A California-based conservative group has filed documents in an attempt to overturn a law that adds gay history to the state's public school curriculum. The controversial law, which California Governor Jerry Brown signed on July 14, states that beginning January 1, public schools in California must teach students about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans as part of the social sciences curriculum.
The group, the Capitol Resource Institute (CRI), is a socially conservative organization that has dedicated itself to fight against efforts by California officials to increase the rights of the homosexual community.
The group would have to collect 433,971 signatures to bring about a referendum, which would allow voters to decide whether or not to keep the law in place.
To read the complete article, please visit the website below. Also be sure to leave a comment... Do you think it should be a law that all public school students learn the history of Homosexuality?
Miss Shirley's Cafe was rated #1 in the breakfast category by Best Restaurants in the 2011 Reader's Poll. Here's a bit of the restaurant's history:
For more than 30 years, Miss Shirley McDowell did more than just cook---she educated a generation of food professionals that prepare recipes both created and inspired by her. From her days of preparing fresh hand-formed burgers at The Beef Inn in the late sixties to creating her famous Sesame Noodle Salad, Meatloaf, Texas Brisket, Salmon Cakes and Fresh Lemonade for The Classic Catering People, Miss Shirley is also remembered for her love of fresh ingredients. In fact, her favorite sandwich was freshly baked white bread, mayonnaise and thick slices of summer Maryland tomatoes.
Miss Shirley's Cafe was lovingly created in memory of Miss Shirley's sassy charm and sheer joy in preparing food for those she loved.
Miss Shirley McDowell 1942-2001
Miss Shirley's has 2 locations, both listed below. If you have visited or plan to visit one of them, please leave a comment and let other's know how much you enjoyed. Be sure to check out other Hometown Highlights on the Daily GPCC Blog to find more exciting things to do and see in our area. Be Blessed today!
The Harry Potter books and movies have been a concern for many conservative Christians. Take a look at the article below that suggests that the Christian Community has all but forgotten about the portrayal of witchcraft to young children. Please read the article and tell us if you think that Christians have calmed down their feelings towards the movies? Have you seen them and are they really not as "bad" as other's have made them to be?
How Christians Warmed to Harry Potter
As the final movie opens, many ex-doubters now see the boy wizard as a good egg.
After praising the "Harry Potter" books in 2001, author Connie Neal said that she opened her inbox to see death threats scattered among the reactions from fellow Christians. The one time the California-based writer found her book, "What's a Christian Got to Do with Harry Potter?," at a Christian bookstore, it was on the occult/New Age shelf.
In its early years, "Harry Potter" was a litmus test of orthodoxy for some conservative Christians, who expressed concern over its portrayal of witchcraft. A Christian lawyer sued a public library for encouraging young readers to check out the series. Texas Pastor John Hagee called the books a "precursor to witchcraft." In 2005 a Canadian website published a letter opposing the books written by Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. (In 2009, the Vatican's newspaper L'Osservatore Romano published a favorable review, seeming to reverse course on the series.)
The hysteria has largely died down, and not many religious leaders asked their flocks to avoid the final movie, which opens today. Potter observers cite a few possible reasons for the waning concern, including a natural desire to move on to other entertainment issues, but also an interest in the themes that unfolded.
Christians today are certainly not universally enchanted by the series. Over time, however, more readers have begun to express praise for its honest depiction of fear, loneliness and sacrifice as Harry faces the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Many Christians have cheered the portrayals of loyalty, courage and love, as the main character repeatedly risks his life.
"These books are not written for people who have a mechanical faith," says John Granger, author of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." "For Christians who are consumed with moral elements and symbolism, Potter mania was ironic beyond words." Spoiler detail about the movie aside, the idea that sacrificial love conquers power, including magical power, is strongly suggested in the final book.
"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, a member of the Church of Scotland that has Presbyterian roots, initially avoided talking explicitly about her faith. "To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Ms. Rowling said in 2007. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it, because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going."
