A call for unity
Many people may not be aware that this post-modern world has also led to a post-Christian era. In our society today, people no longer view the Christian church as imperative or sacred.
Some have redefined God and the church to justify their lifestyle and have redefined truth to meet their standards. However, if you are from a generation where the Bible was accepted as absolute truth and people respected authority whether it was parents, teacher, preacher, or the police, you know it is now a different world from days past.
None of this should surprise or alarm us for the Bible has warned us that the day of apostasy, “a falling away from God,” would come.
We live in a day and time where many people do not believe in a heaven or hell.
A study done reported 80 percent of adults, 30 years or younger, do not see marriage as necessary for living together as a couple. Many people, who live the alternative lifestyle, are moving from other countries to America for protection because our government has made same sex marriages lawful and our society embraces it.
In many areas, the police and citizens do not trust each other which has created an atmosphere for anarchy. Drive-by shootings are an everyday occurrence. Many are concerned that our youth are not safe even at school. The presidential race has created a climate where our diversity separates us rather than brings us together. Terrorism is the new war strategy against America. I do not think anyone will disagree that our society is in need of changes.
One of the greatest dividers of the Christian church is denominations. However, if you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and that God raised him from the dead, then you are my brother and sister in Christ. I will not sweat the small stuff that separates us. Furthermore, we must find common ground with those of other religions in an effort to preserve a common respect and peace. Remember, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5-6).
It will not be our government, but the church where hearts are changed that will make a difference in this world. We must be careful not to judge or condemn people, but rather like Christ, be loving and forgiving of people until changes come. Together, let us be the change we want to see in others. Let us get out of our comfort zone and make positive things happen. United we stand; divided we fall. The tapestries of seven new saints Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero (from left), Ludovico Pavoni, Jose Sanchez del Rio, Salomone Leclerc, Manuel Gonzalez Garcia, Alfonso Maria Fusco
Faith Temple of Jesus Christ, 542 Branham Ave., will observe its annual Hat and Tie Day on Sunday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. George Beavers and Oak Hill M.B.C. of Summerville as the special guests. For more information call 706-936-8722.
Flatrock Baptist Church, 848 Cunningham Road, will be celebrating its 146th anniversary Sunday at 3 p.m. The Rev. Carlos Calhoun and the Bethesda Baptist Church will be the afternoon guests. For more information call 706-234-9976.
Greater Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 259 Herring Road, Armuchee, will celebrate the first anniversary of its pastor, the Rev. Reginald D. McDaniel, Sunday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Taylor McDaniel, associate minister of Widener Missionary Baptist Church, Arkansas, will be the guest speaker. Pastor Edward Houston and New Bethel Baptist Church of Cedartown will be the afternoon guests at 3 p.m.
Hill Crest Baptist Church, 2202 N. Broad St., will have a trunk-ortreat Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd., offers services on Sundays beginning with Sunday School classes for all ages starting at 9:30 am. Worship services are a liturgical with biblically based sermons beginning at 10:30 a.m. Communion services are celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month. For more information call 706-232-7257.
New Canaan Baptist Church,3 Excelsior St., will celebrate its sixth anniversary Saturday at 5 p.m. featuring Ordained Ministries of Fort Oglethorpe, Michael Reardon of Statham, Sacrifice of Tunnel Hill and The Helms Family of Rome as the special guest. Refreshments will be served afterward.
Andrew Medichini / The Associated Press and Elisabetta Della Santissima Trinita’ Catez, hang from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica prior to the start of a Canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican.
New Life of St. John Baptist Church, 419 Walter St., will be celebrate the anniversary of its senior choir Nov. 13 at 3 pm. The theme is God is God, He won’t Change. All groups, choirs, soloists and praise dancers are invited to participate. For more information, contact Evangelist Gussie Turrentine at 706-3311824.
New Hope Cathedral Church of God, 200 Nixon Ave., will celebrate its church anniversary Sunday at 3 p.m. with Bishop V.T. Harden and Spirit and Truth Church of Summerville as the special guest. Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m. For more information call 678-986-0285.
The North Georgia General Missionary Baptist Association’s First Saturday Fellowship Service will be held Nov. 5 at 9:45 a.m. with Pastor Ramon Arnold and Zion Hill Baptist Church, 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Rockmart. For more information call the Vice Moderator Windell Smith at 706-537-6647.
Solomon Temple, 2109 Southern St., will celebrate the Rev. Robbins Young’s 16th pastoral anniversary with services Friday at Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 500 N. Division St., will have a fall festival/rummage sale Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Face painting, and games are free. Foods will be sold.
Silver Creek United Methodist Church, 36 Reeceburg Road, will sponsor a free community lunch Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. This ministry takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information call or text 706-506-6493. will be led by The Rev. Camille Josey. The sermon title this week is The Desire of God. The Scripture passages are Hosea 6:1-6 and Hebrews 10:19-23. For more information about worship at Silver Creek Presbyterian call Lloyd Farr at 706-291-9793 or visit the church website at silvercreekpcusa.org or the church Facebook page.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 101 E. Fourth Ave., offers services of Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and 10 a.m. in the church each Sunday. Sunday School classes for all ages meet at 11:15 a.m. Adults may choose “Wired Word” or the Adult Forum featuring “The Story: The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People.” Midweek Eucharist services are held on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. We will celebrate Oktoberfest with food, games and more on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Bible Study meets on Thursday at 10 a.m. For more information call 706-291-9111.
Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 304 Coker Drive, will have a Holy Eucharist Service on Sunday at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday Travelers will meet at 6:30 p.m. The place is yet to be determined. There will be an Al-Anon in the Parish Hall on Wednesday at noon and a Healing Service with Eucharist at 6 p.m. that night. For more information call 706-234-0197.
West Rome United Methodist Church, 1003 Shorter Ave., will have services Sunday at 11 a.m. The sermon text will come from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and 16-18. Sermon title will be “The Champion’s Wreath.” Magician/ventriloquist Steve Holt will perform Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.westromeumc.com or call 706-234-6214.