I enjoy this time of year and all that it brings. It is a time of thanksgiving, a time of giving, and, yes, it is a time of receiving. It brings out the child in me as I reminisce about past Christmases and the gifts that I was able to give and receive, the anticipation of what was under the tree, and being able to see family that I had seen maybe a few times or less throughout the year.. Friday, December 6, 2019
Millions of people voted in an online poll in 2015 to have the face of Harriet Tubman on the US$20 bill. But many might not have known the story of her life as chronicled in a recent film, “Harriet.” Friday, December 6, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Evangelist Cory Respondek will be the guest speaker in the 10 a.m. morning worship service on Sunday, December 1, 2019. Friday, November 29, 2019
TOWER HILL — Southern Gospel Music has always been known for it's smooth harmonies, strong vocals and powerful, straight forward lyrics. For the last 25 years, the Wanda Mountain Boys have displayed all three of these qualities as they have established themselves in the Gospel Music community in the Midwest. Friday, November 29, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — How fortunate that Thanksgiving is so close to December 1st. Yesterday, we paused in our busy lives to thank God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for the blessings received this past year. But it has been a rough year.Some of us have lost loved ones. We felt the sting of their absence yesterday. Hopefully the day ended with a word of thanks to God. Our departed loved one who died in faith in Christ is now safe and sound at the never ending banquet feast in heaven. Friday, November 29, 2019
His TV neighborhood, was, of course, a realm of make believe — a child’s-eye view of community summoned into being by an oddly understanding adult, cobbled together from a patchwork of stage sets, model houses and pure, unsullied love.
Visiting it each day, with Mister Rogers as guide, you’d learn certain lessons: Believe you’re special. Regulate your emotions. Have a sense of yourself. Be kind. Friday, November 22, 2019
Facing thousands of clergy sex-abuse cases, U.S. Catholic leaders addressed their greatest crisis in the modern era with a promised reform: Mandatory review boards.
These independent panels with lay people in each diocese would review allegations fairly and kindly. And they would help bishops ensure that no abusive priests stayed in ministry. Friday, November 22, 2019
The Sunday 10 a.m. service on November 24 at Faith Community Worship Center in Taylorville will be dedicated to the theme "In Everything Give Thanks." Friday, November 22, 2019
Best-selling author, Max Lucado, tells about living as an American in Brazil. One day, as he was walking along the street on his way to the University to teach a class, he felt a tug on his pants leg. Turning around, he saw a little boy “about 5 or 6 years old with dark beady eyes and a dirty little face.” The little boy looked up at the big American and said, "Bread, Sir." He was a little beggar boy and Lucado said, "There are always little beggar boys in the streets of Brazil. Usually I turn away from them because there are so many and you can't feed them all. But there was something so compelling about this little boy that I couldn't turn away. Friday, November 22, 2019
Soon after the internet boom in the 1990s, the Christian consulting firm WisdomWorks obtained software that could run automated chat groups -- allowing anonymous teens to ask candid questions.
Mark Matlock and his team called the project "Wise Intelligent Guide."
Tech-savvy young people were careful, often repeating easy questions over and over to determine if the "bot" was truly autonomous, as opposed to being operated by hidden adults. A typical user would then probe with relatively safe questions, like "Does God exist?" Friday, November 22, 2019
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A federal court is allowing a Kentucky man to personalize a license plate with the phrase “IM GOD” after a three-year legal battle over the custom engraving. Friday, November 15, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — During the month of November the "Faith Extreme" (F-X) Student Group from Faith Community Worship Center has been displaying acts of thankfulness in various ways to thank God for blessings in their lives. Friday, November 15, 2019
The pilgrims arrive early and from all over, gathering hours before daybreak in an old pecan grove that surrounds a country church. They come, they say, for a dose of simple decency and devotion wrapped up in a Bible lesson.