Ms. Rowling is hardly the first author to face misunderstanding from a religious audience. Before C.S. Lewis became well known as a Christian, he noted that most British reviewers missed the underlying theology in his science fiction "Space" trilogy. Christian writer Madeleine L'Engle was criticized by some for the magic elements in "A Wrinkle in Time." On the other hand, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" appeared to escape similar scrutiny despite his characters' use of magic.
Since the seventh Potter book came out in 2007, Ms. Rowling—who acknowledged the influence of Tolkien and Lewis on her work—has drawn more explicit religious parallels. She suggested that the two Bible verses found on tombstones in the final book almost epitomized the whole series: "And the last enemy that shall be defeated is death" and "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The author put a little damper on some enthusiasm when she said that she always thought of one of her main characters, Albus Dumbledore, as gay (after which Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network called for a ban on the books.) And she did distance herself somewhat from C.S. Lewis when she told Time magazine in 2007 that "I did not set out to convert anyone to Christianity."
Christians are still somewhat divided on "Harry Potter," with lingering concerns. "We're not monolithic on this," says Bob Waliszewski, a media specialist for Focus on the Family. "The major issue for the faith community is all packed in that simple word: witchcraft."
Many cite biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-11, that warn against witchcraft and sorcery. "But the literary witchcraft of the Harry Potter series has almost no resemblance to the I-am-God mumbo jumbo of Wiccan circles," Christianity Today said in a 2000 editorial.
Mr. Waliszewski suggests that Christian families whose children express interest in the books use them as a teachable moment. "When you see self-sacrifice, heroism, the strong power of friendship, applaud it," he said. "I am more concerned about non-Christians reading the books because I do think it puts witchcraft in a light that is more favorable and positive than it deserves biblically."
Ms. Neal, for her part, is not worried about anyone reading the books. Rather than being a means for corrupting the youth with witchcraft and the like, she says, "The Harry Potter phenomenon was the greatest evangelistic opportunity that the church has missed."
Ms. Bailey is online editor for Christianity Today.
As a Christian are you still not sure about Harry Potter? Well the author thought of that too. read the article below as she advertises yet another book, in response to the Christian concerns. The book is entitled of all things, "What's A Christian to Do with Harry Potter?" Is this just another way to tap the buying public? Does she really care about how Christians feel about her books and movies? leave a comment and tell us your thoughts?
What's a Christian to Do with Harry Potter?
From Connie
Christians who think they already know all they need to know about Harry Potter would do well to THINK AGAIN.
Readers of my book are consistently surprised at what they DID NOT KNOW about Harry Potter -- and the benefits they gained by informing themselves.
Christians are divided over this issue, but the answer is not to side-step around it.
We need to make the most of the unprecedented opportunities Harry Potter affords us. I show you how you can, whether you end up pro or con on Harry, while maintaining unity and civility in the body of Christ.
If you are firmly set against Harry Potter, I won't try to dissuade you, as that is one biblically viable position.
However, I will offer you facts to shed light on false rumors, help you protect your kids from real-world occult, help you understand the stories without having to read them, and help you explain your decision to your kids.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, I will explain how this can be a biblically viable position and give you insight to ways you can profitably use these stories.
Connie
I will also give you insight that will help you deal with the accusations and suspicion you or your children may receive from Christians who oppose Harry Potter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jill Savage, Director of Hearts at Home, author, speaker, mother of four "Connie Neal has created an excellent resource for Christian parents, educators and the Christian community..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael G. Maudlin, Christianity Today International, Executive Editor of Christian Parenting Today magazine "...get a hold of Connie Neal's book. ... Christian discourse would dramatically improve if we followed her example". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr. Rich Buhler, founder of Truth or Fiction.com, author, radio personality "...a thoughtful, thorough, and balanced look at the Harry Potter phenomenon." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stephen Arterburn, founder and chairman of Women of Faith and New Life Clinics "Harry is now part of the culture. Learn from it; and allow Connie Neal to help you and your children." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following up with those who visited your congregation during a weekend or midweek service is an essential part of church practice. Of course, there are effective ways to follow up with visitors…and not-so-effective ways. Guess which one The Skit Guys depict.
