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Religion

Short-term goals are crucial for life (05/20/12)
From the beginning you are asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" That's a long-term goal. Most people don't know the answer, and you must reach many short-term goals before the ultimate one is attained anyway. How important are short-term goals?...

The Bible is a road map for our lives (05/20/12)
I've just purchased a new GPS unit. Ever since I've opened the box and turned on the screen I've been itching to try it out on a road trip. The open road, open sunroof, my wife and the British woman in the GPS telling me, "Turn left here." Road trips are as much as the American experience as baseball and apple pie. ...

Youth pastor helps connect students, ministry opportunities (05/20/12)
Bethel Assembly of God youth minister Danny Wilson has a background in computer-aided design. But after eight years of designing cable television systems, the Sikeston, Mo., native felt a call to ministry. Today Wilson connects students with various ministry opportunities at the church and through mission trips...

Church organized in 1818 moves (05/13/12)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A local congregation is celebrating another chapter in its nearly 200 years of history by moving to a new building. Black River Baptist Church was scheduled to host an open house last Sunday, followed by a dedication service with testimonies, hymns and prayer...

Love INC's McGowan finds fulfillment helping others (05/13/12)
John Drake McGowan has worked in for-profit organizations as well as not-for-profits. He said it was a motor vehicle accident that changed his life. McGowan, the CEO of Love In the Name of Christ of Southeast Missouri, talks about his path to the organization and helping others...

Understanding a goodness that can't be contained (05/13/12)
Psalm 34:8 makes me really excited to live this life in pursuit of the Lord. In this verse, the psalmist can't find words to describe what he's experienced in a way that could even begin to help the reader understand. Instead of trying to describe something as indescribable as God's goodness, he invites the reader into the heart of God, saying, "Find out for yourself how good the Lord is."...

The church can reach more men (05/13/12)
In a 1975 episode of the TV comedy M*A*S*H, the following exchange occurs:Visiting Chaplain: "So, you are a regular churchgoer?" Maj. Frank Burns: "Oh, sure, church is a great way to kill an hour." Burns' line is actually more amusing than it may appear in print. Amusing or not, the sentiment is troubling...

Contemporary Christian music artist Aaron Shust to perform in Cape (05/06/12)
Aaron Shust grew up in the church, first singing on Sunday nights as a child and later in the adult choir. He later served as a worship leader in a Georgia church. Today the singer/songwriter is one of the top names in Contemporary Christian music. His latest album "This Is What We Believe" features the hit song "My Hope Is In You." Shust will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at www.itickets.com...

God can transform rubble into a wall of strength (05/06/12)
I am a project guy. I have notebooks of stuff clipped out of magazines to reference and perhaps build. I look at things, architecture, trim work and furniture trying to dissect it to get a mental picture of how it was made so that one day I can attempt to reproduce it. I receive a great feeling not from taking projects but finishing them...

Enjoying the lulls in life is valuable (05/06/12)
Most people think they must always be accomplishing something. This tendency often originates in childhood. Even if you can't remember what activities and interests you were involved in, it's likely that you attempt to teach your children so they'll grow up fitting into the particular norms and images you envision. ...

Swan writes book on women's relationship with God (04/29/12)
Cape Girardeau woman Deashia D. Swan didn't think she'd ever write a book. But through prayer she felt led to write about the women of the Bible and what lessons women today can learn from them. "When A Woman Loves God: You can take anything else, but you can't take a woman's love for God!" is Swan's first book...

Trusting God for the directions in life (04/29/12)
There is a lot to be learned from roads. I realized this after getting lost three times on a road trip with one of my friends this past weekend. Usually when it comes to driving, I'm good at following directions. I find great joy in getting myself to places I've never been by following a handy step-by-step list of turns provided courtesy of Google Maps. ...

As Jesus did, we should also stick to standards (04/29/12)
Jesus said (to a man asking about how to attain eternal life): "'There is one thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this, the man's face fell. He went away sad, for he had great wealth." (Mark 10:21-22)...

Faith-based organizations get advice at disaster workshop in Cape (04/27/12)
The Rev. Aaron Brown's voice broke as he told a group of Southeast Missouri residents about having to tell someone from his congregation one of their family members had died. But after a tornado devastated Joplin, Mo., on May 22, there was too much work to do to grieve. ...

Disaster meeting for faith-based organizations set for Thursday (04/24/12)
Gov. Jay Nixon will visit Cape Girardeau on Thursday as part of a series of workshops designed to educate and prepare faith-based organizations for disaster response. A state initiative to strengthen response by local agencies and churches or other faith-based organizations is a mission of the governor's Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery, which began under order of Gov. Mel Carnahan following massive flooding in 1993 and is prompting the workshops...

God's to-do list working toward an end (04/22/12)
This the time of year when I start thinking more clearly about summer plans. So much of the summer has already been thought through, but the idea of long hot days, cold glasses of tea, barbecues, baseball and maybe the beach tend to run through my mind...

One's happiness does not depend on perfection (04/22/12)
"You've spoiled my good mood," the young woman said. "Every time I'm happy you ruin it. Why do you always have to tell me about things that are unpleasant when I'm feeling good?" Does that question sound familiar to you? Can you genuinely destroy someone's happiness by bringing up what's real?...

Worship arts pastor talks faith, family and music (04/22/12)
Worship Arts Pastor Brad Miles knew from an early age that he wanted to work in ministry, having given his first sermon at the age of 10. After college, however, Miles pursued a career as a singer/songwriter and moved to Nashville, landing a record deal and traveling the country playing 50 to 60 shows a year. Today, he leads the worship team at La Croix United Methodist Church...

