By Rolland Coburn Pastor Worries and fears can control our thinking and actions. But the Bible says they need not control us. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9. The point is to not let fear keep you from doing what you should. Our Lord says to fear God. That is wisdom. Yes, and

By Johan Dodge Reverend We are continuing in Matthew’s Gospel with a look at Jesus’ teaching to the chief priests and temple leaders about how they are missing the opportunity to be on the way of righteousness. As a spoiler, I will add that the word we have translated as “righteousness” would be better translated as loving kindness. Rules and laws are an important way to govern a society

By Lisa Rotchford Reverend Fall is in the air! Orange County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to fall as well as the hazardous air quality numbers, so the Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore’s Episcopal Churches Sunday worship services are falling inside and outside the sanctuary. For those wanting to worship outside, there is drive-up/walk-up Communion out in front of the church on the northeast

By Norma Ballinger LW contributor Rejoice in the Lord always! We hear that phrase often and it tells us that no matter what is going on, we can rejoice in our relationship with God. This is the secret of being content in all circumstances. So many people dream of the day when they will finally be happy; when they are out of debt; when their children and grandchildren are out of trouble and so

Beit HaLev is conducting services on Zoom. Anyone interested in joining the Beit HaLev Zoom community for services and Hebrew lessons, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 for access and instructions on how to use Zoom. Beit HaLev is continuing to livestream on Facebook and YouTube as well. To attend, go to Rabbi Galit Shirah’s website at galityomtov. com, Facebook.com/galityomtov or YouTube.com

By Lisa Rotchford LW contributor Redeemer’s “Pick up Your Spirits, with Prayer and Communion” continues every Sunday in September in the front and northeast side of the church (13564 Saint Andrew’s Drive) from 9:30–11 a.m. The musicians will play the organ with the church windows open so everyone outside the sanctuary can hear some favorite hymns. Check the outside message board for

Pastor By Bruce Humes “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”(1 Peter 1:13). The apostle Peter is writing to those early church Christians of the dispersion. In verse 1 he calls them the pilgrims of the dispersion, meaning sojourner. They were temporary residents in a foreign

Faith Christian Assembly is excited to announce that its Grief Share will begin meeting again on Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. Grief-Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences and is designed to help you go from sadness to finding your joy. Rupert and Addie Penner host this ministry in FCA’s garden room on Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.

Holy Family Catholic Church, 13900 Church Place next to the St. Andrews Gate, will observe The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time on Sunday, Sept. 13. The First Reading is Sirach 27:30-28:7 and the Second Reading is Romans 14:7-9. The Gospel reading will be from Matthew 18:21-35. The Alleluia is “I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you.” Masses The

FIRST CHRISTIAN By Bruce Humes Pastor In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” So what does it mean when Jesus says “Come to me?” Pretty simple word, for the most part it means “to be brought toward,” but scripturally it means much more. In John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes