Regional News of Thursday, 22 January 2015

Source: GNA

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has called on church leaders to continue to collaborate with government to ensure quality education.

He said they could do this by providing land to upgrade basic school infrastructure.

Dr Vanderpuije said this when he broke the grounds for the commencement of a GH? 2.7 million Millennium City School project at Kaneshie St Joseph Anglican Church premises in Accra.

He said the time has come for churches and government to work together to facilitate development.

He said the primary responsibility of ensuring quality teaching and learning is to provide better infrastructure to create a friendly environment that would encourage school children to learn hard.

The MCE said the construction of the Millennium City School was in response to the challenge thrown to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) by the Anglican Church.

And this is in fulfillment of President John Mahamas commitment of ensuring quality education, he said.

Dr Vanderpuije said that the AMA had passed the Functional Organisational Assessment Toll , initiated by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and had been given approval to construct 12 new Millennium city Schools from the next months with GH? 30 million funding for the project ready.

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Church and State are one Vanderpuiye

It was his first visit to Cairo since he became head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in February 2013, and Ethiopian Patriarch Mathias I made sure that his week-long stay in Egypt included matters of both spiritual and diplomatic importance.

He talked to his peers in the Egyptian Coptic Church about closer ties, conferred with the Egyptian prime minister and stressed that Egypt and Ethiopia must always remember how much they have in common.

The Ethiopian Church has been trying to ease tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Renaissance Dam, currently under construction on the Nile in Ethiopia. The church was an archdiocese of the Egyptian Church before it became independent in 1959.

Patriarch Mathias was received by Coptic Pope Tawadros II at the Abbasiyya Cathedral in Cairo. The meeting was attended by Bishop Pimen, in charge of Egyptian-Ethiopian relations in the Egyptian Church, and senior clergymen.

In remarks to the Weekly, Mathias said that Church leaders should help find solutions to world problems, a role which they could assume due to their frequent discussions with governments and politicians all over the world. Speaking about the bonds between the Egyptian and Ethiopian Churches, Mathias said, We all have to confirm this relationship so that future generations may not forget its importance.

He continued, The River Nile links us, and the Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia is allowing us once more to discuss its benefits. According to the Ethiopian patriarch, Experts have made it clear that the dam will not harm Egypt or Sudan.

He proposed meetings between all the Orthodox Churches in an institutional fashion to reinforce ties, and advised Christians to accept modernity and progress in a way that doesnt compromise their faith.

Welcoming the visiting patriarch, Tawadros II noted the depth of the historical relations between the two Churches. At a sumptuous reception for Mathias at the Cathedral, the Coptic pope said, The historical relations between the two Churches go back to the time of Pope Athanasius when he ordained Bishop Salama of Ethiopia.

Tawadros pointed out that the two Churches have a geographical bond, being linked by the River Nile.

Mathias toured the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, one of the countrys oldest, before meeting Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb and the ministers of trade, industry and health.

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Gods gift to all

Rendering of Saint Nicholas National Shrine being built at the World Trade Center. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff is supporting the project.

ENCINITAS Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff is supporting the construction of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center through donations from parishioners and community members.

The parish, which has hosted the annual Cardiff Greek Festival in September for 36 years, is set to donate 10 percent of this years festival profits along with stewardship donations from parishioners throughout the year.

The Saint Nicholas National Shrine is being built at Ground Zero, replacing the small Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas that was destroyed on September 11, 2001 when the South Tower fell after the terrorist attack.

The new church is Greek Orthodox, but it welcomes people of all faiths to visit while touring the 9/11 Memorial and Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center.

The estimated cost of building the shrine is about 38 million and the projected completion date is in 2016, which marks the churchs 100-year anniversary. It was built in 1916.

The shrine, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, will blend the traditions of Byzantine architecture with the steel and glass buildings in the surrounding area. The upper level of the church will include a non-denominational bereavement space, also open to all.

The genesis of this project came from the good will of our faithful as they were moved by the 911 tragedy, said Father Michael Sitaras, pastor at Saints Constantine and Helen. We as Orthodox Christians, while rebuilding the Saint Nicholas Shrine for ourselves at Ground Zero, are simultaneously rebuilding a shrine for all the nations to come, reflect and worship. Community members can support the building of the shrine by sending a check, earmarked for Saint Nicholas Shrine, to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff, CA. 92007.

For information about the shrine visit stnicholaswtc.org or about the parish, visit stsconstantinehelen.com or call (760) 942-0920.

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Church to help build St. Nicholas Shrine

By ALAN CLENDENNING Associated Press

MADRID (AP) - The former electrician for Spain's famed cathedral in Santiago de Compostela denied Tuesday having ever seen the priceless 12th-century Codex Calixtinus that authorities found in his garage and insisted he doesn't remember confessing that he stole it.

The richly-decorated Codex, which went missing in 2011, is considered the first guide for Christians making the pilgrimage to venerate St. James.

