestant inconsistency was in the rejection of the Sabbath of the Lord, the seventh day, enjoined in the Scriptures, and the adoption and observance of the Sunday as enjoined by the Catholic Church.

- Romes' Challenge, p. 25-27

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Churches eye immigration's upside



By JOSH GERSTEIN & BEN SMITH
7/19/10 8:16 PM EDT
Updated: 7/20/10 11:52 AM EDT


Evangelical groups have become key players to getting immigration reform moving in Congress. AP photo composite by POLITICO

Evangelical groups in recent weeks have become key players in the Obama administration’s efforts to get immigration reform moving in Congress. And while they have largely couched their arguments in moral terms or with references to biblical teachings, top leaders acknowledge another important reason:

Latino immigrants, legal and illegal, represent fertile prospects for proselytizing.


Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0710/39938.html#ixzz0ubdDT79O
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Senior Vatican figure regrets lack of shared communion


By Ecumenical News International
23 Jul 2010


The recently retired senior Vatican official responsible for ecumenical affairs has said his biggest regret during his tenure in Rome is that he did not achieve an agreement on a common communion with Protestants - writes Anli Serfontein.

"Today, there is a lot of convergence. So, we got closer to each other but we could not achieve the final breakthrough. I regret it very much but you cannot push the issue," said Cardinal Walter Kasper, who retired on 1 July 2010 as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

"The main thing that I did not achieve is the sharing of Holy Communion," Kasper told ENInews in an interview in Stuttgart, while attending, as a special guest, the 20-27 July assembly of the Lutheran World Federation.

Kasper, now aged 77, became president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 2001; he had served the previous two years as its secretary. Originally from Germany, Kasper is a former professor of theology in Münster and Tübingen, and was bishop of Stuttgart from 1989 to 1999.

Soon after he became secretary of the Vatican's unity council, Kasper took part in the signing on 31 October 1999, Reformation Day, of the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification" between the Roman Catholic Church and the LWF. This aimed to overcome condemnations, dating back to the 16th century, between the papacy and reformer Martin Luther and his followers.

However, sharing in the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, the central Christian sacrament that commemorates Jesus' last meal with his disciples, remains a point of contention. Catholic teaching prevents Protestants in most situations receiving communion from Catholic priests, and says Catholics should not receive communion in Protestant churches.

"Of course, I regret it very much because I know the concrete problems in families, and between good friends and partners," said Kasper. "I know what these problems are but I cannot jump over the whole existing doctrine. It is a problem that still exists but I think we also achieved some things. Maybe not consensus but convergence."

Kasper's words echoed those of LWF president Mark S. Hanson from the United States, who earlier in the day told a media conference that the Lutheran commitment to ecumenism will not end until Lutherans can share the Eucharist with other churches.

"We must continue the dialogue about theological issues that still prevent us from communing together," said Hanson.

The LWF president had been asked if he could envisage a day when a married couple in which one partner was a Catholic and the other a Lutheran could share in communion together with the blessing of both churches. Hanson responded by saying that it is the lay people of the churches who are driving and sustaining these conversations, and he acknowledged the "grassroots ecumenism" that is alive among lay people.

"If Roman Catholics and Lutherans can feed the hungry together, wouldn't it be good if they could be fed at the Lord's Table together?" Hanson said.

Kasper said in an address to LWF assembly delegates, "In the last years, we have been harvesting the fruit of the dialogue. I was more than surprised to see such a rich harvest, and that we have achieved much more than we could even dream before. There has been no ecumenical winter."

Still, he acknowledged that there is an unfinished agenda and that this should be the reason to continue the search for unity. "We can no longer afford to stick to our differences," Kasper told delegates.

In his ENInews interview, the former Vatican official stressed that dialogue and debate should continue. "I think for both sides it is the same thing. You must be patient, and you must be impatient at the same time," he said with a smile.

Kasper explained that he thought it may have been easier for him to engage in ecumenical discussions, since he had experienced division at first hand in the land of the Reformation. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg, thus setting in train the breach with the Catholic Church.

"The Reformation started in Germany. We are at the origin of the Reformation, and therefore Reformation and relations with Lutheran Evangelical people are a concern for us because it divided us for many centuries. It still divides families today," Kasper said.