Marty Troyer has been the pastor of Houston Mennonite Church since November 2008. Marty loves his job and feels this is the perfect fit for he and his family. He has been so moved by the current events in the world and real lows in ministry that he has written an open apology on behalf of the church at large.
DEAR WORLD:
It’s understandable if you don’t think that we in the church understand you, “get you,” or even like you. After all, you see our Summit-sized buildings, soaring steeples, SUV filled parking lots scattered around our city while Christians lead the fight to eradicate social services that you need to live.
With looming budget cuts for schools essential for your children’s wholeness and health, Texas’ Christians instead deemed as “emergencies” legislative agenda you perhaps thought was ridiculously off-task. I would understand if you didn’t think Christians didn’t like you if you are new to the area and came without papers, or if you were born with an “unnacceptable” sexual orientation; because many don’t like you.
As the world rages in turmoil & violence, struggles over limited resources and massive changes in weather patterns, unemployment and foreclosures, we in the church might appear not to notice. Take for instance what my fellow blogger Ken Chitwood points out in his blog this week: that some Christians have decided the core issue we need to catalyze our resources around and work diligently to pursue is whether or not heaven and hell exist. Important, sure. But perhaps, if we listened to you, we would hear this is not the most helpful use of our time.
For all this and more, “We’re sorry.” We haven’t been there for you when you needed help in the messiness of life. You needed a ride to the doctor and we were splitting theological hairs. Your son is scared now that daddy is back from Iraq, lashing out in anger and fright at the slightest sound; and we needed to know who was right. Undocumented, you live in an immigrant community riddled with crime but don’t feel safe calling our police; and we’re concerned about how many chances you’ll get to “receive Jesus” after you die before our god sends you to hell. You’re living in hell as a victim of human trafficking held against your will and forced to perform unspeakable duties here in Houston, the nations slavery capital; but we wonder aloud if your hell will continue after you die.
I apologize. Please forgive us. This is not the way we are supposed to be. You see, our leader and namesake, Jesus Christ, would understand you if he were here. He would “get” that you are ostracized and feel bullied. He would know if the choices you’ve made, even if they are illegal or unethical at times, were the best thing you knew to do to put food on your kids table. He would understand how bad it feels to be passed by on the street and not noticed. He would totally understand you if you told him your religious leaders weren’t there for you.
And, he would like you. A lot. He wouldn’t waste your time with the afterlife when you are consumed with making it in this life. He talked a lot about love. Loving ourselves, loving our neighbors, and even loving our enemies. He’s pretty good at that. I’m sorry you don’t always experience us, his followers, in the same way. His vision of the world and we humans in it was that everyone would have enough: enough food, enough stuff, enough community and love. Perhaps if we were better at loving you like he asked, it would make more sense when we invite you to love God. Our most important book says that “God loved the world,” and I deeply hope you know God’s love whether you feel love from Jesus’ followers or not.
If you need anything, let us know.
Sincerely,
A follower of Jesus
Do you think think this letter the issue on the head?
“Sparkle,” a feature film about a musical sister act that’s set in Detroit at the peak of the Motown era, has been approved for $3.1 million in Michigan film incentives. The movie is a remake of the 1976 movie starring Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Philip Michael Thomas that is set in Harlem and said to be inspired by the story of the Supremes. This version will be directed by Salim Akil, who helmed 2011′s “Jumping the Broom,” and produced by Debra Martin Chase, TD Jakes, and Akil and his wife, Mara, who were creative partners on the BET series “The Game.” The story will follow a group of sisters as they take their careers from small jazz clubs to the Fox Theatre.
The original movie opened with a long tracking shot that runs along a gospel choir and then out back into the church. This is Harlem in 1958, and we soon meet our heroines, three neighborhood sisters. I mean, they’re “sisters,” but they’re also sisters. And the oldest one is Sister, played by Lonette McKee, the middle girl named Sparkle, played by Irene Cara, and some third sister. Sister is the oldest [and she looks to be 35 while Irene Cara really looks like a teenager], and she’s a sassy little rebel from the start.