Hundreds attend Teen Challenge annual banquet Saturday (04/15/12)
The annual Teen Challenge International of Mid-America banquet brought a crowd of more than 740 to the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Saturday. Teen Challenge is a long-term, residential, faith-based program that ministers to men of any age with drug, alcohol and other addictions. The local center has 150 students and tries to help around 330 men each year...

New worship pastor begins at Crossroads (04/15/12)
For Andy Cutrell, worship pastor at Crossroads Fellowship in Jackson, God and music are his life. "I love the Lord and I love music," Cutrell said. "That's what's always driven me in everything I do. I have been in church all my life, but I never really surrendered to the Lord until I was about 17."...

As God transformed apostles, he can transform us (04/15/12)
I love the transformation the apostles go through after Jesus' death and resurrection. They grow from guys who run away in fear as Jesus suffers humiliation, physical abuse and crucifixion into men who speak boldly about the truth of Christ's life, death and resurrection -- men who live Jesus' love as the first members of the church...

Stepping into the waters of retirement (04/15/12)
W.T. Handy was a strong leader -- a man who knew Robert's Rules of Order so well that you'd think he had written them. When he presided over the yearly meeting of United Methodists -- called an "annual conference" -- there was little doubt about who was in charge. I was in awe of Bishop Handy and, to be candid, a little afraid of him...

Teen Challenge holds annual banquet (04/12/12)
Teen Challenge International of Mid America will hold its annual spring banquet for Cape Girardeau on Saturday at the Show Me Center. The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. To reserve a seat, call 335-6508. Teen Challenge International of Mid America is a long-term, residential, faith-based rehabilitation program that ministers to men ages 16 and older with drug, alcohol and other addictions...

Easter is the story of lives changed by Gospel (04/08/12)
I don't know anyone who doesn't love a good story -- whether it's in movies that capture your attention and inspire you to rise to a cause or books whose author has gripped you that after each page you find yourself saying, "Just one more." We love stories. Stories move us. We connect with the men and women in them. We want to become them. Sometimes we have been them...

The resurrection promises new beginnings (04/08/12)
Bunnies, baby chicks, colored hard-boiled eggs, candy and flowers are all symbols of Easter for both Christians and non-Christians. However Christians focus most on the passion, especially the cross, the Jesse Tree and the washing of the feet -- to name a few ways Christians celebrate the season of Easter. Encarta Dictionary describes the word Easter as "the Christian festival in spring, a Christian festival marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ."...

Cape woman writes evangelism book (04/08/12)
People often say there isn't enough time to do all God wants them to do. But Cape Girardeau author Pat Renner believes "we can do all God has called us to do if we keep God at the center of our lives." That is the main premise of Renner's first book, "Live Life Fully: Make Every Day Count By Centering on God," which was released Feb. 7...

Area residents to join effort to create living cross on Good Friday (04/06/12)
SIKESTON, Mo. -- Hundreds of Christians will line two Missouri highways on Good Friday to create the largest live cross this Easter season. Set for 7 to 11 a.m. Friday along highways 60 and 63 in Missouri, the Carry the Cross movement aims to raise awareness of Jesus Christ as volunteers stand with 10-foot tall crosses every quarter-mile to make a make one giant cross...

Sold-out crowd enjoys Christian music concert at Cape church (04/01/12)
More than 1,200 people came out to Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau for the "We Cry Out" tour with Christian musicians Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli and Adam Cappa. Organizers said they were pleased with Friday's turnout. "This is a pretty big deal," said Michael Stewart, marketing director and events manager for the Extraordinary Women Conference, which hosted the concert. "There's a lot of stuff going on, so to sell out is pretty significant."...

Area cross walks to take place this week (04/01/12)
Cross walks, which usually involve the offering of a prayer and meditation at a series of locations of significance within a city, are a well-known way that Christians of all denominations to remember Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Two cross walks will be held locally this week on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter...

Our past can provide the path for real growth (04/01/12)
"I know nothing!" Those who troll their television sets looking for 1960s-era situation comedies will no doubt recall the declarative exclamation that opens this column. Sgt. Schultz of "Hogan's Heroes" (1965-1971) is the author of that signature line...

Waiting at Lord's feet and giving all of ourselves (04/01/12)
Everything about the way Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, worshipped and knew the Lord makes me want to worship and know him like that. The first time we get to eavesdrop on Mary and Jesus is in Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus stays at her and her siblings' house. The only thing Mary does in these verses is sit at the feet of Jesus to listen to him...

Christians participate in Jewish Seder (04/01/12)
On Thursday, La Croix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau hosted a shortened version of a traditional Seder meal in conjunction with Jews for Jesus, a Messianic Jewish organization. The word Seder means order. The Seder meal is the ritual Passover meal celebrated by people of Jewish descent, and it's the type of meal Jesus shared with the disciples at the Last Supper. Passover begins an eight-day holiday for the Jewish people...

Keyes leads prayer rally at Missouri Capitol (03/27/12)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Conservative activist Alan Keyes says many Americans have become confused about their "rights" as U.S. citizens. Keyes was the keynote speaker Monday at a prayer rally that drew about 200 people to the Missouri Capitol. He has run several times for president and was soundly defeated by Barack Obama in Illinois' 2004 U.S. Senate race...

