Faith: Bakersfield.com

Tests of Faith

How precious and consistent is the ancient wisdom of Jewish tradition! Even now, our High Holy Day liturgy manages to take eagle-eyed aim at our anxiety.

On Rosh HaShanah it is written; on Yom Kippur it is sealed:
Who shall live and who shall die
Who shall see ripe age and who shall not
Who shall perish by fire and who by water
Who by sword and who by beast
Who by earthquake and who by plague
Who by strangling and who by stoning
Who shall be secure and who shall be driven
Who shall be tranquil and who shall be troubled
Who shall be poor and who shall be rich
Who shall be humbled and who exalted.

This High Holy Day season finds too many of us troubled and driven. Yet with all of our well-earned angst, Judaism still gives us cause for hope.

A couple of years ago, John Mayer released a song titled “Waiting on the World to Change.” I’ve read that Mayer wrote this song as a gentle critique of Generation Y. I hope he meant it as a critique of someone. Because simply sitting back and waiting isn’t going to change anything. Judaism is first and foremost an activist faith. Prayer is wonderful and can be healing in a variety of ways. But if we really want our problems to go away, we have to do something. As our liturgy reminds us: “Pray as if everything depended on God; act as if everything depended on you.” Like the legendary Nachshon at the shore of the Red Sea, we have to wade on in if we expect the waters to part.

In my Introduction to Judaism class, I teach an “on one foot” mini-survey course about God. We begin, naturally, with the bold outlines of Torah and rabbinic literature – God is One, Unique, acts in history, is the Creator of all,” etc. We continue by discussing the diverse theologies of thinkers like Maimonides, Spinoza, Buber, and Kaplan. Through this discussion, we discover that Judaism is not at all dogmatic about faith. The one thing our theologians have in common is a belief in the Oneness of God. Some hold fast to the idea of a very personal God; others to a Great Force of the Universe or “prime mover.” Some say that God’s power transcends science; others teach that God’s creations must conform to scientific principles. From Maimonides we learn the widely-embraced Jewish principle of free will; yet other great Jewish minds held fast to the idea of determinism.

Alongside this confusing cacophony of Jewish voices, we hear the proclaimers of other faiths declaring their certitude (though perhaps the volume only serves to drown out their own doubts!). Worse, some of their self-appointed representatives politicize their faith and attempt to impose its restrictions and dogmas on us. Locally, we’ve seen this manifest in everything from the posting of “In God We Trust” posters in our children’s classrooms, to the promotion of “abstinence only” teen health curriculums, to a (defeated) proposal from a member of a school board asking that body to sign on in support of Proposition 8. Nationally, one political party has included in its platform a statement of intent to work toward a Constitutional amendment banning abortion.

These are not matters for political policy; they are matters of personal faith. What one believes about abortion or marriage or the creation of the universe is the purview of religion, not of government – and our government was founded on the principle that faith ought not to be legislated.

Beyond -- might we suggest, because of? – those who are “entirely too certain,” there are also those naysayers who insist that religion itself is the source of much of the hatred and violence that plagues our world. “Books such as Sam Harris' "Letter to a Christian Nation" and "The End of Faith," Richard Dawson's "The God Delusion," Christopher Hitchens' "God Is Not Great" and Bill Maher's soon-to-be-released film, "Religulous," would have us see faith as antiquated, illogical and dangerous. In a world where religion is the cause of so much folly, faith is harder to defend (reports The Jewish Journal’s Tom Teicholz).

With so much distortion around the issue of faith, is it any wonder that we’re muddled about its significance?

My colleague, Joe Black of Albuquerque, New Mexico, just released a new Chanukah album, which includes a song I wish the world could hear. The chorus says:

Faith is not a flag you can wave
Faith is not a soul you can save
When our earthly days are done, and we face the setting sun
We’ll give thanks not for what we had, but for what we gave.
Oh, faith is not a flag you can wave.
Each day we build our masterpiece, the vision of our dreams
The answer to our own caprice is never what it seems.

The verses of Rabbi Black’s song are narratives about real faith – not as some theological argument, but faith as demonstrated by action: A construction worker who anonymously secretes his faith-inspired art on upside of ceiling support beam, where no human eye can spy it. A woman who, though living in the narrowest sense of the word – bedridden and ill – never complains, but is grateful just to wake up each morning. She shares her stories and her strength with those who visit her, making them feel as if they and not she are the beneficiaries of those visits. Then there’s the teacher working in the underprivileged school, who pours his heart and soul each day into lifting up the lives and minds of his students.

You see, the details of the Divinity you believe in are – well, just details. What matters is the faith you embody in your daily life. “Monotheism,” writes Rabbi David Wolpe, ‘is based on "not how you treat God, but how you treat others’ -- and in that respect, religion may be seen as a brake on human nature's more evil inclinations.”

Of course, faith can also be a salve, or as Simon and Garfunkel put it, "a bridge over troubled waters." A recent article reprinted in the Jewish Journal was about the apparent religious revival going on around Wall Street. Churches in the neighborhood have reported a surge in attendance. As for the venerable Wall Street Synagogue – founded, not coincidentally, after the stock market crash of 1929 – its rabbi has noticed not so much an increase in attendance, as a change in the demeanor of the members of his minyan.

We live in challenging times. Given those challenges, it is easy to surrender to hopelessness and helplessness and “why me?” But that isn’t what Judaism prescribes. Even when we’re suffering – especially when we’re suffering - something is asked of us. We do have free will. We have choices.

As our liturgy reminds us:
U’teshuvah, u’tefilah, utzedakah
Ma’avirin et ra hag’zerah
Repentance, prayer and righteousness
Temper the evil of the decree.

If we repent of our errors; if we through prayer search our innermost selves for the Godliness within; if we rise from our stupor and our grief to serve and bless others and create more justice in our world, we will be redeemed from our suffering. We will write for ourselves a new chapter in the eternal book of life.

Rabbi Cheryl Rosenstein is with Temple Beth El in Bakersfield.

St. Margaret Mary's celebrates 90 years

Ninety years is a notable figure in a lifetime, but even more remarkable for a religious organization. St. Margaret Mary's Institute No. 82 will celebrate its 90th anniversary on October 4, 2008, with a luncheon and meeting at the Four Seasons Sheraton. Grand President Joan Vandehey from Salem, Oregon will make her official visit.