With oil prices suddenly racing higher, gasoline isn’t the only thing that’s getting more expensive. Energy costs for your home are also going up, making it more advisable than ever to take steps to reduce consumption.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers dozens of things consumers can do to save energy. Here are a few ideas:
Update lighting-Known as the screw-in “A” type light bulb, standard incandescent lamps are the most common, but the most inefficient, light source available. Artificial lighting consumes almost 15 percent of a household’s electricity use. Use of new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in homes by as much as 75 percent.
Tankless hot water systems-This is an example of spending money to save money, but keep in mind a tankless water system might not be efficient for every consumer, because the purchase price is much greater than for a traditional hot water tank. However, unless you have a very large family and plan to live in your home for many more years, it might not make economic sense to spend the extra money on a demand system. Adding an insulation blanket to your traditional water heater and reducing the water temperature might be more effective ways to save energy and money.
Adding insulation-If your home was built before the 1980s, chances are it was not constructed with energy efficiency in mind. These days builders add generous layers of insulation to floors, attics and walls, to reduce the impact of outside temperatures. How quickly adding insulation will pay off will be determined, in large part, by the climate in which you live.
Storm doorsAdding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won’t save much more energy.Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) may end up being a better idea.
The psalmist was fed up with “the contempt of the proud” (Ps. 123:4). Perhaps you are too. People in your neighborhood, office, or classroom may be scornful of your faith and determination to follow Jesus. Sticks and stones do break our bones, but words can wound more deeply. In his commentary on this psalm, Derek Kidner refers to contempt as “cold steel.”
We can fend off the jeers of the proud by becoming like them, or we can view their attempt to humiliate us as a badge of honor. We can rejoice that we’ve been “counted worthy to suffer shame for [Jesus’] name” (Acts 5:41). Better to bear shame for a short time than to endure “everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2).
We must not be like the mockers by mocking them in turn, but bless those who persecute us. “Bless and do not curse,” Paul reminds us (Rom. 12:14). Then God may draw them to faith and repentance, and turn our moments of shame into eternal glory.
Finally, as the psalmist counsels us, we must “look to the Lord our God” (123:2). He understands as no other, for He too has endured reproach. He will show compassion to us according to His infinite mercy.
When persecution comes your way
And people mock your Lord,
Remember what’s in store for those
Who love and trust His Word. —Sper
When others’ treatment of you gets you down, look up to Jesus.
Sunday’s Best episode this week gave us a taste of the divine, entertaining and inspiring. Kirk Franklin opened the show with his hist single “I Smile”. This week’s show showcased the talents of just 10 of the top 20.
The winner of Sunday Best will not only receive the title, they will also receive a 2011 Ford Explorer, a cash prize and a national recording contract!
Who do you think will win?
Tonight’s showcased Top 10 were:
Toneisha Jones Harris, 35
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia
With her trademark gospel flower corsage, Toneisha Jones Harris can brighten up any room she enters. At 13, Harris was offered a recording contract, but her mother decided that it would be best if her daughter complete her education first. As an adult, Harris represented the State of Maryland in Vickie Winans’ Rising Star Competition, where she placed 2nd overall. She has also performed in several stage plays and musicals. During the recent recession, Harris experienced some rough economic challenges and is excited about making the most of her appearance on “Sunday Best”.