Great strength lies in differences God created (03/25/12)
Spring is the season of gardening. I have planted a couple of gardens, but I do not claim to be a gardener. I actually have four plants that I have yet to kill. The fact that they have survived is a major feat. One of the things that I have learned in my attempts at gardening is the tremendous variety of plants, vegetables and flowers that are available. ...

The dangerous effects of being angry (03/25/12)
Have you ever become depressed without knowing the reason why? Everyone has, at one time or another. People often don't know why they feel down. Short-term depression is usually caused by an event or trauma that is upsetting at the time. The death of a spouse, the loss of a job, divorce or an argument can cause feelings of loneliness, failure and despair. Children disappoint parents and vice versa...

Soles4Souls seeking donations, volunteers (03/25/12)
By Aaron Picar Southeast Missourian With the start of the second annual Soles4Souls Week beginning today, a local group of volunteers, partnered with an international ministry, is asking members of the community to consider donating their extra pairs of shoes. Soles4Souls is a charity that recycles shoes for people in need. Beginning today and continuing through April 1, shoes will be collected locally. Collection centers are at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Marci's Planet Shoes and the University Center on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. Volunteers are also needed to help sort, tie and pack the shoes. Last year, 6,379 shoes were donated, and organizers are excited for this year's drive. "A lot of people from the community have come to help," said organizer Cheryl Reinagel. "We can all use a little good news, and a pair of shoes does it." The Soles4Souls University RV Tour will make a stop in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday. Heath and Melissa Bain are traveling with the RV tour to different college campuses collecting shoes for Soles4Souls. They will be stopping by the collection centers in Cape Girardeau and telling people about the organization. Melissa Bain said she is "excited to meet the people behind the movement." "This city is probably the most involved with what Soles4Souls are doing," Bain said. "We want to meet the passionate people. We're excited to be a part of it." Soles4Souls began when founder Wayne Elsey saw the need to collect shoes for victims of the Asian tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Soles4Souls has collected more than 11.4 million pairs of shoes and distributed the donated footwear to 127 countries. Soles4Souls Week started locally when Reinagel, Rhonda Weller-Stilson and others had the idea of collecting shoes for those in need. When they learned of Soles4Souls, Reinagel said they thought it was too easy not to do. Soles4Souls does not just send shoes overseas but also to local places in need. According to Reinagel, donors can designate where they want their shoes to go. "This goes beyond the scope of just international aide," said Reinagel. "Soles4Souls serves people in places that have been hit by Katrina to places that have been recently hit. This is an ideal project, we have a lot of needs here too." Reinagel said Soles4Souls Week would not be possible without donors and volunteers. According to her, Kermit Meystedt of Genesis Transportation donated a trailer to keep the shoes. Genesis will also ship the shoes to the Soles4Souls headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. Spartech and M&W donated barrels and containers for packaging. Southeast Missouri State's Horticultural Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau have helped collect shoes on campus. "It's been amazing to see what all has been happening," Reinagel said. Information on making donations and volunteering can be obtained from St. Andrews Lutheran Church by calling 334-3200, or by contacting Cheryl Reinagel at creinagel@semo.edu or Rhonda Weller-Stilson at rstilson@semo.edu. More information on Soles4Souls can be found at www.giveshoes.org.

Guitarist's concerts to benefit SEMO Baptist Student Center (03/18/12)
Dr. Bruce Gentry considers it a blessing and an opportunity to have guitarist Mark Kroos perform two benefit concerts in Cape Girardeau this week. Gentry, director and chairman of Bible at the Southeast Missouri State University Baptist Student Center, said the opportunity fell into the center's lap...

Seeking Jesus in the deserts of life (03/18/12)
I've never been to a desert. It's a place I really want to get to during the course of my life, though. It must be a place of extremes -- extreme loss, extreme desolation, extreme beauty. There's something in the desert's extremes that is courageous. It's not a lukewarm place with lots of middle ground, but a place that faces and experiences things. A place where life defies expectations and endures...

Words of wisdom when pondering marriage secrets (03/18/12)
"Never presume to know the secrets of a marriage." More than 60 years ago, Sir Michael Redgrave uttered the aforementioned in the 1951 movie "The Browning Version." Redgrave was playing the role of Andrew Crocker-Harris, an unpopular teacher of classical literature at a British school. ...

3rd annual Heart for Africa benefit draws more than 500 (03/11/12)
More than 500 people were able to see what life was like on an African farmn during the third annual Celebrate Hope benefit Saturday. The event at the Venue in Cape Girardeau showed pictures and art of children who have been served by Heart for Africa, a not-for-profit relief aid organization that works in Swaziland, Africa. Live chickens and goats were on display and could be sponsored by attendees for the Project Canaan farm, and there were live and silent auctions...

The vulnerability of humankind (03/11/12)
So you think you're tough? You think you have it all together? You think you have your feelings in check? Well, think again. As I dined in a local restaurant recently, my heart quivered as I watched a father and his three children sitting at a nearby table. The children seemed to be enjoying their meal and trying to appear happy. I watched the dad as he frantically attempted to assure that the children had a fun time...

God knows everything the sun's rays touch (03/11/12)
This is possibly the worst Sunday of the year. Daylight saving time ends. Now come Sunday evening and Monday morning I'm going to be thrilled. The day is longer. It's not dark 20 minutes after I get home. Soon every day, not just a select few, will be warmer. The loss of the precious hour of sleep is worth the sacrifice, yet trying to remain not just vertical but functional this Sunday morning is just going to be a challenge...

