Christ Hope USA - Missionary Work

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:05:17 -0400

Getting involved with Christ Hope and their Missionary Work

Orion's Church Community

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 17:27:40 -0400

Orion Veterans Memorial

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 09:30:49 -0400

A place of honor for all who have served

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:03:24 -0400

A community outreach program that looks for the good in our community

Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:42:55 -0500

The Wisdom Project

Happy Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:03:13 -0400

A colorful festival that is celebrated by all Hindus worldwide is Deepavali(Diwali), which is also known as the festival of lights. This festival usually falls around late October and November. One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning. By lighting the oil lamps, the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received. The Hindus consider Deepavali as one of the most important festivals to celebrate.

The Legend -

There is even an interesting legend behind this festival. The story goes that Narakasura, a demon, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Khrishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali, the triumph of good over evil!

Preparations -

Preparation for Deepavali starts usually at least two to three weeks before the festival. It is known that the Hindus will be busy cleaning their houses to prepare for the festival. Some would even renovate their houses to prepare it for Deepavali. Usually the family will shop for new clothes and for accessories to decorate their homes. Prior to the festival, Indian shops will be selling festive items like Deepavali greeting cards, carpets, Punjabi suits and flowers. The Hindus will frequent these shops when they are shopping for Deepavali.

Celebrations -

The Hindus usually awake early in the morning of deepavali around 3am and the first ritual will be having an oil bath, which is an important feature of Deepavali. Hindus will be dressed in their new clothes on Deepavali. Most of the ladies would be clad in silk saris or Punjabi suits of various bright shades. Hindus particularly dislike dressing in black on that day, as they consider black an inauspicious color for the festival. Hindus would also pay their respects to the elderly and most families would go to the temple after having breakfast. This is also an important practice for them. The reason why they would be going to the temples is to pray to get happiness and prosperity on Deepavali. The houses would be decorated with oil lamps and children will play with firecrackers to celebrate the festival. On the first day, they would not go visiting but would stay at home to welcome the guests who visit them.

Food -

Visiting Hindus during Deepavali will be an interesting activity, as you will get to taste a wide variety of delicious food. In every home that you visit you are bound to be served with a tempting spread of sweets. Some of the popular sweets are halwa, burfi and laddu. Hindus love eating spicy food and for non-vegetarians they indulge in favorites like chicken tandoori, prawn sambal and fish head curry. In homes of Hindus who are vegetarians popular dishes like thosais, idlis and naans are prepared.

(source: http://www.essortment.com/)

2008 - See You At The Pole - Prayer

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:38:17 -0400

Students across the country are expected to gather around their school flagpoles before classes on Wednesday morning to pray for each other, for their schools and for the nation. This will be the 19th annual â€œSee You At The Pole,â€ an event held on the fourth Wednesday in September. Organizers predict that up to two million students will take part this year. Read more about the event, see photos and a video.

http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=2111

Obama's Plan for military cuts

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:14:11 -0400

Barack Obama's presentation to Caucus for Priorities spells out his plan for the military and how he will cut spending and development and the ability to defend the country when elected President.

new

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:52:21 -0400

history

GCC 2008 Youth Group Easter Video

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:43:54 -0400

GCC 2008 Youth Easter Video - This is an excellent sermon and youth performance depicting our everyday struggles. Enjoy.

igniteCAST - Philosophy & Religion