Song: Here I am To Worship
What the Judges Said:
Donnie McClurkin “ You got a little lost”
Erica I feel like it could hav been better if it was simple
Tina You should have showed more passion
Michael Washington, 30
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Audition City: Los Angeles, California
Michael Washington is a singer, arranger and producer. Born in Covina, CA, Washington developed his talents in church where he sang in the choir. Living in Los Angeles, he has appeared in such major projects as the “Pop Stars,” the “Wade Robinson Project”, the Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez movie, “Gigli”, and “The Fighting Temptations”. Washington also directed the San Gabriel Valley Choir leading it to a 1st place win in the McDonald’s Gospel Fest 2001 choir competition. Presently, Washington performs in several shows for Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
Song: Great Is Your Faithfulness
What the Judges Said:
Erica: That was good and polished
Donnie:That was good
Tina:That was good
Andrea Helms, 37
Hometown: Dallas Texas
Audition City: Dallas, Texas
Andrea Helms is a triple threat for Jesus. She’s a preacher’s daughter, a preacher’s wife and a pastor. Growing up, her childhood home was filled with music and ministry, as her parents served the Lord faithfully as pastors for over 35 years. Nicknamed “The First Lady,” Helms met her husband at the tender age of 13. They have pastored for 13 years and are currently serving as the pastors of Friendship Church in Denton, Texas. There, Helms also serves as the Minister of Music. She resides with her family in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas.
Song: “Because Of Who You Are”
What the Judges Said:
Erica “You were awesome. “
Tina”I believe everything you sang. You delivered.
Donnie” You were in the presence of The Lord”
Chase Stancle, 26
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Audition City: Los Angeles, California
Chase Stancle wanted to make sure that his voice was heard when he traveled from Michigan to Los Angeles to audition for “Sunday Best”. Sure, Atlanta may have been closer, but Stancle wanted to give himself multiple chances to win. Turns out, it only took one audition for the judges to tell him yes. This married father of three works at Kentwood Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he serves as the Family Ministries Worship Arts Director. Stancle wants to live in God’s will, whether it be singing before a small church of 50 or a stadium of thousands.
What the Judges Said:
Erica: There was something missing
Tina: You did a pretty good job
Donnie It was missing something.
Amber Bullock, 26
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Audition City: Dallas, Texas
Before she could talk, Amber Bullock was singing. Whether it was at her native church in St. Louis or in her newly adapted home of Dallas, she always has a song in her heart. Bullock attended Oakwood University, where she sang second alto in the school’s elite choir. After college, Bullock landed in Dallas, TX, where she now calls home. Being cast as a top 20 contestant couldn’t have come at a better time for Bullock because she recently totaled her car and has been sleeping on a friend’s couch. Winning the title would enable her to better provide for her two-year-old daughter.
What the Judges Said:
Erica: you were amazing and anointed.
Tina: You killed that
Donnie: Nothing seemed to stop you. I want to hear more
Carlington Roberts, 34
Hometown: McDonough, Georgia
Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia
A native of St. Mary’s, Jamaica, Roberts grew up in a family of singers. He idolized his father and once he was older he decided to continue singing and being a praise leader. Roberts hopes to repeat his Caribbean success story stateside having earned multiple Caribbean Gospel Music Award nominations and won the Top Caribbean Gospel Male Singer award in 2005. After enduring what he calls a rough marriage, Roberts once contemplated suicide, but did not because of a voice that told him to “stand”. He honored this voice by auditioning with Donnie McClurkin’s “Stand”.
Song: Lord I Lift Your Name On High
What the Judges Said:
Erica: I thought you were great. I liked your energy
Tina: I loved the energy.
Donnie: You have a distinct sound.
Shanandolan Reynolds, 22
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Audition City: Dallas, Texas
Everything about Shanandolan Reynolds relates to her hometown of Dallas, Texas. She was born and raised there and auditioned there for “Sunday Best”. A graduate from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Cedar Valley Community College, both in Dallas, Reynolds is currently a full-time Worship Arts student at Dallas Christian College. Win or lose, Reynolds considers it a blessing to be able to minister to so many people through television.
Song: Joyful Joyful Joyful
What the Judges Said:
Erica: It didn’t grow.
Tina: I think you have something.
Donnie: It was really unique.