Cox finds his calling in music ministry (03/11/12)
Anyone who visits Fruitland Community Church on a Sunday morning can expect to be led in music by worship leader Jordan Cox. A Jackson native, Cox, 24, described his responsibilities as "continually praying and providing opportunities to encounter Christ."...

God's love drives out fear, helps us stand, fight (03/04/12)
Fear. I'm convinced that is what's at the root of so many sins. Fear of who we are, fear of who we're not. Fear of what we don't know. Fear that we are not enough, fear that God is not enough. This fear inside us manifests itself through the ways we sin externally...

Intelligence and smartness differences (03/04/12)
This week I bought a "smart phone." It's my first. The store manager accepted my old phone -- presumably a less-than-bright version -- as a trade-in. Apparently, if a portable telephone can only be used to call someone or to send text messages, it cannot earn the "smart" label. Who knew that my little Pantech -- an erstwhile and reliable companion, was a little slow?...

Bringing water to Africa (03/04/12)
By Aaron Picar Southeast Missourian Heart for Africa, a not-for-profit relief aid organization, will host the third annual Celebrate Hope fundraiser March 10 at the Venue, 80 South Plaza Way in Cape Girardeau. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event will have an informational mission room, presentation, dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing, with music by the Metro Dance Band. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance by calling Chrisy Wilferth at 579-8685 or at Chap Arnold Insurance, 875 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. Auction items can be donated to Theresa Birk at 579-5722. All proceeds will benefit Heart for Africa's efforts to provide water for the Project Canaan farm in Swaziland, Africa. Jeanine Maxwell, Heart for Africa co-founder will be speaking. Maxwell will be giving an update on previous Celebrate Hope projects, the El Roi Home and El Rofi Medical Center. According to Maxwell, her presentation will give a report to the donor base and provide education and awareness of Heart for Africa's work. "There are a lot of people who want to help but are not sure how," Maxwell said. "We will be building awareness of how ordinary people can help by giving, going or both." Heart for Africa executive director Jimmy Wilferth said this year's Celebrate Hope theme is "Water is Life." According to Wilferth, there is not enough water retention for Project Canaan. Swaziland has one rainy season and Heart for Africa is looking to put in a drip irrigation system that will capture up to 70 million gallons of water. Wilferth called it a large campaign with many other organizations from all over the country coming on board to help. "Water produces more food, which feeds more children, which saves lives," Wilferth said. Wilferth said there are government programs in place in Swaziland that provide one meal a day. These programs are set to expire at the end of 2012, so it is important the water retention system be completed. Wilferth said anyone attending Saturday's fundraiser can expect an enlightening and fun evening. The mission room will be set up to teach attendees what the project is all about. People will be able to walk through and see what is going on at Project Canaan with the animals and crops. Dinner for the fundraising is being donated by area restaurants and vendors. There are numerous items up for bid in the live and silent auctions. A golf cart will be raffled which was signed by 21 former St. Louis Cardinals players, including Hall of Fame members Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter and Lou Brock. Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $20. Theresa Birk, co-coordinator of Celebrate Hope, said the evening will be a mix of mission-oriented spirituality and fun. Celebrate Hope began in 2010 in memory of Birk's late son, Jared. The Birks had returned from a trip to Swaziland in 2009 when Jared died in a drowning accident. Part of his memorial fund was used to begin the El Roi Baby Home to take care of abandoned children in Swaziland. "The most impressive thing is people will really get to see God at work," Wilferth said. "We believe in doing what the Bible says, to feed the orphans and take care of the widows." According to Wilferth, Cape Girardeau has become the hub of activity for Heart for Africa. Heart for Africa has sent nearly 5,000 people to Africa, many from the area. This spring the Heart for Africa national headquarters will move to Cape Girardeau from Atlanta. Wilferth, a Cape Girardeau native, will also serve as the organization's U.S. president of operations. "We have some amazing people in Cape. This is quite a place to live. There are a lot of people with great hearts," Wilferth said. For more information about the fundraiser and organization, go to www.celebratehopecape.com and www.heartforafrica.org.

Kurt Warner to speak Wednesday at Show Me Center (02/28/12)
Leadership on and off the field will be the topic of two-time NFL MVP winner Kurt Warner's appearance Wednesday night at the Show Me Center. Warner is one of the headliners of Southeast Missouri State University's annual speaker series, which brings various presenters to Cape Girardeau to share life experiences, inspirational messages and entertainment with the campus and the community...

Change's value must resonate deep within (02/26/12)
I don't know anyone who likes change. Even the experts, who study, write on and lead change don't like to personally experience change. The only people I know who like change are babies, and even they tend to fight it. Change is a creator of stress. Change and crises that create change are not a 21st-century novelty. In the book of Acts we come face to face with a change that threated to disrupt the beginning of the new church movement...

Stay in the desert, examine your path (02/26/12)
"Oh no. Why did this happen to me?" the young man lamented. John was a college student maintaining a full life with big plans for the future. He was working on a degree in social work and he wanted to teach children to dance as part of their therapy...

Banquet speakers to highlight Young Life (02/26/12)
Young Life, a nondenominational Christian organization, will host a fundraising dessert banquet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at The Concourse (former Teamster building) at 429 N. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau The main goal of the banquet, according to organizers, is to raise money to support Young Life and provide attendees with a better understanding about the ministry...

