Category: Community

Howard Thurman influential American visionary, educator, and leader

Howard Thurman Howard Thurman (Nov. 18, 1899, Daytona Beach, FL – Apr. 10, 1981, San Francisco, CA) was an American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, preacher, and civil rights leader. As a prominent and inspirational religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the 20th century. Dr. Thurman …

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Macomb/McDonough County Community Gathering

I’m looking forward to the Community Gathering tomorrow (11/7) at 10-11 am at Veteran’s Park, in Macomb. In these crazy times, this is a time for us to gather together as a community and pray for our elected leaders and pastors. Here is the map (google doc) of how we will set up the chairs. …

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Coronavirus, 6 days later, post

Some reflections. Wow, it’s been quite a wild ride already. Written 3/17/20. Marilyn, I, Rachel, and Diane went to Washington, DC for spring break (March 7-12, 2020). The coronavirus (COVID-19) was already a big concern before we left home.  Luke decided not go.  Good decision. We had a great 5 days, going to the (new) …

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Greek root word for church and for ‘church’

There are two (different) Greek root words here. The one in the Bible (at least 115 times) is (so, this is the meaning of church in the Bible) Ecclesia – The Greek word “ecclesia” is correctly defined as: “The called-out (ones)” [ECC = out; KALEO = call]. Thus, you can see how this word was …

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Comments on Religion – briefly

(my views) Faith first, religion follows.  Faith (belief in God) is more important than religion.  Faith should be the predecessor in pre-requisite for religion. Religion follows to fit one’s needs. There is a full array of available religions with many levels of orthodoxy and a wide variety of styles.  Religion should facilitate one’s faith. Also, …

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Why Americans Go to Church – still good reasons

Ok, this is quite encouraging. I’d say paeople are going to church for the right reasons. (See the top 4 in the graphic.) These reasons are biblical (what God would want), enduring (abiding), genuine (true, sincere), helpful (promoting the greater good and self). #Christian   As churches (communities of faith) our challenge is to make …

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World Communion Sunday 2018

PTL

Charitable Contributions

I saw online someone suggesting that people should contribute quick (to NCTM, in this case). My response: Yes, we should contribute to NCTM’s Trust. However, I think “charitable deductions will be treated very differently in the coming year,” is misleading. It is my understanding, with the new tax bill, that charitable deductions can still be …

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Grant Reed’s words at the WIU Assembly

Grant Reed gave the student address at the WIU Assembly on 8-17-17. He had an excellent message. It is so easy to be fragmented and let division and differences win. We don’t always have to agree, but we can be respectful of one another, compromise, and find commonality. Save

Ephesians 4:11-12

Equipped, for works, for service, build up the body of Christ.