Forty-six Catholic ladies including Genevieve Howell and the Noreiga sisters met to form the first San Joaquin branch in the San Joaquin Valley of Young Ladies Institute, a Catholic women's society organized in 1887 in San Francisco to encourage sisterly love, protection and unity for its members. Now YLI has about 8,000 members in Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.

Father Egan, pastor of St. Joseph Church, suggested the name of St. Margaret Mary since her feast day is October 17, a few weeks after their first meeting. The Knights of Columbus provided the hall for weekly, evening meetings. The rent was set at half the profit from St. Margaret Mary's socials.

A military whist party for 112, dances at St. Francis Hall, and frequent socials following the meetings ensured a busy social life. The influenza epidemic of 1918 closed the meetings for a few weeks in October and November, but the group reopened with enthusiasm and initiates

In addition to developing Catholic fellowship, members raise money for the education of seminarians, the Rd Cross, Catholic Social Service, First Communion outfits for poor children, and baby clothes for needy mothers. A perpetual novena throughout YLI supports its members in prayer.

Now six have been members for over 60 years, three for 50, and fifteen for 25 years. News members are welcome. Contact Mary Goldman 834-0690 for information.

My Hero - Battling "Lupus" for 27 Years

As you may have already seen in past newspapers and articles, my brave and miracle walking husband, James W. Nutt, has been battling Lupus for 27 years now, and has been such an inspiration to all of us.

At the age of 20 years old, attending Bakersfield College, my husband was diagnosed with Lupus. James was very active and was a Basketball Star at B.H.S., making All-Star every year and graduating in 1979. Now, having been married for 25 years, having three daughters, Caprisha, 29, Tiffany, 21, and Jasmine 19, and also having four grandchildren, Lupus has always been something he has had to deal with most of his life.

James has been through so much and still keeps on fighting. It gets tough sometimes but he never gives up. James had to retire after working 10 years at the Post Office nearly 20 years ago, when things got too hard for him. He has had 2 hip replacements, an artificial knee, has been on dialysis for the past 2 years, and had a pacemaker put in 2 years ago because his heart would stop beating at any time. The past few years have been tough for him. Last October he had a kidney removed because of a tumor on it. This past May, he had part of his colon removed because of an infection and now has a colostomy bag. Three months after that, he had an abcess that burst by his colon and had to have another surgery. Not to mention in the midst of all of this, his mother, passed away in April.

I see his hurt and pain and my heart goes out to him every day. He has cried many tears and so have I, but our Faith in God keeps the family going. He loves to build cabinets but has not been able to do so lately. His sister is waiting to give him a kidney transplant, but until his colon heals and some lessions on his legs heal, he cannot have the kidney transplant. Overall, he has been in and out of the hospital 50 times. We thought we lost him a few times, but God said its not his time to go yet. Wow, what a fighter!!! We have been together forever and I will continue to be there for him. Yes, it gets tough on me too, but I am so amazed and proud of him. We build off each other's strength. It has made us even closer than we were before.

We are not only husband and wife, but we are "Best Friends" as well. We were high school sweethearts and have been together for 31 years now. Sometimes he is in so much pain and discomfort but yet he keeps on going. I know he feels like giving up sometimes but he doesn't. Whenever I start complaining, I look at him and say "I have nothing to complain about." One thing we have learned to do is lean on each other. Sometimes, the people you think you can count on and should be there for you, aren't always going to be there. James has a long road ahead of him, but I encourage him everyday to hold his head up and keep on fighting.

I hope this story is an inspiration for someone who is going through something similar if not the same thing. We would say, don't give up, keep on trusting and believing God, and hang in there!! I love you James, Love, your wife and best friend, Cheryl.....

CSUB nursing alumni to hold “Spirituality: The Power of Hope” seminar

The California State University, Bakersfield alumni nursing chapter is holding its third annual “Spirituality: The Power of Hope” seminar on Monday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Doré Theater at CSUB.

The seminar will provide practitioners, spiritual advisors and families with insight and tools to provide stability, strength and a sense of hope to those who are emotionally and physically ill.

Elizabeth Andal, CSUB nursing professor and faculty adviser of the alumni association nursing chapter, believes spirituality plays a key role in everyone’s life, across all cultures and ethnicities. “Each human being’s spirituality is the power in overcoming adversities and meeting the challenges of life’s realities,” she said.

Community spiritual leaders scheduled to speak include: Rabbi Dov Yitchak Neal, Central California Jewish Network executive director; Sandy Johnson, San Joaquin Hospital executive director of chaplain services; and Emad Meerza, spokesperson for the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield. A panel discussion will be moderated by Russ Sempel, president of the Kern County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI.

“These are key experts in this community who contribute to the lives of its members,” Andal said. “Their work helps in numerous ways because they are here.”

NAMI Kern County is co-sponsoring the event. The seminar is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided to all registrants from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

To register or for additional information, contact Andal at (661) 654-3114 or eandal@csub.edu.

Grand dedication for the “Rose & Joseph Lebanoff” Torah Scroll

To understand the excitement of dedicating a new Torah, think along the lines of
Hailey’s comet and flights to the moon. These momentous, awe inspiring, once-in-
a-lifetime events stir a good deal of emotions in the people fortunate enough to
view them.

On Sunday, September 21, Chabad of Bakersfield, a local Jewish outreach
organization, will have the great fortune of holding just such an event. Mrs.
Maxine Barber and family from Bakersfield are presenting a new Torah scroll to
the Chabad Center in loving memory of their dear parents and grandparents, Rose and
Joseph Lebanoff.

A Torah scroll — the most precious article in Jewish life — contains the five
books of Moses. It is hand written in Hebrew on parchment using black ink and a
feathered quill. The scribe painstakingly duplicates, in precise detail, every
letter and word and even the spacing between paragraphs and chapters. Thus, the
chain of the Torah has remained unbroken from the time it was given to Moses on
Mt. Sinai.

“This is a centuries-old tradition, to participate in the creation of a Torah,
says Rabbi Shmuel Schlanger. “It is said to bring God’s blessings upon us."

To celebrate this auspicious occasion, a grand dedication and celebration is
planned at the Chabad Center for Jewish Living, 6901 McDivitt Dr. #C. The
completion ceremony will be on its way as the scribe fills in the final letters
in the Torah. Then, a joyous procession will parade outside the center under a
Chupah (canopy) with torches, live music and refreshments. The Celebration will
continue with a live concert from the Jewish rock band 8th Day. The entire community is invited to participate in this meaningful and concrete expression of solidarity.

