Associated Press
PHOENIX — A self-help author and sweat lodge promoter facing trial for the deaths of three people is once again offering advice to followers.
This time, James Arthur Ray is using cyberspace to get his message out.
Ray had suspended his personal appearances last year after one of his sweat-lodge events in Sedona led to three deaths. One of those who died was Liz Nauman, 49, of Prior Lake.
Monday, Ray posted his first detailed advice video over the Twitter social networking site.
Ray hinted last week he would be back, telling readers he had "a wealth of information" he wanted to share.
Ray was charged with three counts of manslaughter in the deaths. His Yavapai County trial is set to begin at the end of August.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Money Guru
By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth. By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth. By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth.
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth. By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth. By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
"You can't always get what you want. But if you [stop trying] sometimes, you get what you need." (with apologies to The Rolling Stones)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bears have tried and tried but the market keeps on moving higher. If only they would stop wanting a correction, they might get what they need, says Woody Dorsey, the founder of Market Semiotics, an independent research firm based in Vermont.
But that should take another month, when it's least expected, which fits well with the market philosophy and strategy Dorsey has built his reputation upon among the asset managers and wealthy investors he advises.
His motto: "Observe everything, believe nothing, and invest only on the basis of the behavior errors of others."
As for bullish portfolio managers, do they have enough of what they need to close the books on the first quarter and take their own Spring Break?
After all, if the dull economic recovery and financial markets aren't as exciting as they were in the 1990s, or the more recent bubble years, the beaches might still offer hints of eternal youth.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Guru in a Box
Posted by Kristi Heim
It must be Seattle if a crowd of 500 finds a talk on development statistics enthralling.
But Hans Rosling isn't just any speaker, and he narrates history like he's announcing a horse race. His colorful bubble charts show the progress of countries over time, measuring factors such as life expectancy and income.
A doctor and international health professor at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, Rosling created the Trendalyzer software that was acquired by Google three years ago and launched this month as Data Explorer.
Rosling said he was glad to be in a place so focused on global health research and funding. "It's the best invitation you can get," he said, speaking at a dinner for the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute last week. "When Seattle calls, you come."
Rosling was given an award and a distinctive gift from his Seattle's hosts -- a tie designed with the image of the HIV virus.
He throws a lot of information out quickly, scattering statistics literally all over the map, and delights in busting myths. His students for example, might think of the world as divided between the West -- "we," and poor countries, or "them," he said.
But data shows that description no longer applies.
The largest chunk of the world economy -- 60 percent -- is made up of middle income countries, including China, India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand. And countries typically labeled as poor are progressing faster than many people realize.
Sweden looks pretty advanced when compared to Egypt or Bangladesh, but in 1900 Sweden had a higher child mortality than Bangladesh. Over time, child mortality rates have fallen faster in Egypt, Bangladesh and Brazil than they did in Sweden. And the country with the lowest child mortality in the world today is actually not Sweden but Singapore.
But not all health problems are getting adequate attention, Rosling said. Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a disease that affects only the poor. In DR Congo, which rivals Zimbabwe for the world's lowest life expectancy and health rates, sleeping sickness has had such a profound impact that people named a city for it.
Of course, the success of his or any data depends on whether people act on it rationally, which is too often not the case.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria were known as the "ATMs" in Africa because those diseases captured donor dollars, he said. But diarrhea and pneumonia, which also kill millions, didn't make the list of diseases addressed by the Global Fund.
"Blair and Bush didn't understand it, and Bono didn't have time to explain," he quipped. "The BBB" is his name for Tony Blair, George W. Bush and Bono.
Rosling, the son of a coffee roaster and the first in his family to go to school, emphasized that improvements in health must go hand in hand with economic growth and education. The way out of poverty requires education, infrastructure, information, freedom, and a job.
He noted that the most common cause of death among rural Chinese women is suicide, and the most common method is to drink agricultural chemicals.
"It's not a paradise where you get rid of malaria and everything is good," he said.
It must be Seattle if a crowd of 500 finds a talk on development statistics enthralling.
But Hans Rosling isn't just any speaker, and he narrates history like he's announcing a horse race. His colorful bubble charts show the progress of countries over time, measuring factors such as life expectancy and income.
A doctor and international health professor at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, Rosling created the Trendalyzer software that was acquired by Google three years ago and launched this month as Data Explorer.
Rosling said he was glad to be in a place so focused on global health research and funding. "It's the best invitation you can get," he said, speaking at a dinner for the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute last week. "When Seattle calls, you come."
Rosling was given an award and a distinctive gift from his Seattle's hosts -- a tie designed with the image of the HIV virus.
He throws a lot of information out quickly, scattering statistics literally all over the map, and delights in busting myths. His students for example, might think of the world as divided between the West -- "we," and poor countries, or "them," he said.
But data shows that description no longer applies.
The largest chunk of the world economy -- 60 percent -- is made up of middle income countries, including China, India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand. And countries typically labeled as poor are progressing faster than many people realize.
Sweden looks pretty advanced when compared to Egypt or Bangladesh, but in 1900 Sweden had a higher child mortality than Bangladesh. Over time, child mortality rates have fallen faster in Egypt, Bangladesh and Brazil than they did in Sweden. And the country with the lowest child mortality in the world today is actually not Sweden but Singapore.
But not all health problems are getting adequate attention, Rosling said. Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a disease that affects only the poor. In DR Congo, which rivals Zimbabwe for the world's lowest life expectancy and health rates, sleeping sickness has had such a profound impact that people named a city for it.
Of course, the success of his or any data depends on whether people act on it rationally, which is too often not the case.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria were known as the "ATMs" in Africa because those diseases captured donor dollars, he said. But diarrhea and pneumonia, which also kill millions, didn't make the list of diseases addressed by the Global Fund.
"Blair and Bush didn't understand it, and Bono didn't have time to explain," he quipped. "The BBB" is his name for Tony Blair, George W. Bush and Bono.
Rosling, the son of a coffee roaster and the first in his family to go to school, emphasized that improvements in health must go hand in hand with economic growth and education. The way out of poverty requires education, infrastructure, information, freedom, and a job.
He noted that the most common cause of death among rural Chinese women is suicide, and the most common method is to drink agricultural chemicals.
"It's not a paradise where you get rid of malaria and everything is good," he said.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Yoga Camp for All
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, March 27: Thousands of Kathmandu denizens flocked to Tundikhel Saturday morning to participate in yoga guru Swami Ramdev´s yoga camp.
On the first day of the camp, Ramdev taught various types of yoga to about 35,000 people, according to the main organizing committee of the camp. Youths, adults and elderly alike hustled into Tundikhel before the dawn broke.
The yoga camp was inaugurated by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav. Various political leaders, prominent artistes and senior bureaucrats, among others, also participated in the camp. In the first camp of Swami Ramdev organized in Kathmandu a few years back, only 20,000 peopel had participated.
“We faced a little bit problem to accommodate all participants in Tundikhel this time,” Jeevan Kandel, member of the organizing committee, said. The committee Saturday expanded the space for yoga practicing in Tundikhel to accommodate more beginners.
The second yoga camp of Swami Ramdev in Kathmandu is being broadcast live by three national televisions. Thousands more people are expected to learn various methods of yoga practice by following the celebrated yoga guru on their television sets as well.
At a program in the afternoon, Swami Ramdev delivered a speech on transforming society through the means of yoga. In the evening, the yoga guru met Prime Minister Madhav Nepal in the latter´s residence in Baluwatar as well as Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala at her Mandikhatar residence.
KATHMANDU, March 27: Thousands of Kathmandu denizens flocked to Tundikhel Saturday morning to participate in yoga guru Swami Ramdev´s yoga camp.
On the first day of the camp, Ramdev taught various types of yoga to about 35,000 people, according to the main organizing committee of the camp. Youths, adults and elderly alike hustled into Tundikhel before the dawn broke.
The yoga camp was inaugurated by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav. Various political leaders, prominent artistes and senior bureaucrats, among others, also participated in the camp. In the first camp of Swami Ramdev organized in Kathmandu a few years back, only 20,000 peopel had participated.
“We faced a little bit problem to accommodate all participants in Tundikhel this time,” Jeevan Kandel, member of the organizing committee, said. The committee Saturday expanded the space for yoga practicing in Tundikhel to accommodate more beginners.
The second yoga camp of Swami Ramdev in Kathmandu is being broadcast live by three national televisions. Thousands more people are expected to learn various methods of yoga practice by following the celebrated yoga guru on their television sets as well.
At a program in the afternoon, Swami Ramdev delivered a speech on transforming society through the means of yoga. In the evening, the yoga guru met Prime Minister Madhav Nepal in the latter´s residence in Baluwatar as well as Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala at her Mandikhatar residence.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
India Guru Warms to Nepal
2010-03-26 21:20:00
India's soft power once again scored a victory when Nepal connected with Patanjali's ancient yoga at a week-long fitness and alternative therapy camp in the Himalayan country Friday.
The camp, which includes morning yoga sessions in the heart of the capital Kathmandu and the commissioning (laying the foundation) of three Patanjali Yogpeeth service, yoga and welfare projects at Tundikhel, Mandikatar and Syangja, is aimed at fostering better bilateral ties between India and Nepal through spiritual and cultural exchange, yoga guru Ramdev told reporters.
This is the second Indian yoga camp in Nepal.
'Nepal is not new to the ancient Indian yoga. Over the last three years, the Patanjali Yogpeeth has deployed 25,000 yoga instructors in the country - both in the towns and villages - to help build a stronger and healthier society,' he said.
'By the end of the year, we expect to have a network of 100,000 yoga teachers in the country,' the yoga master seer, who has popularised traditional breathing exercises 'pranayama' around the world, said.
The foundation of the Patanjali project at Tundikhiel will be laid by Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Madhav Nepal, Maoist chief Prachanda and Ramdev Saturday.
'Yoga is a way of life and a viable alternative therapy whose powers have been scientifically proven. It also helps promote positive thinking and breaches social divides.
'India and Nepal are two sovereign countries which have shared historical ties since the days of Ram Rajya till date - when democracy has replaced kingship. They have a lot in common in terms of culture, spirituality and social ideals which can be strengthened to foster goodwill between both the countries,' he said.
He said the social set-up of India and Nepal are similar - where the poorest of the lot often succumbed to diseases and unhealthy lifestyles because of the inaccessibility to healthcare and expensive modern therapies.
'Traditional Indian yoga could benefit the poor people in Nepal improve their lifestyles and tackle long-term diseases like heart conditions and diabetes. Yoga has no side-effects, while allopathic medicines often aggravate chronic health conditions,' he said.
Ramdev said yoga was not religion.
'People are often taken for a ride in the name of religion, but the systematic therapy of yoga unites people and removes internecine animosity,' he said.
Ramdev, who recently announced his intention to take active part in India's political process by fielding candidates under its Rashtriya Swabhiman Trust, said the Patanjali yoga instructors in Nepal will campaign against the widespread drug and addiction in the Himalayan nation and the pagan rituals of animal sacrifice in temples of the country.
'Yoga helps a society become compassionate. We want the Indian and Nepal governments to work towards common social, cultural and spiritual goals,' he said.
The seer also clarified that his proposed party 'will not covet political positions but will try to clean up the political system by creating people's representatives'.
India's soft power once again scored a victory when Nepal connected with Patanjali's ancient yoga at a week-long fitness and alternative therapy camp in the Himalayan country Friday.
The camp, which includes morning yoga sessions in the heart of the capital Kathmandu and the commissioning (laying the foundation) of three Patanjali Yogpeeth service, yoga and welfare projects at Tundikhel, Mandikatar and Syangja, is aimed at fostering better bilateral ties between India and Nepal through spiritual and cultural exchange, yoga guru Ramdev told reporters.
This is the second Indian yoga camp in Nepal.
'Nepal is not new to the ancient Indian yoga. Over the last three years, the Patanjali Yogpeeth has deployed 25,000 yoga instructors in the country - both in the towns and villages - to help build a stronger and healthier society,' he said.
'By the end of the year, we expect to have a network of 100,000 yoga teachers in the country,' the yoga master seer, who has popularised traditional breathing exercises 'pranayama' around the world, said.
The foundation of the Patanjali project at Tundikhiel will be laid by Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Madhav Nepal, Maoist chief Prachanda and Ramdev Saturday.
'Yoga is a way of life and a viable alternative therapy whose powers have been scientifically proven. It also helps promote positive thinking and breaches social divides.
'India and Nepal are two sovereign countries which have shared historical ties since the days of Ram Rajya till date - when democracy has replaced kingship. They have a lot in common in terms of culture, spirituality and social ideals which can be strengthened to foster goodwill between both the countries,' he said.
He said the social set-up of India and Nepal are similar - where the poorest of the lot often succumbed to diseases and unhealthy lifestyles because of the inaccessibility to healthcare and expensive modern therapies.
'Traditional Indian yoga could benefit the poor people in Nepal improve their lifestyles and tackle long-term diseases like heart conditions and diabetes. Yoga has no side-effects, while allopathic medicines often aggravate chronic health conditions,' he said.
Ramdev said yoga was not religion.
'People are often taken for a ride in the name of religion, but the systematic therapy of yoga unites people and removes internecine animosity,' he said.
Ramdev, who recently announced his intention to take active part in India's political process by fielding candidates under its Rashtriya Swabhiman Trust, said the Patanjali yoga instructors in Nepal will campaign against the widespread drug and addiction in the Himalayan nation and the pagan rituals of animal sacrifice in temples of the country.
'Yoga helps a society become compassionate. We want the Indian and Nepal governments to work towards common social, cultural and spiritual goals,' he said.
The seer also clarified that his proposed party 'will not covet political positions but will try to clean up the political system by creating people's representatives'.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Computer Guru
New Delhi: Computer Society of India (CSI) has constituted a student branch at the Department of Computer Science and Technology of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology. As per sources, the branch was constituted at a function organized to mark the foundation day of Computer Society of India.
Dr Devinder Dayal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor of the University, has said that more than 450 students of the department had been enrolled as the members of CSI. Moreover, Prof M N Hoda, Chairman, CSI Delhi, Prof A K Saini, Former Chairman of CSI, Mr V K Verma, AGM Human Resources of Tata Consultancy Services were also present on the occasion. Prof Hoda pointed out that professional educational system should be run like an enterprise, in which the students must be considered as customers. He also added that change was the way of life and all teachers must accept changes, well on time to keep the pace with the ongoing developments.
Prof Dharminder Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said the Computer Society of India was formed in 1965 to guide the Indian IT industry. The CSI had 66 chapters all over the India, 381 student branches, and more than 40,000 members including IT industry leaders, scientists and academicians. The mission of CSI is to facilitate research, knowledge sharing, learning and carrier enhancement for all categories of IT professionals. Simultaneously, it inspires and nurtures new entrants into the industry and helping them to integrate into the IT community. The CSI was also working closely with the other industry associations, government bodies and academia to ensure that the benefits of IT advancement ultimately percolate down to every single citizen of India.
Guru Jambheshwar University
Contact Details:
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology
Hisar - 125 001
Haryana
Phone: +91-1662-263101
www.gju.ernet.in/
Dr Devinder Dayal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor of the University, has said that more than 450 students of the department had been enrolled as the members of CSI. Moreover, Prof M N Hoda, Chairman, CSI Delhi, Prof A K Saini, Former Chairman of CSI, Mr V K Verma, AGM Human Resources of Tata Consultancy Services were also present on the occasion. Prof Hoda pointed out that professional educational system should be run like an enterprise, in which the students must be considered as customers. He also added that change was the way of life and all teachers must accept changes, well on time to keep the pace with the ongoing developments.
Prof Dharminder Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said the Computer Society of India was formed in 1965 to guide the Indian IT industry. The CSI had 66 chapters all over the India, 381 student branches, and more than 40,000 members including IT industry leaders, scientists and academicians. The mission of CSI is to facilitate research, knowledge sharing, learning and carrier enhancement for all categories of IT professionals. Simultaneously, it inspires and nurtures new entrants into the industry and helping them to integrate into the IT community. The CSI was also working closely with the other industry associations, government bodies and academia to ensure that the benefits of IT advancement ultimately percolate down to every single citizen of India.
Guru Jambheshwar University
Contact Details:
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology
Hisar - 125 001
Haryana
Phone: +91-1662-263101
www.gju.ernet.in/
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sikh's Welcomes in the Army
IN INDIA Sikhs in the Army are a common sight. They have a fine martial tradition. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji had transformed all followers of the Sikh Dharma into soldiers of the faith to defend and protect the weak from the strong oppressor. The United States had accepted Sikhs in the Army with their unshorn hair, an uncut beard, a turban and so on until 1984 when the new regulations forbade them from sporting their religious symbols and look different in the Army. That saw an end to the Sikh entry into the US Army.
The Iraq and Afghan wars made the US policy makers change regulations. More and More surgeons and orthodontists were needed to treat and provide comfort to the sick and the injured officers and enlisted men of the US Army. here was an opportunity for Tej Gagandeep Singh to join the US Army and undergo training with men and women who joined the Officers Training School.
We are Americans. We are US citizens. protecting and Defending America is our duty and that we shall do - that was the solemn pledge that Capt Tej Gagandeep Singh made solemnly along with other American men and women who had successfully completed the tough training. The 32 year old Sikh was permitted to maintain and sport all religious symbols of his Sikh Dharm.
He said that he asked for no exemptions in the tough schedule and did every act that a trainee is required to do. His fellow trainees had no problems with him and his different look due to his religious symbols was never an issue with other white and black American trainees. The Sikh American dental officer is now ready to be deployed anywhere in the world along with other officers and Enlisted Men and Women.
SIKH ORGANISATIONS HELPED
Let us walk together, let us talk together, let us think together - so enjoins the Veda on mankind. There is strength in togetherness and there is weakness when the social group falls apart.
In the case of Tej Gagandeep Singh the Sikh organisations in America came to his rescue. They made plaints and helped him file it and pursue it. They provided secretarial support and went out to meet the powers that be to represent the case.
They cited history and religion buttressing the point with historical proofs to convince the Department of Defence that allowing an individual to sport his religious symbols will only raise his morale and help him discharge his duties more efficiently. Cases of bravery of Sikh officers and soldiers in the World War I and World War II were cited to prove the contention that keeping and sporting religious symbols as ordained by the Tenth Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a help and not a hindrance in the discharge of military duties. Cases of bravery by the Sikh officers and soldiers of the Indian Army under the British suzerainty were also cited. Eventually the Sikhs carried the day.
FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Capt Tej Gagandeep Singh has opened the doors of the US Army for the Sikh youth in future. There will be no discrimination against them now on because of sporting religious symbols. Indeed, the insignia that other officers wear on beret, the Sikh officer will wear on the turban above the forehead. In the Indian Armed Forces the Sikh officers and soldiers, sailors and airmen do likewise. There is no objection from the idealogues of the Sikh religion.
Academically speaking, this exception to the regulation promulgated in 1984 has been allowed to the Sikhs as a special case. No more exceptions to any other individual or a group will be permitted hereafter. Can an individual sport a long beard? The answer is NO. Uniformity is a must in a service organisation. Deviations in many cases may lead to dilution of rules and the aim of maintaining uniformity.