Bald Knob Cross board eyes date for lighting improvements (02/21/12)
Alto Pass Ill. -- The Bald Knob Cross of Peace will be lit with state-of-the art LED lights, its board of directors decided during its annual meeting last week. The lights will bring the 48-year-old cross back to its original state, Bald Knob Cross president D.W. Presley said. When erected in 1963, the cross was illuminated with grounded stadium lights at night...

Loving other people in a tangible way (02/19/12)
In one of the most treasured photographs I own, a little girl in a red dress stands under a tree with a shy smile on her face. With her hands at her side and the dirt beneath her feet a rich brown, she doesn't suspect that she will change my life, that God is going to use her to speak his love and encouragement to my heart, to show me that his love can sew people together who live an ocean away...

Facebook, blood type and Jesus (02/19/12)
I have a Twitter account but can't remember my "hashtag," whatever that is. For me, Facebook is easier to access and I check it a couple of times each day. It keeps me connected, quickly, with other people -- and given my role as a pastor, this social network helps me in my work...

A doctor's case for creation (02/19/12)
The creation-evolution debate is a controversial topic. On Feb. 3, the Creation Science Club of Southeast Missouri State University hosted a lecture with Dr. Carl Werner to give its side. In addition to his presentation at Southeast, Werner also spoke to students at Eagle Ridge Christian School in Cape Girardeau and Saxony Lutheran High School in Jackson. ...

Headquarters of not-for-profit Heart for Africa moving to Cape (02/14/12)
It just makes sense to Jimmy Wilferth that Heart for Africa, a Christian not-for-profit organization trying to improve thousands of lives in the African country of Swaziland, will move its national headquarters to Cape Girardeau from Atlanta this spring...

Couples combine faith and marriage (02/12/12)
More than 50 years ago while working part-time at a Kroger grocery store in Walnut Ridge, Ark., Doug Austin saw his future wife, Fran. After a year of talking with her mom at the store, he decided to ask Fran for a date. She agreed. But the date didn't go exactly as planned...

The Bible provides working definition of love (02/12/12)
Valentine's Day is just a few days away. This day of romance occupies a unique place in the calendar. Valentine's Day falls about a week or more after the Super Bowl and just a few days before pitchers and catchers report for spring training. (Punxsutawney Phil might not be thinking of spring, but I am.)...

Ideas of happiness change and grow (02/12/12)
The small boy cried because he dropped his strawberry sucker. The teenager wailed because no one invited her to the homecoming dance. The middle-aged couple anticipated the day when their children were grown so they could travel. The old couple mourned because their children seldom visited. But with living and time, all these attitudes changed direction...

Scott City church celebrates 160th anniversary, plans outreach (02/05/12)
Southeast Missouri is rich with church heritage. One of the churches with a good deal of history is Eisleben Lutheran Church of Scott City. The church recently celebrated its 160th anniversary and is looking to reach future generations. According to Vicar Marty Hasz, pastor of Eisleben, the church is "rooted in Christ and branching out in love."...

Loving God with everything that we are (02/05/12)
"Jesus replied: 'The most important one is this: Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'" -- Mark 12:29-30 This is what we are created for...

The mission and those who carry it out (02/05/12)
"It is here now, the supreme folly. This is its hour." The aforementioned was the reputed final declaration (possibly apocryphal) of Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury. Becket was said to have spoken the words just before his assassination by barons loyal to English King Henry II in the year 1170...

We are all a work in progress (01/29/12)
It is the end of January, and my local gym is thinning out. In fact, all the stuff I wanted to organize in the new year is still sitting where it was at the end of December. Still, I'm not certain which is worse, the fact that my stuff I wanted to organize is unorganized or that the list of goals I wanted to make for the new year is still a work in progress...

Control your mind and you'll control your life (01/29/12)
"It's drizzling outside and dreary," the man said. True, the weather was unfriendly -- but was it actually dreary? That description is a matter of opinion. In addition to the drizzle and somewhat cold day, a curtain of fog hovered in the atmosphere. Everywhere I went, someone commented on the so-called "dreary" day. Consequently they assumed a bleak outlook...

Professor ministers to Southeast students, trains Romanian pastors (01/29/12)
College is a challenging time for students intellectually and spiritually. Dr. Bruce Gentry works with students on both levels as a campus minster and professor at Southeast Missouri State University. In addition to teaching, Gentry serves as the director of the Baptist Student Center. He described serving in his various roles as "unique."...

God and baseball (01/22/12)
Cardinals fans are familiar with former players and current broadcasters Rick Horton and Cal Eldred. But what fans might not know is that both men were led to God through baseball. "When I signed to play in the minor leagues with the Cardinals, I traveled all over the place and had some teammates that really were just men of God and shared the Bible with me," Horton said before taking the stage as host of the Cardinals Caravan Monday night in Cape Girardeau...

Giving up control of your life to God (01/22/12)
Sometimes life seems out of control. Life can be a lot to handle, especially when we're trying to control it. One of the most liberating truths, though, is that God has everything under control. When we give up control over our lives to our Father, the fight ends...

Toughness, compassion and love (01/22/12)
Margaret Gorman was the first Miss America, crowned in Atlantic City, N.J. in 1921. Gorman, who died in 1995, once told a newspaper: "I never cared to be Miss America. It wasn't my idea. I am so bored by it all. I really want to forget the whole thing."...

Fill your mind with good memories (01/15/12)
"Noah, are you asleep?" the wife asked her husband, bedridden in a nursing home. The question came about as I was visiting Noah one afternoon. After talking with his wife, Emma, I attempted to converse with him. He especially needed our company, so I walked over to his bedside and said, "You're just listening to us, aren't you, Noah?"...

