Religion

Me-ology

By Paul Leavens

Most of the cultural ills that afflict us today could be cured by better theology and less  “me-ology.”Me-ology puts self first and squeezes God in if any room remains.Me-ology needs no holy book to define its rules, no sacred script... Full story

Quick Hits: Religion 02/04/12

Porterville‘The Living Matrix’ film to be shown at Sunday serviceThe Porterville Center for Spiritual Living will be showing on a short film during the service on Sunday, Feb. 5. The film is entitled “The Living Matrix” and de... Full story

The offer of a gift

By Judy Lowery

“So, would you like a new bike for Christmas?” asked my husband, Al.“Hmm, a new bike? I really don’t need one, do I?”He was patient while I took several days to mull it over. I already had a bike, for one thing, a 20 yea... Full story

What’s a mother to do?

By Andrea Sharp

Recently I read an article about a young mom in Oklahoma.  She had just lost her husband to cancer.  She was now a widow caring for a newborn.  One day two robbers looking for drugs attempted to break into the woman’s home. ... Full story

Praying for strangers continues

By Judy Lowery

After submitting the article, “A Stranger a Day,” for last Saturday’s Good News! column, we received a letter from a Visalia appraisal company in the mail. The note inside wasn’t an advertisement for a home appraisal, which I ... Full story

A stranger a day…

By Judy Lowery

An article I read in the Country Woman magazine was very intriguing. The person who wrote the article had asked God to bring to her attention a stranger every day — someone for whom she could pray. One day she happened to be in the bus station ... Full story

Correcting my mistakes!

By Judy Lowery

My knitting teacher, Hope, thought it would be best if we took a break in December. “But,” she said enthusiastically, “knit, knit, knit and bring one project you have finished and one you are working on to share with us when we meet... Full story

Why Lord?

By Sharon Lamb

The holidays are over but it seems the rush never ends. We were so glad to spend time with our loved ones. That is always the greatest gift and we were happy we could make the trip to Los Angeles. I have a cushion and a special pillow for my back but... Full story

Al’s train set

Good News!

By Judy Lowery

A few years ago, I surprised Al with a small HO train set for Christmas. The Action Hobby shop on Main Street had the perfect one called the “Red Rock Express,” which came with a diesel locomotive, gondola, tanker, caboose and a circular ... Full story

Do you need to attend church?

Pastor's Corner

By Paul Leavens

In some Christian circles it’s in vogue to disassociate yourself from the local church.  People boast,  “I’m a Christian but I’m not part of the institutional church.”  Or,  I’m a spiritual pers... Full story

Filling the empty red cup

Good News

By Judy Lowery

Al and I were delighted to attend an InterVarsity dinner just before Christmas, at the home of Rodel and Erlinda Lipumano. Their daughter, Rodelyn, graduated from Indiana State University in June, 2011. She is planning to return as a staff member of ... Full story

Quick Hits: Religion 12/31/11

PortervilleFirst Congregational New Year’s eventsThe First Congregational Church will celebrate New Year’s Day with communion and a recommitment service led by pastor John Eby. There will be a showing of the director’s copy of &ldqu... Full story

A unique way of sharing the Good News

By Judy Lowery

“A Christmas Advent calendar has been purchased for you,” read an email message which appeared in our “inbox” a few days ago. I recognized the name of the person who had given us this gift. It was from Paula, a long time frien... Full story

Quick Hits: Religion 12/24/11

LindsayChristmas Eve pageant at First PresbyterianThe First Presbyterian Church in Lindsay will be continuing the tradition this year of inviting every child who comes to the 6:30 p.m. service on Christmas Eve to participate in this pageant. The chur... Full story

Who’s afraid of the new year?

Pastor's Corner

By Paul Leavens

We are all familiar with the taunt sung by the 3 little pigs as they heckled the big bad wolf. “Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf? Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Tra, la, la, la, la, la!” ... Full story

A new baby in the family

By Judy Lowery

One of the highlights of being with my brother and his family on Thanksgiving Day was holding little Elsie Jeanne, our eighth great-niece, born on Nov. 8. As I held Elsie, many thoughts came to my mind about babies.First, there is the promise of a ba... Full story

His name

Pastor's Corner

By Paul Leavens

As a child, your name is the first word you learn to write. As an adult, you put your name on checks, contracts, and credit cards. You don’t appreciate it if someone misspells or mispronounces your name.It has always been the parents’ pri... Full story

Quick Hits: Religion

PortervilleChurch Presents ‘Emmanuel: God with Us’“Emmanuel: God with Us,” a Christmas music program, will be presented at 10:30 a.m. today at the Porterville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at Highway 65 and Linda Vista... Full story

In the hands of a master blacksmith

By Judy Lowery

As the sun went down in Springville last Friday evening, a series of wooden kiosks lit up with twinkling white lights. The tall evergreen tree next to the Fire Station burst into color — blues, purples, and reds — and a welcoming fire was... Full story

Quick Hits: Religion

Porterville Kid choir to share a special Christmas musical Trinity Lutheran Church’s Camp TLC Kids Choir will share a special Christmas musical message during worship services at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. The church is located at 765 W... Full story

'Religion' Archives