Religion

Gigachurches can serve thousands

By Jeff Strickler/McClatchy-Tribune News Service

MINNEAPOLIS – The 23rd Psalm rolled off the Rev. Jason Strand’s tongue with soothing familiarity, the way it had since he memorized it as a boy.  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures,... Full story

An oasis of serenity for a fast-paced world

By John Chadwick/McClatchy-Tribune News Service

HACKENSACK, N.J.– Like many houses of worship, the Sadhu Vaswani Center in Closter, N.J., has a sign that displays spiritual messages to passers-by. But rather than trumpeting familiar injunctions like “Praise the Lord,” the Hindu congregation’s... Full story

As pastors retire, leaders seek young clergy

By Sam Hodges/McClatchy-Tribune News Service

DALLAS – It would be a stretch to call Dallas native Trace Haythorn the “Mr. Fix-It” for the clergy shortage facing American Christianity. But as the recently named president of the Fund for Theological Education, he’s in the... Full story

Promise Keepers kicks off eight-city tour

By Ron Orozco/McClatchy Newspapers

FRESNO – Ron Hooper of Flagstaff, Ariz., said he traveled to Fresno so he could get to know God a little better, something he said would help him become a better husband, father and man. “It doesn’t come automatic,” he said. Hooper... Full story

Modern-day knights abound, if you know where to look

Sue Nowicki / McClatchy Newspapers

MODESTO – In “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” in order to save his father (Sean Connery) from a gunshot wound, the title character (Harrison Ford) must choose the correct chalice used by Jesus Christ on the eve of his crucifixion.... Full story

Obama spotlights United Church of Christ

Denomination seeks to share its mission, message of inclusion with public only aware of pastor controversy

By Colette M. Jenkins/McClatchy-Tribune News Service

AKRON, Ohio – The Cleveland-based United Church of Christ has found itself in an uncomfortable spotlight because one of its 1.2 million members, Sen. Barack Obama, is running for president. At issue are video clips of fiery rhetoric from Obama’s... Full story

Woman recalls life in polygamist sect

By David Perlmutt/McClatchy Newspapers

Charlotte, N.C. – She was raised by her father and his three wives, surrounded by 12 siblings. There was no TV, no radio. At school, she was taught that man never landed on the moon. She and other girls in the polygamist Fundamentalist Church of... Full story

Jesus on Divorce

By Pastor Ron Barker/Tehachapi First Baptist Church

Divorce is devastating.  Many who have been divorced could give testimonies that would drive this truth down our throats.  The pain of divorce is excruciating, and not only for the couple, but for their children. What does Jesus say about divorce? ... Full story

Catch the Vision

The resurrection’s purpose

By Pastor Ron Barker, First Baptist Church, Tehachapi

The purpose of the resurrection of Christ is to provide salvation and deliverance for a lost world.  Revelation 7:9 reads, “And there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing... Full story

April 4

Willows Christian Church is having a spring salad luncheon

Willows Christian church is having a spring salad luncheon on  April 4 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at 200 South Plumas St. Donations are $7. Take-out and delivery is available 934-3490.... Full story

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