Several of you commented on the words of philanthropist Sir John Templeton I quoted in the November Branches: “How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child’s personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people.” (more…)

All those Park people who have traveled to Brazil know Nilcéia, and many of those who haven’t been in Jardim América have heard of this faithful servant of Christ and the church. Nilcéia is the church secretary at IPJA, but more than that, she manages the chaos of the church’s life and the visionary energy of Pastor Robson with a joyful grace that surely is a gift of the Holy Spirit. (more…)

Extra! Extra! Read All About! was an Adult Sunday School Class at Park Church in the Fall of 2005. Each week the class read a news story from the previous ten days and then sought a biblical perspective on the story through Bible Study and class discussion. We’ll continue that pattern with occasional postings here.

The CNN headline reads “Fired Pregnant Teacher Sues Catholic School.” Here’s the link: Teacher Sues School.

The story is familiar enough. The teacher is a 26-year old single woman who works in a preschool operated by the local parish and the Diocese of Brooklyn. The church says she broke a condition of employment that she “must convey the teaching of the Catholic faith by her words and actions.” (more…)

As we approach Thanksgiving week, we should be reminded that the biblical model of giving thanks is not just for – our laundry list of good things and happy circumstances. Christians always give thanks to God, the author of all good gifts. And, remarkably, Christians give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As you gather with family and friends this week, please take some time around the table or in front of the fire to share the for, to and in of this year’s thanksgiving. (more…)