Articles from Religion
Winning with Finances - First Principle of a Financial Takeover - Stewardship

What is missing from the financial talk today is the characteristic of stewardship. We can eliminate our financial worries if we can take the Bibles key point of stewardship. Psalm 24:1 declares that, “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Everything we have on this earth is the Lord's.

Read More Thursday, January 19, 2012
ST. STEPHEN'S WILL INTRODUCE NEW PASTOR AT ANNUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION

LANSING, MI -- Committees are meeting, people are planning, drummers are preparing, and singers are rehearsing for St. Stephen's Community Church, U.C.C. 24th   Annual Kwanzaa Celebration.

Read More Sunday, December 18, 2011
Uncovering Latin America’s African Roots

 

 

 

Professor Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr. (pictured) in Salvador Carnival in BLACK IN LATIN AMERICA.  Courtesy of Jemila Twinch

Read More Saturday, February 12, 2011
In My Opinion: A New Egypt Unfolding!

 

 

 
 
 
By Manish Madan
 
I am sick, I am tired … within the same moment, I am pleased but exasperated seeing a stubborn stand-off of an obstinate and retiring Egyptian leadership with their own people. I am well beyond the comprehension of a thirty-year old man who is unable to find some positive reasons for an octogenarian Hosni Mubarak to cling on to the powers and continue ruling the nation against the will of its populace. 
 
 

 

Read More Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Sunray Catcher

 By Ken (Duke) Monse'Broten

Today, in the prison chow hall, I overheard a young female officer talking to another officer. She was talking about her special little girl. Seems this little girl was standing on the front seat of her car, grabbing at the sunrays as they reflected off the windshield the other day. When her mother asked her what she was doing, the little girl said she was trying to catch a sunray for her mom as a present. Both officers agreed on how special moments like that were. The other officer then asked if this mother got to spend time with her special little girl.
 
Tom Lagana is a contributing author with five stories in “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul.”
Read More Wednesday, February 02, 2011
News Spotlight: Recent MSU Alumni and a local East Lansing resident launch a company, “Global Mentors LLC” Connecting Minds Worldwide

EAST, LANSING, MI -- When Vishwajeet K. Singh took ‘the walk’ in the sunny summer of 2010 at Michigan State University (MSU), he had a strong urge to give something back to the community at-large, particularly to the MSU community and its wonderful University town of East Lansing that has given him so much – friends, family and life-long education to boast about. Employed now as a faculty at the University of Oregon where he teaches Hindi/Urdu for World Languages Academy, exactly within a year he is close to fulfilling his urge and now come back to the town to launch his new venture, “Global Mentors LLC”.

Read More Monday, January 31, 2011
Higher Purpose

By Tom Lagana

 
After two days of presenting seminars in New England, I made a mad dash to the airport. Finding myself with a little time to spare, I sat in the main terminal for a few minutes of relaxation. Although this tiny airport appeared to be fairly new, it was unusually empty for 4:30 p.m. on a weekday. From my vantage point, I counted four people.
Read More Monday, January 03, 2011
My Answer - 9-22


Q: I've always been fascinated by angels, and I have lots of angel figurines around the house to protect me. But I admit I don't know much about them. When did God create the angels? Or have they always existed? How much influence do they have over our lives? - Mrs. D.P.
 

Read More Sunday, November 21, 2010
My Answer - 9-21
By Billy Graham
Tribune Media Services
 
Q: My husband and I just lost our home. We got talked into buying it with nothing down and low payments the first two years, and we just didn't think about what would happen later. Now we're back in a rented trailer. We're so discouraged we don't know what to do. Maybe you'll have some encouraging words. - Mrs. N.H.
 
Read More Sunday, November 07, 2010
My Answer - 9-20
By Billy Graham
Tribune Media Services
 
Q: I am a policeman and a Christian, and I have to admit I get discouraged sometimes because it doesn't seem like I'm doing much good. The crime rate (especially drugs) is just as bad in our community as it was when I started 10 years ago. My wife says maybe I ought to do something else. Should I? - K.R.
Read More Sunday, October 24, 2010
Freedom of Information Act - Your Right to Know

Journalists and citizens who file Freedom of Information Act requests often expect delay or denial, unfortunately, that can impact  your daily life. Oftentimes, the lack of information provided by governmental agencies limit the ability to investigate issues, protect individuals or open the doors of justice. istockphoto

Read More Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know


Did you know that you can ask for the documents below under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)?

Read More Friday, February 26, 2010
Fear Not by Pastor Stan Parker

FEAR NOT - Part II

Read More Sunday, September 13, 2009
Divine Purpose 8-5


Many individuals unfortunately allow other people to define their existence and destiny.
 

Read More Sunday, March 29, 2009
Unity in the Community Q&A 6-11

What is prayer, and what results do you expect from it?

Read More Sunday, June 24, 2007
Giving Thanks for a Tree

Driving to the highway the other day, I spotted a beautiful tree!  The tree has obviously been there for a number of years, for she is tall, full and stately.

Read More Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Miracle of Self Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a healer when it comes to adoption issues.

Our hearts melted into one another’s in instant recognition during that first hug. Two bodies reunited after 36 years...two spirits that had never been separated. The gap of time was instantly filled during that one moment of reunion.

Read More Tuesday, September 19, 2006
You CAN Become a Better Person

Q: I'd like to change my life for the better but I don't know how. I know I'm weak and need God's help to do it, but how do I get that? Maybe you can point me in the right direction. - S.P.

Read More Saturday, August 19, 2006
Lying May Be a Symptom of a Deeper Issue

Q: How can we teach our young son that it's wrong to lie? I don't know why he seems to have such a problem with this (he's only 7), but just about the time we think he understands, we go through another episode. Our  older son is never this way. - Mrs. R.N.

