Emergency services helped 1,936 individuals; some 764 families were helped with food and 65 families with utilities/rent. Fifty-four showers were taken, and 263 families were helped with furniture/household items and personal items. The LINC Home Meals program delivered 1,615 meals. The soup kitchen served 3,590 meals to 2,824 individuals. Monday, September 16, 2019
Some of the most well-known passages in the Bible can be found in Matthew during the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus went up on a mountainside to teach his disciples many important lessons. Sunday, September 15, 2019
When I was a child, I would stay up late at night on the weekends to watch the series “In Search of,” when it discussed various myths. Take for instance the legend of Big Foot. Saturday, September 14, 2019
There's an old song, "Let Others See Jesus in You." Among other places, you'll find it in the Baptist Hymnal. This week, Dr. Spence reminds us that it's also important that we see God in others. Friday, September 13, 2019
Lots of Fun, Food and Fellowship coming up with family reunions, concerts, fundraisers, homecomings and Daniels Lutheran 245th Anniversary! Thursday, September 12, 2019
In 1981 Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote the classic bestseller “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” after his son Aaron died of progeria, a fatal disease that makes children age rapidly and die in their teenage years as an elderly person. Sunday, September 8, 2019
The ministry’s emergency services needs sheet sets in all sizes, including twin, double, queen and king-sized varieties. The clothing closet needs help, too. Saturday, September 7, 2019
One of my least favorite things to do every morning is to shave. I dislike it so much that I grew a beard in order not to shave. However, I grew tired of the beard because it got long and grey and my grandchildren started calling me, “Santa,” and, “HoHo,” so I went back to shaving. Saturday, September 7, 2019
A little over three weeks ago I was sitting on a beach just outside of Nags Head, a beautiful part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. While listening to the waves crash and roll under my chair, I was reading an article related to hatching chickens. (1 comments) Tuesday, September 3, 2019
This week I saw an article about a 2018 Gallup poll that found 85% of people do not like their jobs for six reasons - the salary, the hours, their co-workers, the company culture, lack of advancement opportunities, and just not liking the duties themselves. Sunday, September 1, 2019
Thank you to all those who came out to Salem Lutheran and United Church of Christ last Sunday for the annual ice cream social. The proceeds benefit Christian Ministry’s soup kitchen. This year, we received more than $3,000, and we are so very grateful to all those who came out to support us. Saturday, August 31, 2019
Just about every morning I wake up and remember bits and pieces of dreams I had the night before. Some dreams are great memories of my past. Saturday, August 31, 2019
Lots of Fund, Food and Fellowship coming up with a Mud Dodge Ball Tournament, Homecomings, Movie Nights, BBQ Fundraisers and more! Thursday, August 29, 2019
Sunday’s “Cool Event” ice cream social was a big hit with the local public. Ronald Lineberger, with his butter-pecan ice cream, was this year’s winner of a homemade pottery prize and over $3,000 was raised for the soup kitchen! Wednesday, August 28, 2019
My favorite novel from my time at Appalachian State was “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren. The theme of this novel is the “great spider web theory.” If the spider web is touched at any point, the touch echoes throughout the web. Any decision or interaction has an impact on future events and touches countless others. Monday, August 26, 2019
I just returned from a trip to San Diego to visit my son James, and every day we had fun. One day James planned for us to go kayaking in the ocean. I have never been kayaking because they look so flat and unstable. Is a kayak really a boat? Sunday, August 25, 2019
I remember it as though it happened yesterday, but this took place years ago. It was 4:15 a.m. in the morning when I was awakened by a high-pitched sound in my bedroom. I figured it was a cricket, a big one with strong lungs. Saturday, August 24, 2019
Former members, friends and relatives of Antioch Methodist Church, Crouse, N.C. are invited to the annual homecoming on Sunday, August 25. Guest speaker at the 11 a.m. worship service will be Rev. Jan Heermans. Friday, August 23, 2019
Boone-based Amantha Mill will perform a free concert at the church at 6 p.m. Amantha Mill is a longtime favorite on the regional gospel music scene. Thursday, August 22, 2019
It was estimated that over 400 adults and children attended the South Gastonia Church of God Back-to-School Block Party last week. Over 150 book bags with supplies were given out to the kids who are heading back-to-school. Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Aug. 25 brings the annual “Cool Event” ice cream social at Salem Lutheran and United Church of Christ at 3410 Startown Road in Lincolnton. This is a benefit fundraiser for the ministry. The fun starts at 3 p.m. The public is invited to come out and enjoy homemade ice cream, served up in bowls handcrafted by local potters. Tickets are $15 each. Wednesday, August 21, 2019
I recently went to see the newest version of “The Lion King” and was reminded how much I love the song “The Circle of Life” which comes during a celebration as a new baby lion is presented by his proud parents to the world. Sunday, August 18, 2019
Numbers 11:5-6 says, “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” (NAS) Saturday, August 17, 2019
My son turns 30 this week and I remember how much I wanted to shield him and his sister from the harsh realities of this world. I dreaded the day when my children would realize what kind of world this is with crime, senseless violence, murder, war, and injustice. Sunday, August 11, 2019
Christian Ministry just released its stats and facts for the month of July. It helped 640 families with food, 63 families with utilities and/or rent, 227 families were helped with furniture and household items and personal items, LINC Home Meals program delivered 1,619 meals, and the ministry’s soup kitchen served 3,610 meals to 3,027 people. Saturday, August 10, 2019
A few years ago my wife and I went on vacation to Daytona Beach, Florida. One of the jobs everybody has to do when they arrive at their vacation destination is to go to the grocery store to buy supplies for the duration of your time away from home. Saturday, August 10, 2019
By now you may have grown tired of hearing the reports about the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton, but Dr. Spence reminds us that only by considering the problems we are facing can we hope to solve them. Thursday, August 8, 2019
Cherryville-based Heart 2 Heart will perform a free concert, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at Living Word Ministries in Lowesville. They have placed on the gospel charts many times and appeared on television. Sharing the bill will be the Johnson Edition from South Carolina. Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Invite your friends and neighbors to this wonderful concert as St. Luke’s opens their doors and arms to the community welcoming everyone into their church home on Friday, August 9 at 6 p.m. in their Parish House at 315 N. Cedar St. in Lincolnton. Tuesday, August 6, 2019
This week, Dr. Spence uses the occasion of the start of school next week as a reminder that watching out for others is important. Sunday, August 4, 2019
When we are gone all that will remain will be our story told through the lens of those who remember us. Our story is the legacy we leave for our family and friends. For God’s people it contains our common spiritual heritage that knits us together in the Body of Christ. Sunday, August 4, 2019
I have always underestimated the role of the belt in a man’s wardrobe. I have worn a belt since I was a child and I thought that it was just for looks. Saturday, August 3, 2019
This week someone from the community who knows me as a pastor called to cry out in pain in the middle of a horrific family tragedy. He needed someone to listen and be present with him in his sorrow. Sunday, July 28, 2019
After months of debate, my wife and I adopted a kitten from a local animal shelter. I am convinced that is one of the best decisions we have ever made! Saturday, July 27, 2019
Spartanburg’s own Pine Ridge Boys return to Living Word this Saturday. Also on the bill are the Citizens of Glory, all the way from California. Friday, July 26, 2019
It was a pleasant evening to say the least. The band played, people listened to the music, visited with friends, and some danced. The 'Men in Black' weren't there--and frankly, they weren't missed. Friday, July 26, 2019