The teacher is the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Tuesday, November 12, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The slaying in Mexico of nine people who belonged to a Mormon offshoot community where some people practice polygamy spotlights the mainstream church's struggle to distance itself from plural marriage, which has a history in the faith but has long been denounced. Friday, November 8, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — As those who have chosen Christ as Savior and Lord, we are involved in an intense spiritual battle in the Heavens being manifested on earth - in our lives and those around us. Those without Christ are involved as well, but without the hope that is ours in Christ. Friday, November 8, 2019
Phillip E. Johnson was doing what a University of California, Berkeley law professor was supposed to do during a mid-career sabbatical. Friday, November 8, 2019
Last year, my wife and I really enjoyed Fall. It’s my favorite season any way, but it seemed especially beautiful. The vibrant colors popped throughout the area, and we enjoyed driving through town and taking pictures in the park. It made me thankful that we live in a place that experiences autumn each year because our years in Florida included just two seasons: summer and a few weeks of not-summer, that time when things are just a little dull and slightly cool and damp. I longed for trees that changed color during that time. Friday, November 1, 2019
Kincaid Church of God is at it again. The members of the KCOG church will be coming together starting Nov. 3 to begin their annual Peanut Brittle Season. Peanut Brittle making and selling has been a yearly favorite through out the community. Over the past 40 plus years, the women and men have joined together to make the Peanut Brittle. This year is no different. KCOG uses the proceeds made for various projects in and out of the church. Last year the Peanut Brittle Fundraiser proceeds were used to remodel the church nursery and preschool room. Friday, November 1, 2019
The Evangelical Free Church honored both of their pastors at a special reception on Sunday, October 27, in recognition of Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Lead Pastor Don Beetem has been with the church since 2000, and Co-Pastor Jonathan Sorensen since May 2019. Friday, November 1, 2019
The Central Christian Church on 650 West William Street in Decatur is hosting a trombone, organ, and piano concert on Sunday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Friday, November 1, 2019
On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, First Baptist Church in Stonington, called Pastor Scott Parks as their new bi-vocational Pastor. Parks is also the bi-vocational Pastor for Old Stonington Baptist Church, a position he has held since August, 2018, and will remain in that position as he adds First Baptist Church to his Pastoral duties. Friday, November 1, 2019
The last evening that country singer Craig Morgan spent with his 19-year-old son, Jerry, was during one of Morgan’s performances at Grand Ole Opry three years ago. Friday, November 1, 2019
U.S. cardinals needed someone who was willing, in the spring of 2002, to face waves of microphones and cameras and answer questions about a clergy sexual abuse crisis that kept growing more and more intense. Friday, November 1, 2019
Several local churches will host pre-Halloween activities this weekend. The public is invited to attend and wear your costumes. Friday, October 25, 2019
The reformation that took place in the 1500’s was about the salvation of the soul. Yes, it did lead to social reforms. Luther had deep concern and a heart for the poor. He is often times credited with creating the community chest. He had given instruction on how to distribute collected fund to needy families. This was done after the Sunday service. But that was not the major issue of the Lutherans at that time. Friday, October 25, 2019
St. Mary’s Church, through their Elizabeth Ministry, will hold their 23rd Annual White Ribbon Memorial Service on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 1 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019
The portion of Americans with no religious affiliation is rising significantly, in tandem with a sharp drop in the percentage that identifies as Christians, according to new data from the Pew Research Center. Friday, October 25, 2019
When preparing the 2016 Democratic Party platform, the drafting committee promised: "We will do everything we can to protect religious minorities and the fundamental right of freedom to worship and believe." Friday, October 25, 2019
October 24, 2019 10:06
TAYLORVILLE — The road to success. The road to happiness. The road less traveled. The road not taken. The road back to you. These are just a few of the expressions used to describe not so much a literal path we’ve experienced but more the journey of life we find ourselves on. Of course, many would include the following lyrics to the list, “Life is a highway. I wanna ride it all night long.” (Rascal Flatts-2006) Among these famous descriptions about the roads we often encounter in life, let me suggest one other possibility and that would be, “The Road no one could see-the Road no one knew was there.” This particular expression is found in the Bible, Psalm 77:19. “Your road (God) led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters, a pathway no one knew was there!” There’s something intriguing about a road unseen. Friday, October 18, 2019
Anne Graham Lotz has done her share of thinking about the past, present and future of evangelism -- which is understandable, since her father, Billy Graham, liked to call her the "best preacher in the family." Friday, October 18, 2019
Kincaid Church of God is excited to welcome the new additions to their ministry team and church family, Brent and Lindy Austin and Jeremy and Tawnya Austin. Friday, October 11, 2019
The Davis Memorial Christian Church (DMCC) Women’s Fellowship hosted a luncheon recently with Ed Legg as the guest speaker from Missions for Taylorville (MFT). Legg spoke to the gorup about the status of MFT regarding the effort in tornado recovery, the help they are receiving, as well as monetary donations still neded. He couraged the group that there are still many ways to help even if you can’t physically paint, roof or build. There’s something for everyone. You may contact Missions for Taylorville at 217-824-8181 if you’re able to help or donate monetarily.Pictured in the front row from left are: Friday, October 11, 2019