The Iraq and Afghan wars made the US policy makers change regulations. More and More surgeons and orthodontists were needed to treat and provide comfort to the sick and the injured officers and enlisted men of the US Army. here was an opportunity for Tej Gagandeep Singh to join the US Army and undergo training with men and women who joined the Officers Training School.
We are Americans. We are US citizens. protecting and Defending America is our duty and that we shall do - that was the solemn pledge that Capt Tej Gagandeep Singh made solemnly along with other American men and women who had successfully completed the tough training. The 32 year old Sikh was permitted to maintain and sport all religious symbols of his Sikh Dharm.
He said that he asked for no exemptions in the tough schedule and did every act that a trainee is required to do. His fellow trainees had no problems with him and his different look due to his religious symbols was never an issue with other white and black American trainees. The Sikh American dental officer is now ready to be deployed anywhere in the world along with other officers and Enlisted Men and Women.
SIKH ORGANISATIONS HELPED
Let us walk together, let us talk together, let us think together - so enjoins the Veda on mankind. There is strength in togetherness and there is weakness when the social group falls apart.
In the case of Tej Gagandeep Singh the Sikh organisations in America came to his rescue. They made plaints and helped him file it and pursue it. They provided secretarial support and went out to meet the powers that be to represent the case.
They cited history and religion buttressing the point with historical proofs to convince the Department of Defence that allowing an individual to sport his religious symbols will only raise his morale and help him discharge his duties more efficiently. Cases of bravery of Sikh officers and soldiers in the World War I and World War II were cited to prove the contention that keeping and sporting religious symbols as ordained by the Tenth Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a help and not a hindrance in the discharge of military duties. Cases of bravery by the Sikh officers and soldiers of the Indian Army under the British suzerainty were also cited. Eventually the Sikhs carried the day.
FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Capt Tej Gagandeep Singh has opened the doors of the US Army for the Sikh youth in future. There will be no discrimination against them now on because of sporting religious symbols. Indeed, the insignia that other officers wear on beret, the Sikh officer will wear on the turban above the forehead. In the Indian Armed Forces the Sikh officers and soldiers, sailors and airmen do likewise. There is no objection from the idealogues of the Sikh religion.
Academically speaking, this exception to the regulation promulgated in 1984 has been allowed to the Sikhs as a special case. No more exceptions to any other individual or a group will be permitted hereafter. Can an individual sport a long beard? The answer is NO. Uniformity is a must in a service organisation. Deviations in many cases may lead to dilution of rules and the aim of maintaining uniformity.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dalai Lama Watches Cricket Match
2010-03-23 20:30:00
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama would witness one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches here, a statement said Tuesday.
'The office of the Dalai Lama has confirmed that His Holiness has accepted the invitation from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. He has been invited as a special guest at the IPL match on April 18,' a post on the website of the Tibetan government-in-exile said.
The Nobel laureate, 74, would witness the match between King's XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings at the International Cricket Stadium.
HPCA is hosting two IPL matches in Dharamsala, some 250 km from the state capital, April 16 and 18 - the first time IPL matches have been allotted to the state.
The April 16 match - between King's XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers - would be day and night, while the April 18 one would be played during the day.
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama would witness one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches here, a statement said Tuesday.
'The office of the Dalai Lama has confirmed that His Holiness has accepted the invitation from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. He has been invited as a special guest at the IPL match on April 18,' a post on the website of the Tibetan government-in-exile said.
The Nobel laureate, 74, would witness the match between King's XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings at the International Cricket Stadium.
HPCA is hosting two IPL matches in Dharamsala, some 250 km from the state capital, April 16 and 18 - the first time IPL matches have been allotted to the state.
The April 16 match - between King's XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers - would be day and night, while the April 18 one would be played during the day.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Guru Feeling Better
After a week without updates, legendary emcee/producer Keith "Guru" Elam's condition has been updated Monday morning. Guru's publicist has reported that he is in stable condition, ending three weeks of coma-reports to press and fans. Moreover, the emcee has been diagnosed with Anoxia, effects from a lengthy history of asthma and lung problems. The term "anoxia" means "lower levels of oxygen than most." Per medical reports online, that oxygen level not only effects breathing, but also the required levels for organ tissue.
On February 28, Guru went into coma after suffering cardiac arrest in New York. Although the rapper has yet to speak publicly, statements have been released on his behalf, causing controversy within Guru's family and the Hip Hop community. Quotes have been released asserting both his association with present production partner Solar as well as his continued disassociation with former Gang Starr partner DJ Premier. Members from Guru's family have also spoken out publicly, expressing distrust of Guru's handler.
That present spokesman, Solar, told publicists for this morning's statement that it is unclear at present when Guru will be released from an unidentified New York hospital, but did add that Guru is aware of fan support. "The outpouring of love from around the world has been tremendous," Solar said. "I'm reading some of the best e-mails, texts and Twitters that come in and Guru enjoys them. I think that's what has been helping his recovery and what's got him in there fighting.
On February 28, Guru went into coma after suffering cardiac arrest in New York. Although the rapper has yet to speak publicly, statements have been released on his behalf, causing controversy within Guru's family and the Hip Hop community. Quotes have been released asserting both his association with present production partner Solar as well as his continued disassociation with former Gang Starr partner DJ Premier. Members from Guru's family have also spoken out publicly, expressing distrust of Guru's handler.
That present spokesman, Solar, told publicists for this morning's statement that it is unclear at present when Guru will be released from an unidentified New York hospital, but did add that Guru is aware of fan support. "The outpouring of love from around the world has been tremendous," Solar said. "I'm reading some of the best e-mails, texts and Twitters that come in and Guru enjoys them. I think that's what has been helping his recovery and what's got him in there fighting.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cleaning the Holy River
http://www.ptinews.com/news/568221_Spiritual-guru-starts-8-day-campaign-to-clean-Yamuna
STAFF WRITER 22:53 HRS IST
New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tonight launched an eight-day programme to clean Yamuna and create awareness among people to restore the river's past glory.
At a function here, Ravi Shankar said people should join hands and make others aware about making water of the river clean, pure and drinkable.
"Earlier rivers used to pure us, but today we have reached a stage where we have to clean the rivers. Only the government and a single agency can't make it happen. We have to make it by joining hands," he told a gathering of bureaucrats, artists, politicians and dignitaries at the Purana Quila here.
STAFF WRITER 22:53 HRS IST
New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tonight launched an eight-day programme to clean Yamuna and create awareness among people to restore the river's past glory.
At a function here, Ravi Shankar said people should join hands and make others aware about making water of the river clean, pure and drinkable.
"Earlier rivers used to pure us, but today we have reached a stage where we have to clean the rivers. Only the government and a single agency can't make it happen. We have to make it by joining hands," he told a gathering of bureaucrats, artists, politicians and dignitaries at the Purana Quila here.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Ventura County California Sunday Services
CAMARILLO — “South Pacific” is the title of the first 2010 Sermon in Word and Song to the presented at the Camarillo United Methodist Church Sunday, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services.
Both services are open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
The South Pacific Singers will sing the music from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 classic movie musical, while Jim Decker-Mahin, senior pastor, will bring the sermon.
The church is at 291 Anacapa Drive. For more information, call 482-4312 or visit http://www.cam-umc.org.
Summer school, fall registrations open
CAMARILLO — Open registration for the five-week summer school and preschool fall classes begins Monday, at the Child Development Center of the Camarillo United Methodist Church.
Registration information is available by calling 482-2537. An appointment may be made for a tour of the seven classrooms and the three age-grouped playgrounds.
The age requirement has been changed to 2 years 6 months by Sept. 1 for the 3-year-old classes in response to community requests.
The preschool uses the California Department of Education’s Preschool Learning Foundations to guide student preparation for kindergarten.
The center’s philosophy is guided by accreditation from the National Association for the Education of the Young Children, which sets professional standards for excellence.
New this summer for students going to kindergarten in the fall is the Kindergarten Prep Summer Program during a five-week summer school. Summer school will be on from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 22 through July 22. Fall classes are held Mondays through Fridays and begin Sept. 7.
For information, call 482-2537 or visit http://www.cam-umc.org. The church is at 291 Anacapa Drive.
Registration is open for camp week
NEWBURY PARK — High Seas Expedition half-day camp, at Living Oaks Community Church in Newbury Park, is accepting registrations for children in grades 1-6 (waiting list only for 4-year-olds through kindergarten). Camp week is April 5-9, with each day beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at noon.
High Seas Expedition is filled with Bible-learning experiences. Children will also participate in a hands-on mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid.
Parents, grandparents and friends are invited to join the camp each day at 11:40 a.m. for a “Floating Finale,” a daily celebration of God’s love.
Register before Monday for early registration fee of $25. After Tuesday, the fee is $30. Register online at http://www.livingoakschurch.com. Click on “upcoming events,” then click on April 5-9, High Seas Expedition; or call 376-1800, or e-mail dhathaway@livingoakschurch.com. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
The High Seas Expedition camp is at 1033 Business Center Circle, Newbury Park.
Taizé Service to be offered
OAK PARK — The Church of the Epiphany, 5450 Churchwood Drive, will present a service in the style of taizé at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, featuring the parish choir with keyboard accompaniment. The performance is part of the 2009-2010 season for “Music at the Church of the Epiphany,” a series of recitals, concerts and choral services.
Originating in France, the taizé meditative style combines prayers and candlelight settings of Western European church traditions with chants and icons from Eastern Orthodox churches.
For information about the “Music at the Church of The Epiphany” series, call Brian Driscoll at 818-991-4797, ext. 26.
Churches to begin joint services
OXNARD — On Sunday, Word of Life Presbyterian Church and “radiant,” a modern worship community at First Presbyterian Church, begin joint Sunday services. The services will be at 11 a.m. each Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, at North H Street and Ivywood Drive. The pastors of the new service, called “radiant Word of Life,” are Ron Urzua, Ted Brandt and Cesar Perfecto. First Presbyterian Church also has a traditional service at 9:30 a.m., featuring a chancel choir directed by Burns Taft.
For information, call 983-0204.
Buddhist Temple to celebrate equinox
OXNARD — The Rev. Tetsuo Unno will conduct an Ohigan — spring equinox — mini-seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, 250 South H St. Unno will lecture on Jodo Shinshu and a question-and-answer period will follow. The event is open to the public.
For information, call Yasuko Kujiraoka at 987-7990 or Seiko Tamura at 276-8588 or e-mail mail@oxnardbuddhisttemple.org
Special celebrations are coming up
VENTURA — The Hindu Temple Ventura County will hold a special Chaitra navratri celebration Sunday.. Chaitra navratri begins with the start of Chaitra month and ends after nine days with Ram Navami. Celebration of Navratri will be the central theme of the Mata Ki Chowki program with Acharya Narinder Shastri from 4 to 6:30 p.m. followed by Preeti Bhoj. The coordinator is Promila Kohli at 988-0177.
A special Ram Navami celebration with Acharya Marinder Shastri will be held March 28. Ram Navami is celebrated from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Preeti Bhoj. The coordinator is Raj Sachdev at 987-1646.
The Hindu Temple Ventura County is at 6085 King Drive, Suite 110. The phone number is 477-8325.
Seder will help relive the Exodus
OXNARD — The Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center invites the entire community to a Passover Seder. The group relives the Exodus, discovers the meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoys a Seder complete with hand-baked matzo, wine and a catered dinner spiced with traditional customs.
The communal Passover Seder will be conducted on the first and second nights of the Passover holiday at 7:30 p.m. March 29 and March 30. The Seder will be at Studio Gallery at Fisherman’s Wharf near the Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center, 3810 Channel Islands Blvd.
There is a suggested donation of $36 for adults and $18 for children. This is only a suggested donation. No one will be turned away because of lack of funds.
Reservations are required by Monday. For information or to make reservations, call 382-4770, or visit http://www.ChabadofOxnard.com.
Forest Lawn art will be discussed
OXNARD — At 3 p.m. March 27, the Oxnard Public Library will host Forest Lawn representative Debbie McIntosh, who will explain stories behind three works of art that are showcased at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.
“The Last Supper,” “The Crucifixion” and “The Resurrection” depict the final events in Christ’s life. “The Last Supper” is a stained-glass window re-creation of a painting of the same name by Leonardo da Vinci. An Italian artist used notebooks left by da Vinci to create it, and it took her five years to finish it. “The Crucifixion” was painted by a Polish artist who had his palette blessed by Pope Leo the XIII before beginning the work. It is the largest mounted-to-frame religious painting in the world.
“The Resurrection” was painted by a California artist and completes the “Sacred Trilogy.” It is housed in the Hall of The Crucifixion-Resurrection in Forest Lawn Glendale, which was designed and built exclusively to display the two paintings. It was dedicated on Good Friday 1951.
The presentation is free and will be in meeting room B at the library, 251 South A St. For information, call 385-7532.
Both services are open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
The South Pacific Singers will sing the music from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 classic movie musical, while Jim Decker-Mahin, senior pastor, will bring the sermon.
The church is at 291 Anacapa Drive. For more information, call 482-4312 or visit http://www.cam-umc.org.
Summer school, fall registrations open
CAMARILLO — Open registration for the five-week summer school and preschool fall classes begins Monday, at the Child Development Center of the Camarillo United Methodist Church.
Registration information is available by calling 482-2537. An appointment may be made for a tour of the seven classrooms and the three age-grouped playgrounds.
The age requirement has been changed to 2 years 6 months by Sept. 1 for the 3-year-old classes in response to community requests.
The preschool uses the California Department of Education’s Preschool Learning Foundations to guide student preparation for kindergarten.
The center’s philosophy is guided by accreditation from the National Association for the Education of the Young Children, which sets professional standards for excellence.
New this summer for students going to kindergarten in the fall is the Kindergarten Prep Summer Program during a five-week summer school. Summer school will be on from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 22 through July 22. Fall classes are held Mondays through Fridays and begin Sept. 7.
For information, call 482-2537 or visit http://www.cam-umc.org. The church is at 291 Anacapa Drive.
Registration is open for camp week
NEWBURY PARK — High Seas Expedition half-day camp, at Living Oaks Community Church in Newbury Park, is accepting registrations for children in grades 1-6 (waiting list only for 4-year-olds through kindergarten). Camp week is April 5-9, with each day beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at noon.
High Seas Expedition is filled with Bible-learning experiences. Children will also participate in a hands-on mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid.
Parents, grandparents and friends are invited to join the camp each day at 11:40 a.m. for a “Floating Finale,” a daily celebration of God’s love.
Register before Monday for early registration fee of $25. After Tuesday, the fee is $30. Register online at http://www.livingoakschurch.com. Click on “upcoming events,” then click on April 5-9, High Seas Expedition; or call 376-1800, or e-mail dhathaway@livingoakschurch.com. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
The High Seas Expedition camp is at 1033 Business Center Circle, Newbury Park.
Taizé Service to be offered
OAK PARK — The Church of the Epiphany, 5450 Churchwood Drive, will present a service in the style of taizé at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, featuring the parish choir with keyboard accompaniment. The performance is part of the 2009-2010 season for “Music at the Church of the Epiphany,” a series of recitals, concerts and choral services.
Originating in France, the taizé meditative style combines prayers and candlelight settings of Western European church traditions with chants and icons from Eastern Orthodox churches.
For information about the “Music at the Church of The Epiphany” series, call Brian Driscoll at 818-991-4797, ext. 26.
Churches to begin joint services
OXNARD — On Sunday, Word of Life Presbyterian Church and “radiant,” a modern worship community at First Presbyterian Church, begin joint Sunday services. The services will be at 11 a.m. each Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, at North H Street and Ivywood Drive. The pastors of the new service, called “radiant Word of Life,” are Ron Urzua, Ted Brandt and Cesar Perfecto. First Presbyterian Church also has a traditional service at 9:30 a.m., featuring a chancel choir directed by Burns Taft.
For information, call 983-0204.
Buddhist Temple to celebrate equinox
OXNARD — The Rev. Tetsuo Unno will conduct an Ohigan — spring equinox — mini-seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, 250 South H St. Unno will lecture on Jodo Shinshu and a question-and-answer period will follow. The event is open to the public.
For information, call Yasuko Kujiraoka at 987-7990 or Seiko Tamura at 276-8588 or e-mail mail@oxnardbuddhisttemple.org
Special celebrations are coming up
VENTURA — The Hindu Temple Ventura County will hold a special Chaitra navratri celebration Sunday.. Chaitra navratri begins with the start of Chaitra month and ends after nine days with Ram Navami. Celebration of Navratri will be the central theme of the Mata Ki Chowki program with Acharya Narinder Shastri from 4 to 6:30 p.m. followed by Preeti Bhoj. The coordinator is Promila Kohli at 988-0177.
A special Ram Navami celebration with Acharya Marinder Shastri will be held March 28. Ram Navami is celebrated from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Preeti Bhoj. The coordinator is Raj Sachdev at 987-1646.
The Hindu Temple Ventura County is at 6085 King Drive, Suite 110. The phone number is 477-8325.
Seder will help relive the Exodus
OXNARD — The Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center invites the entire community to a Passover Seder. The group relives the Exodus, discovers the meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoys a Seder complete with hand-baked matzo, wine and a catered dinner spiced with traditional customs.
The communal Passover Seder will be conducted on the first and second nights of the Passover holiday at 7:30 p.m. March 29 and March 30. The Seder will be at Studio Gallery at Fisherman’s Wharf near the Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center, 3810 Channel Islands Blvd.
There is a suggested donation of $36 for adults and $18 for children. This is only a suggested donation. No one will be turned away because of lack of funds.
Reservations are required by Monday. For information or to make reservations, call 382-4770, or visit http://www.ChabadofOxnard.com.
Forest Lawn art will be discussed
OXNARD — At 3 p.m. March 27, the Oxnard Public Library will host Forest Lawn representative Debbie McIntosh, who will explain stories behind three works of art that are showcased at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.
“The Last Supper,” “The Crucifixion” and “The Resurrection” depict the final events in Christ’s life. “The Last Supper” is a stained-glass window re-creation of a painting of the same name by Leonardo da Vinci. An Italian artist used notebooks left by da Vinci to create it, and it took her five years to finish it. “The Crucifixion” was painted by a Polish artist who had his palette blessed by Pope Leo the XIII before beginning the work. It is the largest mounted-to-frame religious painting in the world.
“The Resurrection” was painted by a California artist and completes the “Sacred Trilogy.” It is housed in the Hall of The Crucifixion-Resurrection in Forest Lawn Glendale, which was designed and built exclusively to display the two paintings. It was dedicated on Good Friday 1951.
The presentation is free and will be in meeting room B at the library, 251 South A St. For information, call 385-7532.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Search is Worldwide
Panca Nugraha , The Jakarta Post | Mon, 03/15/2010 8:58 AM | Features
According to Syahidin, the coordinator of a group of shunned Jamaah Ahmadiyah followers in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, attempts have been made and letters sent to various circles for the group to be allowed to return home.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) released an edict declaring Ahmadiyah a heretic sect, while a joint ministerial decree called for the group to return to mainstream Islam and the wider community.
But how, can Ahmadiyah members return to society if the spiritual guidance pledged by MUI and the government is limited to newspaper reports, Syahidin asks.
“In the local media, ulemas and religious affairs officials have offered such guidance, but in reality they have never come here. We are longing for the spiritual enlightenment they’ve talked about,” said Syahidin.
