Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. — 1 Samuel 16:7 This month, our nation marks “heart month” with a special emphasis on Americans being “heart healthy.” There is no denying that is good for us to remember that, while our physical hearts need to be healthy, we must […]
Continue ReadingFaith
FAITH MATTERS: To what do you cling in times of trouble?
Listen to these awesome words St. Paul records for us in Romans 8: “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword … nothing in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in […]
Continue ReadingLIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: Fill an empty heart this Christmas season
One-two-three, one-two-three, step, heel, together, step, heel, together. Last month, my wife and I had the wonderful opportunity to dance in the Plant City Noon Rotary Club fundraiser, “Dancing with the Locals.” We worked on a waltz, because we enjoyed the flow of the music and also the fact that I cannot do the gyrations […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: The high cost of Christmas
A recent article I read stated the average dollar amount Americans will spend per person this year for Christmas is $786. The good news for merchants is that amount is up slightly from 2012. But, on the other hand, it is way down from 2007’s high of $866. Already, we are hearing mixed reports depending […]
Continue ReadingEvangelical Presbyterian selects new pastor
It’s been a long process, but the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has selected its new pastor. Scott Lawry and his family will move from Alabama to Plant City to take the helm. Lawry’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be Jan. 5, 2014. “In my mind, it’s a dream job,” Lawry said. “It’s a special church. […]
Continue ReadingFBC Midway pastor steps down
It is safe to say First Baptist Church of Midway won’t find another pastor quite like the Rev. Mitch Weissman. His Sunday best hides a proud collection of tattoos that snake around both arms and legs. And just a few years ago, before he injured his back in a four-wheeler accident, it wasn’t out of […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Plant City Seventh-day Adventist Festival of Hope
After all the turkey and dressing had been devoured, Plant City Seventh-day Adventist Church offered an afternoon of fun Dec. 1 at its Festival of Hope. The event featured a variety of booths from organizations such as South Florida Baptist Hospital and Guardian ad Litem. Children enjoyed face paining, carnival games, arts and crafts, and […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: Has Thanksgiving holiday gone afoul?
This year for Thanksgiving, Americans are being given a treat (or is it a trick?). This year, you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to do your Christmas shopping. You can sit at the dinner table Thanksgiving Day, eat as fast as you can and then head to the mall to be there in […]
Continue ReadingChrist Community Café to dish out food, fellowship after Thanksgiving
It’s not cold yet. But the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Dorcas Circle is beating out Jack Frost by knitting about 60 different articles of clothing. From beige beanies to colorful scarves, the group will be passing the accessories out during interdenominational Christ Community Café’s free lunch this Friday. Christ Community Café targets the homeless and those […]
Continue ReadingSt. Clement plans holiday fundraiser
St. Clement Catholic Church will host its sixth annual “Twas the Month Before Christmas” event, Nov. 23 and 24. The celebration includes live and silent auctions, dinner and breakfast. Proceeds go to fund the migrant ministry and youth retreats at the church. On Nov. 23, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will be serving a dinner alongside a […]
Continue Reading
