Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/108578
8A Daily News – Saturday, February 9, 2013 Religion Faith &Worship Cushions Voices of Faith Why do Christians get so excited over whether Jesus had a wife? The Kansas City Star (MCT) SCRIPTURES ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY The Rev. Pat Rush, Visitation Church of Kansas City, Mo.: Because there is so much about Jesus's personal life that is untold by the gospels, we refer to this as his "hidden life." Since the earliest times, people have tried to imagine details about that period. Early examples of this are found in the apocryphal gospels, works that did not make it into the Christian New Testament canon. A first reason for Christians' concern about theories of Jesus being married is that the New Testament Scriptures provide us with absolutely no evidence of a wife, and we take our Scripture very seriously and want to always defend against adulteration. Similarly, from the Catholic perspective, a second reason is the seriousness with which we take the teaching tradition of our church. Catholics hold as a second source for our faith our church's consistent teachings through the centuries, consistent teachings beyond Scripture but founded on Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. Our church tradition includes no teaching that Jesus was married. A third reason is Jesus's own teaching in Matthew 19:10-12 on the value of celibacy for witnessing to the Kingdom of God. Celibacy witnesses to the Kingdom of God's love and justice for all people, not just for a few or for a particular individual. As such, the Christians have consistently considered celibacy a most appropriate state of life for God's son. TEACHINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT The Rev. Duke Tufty, Unity Temple on the Plaza, Kansas City: If Jesus had a wife, then what? What if they had children? What if there are people of Jesus's blood line alive today? What if they came forward and claimed the assets of the church? What if people thought since Jesus wasn't celibate, then priests shouldn't have to be celibate? What if by being married people began to think Jesus was human and not divine? What if? What if? What if? The mind goes into a frenzy. But when we take a deep breath, calm down, and think deeply about what it would mean if Jesus were married, the truth slowly rises like the morning sun. We realize that it wouldn't make any difference at all. Jesus' height, weight, physical appearance, marital status and even lineage are simple historical facts that have little importance. What he said; the revelations he pronounced; his inspiring message of hope, peace, love and joy; his direction for living a good life and being a beneficial presence in the world is what matters. If Jesus were married, good for him. I am happy for him. If Jesus were not married, good for him. I am happy for him. Either way, I give heartfelt gratitude for his words of wisdom. Send your questions for one of our panels of religion columnists to Darryl Levings at The Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City MO, 64108. Send email to levings@kcstar.com. Cushions can be stuffed with feathers, foam rubber, horsehair, fibers, linsey wool, kapok, hog hair, cotton flock and alva (dried seaweed) – as a few examples. The latest cushion (Forever Comfy) uses foam, placed over a therapeutic gel. Being comfortable is important to most of us, and our gluteus maximi appreciates a wellpadded, comfy cushion. Most of us have our own personal preferences when choosing the cushion that meets our fancy. Sometimes we tend to want a "cushioned Christianity" experience. We often want to pick and choose our own way of serving God, so that we will feel comfortable. Perhaps we want our life "stuffed" with some of sin's pleasures. "Oh, that's not me at all," you say. Yet, when we examine our heart, with our Bible open, we may find some contradiction in our thought life and actions. We may choose to hold onto something that God's Word warns us about, just in order to feel comfy and momentarily satisfied. In our culture there are so many varied ways of looking at Christianity. Yet God's Word and God's will for our lives has not changed. He says, "I am the Lord, and I do not change" (Malachi 3:6 NLT). "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NLT). We can set our life on Him. When we follow Jesus, and when we follow God's Word, our life will be cushioned by His love. What should our response be? Scripture explains it clearly. This is what Jesus told his disciples: "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest save it. And what do you benMyself to him" (John 14:21 efit if you gain the whole NKJ). How wonderful that world but lose your own soul? God will make Himself Is anything worth more than known to us, personally. your soul?" (Matthew 16:24More description on this 26 NLT) supreme subject is as folThere are many pagan cuslows: "If anyone loves Me, toms in our world. Simply he will keep My word, and defined, anytime Christian