A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.
The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.
In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.
Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.
Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” while delivering a sermon on Sunday at The Potter’s House, his megachurch.
The 67-year-old religious leader was seen pausing and shaking during his hour-long message, prompting several individuals to approach him on stage. Social media footage captured the moment.
The church posted a statement on X saying, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”
The Potter’s House, founded by Jakes in 1996 and boasting over 30,000 members, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers.
Jakes, who is also an author, film producer, and was a speaker at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, leads a non-denominational church with campuses in Texas and Colorado.
Southern Gospel fans have something special to explore with the release of Decades Vol. 3 & 4 by The Kingsmen. This new collection, released through Horizon Records, spans the group’s history, showcasing their musical journey and including reworked versions of classic songs.
Alan Kendall of The Kingsmen shared the group’s excitement over this new release, stating that the overwhelming response to their previous compilation, Decades Vol. 1 & 2, inspired them to dive back into their archives. The new volume covers decades of music and features both older recordings and updated renditions performed by the group’s current lineup, which includes Thomas Nalley, Cole Watson, Brady Jones, and Kendall himself.
Here’s a bit of the Kingsmen on Saints will Rise from earlier this year (Courtesy YouTube)
Three songs in the collection, “Saints Will Rise,” “So High,” and “The Judgement,” have been re-recorded by the current members. According to Kendall, these classic songs were chosen to be updated for a fresh 2024 sound while preserving their timeless quality. The Kingsmen, a group known for their long-lasting influence in Southern Gospel, are approaching their 70th anniversary, making this collection a reflection of both their past achievements and present vitality.
With nearly seven decades of history, The Kingsmen have become a well-known name in Gospel music, earning a reputation as a “school of Southern Gospel” due to the many talented singers who have been part of the group. The latest collection includes contributions from around two dozen Kingsmen alumni, highlighting their extensive impact. This set is intended to appeal to both long-time followers of the group and those new to their music.
The Cross has Won Again (Courtesy YouTube)
Kendall notes that Decades Vol. 3 & 4 holds a total of 39 tracks, featuring a mix of hits, rare recordings, and favorite selections from members of the group. Among these are some unique recordings, including a studio version of “The Cross Has Won Again” from 1992, which was previously released only to radio stations. Additionally, songs from The Kingsmen’s earliest albums from 1960 and 1961 are now available in digital format for the first time.
For fans of instrumental Gospel music, there is also a special 2007 recording of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” performed by Brandon Reese, Nick Succi, and Grant Barker. Previously, this track was only available on a limited-edition live album. Another rarity in the collection is a 1965 transcription of an appearance on Bob Poole’s Gospel Favorites, featuring a dialogue between the show’s host, Bob Poole, and long-time Kingsmen pianist, Ray Talley.
Kendall emphasizes the historical and musical value of the set, describing it as a must-have for those who appreciate the heritage of Southern Gospel music. For listeners, Decades Vol. 3 & 4 is not just a look back, but a reminder of the faith and talent that have sustained The Kingsmen’s music for nearly 70 years.
Everyone knows how heavy guilt feels. It weighs on our shoulders when we know we’ve done something wrong. We wish we could go back and make different choices, but we can’t undo the past.
Even people who don’t openly believe in God feel responsible to something greater than themselves. They sense they must answer for their actions. Many carry this burden silently, trying to hide it from others. But the guilt remains, pressing down like a heavy load.
This is why the message of Jesus brings such hope. Though He never did anything wrong, He chose to take the punishment for our wrongdoing. When He died on the cross, He completely paid for our sins.
As the Old Testament says in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him,” something Jesus fulfilled in the New Testament. This is the greatest gift anyone could receive – to have their guilt completely removed, never to return. Through Jesus’ death, justice was fully satisfied. The crushing weight of guilt can finally be lifted.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Nigeria announced the death of Right Reverend Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who passed away on November 24, 2024. At 104 years of age, Msgr. Oleghe held the distinction of being Nigeria’s most senior Catholic priest.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Auchi Diocese confirmed that Msgr. Oleghe died in the early hours of Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m. The Diocese plans to hold funeral services for the late priest on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The announcement came through an official statement from the Diocese of Auchi, located in Nigeria’s Edo State. Bishop Dunia shared the news with the Catholic community through both formal channels and social media.
The Diocese of Auchi made preparations to honour Msgr. Oleghe’s life through a funeral service, acknowledging his lengthy service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
This news marks a significant moment for the Catholic community in Nigeria, as Msgr. Oleghe’s age and position made him a notable figure in the country’s religious history.
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