For more information please call the Chabad Center at: 661-835-8381 or visit us
on the web at: www.ChabadofBakersfield.com. The celebration will begin at 4:00 p.m. Celebration and concert is free of charge.

How Should Christians Engage the World?

Many Christians wonder how to successfully live out their faith in an increasingly non-Christian world. With so much opposition to biblical values found wherever they look, some are tempted to think that culture is beyond hope.

A new book called Culture Makers: A Worldview Approach to Re-engaging the World offers a rarely heard perspective on this issue. Local author and teacher Josiah Vencel argues that believers have a God-given cultural mandate, which they have unknowingly neglected for nearly a century. Although many believers prefer living in the comfort and safety of their Christian subcultures, God has called His people to engage hearts and minds outside of these realms. The problem, Vencel says, is the lack of Christian thinking among God’s people today.

The author makes a powerful and inspiring case for Christians to become “culture makers”: God’s agents of restoration on earth. This God-appointed role requires the embrace of a biblical worldview, the defense of truth, and the application of biblical principles in all areas of life.

For any believer seeking to apply his/her faith beyond church walls or to learn about Christianity’s historical role in society, Culture Makers is a must-read!

Vacation Bible School and Energy Drinks

One of the greatest benefits of working a swing shift is having the day time to spend with my 3 year old grandson Tyler. I try to keep myself involved in his activities to make sure he does the right things. I was 3 years old once. I can predict whatever mischief he is about to get into moments before he makes that first move.

We have been members of Grace Lutheran Church in Ridgecrest for many years. Tyler was baptized as a member shortly after he was born. So it would only seem fitting we would enroll him in Vacation Bible School this summer. And since I work nights, I could volunteer to help with VBS since it is in the morning. What a wonderful grandparent I am. Right?

Well, let me back up a bit. I failed to mention that I also work with the Sunday evening youth group. When plans were being made for Vacation Bible School back in February the program director, Heather Metziner, asked if any of the youth students would like to help. I was quick to volunteer their help. But it became apparent that asking the youth to help without being a volunteer myself was a little hypocritical to say the least. The youth director volunteered her help and I quickly jumped on the band wagon. Several of the youth half heartedly volunteered.

Summer for a teenager is an important time. For many of the youth in our church it means Volleyball and Football tryouts, cheer camp and other high school activities. Not to mention our own programs for the youth in our church. Asking for a week of their time weeks before school starts is really pushing it.

July 21^st rolled around quicker than I expected. We spent the weeks before planning the program. The theme was Rainforest Adventure. Using various rainforest critters such as Shari the Butterfly and Cleo the Howler Monkey, the kids were going to learn a new theme each day. Sharing, Giving, Growing, Love and Faith. We assigned teachers different rainforest animals depending on the age group. Some were Tadpoles, others were Macaws. There were even Toucans and Butterflies. Now that opening day was here it was time to go to work.

I showed up at 7:00am that Monday. This is 2 hours before I am usually out of bed. And about 5 hours after I have usually gone to bed. With a 32 ounce energy drink in my hand I was ready to begin. So were the parents of the 90 children eager to get their children in the door for a week in the tropical jungle that was once the church sanctuary. My job was to help emcee the program and also to walk around and help supervise the program and see if there were any needs to be met.

I remember going to Vacation Bible School as a child. I wasn’t exactly the best behaved child in my church. In fact even Dennis the Menace might have been afraid to come near me. I realized as the adult now, I had to look into the eyes of 90 children and try to see if I could see a mind contemplating the mischief I had as a child. As luck would have it, either these kids are smarter than me or they are just well behaved kids. I came to realize these were the best kids God had hand picked for our church.

The teachers were phenomenal. We were blessed to have several volunteers who also teach or work with kids as a profession. In other classrooms we had the benefit of parents and grandparents who have spent most of their church lives working with other children.

I was most impressed with the youth students I work with on Sunday nights. They committed a whole week to working with these kids. Some in crafts, others in outdoor games. There were 2 who worked in music for the second summer in a row.

The kids spent each day going from class room instruction to “swing vine” science where they learned something to help them understand the theme of the day. They would then spend some time in “canopy” crafts creating gifts for their parents. “Green tree” gave them a little outdoor exercise before having a snack. “Rainforest” rhythm taught the kids a new song each day. Then it was time for closing.

By Friday I was completely deprived of sleep. The energy drinks were no longer working. I now know why rock starts look comatose when they are on tour. But by Friday I was sad it was over. It is true this is all for the kids and if they learn even one theme from the whole week then it was worth it. But the truth is, if anyone learned anything it was me. Seeing the youth students that had given up their time, and seeing the adults who took a week to teach taught me what it means to share, give, grow, love and have faith. The simple things we learn as kids in Vacation Bible School, are still with us as adults.

Blue Butterflies at Vacation Bible School

"Blue Butterflies" (left to right) Briana Weathers, Faith Thoms, Savanna Turk, Megan Bigalk and Natalie Gilbert take a snack break during Grace Lutheran's "Rainforest Adventure" Vacation Bible School in Ridgecrest. Rainforest Adventure will be going on from June 21st through June 25th starting at 8:30- 11:45.

Within the Straights

“WITHIN THE STRAITS”
(Some refer to this time by another name…. “BETWEEN THE STRAITS.” The following is a Short Overview of the period of time leading up to the 9th Day of the Jewish Month of Av.)

The “Three Weeks” between the 17th day of the Jewish Month of Tammuz which coincides with the 20th day of July and the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av which falls this year on the 10th of August. This time, on the Jewish Calendar and throughout Jewish History has historically been the days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish People. During this time, both the First and the Second Holy Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, amongst other tragedies.

          A short list of these calamitous events from the 17th of Tammuz are as follows: Moses, our greatest teacher broke the first set of Tablets when he descended from the mountain and saw the golden calf, the daily sacrifices were suspended in the first Temple, the city wall was breached in the time of the second Temple, during the time of Apustamus the Wicked of the Second Temple era Torahs were burned early commentators attribute Apustamus the Wicked to the Roman Procurator Camanus (This period of time was about 16 years prior to the great revolt against Roman rule, an idol was placed in the Sanctuary. I do urge any and all readers to further study this time in history to acquire a greater understanding of the time refered to as “Within the Straits.”

            During this time, various aspects of mourning are observed by the Jewish People. We, as a people, are urged to minimize joy and celebration. Since the attribute of Divine judgment is acutely felt by all, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky ventures.