Jose Manuel Fernandez Castineiras, who is in his 60s, made the declarations a day after his lawyer argued that the confession should be thrown out. The lawyer, Carmen Ventoso, also said judges should throw out the security video that appeared to show her client in a cathedral office stuffing money into his pockets.

Authorities who searched the electrician's home in 2012 also found other valuable religious works and recovered more than 1 million euros ($1.2 million).

Fernandez Castineiras faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

His wife, Remedios Nieto, testified Tuesday that she never saw the money in her home and wasn't surprised when her husband bought property because she said he worked hard and was a dedicated saver.

She also said her husband would not allow family members to enter a workspace he used because he said he didn't want paperwork there disturbed.

The popular pilgrimage depicted in the Codex across northern Spain to the cathedral in the northwestern Galicia region was inspired by the reputed discovery of the apostle's tomb around the year 800.

Tens of thousands do at least part of the various pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela each year, hiking across Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and other European countries.

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Church electrician: Can't remember Codex stealing confession

Renderings of the Trujillo Peru Temple, left, and the Indianapolis Indiana Temple, right.

LDS Church

SALT LAKE CITY LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson said in October that he expected to dedicate or rededicate five new temples in 2015.

Seventeen days into the new year, he effectively has checked the boxes on the first four.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Saturday that public open houses and dedications of new temples in Indiana and Peru will be held this summer.

The Indianapolis Indiana Temple and the Trujillo Peru Temple will be the third and fourth new temples to open in 2015. Last month, the church announced open house and dedication dates in the spring for temples in Crdoba, Argentina, and Payson, Utah.

The public open house for the Trujillo Temple will run every day except Sundays from May 8 through May 30. A cultural celebration is scheduled on June 20 and the temple will be dedicated in three sessions on June 21.

The Indianapolis Temple will be open to the public every day except Sundays from July 17 through Aug. 8. A cultural celebration is scheduled Aug. 22 and the temple will be dedicated in three sessions on Aug. 23.

During the church's April 2014 general conference, President Monson said the LDS Church would take a break from announcing plans for new temples to concentrate on completing the 28 temples already announced or under construction.

President Monson announced the Trujillo Temple in 2008 and ground was broken in 2011. He announced the Indianapolis Temple in 2010 and ground was broken in 2012.

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LDS Church releases dates of temple openings in Indianapolis and Peru

Media Release

Udupi, Jan 17: The St Francis Xavier parishioners of Udyavar will be organizing their annual eventwith 'Raddet Eredde' a Tulu drama, on Sunday, January 18 at Udyavar Church campus to raise funds for the construction of a new church building.

The church has a building development committee, which functions under the leadership of Melwin Noronha. It has also formed a drama steering committee comprising of 16 members, for smooth administration.

The committee works under the directorship of Fr Roque Dsouza.

President Stevan Colaco - former president of ICYM Udupi varado Lawrence Dsa - vice president Golfrey Dsouza- treasurer Wilfred D'souza - Sauhardha Samithi Udayavar president Michael D'Souza - JCI Udyavar ex president Roshan Crasta - JCI Udyavar president John Gomes Yurben Fernandes - ex president of ICYM Udyavar Vivian Periera- Zoe Pereira caterers owner Judith Pereira - Catholic Sabha Udayavara secretary Alwyn Fernandez- owner of DJ friends and Rose beats band along with other active members Roshan D'souza, Savitha D'Souza, Lawrence Lewis, Cynthia.

About St Francis Xavier Church

The church dates back 150 years. The Christian families of Udyavar built a modest church near Chembukkall rock in 1873 and dedicated it in honor of St Francis Xavier.

The complete church building was inaugurated on January 10, 1866.

The geologists, architects and civil engineers had no blue prints to help the competent masters in their task. The church was finally blessed and opened in 1909 by the bishop of Mangaluru of that time.

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Raddet Eredde' at Saint Francis Xavier Church Udyavara on Jan 18

KINGSTON The Rev. Canon Mark A. Pearson was one happy clergyman this Christmas season.

Two days before Christmas, Fire Chief Bill Seaman handed him the Permit to Operate a Place of Assembly for the new church building at 80 Route 125, and on Christmas Eve, Trinity Church held its first worship service there.

People driving along Route 125 in the southern part of Kingston for the last 14 months have noticed new construction just down the driveway leading to the New Creation Healing Center. Now that building is open.

Colonial New Englanders used the term Meeting House to describe the building in which both sacred and secular events were held. Because this is the intent for the new building, it will be called The Meeting House.

For years, New Creation Healing Center has offered seminars on wellness addressing the whole person body, soul and spirit. Some of these seminars taxed the facilities of the existing building.

With several special events planned for 2015, the much larger space is welcomed. Additionally, various events for the wider community will be held in The Meeting House, including classes on environmentally friendly gardening and various musical and dramatic events.

State of the art audio-visual equipment will be installed as funding becomes available. The acoustics have already proven wonderful for music.