In 2008, ostracized members of the group, under the direction of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)’s Ahmadiyah adviser Saiful Uyun, pronounced the Islamic syahadat or creed at the Transito Mosque in Mataram. They also read out a 12-point statement of the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) acknowledging that Muhammad is the last Prophet and Gulam Ahmad is only a teacher.
The congregation celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and holds regular social events where members donate blood. There are 75 active donors registered with the Indonesian Red Cross in Mataram, who donate blood every six months. All this, however, has been to no avail.
“We’re resigned to it. All we want is to return to our normal lives, go home, take care of our families and send our children to school,” added Syahidin. To show his faith in Muhammad as the last Prophet, Syahidin has even named his fourth child Muhammad Khataman Nabiyiah, who is the younger brother of Transiti Mariam Sudikah also born in the group’s Transito house.
When The Jakarta Post visited the dormitory, Muhammad Khataman Nabiyiah was in the arms of his mother, Senah, while Transiti was holding her father’s shoulders tightly. Senah said, “We’re longing to go home, the children wish to visit the house they have never seen.”
NTB provincial spokesman Lalu Muhammad Faozal said the NTB administration would subsidize the basic needs of Ahmadiyah refugees staying at Wisma Transito (transit house) besides persuading them to observe Islamic sharia law.
According to him, the subsidies include food and heath care for the evacuees still living in Wisma Transito. “As long as they are in the quarantine, they will be subsidized. Meanwhile, guidance for their proper return to Islam will also be provided through spiritual lectures,” he added. The term quarantine was used as their refugee status had ended after two years.
Faozal indicated his administration had been drafting a regulation concerning Ahmadiyah. But at present the guidance by the NTB religious affairs office will continue with its monitoring by the province’s internal affairs office.
“The effect of this guidance cannot be determined in terms of time because it is a matter of faith,” he noted.
Nonetheless, Faozal admitted he had never surveyed the evacuees’ conditions in Wisma Transito, nor had NTB Governor K.H.M. Zainul Majdi, who has already been in office for 18 months.
The governor’s office is 3 kilometers from Transito, or 15 minutes’ drive.
According to Syahidin, the coordinator of a group of shunned Jamaah Ahmadiyah followers in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, attempts have been made and letters sent to various circles for the group to be allowed to return home.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) released an edict declaring Ahmadiyah a heretic sect, while a joint ministerial decree called for the group to return to mainstream Islam and the wider community.
But how, can Ahmadiyah members return to society if the spiritual guidance pledged by MUI and the government is limited to newspaper reports, Syahidin asks.
“In the local media, ulemas and religious affairs officials have offered such guidance, but in reality they have never come here. We are longing for the spiritual enlightenment they’ve talked about,” said Syahidin.
In 2008, ostracized members of the group, under the direction of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)’s Ahmadiyah adviser Saiful Uyun, pronounced the Islamic syahadat or creed at the Transito Mosque in Mataram. They also read out a 12-point statement of the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) acknowledging that Muhammad is the last Prophet and Gulam Ahmad is only a teacher.
The congregation celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and holds regular social events where members donate blood. There are 75 active donors registered with the Indonesian Red Cross in Mataram, who donate blood every six months. All this, however, has been to no avail.
“We’re resigned to it. All we want is to return to our normal lives, go home, take care of our families and send our children to school,” added Syahidin. To show his faith in Muhammad as the last Prophet, Syahidin has even named his fourth child Muhammad Khataman Nabiyiah, who is the younger brother of Transiti Mariam Sudikah also born in the group’s Transito house.
When The Jakarta Post visited the dormitory, Muhammad Khataman Nabiyiah was in the arms of his mother, Senah, while Transiti was holding her father’s shoulders tightly. Senah said, “We’re longing to go home, the children wish to visit the house they have never seen.”
NTB provincial spokesman Lalu Muhammad Faozal said the NTB administration would subsidize the basic needs of Ahmadiyah refugees staying at Wisma Transito (transit house) besides persuading them to observe Islamic sharia law.
According to him, the subsidies include food and heath care for the evacuees still living in Wisma Transito. “As long as they are in the quarantine, they will be subsidized. Meanwhile, guidance for their proper return to Islam will also be provided through spiritual lectures,” he added. The term quarantine was used as their refugee status had ended after two years.
Faozal indicated his administration had been drafting a regulation concerning Ahmadiyah. But at present the guidance by the NTB religious affairs office will continue with its monitoring by the province’s internal affairs office.
“The effect of this guidance cannot be determined in terms of time because it is a matter of faith,” he noted.
Nonetheless, Faozal admitted he had never surveyed the evacuees’ conditions in Wisma Transito, nor had NTB Governor K.H.M. Zainul Majdi, who has already been in office for 18 months.
The governor’s office is 3 kilometers from Transito, or 15 minutes’ drive.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Church Service on Sunday
Sunday worship service
Vincent United Methodist Church will gather for worship this Sunday morning, March 21, at 10 a.m. on the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The Chancel Choir will sing and there will be the Sacrament of Christian Baptism. The Rev. LeDuc will share a children’s sermon and continue his Lenten sermon series touring the holy sites of Jesus’ life entitled "In His Steps: Walking with the Master" with the message "Galilee…Jesus Prayed." Every Sunday, professional nursery care and Church School for the children is available during the worship hour and a time of fellowship and refreshments follows the service.
Vincent United Methodist Church is located at 100 Vincent Place (across from the library) in Nutley. It is handicapped accessible from the north parking lot. For more information, contact the church office at 973-667-5440 or visit www.vincentumc.org.
Vincent United Methodist Church will gather for worship this Sunday morning, March 21, at 10 a.m. on the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The Chancel Choir will sing and there will be the Sacrament of Christian Baptism. The Rev. LeDuc will share a children’s sermon and continue his Lenten sermon series touring the holy sites of Jesus’ life entitled "In His Steps: Walking with the Master" with the message "Galilee…Jesus Prayed." Every Sunday, professional nursery care and Church School for the children is available during the worship hour and a time of fellowship and refreshments follows the service.
Vincent United Methodist Church is located at 100 Vincent Place (across from the library) in Nutley. It is handicapped accessible from the north parking lot. For more information, contact the church office at 973-667-5440 or visit www.vincentumc.org.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Visual Mediation for Calming the Nerves
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/201003/cool-art-therapy-intervention-6-mandala-drawing
We humans have always had a fascination with the circle. We experience it throughout nature-- in the spiral of the Milky Way, the orbiting planets, and the cycles of life itself. As children, we also discover that we can use a crayon to make circular forms on paper; it's a universal stage of artistic development that every normal child throughout the world experiences. In fact, it is the first major milestone in image-making and for that reason, a child's circle drawing may be one the earliest representations of the self.
Circular forms in art are often referred to as mandalas, the Sanskrit word for "sacred circle." For thousands of years the creation of circular, often geometric designs has been part of spiritual practices around the world and almost every culture has revered the power of the circle. Eastern cultures have used specific mandalas for visual meditation for many centuries; the Tibetan Buddhist Kalachakra, also known as the Wheel of Time, is probably one of the most famous mandalas and symbolically illustrates the entire structure of the universe. Circular forms are found at the prehistoric Stonehenge monument in England and the 13th century labyrinth at the base of Chartres Cathedral in France. Spiritual seekers have consistently created mandalas to bring forth the sacred through images and have evoked the circle in ritual and art making for the purpose of transcendence, mindfulness, and wellness.
We humans have always had a fascination with the circle. We experience it throughout nature-- in the spiral of the Milky Way, the orbiting planets, and the cycles of life itself. As children, we also discover that we can use a crayon to make circular forms on paper; it's a universal stage of artistic development that every normal child throughout the world experiences. In fact, it is the first major milestone in image-making and for that reason, a child's circle drawing may be one the earliest representations of the self.
Circular forms in art are often referred to as mandalas, the Sanskrit word for "sacred circle." For thousands of years the creation of circular, often geometric designs has been part of spiritual practices around the world and almost every culture has revered the power of the circle. Eastern cultures have used specific mandalas for visual meditation for many centuries; the Tibetan Buddhist Kalachakra, also known as the Wheel of Time, is probably one of the most famous mandalas and symbolically illustrates the entire structure of the universe. Circular forms are found at the prehistoric Stonehenge monument in England and the 13th century labyrinth at the base of Chartres Cathedral in France. Spiritual seekers have consistently created mandalas to bring forth the sacred through images and have evoked the circle in ritual and art making for the purpose of transcendence, mindfulness, and wellness.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spirituality in a Brown Wrapper
GEORGETOWN, Colo. -- Trevor Douglas is fighting charges of marijuana possession based on his religious use of cannabis as a sacrament. The 25-year-old from Avon goes to trial Tuesday afternoon in Georgetown.
Douglas said he was pulled over for having an expired vehicle registration in Clear Creek County in August 2009. The deputy claimed he smelled cannabis in the vehicle. Douglas admitted there was cannabis inside the vehicle, and voluntarily gave it to the officer. Douglas explained to the officer that he uses cannabis for religious purposes.
Douglas is a member of the Church of Universal Sacraments as well as the The Hawai`i Cannabis Ministry in Hilo, Hawaii. Both of these organizations mandate the use of cannabis as part of their religion. Religious freedom is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the Colorado Constitution has even stronger protections for religious freedom, explicitly protecting all religious "methods of worship."
According to THC Ministry founder Roger Christie, cannabis has been used for centuries as a sacrament by spiritual seekers and is the original sacrament of Hebrew, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Shinto, Buddhist, Rasta and more.
Douglas says he plans to defend himself against the charges of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. In a statement to the court, Douglas wrote:
"The religious use of cannabis is mandated by my god, just as wine and bread are used by Christians or peyote used by Indians. Cannabis has been used by my family for generations for prayer, communion, healing and spiritual enlightenment. My religion is that of my fathers. My religious beliefs are protected by our Constitution and the Church ID I showed Trooper Graham clearly states so. I own and operate an Organic Meat Distribution Company in Vail, CO and work as a Electronic System Technician. I have a very good record as a citizen and try to give back to my community in every way. These charges are a clear violation of my first amendment rights and I request that they be dismissed."
Douglas said he was pulled over for having an expired vehicle registration in Clear Creek County in August 2009. The deputy claimed he smelled cannabis in the vehicle. Douglas admitted there was cannabis inside the vehicle, and voluntarily gave it to the officer. Douglas explained to the officer that he uses cannabis for religious purposes.
Douglas is a member of the Church of Universal Sacraments as well as the The Hawai`i Cannabis Ministry in Hilo, Hawaii. Both of these organizations mandate the use of cannabis as part of their religion. Religious freedom is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the Colorado Constitution has even stronger protections for religious freedom, explicitly protecting all religious "methods of worship."
According to THC Ministry founder Roger Christie, cannabis has been used for centuries as a sacrament by spiritual seekers and is the original sacrament of Hebrew, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Shinto, Buddhist, Rasta and more.
Douglas says he plans to defend himself against the charges of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. In a statement to the court, Douglas wrote:
"The religious use of cannabis is mandated by my god, just as wine and bread are used by Christians or peyote used by Indians. Cannabis has been used by my family for generations for prayer, communion, healing and spiritual enlightenment. My religion is that of my fathers. My religious beliefs are protected by our Constitution and the Church ID I showed Trooper Graham clearly states so. I own and operate an Organic Meat Distribution Company in Vail, CO and work as a Electronic System Technician. I have a very good record as a citizen and try to give back to my community in every way. These charges are a clear violation of my first amendment rights and I request that they be dismissed."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Athens Sunday School Schedules
The 2010 Circuit Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses will be held from 9:50 a.m.-4 p.m. March 20 and from 9:50 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 21 at The Conyers Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 125 Glenn Road NE in Conyers. The theme is "Safeguard Your Spirituality" based on Romans 8:5. Topics consider what characterizes a spiritual person and will cover material that will help safeguard the spiritual heart, maintain spiritual health and keep in mind the blessings for those who safeguard their spirituality. The keynote address titled "Maintaining Spiritual Health in a Sick World" will be delivered at 1:40 p.m. March 21. No collections are ever taken. Open to the public. (770) 761-1500.
Athens Christian Women's Connection
Athens Christian Women's Connection will meet for brunch at 9:45 a.m. March 25 at Trumps, 2026 S. Milledge Ave. Charlotte Swink from Bishop will present a fashion show featuring her jewelry. Betty Parker from Thomson will share her love of horses and how training them has impacted her life. Gift giveaways. Free nursery for babies and young children. Tickets are $16.50. Reservations required by March 22. (706) 769-6909 or www.athenschristianwomen.org.
Bethel Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Bethel Baptist Church, 59 N. Main St. The "Jessie Collins Celebration of Life" musical benefit will be held at 4 p.m. March 27. (706) 338-9301.
Gholston Missionary Baptist
COMER - Gholston Missionary Baptist Church, 45 Gholston Church Road, will have a "Feeding of the Multitude" revival at 7:30 p.m. March 31-April 2. Pastor Douglas Watkins, Heaven Bound Ministries, will speak March 31; Minister Cedric Lester, New Faith Tabernacle Church, will speak April 1; and the Rev. T. Gilham, Cade's Chapel, will speak April 2. Hot fish and all the trimmings will be served following the program April 2. (706) 783-4237.
LADIES
Ladies will meet 10 a.m. March 20 at The Clarke County Cooperative Extension Service, 2152 W. Broad St. Ovita Thornton, the director of Georgia Client Council ,will be the guest speaker. Refreshments. Register. Ladies is a nonprofit organization established by faith welcoming all. (706) 353-2949 or (706) 353-2538.
Neal's Grove Baptist
COMMERCE - Neal's Grove Baptist Church, 900 Sims Bridge Road. Men and women's day at 11 a.m. March 21. Participants are asked to wear red and black. Sunrise service at Flat Creek at 6 a.m. followed by Sunday service at 9 a.m. April 4. Pre-pastors anniversary at 11 a.m. followed by pastors anniversary at 2:30 p.m. April 18. (706) 335-2106.
Northeast Georgia Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship District Conference
The Northeast Georgia Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship District Conference will be held March 20-22 at Victorious Living International Ministries, 2318 Second Ave., in Decatur. Activities March 20 include a block party for the youth and Community Day of Service Health Fair at Marks Trail Park, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur. State of Georgia Bishop Stephen B. Hall will speak at 6 p.m. March 21 and District Overseer Rufus Addison and Dr. Ruby Yates will speak at 7 p.m. March 22. (706) 424-8702.
Piney Grove Baptist
COMER - Piney Grove Baptist Church, 241 Piney Grove Road. Deacon James Sanders will answer the call to preach the gospel at 3 p.m. March 21. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m. (706) 783-2075.
St. Paul Methodist
LEXINGTON - St. Paul Methodist Church, Highway 22, will have "The Devil's Funeral" at 3 p.m. March 21. Evangelist Janice Gresham, of the New Anon Grove Baptist Church, will be officiating. The devil has been allowed to park in our lives long enough. Open to the public.
Shady Grove Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Shady Grove Baptist Church, 780 Mars Hill Road, will celebrate the 12th pastoral anniversary for Pastor Willie Bodrick at 3 p.m. March 28. Pastor James Kendrick and the East Friendship Baptist Church family will be the guests. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m.
Tuckston UMC
Tuckston UMC, 4175 Lexington Road. Outdoor icon and bass tournament legend Hank Parker will be the guest speaker at the "Celebration of the Great Outdoors" at 8 p.m. March 26. Parker is host of "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine" and "Hank Parker 3D." Comedian and storyteller Lee McBride also will speak. Meet and greet at 6 p.m. with Hank Parker. Silent auction of outdoor sporting equipment. Homecooked barbecue dinner at 7 p.m. followed by program at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased by phoning the church, from "Outdoors Without Limits" members or by e-mailing kthomas@outdoorswithoutlimits.net. (706) 353-1311.
Ushers in Fashion
Ushers in Fashion at 10 a.m. March 20 at Colbert Grove Baptist Church, Colbert Grove Church Road in Colbert. (706) 548-5311.
Whitehall Baptist
Whitehall Baptist Church, E. Whitehall Road, will have a hobo supper from 5-7 p.m. March 20. Menu includes: peas, beans, corn, mac and cheese, fat back, ham, chicken, turnipgreens, collards, potatoes, biscuits, corn bread and onions, sweet tea and more. Tickets are $7. (706) 543-0719 or (706) 548-4719.
Arnold Grove Baptist
ARNOLDSVILLE - Arnold Grove Baptist Church, 625 Wolfskin Road. Usher's anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. David Lester of Faith Tabernacle will bring the word. Dinner served between 1:30-2:45 p.m. (706) 742-8483 or www.arnoldgrovebaptistwebs.com.
Burt's UMC
Burt's UMC, 77 Veribest-Enterprise Road, will have a ham and egg supper fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Buffet includes: ham, eggs, homemade biscuits, gravy, grits, cheese, fruit, coffee and tea. On a donation basis only, no tickets sold. (706) 743-5241.
Fair Play Baptist
HULL - Fair Play Baptist Church, 1375 Fairplay Church Road, will celebrate Pastor Terry A. Willoughby's seventh pastoral appreciation Sunday. Minister Jeffery Buffington will deliver the message during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Pastor Kevin Daniel and the Bethel Baptist Church family of Watkinsville will be the guests for the 3 p.m. service. (706) 369-3420.
Friendship Baptist
LEXINGTON - Friendship Baptist Church, 421 Old Stephens Road, will have its annual spring revival at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-March 19. Tony Derricotte of Ebenezer Baptist Church West will speak Wednesday, Minister Patrick Burgess of Oconee Baptist Church will speak Thursday and Minister Omar Curry of Waggoner Grove Baptist Church will speak March 19. Annual youth day service at 11:30 a.m. March 21. Deacon Arthur Hubbard of Thankful Grove Baptist Church will be the speaker. (706) 742-5645.
Friendship Presbyterian
Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway, will have weekly Lenten prayer services in observance of Lent from 6:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. The informal services will focus on the Lenten theme of self-examination, repentance and renewal. (706) 543-6077.
Grace Fellowship Church
BOGART - Grace Fellowship Church, 1120 Malcom Bridge Road. Women's Spring Brunch from 9:30-noon March 20. Program includes vocalist Kathy Wiggins and Cheryl Graham and guest speaker Lee Grady. Grady served as editor of Charisma Magazine and is the director and founder of The Mordecai Project, a ministry aimed at confronting the abuse of women around the world. Tickets are $12 and should be purchased by Wednesday. (706) 769-4001.
Greater Bethel AME
Greater Bethel AME Church, 140 Rose St. Women's day celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday. Theme is "Women Working Together in Ministries to Serve God." Sharon McNeely of Alpha Omega Apostolic Church in Watkinsville will be the guest speaker. (706) 548-0014.
Hillsboro Baptist
NORTH HIGH SHOALS - Hillsboro Baptist Church, North High Shoals Road, will have a musicians appreciation program at 5 p.m. Saturday for Ron Cherry, Hattie Thrasher, Antonio Rolland and Michael Brown. Usher's anniversary at 3 p.m. March 28. The Rev. W.R. Brown, pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Commerce, will be the guest minister. Dinner served at 3 p.m. (706) 769-8594.