            The following are some of the aspects of mourning during these three week and they are:

*           No weddings are held but engagement ceremonies are permitted.
*           We do not listen to music
*           We avoid public celebrations --- especially those that involve singing, dancing and musical instruments.
*           We avoid pleasure trips or other unusually entertaining activities.
*           We do not take haircuts nor do we shave
*           We do not say the blessing of She-hechianu (thanksgiving for new foods that we eat for the first time during the year or thanksgiving for new cloths).

            The Nine days is the period of time starting with the beginning of the Jewish month of Av (2 August -10 August this year) is the period of time referred to as the “Nine Days.” During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in according to the dictum in Ta’anis 26 which says “When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy. During this time we avoid or suspend the following:

*           We avoid purchasing any items that bring great joy
*           We suspend home improvements, or the planting of trees or flowers
*           We avoid litigation since fortune is inauspicious at this time
*           We abstain from consumption of meat (including poultry) and wine. These foods are symbolic of the service done in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Temple Service and are generally expressions of celebration and joy. However, on Shabbos, meat and wine are permitted. This also applies to any other seuduos mitzvah (meal of celebration such as for a circumcision or finishing the reading of a holy book)
*           We refrain from wearing newly laundered garments or laundering of any cloths (do them before this time starts!)
*           Fresh clothes, however, may be worn on Shabbos.
*           Children’s clothes, as they get dirty more often may be laundered during this time.
*           We do not bathe for pleasure
*           It is permitted to bathe in order to remove dirt or perspiration, or for medical reasons. This may be done only in cool water
*           Bathing in warm water is permitted on Friday in honor of Shabbos.

            I sincerely hope this short explanation of the holiday period beginning this coming weekend and ending the 10th of August. If I can offer any further explanation or insights into this interesting time of the year for a Jew please feel free to email me at RabbiDovYitzchak@gmail.com <mailto:RabbiDovYitzchak@gmail.com>

            This article has been written and offered for publication at The Bakersfield Californian by Rabbi Dr. DovYitzchak Neal, “The Kern Rebbe”. Rabbi Neal is also the Executive Director of the Central California Jewish Network The Rebbe and Rebbetzen can be contacted by gmail or by calling 661 833 3145.

“Shall we be tolerant?”

I am saddened and disappointed to see how the “Conservative Evangelical” position is so misrepresented.
God’s word tells us that “…He so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Why? God sees that there is only one thing that separates mankind from Himself and only God can bring this fallen world back into a relationship with Him.
The one thing that separates us is sin. The Bible doesn’t single out one sin; it states clearly “all have sinned.” Society must understand that Christians share a gospel message that allows anyone who has sinned to turn from that sin to Christ’s sacrifice and find forgiveness.
How is this message of sacrifice and love so hated? Because mankind would have their own pride keep them from humbling themselves before a God that so loved, that He gave.
You have the Rev. Byrd Tetzlaff so misquote Scripture; so it is no wonder people see that Church’s offer no answer. She compared the Samaritans, who were outcasts by birth, not choice to the homosexuals of today. They were a group half Gentile and half Jew and therefore not accepted by the Jews.
Just one Scripture passage explains our position, I Corinthians 6:9-12. This passage lists a large group that is at odds with God. But the apostle Paul says such “were some of you.” Some left their chosen sin and found a loving God offering forgiveness.
For the church, the Christians in our society or anyone who understands that enough is enough as far as the slide of morals, we have to take a stand against “all sin” or we are doomed to repeat history. Look to the “advanced” cultures in our past and see what their morals were like when their cultures crashed around them.
If God were tolerant, He would never have had to send His only Son to die for our sin, He just would have let us alone. What kind of love would that have been?
Do you have joy in your life or have your choices, when admitted, left you empty and longing for a relationship with a loving God.

Respectfully Submitted,
Pastor John Sherley

Local Teen Elected Spiritual Leader

Local Teen Elected Spiritual Leader
by Rev. Charles R. Cournyea
Katrina Oldershaw, a Highland High School senior, was recently elected as a spiritual
leader of the West Central Region Association of Unity Churches International Youth of Unity.
Prior to being elected to the regional post, Katrina was the president of the Unity Church of Bakersfield Youth of Unity chapter.
“The entire congregation is very proud Katrina. We’ve watched her grow up and blossom into a beautiful, caring and loving person with a real sense of who she is and what she wants to accomplish in life,” said Rev. Chuck Cournyea, senior minister.
When asked what she hopes to accomplish Katrina replied, “To help other teens find their spiritual identity by using the spiritual principles found in all religions. By working with my fellow leaders to create activities that will be spiritually meaningful and practical to meet the challenges we all face as teenagers.”
At the recent Youth of Unity rally, Katrina was asked to share her personal credo based
on her understanding of the spiritual principles she has incorporated into her life. She said, “I believe people need a loving environment to flourish and grow; I believe that we need to embrace our ideas, no matter what they are. Ideas are from the divine; I believe we should not be afraid of change; I believe that sometimes we need to take down our personal barriers that might prevent us from experiencing "ah-hah!" moments; I believe we should live in appreciation so that we can be aware of the Spirit/God/Higher Power/ etc.; and I believe that sometimes death can be the best cure.”
Katherine Vargo, Youth of Unity sponsor had this to say about Katerina, “Katrina has a
great understanding of spiritual principles and applying them in her life has been an inspiration for all our teens.”
When asked how are the teens taught, Katherine replied, “We teach all teens that they are created with sacred worth and value. We give them spiritual tools, techniques, models and frameworks to use in their daily lives. It is exciting to watch these young people come into their spirituality and special relationship with the God of their understanding and then teach it to their peers..”
Excited about being apart of a spiritual team that will help change the lives of other teens, Rev. Chuck asked Katerina how was she going to balance her senior year and traveling to meetings every month in Sacramento?
“I have planned for this moment since my first YOU rally. I dedicated myself to taking
all the classes I would need to graduate so that my senior year would be light. Right now, my spiritual path is more important. I have found that a good spiritual foundation will give me what I will need to accomplish my goals in life, “ said Katrina.
Asked what her one of her goals might be after she ages out of the Youth of Unity.
Katrina, replied, “Become a graphic arts major and lead a Next Generation Unity group at the college.” And she will.

Rev. Chuck Cournyea is the Senior Minister at Unity Church of Bakersfield.

Come to Vacation Bible School This Summer!!!!

Kids already saying "I'm bored"? Need a morning break from the kids? Are your co-workers wishing they knew what to do with their kids to keep them busy? Do the neighborhood kids think your house is entertainment central? Planning a family "togetherness trip" for the Fourth of July and need solitude and peace when you return? Look no further: Come to VBS!