Michael Pugh, 35
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia
Raised in the church, Brooklyn’s Michael Pugh has been singing his entire life. With his grandmother and parent’s encouragement, he has developed into a gifted singer who leads his church choir on Sundays and sings professionally at weddings, birthday parties and church-related events, all in the midst of working full time as a tax preparer. He has even opened for such artists as “Sunday Best” judge Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Pugh auditioned for the show because his sister purchased him an airline ticket and demanded that he audition.
Song:“Thank you Lord”
What the Judges Said:
Erica: Thank you
Tina: Yes sir.. you came on with it amen
Donnie: you are a gospel singer
LaTrice Smith, 35
Hometown: Macon, Georgia
Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia
Making it to the “Sunday Best” audition was a life changing moment for LaTrice Smith, having recently suffered through what she calls an abusive marriage that left her nearly penniless and homeless. For this Buffalo, New York native, the cold winters sent her packing to Macon, Georgia, where she currently resides. For Smith, music has always been her refuge and it remains so today.
Song:Walk With Me
What the Judges Said:
Erica: I feel like you were trying to push. You were over doing it.
Tina: I didn’t feel it
Donnie: You had a couple of pitch things
Rikki Valentino LaFontaine, 47
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Audition City: Los Angeles, California
After years of singing background vocals for the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Yolanda Adams and Richard Smallwood, Rikki Valentino La Fontaine is now ready to step center stage with a solo career. Originally from Dallas, Texas, LaFontaine made history when he was elected the first ever Mr. Prairie View A&M University. LaFontaine currently resides in Los Angeles, California, but performs all over the world.
Song: I Need Thee
What the Judges Said:
Erica: It was good but it wasn’t fantastic
Tina: It didn’t feel complete
Donnie: It made everyone think that’s it
Here is a video of Michael Pugh before Sunday’s Best:
The Greater Paradise Christian Center would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to all those persons who came out to and participated in our Disaster Relief Benefit on Wed. evening. Your love, support, and generosity are greatly appreciated.
Join the Greater Paradise Christian Center and all of our special guest recording artists @ 7pm on July 6th for our Disaster Relief Benefit. We will be at Bethel A.M.E. Church located at 1300 Druid Hill Ave Balto., MD 21217. We pray you all will meet us there. Be Blessed.
Hello Greater Paradise Family and Friends. Join Us on this Saturday July 9th, for our Family Reunion Cookout at River Valley Ranch at 12 noon. Directions are provided below. Anyone in serious need of transportation is asked to contact a member of the Administration Staff promptly. Also, join us on Sunday July 10th for Sunday Worship Service, where it will be Family and Friends Day. We look to see you there.
Date: Saturday, July 9, 2011
Time: 12pm
Location: River Valley Ranch [4443 Grave Run Rd, Manchester, MD 21102]
From the North: From Lancaster or York, Pennsylvania on Interstate 83 south, take exit 8. Follow Route 216 west through Glen Rock to Route 516. Turn left onto Route 516. Go one block, turn right (still 516), proceed to the next road (Grave Run Rd.) and turn left. Continue on Grave Run Road 3.1 miles to the Ranch.
From Baltimore - East: Take I-695 to I-83 north. I-83 to exit 27, Hereford. Turn left onto Mount Carmel Road, proceed to Falls Road (Rt. 25) where you will see blinking red lights and turn right. Take Falls Road 4 1/2 miles to Grave Run Road. Turn right and continue 3.2 miles to RVR.
From Baltimore - West: Take I-695 to I-795 to Route 30. At round about take first exit onto Route 30 Business. Follow Route 30 to Hampstead and turn right at UPPER Beckleysville Road (just past the Fire Station in downtown Hampstead). Follow Upper Beckleysville Road until you reach a stop sign at Brick Store Rd. Turn left on Brick Store Rd and then turn right almost immediately on Beckleysville Rd. At the next stop, turn left onto Falls Road. Proceed for a few minutes on Falls road and then turn right onto Grave Run road and then several miles to the Ranch.