Holly Creek Baptist
COMER - Holly Creek Baptist Church, 706 Holly Creek Church Road. Women's day program at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Minister Phyllis Stewart, principal of Gaines Elementary School, will be the guest speaker. Open to the public.
Holy Cross Lutheran
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 800 West Lake Drive. A soup supper will be held during Lent at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. An evening prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. All are welcome. (706) 548-3329.
Life House Fellowship
Life House Fellowship, 920 Baxter St. Bible study for men and women at 9:45 a.m. Sundays. Contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. Sundays. Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Church participates in community outreach and foreign missions in Africa. Yard sale to raise funds for church ministries from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at 125 Alice Walker Drive in Athens. (706) 353-7617 or (706) 206-5357 or www.athenslifehouse.org.
Miracle Deliverance Holiness Church
COMMERCE - Miracle Deliverance Holiness Church, 46 Hickory St. Worship service at 11:30 a.m. Sunday with guest speaker evangelist prophet Don Ackerman of Macedonia, S.C. (706) 757-3305.
The Mitchells
The Mitchells will perform during a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Saturday at Beauchamps Valley Gospel Music Hall, 3508 Hwy. 441 in Nicholson. (706) 202-1 004.
New Bethel CH Church
ROYSTON - New Bethel CH Church, 462 Parham Town Road. Coffee and Bible study with pastors Clay Huff and Paul Hood at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Camp meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday-March 19. Joey Talley will be the guest speaker Sunday-Wednesday and Craig Hubbard will be the guest speaker Thursday and March 19. Nursery provided for children from newborn to 5 years old. Open to the public. (706) 207-4722.
New Bethel Worship Center
New Bethel Worship Center, 275 Tallassee Road. Pastor's anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Bogart Community Center, 141 E. Thomps St. in Bogart, honoring Pastor Juanita Johnson. Evangelist Mary Gorham of World Outreach Evangelist Church in Augusta will be the guest speaker. (706) 614-6654.
Oconee Heights Baptist
Oconee Heights Baptist Church, 4180 Jefferson Road. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday with Rob Bailey of Loganville. Bailey has served as a youth minister at several churches in the Atlanta area for the past 18 years and is a Christian businessman. Evening service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday with Rick Brittain, interim pastor. Ladies Bible study at 5 p.m. Sunday. Oconee Kids at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday night prayer service at 6:30 p.m. (706) 548-4600.
Omega Worship Center
BOGART - Omega Worship Center, 130 Commerce Blvd. Come and visit Omega's new location. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Dr. Yulonda and Bishop Rayfield Lewis, pastors. (706) 353-0477.
'Semple Gifts' Musical
Athens composer, Dell Hitchcock, will premiere her newest musical, "Semple Gifts," about the life and work of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, at 3 p.m. Sunday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, West Lake Drive. Aimee Semple McPherson was the first radio evangelist and established a denomination with 8 million current members. Dell's musical features Aimee as both saint and sinner, with musical arrangements and parodies of the gospel hymns of Aimee's day plus a number of newly composed songs. Members of Lyric League are the cast and crew. Free and open to the public. www.lyricleague.org.
Shiloh Baptist
Shiloh Baptist Church, 100 Beaver Dam Road. The male chorus will celebrate its anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday through song. Open to the public. (706) 549-9166.
Springfield Baptist
COMER - Springfield Baptist Church, 408 Spring Circle. The spring revival will conclude at 7:30 tonight. The Rev. William Smith, pastor of Israel Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, will be the guest speaker. (706) 783-5369.
Trinity Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road. Midweek Lenten service at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. The Concordia High School Choir from Ft. Wayne, Ind., will perform at 7 tonight. (706) 546-1280.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, 780 Timothy Road. Richard Bouldin will discuss health care problems and solutions during the forum at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is titled "Beauty (or "What Hump?": Quasimodo's Quagmire)." Consider the manifestations of beauty all around us - especially those emerging in unlikely and unexpected places. www.uuathensga.org or (706) 546-7914.
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 1435 Oglethorpe Ave. Adult study group at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Nursery and Sunday school available during the 11 a.m. service. "A Course in Miracles" at 2 p.m. Sundays. Donations accepted. www.unityathens.com or (404) 899-8486 or (706) 613-8050.
19th Annual Gift of Hope
The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center is asking the public to make donations to The Ark's "Gift of Hope," which will be used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, prescriptions and other basic life necessities to those in need in the community. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to: The Ark, 640A Barber St., Athens, GA 30601. (706) 548-8155.
A Place Called Love Family Church
A Place Called Love Family Church meets at 10:15 a.m. Sundays at Oconee Preschool Academy, 1890 Mars Hill Road, for adult Bible school and children's church. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 548-9777 or (706) 338-4112 or www.aplacecalledlove.org.
Athens Bread of Life Church
WINTERVILLE - Athens Bread of Life Church, 302 Athens Road. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening service at 7 p.m. Sundays. Bible classes for adults and children at 10 a.m. Sundays. Women's fellowship and Bible study at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Bible Study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Intercessory prayer at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 548-0640 or (706) 543-6535 or www.athensbolchurch.com.
Athens First UMC
Athens First UMC, 327 N. Lumpkin St. Traditional worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (706) 543-1442 or www.athensfirstumc.org or (706) 254-6162.
Bethlehem First UMC
BETHLEHEM - Bethlehem First UMC, 709 Christmas Ave. Communion services at 8:30 a.m., contemporary celebration at 9:30 a.m. and traditional services at 11 a.m. Sundays. Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. www.bethlehemfumc.com or (770) 867-3727.
Bogart Church of Christ
BOGART - Bogart Church of Christ, 193 N. Church St. Sunday School at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Wednesday classes at 7 p.m. (770) 725-8595.
Bogart UMC
BOGART - Bogart UMC, 1201 Atlanta Highway. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. (678) 753-0570 or www.bogartumc.com.
Born Again Christian Fellowship Ministry
Born Again Christian Fellowship Ministry, 2362 W. Broad St. Morning worship at 11 a.m. Sundays and evening services at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (770) 570-9727 or (706) 224-3364.
Calvary Baptist
STATHAM - Calvary Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 82. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Midweek worship at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 725-5196 or (770) 725-5164.
Calvary Chapel of Athens
BOGART - Calvary Chapel of Athens, 120 Commerce Blvd. Meetings on the Eastside and Westside of Athens on Monday evenings. Women's Bible study from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Child care provided. Worship at 10 a.m. Sundays. Marriage and family discussion group meets Sunday evenings. Discussion groups meet during the week in the Athens area. (706) 543-0901 or www.calvaryathens.com or www.samaritanspurse.org.
Caring for People Ministry
"The Hope Dealer Program," hosted by pastor Leroy and evangelist Gwendolyn Sewell-Stokes of Caring for People Ministry, is on Charter cable channel 23 from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday. "Our Live Prayer Line," an intercession encounter broadcast, hosted by Leroy and Sewell-Stokes on WXAG The Light 1470 AM from 8:30-9 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. (706) 202-4805 or (706) 354-8835.
Church of the Way
MONROE - Church of the Way, 3981 Mt. Carmel Church Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. (770) 267-7301.
Cleveland Road Baptist
BOGART - Cleveland Road Baptist Church, 1215 Cleveland Road. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. Sundays and celebrate recovery meetings at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Child care provided. (706) 369-7608.
Commerce Presbyterian
COMMERCE - Commerce Presbyterian Church, 89 Lakeview Drive. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Youth activities at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 335-3282.
Fairfield Missionary Baptist
STATHAM - Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, 2141 Hwy. 82. Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:30 a.m. Sundays. "Applying The Word" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. (770) 725-5209 or (770) 725-5170 or (770) 725-5511.
Faith Baptist
WINDER - Faith Baptist Church, 116 Sarah Street. Worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Sunday school for all ages, youth ministry, monthly Southern gospel singings and mission unions for men and women. Bible study and Young Christians in Action at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. www.faithbaptistwinder.com or (770) 867-3276.
Faith Center of Worship International
WINDER - Faith Center of Worship International has services at 1 p.m. Sunday at First UMC of Winder, 280 N. Broad St., and Bible study at 269 Rutledge Drive in Winder. (770) 867-4594.
First Christian Church
WATKINSVILLE - First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4 N. Main St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 769-5966.
For His Glory Church International
For His Glory Church International, 1942 Lexington Road. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Word encounter at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Intercession prayer at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Youth Explosion at 6 p.m. every fifth Sunday. (706) 352-0752 or www.forhisglorychurchintl.com.
Free Spirit Baptist
Free Spirit Baptist Church, 118 W. Spring St. Sunday school at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and evening services at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 353-1977 or (770) 307-5889.
Gateway UMC
Gateway UMC, 6425 Jefferson Road. Bible study for men and women at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Contemporary worship at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Aerobics classes twice a week for men and women. Church participates in prison ministry and homeless ministry. (706) 546-5947.
Heritage Fellowship Church
BOGART - Heritage Fellowship Church, 205 Fowler Mill Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening services at 5 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 548-4918.
Historic Mt. Zion Church
ROYSTON - Historic Mt. Zion Church, 250 Tony Jones St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Midweek worship at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. (706) 246-0795 or (706) 988-1528.
Living Waters Christian Fellowship
Living Waters Christian Fellowship Church, 610 Nellie B. Ave. Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 372-6103 or (706) 613-5900.
Living Word Baptist
BOGART - Living Word Baptist Church, 2761 Monroe Highway. A Helping Hand Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the third week of each month to help those who are hungry. (770) 725-7105.
Morton Chapel Baptist
Morton Chapel Baptist Church, 2005 Morton Road. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 372-2611 or (706) 546-8140.
Nativity Lutheran Church
BETHLEHEM - Nativity Lutheran Church, 799 Christmas Ave. Adult forum and Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Sundays. (770) 307-4628.
New Life Apostolic Church
WATKINSVILLE - New Life Apostolic Church, 2050 Hog Mountain Road. Worship at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Kids' Jam for ages 5-12 at 10 a.m. Sundays. Our LifeTime service at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Classes for all ages and a DASH Youth service provided. (706) 769-6824 or www.newlifeapostolic.com or www.nlac.tv.
North High Shoals Congregational Holiness Church
North High Shoals Congregational Holiness Church, 271 Jefferson Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening services at 6 p.m. Sundays discuss end time prophecy/current events. (770) 846-9875.
Open Arms
Open Arms, UGA Wesley Foundation, Lumpkin Street, from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays. All ages and ability levels welcome. For parents who need a night to run errands or just relax. A ministry devoted to sharing the love of Christ with children and adults with special needs. sarahjmiddle@gmail.com or (770) 853-7305.
Princeton UMC
Princeton UMC, 2390 S. Lumpkin St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Nursery provided. Silent prayer group at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. (706) 353-1123.
St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
WATKINSVILLE - St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church, 3761 Mars Hill Road. Spaghetti dinner from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. $6 adults, $4 children ages 12 and younger. Open to the public. www.stphilothea.ga.goarch.org or (706) 546-7341 or (770) 841-3936.
St. Stephen's Anglican Catholic Church
St. Stephen's Anglican Catholic Church, 800 Timothy Road. Morning prayer at 8:30 a.m., quiet Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. and noon Friday and Holy Eucharist with music at 11 a.m. Sundays. Christian Education for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays. Bible Study with Archbishop Haverland at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 7 p.m. Fridays. (706) 543-8657.
Walnut Grove Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 6121 Greensboro Highway, Worship services at 11 a.m. the second, third and fourth Sundays of the month and at 10 a.m. the fifth Sunday of the month. (706) 769-9853 or (706) 769-6501.
Winterville UMC
WINTERVILLE - Winterville UMC, 101 Parkview Road. Worship at 10 a.m. Sunday and Sunday school at 11 a.m. (706) 742-2445.
Athens Christian Women's Connection
Athens Christian Women's Connection will meet for brunch at 9:45 a.m. March 25 at Trumps, 2026 S. Milledge Ave. Charlotte Swink from Bishop will present a fashion show featuring her jewelry. Betty Parker from Thomson will share her love of horses and how training them has impacted her life. Gift giveaways. Free nursery for babies and young children. Tickets are $16.50. Reservations required by March 22. (706) 769-6909 or www.athenschristianwomen.org.
Bethel Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Bethel Baptist Church, 59 N. Main St. The "Jessie Collins Celebration of Life" musical benefit will be held at 4 p.m. March 27. (706) 338-9301.
Gholston Missionary Baptist
COMER - Gholston Missionary Baptist Church, 45 Gholston Church Road, will have a "Feeding of the Multitude" revival at 7:30 p.m. March 31-April 2. Pastor Douglas Watkins, Heaven Bound Ministries, will speak March 31; Minister Cedric Lester, New Faith Tabernacle Church, will speak April 1; and the Rev. T. Gilham, Cade's Chapel, will speak April 2. Hot fish and all the trimmings will be served following the program April 2. (706) 783-4237.
LADIES
Ladies will meet 10 a.m. March 20 at The Clarke County Cooperative Extension Service, 2152 W. Broad St. Ovita Thornton, the director of Georgia Client Council ,will be the guest speaker. Refreshments. Register. Ladies is a nonprofit organization established by faith welcoming all. (706) 353-2949 or (706) 353-2538.
Neal's Grove Baptist
COMMERCE - Neal's Grove Baptist Church, 900 Sims Bridge Road. Men and women's day at 11 a.m. March 21. Participants are asked to wear red and black. Sunrise service at Flat Creek at 6 a.m. followed by Sunday service at 9 a.m. April 4. Pre-pastors anniversary at 11 a.m. followed by pastors anniversary at 2:30 p.m. April 18. (706) 335-2106.
Northeast Georgia Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship District Conference
The Northeast Georgia Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship District Conference will be held March 20-22 at Victorious Living International Ministries, 2318 Second Ave., in Decatur. Activities March 20 include a block party for the youth and Community Day of Service Health Fair at Marks Trail Park, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur. State of Georgia Bishop Stephen B. Hall will speak at 6 p.m. March 21 and District Overseer Rufus Addison and Dr. Ruby Yates will speak at 7 p.m. March 22. (706) 424-8702.
Piney Grove Baptist
COMER - Piney Grove Baptist Church, 241 Piney Grove Road. Deacon James Sanders will answer the call to preach the gospel at 3 p.m. March 21. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m. (706) 783-2075.
St. Paul Methodist
LEXINGTON - St. Paul Methodist Church, Highway 22, will have "The Devil's Funeral" at 3 p.m. March 21. Evangelist Janice Gresham, of the New Anon Grove Baptist Church, will be officiating. The devil has been allowed to park in our lives long enough. Open to the public.
Shady Grove Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Shady Grove Baptist Church, 780 Mars Hill Road, will celebrate the 12th pastoral anniversary for Pastor Willie Bodrick at 3 p.m. March 28. Pastor James Kendrick and the East Friendship Baptist Church family will be the guests. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m.
Tuckston UMC
Tuckston UMC, 4175 Lexington Road. Outdoor icon and bass tournament legend Hank Parker will be the guest speaker at the "Celebration of the Great Outdoors" at 8 p.m. March 26. Parker is host of "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine" and "Hank Parker 3D." Comedian and storyteller Lee McBride also will speak. Meet and greet at 6 p.m. with Hank Parker. Silent auction of outdoor sporting equipment. Homecooked barbecue dinner at 7 p.m. followed by program at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased by phoning the church, from "Outdoors Without Limits" members or by e-mailing kthomas@outdoorswithoutlimits.net. (706) 353-1311.
Ushers in Fashion
Ushers in Fashion at 10 a.m. March 20 at Colbert Grove Baptist Church, Colbert Grove Church Road in Colbert. (706) 548-5311.
Whitehall Baptist
Whitehall Baptist Church, E. Whitehall Road, will have a hobo supper from 5-7 p.m. March 20. Menu includes: peas, beans, corn, mac and cheese, fat back, ham, chicken, turnipgreens, collards, potatoes, biscuits, corn bread and onions, sweet tea and more. Tickets are $7. (706) 543-0719 or (706) 548-4719.
Arnold Grove Baptist
ARNOLDSVILLE - Arnold Grove Baptist Church, 625 Wolfskin Road. Usher's anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. David Lester of Faith Tabernacle will bring the word. Dinner served between 1:30-2:45 p.m. (706) 742-8483 or www.arnoldgrovebaptistwebs.com.
Burt's UMC
Burt's UMC, 77 Veribest-Enterprise Road, will have a ham and egg supper fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Buffet includes: ham, eggs, homemade biscuits, gravy, grits, cheese, fruit, coffee and tea. On a donation basis only, no tickets sold. (706) 743-5241.
Fair Play Baptist
HULL - Fair Play Baptist Church, 1375 Fairplay Church Road, will celebrate Pastor Terry A. Willoughby's seventh pastoral appreciation Sunday. Minister Jeffery Buffington will deliver the message during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Pastor Kevin Daniel and the Bethel Baptist Church family of Watkinsville will be the guests for the 3 p.m. service. (706) 369-3420.
Friendship Baptist
LEXINGTON - Friendship Baptist Church, 421 Old Stephens Road, will have its annual spring revival at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-March 19. Tony Derricotte of Ebenezer Baptist Church West will speak Wednesday, Minister Patrick Burgess of Oconee Baptist Church will speak Thursday and Minister Omar Curry of Waggoner Grove Baptist Church will speak March 19. Annual youth day service at 11:30 a.m. March 21. Deacon Arthur Hubbard of Thankful Grove Baptist Church will be the speaker. (706) 742-5645.
Friendship Presbyterian
Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway, will have weekly Lenten prayer services in observance of Lent from 6:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. The informal services will focus on the Lenten theme of self-examination, repentance and renewal. (706) 543-6077.
Grace Fellowship Church
BOGART - Grace Fellowship Church, 1120 Malcom Bridge Road. Women's Spring Brunch from 9:30-noon March 20. Program includes vocalist Kathy Wiggins and Cheryl Graham and guest speaker Lee Grady. Grady served as editor of Charisma Magazine and is the director and founder of The Mordecai Project, a ministry aimed at confronting the abuse of women around the world. Tickets are $12 and should be purchased by Wednesday. (706) 769-4001.
Greater Bethel AME
Greater Bethel AME Church, 140 Rose St. Women's day celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday. Theme is "Women Working Together in Ministries to Serve God." Sharon McNeely of Alpha Omega Apostolic Church in Watkinsville will be the guest speaker. (706) 548-0014.
Hillsboro Baptist
NORTH HIGH SHOALS - Hillsboro Baptist Church, North High Shoals Road, will have a musicians appreciation program at 5 p.m. Saturday for Ron Cherry, Hattie Thrasher, Antonio Rolland and Michael Brown. Usher's anniversary at 3 p.m. March 28. The Rev. W.R. Brown, pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Commerce, will be the guest minister. Dinner served at 3 p.m. (706) 769-8594.
Holly Creek Baptist
COMER - Holly Creek Baptist Church, 706 Holly Creek Church Road. Women's day program at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Minister Phyllis Stewart, principal of Gaines Elementary School, will be the guest speaker. Open to the public.
Holy Cross Lutheran
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 800 West Lake Drive. A soup supper will be held during Lent at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. An evening prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. All are welcome. (706) 548-3329.
