A Simple Life, a Childlike Faith

The Church has quoted Jeremiah for more than 2000 years.  We especially love the verse 11 of chapter 29.  “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” What…

I often plug products that I’ve found beneficial, especially in the ministry of The Special Gathering, a ministry within the mentally challenged community.  The Christmas musical, A Stranger in the Manger, is a well-written and joy-filled musical that becomes an excellent presentation.  Uplifting and fun songs make the music sparkle.  However, the ballad, “This is Such…

Leonard is a handsome young man who was separated from him siblings at birth.  The State of Florida convinced his widowed mother that she could not take care of another child, especially one who was intellectually disabled like Leonard.  Therefore, the other children never knew about their brother. The brothers and sisters were all under…

Prayer Is Answered Matthew 21:22 Central Theme:  A good reason to pray is because God answers prayer. Introduction–Bring a watch that does not work.  Throw it away.  Bring a straw with a hole in it.  Throw it away.  I don‘t use things that don‘t work.  I am so glad that prayer always works for people…

S Demeree, a memeber of The Special Gathering and gifted poet continues to write. Real Life is Full of Laughter Real life is full of laughter and fun. When we laugh, we feel things inside ourselves. Put yourself into a funny place. Watch a funny movie. Act out the funny parts. Make a funny face in…

Since sarcasm is a staple in the life of my family, here are 11 reasons to NOT evacuate when a life-threatening storm is approaching.  I’ve had plenty of experience to accumulate reasons over the 45 years we’ve lived in a beach community. I live in Florida on an island about a half mile from the…

I shared a few days ago with a friend that everytime someone prays for me, they usually end with the statement, “I believe that God is telling me that you must not be weary in well-doing.”  It’s happened so many times that I think this must be my “life verse.” If I would chose a…

Worship is the apex of all the many things we do at Special Gathering.  Therefore, it is vitally important to us that things go smoothly but there are weeks that are beyond interesting and border on bazaar. A couple of years ago, there was a Sunday at our Melbourne program that was “beyond interesting.”  We…

What do you do when some of your members become agitated and cause confusion in your services?  That is what we faced at The Special Gathering of Melbourne on Sunday morning.  Special Gathering is a ministry within the mentally challenged community, doing evangelism and discipleship. Over the past several weeks, Johnny has become increasingly agitated during…

Birth, birthdays and even death are important times of blessing Some weeks you wonder how everything comes in bunches.  “Amazing” is the only word I find appropriate to describe the events of many Saturdays and Sundays at Special Gathering.  We had such a time several years ago. So much happened–good and bad–during our chapel services on…

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