My Father will love him, persons decide to seek advice and We will come to him or direction from another and make Our home with source, other than God's Word, they are opening their Patricia him. He who does not love Me does not keep my lives to Satanic attack and words; and the word which much deception. All lucky you hear is not Mine but charms, horoscopes, tarot the Father's who sent me" card readings (to name a few) (John 14:23,24 NKJ). provide a cushioning experiA familiar song rings ence for many in our culture today. We have gone so far away from within my heart, with the lyrics, "Oh, being Bible centered Christians that how I love Jesus; Oh, how I love Jesus; those wanting to adhere closely to Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first God's Word are often ridiculed, even loved me." Can we give Him any less by members of the body of Christ. A than our all? Can we continue serving thorough study of Deuteronomy, chap- Him, as just a "side dish," or someone ter 18:9-14 will clarify any questions we work into our busy schedule? No! on the subject. In the New Living Our schedule should bow before Him, Translation, verse 14 states, "The and He must be first in our life. Dare nations you are about to displace con- we call ourselves Christians any longer, sult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but when we neglect the love of God for the Lord your God forbids you to do us? Now is the hour for us to make cersuch things." This chapter also warns tain that our hearts and lives are cushioned by the grace and love of our Lord of not imitating detestable customs. Personally I love being cushioned and Savior, Jesus Christ. by the love of God. Jesus speaks (Book Patricia Martin is the leader of God's of John) about manifesting His love to us, as we follow Him. All of us know Precious Jewels, a Red Bluff based that we haven't arrived at our life desti- ministry to Native American children nation yet, because we live with our- on multiple reservations. She also selves. Our Heavenly Father asks that leads the Tehama County Rapha we give our heart to Him. Jesus said the Ministry, a monthly gathering of following: "He who has My com- outreach and healing prayer for people mandments and keeps them, it is he suffering from or surviving in the wake who loves Me. And he who loves Me of cancer. Martin GodTalk CHURCH CLIPS Ash Wednesday service St. Peter's Episcopal Church will offer an Ash Wednesday Service and Imposition of the Ashes at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and placed upon the head with the sign of the cross, or sprinkled on the forehead. The ashes are made from burning palm branches blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday. When the priest imposes the ashes she says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (see Genesis 3:19), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). The ashes serve a dual purpose. First, as the above words imply, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility. All are welcome, regardless of denominational back- ground, to join fellow believers at this worship service. St. Peter's is at 510 Jefferson St., at the corner of Jefferson and Elm streets, in Red Bluff. For additional information, call 527-5205 or send an email to stpeters@sbcglobal.net. Cowboy Church new location Out of the Box Ministries Cowboy Church of Red Bluff has a new meeting place. Individuals without a church home are invited to attend Sunday morning worship at 10 on Feb.10, at 22812 Antelope Blvd., formerly Totally Trucks Parts and Accessories shop, across from the Yamaha dealership. The church members have met on Sundays mornings in the bull sale barn at fairgrounds since March 2011. "Many are surprised to learn that Red Bluff has a cowboy church. Our ministry will expand its community outreach at the new location, presenting concerts and weekly Bible studies at 7 pm on Wednesdays", said Pastor Mike Roberts. For information, call 530-529-3700 or 530-585-3070. Tehama County Church Directory HOYT-COLE CHAPEL OF THE FLOWERS 816 Walnut St. - Red Bluff FD 652 Red Bluff.... This directory sponsored by: Red Bluff.... RED BLUFF AUTO ELECTRIC INC. 1055 Main St. - Red Bluff 527-5170 Los Molinos.... Cottonwood... ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP — 21080 Luther Rd. — Pastor J.E. Heitman 528-2499 — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM OUT OF THE BOX MINISTRIES-COWBOY CHURCH — 585-3070 22812 Antelope Blvd. –– Wednesday 7:00PM –– Sunday 10:00AM ANTELOPE HOME FELLOWSHIP(SBC) — Berrendos School — 401 Chestnut St 200-4112 — Pastor John Bohrer — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — Jefferson & Hickory St. — 527-0372 The Rev. Beth Hoyt — Worship Service 11:00 AM, Sunday School 9:30 AM, Child Care Available COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — Sherwood & Josephine — 384-2656 Coordinating Pastor Nancy Pharis-Curie—CLayM Pastor Ray Watkins — WORSHIP 11AM FOURSQUARE CHURCH — 2400 Rhonda Rd. Rev. Paul Shrum — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM