(ps. Verse 20 in chapter 2 is identified as v19 above, just in case anyone starts a Scripture memorization program they’d be off one verse the entire rest of the book)
]]>You kill me… “I think the pastor and Coach Mark look a lot a like.”… LOL
Also, interesting article on the Second Chance Bill. I read it. Here’s the closing paragraph:
The Second Chance Act takes a comprehensive approach to reduce recidivism by providing states and localities with grants to implement successful strategies to ensure safe and successful reentry. States can use the funding to offer various support services, including job training, education, and substance abuse and mental health services. Housing activities are also considered eligible uses of program funds. Advocates consider this an essential provision given the high rate of homelessness among people released from jails. The bill also establishes a national resource center for research on reentry; commissions reentry-related research; and authorizes grants to nonprofit organizations for mentoring and transitional programs.
That offers some fascinating possibilities. Thanks for all the thought-provoking research! These will all be elements that the advisory team is working through as our church re-vamps.
]]>http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/COW/Golden_Gate112805.aspx
We’re willing to do whatever it takes to serve this neighborhood and serve the people we come in contact with.”
Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX, has gone to extremes to reach its community. For the last 16 years this church has seen the lives of over 1500 men and 300 women transformed through their Adult Rehabilitation Ministry. The vision started with a passion to help recovering addicts.
]]>http://2ndchancecc.org/index.html
At 2nd Chance Community Church, everyone is welcomed.
It does not matter where you have been, our concern is where you are now and where you are going to spend eternity.
http://www.secondchancechristianfellowship.net/
Second Chance Vision Statement
We are God’s People. . . Following God’s Plan. . . Fulfilling God’s Purpose
Second Chance Mission Statement
Raising up through prayer, proclamation, and preparation, for this generation to find their rightful place in God. To send forth witnesses into every corner of this community and the world to boldy declare the “Agape” love of God.
Second Chance Christian Fellowship is a bible based, Christ centered, spirit filled life related church where forgiveness and faith are found.
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, Angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We agree therefore, by the Holy Spirit, to walk in love, to give it a place in our affections, prayers, and services above every organization of human origin; To sustain its worship, ordinances, disciplines, and doctrine; To contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through out the world. In case of difference of opinion in the Church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain secret and family devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; To seek salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; To be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the sevice we promise to others; Endeavoring in purity of heart and goodwill towards all men, to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further agree to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other to every good work; To guard each other’s reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; To participate in each other’s joys, and with tender sympathy bear each others burdens and sorrows; To cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew: “To secure it without delay, and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live in the glory of God, who have called us out of darkness into his marvelous light”.
When we remove from this place: we engage as soon as possible, to unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.
]]>legislation currently awaiting the President’s signature:
On March 11, after months of delay, the Senate passed the Second Chance Act of 2007, S. 1060, by unanimous consent. The Second Chance Act is designed to help ex-offenders reenter their communities successfully. The House passed its bill, H.R. 1593, which is identical to the Senate bill, last November with overwhelming bipartisan support, 347 to 62. The bill has been sent to the President’s desk and is expected to be signed into law. The lead sponsors of the bill are Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) and Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE).
http://ccil-2750.blogspot.com/2008/03/second-chance-act.html
]]>The Second Chance offers a wide-angle snapshot of how the staff of an impoverished urban church ministers to its struggling congregants. Pastor Jake wrestles with seeds of bitterness much of the time, yet he remains wholeheartedly committed to his people. That includes helping men struggling with addiction, taking teens on a camping trip, standing up to predatory drug dealers and taking sandwiches to a park to feed the hungry. Jake’s wife also ministers to women trying to break free from prostitution. ]]>