In the Gospel of St. Luke, we read of Jesus preaching from a boat, addressing crowds on the shore. And at Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church this past Sunday, something rather similar occurred. Saturday, March 28, 2020
My church is not meeting for worship in large groups for the safety of my congregation and in obedience to the request of our government leaders. However, that does not stop us from worshipping as a church family. Saturday, March 28, 2020
Exodus Homes, a faith based United Way agency that provides supportive housing for homeless recovering people, is hanging on in the corona virus pandemic. Programs that serve homeless people are deemed an "essential service" and can remain open even under shelter-in-place orders. Friday, March 27, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed our day-to-day lives. Schools and some businesses are closed; some are ill and others living in fear of getting the disease. It's at times like these that we most need a 'good news' story. Here's one. Thursday, March 26, 2020
With the celebration of Easter only a couple of weeks away, this week Dr. Spence applies the words of Jesus to our lives: "not my will, but Thine be done." Thursday, March 26, 2020
Christian Ministry is taking steps to help local elderly and shut-in residents in our community that might need their services but cannot get to them. The ministry will start helping the elderly by taking boxes of food to them. Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Churches throughout our area didn't let the COVID-19 pandemic stop their worship services Sunday. Many used their Facebook page and streamed their service there. Others with their own website used it to stream services, and others used YouTube. Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Like countless such entities, Christian Ministry continues to adhere to state-mandated changes to meet the needs of the community. LINC Home Meals are still being delivered, limited volunteers on site, not taking or giving out clothes, furniture or household items, but they are giving out food and financial help. The soup kitchen is giving out to-go plates. Monday, March 23, 2020
The headline is the title to a Johnny Cash song--a sad one. It's both nostalgia and contrition. It was indeed Sunday Morning Coming Down this Sunday. Sunday, March 22, 2020
We cannot change the fact that the world is facing a dangerous pandemic. We cannot change how it is affecting our lives. The 10% of what is happening to us is out of our control, but for God’s people it’s a good time to have a spiritual breakthrough and not a mental breakdown. Sunday, March 22, 2020
It is amazing how one virus can change the entire world. When I first heard about the Coronavirus I was not concerned. It seems that every few years a new illness comes out on the world stage only to fade away from our memories after the scare is gone. I believe this one is different. Saturday, March 21, 2020
As America continues to respond to COVID-19, Christian Ministry is also making changes. Among them, the soup kitchen on S. Poplar St. is no longer serving meals inside. They are handed out to-go to those arriving at the kitchen. Wednesday, March 18, 2020
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... Wednesday, March 18, 2020
At his inauguration as a first term president on March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was facing the challenge of leading our great nation during the peak of the Great Depression, a time of great economic crisis that began in the United States, but quickly spread throughout much of the world. Sunday, March 15, 2020
Around here, folks know that preserving the past is a mighty important thing. And in Stanley, a dedicated bunch of volunteers has been recognized that have a mission to preserve the graves of the more-than 200-year-old Stanley Cemetery. Saturday, March 14, 2020
This week, Dr. Spence shares a story about foundations--and how problems with our spiritual foundation may exhibit themselves elsewhere in our lives. Saturday, March 14, 2020
A “word crafter” is a person who puts words together for a maximum benefit to the reader or the listener. The desire is to put a subject in the best light possible, while being honest and truthful at the same time. Saturday, March 14, 2020
In this third week of Lent, we are getting closer to the miraculous resurrection of Jesus that proved life with God continues after physical death. Easter gives us hope for eternal life with Him, but it is also a reminder that we are not here long. Sunday, March 8, 2020
Christian Ministry is mourning one of its own. “Pop” Stroup, a veteran of 16 years of helping the ministry, recently passed away. Since 2004, Pop was a daily volunteer at Christian Ministry. He would greet clients, volunteers and staffers as they went in and out of the dock. Saturday, March 7, 2020
The recent run of bad, rainy weather had me stay inside in my home. I don’t know about you, but the thought of having to stay inside and not working on my yard is a punishment to me. Saturday, March 7, 2020
Now that the season of Lent has begun, many people of faith are more willing to look at their sin and their need for forgiveness. It isn’t easy or pleasant to think about those things we have done or are doing that are outside of God’s will for us. Sunday, March 1, 2020
For the past several weeks I have been practicing on my banjo. I take weekly lessons to help me learn everything from how to hold the banjo, read music, pluck on the strings, and tune the banjo. Saturday, February 29, 2020
Area churches are holding special Ash Wednesday services this Wednesday (Feb. 26th) and churches in Lincolnton and Dallas are planning joint Lenten services on the next several Wednesdays. Monday, February 24, 2020
Like most such charitable organizations, Christian Ministry is a well-oiled machine. It relies upon a timetable planned long months in advance. That’s why the group is seeking volunteer coverage of its soup kitchen right now. Monday, February 24, 2020
For churches that celebrate the liturgical seasons of the church, this week is the beginning of Lent, the six-week period leading up to Easter. The word “Lent” actually means “spring”, the time of year when we see the renewal of life on the earth. Sunday, February 23, 2020
It happened all at once. One moment I could see out of both eyes, and the next moment I was slowly losing the vision out of my right eye. It was like someone was pulling a window blind over my eye. Saturday, February 22, 2020
The Churchmen will perform a free concert, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m., at Living Word Ministries in Lowesville. Also on the bill is gospel singer Adam Beard. A veteran of concerts at Living Word, Beard is another rising star in the world of gospel music. Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Jesus tells us that our heavenly Father already knows what we need before we pray. This sounds good but what does it really mean? Do we really know what we need? How do we differentiate in prayer between what we want and what we need? Sunday, February 16, 2020
This Valentine’s Day weekend, show your loved ones you care for them by donating to our food pantry or giving from your finances in honor of or in memory of someone you care about. Saturday, February 15, 2020
Whoever said that, “Life begins after 50,” must have had an unusual sense of humor! If you define “Life” as waking up with aches and pains, eating foods that don’t contain sugar, starch, carbohydrates, salt, or anything remotely related to taste, then that definition is a spot-on match. Saturday, February 15, 2020
Dr. Spence's commentary this week is directed largely at older Christians--who may have lost some of the zeal they had when younger. It is appropriate for all Christians to remember that God has a plan for our lives. Friday, February 14, 2020
In today’s world we have a lot to worry about. Life is complicated, it’s always changing, and the future can seem so uncertain. Sunday, February 9, 2020
Thanks a million. Yes, quite literally. Christian Ministry of Lincoln County gave out more than a million dollars in food last year––$1,230,982, to be exact––for local families to take home. Saturday, February 8, 2020
This is a time of great turmoil in our nation and around the world. With all the things happening, it would be easy for Christians to fall into the trap of concentrating on worldly affairs and become remiss in spreading the gospel. Dr. Spence expresses a word of caution. Friday, February 7, 2020
One Sunday in December (of 2019) as I was leaving the church my family and I attend I felt a nudge in my heart. It was not an unfamiliar nudge. Tuesday, February 4, 2020
The Melodyaires will perform a free concert on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m. at Living Word Ministries along with the Coffmans. Tuesday, February 4, 2020
