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Pope, an avid athlete, extols physical and spiritual benefits of sport in Olympic message

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, an avid tennis player and sports fan, marked the start of the Winter Games on Friday by extolling the positive values of sport and fair play while warning that the pursuit of profits and performance risked corrupting sport entirely. In a message entitled “Life in Abundance” issued on the same day as the Milan Cortina opening ceremony, Leo traced the history of Christian philosophers and popes who had identified sports and leisure activity as beneficial for both physical and spiritual development. And he repeated his call for world leaders to respect ...

Trust God to lift you up

Did you hear about the pastor who was voted “The Most Humble Pastor in America?” The congregation he was leading even gave him a medal with those exact words engraved on it. However, the very next week, the pastor wore the medal to church — so they ended up taking it away from him. I have often wondered how many people have won “medals” that no one ever knows about, unless they wear them to church, to school or to work. While we know we cannot (And should not!) do that I think many would agree that deep down inside, everyone has a desire to be recognized in some way. We want ...

Local church briefs

Cookbook Sale BEECH CREEK — Laurel Run Church, 2899 Laurel Run Road, Beech Creek, has created a beautiful family cookbook with many shared and loved recipes. Please contact Tammy Evelhair at gracesrosey@gmail.com or Paula Smith at 814-574-0199 to purchase. They are selling each copy for $12 and all proceeds benefit Laurel Run Church. Bible Study LOCK HAVEN — God’s Eternal Life Church, 30 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven, is holding weekly Bible studies each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be Thru the Bible Word for Word. Please feel free to join. Church services are held on ...

What should Christians do as we wait for the Lord’s return?

It’s important that we look at what Jesus said to His disciples when He ascended to heaven after His resurrection (Luke 24:36-43; Acts 1:1-11). He told His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus said: 1. Go. Christians are not to be idle. Our “business” is as Scripture-inspired, Spirit-led and kingdom-focused ambassadors for Christ (2 ...