Trusting God and facing the unknown (01/15/12)
In 2012 you will have the opportunity to be scared out of your mind. This year there are three Friday the 13th calendar dates, the most any year can hold. As you could probably guess, I am not one who holds to superstitions for dates. The only date that really concerns me is the one that keeps pushing me toward the four-decade mark...

ConnectionPoint Church pastor leading congregation in spiritual growth, outreach (01/15/12)
Many attend church to be connected with God and other believers. Pastor Chris Vaught of ConnectionPoint Church in Jackson sees the mission of the church to be just that. "We exist to connect people to God and others to ministry," Vaught said. "This is a very exciting time for our church. We're excited and passionate about our faith, serving the community and sharing our faith."...

We are never too far away for God's grace (01/08/12)
"From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:16-17) Grace in place of grace. Everything about these five words makes me want that. ...

A lesson in never giving up (01/08/12)
Every piece of clothing I own has cat hair on it. All right, that's an exaggeration. It does seem that way sometimes, though. Last Sunday before church, someone approached me to say, "Uh, Jeff, the back of your sweater vest is covered in cat hair." A few quick swipes with the lint roller took care of that. Detritus of feline fur is part and parcel of living with cats -- and my wife and I have owned cats for 30 years...

Answering God's call: Local woman headed to Africa to teach children (01/08/12)
Leaving the comforts of home and moving to Africa was not something Cathy Maya had planned or thought she would ever do. But later this month, the Cape Girardeau woman will do just that as she prepares to answer God's call on her life and move to Malawi...

God's work in real time: Cape Girardeau natives fulfilling God's call through the Salvation Army (01/08/12)
The ringing of Salvation Army bells is a familiar sound in the winter. For Lts. Marquis and Twyla Brookins, working for the Salvation Army is fulfilling God's call in their lives. Much of what they do is coming alongside families and sharing life with them...

Men of Integrity to hold rally on Saturday (01/01/12)
Many people will adopt a New Year's resolution. For some, growing spiritually in their relationship with God is at the top of the list. A new ministry that aims to help people in this effort is Integrity Foundation. On Saturday, the not-for-profit cross-denominational ministry will host a Men of Integrity rally at Christ Church of the Heartland in Cape Girardeau...

Church directory

Apostolic Promise Church (Pentecostal)
750 North Mt. Auburn, Cape Girardeau
573-334-0745
Website: http://www.tapchurch.com
Sunday Service 10:00am & 6:00pm
Wednesday Service 7:30pm

Bethany Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
1712 Randol, Cape Girardeau
573-335-8622
Website: http://www.bethanybc.net
Contemporary Morning Service 8:45am
Sunday School 9:45am
Traditional Morning Service 11am
Sunday Evening Service 6pm
Wednesday Prayer & Study 6pm

Bethel Assembly of God
1855 Perryville Raod, Cape Girardeau
573-335-5531
Website: http://www.capebethel.org
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 9:00am, 10:45am & 6:00pm
Wednesday 7:00pm

Broadway United Methodist Church
Broadway & Lincoln, Scott City
573-264-3184
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 11:00am

Cape Bible Chapel (Non-Denominational)
2911 Kage Rd. , Cape Girardeau
573-334-5948
Website: http://www.capebiblechapel.org
AM Small Groups 9:15am
Worship - 10:30am
Evening Small Groups Throughout the Week

Cape Community Church (Non-Denominational)
2222 Bloomfield Rd., Cape Girardeau
573-335-2124
Website: http://www.ourchurch.com/member/w/westsi...
Sunday Worship 10:30am
Wednesday Bible Class for all ages 6:45pm

Cape County Cowboy Church (Southern Baptist)
220 Orchid Lane, Oak Ridge
573-266-3570
Website: http://www.capecountycowboychurch.com
Sunday Service 9:30am
Thursday Service 7:00pm

Cape Girardeau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
200 Broadway, Cape Girardeau
573-339-0575
Website: http://www.CGUUF.org
Sundays 10:00am

Centerary Church (United Methodist)
300 North Ellis, Cape Girardeau
573-334-2869
Website: http://www.mycentenary.org
Sunday Sacraments 8:00am
Sunday Traditional 8:45am
Sunday School 10:00am
Sunday Contemporary 11:00am

Christ Church of the Heartland (Non-Denominational)
720 Bertling, Cape Girardeau
573-334-7726
Website: http://www.ccoth.org
Sunday Worship & Kids Zone 9:00am
Wednesday Worship Youth & Kids 7:00pm
Thursday College Ministry 7:00pm
Friday Celebratory Recovery 6:30pm

Christ Episcopal Church
101 N. Fountain, Cape Girardeau
573-335-2997
Website: http://www.reddoorchurchcape.org
Sunday Holy Communion 8am & 10:15 am
Serenity Service, last Sunday of each month at 6pm
Wednesday, Evening Prayer 5:15pm
Child Care 9:00am-11:30am

Connection Point Church (General Baptist)
1506 S Farmington Road , Jackson
573-243-8467
Website: http://www.fgbcjacksonmo.org
Sunday Services
Traditional Worship 8:30am
Contemporary Worship 10:45am
Connection Kid's 8:30am & 10:45am
Sunday School 9:45am
Baby nursery available during worship services

OASIS (Senior Adult Group) Wednesday 11:00am
FUSION Youth Group Wednesday 6:30pm
Connection Kids & Adult Bible Studies Wednesday 7:00pm