Vacation Bible School is a faith-filled, fun week-long adventure with friends, old and new! This year St. John's Lutheran Church Children’s Ministry is proud to present Gospel Light’s SonWorld Adventure Park VBS.

At SonWorld Adventure Park children will:

Learn to make good choices and how to choose Jesus!
Play action games!
Make cool crafts!
Eat yummy snacks!
Watch hilarious skits!
Ride a virtual roller coaster!
Get a FREE SonWorld Adventure Park t-shirt!
Session one –July 14-July 18, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Session two –July 21-July 25, 8:30 a.m. –noon
VBS is free of charge

Hold on to your hats – it is going to be an exciting ride!!!

This amazing VBS is taking place at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, for two identical sessions. Choose either session to attend.

Children age 4 (pre-K) through those entering the sixth grade are eligible to attend. As an added bonus, children can download a free sing-along CD from our church website. To enroll your children, please call the church office at
661-665-7815, or visit the Web site at: www.sjlchurch.org

We hope to see you there!

Children’s Ministry Team

Bigots in Kern County

Let’s call a bigot a bigot here. To the James Dobson, Chad Vegas, Inga Barks and now, Ann Barnett-type people in Kern County – you know, the religious extremists – prove that gay marriages will destroy traditional ones.

After all, we have a living laboratory in Massachusetts, the Netherlands and Spain. As far as I can find, there is not one straight marriage on record there that was destroyed by a gay one. All the documents I read show divorce is still the break up of traditional marriages with the top reasons being money and infidelity. If the majority of cheating spouses were draining their joint bank accounts to finance a same-sex affair then we could all exhale to say gays are breaking up traditional marriages. However, there’s nothing by way of research that says such.

“Yeah, but for the sake of the children,” they rant. Ah yes, the children card. Well, has there been a sudden rise there in the number of children being recruited into gaydom? I can’t find any journal articles, professional papers, or even newspaper editorials of anything closely related. We all know what they really mean by recruited anyway. So let’s go there to the leap these religious extremists like to take – that gays will molest children more if made equal in marriage. Remember, to them pedophilia is synonymous with homosexuality. Well, national Child Protective Services records show that sexual abuse cases still predominately involves adult males targeting female children – even in Massachusetts. Sad, but not helpful to building the evidence against gay marriages.

So where’s the proof?

Enter the Bible – the extremist’s last stand. If Christ is their foundation, find anywhere where he spoke directly against homosexuality especially like he did against divorce and religious extremism. Find the word “homosexual” in the original biblical languages of the Bible (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek). Impossible. Is the Bible really supposed to be a book about sexuality and marriage anyway? After all, biblical marriages were arranged and included dowries and polygamy. What about learning from history where past extremists used the Bible to avoid progress. History shows scriptures were used to say the world was flat, blacks were 1/5^th of a human being, slavery was god-given, women should not vote, no to interracial marriages, and now, gays should not marry. Insert cliché, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Notably, the Bible is supportive of same-sex love. Jonathon had a love for David that David wrote was greater than the love of women (II Samuel 1:26). You do the math. Ruth gave Naomi a vow of devotion so deep that many, even religious extremists, use it in wedding ceremonies across the world (Ruth 1:14-17).

All that’s left here then is pure, old-fashioned prejudice – people with money, a pulpit, position and a microphone who abuse the Bible and their power to perpetuate what they’re scared of and do NOT understand. There’s no other remedy here then but to give them the label of bigot.

Harrison Trustt

Stories of angels reveal secret agents at work

Stories of angels reveal secret agents at work

When I was young, my dad told of a very unusual experience he had in Tucson, Arizona. He was a stranger there in the 1940s, attending graduate school at the University of Arizona.

He reported he once had an occasion to go to the bank and withdraw a relatively large sum of money. After making the withdrawal, Dad was very nervous about walking home with the cash. When he exited the bank, he stood outside for a few minutes trying to collect his bravery when seemingly, from out of nowhere, a large German shepherd appeared, came up to him and began to lick his hand. Reinforced by the mysterious canine’s presence, Dad started to walk home—and the dog followed him, as if my dad were his master.

When Dad finally arrived home, the dog went on his or her merry way, never to be seen again.

It seems to me if someone was wary about walking a few blocks with some cash in the 1940s, one should be literally shaking in one’s boots to do it now! I personally believe that the dog in question was, in fact, an angel in disguise, specifically assigned to comfort my dad and escort him safely to his destination.

There is a lot of attention and interest surrounding angels nowadays. We see them on posters, greeting cards, stationery, plaques, towels, articles of clothing and jewelry. Most often these angels are portrayed as chubby little rosy-cheeked cherubs that don’t have a care in the word. While that’s an appealing interpretation that looks attractive in a decorative sense, that’s not the true picture of a real angel—an agent on assignment from heaven.

Billy Graham tells a fascinating angel story in his book on the subject. He recounts the experience of a missionary couple in the jungle. One particular day, early in the evening, the menacing sound of drumbeats began to reverberate through the air. The natives were working themselves into a frenzy as they danced around a large cooking pot over an open fire. When the missionaries looked out their window and saw this, they realized their doom was sealed, that they would be the ones ending up in that pot.

The missionaries did the only thing they could—they knelt and prayed fervently. The drums continued to beat on and on through the night; the louder the beat became, the more earnestly the couple prayed.

Just a little while before daybreak the next day, the drums suddenly stopped and the couple looked outside. They saw that the natives had vanished. In other words—“the coast was clear.” The missionaries were as perplexed as they were delighted and thankful.

A year or so later in this story, the chief of the formerly threatening tribe became a believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. After having made friends with him, the missionaries dared to ask him what had happened that terrible and frightening night of the drums and dancing.

The chief revealed that the tribe had indeed planned to harm the missionaries, but upon approaching their hut, the natives saw giant men, 10 – 12 feet tall, standing guard over the hut. So the terrified natives had run away, abandoning their intended plot.

People might ask questions such as these: “Does everyone have a guardian angel?” “Can angels be seen?” “Do angels take various forms?” “What gender are angels?” ”What is the difference between angels and God?”

In the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, and in the Torah, the English word angel translates the Hebrew word mal’ak and the Greek word angelos. In the New Testament, the essential meaning of both these words is messenger. Thus an angel is a messenger from God who often brings protection, peace, intelligence and power.