From Westminster: Take 27 North/East towards Manchester. Right onto Rt. 30. Left onto York St. (at light) 1.3 miles from the light, the road bears left. Bear right onto Schalk Rd. #1. Proceed to stop sign at Linboro Rd. Left onto Lineboro, then immediate right to continue on Schalk Rd. #1. Proceed to stop sign at Grave Run Rd. and turn right. Proceed 1 mile to the Ranch.
The Greater Paradise Christian Center Mass Choir will be peforming at the
African American Heritage Festival @ 3:30 PM
Tuesday Night Bible Studay w/ First Lady Bell @ 7 PM
Fort Worthington Elementary School
The GPCC Disaster Relief Benefit Service will be held on
Wednesday, July 6th - 7 PM at the
Bethel A.M.E Church
1300 Druid Hill Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
Please Govern yourselves accordingly! Look out for more upcoming information in our daily blog as well as the "OFFICIAL" Greater Paradise Facebook Page, and our website: www.greaterparadiselorg
BALTIMORE, Maryland—June 29, 2011— The Baltimore Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at our Worship Center (Greater Paradise Christian Center, 2900 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Maryland), on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 3:00 a.m. Upon arrival on the scene, firefighters reported fire visible from the main level of the church. Rescue and Firefighting operations began immediately. As a result, our Main Sanctuary and Administrative Office Area suffered significant fire and water damage. The Baltimore City Police Department in concert with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are currently investigating the series of events from that night.
The church is vigorously working to move forward from this ordeal. We ask your continual prayers and support as we rebuild and refocus the ministry. Our church family is resolved to moving forward with zeal and fortitude, and with a firm foundation...our thrust remains “To Give God the Glory”.
As preliminary decisions take shape, a temporary worship location, which will house ongoing ministry events, has been confirmed. Sunday Morning Worship Services (10am) and Tuesday Night Bible Study (7pm) will convene at the Fort Worthington Elementary School, 2701 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, A Disaster Relief Benefit Service will take place on Wednesday, July 6th, 2011, hosted by Dr. Reginald Thomas and the Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 2525 E. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Announcements concerning future special events will be forthcoming, as details filter out.
For additional information and up to the minute briefings on the Fire, Relief Efforts and Church Announcements, please visit www.greaterparadise.org or call 1.410.276.4193
Press Contact:
Clarissa Whatley Greater Paradise Christian Center clarissa.whatley@greaterparadise.org 1.410.276.4193
Submitted by The Advisory Board of Greater Paradise
Toning shoes seem to be the latest fitness craze, and they come with a tempting promise from manufacturers—walk in them and you’ll get in shape. But can it truly be that easy?
Toning shoes are designed to force the body to work harder than it would in traditional shoes. They’re designed with an unstable sole that forces the wearer to activate muscles to gain balance and proper positioning with each step.
Manufacturers claim that the extra muscle activation translates to a greater calorie burn and, therefore, weight loss. Other benefits promised include improved posture, decrease in musculoskeletal pain, increased muscle tone in the legs and core muscles and better circulation. Toning shoes, with the rather unnatural hump in the soles, look radically different from other shoes, and my first thought when I decided to try a pair was, ‘How is it possible to even walk in these?’ But, despite my initial cynicism about the design and style of the toning shoes, they did make me feel that I was working the backs of my legs more than I do in regular athletic shoes, and they did help alleviate some foot and back pain.
Don’t buy into the idea that you can lose weight without effort—not without making dietary changes, too. But wearing toning shoes does simulate an additional workout on your legs and calves that can benefit anyone.
Take a look at the funny clips below of Jesus performing miracles. It is comical, but just think how many people are surprised at the wonders our Lord and Savior can perform. Enjoy and share with someone today.
A hot topic in the Christian Community seems to be R&B recording artist Beyonce' Knowles and her new single. Her message of female empowerment has many talking about God's true purpose for females and if her song promotes using sexuality to gain. Take a look at the article pasted below and tell us your thoughts. Is Beyonce's single that serious to you? Do you think it is impacting the young girls of the African American Community?