The shooting that left two dead and several injured in Halle, Germany, on Wednesday — when Jews celebrated Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for their faith — has shined a spotlight on the worldwide rise of anti-Semitic incidents. Friday, October 11, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church, in Edinburg, is celebrating their 125th Anniversary this Sunday, October 13. The day will begin with a light breakfast at 8:30am; at 9:00 Sunday school and Bible Classes will observe the many promises and blessings that God has bestowed upon Trinity these many years. Friday, October 11, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Reading in Ezekiel 8:7 Then He brought me to the entrance of the Court, and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. Vs8 He said to me "Son of man, now dig through the wall" So, I dg through the wall, and behold an entrance. Vs9 And He said to me "Go in and see the wicked abominations that they are committing here" Vs10 So I entered and looked, and behold, every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, were carved on the wall all around. Friday, October 4, 2019
There is no record that political pollsters in ancient Rome even knew that Jesus of Nazareth told a Jewish leader named Nicodemus that he needed to be "born again" in order see the Kingdom of God. Friday, October 4, 2019
On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Grace Memorial Church, located at 108 East Douglas Street in Edinburg, will be installing Pastor Wes Barteck as their new pastor at the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Friday, September 27, 2019
In mid-April, a group of 36 volunteers, including members of the South Fork High School National Honor Society, gathered at Midland United Methodist Church in Kincaid. They were there to create unique bowls out of lumps of clay. Guided by Michelle Coakes, owner of Bad Wolf Pottery in Taylorville, and assisted by Trish Duknoski, an instructor at the pottery, over the course of several hours, the volunteers created and decorated 100 soup bowls. Friday, September 27, 2019
“Every man for himself.” When we hear that phrase, it means that we shouldn’t expect any help. Each person needs to fend for themselves against whatever danger is threatening the group. It’s a selfish approach that is bound to leave someone behind, but it’s not the way that the Bible calls us to live our lives. Friday, September 27, 2019
The annual fish fry at Davis Memorial Christian Church (DMCC) is set for Friday, October 11, 2019 at 1500 W. Franklin Street in Taylorville. Friday, September 27, 2019
When describing the life and work of St. Francis of Assisi, his admirers -- environmentalists as well as theologians -- usually quote his "Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon." Friday, September 27, 2019
(AP) — “Jimmy Lee” is a stirring album combining Raphael Saadiq’s trademark vintage soul sounds with moving gospel, disquieting soundscapes and closing triad of tunes that pulls no punches in addressing social ills and personal doubts. Friday, September 20, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Faith Community Worship Center in Taylorville will enjoy a 4:00 p.m. worship service at the church pavilion located on the back of their property at 2493 South Spresser Street in Taylorville, at the intersection of South Spresser and Route 40. Senior Pastor Jerry L. Thorpe and the congregation invite the community to worship with them. Friday, September 20, 2019
HARVEL, Ill. — The Harvel New Life Church, 203 West Monroe in Harvel, Ill. will host a Revival Satuday, September 21, 2019 at 5 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — I have heard this discussion throughout my short life time here on earth. It often goes like this. “The way this world is today, I can’t see bringing a child into it.” Going back over a hundred years, I really can’t find a good time in which to bring children into this world. Friday, September 20, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — The First United Methodist Church of Taylorville invites the community to celebrate with them their 175th Anniversary at a special blended worship service on Sunday, September 22 at 10am. Bishop Frank Beard, who presides over the Illinois Great River’s Conference, will preach during this special worship service as the Chancel Choir and Praise Band provide special music. Friday, September 20, 2019
Week after week, the Rev. Todd Peperkorn listens as pastors talk -- in private -- about people wrestling with loneliness, depression and urges to commit suicide. Friday, September 20, 2019
For parents and guardians who are looking for a safe and supportive program for their children after school, the Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Taylorville may have a solution. The Lighthouse Keepers Teen Group, run by Youth Minister Jeremy Rhodes, is offering an after school program for all ages. Friday, September 13, 2019
Grandparents and Senior Adults were honored Sunday, September 8 at Faith Community Worship Center beginning with a complementary breakfast before services. Upon arrival, the diners were greeted and escorted to their seats by members of the Faith Extreme (F-X) Youth, who were servers for the day. Friday, September 13, 2019
My granddaughter asked me a very interesting question this week. She asked, “Do you remember the day the airplane crashed into the big buildings.” Of course, she was learning at school about a historical event that happened eleven years before she was born. Her young mind is trying to process the events of that bright September morning, but my mind went back to that day as if it all happened yesterday. She was collecting information and she knew that not only was I old enough to remember September 11, but she also knew we had lived in New York on the day those events took place. Although, my granddaughter had trouble understanding what I did or did not see on that day, I’ll never forget driving across the Throgs Neck bridge into Queens and seeing the smoke billowing from the end of the Manhattan skyline. It is an image I still remember, and I know I will never forget. Friday, September 13, 2019
If newcomers walk into a Protestant church on Sunday and hear an organ playing, and see hymnals, the odds are good that between 50 and 250 people will be in the pews. Friday, September 13, 2019