I love what Hebrews 1:14 says, “ Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” What a powerful message this becomes when we apply it to our daily lives!

Brenda I

Motherhood: A higher calling

We wipe noses with our own shirts, we kiss ouchies over and over again, we do laundry while making dinner, and then we do it over again. Then the world tells us: “your job is monotonous,” “motherhood is not fulfilling,” “you should be making money,” and “being a mom is not respectable.” Why are we, mothers, willing to put up with all this? What value is there in the daily grind? Perhaps it’s a little different for each person, but I think each mom understands what a privilege it is to watch a young man or woman grow. We have experienced the overwhelming joy of the firsts: first smile, first crawl, first steps, first words, and first hugs. We have molded a child’s character with careful and thoughtful discipline. We can see past the snotty noses and stinky diapers, because we place tremendous value on each of our children. God placed these children in our care, and then filled our hearts with a powerful love for each of them. Ultimately, we do what we do because we love them.

Even though we love our children, it is still a challenge to fill the many needs our children have. They are hungry and thirsty; their clothes always seem to be dirty; they are tired or need exercise; it is always something. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (NIV). And we do love our children, but our love must translate into action. Motherhood isn’t an emotion or state of mind. It is a job, a job that requires us to serve. And serving for a job takes some getting used to! It is difficult to go from school where we earn gold stars on our chart for our achievements, or from working and earning a nice paycheck, to performing a job where most of our tasks go unnoticed. Making the jump was a difficult transition for me as it is for most women who decide to stay at home. (Yet-to-be mothers, consider yourselves forewarned!) But even Jesus, being Himself a King, served humbly. Matthew 20:28 says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As mothers, we have the opportunity to show God’s sacrificial love to our children everyday through our self-less service. And when we do, we honor God and we tap a source of joy that will never run dry. For Proverbs 29:17 says, “discipline your son and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”

As a mother, I often reflect on how my love for my children mirrors God's love for the world. My children receive the benefits of my sacrifices for them. They cannot repay me for nurturing them, and I do not require them to do so. It is a joy to tend to them and love them and train them up for the Lord. A deep and profound love for my children motivates me to seek their best interest whether or not it is fun and enjoyable for me. And that is how God relates to us, too. God sacrificed that which was most dear to Him- his only Son- because He loved us so much. John 3:16 says, “for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” As a child of God, I could never repay Him for what He has done for me. And He does not require me to repay him. I can only humbly and gladly accept his precious gift of salvation. 1 John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” I will leave you with these words that were written by Mr. J.R. Miller in 1882 about the high calling of a mother:

"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny,- she would see that in all God's world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no other hands the sacred and holy trust given to her" (Homemaking 106).

A More Joyful Bakersfield??

The Joy of Blessings

To be blessed by God, to find His favor is something we all desire, but what is the rhyme or reason for God pouring out His blessings? Is there a secret to finding blessings, or do we simply need to have our vision improved so we can see blessings? Is it that we have a part in “qualifying” for these beautiful blessings? Is it purely God’s decision as to who is blessed more than someone else?

God has been so good to me! He and I talk often and I am always watching to see what He does in my life. His plan is rarely what I expect, but it is always good and fills me with great joy to see Him at work around me. As a child I still remember my first prayer, I asked the obvious question; “Why am I here?” I received an immediate response in my mind, He said “To serve one another.” Well that made perfect sense, to give of myself to others. My father was a fireman and he risked his life “serving” others.

As I grew older, I began to forget about that first prayer, but God did not! I also was not watching to see what God was doing, but God never gave up on me. A few of my first jobs included mowing lawns, working with my dad, on his off days at a big farm, pumping gas and repairing VW engines. I never noticed my service like jobs and had forgot Gods answer to my question from long ago. God was leading me down a path, a plan He knew very well, which I was not the slightest bit aware of.

God can be pretty tricky when He wants to. To get me on my pathway of service he brought a confident, intelligent and pretty young lady into my life. And like a tough, strong, independent man I followed her everywhere, through high school, college and to work for NASA! I became a civil, now catch this word, servant.

So what does this have to do with blessings? I believe God always wants to bless us, as He has all my life. After all He loves us with an unending love! Still, why do others seem to be more blessed than others? Let’s dive into this water of God’s word to find the keys to blessings and joy! Here are a few key verses to get us rolling:

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4.

He who despises his neighbor sins,
but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21

Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17

Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20

God gives everything to us, just a couple examples…

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:11

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:9-12

Since we have been given God’s love we must also give…

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

How we give makes all the difference, it must be genuine…

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2

Can we out give God?

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured in to your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
      "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
      "In tithes and offerings…   Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:8-10

God will rewarded us with eternal treasures…

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33

Examples of action taken, how will you respond…

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Luke 19:8

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"

Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.

   The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:1-4

Some Keys to True Joy….

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. Luke 1:58

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:9-11

Summary

Stewardship, and giving are not our favorite Biblical topics. However, I have found the verses above to be absolutely true, and God has blessed me. My wife and I have suffered through my fractured spine and five operations only then to find out she had an in-operatable brain tumor. That was over 15 years ago, and even though the brain tumor has reoccurred, treatment has put it into remission again! God disciplines the ones He loves, but He is with you the whole way! He pours out joy and blessings in the mist of trials, you just have to be watching for them!

I have also been blessed with a book, written with God’s help, to encourage, educate and inspire others on this tricky subject of living and giving. The book is titled “A Joyous Plan to Live and Give” and will be available May 14, 2008. You can find out more at www.toliveandgive.org, or email me at darcher@toliveandgive.org.

Blessing to you,

Dale Archer

Prevailing Hope

My mother recently suffered a loss. She had to quit her job because of misconduct on her employer’s part. The loss, therefore, had not only to do with losing her income, but also losing hope in a person she had previously trusted. The circumstances surrounding her loss are, for lack of a better word, wicked. It is a situation that makes you question decency and humanity. Because when my mother walked away from this bad situation, she was hunted down with a vindictiveness and hostility that she had never faced in all of her fifty-eight years on this earth.

She came to me for help. Partly because she sought counsel in my role as an attorney, but mostly because she did what anyone would do in that situation…find refuge in family. What occurred to me during her plight of refuge and counsel is the purpose of this story. At the point when she was asking me why it had happened, how it could have happened, and what could be done to stop it, I just hopelessly looked at her and spoke with complete honesty in saying, “Some people just want to utterly destroy another person.”