CrossRoads Church (Southern Baptist)
4400 East Jackson Blvd., Jackson
573-204-1912
Website: http://www.jacksoncrossroads.com
Sunday Early Service: 8:15am (nursery available)
Fellowship Time: 9:30am
Contemporary Service: 10:00am
(Children meet during contemporary service only)
Thursday Service: 6:30pm
Overtime 7:30pm

East Cape Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
60 Brookwood Drive, East Cape Girardeau
618-661-1028
Website: http://www.eastcapebaptistchurch.org
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:30am & 6:00pm
Wednesday Service 7:00pm

Eckankar of Missouri
618 Bellvue, Cape Girardeau
800-591-0694
Website: http://www.Eckankar-Missouri.org
Worship Service: "Spiritual Wisdom on Conquering Fear"
Sunday, February 12, 11:00 a.m.�Noon

Evangelical UCC (United Church of Christ)
33 S. Ellis, Cape Girardeau
573-335-5611
Website: http://www.evangelicaluss-cape.org
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:35am

Fellowship Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
430 Koch St., Cape Girardeau
573-339-1733
Sunday School 9:45am
Sunday Worship 10:45am & 6:00pm
Sunday Children Church 11:00am
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

First Baptist Church
1289 Lexington Avenue, Cape Girardeau
573-335-6006
Website: http://www.fbccape.com
Bible Study 9:30am
Worship 10:45am
Wednesday Night 5:30pm

First Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
591 North Liberty Street , Delta
573-794-2478
Website: http://www.fbcdelta.org
Sunday Service 10:45am & 6:00pm
Sunday School 9:45am
Wednesday Service 6:00pm

First Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
212 S. High, Jackson
573-243-8415
Website: http://www.firstbaptistjackson.com
Sunday School 9:15am
Sunday Worship 10:40am & 6:00pm
Wednesday Bible Study & Activities 6:30pm

First Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science Church)
215 N. West End Blvd., Cape Girardeau
573-335-8928
Sunday Service: 10:30am
Sunday School: 10:30am
Wednesday Service: 12 noon
Reading Room: Mondays 12 noon to 1pm

First Free Will Baptist (General Baptist)
2919 Kage Rd., Cape Girardeau
573-334-8461
Sunday School 9:30am
Worship 10:30am
Sunday evening 6:00pm
Wednesday evening 7:00pm

First General Baptist Church of Cape
1812 Cape LaCroix Road, Cape Girardeau
573-334-2234
Website: http://netministries.org/frames.asp?url=...
Sunday
Sunday School 9:00am
Morning Worship 10:00am

Wednesday
Children's program 6:30pm
Youth Program 6:30pm
Adult Bible Study 6:30pm
Prayer Time 6:30pm

First Pentecostal Church
3054 Lexington, Cape Girardeau
573-335-9291
Website: http://www.fpccape.com
Sunday School: 10am
Sunday Worship: 11am & 6pm
Tuesday Worship: 7:30pm
Bible Discovery - Ages 3-8: 11am

First Presbyterian Church
235 Broadway, Cape Girardeau
573-335-2579
Website: http://www.firstccape.org
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Coffee in the Parlor 10:15am
Sunday Worship 10:30am

First Presbyterian Church
206 E. Washington, Jackson
573-243-4265
Sunday School 8:45am
Sunday Worship 10:00am

Fruitland Community Church (Southern Baptist)
6040 US Highway 61, Jackson
573-204-0724
Website: http://www.fruitlandcommunity.com
Sunday Worship 8:00am & 10:30am
Sunday Bible Study 9:15am
AWANA Sunday 5:00pm
Weekly Small Groups

Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel
1904 W. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau
573-335-3974
Website: http://goodshepherdcape.ctsmemberconnect...
Sunday Worship 8:00am & 10:30am
Sunday School/Bible Class 9:15am

Grace United Methodist Church
521 Caruthers St., Cape Girardeau
573-334-1321
Website: http://www.capegrace.org
Sunday School 10:10am
Heritage Traditional 9:00am
Sunday Contemporary 11:15am

Hanover Lutheran Church
2949 Perryville Road, Cape Girardeau
573-335-8583
Website: http://www.hanoverlutheran.com
Sunday Services at 7:45 and 10:00am

Hobbs Chapel United Methodist
3024 State hwy 177, Cape Girardeau
573-334-3080
Website: http://www.moumethodist.org/churches/det...
Sunday Worship 8:45am
Sunday School 10:00am

Illmo Baptist (Southern Baptist)
802 Second St. East, Scott City
573-264-4725
Sunday Bible Study 9:45am
Sunday Worship 10:55am
Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30pm

Illmo United Methodist Church
718 4th Street East, Scott City
573-264-4645
Sunday Worship 10:45am

Immanuel Lutheran (Tilsit)
496 State Hwy F, Jackson
573-243-0132
Website: http://www.showme.net/churches/immanuel
Sunday Worship 8:45am
Sunday School 10:00am

Jackson Church of Nazarene
2245 Old Toll Road, Jackson
573-243-0973
Website: http://www.jacksonmo.com/city/churches/n...
Sunday School 9:45am
Sunday Worship 10:45am & 6:00pm
Wednesday Choir 6:30pm

LaCroix Church (United Methodist)
3102 Lexington Ave., Cape Girardeau
573-339-0302
Website: http://www.lacroixchurch.org
Saturday Worship 5:30pm
Sunday Worship 9:30am & 11:00am

