† Bibliography †

All the information we got can be found in teh following resources.

Self, David. Christianity. Ed. Nicola Barber. Vol. Christianity. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac, Library, 2005. Print. Religions of the World.

Charter, Royal. "BBC - Religion: Christianity." BBC - Homepage. UK Households, 18 Oct. 1922. Web. 08 May 2011. .

Barrow, Mandy. "Christianity for Kids." Woodlands Junior School, Tonbridge, Kent UK. Woodlands Junior School, 22 Mar. 1995. Web. 08 May 2011. .

† Rituals and Practices †

In this section of this blog, we are going to talk about the rituals practiced by Christians.

- Joining the Church (Baptism): People are often baptized when they’re babies at 8 days old. If a person being baptized (joining the church ceremony) is a baby, he/she is given their first name. Baptism often takes place at a large stone bowl, near the entrance of the church because it symbolizes the entry of a person joining Christianity. When the church begins to baptize, prayers are said, and a little bit of water is sprinkled on the person’s (who is being baptized) forehead in the pattern of a cross. Baptism used to be private for only the family to observe their children joining the Church. Now, it’s part of the main Sunday service in the Church.

- Confirmation: For babies only, after being baptized. After baptism, babies will take upon themselves the responsibility of being adult members of the church, even though they’re still babies that are too young and inexperience. This church service is led by a bishop, or minister of the church who put their hands on the head of babies to confirm that the babies will take full responsibilities of being adults and that they’re 100% completely full members of the church. As for adults who were not baptized as babies may be both baptized and confirmed at the same time.

- Communion: A ritual to remember, celebrate, and commemorate Jesus on his Last Supper by sharing bread and wine. Usually, the bread and wine are purchased by normal Christians, who join money together, and attend the church as a thanksgiving to God. Christians believe that the bread is body of Jesus, and wine is blood of Jesus. The most holy moment is when the priest pray over the bread and wine, then people began to share, eat, and drink with each other. This service of the Church maybe called the Eucharist, Holy Communion, or Mass. Christians recognized Eucharist as a sign of unity amongst all Christians (when all of them are united together).

- Marriage: Christians believe that when a man and woman get married, they must be together for the rest of their life. Unless, one of the partner died, remarriage is possible. Jesus teaches that divorcing and marrying another one is wrong and will be view as adultery. Nowadays, some Church authorities still allow divorce and remarriage because they feel it’s better for the couples to divorce rather than living unhappily together.

- The Wedding: When Christian couples, who get marry, make promises that they will care, love, and be honest to each other under any circumstances. The couples often do this in front of the Church, so God can observe and witness their vows to each other. Then, they will go inside the church so the priest says some prayers and bless the marriage, also asking if the couple agrees to marry each other. Lastly, they will go to eat some bread and wines in the Eucharist service. For other Christians, sometimes, couples can only be divorced if the didn’t have any sexual relations together yet.

- Celibacy: Monks and Nuns can never get married or having any sexual relations. The same goes for the priests, who is never allow to get marry.

- Christians tried to help their neighbors as part of their daily life (like go shopping for them, take care of the garden, doing households…) because Jesus teaches that God expected all followers to help their neighbor, and also the poor, sick, and needy ones. So, Christians are expected to give some of the money they earn to the church and charities; so the church can build hospitals, more churches, school, support charities to fight against hunger, diseases, poverty….

by Victor

† Worship and Prayer †

In this section of this blog, we are going to talk about how Christians worship Jesus and how they pray.

- Christians worship in churches, chapels (small local church), and cathedrals to show respect, praising, serve God, and learn more about their faith.

- Christian spiritual leaders are priests or ministers.

- Since Christians believe God is with them all times, they don’t have to go to church to pray every time. Most Christians pray and worship at home by themselves, or with family.

- Christians mainly worship on Sunday with some special ceremonies and festivals.

- Christian worship involves in praising God by singing holy songs (hymns), giving speeches that concentrate on teaching part of the Bible and Jesus, readings from scriptures and Bible, preaching sermon (moralistic criticism and teachings about the sins of people) by priest, prayers, and various holy ceremonies.