It was the look of brokenness in her face, the pleading for an answer to be found, the paradox of reversal in the parent asking the child for an answer the parent had originally told the child to begin with…it was all these things that made me hurt in a place not often touched these days. To go from the days when she held me under her wing and painfully told me that the world will inevitably hurt me, to the day when I had to remind her it was so for her as well, is a testament that the deeds of the wicked desire to cut each soul to the bare. When a person is so intent to spray their fury in your life as deadly and abruptly as a severed artery, life often comes to a place where it does not make sense.

I wonder, then, where can one find hope in a place such as this? Hope. Just speaking of such takes me back to a white and radiating afternoon where the only light shining down on me in the dark place I sat in was the light coming in from the tall, long, window above me. It was here I felt an overwhelming desire to stop what I was doing and write down what I thought of hope at that very moment. This is what I wrote all those years ago:

To all the anger and all the fear in all the world:

You don’t belong here anymore. I have seen your demise, and it is called Hope. I Hope for better days, for better years and for a better life. I Hope I am surrounded by kind people and kind words. I Hope for open doors and open arms. I Hope to travel far and always be able to remember where I came from. I Hope for bright smiles and bright days. I Hope to gaze at a perfect bed of roses complimented by a golden sunrise.

I Hope to stand on a beach and let the waves tickle my toes while the wind bristles the hair on the back of my neck. I Hope for children whose arms never tire from wrapping their perfect hugs around me.

I Hope for raindrops on my lips and snowflakes on my eyelashes. I Hope to be snuggled in bright white sheets on a glorious Sunday morning.

I HOPE MY VOICE IS HEARD.

I HOPE MY TOIL IS PURPOSEFUL.

I HOPE I LIVE AN HONORABLE LIFE.

I HOPE...

I Hope I never forget that GOD has been here with me, and that it was HIM standing beside me all along.

HIM...who was giving me HOPE.

My mother’s pain gives me hope. Because life does not stop throwing you around whether you are thirty, sixty, or ninety, hope will always be novel and welcome at every stage. It will never get old, never get worn, never get diminished. In this, my mother and I can surely cling to this new cycle of hope. In this, we will prevail.

Psalm 30:5 …weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

ExtraordinaryGod.com

ExtraordinaryGod.com is the testimony of Ray Scott’s ordeal with a stage 4 colon cancer from the time of diagnosis in June of 1992. How faith of this ordinary man, his family, medical providers and the community of Bakersfield encouraged me to the place and time for God to perform His miracle in my life. The purpose of this site is to Honor God and Encourage people to seek God during their time of need and allow me the opportunity to agree in prayer with them. Please review the doctor’s reports, DVD produced by Trinity Broadcasting Network and file attachments that describes my life since God’s Miracle in my life.

Radio host to discuss ‘Murder at the Altar’ at CSUB History Forum

California State University, Bakersfield’s history department presents Terry Phillips, journalist and host of KVPR’s “Quality of Life” show, for their spring History Forum titled “Murder at the Altar: A Historical Novel” on Friday, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. in the Albertson Room.

Phillips, a long-time war correspondent for CBS, NBC and NPR, will discuss his recently published historical novel, “Murder at the Altar.” The story centers around the murder of the leader of the Armenian church in America, Archbishop Ghevont Tourian, on December 24, 1933. This act of violence became a touchstone for intra-ethnic conflict amongst Armenians in America, but the story is also a poignant example of the tensions and contradictions created by the Cold War, some of which lingered long after the USSR’s collapse, said Mark Baker, CSUB history professor.

“Phillips sees the case as a metaphor for all religious and ethnic conflicts in our world and the great difficulties we repeatedly encounter in trying to resolve them,” Baker continued.

After an informal talk, the author will welcome questions and comments from the audience. Autographed copies of his book will be available for sale after the forum.

Since its inception in 1999, the History Forum has presented one speaker per academic quarter. Past topics have included the history of the California wine industry by historian Victor Geraci; an oral history and the Chicano experience in World War II given by Mario Garcia, from the University of California, Santa Barbara; and the history of the Basque settlement in Bakersfield presented by Jeri Echeverria, Fresno State University provost and historian.

The forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and parking will be free in lots B and C. For more information please call Baker in the history department at (661) 654-6833 or log onto [ http://www.csub.edu/history/ ]www.csub.edu/history/.

Pope Benedict: A Man of Many Surprises

NEW YORK — Last Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI came to address the 25,000 youth gathered in Dunwoodie, N.Y.. On his way to meet with the large crowd, he stopped in a small chapel filled with young disabled people.

He passed quickly to many of the children, placing his hands on their heads, sometimes making the sign of the cross on their foreheads. As he approached Lauren Kurtz, an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome, he put his hands on her cheeks and paused as he looked at her.

Lauren looked at Benedict’s face in return and spontaneously put her hands over his. Benedict clasped Lauren’s hands and looked at her with a gentle smile. As he moved to leave her side, Lauren instinctively reached to embrace the Holy Father. In a moment immortalized on live television, Lauren tenderly touched her head to the arm of the leader of the Catholic Church throughout the world and won the hearts of many.

I know this not only because I saw the scene replayed on nightly news but because I was right outside the chapel where Lauren met with Pope Benedict. As a seminarian in training to be a Catholic priest, I was invited to attend the rally along with other seminarians from around the nation. According to reports, the Pope had specifically requested our presence so that he could encourage us in our vocation to serve the Church. I jumped on the opportunity, and was given a special ticket to the youth rally, giving me access to the frontmost section of the day’s events.

As it turns out, I literally had a front row spot, and I was separated from the stage only by the space left for security personnel. I saw Lauren’s impromptu encounter with the Pope from a large screen outside, and I heard the collective surprise of the crowd on seeing the mutual show of affection. Moments later, I saw him up close and personal as we sang happy birthday to him in German and as he presided over a short prayer service with all of us.

Yet throughout the day’s events, I was aware of a peculiar irony in Lauren’s encounter with Pope Benedict, as well as with our own time spent with him. That afternoon marked three years to the day that Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen to lead the Catholic Church, an election that caused a great furor in the Church. He was pointedly nicknamed the “German shepherd,” a reference to his Bavarian heritage as much as to his reputation for being a fierce defender of Catholic doctrine. The Catholic faithful and the world at large had very mixed opinions about what Benedict’s tenure might presage for the Church.

Some heralded his election as an affirmation of the traditional teachings of the Church. Others were convinced his leadership would take us back in time, reversing many of the changes in the Church that took place in the last five centuries. I think it is safe to say that 3 years ago very few people would have predicted the Benedict that the world saw on the papal visit during his third anniversary as Pope.