He noted that he had studied and later taught theology at German universities that each had two theological faculties, one for Protestants and the other for Catholics.

"So, ecumenical relations belonged to our life. One has many Protestant friends. I was bishop in this diocese, which is half Protestant and half Catholic," he said. "It is a normal reality for us, and I think this helps us a lot to understand the other angle, and to understand the urgency to work for unity and communion."

In an interview in November 2009 in Wittenberg, where Luther worked and lived, Kasper noted, "We have learned a lot in the last 50 years. At the university, I spent a lot of time teaching about Martin Luther, and I have learned from that experience too."

In his Stuttgart interview, Kasper acknowledged that some sections of the Catholic Church have difficulties with such ecumenical developments but said he had the backing of both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

Looking back at what has been achieved in terms of ecumenical progress in the last decade, Kasper said it would not have been possible without friendship with his counterparts from other traditions. He said a deep friendship had developed between him and the Rev Ishmael Noko, the Zimbabwean-born LWF General Secretary.

"Personal friendship and personal relations are fundamental to ecumenical work and for pastoral work because without personal relations, personal friendships and trust you can do nothing; it is the basis of all. Then, when you have friendship, if there is trust you can also speak about the differences and you can also achieve good results," Kasper said.

Introducing Kasper to LWF assembly delegates in Stuttgart, Noko said, "You embody in your soul the spirit of ecumenism. You have been an encourager, when obstacles seemed insurmountable, and a truth teller."

[With acknowledgements to ENI. Ecumenical News International is jointly sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Conference of European Churches.]

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[Ekk/3]
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Caveats in Christian welcome for the Big Society

by Ed Thornton


Vision of a Big Society: David Cameron at a pre-election event in May

Christian groups responded en­thu­siastically to the Prime Minister’s speech on the Government’s Big Society programme this week, which laid out a larger place for voluntary groups in serving local communities.

Speaking in Liverpool on Monday, David Cameron said that the Govern­ment planned “the biggest, most dramatic redistribution of power from élites in Whitehall to the man and woman on the street”. It would “foster and support a new culture of voluntarism and philan­thropy”.

The Evangelical Alliance said the Big Society was “an immense oppor­tunity for community service which Christians should not pass up”. The organisation’s dir­ector, Steve Clifford, said: “We are delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the in­credible work community groups are already doing, and want to en­thusiastically encourage churches to accept his invitation to get stuck in.”

The Interim director of Livability, a Christian charity that works with disabled people, Adam Bonner, said: “This new emphasis on community work could prove a great way to highlight and develop the existing long term work that many churches and Christian projects are already doing and present further oppor­tunities for involvement.” It re­mained to be seen, however, “whether there will be enough funding and support offered to implement this Big Society initiative”.

Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the former Bishop of Rochester, speaking on behalf of Christian Concern for Our Nation, offered a more cautious welcome to Mr Cameron’s speech. While he welcomed “a freer society where people are enabled to work for their local communities”, it was important, he said that the “beliefs and conscience” of Chris­tian volun­teers were respected.

The Archbishop of Canterbury hosted a discussion on the Big So­ciety last week, with the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, the RC Arch­bishop of Westminster, the Most Revd Vincent Nichols, and leaders of other faiths. They were joined by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Govern­ment, Eric Pickles, and the Minister for Decentral­isation, Greg Clark.

Mr Pickles said that central gov­ern­ment had not sufficiently recog­nised the “huge difference” faith communities had been making “day-in and day-out, to every single neigh­bourhood in the country”.

“Some see religion as a problem that needs to be solved. The new Gov­ernment sees it as part of the solution,” he said. “I want to send an important signal that we value the role of religion and faith in public life. The days of the state trying to suppress Christianity and other faiths are over.”

Faith Action Audit 2010, a report published this week by the diocese of Bath & Wells, found that in Bath and north-east Somerset, 5300 volun­teers were contributing 5600 hours of community work, which was estim­ated to be worth £3.6 million a year. The report cited evidence that people’s faith was “a strong motivator for their volunteering activities”.

Last month, bishops in the House of Lords warned the Government that voluntary work “does not come on the cheap” (News, 25 June). The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, said that, as the state contracted, “civil society does not automatically expand to take up the slack.” The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, suggested making places of worship “more serviceable as community hubs to assist with the Big Society pro­gramme.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will respond to the Prime Minister’s latest ideas about the Big Society at a speech at the Oasis Centre in London this evening.