MILL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH — HWY 99E and Taft St., 384-1564 Pastor Carl DeBiase — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY — 1321 Nelson Dr., Red Bluff. — 527-8541 Pastor Rudy Cepeda — WORSHIP — Sunday 1:00PM & Friday 7PM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD — 370 Kimball Rd. — 527-6346 Pastor Mike Cox — WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM SPIRIT OF LIFE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD — 25235 Orange St. — 384-0100 Pastor Richard Tucker — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM BETHEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD — 625 Luther Rd. — 527-0445 Pastor - David Blythe — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM & 6PM RED BLUFF COMMUNITY CHURCH — 1920 Park St. Pastor Stan Kolbert — SERVICES — Sunday 9:30AM — 282-2248 Corning... CALVARY CHAPEL — 12375 Paskenta Rd. — 527-8219 Pastor Gilbert DeLao Jr. — WORSHIP — Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Antelope-545 Berrendos 529-2506 — Bishop James Beeman — SERVICES Begin Sunday 11:00AM CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Red Bluff-545 Berrendos 527-7012 — Bishop Earl Wintle — SERVICES Begin Sunday 9:00AM COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH — 598 Round -Up Ave. 527-4203 Pastor Dr. Paul Wright — WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM & 6PM CORNERSTONE CHURCH OF GOD — Hwy. 36, Jorgenson 527-9210 — Pastor Roy Duggins — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM & 5PM RED BLUFF GOSPEL ASSEMBLY — 836 Washington St. — 529-9909 Pastor John A. Partsch — WORSHIP — Sunday 1:30PM - Wednesday 7PM RIVERHOUSE CHURCH Pastors John & Connie Christenson Meets Saturdays at 6 pm at Red Bluff High School Cafeteria SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH — 515 Main St. — Father Joyle T. Martinez MASS — Saturday 5:15, Spanish 7PM — Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM, Spanish 12PM CHURCH OFJESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — Marguerite & Blackburn — Bishop A. Daniel Drum — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH — Hickory & Madison — 527-4688 Pastor Dan Woolery — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHRUCH — 720 S. Jackson — 527-3733 Pastor Jon Spoolman — WORSHIP — Saturday 10:45AM FIRST CHURCH OF GOD — Jackson & Luther — 527-5717 Pastor Rod Thompson — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM SHEPHERD HOUSE OF PRAYER — 601 Monroe St. 529-5350 — Pastor Brent Kohler — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE — Johnson & Hickory — 527-3361 Pastor Jesse Morris — WORSHIP — 10:30 AM ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH — Jefferson & Elm — 527-5205 Rev. Maryly Adair — Sunday 9:30AM, Holy Eucharist Rite II FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH — 585 Kimball Rd. — 527-5083 Clyde Brandt — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM SUNRISE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP — C.B.A. — The corner of Cedar & Jackson — 527-6818 Pastor Byron Shaw, Pat Hurton — WORSHIP — 10:50AM — Bible Study 9:30AM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — 525 David Ave. — 527-5754 Pastor Nancy Pharis-Cure — WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL — 8529 Placer Rd., Redding 243-5726 — For service dates & times — 529-9246 LAKE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CHURCH — Lake Club — 347 6970 Jim Bredow, Pastor — WORSHIP — Sunday 8:30AM-10:15AM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ST. PAUL — Jefferson & Elm — 527-3414 Pastor Dallas D. Dubke — WORSHIP — Sunday 8:30AM & 11AM NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH — 1625 Johnson St. — 527-8134 Pastor Vern Milliken — SERVICE — 10:00AM NEW HOPE FOURSQUARE CHURCH — 925 Walnut St. — 528-0642 PastorS Steve and Linda Priest — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM — Youth, Thurs. 6:00 PM NORTH VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH (Ind.) — 345 David Ave — 527-0543 WORSHIP — Sunday 10:50AM NUEVA VIDA — 11841 Hyw 99W — Red Bluff — Spanish-speaking Pastor Freddie Villasenor — WORSHIP — Sunday 11:00AM OPEN VISTAS AWARENESS CENTER — 900 Walnut St. — 529-9285 Rv. Tresha Wing — SERVICE — Sunday 10:00AM CHURCH OF CHRIST — 1418 South St. — 824-3603 WORSHIP — Sunday — 10:30AM CHURCH OF CHRIST — 1440 Yolo St. — 824-4333 David King, Minister — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM THE SALVATION ARMY — 944 Walnut St. — 527-8530 Major Kit Wetter, Pastor — SERVICES — Sunday 10AM & 11AM GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RED BLUFF — 22630 Antelope Blvd. —530-727-7344 Pastor Carl Miller — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30am AM at Antelope School BETHEL CHURCH — 1520 East St. — 824-0175 Ron Cottingham, Pastor — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM SABBATH COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN — 705 So. Jackson St. — 529-1890 Pastor Ron Largent — WORSHIP — Saturday 