He has always been an exceptional theologian and clear teacher. He was not, however, ever singled out for the charisma for which his predecessor John Paul II was so well known.

In America, his public religious ceremonies were to be broadcast widely, he was widely expected to take up the sexual abuse crisis head on, and his visit to the UN was to be an important address from a respected moral leader in the world. But I never expected he would garner the celebrity welcome he did throughout the places he visited in Washington, D.C. and New York. I was wrong.

I saw the jubilant welcome first of all on the streets of New York. As he was whisked from Church to synagogue and back again, I was fortunate to be among the large crowds that gathered on the streets — Catholics and nonCatholics alike — just to catch a glimpse of him in his imposing motorcade.

I witnessed the exhilaration again as he met all the youth in Dunwoodie after being preceded by a large ensemble of famous musicians, singers, and media personalities. Sure, the crowd enjoyed Kelly Clarkson and Third Day who played some time before he arrived. But when Benedict showed up on stage, the crowd's roar lasted for several minutes before he could get a word in edgewise.

And the Mass he celebrated at Yankee stadium with over twice as many people was even more impressive in its magnitude.

And yet, despite the rock star reception, Benedict seemed not to get lost in the external display of stardom. He is, as his aides have always described him, a humble, simple man, and my impression was that he understood very well that his role is not to be a superstar.

On the contrary, in spite of the continuous media coverage and high profile events I was struck by how Benedict continually focused the message on us and on his love for the people of the United States. In the events where I saw him up close and in the news coverage of the events I wasn’t able to attend, Benedict's genuine happiness to be with us in America was clear. And my impression is that for many the feelings became mutual.

As one New Yorker on the streets of Manhattan commented to me after seeing him pass by, “Man, that’s my kind of Pope.”

If I learned anything about Benedict during his visit to our nation, I have to say that without a doubt he is a “German shepherd,” in every good sense of the phrase.

He showed himself to be a man who loves and cares for his flock but is also interested in the well being of all peoples and nations. He challenged us to treasure the great blessings we have as a nation, to keep our priorities in order, and to always strive for the higher good.

But most of all, he shared with us his paternal love and affection, as much with his actions as with his words. If Lauren Kurtz’s encounter was any indication, Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States will affect how the whole world appreciates this man of many surprises.

It has certainly left a deep impression on me and for my future ministry as a Catholic priest.

— Brother Matthew Spencer is a seminarian for the Oblates of St. Joseph. He attends St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, but is participating in a pastoral internship experience at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Bakersfield. In the fall he will return to Camarillo for his last year of studies before ordination to the priesthood in 2009. His priestly ministry could send him anywhere in California and beyond, but he would be delighted to work as a priest in Bakersfield some day.

Bakersfield Rescue Mission gets 40 more beds under cap system

BY DAN GORMAN
Mission executive director

The Bakersfield Rescue Mission, which recently announced its first-ever limit on space for homeless males to 110 beds, wants to keep space open for an extra 40 men.

This means the Mission would provide its full range of “crisis intervention services” to a total capped number of 150 homeless men. The numbers of men in short-term “crisis intervention” at the Mission has been as high as 250.

In addition, the number of men and women in the Mission's separate, one-year “Christian Discipleship Program” has been capped at 70. This brings the Mission's total numbers to 180 with the new cap---or 220 if 40 extra spaces can be added. Either total makes the Mission the city's largest provider of shelter for the homeless.

The Mission's cap on its number -- unprecedented in its 57-year history of service to this community -- became necessary due to the ever-increasing costs of serving unlimited numbers of men. The rising costs of services for the growing numbers of homeless men simply out-paced donations for operational expenses that enable the Mission to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

However, if the Mission can find sources for a modest infusion of extra funding for operating costs, it will be possible to raise its numbers by 40 beds. That increase of bed space would be a significant help for our city's population of homeless males.

The Mission's executive director, Dan Gorman, is ready to answer any questions about what can be done to help the Mission raise its newly capped numbers.

Gorman says two questions yet to be asked about the Mission's realignment are:

“How has the Mission been able to provide its service around the clock for unlimited numbers for so many years without resorting to the policy of capped numbers already in place for most other similar programs? How has the Mission been able to do so with a far lower level of government funding than the government funding given to other similar local programs even though it serves the greatest numbers?”

Gorman says, “The Mission was never intended to be Kern County's primary program of services for an unlimited number of homeless men. Even so, the Mission has gladly filled this role for many years as its Christ-honoring service to our city. However, given today's economy, the Mission can no longer carry this load mainly on its own shoulders without help from all those concerned about the homeless in our midst.”

Contact: Dan Gorman 472-5748

Covenant Ride for Hope - Complete Motorcycle Event

Motorcycle Ride—Covenant Ride for Hope to Benefit Kern County’s Abused and Neglected Children

Covenant Community Services is holding a motorcycle ride to benefit programs that serve Kern County’s abused and neglected children. The Covenant Ride for Hope is being held on May 3^rd, 2008. This is a pledge drive and a minimum pledge of $30 per rider and $15 per passenger is required to participate. The Covenant Ride for Hope is a complete motorcycle event. It will consist of not only a poker run, but a blessing of the bikes, bike show, BBQ lunch, live music, and raffle prizes! Plus every rider who participates will receive a Covenant Ride for Hope Ride Pin, and those riders who raise more will receive additional prizes including: bandanas, T-shirts, hats, and jackets.

The programs that will benefit from the Covenant Ride for Hope are: Kern County’s Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Covenant Mentoring and Covenant CARENET. Royal Family Kids’ Camp is a camp dedicated to providing children in foster care with a week of summer camp where they are treated like royalty. Each child attends camp completely free and will receive a week of camp full of numerous exciting activities such as horseback riding, a talent show, swimming and much more. Covenant Mentoring matches a child/youth in foster care with a safe and caring adult who can guide them through tough situations with patience and love. Covenant CARENET provides household necessities to families receiving their children back into the home. Many families have completed court mandated tasks, in an effort to get their children back, but oftentimes, they don’t have the resources to purchase beds, dressers and other necessities. Because these families have come so far and risk losing custody of their children, Covenant CARENET procures donations from the community to purchase the items these families need for a successful transition.

Contact Covenant Community Services 661/326-8304 for more information about the Covenant Ride for Hope or visit the website at http://www.covenantcs.net/ ride.htm