East Valley Tribune - Spiritual Life

Good news for Good News Church in Gilbert over federal sign ruling

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:51:50 -0700

Lawn Griffiths: Over the years, I have been outspoken at cities’ absurd ordinances to control signs — so I was thrilled to see a court ruling Friday that came down on the side of Good News Community Church in Gilbert in its fight with the town.

Diocese: Pedophile priests should get benefits

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:50:42 -0700

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington says it is obligated to keep paying retirement benefits to six priests who church officials have confirmed are pedophiles.

White House at odds with bishops over abortion

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:52:09 -0700

The White House is on a collision course with Catholic bishops in an intractable dispute over abortion that could blow up the fragile political coalition behind President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Fundraiser to help build Christian high school

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:25:20 -0700

Gilbert Christian Schools will host an “Inaugural Building for Our Future” auction and fundraiser to raise money for the new high school.

Clergy Corner: Nothing to fear but fear itself

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:31:55 -0700

Everyone has obstacles to overcome in life. Fear is one the largest if not the largest. God has built fear into our lives to protect us from danger, but fear can also shackle and keep us from the routine things of life. We can become a slave to our fears. Tiny fears can build day after day until we find ourselves paralyzed and unable to function. There is the fear of criticism, loss, illness, growing old and death and several others. God doesn't cover up the fact that Bible characters suffered from fear. The disciples seemed constantly fearful. The Jewish people in the Old Testament lived in fear of one man named Goliath. The Jewish people also permitted fear to keep them from entering the Promised Land and as a result wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. How can fear affect today?

Highland teen leaves legacy of words, song

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:08:57 -0700

Kelly Tracy’s family marked her birthday this year with a cake and candles, just as it has for the past 16 years. But her mom, Cindy, couldn’t light the candle. This year, her daughter, who would have turned 17, wasn’t there to celebrate.

Gilbert working with faith-based groups

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:34:53 -0700

Gilbert, facing dwindling resources, is turning to churches and other faith-based groups for everything from crime victim assistance to making sure people return their U.S. Census forms.

Church to hold Frozen Turkey Races

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:07:26 -0700

Chandler Christian Church will hold its annual Frozen Turkey Races Nov. 21 and 22.

Will Salt Lake's gay rights view play here?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:58:58 -0700

Salt Lake City this week became the first city in Utah to pass gay rights legislation. The ordinance, which prohibits discrimation in housing and hiring based on sexual orientation, came after it won the backing of the Mormon Church. Local backers of a more modest first step might derive some lessons from the Salt Lake City story.

Clergy Corner: A switch and a dimmer

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:29:46 -0700

A while back an image formed in my mind that I thought would be helpful in illustrating a difficult theological concept. This analogy arose from my background in technology and science before I entered the seminary. The image is that of an electrical circuit-one containing both a switch and a variable resistor. The theological concept is that of the distinction between "justification" and "sanctification.” People, even theologians, often confuse the two. This can be frustrating at best, or it can obscure God's gift of salvation at worst. This simple electric circuit makes a good analogy because you've likely seen it at work already-and may even have one or more in your home right now! A variable resistor is known in more common terms as a "dimmer switch." Whereas a simple switch only allows you to turn a light on or off, a dimmer switch allows you to make your lights bright or dim to your liking. Now how can this example from modern electronics help illustrate the theological concepts of justification and sanctification? Let's start with the Bible. Concerning salvation, what does Scripture say?

Churches can't be beat for rummage sales

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:40:34 -0700

Lawn Griffiths: I don’t have to convince many people when I say churches and temples hold some of the best garage sales.

Phoenix church can no longer feed homeless

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:33:39 -0700

The kitchen is closed at a north Phoenix church that fed the homeless.

Phoenix Mormon temple gets tentative approval

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:29 -0700

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a step closer to getting a temple built in northwest Phoenix, despite opposition from some neighbors.

Mesa's Broadway Christian hones 3 ministries to poor

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:49 -0700

Lawn Griffiths: The barrel is never empty when people of deep faith take their work seriously. Scripture is so rich with instruction of what needs to be done to reduce suffering, relieve hunger and round up idle things for those who truly need them.

Vatican on Anglicans: celibacy rule unchanged

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:05:37 -0700

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican on Monday confirmed that opening the door to married Anglican priests doesn't mean the Roman Catholic church is easing the requirement for celibacy for its clergy.

Clergy Corner: E.V. churches gather to help poor

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:41:31 -0700

For the past 11 years several pastors from East Valley churches have gathered weekly to pray and lunch together. Periodically these churches, now 8 in number, congregate for a joint meeting. The next time these churches will meet is on Sunday, November 29 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Vineyard Community Church, located on 601 South Cooper Road, just north of Warner.

Q.C. group offers support, training for men

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:33:24 -0700

The economy is hitting everyone hard. But it's affecting men in a particular way because some aren't able to provide for their families for the first time and are coping by retreating into themselves, say two men planning a support group in Queen Creek.

Petition set for delivery to Mormon leaders

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:23:22 -0700

SALT LAKE CITY -- Organizers of a petition drive to ask the Mormon church to reconsider its policies and political activism against gay marriage are set to deliver the documents to church headquarters.

Internet believers: Pastors open online churches

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:37:31 -0700

The World Wide Web has become the hottest place to build a church. A growing number of congregations are creating Internet offshoots that go far beyond streaming weekly services.

European court: No crucifixes in Italian schools

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:18:40 -0700

ROME -- Europe's court of human rights said Tuesday the display of crucifixes in Italian public schools violates religious and education freedoms, prompting an angry reaction from the Catholic Church and government officials in Rome.