Beyonce Is Wrong: Girls Don't Run the World
Why her message of female power is hurting the African American community.
By: Natasha Robinson
According to the first single from Beyonce’s highly anticipated album 4, girls indeed run the world. Thanks to her musical contribution to First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move" campaign, her recent Billboard Millennium Award, and surprise farewell performance to honor Oprah, all eyes from middle-age school rockers to professional intellectuals are on Beyonce. The 29-year-old is an influencer. From the words of her recent hit, “my persuasion can build a nation,” and she knows it.
Beyonce has built a musical career based on girl empowerment and the seduction of men. In her efforts to empower women, though, she has endorsed a self-absorbed world where a false view of love reigns supreme. Her songs reveal a worldview where men and women indulge in lust, lavish spending, and fantasies of catering, upgrades, and joy rides. I don’t see much responsibility or empowerment of either sex in that kind of behavior.
Yet the lyrics of her recent single acknowledge the men who respect what she does. In her skimpy attire, she seduces them while singing we have "endless power, our love we can devour when you’ll do anything for me."
The question that haunts me and should arise from moral women of influence is: What type of power is Beyonce encouraging women to embrace? Is an average girl’s persuasion enhanced by flaunting her body, vanity, and money more than modesty, character, team building, and leadership that place the needs of others above themselves?
True persuasion and leadership elevates all people without sacrificing others along the way. That’s what alarms me with the “positive” messages in songs like “Run the World (Girls).” By elevating girls in a music video where they stand strong against an all-male army, Beyonce has subtly (or perhaps not so subtly) sent a message that devalues boys and men.
As an African American woman who is heartbroken over the current condition of African American boys, I find Beyonce’s message destructive and damaging to the Black community. The reality is that so many African American boys are being ignored in the classroom and other social arenas. These young men are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Many who graduate from high school cannot read with a significant level of comprehension or write a grammatically correct paragraph. Some sourcessay we now have more Black men in prison than in college. If Jesus' teachings concerning the Good Samaritan resonate at all, we should all share in these concerns. We cannot continue to ignore the plight of these young men while Beyonce is encouraging all the independent women to "throw their hands up."
Does God value women? Certainly! Does he want them to be strong contributors to society? Absolutely!
Yet when considering how God supremely values women, we must remember other fundamental truths: that God is love and wants us to walk in love. We must also acknowledge that we were created for community. God said that it was not good for humankind to walk through life alone. He created women and men for a holy partnership that is not limited to marriage. Whenever one gender of God’s partnership is elevated above the other or is ignored, we all lose.
There is much work and community building for all of us to do. I want to see young girls grow up into God-honoring, intelligent, beautiful, and strong leaders. When they show up in the classroom, corporate boardroom, or sanctuary, I want individual lives touched and the environment changed by their very presence. I do not want these women believing, however, that they don’t need men. Not only do we need them, they need us, and both sexes should seek opportunities to value, honor, and lift up each other.
Just as we must take responsibility for the images that we affirm or reject as women, men must do the same. My brothers must stand strong and hold each other accountable so that they do not fall prey to the fantasies and lies presented by the world. We should hold godly men accountable for breaking the cycle of “no fathers in the home” by consistently fulfilling the roles of teachers and mentors in the lives of children being raised by single mothers. In this way, children can observe a healthy partnership between men and women. They can then affirm who real men are and what real men do.
If we do not commit to these changes, we will continue to raise young men who have no consistent male leaders, teachers, or mentors in their lives. Furthermore, these young men will have very little expectations of themselves, since everyone knows that girls run the world. Therefore, they can transfer residence from their mother's homes to their girlfriend’s, and let her take care of him since she’s the college grad making the paper.
Both genders need to stand firm and confident knowing that the other is there to partner, encourage, and help them carry the load. We do not have to bear our burdens alone. We can be present for each other. Together, we can live the example of God’s truth and love in the lives of others.
We stand to partner because God loves us and wants an army of codependent men and women to glory him by lovingly running this world together.
From Connie