Read More Saturday, August 05, 2006
This Life Is Not All

Q: My husband died two years ago, and the only thing that has comforted me is that he lives on in my memory, in our son's personality, in the color of our daughter's eyes, and things like that. Is this what your religion means when it talks about life after death? - Mrs. V.M.

Read More Thursday, July 20, 2006
Spreading The Family Love?

Dr. Rev. Linda Hollies takes a new position of Calvary United Methodist Church in Jackson, MI. Read about her thoughts about the journey her family has already begun to their new home.

Read More Saturday, July 08, 2006
In A Different Voice!!!


It’s Hard Out Here For A Woman!

Read More Sunday, March 19, 2006
In A Different Voice!!!


It’s Hard Out Here For A Woman!

Read More Sunday, March 19, 2006
Power of the Word 5-1

QUESTION: Do we become angels when we die? I've heard people say that but I wonder if
it's actually true, or if we even know. - B.F.

Read More Saturday, February 04, 2006
Power of the Word 4-24

GOD IS COMMITTED TO US! HOW WILL WE RESPOND?

Read More Sunday, December 25, 2005
Power of the Word 4-20

God Welcomes!
 

Read More Sunday, October 30, 2005
Power of the Word 4-19

WHERE IS THE BOLD CHURCH?

Read More Sunday, October 16, 2005
Power of the Word 4-18

WHERE IS THE BOLD CHURCH?

Read More Sunday, October 02, 2005
Power of the Word 4-17

Becoming Authentic For Christ! 

Read More Sunday, September 18, 2005
Power of the Word 4-16

Lansing Native Returns to Minister a Crusade for Christ

Read More Sunday, September 04, 2005
Power of the Word 4-14

Mista Chuck is a private pilot and I remember him taking me on my first flight in a little piper cub.  I asked about our connection with the airport.  I didn't hear the radio speaking from ground control and I wanted to make sure that we didn't accidentally hit another plane, or be hit by one either!  It was then that Mista Chuck told me that we are on a "see and be seen mission!"  This meant that he was watching out for other planes at our level and he was "hoping/wishing/believing" that other pilots would be on the alert for him!  Not only was this a scary way for me to fly, it's all together contrary to the way that Jesus expects us to live!

Read More Sunday, August 07, 2005
Power of the Word 4-13

In the year that I mother died, I head God speak!  Talk about a difficult time to listen to God.  With the death of my mother, I and my siblings were "officially orphans!"  I didn't want to talk to God!  Yet, the year that Mama died, I heard God speak!

Read More Sunday, July 24, 2005
Power of the Word 4-12


     The national holiday that celebrates the independence of a nation has just passed.  The Fourth of July is an occasion for great joy, parades, fireworks, bar-b-ques and good clean fun at the beach, as we remember that America is a free country, under God.  Its another holiday for family, friends and travel.  I wish us all a period of recreation and safety.

Read More Saturday, July 09, 2005
Power of the Word 4-11

                        
    I don't really remember just how my oldest and dearest friend, Barbara Jean Baker Vinson VanBuren and I met.  It's been over fifty years ago!  We met at Lincoln Elementary School in Gary, Indiana.  She lived in the projects on one side of the school, just beyond the sand dunes.  I lived on the other side of the school in a new house that one of my father's friends had helped him buy after my first born brother had been released from the hospital, suffering pneumonia as we had lived in a cold basement apartment! Mr. Montgomery and my father both worked in the Gary Works Steel Mills, as did Barbara's father, Mr. Edwin Baker.  I was the oldest of eight children and Barbara was in the middle of her family's seven children.  We hooked up in grade school and continued our relationship through graduation at Froebel High School in 1961.  Oh, how the years have flown!  For I can remember when.....

Read More Sunday, June 26, 2005
Power of The Word 4-7

The Daffodil Principle

           
 
       

Read More Sunday, May 01, 2005
Power of The Word 4-8

The Daffodil Principle

           
 
       

Read More Sunday, May 01, 2005
Power of The Word 4-6

     
    When Ben Franklin first proposed his idea of street lights to the Philadelphia City Council, the idea was voted down as ludicrous.  Rather than being discouraged, he decided to install a lantern on the street near his house.  Others liked walking in the warm glow by his home and decided to place lanterns close to their homes as well.  Before long, the streets of Philadelphia were lit with Franklin's idea.  Whatever it is that you would like others to do, begin yourself.  If you've tried and failed, forgive yourself and try again.  One person can make a difference.  And that one person can be you.  When we are living like a Christian, that one person WILL be you!

Read More Saturday, April 16, 2005
Power of the Word 4-4

The War Within!!!

Read More Sunday, March 20, 2005
Setting the Record Straight

(This letter is in response to the February 20, 2005 - March 6,  2005 edition article entitled “ Religion and Homosexuality Tolerating Dr. Dobson” on the front page.)

Read More Sunday, March 20, 2005
Power of The Word 4-5

 When Will You Rise

Read More Sunday, March 06, 2005
Power of The Word 4-3

  Do You Need To Go Shopping?

Read More Sunday, February 20, 2005
Power of the Word 4-2

The Word According To Your Enemies!

Read More Sunday, February 20, 2005
Power of the Word 4-1

 SIMPLE IS DIFFICULT!

Read More Sunday, February 06, 2005
Pastor Stan Speaks 1-12


We live in a time where everyone seems to be so busy. Unfortunately, the traditional habits of families of the past have been abandoned. We used to be a culture where talking to each other was valued. There used to be family conversation around the breakfast and dinner table. In our society today, we leave messages on the refrigerator, on the back door, and if we do not have time for that, we simply e-mail each other.
 

Read More Sunday, June 30, 2002