The Meeting House is square and yellow because we wanted to pick up the Colonial architectural style of the existing medical/counseling/massage therapy building, Pearson said. We initially wanted something in the classic New England white church on the town green model. But the space we were allowed to build on was square, not rectangular. We looked into New England history and discovered that the classic New England white church was really the second style of Meeting House. What came first was a square building with a hip roof, topped with a widows walk, a small spire and bell. They were painted many different colors, but not white. Our model is the Old Ship Church in Hingham built in 1681. We copied the design of Old Ship in many ways, except we have electricity, indoor plumbing and heat. We trust no one, including architectural purists, will mind, Pearson said.

Pearson has a rich musical heritage. He was a fourth generation member of the Men and Boys Choir at Christ Church, Fitchburg, Mass., and later became a professional organist-choirmaster.

He said, Weve held various special services in the small chapel of the old building. Tenebrae during Holy Week and various services of Lessons and Carols have been much enjoyed despite the poor acoustics and limited seating. Were looking forward to holding these services in The Meeting House, as well as holding other services such as Taize worship. And since were also part of a healing center, we will continue to have healing services, but now on the handicapped-accessible ground floor.

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New church building opens in Kingston

Peachtree City, GA (PRWEB) January 15, 2015

Building God's Way (BGW), a nationwide church architect and builder network that provides a broad range of solutions to Christian ministries, announced that it has formed an exclusive partnership with Group VI Companies (Group VI) to build churches and Christian schools in the state of Georgia.

Group VI is one of Georgias leading full service construction, development and real estate firms. Over the last 25 years, the family owned and operated company has constructed more than 500 successful commercial projects throughout the Southeastern U.S. Group VI has extensive experience with faith-based projects as well as healthcare, entertainment, corporate office, tenant improvement, hospitality, government, education, and industrial projects. The company is currently constructing various projects across Georgia that range in size from $300,000 to $21,000,000.

Mason Drake, Vice President of Group VI Construction commented on the new partnership, "We are very pleased to be partnered with Building Gods Way. Dan Cook and the whole team have put together a remarkable track record of excellent and innovative service to churches, Christian schools and colleges across the country. We look forward to serving clients together with them throughout Georgia".

BGW partners with top church and school builders around the country that have both a heart for Christian ministry and a reputation and track record for constructing top quality buildings at affordable prices.

Dan Cook, founder of BGW, also commented on the new partnership, We are excited to partner with Group VI to bring the unique Building Gods Way approach to churches and Christian schools throughout the state of Georgia. Group VI shares our philosophy of Biblical stewardship and honoring God throughout the construction process. They also have a keen understanding of the need to think creatively about how we utilize church buildings in the 21st century.

BGW and Group VI will kick off their new partnership with a seminar event on March 10 in Atlanta. Churches throughout Georgia will be invited to attend this Momentum Summit event to hear presentations from Pastor Eric Bahme, author of the Book "The MBE (Mission-Based Entrepreneur) Revolution as well as representatives from Building Gods Way. The speakers will share innovative new strategies for 21st century church design and church construction as well as capital fundraising, for-profit integration, leadership development and A/V technology. For more information on this event or to register, visit http://www.bgwservices.com/seminar

About Building Gods Way - BGW has become a recognized leader in ministry design and construction through its extensive experience in working with hundreds of churches, Christian schools and colleges across the U.S. BGW's trademark programs based on Biblical stewardship and ministry on the construction job site have set them apart from other church builders and includes an unparalleled network of services, including church design, church building, leadership development, capital fundraising, for-profit integration, A/V technology and more. Visit http://www.bgwservices.com for more information.

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Building God's Way Announces Exclusive Partnership with Group VI Companies in the State of Georgia.

Honduras 100 Church Construction Time Laps
This is a time laps of the construction of church #85 of the Honduras 100 project with Builders International. You can find our more at: http://projects.buildersintl.org/projects/project/110.

By: Ryan Moore

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Honduras 100 Church Construction Time Laps - Video

Demolition of Holy Trinity Lithuanian Church on the corner of East South and South Meade streets in Wilkes-Barre, set to begin Monday, was delayed due to weather.

Stell Enterprises construction vehicles were parked outside of the church and a chain-link fence wrapped around the perimeter, but the building was untouched on Tuesday.

The foreman for Hadley Construction, the company subcontracted by Stell Enterprises, was on site Tuesday afternoon and said the demolition was held off due to the cold weather. The construction crews planned to tear down the church from the top down, but the cold temperatures hindered the crew from being able to begin on time.

Holy Trinity was closed in May 2010, after then-Scranton Diocese Bishop Joseph F. Martino announced that 72 parish communities in northern Luzerne County would be consolidated into 33 parishes over the next three years.

Shame on you Bishop was painted on a piece of cardboard attached to the front door, a message from those disgruntled with the demolition.

According to the foreman, who did not give his name, the razing is scheduled to begin this morning.

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Bad weather delays W-B church demolition