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Is the Big Society programme asking too much of the voluntary sector? Vote here.

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3 Pastors commissioned at SEC Camp Meeting, Prestatyn, N. Wales,..

3 Pastors commissioned at SEC Camp Meeting, Prestatyn, N. Wales, 22 May 2010.


Commissioning Service: South England Conference Camp Meeting, 22 May 2010
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Sabbath afternoon was a very special time for three ladies, Kirsten Oster-Lundqvist, Maslin Holness and Rosemary Lethbridge as they were Commissioned as Gospel Ministers in a very moving, high profile service that was streamed around the world on the internet. Friends were watching and supporting them during the service from across Europe and the Americas as well as from their home churches and the UK. For the full story see BUC News #686 for 28 May 2010. To see the weekday Camp Meeting photos visit here. Friday Communion and Sabbath photos are here.
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[Photos: Leslie Hill/Victor Hulbert]
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.Comment on article:
Yet, they purported to debate ordaining "women deacons" at the General Conference Session in Atlanta (atlantis), recently? This is quite similar to secret societies in which there is an exoteric facade for the masses, and another esoteric reality for the inner core initiates. In plain English: Duality.
Arsenio.
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1-6.5 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines -- USGS

Sat Jul 24, 2010 1:58am EDT

(Adds depth of quake)

WASHINGTON July 24 (Reuters) - A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Saturday, 83 miles (134 km) south southwest of Cotabato, Mindanao, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

It initially put the quake's strength at 6.7 and then revised it downward to 6.5. The depth was 350 miles (563 km).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a destructive tsunami was not generated, "based on earthquake and historical tsunami data." (Reporting by Alan Elsner)

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2416078820100724
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When the roll, is called up yon-der


When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.


On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain

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Words & Music:
James M. Black, 1893
(MI­DI, score).

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Слова & Музыка:
, 1893 (When the Roll Is Called Up Yon­der)
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В час, когда труба Господня над землею прозвучитИ настанет вечно светлая заря,Имена Он всех спасенных в перекличке повторит,Там по милости Господней буду я.


Припев

На небесной перекличке,На небесной перекличке,На небесной перекличке,Там по милости Господней буду я.


В день блаженный воскресенья всех умерших во Христе,Водворенья их в обители Царя,Всех святых, омытых кровию, пролитой на кресте,Созовет Он, и на зов отвечу я.


Припев

Дай трудиться для Тебя, Господь, любовью всем служитьС утра раннего и до заката дня,А когда велишь работу мне земную Ты сложить,На небесный клич тогда предстану я.


Припев

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Friday, July 23, 2010

The LORD hath a controversy with the nations


30Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

31A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

32Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

33And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.

34Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

35And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

36A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.

37And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

38He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

.Jeremiah 25: 30-38.

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Atlantic Union College will lose its accreditation


Thursday, July 8, 2010


College appeals accreditation decision


By Karen Nugent TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

LANCASTER — Atlantic Union College will lose its accreditation by the fall semester unless the financially troubled Seventh-day Adventist college wins an appeal it has filed with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the accrediting body.

The college was placed on its most recent two-year probation by the association in March 2008, for financial reasons.

In spite of improving financial conditions, according to Clarence E. “Chip” Ates, AUC’s vice president of academic affairs, college officials were unable to convince the association that it has long-term financial stability, and filed an appeal last month.

Mr. Ates said Tuesday that with a new executive team in place, some of the college’s debt has been paid off and it is operating in the black now.

“The school is on its way up again, but it wasn’t enough for the association,” he said.

The college, he said, retains its accreditation and financial eligibility through the appeal process, which is expected to take a few months.

The college is open for summer adult education classes, registration for fall, and other business. Mr. Ates said planning for the fall semester is under way. No course credits received or degrees are threatened.

The appeal was filed with Bedford-based NEASC by College President Norman W. Wendth on June 30. According to the association’s website, college officials have 15 days from the filing to submit supporting evidence, and NEASC has 60 days to hold a hearing on the appeal.

Barbara E. Brittingham, director of the association’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, said yesterday the college has been very cooperative, and is working closely with NEASC.

