The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Should Your Church Live Stream?

Chances are, your church has either started live streaming recently or has considered it at some point. With equipment improvements, lower entry costs, and availability through the web and social media, live streaming is becoming more common in the church. If you are considering adding a streamed service or posting videos for replay viewing to …

Five Questions for Christians Who Believe the Bible Supports Gay Marriage

You've studied the issue, read some books, looked at the relevant Bible passages and concluded that Scripture does not prohibit same-sex intercourse so long as it takes place in the context of a loving, monogamous, lifelong covenanted relationship.

What alcoholics can teach churches

Daybreak Fellowship blends language of addiction recovery with Christian worship

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

How Long Should You Stay at Your Church?

With sweat pouring down my cheek, my father said to me: “Put your head down; focus on the path before you. Don’t look to the right or the left. Take your time. Don’t finish quick but finish well.” This is how my dad taught me to mow the lawn. His advice is also relevant to …

Robots Could Have Built My House

A fascinating news item from Bloomberg crossed my computer screen last week. The headline? “Robots May Help Build Your Next Home and Fill the Labor Gap.” Now, we all know the growing role that robots and automation are playing in manufacturing, but construction? Surely not, despite the recent development of a robot that can put down 1,000 bricks in a hour. At first glance, you’d think…

Council Bluffs couple assessing damages after buying flipped house

A Council Bluffs couple is seeking legal help after buying a flipped house that turned out to have several code violations, endangering them and their grandkids.

Is There Just One Perfect Home for Everyone?

•When people hear that I am a Grand Rapids real estate agent, sometimes they ask about the good feeling you get helping people find their perfect home, and whether there even is a perfect home for everyone. What do you think - have you ever felt that you lived in the perfect home for you? Or have you found the perfect home, only to have it slip through your fingers due to a bidding war, poor timing, or some other reason? Maybe…

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

Why I’m Giving Up My Supreme Addiction

The cult skate label is now catering to the fashion flock with its latest collaboration.

Keeping Your Pets Safe while Remodeling

Safe pet remodeling may not be something you think about before the start of a new remodeling project, but if your dog gets out or your cat runs away–it can add a whole lot of stress to the job. “...

Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated

Old “Can” Gloom reigns supreme

A version of Zozobra made out of canned food came out victorious in a Santa Fe food bank’s competition.

Meet the men who meet the ghosts

WOONSOCKET - New England is filled with tales of ghosts, monsters, and other strange mysteries, and its folklore is intertwined with its past and culture. Historic buildings here are both beautiful and haunting.