Lakeside Worship Center (Non-Denominational)
7623 S. Hwy 25, Gordonville
573-238-4801
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:30am

Maple United Methodist Church
2441 Jean Ann Dr., Cape Girardeau
573-335-6890
Website: http://mapleunitedmethodist.tripod.com/
Sunday School 9:00am
Sunday Worship 10:15am

New McKendree United Methodist Church
225 S. High Street, Jackson
573-243-8487
Website: http://www.newmckendree.org
Saturday Traditional Worship 5:00pm
Sunday Traditional Worship 9:00am
Sunday School 9:15

New McKendree United Methodist Church
1770 South High Street, Jackson
573-243-8487
Website: http://www.newmckendree.org
Sunday Contemporary Worship 10:15 am
Celebration Kids 10:15 am
Adult Small Groups 9:00 am

North Cape Church of Christ
121 S. Broadview Drive, Cape Girardeau
573-334-9673
Bible Study 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:30am & 6pm
Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

Old Saint Vincent's Roman Catholic Church
119 South Spanish, Cape Girardeau
573-335-1631
Website: http://www.oldstvincents.org
Sunday 10:00am

Red Star Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
1301 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau
573-335-3381
Saturday Contemporary Service 6:30pm
Sunday Traditional Service 8:30am
Sunday School 9:40am
Sunday Blended Service 10:40am

Salvation Army (Non-Denominational)
701 Good Hope, Cape Girardeau
573-335-7000
Website: http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www...
Sunday School 9:45am
Sunday Holiness Meeting 11:00am
Sunday Salvation Meeting 3:00pm
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

Scriptural Evangelical Lutheran (ELS/WELS)
3587 County Road 635, Cape Girardeau
573-334-4096
Sunday School/Bible Class 9:00am
Sunday Worship 10:00am

Shawnee Hills Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
1204 Brandom, Jackson
573-243-1078
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:30am & 6:00pm
Wednesday Evening Prayer 7:00pm

Southside Baptist Church (Southern Baptist)
805 Hackberry St., Cape Girardeau
573-243-7566
Wednesday Evening Bible Study 6:00pm
Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Worship 10:30am
Sunday Evening Worship 5:30pm

Sovereign Grace Church of Jakcson (Non-Denominational)
120 North Oklahoma , Jackson
573-243-0216
Website: http://www.showme.net/churches/Sovereign...
Sunday 10:30am
Wednesday 7:00pm

1-888-296-6828 Free Live Messages Code 682982

Ephesians 2:8-9

St. Andrew Lutheran
804 N. Cape Rock Road, Cape Girardeau
573-334-3200
Website: http://www.standrewcape.org
Sunday Traditional Service 8:00am & 10:35am
Sunday Contemporary Service 9:15am
Sunday Celebrate Recovery 6:00pm

St. John the Theologian Orthodox Christian Church
353 Christine St., Ste. 1, Cape Girardeau
573-332-1028
Website: http://www.stjohnsorthodoxchurch.com
Saturdays: Great Vespers - 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: Orthros - 8:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m. with coffee hour following
Reader�s Services
We also have reader�s services when the priest isn't with us.
Wednesdays: Reader�s Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Orthodox Faith and Life - 6:45 p.m.
Sundays: Reader's Orthros - 8:45 a.m.
Typika - 10:00 a.m.

St. John's United Church of Christ
781 State Hwy. FF, Jackson
573-243-5633
Website: http://www.ourchurch.com/member/s/StJohn...
Sunday School 9:00am
Sunday Worship 10:00am

St. Mark Lutheran Church
1900 Cape LaCroix, Cape Girardeau
573-334-4495
Website: http://www.stmarkcape.org
Sunday School for All 9:00am
Sunday Worship 10:00am

St. Paul Lutheran Church
201 Gray St., Chaffee
573-204-1944
Sunday Worship 8:00am
Sunday School & Bible Class 9:00am

St. Paul Lutheran Church
223 W. Adams, Jackson
573-243-2236
Website: http://www.stpauljackson.com
Saturday evening Worship 6:00pm
Sunday Worship 7:45am & 9:15 am
Sunday Bible Class 9:15am
Sunday Contemporary Worship 10:45am

Trinity Lutheran Church
100 N. Frederick, Cape Girardeau
573-335-8224
Website: http://www.t-lutheran.org
Saturday Worship 6:00pm
Sunday Worship 8:00am & 10:30am
Sunday School 9:15am

Trinity Lutheran Church Egypt Mills
5665 County Road 635, Cape Girardeau
573-334-4549
Sunday Worship 7:45am & 10:00am
Sunday School & Bible Class 9:00am

Wesley United Methodist Church
142 Carnation Lane , Fruitland
573-243-5948
Website: http://www.wesleyumcfruitland.com
Sunday School 9:15am
Church 10:30am

Westminster Presbyterian Church
Cape Rock Rd. & Perryville Rd., Cape Girardeau
573-334-4344
Sunday Worship 10:45am
Sunday School 9:30am
Tuesday Youth Group 6:30pm

Zion Lutheran
176 County Road 226, Gordonville
573-204-1944
Website: http://www.zionlutherangordonville.org
Sunday School/Bible Class 9:15am
Sunday Worship 10:15am
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm

Zion United Methodist Church
3652 State Highway Z, Gordonville
573-243-8025
Website: http://www.umcgordonvillezion.org
Sunday Worship 8:00am & 10:30am
Small Groups 9:15am