An association statement on the college’s probationary status released in 2008, after a special visit to AUC in September 2007, says AUC was placed on probation because it does not meet the commission’s standard for financial resources, one of 11 standards required for accreditation. About 10 years ago, under the previous administration, the college did not meet several standards, including those on curriculum and student services. Mr. Ates, who is teaching a course at the college this summer, said the reasons are strictly financial this time.

Acknowledging that the college has been struggling financially for “quite some time,” Mr. Ates stressed that private and faith-based colleges have to rely on tuition and donations from the denomination for support — something that wanes in a poor economy.

“We were able to pull ourselves out of the red in one year, and now we need to build up reserves,” he said.

A large financial gift expected from an alumnus last year did not materialize.

Mr. Ates said if the appeal is unsuccessful, there is a backup plan to explore mergers with other Adventist colleges and universities. A 2008 proposal to merge or partner with Loma Linda University, an Adventist university in California, fell through.

In 2007, when Mr. Wendth took over, he announced a new focus for the 128-year-old college, which would involve more programs on social action and Christian leadership rather than liberal arts. The college cut back on associate’s degrees, but started offering several one-year certificate programs.

The college’s forte has long been its nursing program, and it is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission. AUC’s nursing class carried a 100 percent pass rate on the state registered nurse board exam, placing it among the top nursing schools.

Source: http://www.telegram.com/article/20100708/NEWS/7080777/1003/RSS01&source=rss

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Loyola University New Orleans

Marquette Hall, Built 1910, as seen from the front of the campus on St. Charles Ave



Loyola University New Orleans is a private, co-educational and Jesuit university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally established as Loyola College in 1904, the institution was later chartered as a university in 1912. It bears the name of the Jesuit patron, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Loyola is one of 28 member institutions that make up the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and, with its current enrollment of approximately 5000 students, is among the larger Jesuit universities in the southern United States. Loyola University New Orleans is ranked fifth best institution among Southern regional universities offering masters and undergraduate degrees in the 2008 issue of the annual America's Best Colleges issue and guidebook published by U.S. News & World Report.[3] The Princeton Review also features Loyola New Orleans in the most recent editions of its annual book, The Best 371 Colleges.[4]
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(Excerpt).
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China scrambles to contain oil spill

China scrambles to contain oil spill

By Mila Sanina, CNN
July 22, 2010 6:21 a.m. EDT


A photo from Greenpeace shows an activist investigating the oil-coated waters in Nantuo Fishing Village, Dalian on July 21, 2010.


China


(CNN) -- China on Thursday continued its nearly weeklong effort to clean up an oil spill that has dumped 1,500 tons of crude into the waters in a northeastern province.

Officials are scrambling to prevent the oil in Liaoning province from spreading out into the Yellow Sea and international waters.

About 800 boats equipped with oil absorbers and dispersants have been dispatched. And crews are dumping 30 tons of oil-eating bacteria daily.

Ship traffic at Dalian, China's second-largest port for crude oil imports, was limited to not interfere with the cleanup efforts.

About 420 vessels were turned away in the past four days, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Fishing, a major industry in the area, has been banned until the end of the summer.

While Beijing is optimistic that the cleanup will be complete by Friday, analysts argue it may take months to contain the oil's spread.

The surface area of the spill covers 166 square miles -- a fraction of the size of the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is estimated at about 2,700 square miles .

The spill began after two pipelines exploded Friday in northeastern province of Liaoning. No deaths or injures have been reported.

CNN's Emily Chang contributed to this report.



Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/22/china.oil.spill/
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P.S.
It's like and instant replay. Here we go, again!
This year will go down in history as the year of coincidences...
Arsenio.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Elena K = 6+ 3

Photo (Courtesy)



When supreme court Justice Kagan takes her seat on the highest judiciary body in the USA, the equation will be 6+3=0. ^6 Roman Catholics, and 3 Jews; And, no Protestant representation on the supreme court.

But, you can go back to your Lebron James specials, and your case of beer, and bucket of KFC. Hit the snooze button. The Jesuits are in full control, and the catholic agenda is on schedule.



P.S. You be will called in for confessions in alphabetical order. Calling all last-names starting with "A".

Don't forget to pray your rosary at sundown...
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Arsenio.
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And going, and going, and going...


And, it don't stop until they find the missing link!

@ 7:12 PM DST:


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