Life House Fellowship
Life House Fellowship, 920 Baxter St. Bible study for men and women at 9:45 a.m. Sundays. Contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. Sundays. Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Church participates in community outreach and foreign missions in Africa. Yard sale to raise funds for church ministries from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at 125 Alice Walker Drive in Athens. (706) 353-7617 or (706) 206-5357 or www.athenslifehouse.org.
Miracle Deliverance Holiness Church
COMMERCE - Miracle Deliverance Holiness Church, 46 Hickory St. Worship service at 11:30 a.m. Sunday with guest speaker evangelist prophet Don Ackerman of Macedonia, S.C. (706) 757-3305.
The Mitchells
The Mitchells will perform during a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Saturday at Beauchamps Valley Gospel Music Hall, 3508 Hwy. 441 in Nicholson. (706) 202-1 004.
New Bethel CH Church
ROYSTON - New Bethel CH Church, 462 Parham Town Road. Coffee and Bible study with pastors Clay Huff and Paul Hood at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Camp meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday-March 19. Joey Talley will be the guest speaker Sunday-Wednesday and Craig Hubbard will be the guest speaker Thursday and March 19. Nursery provided for children from newborn to 5 years old. Open to the public. (706) 207-4722.
New Bethel Worship Center
New Bethel Worship Center, 275 Tallassee Road. Pastor's anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Bogart Community Center, 141 E. Thomps St. in Bogart, honoring Pastor Juanita Johnson. Evangelist Mary Gorham of World Outreach Evangelist Church in Augusta will be the guest speaker. (706) 614-6654.
Oconee Heights Baptist
Oconee Heights Baptist Church, 4180 Jefferson Road. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday with Rob Bailey of Loganville. Bailey has served as a youth minister at several churches in the Atlanta area for the past 18 years and is a Christian businessman. Evening service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday with Rick Brittain, interim pastor. Ladies Bible study at 5 p.m. Sunday. Oconee Kids at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday night prayer service at 6:30 p.m. (706) 548-4600.
Omega Worship Center
BOGART - Omega Worship Center, 130 Commerce Blvd. Come and visit Omega's new location. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Dr. Yulonda and Bishop Rayfield Lewis, pastors. (706) 353-0477.
'Semple Gifts' Musical
Athens composer, Dell Hitchcock, will premiere her newest musical, "Semple Gifts," about the life and work of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, at 3 p.m. Sunday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, West Lake Drive. Aimee Semple McPherson was the first radio evangelist and established a denomination with 8 million current members. Dell's musical features Aimee as both saint and sinner, with musical arrangements and parodies of the gospel hymns of Aimee's day plus a number of newly composed songs. Members of Lyric League are the cast and crew. Free and open to the public. www.lyricleague.org.
Shiloh Baptist
Shiloh Baptist Church, 100 Beaver Dam Road. The male chorus will celebrate its anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday through song. Open to the public. (706) 549-9166.
Springfield Baptist
COMER - Springfield Baptist Church, 408 Spring Circle. The spring revival will conclude at 7:30 tonight. The Rev. William Smith, pastor of Israel Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, will be the guest speaker. (706) 783-5369.
Trinity Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road. Midweek Lenten service at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24. The Concordia High School Choir from Ft. Wayne, Ind., will perform at 7 tonight. (706) 546-1280.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, 780 Timothy Road. Richard Bouldin will discuss health care problems and solutions during the forum at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is titled "Beauty (or "What Hump?": Quasimodo's Quagmire)." Consider the manifestations of beauty all around us - especially those emerging in unlikely and unexpected places. www.uuathensga.org or (706) 546-7914.
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 1435 Oglethorpe Ave. Adult study group at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Nursery and Sunday school available during the 11 a.m. service. "A Course in Miracles" at 2 p.m. Sundays. Donations accepted. www.unityathens.com or (404) 899-8486 or (706) 613-8050.
19th Annual Gift of Hope
The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center is asking the public to make donations to The Ark's "Gift of Hope," which will be used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, prescriptions and other basic life necessities to those in need in the community. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to: The Ark, 640A Barber St., Athens, GA 30601. (706) 548-8155.
A Place Called Love Family Church
A Place Called Love Family Church meets at 10:15 a.m. Sundays at Oconee Preschool Academy, 1890 Mars Hill Road, for adult Bible school and children's church. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 548-9777 or (706) 338-4112 or www.aplacecalledlove.org.
Athens Bread of Life Church
WINTERVILLE - Athens Bread of Life Church, 302 Athens Road. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening service at 7 p.m. Sundays. Bible classes for adults and children at 10 a.m. Sundays. Women's fellowship and Bible study at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Bible Study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Intercessory prayer at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 548-0640 or (706) 543-6535 or www.athensbolchurch.com.
Athens First UMC
Athens First UMC, 327 N. Lumpkin St. Traditional worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (706) 543-1442 or www.athensfirstumc.org or (706) 254-6162.
Bethlehem First UMC
BETHLEHEM - Bethlehem First UMC, 709 Christmas Ave. Communion services at 8:30 a.m., contemporary celebration at 9:30 a.m. and traditional services at 11 a.m. Sundays. Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. www.bethlehemfumc.com or (770) 867-3727.
Bogart Church of Christ
BOGART - Bogart Church of Christ, 193 N. Church St. Sunday School at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Wednesday classes at 7 p.m. (770) 725-8595.
Bogart UMC
BOGART - Bogart UMC, 1201 Atlanta Highway. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. (678) 753-0570 or www.bogartumc.com.
Born Again Christian Fellowship Ministry
Born Again Christian Fellowship Ministry, 2362 W. Broad St. Morning worship at 11 a.m. Sundays and evening services at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (770) 570-9727 or (706) 224-3364.
Calvary Baptist
STATHAM - Calvary Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 82. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Midweek worship at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 725-5196 or (770) 725-5164.
Calvary Chapel of Athens
BOGART - Calvary Chapel of Athens, 120 Commerce Blvd. Meetings on the Eastside and Westside of Athens on Monday evenings. Women's Bible study from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Child care provided. Worship at 10 a.m. Sundays. Marriage and family discussion group meets Sunday evenings. Discussion groups meet during the week in the Athens area. (706) 543-0901 or www.calvaryathens.com or www.samaritanspurse.org.
Caring for People Ministry
"The Hope Dealer Program," hosted by pastor Leroy and evangelist Gwendolyn Sewell-Stokes of Caring for People Ministry, is on Charter cable channel 23 from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday. "Our Live Prayer Line," an intercession encounter broadcast, hosted by Leroy and Sewell-Stokes on WXAG The Light 1470 AM from 8:30-9 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. (706) 202-4805 or (706) 354-8835.
Church of the Way
MONROE - Church of the Way, 3981 Mt. Carmel Church Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. (770) 267-7301.
Cleveland Road Baptist
BOGART - Cleveland Road Baptist Church, 1215 Cleveland Road. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. Sundays and celebrate recovery meetings at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Child care provided. (706) 369-7608.
Commerce Presbyterian
COMMERCE - Commerce Presbyterian Church, 89 Lakeview Drive. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Youth activities at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 335-3282.
Fairfield Missionary Baptist
STATHAM - Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, 2141 Hwy. 82. Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:30 a.m. Sundays. "Applying The Word" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. (770) 725-5209 or (770) 725-5170 or (770) 725-5511.
Faith Baptist
WINDER - Faith Baptist Church, 116 Sarah Street. Worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Sunday school for all ages, youth ministry, monthly Southern gospel singings and mission unions for men and women. Bible study and Young Christians in Action at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. www.faithbaptistwinder.com or (770) 867-3276.
Faith Center of Worship International
WINDER - Faith Center of Worship International has services at 1 p.m. Sunday at First UMC of Winder, 280 N. Broad St., and Bible study at 269 Rutledge Drive in Winder. (770) 867-4594.
First Christian Church
WATKINSVILLE - First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4 N. Main St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 769-5966.
For His Glory Church International
For His Glory Church International, 1942 Lexington Road. Worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Word encounter at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Intercession prayer at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Youth Explosion at 6 p.m. every fifth Sunday. (706) 352-0752 or www.forhisglorychurchintl.com.
Free Spirit Baptist
Free Spirit Baptist Church, 118 W. Spring St. Sunday school at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and evening services at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 353-1977 or (770) 307-5889.
Gateway UMC
Gateway UMC, 6425 Jefferson Road. Bible study for men and women at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Contemporary worship at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Aerobics classes twice a week for men and women. Church participates in prison ministry and homeless ministry. (706) 546-5947.
Heritage Fellowship Church
BOGART - Heritage Fellowship Church, 205 Fowler Mill Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening services at 5 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 548-4918.
Historic Mt. Zion Church
ROYSTON - Historic Mt. Zion Church, 250 Tony Jones St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Midweek worship at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. (706) 246-0795 or (706) 988-1528.
Living Waters Christian Fellowship
Living Waters Christian Fellowship Church, 610 Nellie B. Ave. Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. (706) 372-6103 or (706) 613-5900.
Living Word Baptist
BOGART - Living Word Baptist Church, 2761 Monroe Highway. A Helping Hand Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the third week of each month to help those who are hungry. (770) 725-7105.
Morton Chapel Baptist
Morton Chapel Baptist Church, 2005 Morton Road. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. (706) 372-2611 or (706) 546-8140.
Nativity Lutheran Church
BETHLEHEM - Nativity Lutheran Church, 799 Christmas Ave. Adult forum and Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Sundays. (770) 307-4628.
New Life Apostolic Church
WATKINSVILLE - New Life Apostolic Church, 2050 Hog Mountain Road. Worship at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Kids' Jam for ages 5-12 at 10 a.m. Sundays. Our LifeTime service at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Classes for all ages and a DASH Youth service provided. (706) 769-6824 or www.newlifeapostolic.com or www.nlac.tv.
North High Shoals Congregational Holiness Church
North High Shoals Congregational Holiness Church, 271 Jefferson Road. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening services at 6 p.m. Sundays discuss end time prophecy/current events. (770) 846-9875.
Open Arms
Open Arms, UGA Wesley Foundation, Lumpkin Street, from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays. All ages and ability levels welcome. For parents who need a night to run errands or just relax. A ministry devoted to sharing the love of Christ with children and adults with special needs. sarahjmiddle@gmail.com or (770) 853-7305.
Princeton UMC
Princeton UMC, 2390 S. Lumpkin St. Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sundays. Nursery provided. Silent prayer group at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. (706) 353-1123.
St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
WATKINSVILLE - St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church, 3761 Mars Hill Road. Spaghetti dinner from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. $6 adults, $4 children ages 12 and younger. Open to the public. www.stphilothea.ga.goarch.org or (706) 546-7341 or (770) 841-3936.
St. Stephen's Anglican Catholic Church
St. Stephen's Anglican Catholic Church, 800 Timothy Road. Morning prayer at 8:30 a.m., quiet Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. and noon Friday and Holy Eucharist with music at 11 a.m. Sundays. Christian Education for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays. Bible Study with Archbishop Haverland at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 7 p.m. Fridays. (706) 543-8657.
Walnut Grove Baptist
WATKINSVILLE - Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 6121 Greensboro Highway, Worship services at 11 a.m. the second, third and fourth Sundays of the month and at 10 a.m. the fifth Sunday of the month. (706) 769-9853 or (706) 769-6501.
Winterville UMC
WINTERVILLE - Winterville UMC, 101 Parkview Road. Worship at 10 a.m. Sunday and Sunday school at 11 a.m. (706) 742-2445.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Weekly Schedule in Missouri
Calvary Episcopal Church will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Christian Chapel Assembly of God Church, 3300 S. Providence Road, will open its sanctuary to the public for prayer from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Columbia Interfaith Church Council will sponsor the fifth Lenten breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St. Donations are sought for the Russell Chapel Food Bank.
Community United Methodist Church will hold The Branch student-led worship at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Deja Vu Comedy Club, 405 E. Cherry St.
Fifth Street Christian Church, 401 N. Fifth St., will host Usher Day 2010: Faith in Service at 3 p.m. March 21. Call 864-8933.
First Presbyterian Church will host the Interfaith Council’s Lenten Breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. Wednesday. Participants are asked to bring a donation of food. A Lenten supper and study series will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
K-Life Christian Youth Organization, 1507 Mills Drive, meets 8 p.m. Monday for grades nine to 12; 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday for grades six to eight. Call (573) 446-8210 or visit www.columbia.klife.com.
Missouri United Methodist Church will hold Bible study “The Greatest Texts of the Bible” at noon and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Taize worship service will be at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. “24 Hours That Changed the World” will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
The Newman Center, 701 Maryland Ave. will host a forum on health care reform with a five-person panel from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Call 442-2460.
Parkade Baptist Church, 2102 N. Garth, will host Divorce Care at 6 p.m. Monday nights through April 5. Call 443-4584.
Prairie Grove Baptist Church of Columbia, 860 N.E. Park Lane, will host Ivan Parker in concert at 6 p.m. next Saturday. Call 819-9941.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2201 W. Rollins Road, will hold midweek Lenten services at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday with a light supper served from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
The spiritual calendar deadline is noon Wednesday. Mail items to the Tribune, P.O. Box 798, Columbia, Mo., 65205; e-mail to editor@columbiatribune.com or fax to (573) 815-1701. Call 815-1700.
Christian Chapel Assembly of God Church, 3300 S. Providence Road, will open its sanctuary to the public for prayer from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Columbia Interfaith Church Council will sponsor the fifth Lenten breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St. Donations are sought for the Russell Chapel Food Bank.
Community United Methodist Church will hold The Branch student-led worship at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Deja Vu Comedy Club, 405 E. Cherry St.
Fifth Street Christian Church, 401 N. Fifth St., will host Usher Day 2010: Faith in Service at 3 p.m. March 21. Call 864-8933.
First Presbyterian Church will host the Interfaith Council’s Lenten Breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. Wednesday. Participants are asked to bring a donation of food. A Lenten supper and study series will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
K-Life Christian Youth Organization, 1507 Mills Drive, meets 8 p.m. Monday for grades nine to 12; 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday for grades six to eight. Call (573) 446-8210 or visit www.columbia.klife.com.
Missouri United Methodist Church will hold Bible study “The Greatest Texts of the Bible” at noon and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Taize worship service will be at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. “24 Hours That Changed the World” will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
The Newman Center, 701 Maryland Ave. will host a forum on health care reform with a five-person panel from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Call 442-2460.
Parkade Baptist Church, 2102 N. Garth, will host Divorce Care at 6 p.m. Monday nights through April 5. Call 443-4584.
Prairie Grove Baptist Church of Columbia, 860 N.E. Park Lane, will host Ivan Parker in concert at 6 p.m. next Saturday. Call 819-9941.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2201 W. Rollins Road, will hold midweek Lenten services at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday with a light supper served from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
The spiritual calendar deadline is noon Wednesday. Mail items to the Tribune, P.O. Box 798, Columbia, Mo., 65205; e-mail to editor@columbiatribune.com or fax to (573) 815-1701. Call 815-1700.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday Service in Chico California
Chico Enterprise-Record
Posted: 03/13/2010 01:49:05 AM PST
Chico services today:
Congregation Beth Israel, 1336 Hemlock St.: Rabbi Julie Danan will speak on the Torah Portion; 10 a.m. Torah portion: Vayakhel/Pekudei.
Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Vigil Mass; 5 p.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 416 Chestnut St.: Vigil Mass; 5:30 p.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 26 Overland Court, Community Center: Mass; 10 a.m.
Paradise service today:
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 767 Elliott Road: Mass; 8:30 a.m. Vigil for Sunday Mass; 5 p.m. The Rev. Steven Foppiano, presider.
Chico Sunday services:
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2869 Cohasset Road: "Sentenced," from Pastor Neal Neuenburg; 9 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional/blended. Scripture: Mark 15:1-15.
Asian Bible Church, 2775 Nord Ave. between Henshaw and Bell Roads: A message from Terry Chew, from Laguna Chinese Baptist Church; 9:30 a.m.
Bidwell Presbyterian Church, 208 W. First St.: A message from Pastor Steve Schibsted; 8:30 a.m. traditional, 9:45 and 11:11 a.m. contemporary and 5:45 p.m. alternative. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50.
Butte Bible Fellowship, 2255 Pillsbury Road: "How Long Will You Grieve?", from Pastor Glenn Cheney; 10:15 a.m. Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:1. "Why Did Sarah Laugh," from Cheney, sharing a study in the life of Abraham; 6 p.m. Scripture: Genesis 18.
Center for Spiritual Living — Greater Chico, 555 Flying V St., Suite 4: "Principle Is My Foundation," from the Rev. Louie Gates; 10:30 a.m.
Chico Bible Fellowship, 1505 Arbutus Ave.: "Marketplace Reality," from Pastor Rich Taylor's series, "Think It... Say It... Be It"; 10 a.m.
Chico Friends Meeting (Quakers), 1601 Hemlock St.: Intergenerational singing at 9:30 a.m., followed by unprogrammed Quaker meeting for worship and youth program at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
Chico New Thought Center for Spiritual Living, Lakeside Pavilion, 2565 California Park Drive: "Choose to Choose," from the Rev. Duchess Dale; 10 a.m. Meditation; 9:30 a.m.
Christian Life Center-Foursquare Gospel Church, 1492 East Ave.: Water baptisms during celebration of worship; 10 a.m.
Christian Science Church, 770 Palmetto Ave.: "Substance"; 10 a.m. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:14.
Church of Christ, 995 E. Lassen Ave.: "Learning to Really Care About One Another," from Tim Kelley's series, "Growing Into Christ"; 10:30 a.m. Making It Personal; 6 p.m.
Church on the Esplanade, 1119 The Esplanade: "From Busyness to Focus," from Pastor Ed Pincusoff; 11 a.m. Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10.
Covenant Reformed Church, meets at 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: "The Lord of the Passover"; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
ECKANKAR, Subud Hall, 574 E. 12th St.: "God's Love in Action," from Eck cleric Sandy Paris; 11 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church, 1193 Filbert Ave.: "Don't Mislead Young Ones," from special speaker Ken Anderson; 8:30 a.m. traditional/blended and 11 a.m. contemporary. Scripture: Mark 9:42-50.
Faith Lutheran Church, 667 E. First Ave.: "Rejoice With Me," from Pastor Schultz-Akerson; 8:30 a.m. traditional service of Holy Communion, 11 a.m. contemporary service of Holy Communion. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
First Assembly of God, 1137 Arbutus Ave.: "Reaching in, So we Can Reach Out," from Pastor Scott Williams; 10 a.m. Spanish service with message from Pastor Julio Portillo; 10 a.m.
First Baptist Church, 850 Palmetto Ave.: "What's New? Everything!" from the Rev. Ted Sandberg; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-7.
First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, 295 E. Washington Ave.: "A Sunday Morning Creature Feature," from the Rev. Jesse Kearns; 8:15 and 10:25 a.m. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
Grace Bible Church, 587 Country Drive: "God's Plan for Your Salvation," part 2, from Pastor Nick Amatuccio; 10 and 11 a.m. Scripture: Romans 8:29-30.
Grace Brethren Church, 355 Panama Ave.: "Acts of service," from Pastor Bob Hayworth's love language series; 9 and 10:45 a.m. "Jesus teaching in the temple," from Pastor Paul Rhodes in his series on John's Gospel; 6 p.m. Scripture: John 7:21-31.
