Two new books are deepening a Vatican scandal with tales of mismanagement and greed, such as sainthood causes that can cost up to a half-million dollars and a monsignor allegedly breaking down the wall of his next-door neighbor — a sick, elderly priest — to expand his already palatial apartment.
Boston (AP) — A Massachusetts agency is letting a woman who belongs to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster wear a colander on her head in her driver’s license photo after she cited her religious beliefs.
In the state of Florida, when a case of child neglect, abuse or abandonment is reported, the state Department of Children and Families steps in to shelter the child. The shelter may come in the form of a foster home or another family member’s home while the child’s parents are working through their problems. The court will then appoint a Guardian ad Litem to ensure the needs of the child are being met and serve as the voice of the child in court.
Broomfield, Colo. (AP) — As his surge in heavily evangelical Iowa puts a spotlight on his faith, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson is opening up about his membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He embraces it as right for him while also framing his beliefs in broad terms that aim to transcend divisions among Christians.
Area churches, authors and singers joined in to celebrate the 2nd annual Joyfest in Navarre Park on Saturday. Julie Condon, owner of Saltwater Cottage in Navarre and Vierra, FL was the brainchild behind Joyfest, which is named after her Aunt Joy. “She was such a giving person and didn’t have any children of her own. She made all of her nieces and nephews feel like they were her favorite,” Condon said when remembering her Aunt that inspired Joyfest.
Merriam-Webster says it is the act of returning home or to a place that is like home. Many have called Holley Assembly of God their ‘home’ church over the years, and some of those have moved away. But Sunday was a homecoming, a celebration of sorts of the birth of Holley Assembly, and a time when those members could come ‘home’ again to fellowship and worship with the church.
Joyfest 2015 is slated for Saturday Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Navarre Park and will feature worship teams and bands from seven local churches. “It’s like a Christian concert,” said event organizer Bobbie Harms. “It’s really a day that is dedicated to praise and worship to God, regardless of denomination.”
On a beautiful Sunday morning, several pets made their way to church with their owners to receive a special pet blessing at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Navarre. The Rev. Beth Hoffmann administered the blessing with a sprinkling of holy water.
