Special teddy bears blessed by church
| A morning service last weekend at the First United Church of Christ in Hollywood took a cute and cuddly turn with a bunch of sweet-faced visitors staring back at worshipers from their place of honor next to the altar.
The batch of about 35 stuffed toy animals were warmly welcomed as special guests when the Rev. Jack Branford presided over the congregation’s annual Blessing of the Bears. The critters received an inspirational send-off before going to their new home, into the arms of elderly residents at the Hollywood Hills Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. |
Blessed by Giving – Spiritually
| Yet, it is a spiritual act that we perform in worship to God. When we give generously we are honoring His name, giving Him first place, and extending His Kingdom. Giving is grace.
Today, seek ways to be full of grace to others – find ways that you can give generously. |
President’s Political Protector Is Ever Close at Hand
| There are few words that come across the president’s lips that have not been blessed by Mr. Axelrod. He reviews every speech, studies every major policy position and works with Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, to prepare responses to the crisis of the day. |
| I am blessed by the realization that God knows me as well as knowing about me. I am encouraged also by the assurance that He knows the course of my life even before I experience it. As Job put it, “He knoweth the way that I take” (Job 23:10). |
Pastor to the deaf blessed by his calling
| Armstrong officially kicked off his ministry on Sunday with a special event for deaf people in the congregation and other invited guests.
Executive Pastor James Scudder Jr. says Armstrong’s work is more significant than it looks. “This is so much more than just providing sign language interpretation for the sermon,” he said. “David’s ministry works to keep the deaf fully included in the life of the church. They are part of our family, not a subgroup.” |
So what have you been blessed by today?
Alternate question: Who has been blessed by you today?