Grace Community Church, 2346 Floral Ave.: "Finding Common Ground," part 1 of Pastor Dave Workman's new series, "Real Life Friendship"; 8:20, 9:45 and 11:10 a.m.
Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd.: Pastor Zack Curry will be sharing the message for both The Gathering, 9 a.m. in the dome and "The 10:29," at 10:29 a.m. in Room 401.
Orchard Church, meets at Chico Country Day School, 102 W. 11th St.: "Jesus Followers offer Others Dignity, Compassion and Love," from the series, "What Difference Can a Week Make?"; 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Church on the Street outreach service with meal served at City Plaza; 5:30 p.m.
Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Masses 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran (LCMS), Moss and Hawthorne avenues: "Jesus, the Savior of Sinners," from the Rev. Donald Jordan; 10 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. "Words from the Cross: Dying Word," from guest pastor, the Rev. Mark Rabe of Calvary Evangelical LCMS, Oroville; 7 p.m. Wednesday. Scripture: Luke 23-46. Soup supper at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Sonrise Christian Center, 2910 Highway 32, Suite 200: "Financial Freedom Service," from Pastor Scott Dowell; 10 a.m. Holy Spirit Encounter; 6 p.m.
Sovereign Joy Christian Fellowship, 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: "Rest and Christian's relation to the Sabbath Day?", from Pastor Patrick Mathers; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Matthew 11:28-12:8. "The Law and Gospel How does the Christian relate to the Law?", from Mathers; 6:30 p.m. at 11 Discovery Way.
St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church, 228 Salem St.: "Bondage and Grace," from the Rev. Peter Hansen on the Fourth Sunday in Lent; 8 and 10 a.m. with Holy Eucharist.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 26 Overland Court, Community Center: Fourth Sunday in Lent. Solemn Mass; 10 a.m. The Most Rev. Vincent Quaresima, celebrant. The Rev. Robert Berry, preaching. Andrew Berry, acolyte.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 416 Chestnut St.: Masses; 7:30 and 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. English and 12:30 p.m. Spanish. Tridentine Latin Mass; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalm 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Ave.: "The Will to Embrace," from the Rev. Richard B. Yale; 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I and 10:15 a.m. Rite II. Adult forum, "The Order of Julian of Norwich," from Rich Carlson; 9 a.m.
St. Therese Catholic Chapel, 1749 Spruce Ave.: Latin Mass; 10 a.m. The Rev. Stephen Galambos, celebrant. Scripture: Galatians 4:22-31, St. John 6:1-15.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. Fifth St.: "The Wearin' O' The Mud?", from the Rev. David Vallelunga; 9 and 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Paradise Sunday services:
Alliance Church, 6491 Clark Road: A message from part 10 of Pastor Larry G. Shelton's series, "Victorious Christian Living"; 9 and 10:45 a.m. contemporary in the Worship Center Auditorium. Scripture: Joshua 10. "Safeguard Against Seduction," from Pastor Dave Bruns; 9 a.m. classic in the Family Life Center. Scripture: Colossians 2:8-10.
Center for Spiritual Living, Church of Religious Science, 789 Bille Road: "Creating Peace," from the Rev. Andy Torkelson; 10 a.m. Guided meditation; 9:30 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church, 5095 Pentz Road: "Love Is the Only Way," from Pastor David McMartin; 10 a.m. Scripture: John 13:34, 35.
Home Church of Paradise, meets at the Paradise Grange Hall, 5704 Chapel Drive: "Salvation and Suffering," from Pastor Kirk Belben; 10 a.m. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-12 (part 3).
Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive: A message from the Rev. Rod Platte; 10 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Ridge Southern Baptist Church, 6975 Pentz Road: "His Name Is Called the Word of God," from Pastor Robert Sorenson; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Scripture: Revelation 19:13.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 767 Elliott Road: Masses; 8 and 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Rev. Steven Foppiano, presider.
United Methodist Church, 6722 Clark Road: "Standing on Holy Ground?", from the Rev. Bob Biehler; 9 a.m. contemporary and 10:30 a.m. traditional. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Magalia Sunday service:
Magalia Community Church, 13700 Old Skyway: "Evident Faith," from Pastor Wes Bristol; 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary. Scripture: Acts 11:19-25.
Durham Sunday service:
St. James Catholic Church, Holland and Faber streets: Masses: 9 a.m. English; 10:30 a.m. Spanish. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalm 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
Forest Ranch Sunday services:
Forest Ranch Baptist Church, Northeast corner Schott Road and Highway 32. 891-8079: "Jesus' Approach to Health Care," from Pastor Chips Ross; 11 a.m. Scripture: Matthew 19:1-2. "What's So Great About This Beast," from Ross; 6 p.m.
Mountain Joy Bible Fellowship, meets at 15522 Nopel Ave.: "Victory," from Pastor Scott MacKenzie; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-18.
Oroville Sunday services:
Unity of Oroville, 1321 Robinson St.: "Trusting the Process of Change," from spiritual leader, Robyn Plante; 10 a.m.
Hamilton City services:
Evangelical Free Church, 490 Los Robles: "Yet You Have Not Returned to Me," from Pastor Elyot Johnson; 11 a.m. Scripture: Amos 3, 4.
Posted: 03/13/2010 01:49:05 AM PST
Chico services today:
Congregation Beth Israel, 1336 Hemlock St.: Rabbi Julie Danan will speak on the Torah Portion; 10 a.m. Torah portion: Vayakhel/Pekudei.
Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Vigil Mass; 5 p.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 416 Chestnut St.: Vigil Mass; 5:30 p.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 26 Overland Court, Community Center: Mass; 10 a.m.
Paradise service today:
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 767 Elliott Road: Mass; 8:30 a.m. Vigil for Sunday Mass; 5 p.m. The Rev. Steven Foppiano, presider.
Chico Sunday services:
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2869 Cohasset Road: "Sentenced," from Pastor Neal Neuenburg; 9 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional/blended. Scripture: Mark 15:1-15.
Asian Bible Church, 2775 Nord Ave. between Henshaw and Bell Roads: A message from Terry Chew, from Laguna Chinese Baptist Church; 9:30 a.m.
Bidwell Presbyterian Church, 208 W. First St.: A message from Pastor Steve Schibsted; 8:30 a.m. traditional, 9:45 and 11:11 a.m. contemporary and 5:45 p.m. alternative. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50.
Butte Bible Fellowship, 2255 Pillsbury Road: "How Long Will You Grieve?", from Pastor Glenn Cheney; 10:15 a.m. Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:1. "Why Did Sarah Laugh," from Cheney, sharing a study in the life of Abraham; 6 p.m. Scripture: Genesis 18.
Center for Spiritual Living — Greater Chico, 555 Flying V St., Suite 4: "Principle Is My Foundation," from the Rev. Louie Gates; 10:30 a.m.
Chico Bible Fellowship, 1505 Arbutus Ave.: "Marketplace Reality," from Pastor Rich Taylor's series, "Think It... Say It... Be It"; 10 a.m.
Chico Friends Meeting (Quakers), 1601 Hemlock St.: Intergenerational singing at 9:30 a.m., followed by unprogrammed Quaker meeting for worship and youth program at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
Chico New Thought Center for Spiritual Living, Lakeside Pavilion, 2565 California Park Drive: "Choose to Choose," from the Rev. Duchess Dale; 10 a.m. Meditation; 9:30 a.m.
Christian Life Center-Foursquare Gospel Church, 1492 East Ave.: Water baptisms during celebration of worship; 10 a.m.
Christian Science Church, 770 Palmetto Ave.: "Substance"; 10 a.m. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:14.
Church of Christ, 995 E. Lassen Ave.: "Learning to Really Care About One Another," from Tim Kelley's series, "Growing Into Christ"; 10:30 a.m. Making It Personal; 6 p.m.
Church on the Esplanade, 1119 The Esplanade: "From Busyness to Focus," from Pastor Ed Pincusoff; 11 a.m. Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10.
Covenant Reformed Church, meets at 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: "The Lord of the Passover"; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
ECKANKAR, Subud Hall, 574 E. 12th St.: "God's Love in Action," from Eck cleric Sandy Paris; 11 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church, 1193 Filbert Ave.: "Don't Mislead Young Ones," from special speaker Ken Anderson; 8:30 a.m. traditional/blended and 11 a.m. contemporary. Scripture: Mark 9:42-50.
Faith Lutheran Church, 667 E. First Ave.: "Rejoice With Me," from Pastor Schultz-Akerson; 8:30 a.m. traditional service of Holy Communion, 11 a.m. contemporary service of Holy Communion. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
First Assembly of God, 1137 Arbutus Ave.: "Reaching in, So we Can Reach Out," from Pastor Scott Williams; 10 a.m. Spanish service with message from Pastor Julio Portillo; 10 a.m.
First Baptist Church, 850 Palmetto Ave.: "What's New? Everything!" from the Rev. Ted Sandberg; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-7.
First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, 295 E. Washington Ave.: "A Sunday Morning Creature Feature," from the Rev. Jesse Kearns; 8:15 and 10:25 a.m. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
Grace Bible Church, 587 Country Drive: "God's Plan for Your Salvation," part 2, from Pastor Nick Amatuccio; 10 and 11 a.m. Scripture: Romans 8:29-30.
Grace Brethren Church, 355 Panama Ave.: "Acts of service," from Pastor Bob Hayworth's love language series; 9 and 10:45 a.m. "Jesus teaching in the temple," from Pastor Paul Rhodes in his series on John's Gospel; 6 p.m. Scripture: John 7:21-31.
Grace Community Church, 2346 Floral Ave.: "Finding Common Ground," part 1 of Pastor Dave Workman's new series, "Real Life Friendship"; 8:20, 9:45 and 11:10 a.m.
Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd.: Pastor Zack Curry will be sharing the message for both The Gathering, 9 a.m. in the dome and "The 10:29," at 10:29 a.m. in Room 401.
Orchard Church, meets at Chico Country Day School, 102 W. 11th St.: "Jesus Followers offer Others Dignity, Compassion and Love," from the series, "What Difference Can a Week Make?"; 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Church on the Street outreach service with meal served at City Plaza; 5:30 p.m.
Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 566 E. Lassen Ave.: Masses 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalms 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran (LCMS), Moss and Hawthorne avenues: "Jesus, the Savior of Sinners," from the Rev. Donald Jordan; 10 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. "Words from the Cross: Dying Word," from guest pastor, the Rev. Mark Rabe of Calvary Evangelical LCMS, Oroville; 7 p.m. Wednesday. Scripture: Luke 23-46. Soup supper at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Sonrise Christian Center, 2910 Highway 32, Suite 200: "Financial Freedom Service," from Pastor Scott Dowell; 10 a.m. Holy Spirit Encounter; 6 p.m.
Sovereign Joy Christian Fellowship, 1877 Hooker Oak Ave.: "Rest and Christian's relation to the Sabbath Day?", from Pastor Patrick Mathers; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Matthew 11:28-12:8. "The Law and Gospel How does the Christian relate to the Law?", from Mathers; 6:30 p.m. at 11 Discovery Way.
St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church, 228 Salem St.: "Bondage and Grace," from the Rev. Peter Hansen on the Fourth Sunday in Lent; 8 and 10 a.m. with Holy Eucharist.
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 26 Overland Court, Community Center: Fourth Sunday in Lent. Solemn Mass; 10 a.m. The Most Rev. Vincent Quaresima, celebrant. The Rev. Robert Berry, preaching. Andrew Berry, acolyte.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 416 Chestnut St.: Masses; 7:30 and 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. English and 12:30 p.m. Spanish. Tridentine Latin Mass; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalm 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Ave.: "The Will to Embrace," from the Rev. Richard B. Yale; 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I and 10:15 a.m. Rite II. Adult forum, "The Order of Julian of Norwich," from Rich Carlson; 9 a.m.
St. Therese Catholic Chapel, 1749 Spruce Ave.: Latin Mass; 10 a.m. The Rev. Stephen Galambos, celebrant. Scripture: Galatians 4:22-31, St. John 6:1-15.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. Fifth St.: "The Wearin' O' The Mud?", from the Rev. David Vallelunga; 9 and 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Paradise Sunday services:
Alliance Church, 6491 Clark Road: A message from part 10 of Pastor Larry G. Shelton's series, "Victorious Christian Living"; 9 and 10:45 a.m. contemporary in the Worship Center Auditorium. Scripture: Joshua 10. "Safeguard Against Seduction," from Pastor Dave Bruns; 9 a.m. classic in the Family Life Center. Scripture: Colossians 2:8-10.
Center for Spiritual Living, Church of Religious Science, 789 Bille Road: "Creating Peace," from the Rev. Andy Torkelson; 10 a.m. Guided meditation; 9:30 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church, 5095 Pentz Road: "Love Is the Only Way," from Pastor David McMartin; 10 a.m. Scripture: John 13:34, 35.
Home Church of Paradise, meets at the Paradise Grange Hall, 5704 Chapel Drive: "Salvation and Suffering," from Pastor Kirk Belben; 10 a.m. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-12 (part 3).
Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive: A message from the Rev. Rod Platte; 10 a.m. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Ridge Southern Baptist Church, 6975 Pentz Road: "His Name Is Called the Word of God," from Pastor Robert Sorenson; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Scripture: Revelation 19:13.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 767 Elliott Road: Masses; 8 and 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Rev. Steven Foppiano, presider.
United Methodist Church, 6722 Clark Road: "Standing on Holy Ground?", from the Rev. Bob Biehler; 9 a.m. contemporary and 10:30 a.m. traditional. Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Magalia Sunday service:
Magalia Community Church, 13700 Old Skyway: "Evident Faith," from Pastor Wes Bristol; 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary. Scripture: Acts 11:19-25.
Durham Sunday service:
St. James Catholic Church, Holland and Faber streets: Masses: 9 a.m. English; 10:30 a.m. Spanish. Scripture: Joshua 5:9, 10-12, Psalm 34:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
Forest Ranch Sunday services:
Forest Ranch Baptist Church, Northeast corner Schott Road and Highway 32. 891-8079: "Jesus' Approach to Health Care," from Pastor Chips Ross; 11 a.m. Scripture: Matthew 19:1-2. "What's So Great About This Beast," from Ross; 6 p.m.
Mountain Joy Bible Fellowship, meets at 15522 Nopel Ave.: "Victory," from Pastor Scott MacKenzie; 10:30 a.m. Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-18.
Oroville Sunday services:
Unity of Oroville, 1321 Robinson St.: "Trusting the Process of Change," from spiritual leader, Robyn Plante; 10 a.m.
Hamilton City services:
Evangelical Free Church, 490 Los Robles: "Yet You Have Not Returned to Me," from Pastor Elyot Johnson; 11 a.m. Scripture: Amos 3, 4.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Spiritual Journey Beings After the Cure
When treatment ends, patients with cancer combat challenges cancer
Billy Johnston of Mount Vernon, Ill., rings a bell recently, signaling the end of his prostate cancer treatment at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Johnston received the last of his radiation doses and was given a round of applause as he ringed the bell. (Robert Cohen/P-D)
By Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/11/2010
Billy Johnston had his 43rd and final radiation treatment for prostate cancer early one recent morning.
Afterward, he earnestly thanked his doctor, the nurse practitioner, the receptionist and just about any other staff member he could find in the radiation oncology department at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Then Johnston walked across the waiting room and rang a brass bell. Other patients clapped and cheered: one of their brethren had reached the finish line.
Five days a week, for eight weeks, Johnston, 75, made the 165-mile round trip from his home in Mount Vernon, Ill., to St. Louis for the treatments.
GET MORE HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS
bullet Check out stories, photos, multimedia and more
bullet Check out the People's Pharmacy
That time on the road wasn't so bad, he said, but the treatments were making him tired. Now he could get strong again and go back to work for his brother's car auction business.
"I don't want to sit around and get all stoved up," he said, referring to the stiffness that can set in with age.
Lisa A. Facer remembers how good it felt to ring the brass bell in the medical oncology department at the Siteman Center in West County when she finished six months of chemotherapy. She still has a picture of that moment hanging on her refrigerator.
When Facer, 54, of St. Charles, moved on to breast cancer treatments at the radiation oncology department at the St. Louis site, she was disappointed to find no bell for the patients.
So she bought them one.
"They've got to have a bell in radiation, because finishing is one more thing that's done. Now you're on the way to the rest of your life," she said. She's since bought bells for two other Siteman oncology departments.
Finishing cancer treatments is highly emotional, Facer said. She and other cancer survivors report feeling a sense of accomplishment, relief and liberation.
They've made it through a long hard haul. Soon their depleted energy levels and weakened immune systems will rebound; their hair will grow back and their days will resume a normal rhythm.
WHAT NOW?
But that final treatment — and ringing that bell — prompts other emotions, too, such as fear and uncertainty.
Many patients find themselves asking: What now?
"When you lose the security of knowing that you're acting toward curing your cancer, it's really scary," said Barbara Platzer, 72, of Chesterfield, who finished treatments for ovarian cancer three years ago. "Every time I'd go for chemotherapy, I'd have a doctor looking at me and doing lab tests where I'd see that my (cancer antigen-125) numbers were improving. And that made me feel secure, like I had control over what was happening. I felt like we were actively killing the cancer."
Facer, who has an aggressive form of breast cancer called HER3, was certain she'd get regularly scheduled bone scans, CT scans and blood tests after her treatments.
Not so. There are bio-marker tests for prostate cancer but not most other types.
Breast cancer survivors are monitored with mammograms and MRIs.
"And that's the part that scares the hell out of me," Facer said. "When those detect anything, it's often more advanced."
Part of the challenge of living with cancer is figuring out how to move on with life and not think about it on a daily basis, she said. "But you know not every cancer cell is gone, and they could be waiting for a timely moment to recur."
Dr. Michael Naughton,a medical oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at Washington University, thinks a lot of the emotional coping that goes with a diagnosis is put on the back burner while patients are getting chemotherapy and radiation, because the treatments are so physically hard.
"Once they're done, they realize what they've just been through," he said. "They were geared up for the battle and when they finish, they let their guard down and their focus is now, 'Wow! What did I just go through and what's my future?' "
Naughton reminds them that we all live with risks; that a mortality table from an insurance actuary would show that the risk of dying of heart disease or stroke or a car accident is high, too.
"Our patients are just more acutely aware of their risk," he said. "But this isn't something to be preoccupied with. I tell them: You need to live your life, because that's why you went through all this to begin with."
It's not unusual, he said, for patients to get counseling and be put on anti-depressants after treatment. Or, they'll ask for other treatment options, such as maintenance therapy or a clinical trial. If there's a viable one that seems promising, he'll give it to them.
Naughton also talks to patients about things they can do that lower the risk of a recurrence, such exercising, eating a healthy diet, controlling their weight and avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking. It helps them feel like they have some control, he said.
'CHART YOUR OWN COURSE'
After finishing radiation last year, Facer participated in a clinical trial of the chemotherapy drug, Tykerb, which comes in pill form. She now runs five days a week in a pool and eats strawberries or blueberries every day, because studies have shown that a phytonutrient in them called quercetin kills cancer cells.
"I also eat salmon or tuna three or four times a week (for Omega 3 fatty acids), and I'm trying to lose weight," she said. Marilyn Kuhn still feels the lymph nodes in her neck with her fingers every day. That's how she detected Stage 3 Lymphoma in 2006. It had already spread to her bone marrow, spleen and lymphatic system.
