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What effect will the first American pope have on Christianity?

Many have asked me what I think of the new pope, Leo XIV, and what we may expect from the first American pope. It is still too soon to really know what to expect. We’ll need to watch for Pope Leo’s first encyclical. In it he will set the tone for his pontificate. With that said, there is one important clue which is worth examining. Why did he choose the name Leo XIV? When a person chooses a name in religion, it signifies what they envision their life to reflect. For instance, a girl who loves music might choose the Confirmation name Cecilia, the patroness of musicians. A young man ...

Local church briefs

Special music at services LOGANTON — Albright United Methodist Church, Loganton, invites you to worship with them this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Special music will be from Chiz Rider. All are welcome. Clintondale United Methodist Church, 103 Fishing Creek Road, Clintondale, invites you to join their service this Sunday morning at 9 a.m. with special music also by Chiz Rider. Pick flowers, help local communities BELLEFONTE — Blooming Petals Flower Farm is dedicating Wednesday, Aug. 27, as a day to help the Social Action Committee at St. Mark Lutheran Church. St. Mark’s Social ...

Seeking wisdom? Try James

The book of James is often regarded as the New Testament’s counterpart to the Proverbs, offering practical wisdom applicable to the life of every believer. James 2:10 is a profound declaration: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” To appreciate the weight of this statement, we must first grasp the context in which James writes. The early church was riddled with divisions and prejudice, particularly concerning the treatment of the poor versus the wealthy. James is addressing believers who fall into the trap of favoritism and ...

Pathway to Christ Church offers outreach program for those in need

McELHATTAN — One glorious evening at a Pathway to Christ Church Board meeting, Board President Tim Eggler suggested that the church conduct an outreach program. This outreach program would venture out to the community, spreading smiles, lending helping hands of friendship and letting the ...

Local church briefs

Labor Day Picnic BASTRESS — Immaculate Conception Parish, along Jacks Hollow Road off Route 654 in Bastress will hold its annual country style ham and turkey dinner on Monday, September 1st from 12 to 6 p.m. The meal will consist of ham and turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, noodles, coleslaw, bread, and dessert. The cost is $13 per meal for adults, $6 per meal for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free. Takeout meals are available after 1 p.m. Takeout meals are $13 per meal. Sunday Service MACKEYVILLE — Clintondale United Methodist Church and Mackeyville ...

Being a watchman on the wall like Nehemiah

We can’t be ignorant of the church’s mission: the call to prayer. Nehemiah answered this call at danger to his life. He answered the call to rebuild the city walls of his day. As the walls were being rebuilt in Jerusalem, watchmen were put on the walls to warn off approaching danger. It was risky to ask if he could rebuild a city that had once been an irritation to the king. We may not be risking our lives the way Nehemiah did, but being a watchman requires something of our time and commitment. Nehemiah’s concern for the people of the city motivated him to pray. Our love ...