10:45AM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — 501 Pine St. — 527-4361 Pastor Bruce Cloutier — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH, IND. FUND. — 12830 Glasgow Dr. — 527-2964 Pastor Jeff Eldred — WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM & 6PM BELIEVERS CHURCH OF GOD — 783 Solano St. — 824-6502 Pastor Dan Steigmn — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM TRINITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH — 20920 Hampton Rhodes Drive — 528-8668 Pastor Loren Browning — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM - Wednesday 7:00PM CORNING FOURSQUARE — 404 5th Street — 824-5776 — Sr. Pastor John Gehrung WORSHIP — Sunday: adults 9:15, 10:30 AM — Tues.10AM prayer meeting FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH — Marin & Pear Sts. — 824-0989 Pastor Joycel — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:45AM & 6PM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — 506 Colusa St. — 824-3490 Pastor Chris Fissori — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM — Sunday School 9AM FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH — 1421 Marin St. — 824-5739 WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — 824-5535 — Marguerite & McLane Pastor Howard Sanborn— WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM GOOD NEWS LIGHTHOUSE — 1520 East St. Pastor Ben Rorie — WORSHIP — Sunday 11 AM — 824-0175 HARVEST CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH OF GOD — 1006 6th St. Corning 824-2091 — Pastor Michael Sharp — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH — 824-5879 — 814 Solano St. Father Juan Manuel Ponce — MASS — Sunday 10AM, 12:00PM - Spanish Dairyville... CONE COMMUNITY METHODIST CHURCH — 11220 Hwy. 99E — 527-2329 Coordinating Pastor Nancy Pharis-Cure — CLayM Pastor Chris Bauer —WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM El Camino... COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — Hwy. 99W — 385-2314 Pastor Nancy Pharis-Cure — WORSHIP — Sunday 9:30AM SHADY REST FULL GOSPEL CHURCH — 7211 Hwy. 99W 385-2155 — Pastor Andrew Dalson — WORSHIP — Saturday 7PM Gerber... BAHA'I FAITH OF TEHAMA COUNTY — 385-1091 Prayer meetings Fridays 7:30PM Brickyard Creek Apartments FAITH HOPE LOVE MINISTRIES — 21941 Chard Ave. 385-1431 — Pastor Ina Driggers — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM GERBER BIBLE FELLOWSHIP — 301 Samson @ Ventura 385-1718 — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM Manton... MANTON COMMUNITY CHURCH — Forward Rd. — 474-5156 Pastor Michael Stiener —WORSHIP — Sunday School 9:30 Sun. 10:45 Paskenta... PASKENTA FLOURNOY BIBLE CHURCH — 13140 Round Valley Rd. Pastor Doug Maitia — Sunday 10:30AM — 833-0557 Platina... ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA MONASTERY — Begum Gorge Rd. Abbot Herman — LITURGY — Sunday 8:30AM Rancho Tehama... TRUTH TABERNACLE — 285 Gilmore Road, Red Bluff — 527-5533 WORSHIP — Sunday 1:00PM - Sunday School 9:30AM MT. OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH — 341 Solano St. — 824-5530 Pastor Dallas D. Dubke — WORSHIP — Sunday 9AM COMMUNITY CHURCH (Non-Den.) — 585-2526 WORSHIP — Sunday 11AM UNITED CHURCH OF GOD — 645 Antelope Blvd. Suite 13 — 824-3657 Pastor Herb Vierra— WORSHIP — Saturday 11:30 AM NEIGHBORHOOD FULL GOSPEL CHURCH — 901 South St. — 824-2323 Pastor Ken Killinger — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:50AM & 6PM CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRIES — 585-2975 Pastor Don Luke — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM/6:00PM VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP — 738 Walnut St. — 527-2449 Pastor Steve Igarta — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY CHURCH — 824-3426 Pastor J.R. Gonzales — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:00AM - Sunday School 9AM Tehama... OLIVE BRANCH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP — 565 1st St. — 824-3661 — SERVICE — Sunday 10:30 AM ASSEMBLY OF GOD — Third St. — 384-2603 Pastor Walter Bright — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH — West & Butte — 824-2153 Pastor Jose Torres — WORSHIP — Saturday 11AM ST. STANISLAUS CATHOLIC CHURCH — 824-5879 Corner of 4th & D — MASS — Sunday 8:00AM - English ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH — 820 Marin St. — 680-0353 Rev. Diana Lueckert — CHURCH — Sunday 11AM Vina... WALNUT GROVE CHRISTIAN CENTER — RHEMA Bible Church 435 Round Up Ave. — 527-9065 — Pastor Michael Ragsdale — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM ZION CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES — 836 Washington St. 529-1836 — Pastor Joshua John McKim — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:15AM Bowman... COMMUNITY CHURCH — Bowman Rd. & Landes — 347-6130 Pastor Mark Lugg — WORSHIP — Sunday 10AM Capay... COMMUNITY FRIENDS CHURCH — 4TH & MOLLER AVE. — 865-2806 Pastor TONI BROWN — WORSHIP — Sunday 9:30AM VINA COMMUNITY CHURCH — 5th & D Street — 839-2340 Pastor Larry Peterson — WORSHIP — Sunday 10:30AM & 6PM