But Kuhn, 60, of Webster Groves, said she felt only relief and happiness the day she finished chemotherapy in May 2008.
She'd long ago swapped reading about Lymphoma for reading Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment."
"If you buy into the statistics, it'll drive you crazy," Kuhn said. "So my motto became, 'Chart your own course.' I don't know what's going to happen to me. If I buy into the numbers either way, it wouldn't be a good thing .
Besides, she added, Tolle said "that once you start thinking about the future, you're making it up. It's not real."
Billy Johnston of Mount Vernon, Ill., rings a bell recently, signaling the end of his prostate cancer treatment at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Johnston received the last of his radiation doses and was given a round of applause as he ringed the bell. (Robert Cohen/P-D)
By Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/11/2010
Billy Johnston had his 43rd and final radiation treatment for prostate cancer early one recent morning.
Afterward, he earnestly thanked his doctor, the nurse practitioner, the receptionist and just about any other staff member he could find in the radiation oncology department at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Then Johnston walked across the waiting room and rang a brass bell. Other patients clapped and cheered: one of their brethren had reached the finish line.
Five days a week, for eight weeks, Johnston, 75, made the 165-mile round trip from his home in Mount Vernon, Ill., to St. Louis for the treatments.
GET MORE HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS
bullet Check out stories, photos, multimedia and more
bullet Check out the People's Pharmacy
That time on the road wasn't so bad, he said, but the treatments were making him tired. Now he could get strong again and go back to work for his brother's car auction business.
"I don't want to sit around and get all stoved up," he said, referring to the stiffness that can set in with age.
Lisa A. Facer remembers how good it felt to ring the brass bell in the medical oncology department at the Siteman Center in West County when she finished six months of chemotherapy. She still has a picture of that moment hanging on her refrigerator.
When Facer, 54, of St. Charles, moved on to breast cancer treatments at the radiation oncology department at the St. Louis site, she was disappointed to find no bell for the patients.
So she bought them one.
"They've got to have a bell in radiation, because finishing is one more thing that's done. Now you're on the way to the rest of your life," she said. She's since bought bells for two other Siteman oncology departments.
Finishing cancer treatments is highly emotional, Facer said. She and other cancer survivors report feeling a sense of accomplishment, relief and liberation.
They've made it through a long hard haul. Soon their depleted energy levels and weakened immune systems will rebound; their hair will grow back and their days will resume a normal rhythm.
WHAT NOW?
But that final treatment — and ringing that bell — prompts other emotions, too, such as fear and uncertainty.
Many patients find themselves asking: What now?
"When you lose the security of knowing that you're acting toward curing your cancer, it's really scary," said Barbara Platzer, 72, of Chesterfield, who finished treatments for ovarian cancer three years ago. "Every time I'd go for chemotherapy, I'd have a doctor looking at me and doing lab tests where I'd see that my (cancer antigen-125) numbers were improving. And that made me feel secure, like I had control over what was happening. I felt like we were actively killing the cancer."
Facer, who has an aggressive form of breast cancer called HER3, was certain she'd get regularly scheduled bone scans, CT scans and blood tests after her treatments.
Not so. There are bio-marker tests for prostate cancer but not most other types.
Breast cancer survivors are monitored with mammograms and MRIs.
"And that's the part that scares the hell out of me," Facer said. "When those detect anything, it's often more advanced."
Part of the challenge of living with cancer is figuring out how to move on with life and not think about it on a daily basis, she said. "But you know not every cancer cell is gone, and they could be waiting for a timely moment to recur."
Dr. Michael Naughton,a medical oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at Washington University, thinks a lot of the emotional coping that goes with a diagnosis is put on the back burner while patients are getting chemotherapy and radiation, because the treatments are so physically hard.
"Once they're done, they realize what they've just been through," he said. "They were geared up for the battle and when they finish, they let their guard down and their focus is now, 'Wow! What did I just go through and what's my future?' "
Naughton reminds them that we all live with risks; that a mortality table from an insurance actuary would show that the risk of dying of heart disease or stroke or a car accident is high, too.
"Our patients are just more acutely aware of their risk," he said. "But this isn't something to be preoccupied with. I tell them: You need to live your life, because that's why you went through all this to begin with."
It's not unusual, he said, for patients to get counseling and be put on anti-depressants after treatment. Or, they'll ask for other treatment options, such as maintenance therapy or a clinical trial. If there's a viable one that seems promising, he'll give it to them.
Naughton also talks to patients about things they can do that lower the risk of a recurrence, such exercising, eating a healthy diet, controlling their weight and avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking. It helps them feel like they have some control, he said.
'CHART YOUR OWN COURSE'
After finishing radiation last year, Facer participated in a clinical trial of the chemotherapy drug, Tykerb, which comes in pill form. She now runs five days a week in a pool and eats strawberries or blueberries every day, because studies have shown that a phytonutrient in them called quercetin kills cancer cells.
"I also eat salmon or tuna three or four times a week (for Omega 3 fatty acids), and I'm trying to lose weight," she said. Marilyn Kuhn still feels the lymph nodes in her neck with her fingers every day. That's how she detected Stage 3 Lymphoma in 2006. It had already spread to her bone marrow, spleen and lymphatic system.
But Kuhn, 60, of Webster Groves, said she felt only relief and happiness the day she finished chemotherapy in May 2008.
She'd long ago swapped reading about Lymphoma for reading Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment."
"If you buy into the statistics, it'll drive you crazy," Kuhn said. "So my motto became, 'Chart your own course.' I don't know what's going to happen to me. If I buy into the numbers either way, it wouldn't be a good thing .
Besides, she added, Tolle said "that once you start thinking about the future, you're making it up. It's not real."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Cosmic Wow Book
Emerging Author Explores Spirituality and Ability to Positively Affect Change in Metaphysical Journey
CHICAGO, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In his new metaphysical examination, Getting Exactly What We Deserve Volume 1: The Amorphous Essence Theory (published by iUniverse), emerging author A. E. Hinton offers readers a spiritual philosophy designed to expose the inner workings of mankind's real struggle, namely the control we exert over our positive and negative mental influences.
As Hinton studies various philosophies and theological concepts in each chapter, readers will learn about the true powers they possess and the most fundamental way to control their most precious gifts -- those of faith and positive creation. Together, we can finally awaken awareness in the spiritually minded and help them move closer to the path of faith instead of trapping themselves in a prison of fear, thus leading them to the very core of their strength in enlightenment and self-awareness. Now is the opportunity for everyone to help reshape the pattern of mankind's thinking on a global scale. This is the primary message in Hinton's new book, designed to aid in awakening our dormant faith to a level of spiritual righteousness. This is also in sync with the promise God offers everyone so we may benefit all of humanity.
Walk the wondrous path toward inner strength and personal insight today with Getting Exactly What We Deserve. Help remove the obstacles that make the journey more difficult and exhausting, which keep many people from achieving inner peace. Geared toward the positive spiritual enlightenment of all human beings, Hinton's book will undoubtedly help guide readers to realize their true spiritual potential to walk in unity with God and all of creation.
About the Author
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Hinton relocated to Chicago in 1984, seeking to better life. He later attended Columbia College before briefly attempting some standup comedy, and then later being hit by a drunk driver in 1990, which left him a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury. After he finished physical therapy and became semi-independent, he helped many people and their loved ones deal with disabilities through peer counseling. He became a spokesperson for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and he later appear in more than a dozen newspaper, television and magazine articles about disability awareness, including the U.S. News & World Report Magazine and CBS's Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt. Hinton has also volunteered with RIC's Think First program and has served for more than three years on the board for the mayor's office for people with disabilities. In 1998, he then received an award from Cook County Circuit Court Judges for his work with young drivers and advocacy for safe driving. In addition to Getting Exactly What We Deserve, Hinton has published a poem, "Choice," in Awaking to Sunshine and the book Confessions of Lifetimes in the Fountain of Choice.
iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.iuniverse.com.
CHICAGO, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In his new metaphysical examination, Getting Exactly What We Deserve Volume 1: The Amorphous Essence Theory (published by iUniverse), emerging author A. E. Hinton offers readers a spiritual philosophy designed to expose the inner workings of mankind's real struggle, namely the control we exert over our positive and negative mental influences.
As Hinton studies various philosophies and theological concepts in each chapter, readers will learn about the true powers they possess and the most fundamental way to control their most precious gifts -- those of faith and positive creation. Together, we can finally awaken awareness in the spiritually minded and help them move closer to the path of faith instead of trapping themselves in a prison of fear, thus leading them to the very core of their strength in enlightenment and self-awareness. Now is the opportunity for everyone to help reshape the pattern of mankind's thinking on a global scale. This is the primary message in Hinton's new book, designed to aid in awakening our dormant faith to a level of spiritual righteousness. This is also in sync with the promise God offers everyone so we may benefit all of humanity.
Walk the wondrous path toward inner strength and personal insight today with Getting Exactly What We Deserve. Help remove the obstacles that make the journey more difficult and exhausting, which keep many people from achieving inner peace. Geared toward the positive spiritual enlightenment of all human beings, Hinton's book will undoubtedly help guide readers to realize their true spiritual potential to walk in unity with God and all of creation.
About the Author
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Hinton relocated to Chicago in 1984, seeking to better life. He later attended Columbia College before briefly attempting some standup comedy, and then later being hit by a drunk driver in 1990, which left him a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury. After he finished physical therapy and became semi-independent, he helped many people and their loved ones deal with disabilities through peer counseling. He became a spokesperson for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and he later appear in more than a dozen newspaper, television and magazine articles about disability awareness, including the U.S. News & World Report Magazine and CBS's Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt. Hinton has also volunteered with RIC's Think First program and has served for more than three years on the board for the mayor's office for people with disabilities. In 1998, he then received an award from Cook County Circuit Court Judges for his work with young drivers and advocacy for safe driving. In addition to Getting Exactly What We Deserve, Hinton has published a poem, "Choice," in Awaking to Sunshine and the book Confessions of Lifetimes in the Fountain of Choice.
iUniverse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.iuniverse.com.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
It is Human to Fall when Arrogant
quest for spiritual enlightenment took Rajasekaran through the portals of several monastic establishments over the years that preceded his becoming Swami Nithyananda Paramahamsa. It was during his stay in one of the many mutts that I saw him. It must be more than 10 years ago.
He was undergoing training as a Brahmachari and I was a volunteer, visiting the mutt during my free time to help out the monks in the various public service activities.
Rajasekaran was the cynosure of all eyes due to his effervescence — always perky like a child.
Upon interacting with him I realised his intense spiritual quest. He spoke nothing other than spiritual matters. Most visitors felt he would grow up to be a spiritual master, which he did but much earlier than anyone anticipated.
Since I had interacted with him, I kept track of his growth as a religious leader, attracting devotees with his eloquence, charm and youthful energy, since he was very much in the media limelight, smiling from posters, newspaper advertisements and television screens.
I remember a few senior monks warning Rajasekaran against using siddhis. (Siddhi is the fruit of worshipping a particular deity continuously for attaining some skill.) Another learned monk, who is also well versed in astrology, had given a different warning: Rajasekaran might face danger in future because of a woman closely associated with his ashram activities.
I remembered that ‘warning’ on Tuesday night, when a Tamil television news channel started airing video clippings. I also felt sorry for him. For he had then come across as a genuine spiritual aspirant.
I wondered if his fall came about because he failed to follow some of the advice he was given at the mutt by true seekers of Truth, who do not seek publicity.
He was undergoing training as a Brahmachari and I was a volunteer, visiting the mutt during my free time to help out the monks in the various public service activities.
Rajasekaran was the cynosure of all eyes due to his effervescence — always perky like a child.
Upon interacting with him I realised his intense spiritual quest. He spoke nothing other than spiritual matters. Most visitors felt he would grow up to be a spiritual master, which he did but much earlier than anyone anticipated.
Since I had interacted with him, I kept track of his growth as a religious leader, attracting devotees with his eloquence, charm and youthful energy, since he was very much in the media limelight, smiling from posters, newspaper advertisements and television screens.
I remember a few senior monks warning Rajasekaran against using siddhis. (Siddhi is the fruit of worshipping a particular deity continuously for attaining some skill.) Another learned monk, who is also well versed in astrology, had given a different warning: Rajasekaran might face danger in future because of a woman closely associated with his ashram activities.
I remembered that ‘warning’ on Tuesday night, when a Tamil television news channel started airing video clippings. I also felt sorry for him. For he had then come across as a genuine spiritual aspirant.
I wondered if his fall came about because he failed to follow some of the advice he was given at the mutt by true seekers of Truth, who do not seek publicity.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Spirit Seeker the Horse
By Jack Shinar
Updated: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 2:41 PM
Posted: Saturday, March 6, 2010 6:57 PM
Email Print RSS ShareThis
Email A Friend
Close Window
In a race likely to produce a couple of contestants for the much-anticipated Apple Blossom Invitational (gr. I) April 9, front-running Freedom Star dominated the $149,750 Azeri Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park March 6 (VIDEO) .
George Krikorian's Freedom Star, a 4-year-old daughter of Street Cry shipping in from Southern California for trainer Bob Baffert, registered her first stakes win.
Calvin Borel, riding Freedom Star for the first time, hustled her out of the gate from the rail post and Freedom Star never looked back while winning by 3 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:44.09 for the 1 1/16-mile distance on a fast track. Quarter-mile fractions for the first six furlongs were :23.83, :48.11, and 1:12.93.
Freedom Star ran the legs off her pace rivals Just Jenda, Afleet Deceit, and Spirit Seeker to open up a clear lead in the lane. Euphony, putting in a sweeping six-wide rally around the final bend, appeared to have a chance to run down Freedom Star, but the pacesetter had something left for the final furlong and put away the challenger.
Euphony, ridden by Cliff Berry, finished second by 1 1/2 lengths over Afleet Deceit and Chris Emigh. Just Jenda checked in fourth, a head behind Afleet Deceit.
War Echo, the 2-1 favorite in the field of nine, finished fifth as the 119-pound high weight. French Kiss, Superior Storm, Spirit Seeker, and Taptam completed the order.
Freedom Star won for the fourth time in nine starts while boosting her bankroll to $197,160 with the $90,000 winning share. Bred in Kentucky by Y. Kolybabiuk, the bay filly is out of the Williamstown mare Willie's Luv and sold for $220,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in September 2007.
Freedom Star was coming off a fifth-place finish in the La Canada Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park. She ran third in the El Encino (gr. II) before that.
Sent off as the close second choice, Freedom Star carried 115 pounds and paid $7.60, $4.80, and $3.80 and topped a $49.60 exacta. Grade III winner Euphony, who prepped for the Azeri with a second-place finish in Oaklawn's Pippin Stakes on a sloppy track Jan. 23, returned $5.20 and $4. Afleet Deceit, who ran fifth in the Pippin, paid $9 to show.
Updated: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 2:41 PM
Posted: Saturday, March 6, 2010 6:57 PM
Email Print RSS ShareThis
Email A Friend
Close Window
In a race likely to produce a couple of contestants for the much-anticipated Apple Blossom Invitational (gr. I) April 9, front-running Freedom Star dominated the $149,750 Azeri Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park March 6 (VIDEO) .
George Krikorian's Freedom Star, a 4-year-old daughter of Street Cry shipping in from Southern California for trainer Bob Baffert, registered her first stakes win.
Calvin Borel, riding Freedom Star for the first time, hustled her out of the gate from the rail post and Freedom Star never looked back while winning by 3 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:44.09 for the 1 1/16-mile distance on a fast track. Quarter-mile fractions for the first six furlongs were :23.83, :48.11, and 1:12.93.
Freedom Star ran the legs off her pace rivals Just Jenda, Afleet Deceit, and Spirit Seeker to open up a clear lead in the lane. Euphony, putting in a sweeping six-wide rally around the final bend, appeared to have a chance to run down Freedom Star, but the pacesetter had something left for the final furlong and put away the challenger.
Euphony, ridden by Cliff Berry, finished second by 1 1/2 lengths over Afleet Deceit and Chris Emigh. Just Jenda checked in fourth, a head behind Afleet Deceit.
War Echo, the 2-1 favorite in the field of nine, finished fifth as the 119-pound high weight. French Kiss, Superior Storm, Spirit Seeker, and Taptam completed the order.
Freedom Star won for the fourth time in nine starts while boosting her bankroll to $197,160 with the $90,000 winning share. Bred in Kentucky by Y. Kolybabiuk, the bay filly is out of the Williamstown mare Willie's Luv and sold for $220,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in September 2007.
Freedom Star was coming off a fifth-place finish in the La Canada Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 14 at Santa Anita Park. She ran third in the El Encino (gr. II) before that.
Sent off as the close second choice, Freedom Star carried 115 pounds and paid $7.60, $4.80, and $3.80 and topped a $49.60 exacta. Grade III winner Euphony, who prepped for the Azeri with a second-place finish in Oaklawn's Pippin Stakes on a sloppy track Jan. 23, returned $5.20 and $4. Afleet Deceit, who ran fifth in the Pippin, paid $9 to show.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Spiritual Pursuit More Difficult Today than Yesterday?
By ROSS DOUTHAT
Mysticism is dying, and taking true religion with it. Monasteries have dwindled. Contemplative orders have declined. Our religious leaders no longer preach the renunciation of the world; our culture scoffs at the idea. The closest most Americans come to real asceticism is giving up chocolate, cappuccinos, or (in my own not-quite-Francis-of-Assisi case) meat for lunch for Lent.
This, at least, is the stern message of Luke Timothy Johnson, writing in the latest issue of the Catholic journal Commonweal. As society has become steadily more materialistic, Johnson declares, our churches have followed suit, giving up on the ascetic and ecstatic aspects of religion and emphasizing only the more worldly expressions of faith. Conservative believers fixate on the culture wars, religious liberals preach social justice, and neither leaves room for what should be a central focus of religion — the quest for the numinous, the pursuit of the unnamable, the tremor of bliss and the dark night of the soul.
Yet by some measures, mysticism’s place in contemporary religious life looks more secure than ever. Our opinion polls suggest that we’re encountering the divine all over the place. In 1962, after a decade-long boom in church attendance and public religiosity, Gallup found that just 22 percent of Americans reported having what they termed “a religious or mystical experience.” Flash forward to 2009, in a supposedly more secular United States, and that number had climbed to nearly 50 percent.
In a sense, Americans seem to have done with mysticism what we’ve done with every other kind of human experience: We’ve democratized it, diversified it, and taken it mass market. No previous society has offered seekers so many different ways to chase after nirvana, so many different paths to unity with God or Gaia or Whomever. A would-be mystic can attend a Pentecostal healing service one day and a class on Buddhism the next, dabble in Kabbalah in February and experiment with crystals in March, practice yoga every morning and spend weekends at an Eastern Orthodox retreat center. Sufi prayer techniques, Eucharistic adoration, peyote, tantric sex — name your preferred path to spiritual epiphany, and it’s probably on the table.
This democratization has been in many ways a blessing. Our horizons have been broadened, our religious resources have expanded, and we’ve even recovered spiritual practices that seemed to have died out long ago. The unexpected revival of glossolalia (speaking in tongues, that is), the oldest and strangest form of Christian worship, remains one of the more remarkable stories of 20th-century religion.
And yet Johnson may be right that something important is being lost as well. By making mysticism more democratic, we’ve also made it more bourgeois, more comfortable, and more dilettantish. It’s become something we pursue as a complement to an upwardly mobile existence, rather than a radical alternative to the ladder of success. Going to yoga classes isn’t the same thing as becoming a yogi; spending a week in a retreat center doesn’t make me Thomas Merton or Thérèse of Lisieux. Our kind of mysticism is more likely to be a pleasant hobby than a transformative vocation.
What’s more, it’s possible that our horizons have become too broad, and that real spiritual breakthroughs require a kind of narrowing — the decision to pick a path and stick with it, rather than hopscotching around in search of a synthesis that “works for me.” The great mystics of the past were often committed to a particular tradition and community, and bound by the rules (and often the physical confines) of a specific religious institution. Without these kind of strictures and commitments, Johnson argues, mysticism drifts easily into a kind of solipsism: “Kabbalism apart from Torah-observance is playacting; Sufism disconnected from Shariah is vague theosophy; and Christian mysticism that finds no center in the Eucharist or the Passion of Christ drifts into a form of self-grooming.”
Most religious believers will never be great mystics, of course, and the American way of faith is kinder than many earlier eras to those of us who won’t. But maybe it’s become too kind, and too accommodating. Even ordinary belief — the kind that seeks epiphanies between deadlines, and struggles even with the meager self-discipline required to get through Lent — depends on extraordinary examples, whether they’re embedded in our communities or cloistered in the great silence of a monastery. Without them, faith can become just another form of worldliness, therapeutic rather than transcendent, and shorn of any claim to stand in judgment over our everyday choices and concerns.
Without them, too, we give up on what’s supposed to be the deep promise of religious practice: that at any time, in any place, it’s possible to encounter the divine, the revolutionary and the impossible — and have your life completely shattered and remade.
Mysticism is dying, and taking true religion with it. Monasteries have dwindled. Contemplative orders have declined. Our religious leaders no longer preach the renunciation of the world; our culture scoffs at the idea. The closest most Americans come to real asceticism is giving up chocolate, cappuccinos, or (in my own not-quite-Francis-of-Assisi case) meat for lunch for Lent.
This, at least, is the stern message of Luke Timothy Johnson, writing in the latest issue of the Catholic journal Commonweal. As society has become steadily more materialistic, Johnson declares, our churches have followed suit, giving up on the ascetic and ecstatic aspects of religion and emphasizing only the more worldly expressions of faith. Conservative believers fixate on the culture wars, religious liberals preach social justice, and neither leaves room for what should be a central focus of religion — the quest for the numinous, the pursuit of the unnamable, the tremor of bliss and the dark night of the soul.
Yet by some measures, mysticism’s place in contemporary religious life looks more secure than ever. Our opinion polls suggest that we’re encountering the divine all over the place. In 1962, after a decade-long boom in church attendance and public religiosity, Gallup found that just 22 percent of Americans reported having what they termed “a religious or mystical experience.” Flash forward to 2009, in a supposedly more secular United States, and that number had climbed to nearly 50 percent.
In a sense, Americans seem to have done with mysticism what we’ve done with every other kind of human experience: We’ve democratized it, diversified it, and taken it mass market. No previous society has offered seekers so many different ways to chase after nirvana, so many different paths to unity with God or Gaia or Whomever. A would-be mystic can attend a Pentecostal healing service one day and a class on Buddhism the next, dabble in Kabbalah in February and experiment with crystals in March, practice yoga every morning and spend weekends at an Eastern Orthodox retreat center. Sufi prayer techniques, Eucharistic adoration, peyote, tantric sex — name your preferred path to spiritual epiphany, and it’s probably on the table.
This democratization has been in many ways a blessing. Our horizons have been broadened, our religious resources have expanded, and we’ve even recovered spiritual practices that seemed to have died out long ago. The unexpected revival of glossolalia (speaking in tongues, that is), the oldest and strangest form of Christian worship, remains one of the more remarkable stories of 20th-century religion.
And yet Johnson may be right that something important is being lost as well. By making mysticism more democratic, we’ve also made it more bourgeois, more comfortable, and more dilettantish. It’s become something we pursue as a complement to an upwardly mobile existence, rather than a radical alternative to the ladder of success. Going to yoga classes isn’t the same thing as becoming a yogi; spending a week in a retreat center doesn’t make me Thomas Merton or Thérèse of Lisieux. Our kind of mysticism is more likely to be a pleasant hobby than a transformative vocation.
What’s more, it’s possible that our horizons have become too broad, and that real spiritual breakthroughs require a kind of narrowing — the decision to pick a path and stick with it, rather than hopscotching around in search of a synthesis that “works for me.” The great mystics of the past were often committed to a particular tradition and community, and bound by the rules (and often the physical confines) of a specific religious institution. Without these kind of strictures and commitments, Johnson argues, mysticism drifts easily into a kind of solipsism: “Kabbalism apart from Torah-observance is playacting; Sufism disconnected from Shariah is vague theosophy; and Christian mysticism that finds no center in the Eucharist or the Passion of Christ drifts into a form of self-grooming.”
Most religious believers will never be great mystics, of course, and the American way of faith is kinder than many earlier eras to those of us who won’t. But maybe it’s become too kind, and too accommodating. Even ordinary belief — the kind that seeks epiphanies between deadlines, and struggles even with the meager self-discipline required to get through Lent — depends on extraordinary examples, whether they’re embedded in our communities or cloistered in the great silence of a monastery. Without them, faith can become just another form of worldliness, therapeutic rather than transcendent, and shorn of any claim to stand in judgment over our everyday choices and concerns.
Without them, too, we give up on what’s supposed to be the deep promise of religious practice: that at any time, in any place, it’s possible to encounter the divine, the revolutionary and the impossible — and have your life completely shattered and remade.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Spiritual v Religious
By DESHON FOX
In the Bahamas, we like to think of ourselves as a religious nation. More precisely, we say we are a Christian nation. But are we a spiritual nation? Is there a difference? I believe there is a subtle, but important difference. To be religious implies that we hold to a limited view of spiritual truth - we strive to live according to certain ideals that we believe have been endorsed by God.
We may, for example, always end our prayers in a certain way for fear of not being heard by God if we do not. Similarly, we may always attend a particular church, believing that to attend any other is wrong. To be religious also implies that we have strong beliefs about God, and that we feel our version of religious truth-and the version of those who agree with us- is the only correct version. This is, in my view, detrimental to our spiritual growth and to the progress of a nation.
Spirituality, on the other hand is like swimming in a vast ocean and realising that the same ocean that carries you also holds and supports everyone else. When you are spiritual, you do not feel you have special access to God, or that you have found the absolute truth; you feel alive and blessed by a presence that is loving and generous to all. You feel no need to compete for God's attention; no need to be right. You are free to be who you are, to explore and investigate religious teachings with an unbiased eye.
How would our society change if we matured into a spiritual nation? This question is one every Bahamian should ponder.
Our society is, by any reasonable yard stick, in trouble. Our children are killing each other at school, the very place where they should be maturing into thoughtful adults. Our educational system is largely outdated and ineffective. Our politics is petty. We have rightfully lost respect for many of our religious leaders. And yet, amidst this worsening social decay, we still claim to be a religious nation. Very strange! What would help us to move forward as a nation is not more bombastic preaching from pulpits, but a deeper awareness of our common aspirations as human beings and as Bahamians.
This does not require us to abandon our religious ideals; indeed, it requires us to reassess what true religion is and to independently evaluate our religious beliefs. If we did this sincerely, with an open mind and with absolute detachment, we would become more enlightened and would gradually be transformed into more compassionate human beings. Such a global shift in spiritual awareness would fundamentally change our society. A kinder, gentler Bahamas would gradually emerge. Our political discourse would be elevated. Crime would be reduced as we perceive more fully the sacredness of all life. The Bahamas would become an island nation known not only for its physical beauty, but also for the spiritual beauty of its people.
And so, while we may and should pride ourselves on being a nation of strong religious traditions, let us strive to be more spiritual than religious. Being religious cannot and should not take the place of being spiritual. Our ultimate goal should be to become spiritually enlightened. Religious activities and traditions may, for some, be the vehicle to this enlightenment, but it is only a vehicle, not the destination. As we "travel" towards spiritual enlightenment, we should respect and value the different paths that others may take towards the same goal. We should wholeheartedly embrace even those who hold vastly different religious beliefs than us. With spiritual eyes, we would be able to see their humanity and love them unconditionally.
This love must find expression in our actions. Tolerance becomes divisive when it is the kind of tolerance that breeds pretense. Political rhetoric that sings the praises of compromise and consultation becomes background noise when it is not harmonised by unifying policies and behaviour. Attempts to stem crime become a waste of human resources when humility and kindness are not consistently modeled by parents and teachers. Without true spirituality-an enlightened awareness that allows us to perceive the beauty and sacredness of all life-our efforts to forge a unified and prosperous Bahamas will only have incremental benefits.
If we want to launch forward, to see monumental changes in our country in the coming years, our religious values must move beyond our heads to our hearts. Our actions, not simply our words, must be aligned with the central teachings of our faiths. If this does not happen, positive change will be slow and painful, and our country will continue to be just a religious nation.
Deshon Fox is the author of The Middle Theory. He is also a professional engineer and columnist. To learn more about his new book, visit www.themiddletheory.com.
In the Bahamas, we like to think of ourselves as a religious nation. More precisely, we say we are a Christian nation. But are we a spiritual nation? Is there a difference? I believe there is a subtle, but important difference. To be religious implies that we hold to a limited view of spiritual truth - we strive to live according to certain ideals that we believe have been endorsed by God.
We may, for example, always end our prayers in a certain way for fear of not being heard by God if we do not. Similarly, we may always attend a particular church, believing that to attend any other is wrong. To be religious also implies that we have strong beliefs about God, and that we feel our version of religious truth-and the version of those who agree with us- is the only correct version. This is, in my view, detrimental to our spiritual growth and to the progress of a nation.
Spirituality, on the other hand is like swimming in a vast ocean and realising that the same ocean that carries you also holds and supports everyone else. When you are spiritual, you do not feel you have special access to God, or that you have found the absolute truth; you feel alive and blessed by a presence that is loving and generous to all. You feel no need to compete for God's attention; no need to be right. You are free to be who you are, to explore and investigate religious teachings with an unbiased eye.
How would our society change if we matured into a spiritual nation? This question is one every Bahamian should ponder.
Our society is, by any reasonable yard stick, in trouble. Our children are killing each other at school, the very place where they should be maturing into thoughtful adults. Our educational system is largely outdated and ineffective. Our politics is petty. We have rightfully lost respect for many of our religious leaders. And yet, amidst this worsening social decay, we still claim to be a religious nation. Very strange! What would help us to move forward as a nation is not more bombastic preaching from pulpits, but a deeper awareness of our common aspirations as human beings and as Bahamians.
This does not require us to abandon our religious ideals; indeed, it requires us to reassess what true religion is and to independently evaluate our religious beliefs. If we did this sincerely, with an open mind and with absolute detachment, we would become more enlightened and would gradually be transformed into more compassionate human beings. Such a global shift in spiritual awareness would fundamentally change our society. A kinder, gentler Bahamas would gradually emerge. Our political discourse would be elevated. Crime would be reduced as we perceive more fully the sacredness of all life. The Bahamas would become an island nation known not only for its physical beauty, but also for the spiritual beauty of its people.
And so, while we may and should pride ourselves on being a nation of strong religious traditions, let us strive to be more spiritual than religious. Being religious cannot and should not take the place of being spiritual. Our ultimate goal should be to become spiritually enlightened. Religious activities and traditions may, for some, be the vehicle to this enlightenment, but it is only a vehicle, not the destination. As we "travel" towards spiritual enlightenment, we should respect and value the different paths that others may take towards the same goal. We should wholeheartedly embrace even those who hold vastly different religious beliefs than us. With spiritual eyes, we would be able to see their humanity and love them unconditionally.
This love must find expression in our actions. Tolerance becomes divisive when it is the kind of tolerance that breeds pretense. Political rhetoric that sings the praises of compromise and consultation becomes background noise when it is not harmonised by unifying policies and behaviour. Attempts to stem crime become a waste of human resources when humility and kindness are not consistently modeled by parents and teachers. Without true spirituality-an enlightened awareness that allows us to perceive the beauty and sacredness of all life-our efforts to forge a unified and prosperous Bahamas will only have incremental benefits.
If we want to launch forward, to see monumental changes in our country in the coming years, our religious values must move beyond our heads to our hearts. Our actions, not simply our words, must be aligned with the central teachings of our faiths. If this does not happen, positive change will be slow and painful, and our country will continue to be just a religious nation.
Deshon Fox is the author of The Middle Theory. He is also a professional engineer and columnist. To learn more about his new book, visit www.themiddletheory.com.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
You Can't Trust the Swami - Trust Yourself
Godmen are on the rise. Many of them are involved in sex scandals. One godman has been arrested for running a sex racket in south Delhi last week and is remanded to police custody. Video footage of another godman indulging in sexual acts with women was telecast by Tamil TV channels last week. Here is all you may want to know about the two self-styled godmen.
- Who is Swami Nityananda?
Swami Paramhansa Nityananda is a 32-year-old self-styled godman, staying in a sprawling 29-acre ashram in Bidadi, about 30 km from Bangalore in Karnataka.
- What is his background?
He hails from Tamil Nadu. His devotees claim the swami's goal is to spread the inner science of enlightenment by delivering physical health, mental wellness and spiritual awakening to all beings irrespective of their race, gender or nationality. The swami's mission is to enlighten the people through yoga and meditation.What is his business?
The godman has founded "Nithayananda Mission" as a part of a worldwide movement for meditation and peace. He claims to have about 1,000 branches across 33 countries and about two million followers the world over. He has a number of ashrams "Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam" in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pudducherry.
- How was he exposed?
Certain Tamil TV channels on Wednesday telecast video footage of the godman indulging in sexual acts with two women, including one Tamil actress who has played leading role in many films and TV serials. The swami was shown fondling and kissing the women and in a compromising position with them in turns. It was followed by arson as enraged mobs ransacked his ashrams, smashing his portraits, banners, billboards.
- What will happen to him now?
His ashram sources say legal course of action is being worked out. The video footage shown by news channels were not shot in the ashram. Rather, swami's enemies hatched a conspiracy to malign and blackmail him. His whereabout is not yet known. But his disciples say the swami will return to the ashram soon.
- Who is Swami Bhimanand?
Shiv Murat Dwivedi, 39, alias Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanandji Maharaj Chitrakootwale is a self-styled godman who preaches spirituality while running a prostitution racket in south Delhi.
- What is his background?
Dwivedi belonged to Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh. He came to New Delhi in 1988 and worked as a security guard at a five-star hotel in Nehru Place. He later worked for a massage parlour at Lajpat Nagar. He was arrested for carrying out prostitution 1997 and 1998. Dwivedi then changed his appearance and started calling himself Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale.
- What is he accused of?
Dwivedi started holding religious discourses and congregations and even got a video CD titled "Shri Sai Amrit Varsha" released. He even wrote for a magazine. He constructed a 200-bed hospital and a huge temple in Chitrakoot. The godman apparently has high-end clients and contacts not just in India but also in Las Vegas in the US. Six of his diaries recovered reveal names of 100 high-profile policemen, politicians and bureaucrats, besides prostitutes. Sreemurath Diwedi alias Baba is said to have earned a daily income of Rs 1.5 lakh. But his diaries also show that he was due to receive Rs 25 thousand crore out of which he had received Rs 125 crore. Delhi Police is investigating if he was into gambling abroad and involved in any other business there.
- How was he exposed?
Dwivedi was based at a Sai Baba temple in Badarpur in Delhi and gradually started a flourishing flesh trade racket in the guise of leading a spiritual life. He was arrested on February 26 along with two men and six women including two air hostesses, in the age group of 19 to 30 years from Saket in south Delhi for running a sex racket.
- What will happen to him now?
Dwivedi is under police custody now. The law will take its own course as Dwivedi along with his accomplices will be trialed in court of law, according to Delhi Police.
For now it looks like Swami Bhimananda can only call the Gods for help.
- Who is Swami Nityananda?
Swami Paramhansa Nityananda is a 32-year-old self-styled godman, staying in a sprawling 29-acre ashram in Bidadi, about 30 km from Bangalore in Karnataka.
- What is his background?
He hails from Tamil Nadu. His devotees claim the swami's goal is to spread the inner science of enlightenment by delivering physical health, mental wellness and spiritual awakening to all beings irrespective of their race, gender or nationality. The swami's mission is to enlighten the people through yoga and meditation.What is his business?
The godman has founded "Nithayananda Mission" as a part of a worldwide movement for meditation and peace. He claims to have about 1,000 branches across 33 countries and about two million followers the world over. He has a number of ashrams "Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam" in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pudducherry.
- How was he exposed?
Certain Tamil TV channels on Wednesday telecast video footage of the godman indulging in sexual acts with two women, including one Tamil actress who has played leading role in many films and TV serials. The swami was shown fondling and kissing the women and in a compromising position with them in turns. It was followed by arson as enraged mobs ransacked his ashrams, smashing his portraits, banners, billboards.
- What will happen to him now?
His ashram sources say legal course of action is being worked out. The video footage shown by news channels were not shot in the ashram. Rather, swami's enemies hatched a conspiracy to malign and blackmail him. His whereabout is not yet known. But his disciples say the swami will return to the ashram soon.
- Who is Swami Bhimanand?
Shiv Murat Dwivedi, 39, alias Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanandji Maharaj Chitrakootwale is a self-styled godman who preaches spirituality while running a prostitution racket in south Delhi.
- What is his background?
Dwivedi belonged to Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh. He came to New Delhi in 1988 and worked as a security guard at a five-star hotel in Nehru Place. He later worked for a massage parlour at Lajpat Nagar. He was arrested for carrying out prostitution 1997 and 1998. Dwivedi then changed his appearance and started calling himself Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale.
- What is he accused of?
Dwivedi started holding religious discourses and congregations and even got a video CD titled "Shri Sai Amrit Varsha" released. He even wrote for a magazine. He constructed a 200-bed hospital and a huge temple in Chitrakoot. The godman apparently has high-end clients and contacts not just in India but also in Las Vegas in the US. Six of his diaries recovered reveal names of 100 high-profile policemen, politicians and bureaucrats, besides prostitutes. Sreemurath Diwedi alias Baba is said to have earned a daily income of Rs 1.5 lakh. But his diaries also show that he was due to receive Rs 25 thousand crore out of which he had received Rs 125 crore. Delhi Police is investigating if he was into gambling abroad and involved in any other business there.
- How was he exposed?
Dwivedi was based at a Sai Baba temple in Badarpur in Delhi and gradually started a flourishing flesh trade racket in the guise of leading a spiritual life. He was arrested on February 26 along with two men and six women including two air hostesses, in the age group of 19 to 30 years from Saket in south Delhi for running a sex racket.
- What will happen to him now?
Dwivedi is under police custody now. The law will take its own course as Dwivedi along with his accomplices will be trialed in court of law, according to Delhi Police.
For now it looks like Swami Bhimananda can only call the Gods for help.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)