- To Christians, Prayer means to communicate with God by listening and talking. Many Christians believe God ‘talks’ to them, not out loud that they can actually hear, but by giving them a strong feelings through worshiping that they should do something in particular.

- Christians try to pray (talk to God) each morning or evening, wherever is convenient to them. Some families pray out loud together before a meal, or with one person leading the praying while others remain silence.

- For Christians, prayer isn’t just for asking and wishing for things. Christians pray to:
* Praise God for his greatness and love.
* Thanking God for his great gifts such as food, water, and health.
* Confess, admit, and apologize to God for committing sins and wrong acts.
* Asking God to help other people, especially for ones that are sick or in trouble.
* Asking help for your own self.

- Some Christians use prayer books, which they can read out loud or think in their mind to pray. While other Christians simply pray using their own words.

- Jesus taught that, while praying, address God regularly as God the Father, Our Father, or Lord’s Prayer.

- Some churches pray and worship Mary, the mother of God.

- Monks and Nuns: men and women who live their entire life to serve God, spending their lives for praying and studying the Bible, and attend to church every day. Live in the nunnery.

 

By Victor

† History †

In this section of this blog. we are going to talk about the history of Christianity.

Christianity traces its beginning to a miraculous birth, adulthood, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, known as Jesus Christ. Over 2000 years ago in Palestine (today's Israel), Jesus was born into a humble Jewish family in Bethlehem, then grow up in Nazareth. His mother was a young peasant woman named Mary. Christians believe that his father was the God in Heaven, making Jesus both fully human and fully divine. His earliest followers came to believe that he was the Messiah, or messenger, sent by God to free humanity from slavery, sin, and death. God sent his son Jesus in human form so that people would have a better understanding of God as a caring and loving parent. Jesus lived and experienced the suffering of humans. Jesus healed the sick, told stories, fed people with only a few loaves of bread, and teaches sermons that taught what God wanted people to do – to love God with all their hearts and love the people surrounding them as well as themselves. Jesus taught by example. By being loving and forgiving himself, Jesus taught others to be loving and forgiving - especially toward those who were considered lowest of the society. This is the central message and style of Jesus' teaching. During his adulthood in Jerusalem, Jesus built up loyal followers, led by his twelve disciples. But Jesus also made enemies among the religious and political leaders of his time. In the end, these powerful leaders were so threatened by Jesus' growing following that the Roman governor sentenced Jesus to death and had him crucified. The third day after Jesus' death, his followers found his tomb empty and discovered that he rose from the dead (resurrection). Christians believe that the painful sacrifice of Jesus' life on the cross shows how much God loves people. Jesus paid with his life on Earth for the sins of the world. Christians believe that in raising Jesus' from the dead, God showed that Jesus' message of love and forgiveness was more powerful than death, and that believing in Jesus and following the example of his life and his teaching would lead to eternal life after death. The resurrection (rising from the dead) is the sign of God's salvation offered to all the people who believe, admit their sins, and follow Jesus. After ascending to heaven, Jesus his Holy Spirit down to guide and comfort his followers. Then, Jesus' followers, and missionaries, spread Christianity throughout the world and create Christian Churches. Today, there are about 2.1 billion Christians living all over the world.

By Victor

† Beliefs †

In this section of the blog, we are going to talk about Christian beliefs.

- There is only 1 God and he creates everything (the universe, people, the world, everything that is seen or unseen). He is perfect, everywhere, all-powerful, and knows everything. He loves everyone.

- This only 1 God took form of 3 persons (parts) when he appears before humans (these 3 persons are consider to be 1 God, not 3 God): God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and The Holy Spirit. This is call Trinity.

- Jesus Christ is the human form of God, both fully human (which he lived and experienced things like normal human beings on earth) and fully divine. After Resurrection and Jesus ascend to heaven, God the Son (Jesus) send down his ghost form, ‘The Holy Spirit’, to guide, comfort, and encourage Christians through various aspects of life.

- Jesus is the Son of God. He was sent down to Earth from heaven, by God, for salvation (save humanity from evil and the consequences of their sins).

- Anyone who follows Jesus may receive salvation.

- The Bible is the Word and Teachings of God.

- The Holy Spirit send Jesus down to Earth through the virgin Mary. This means: Mary wants to marry Joseph, but before they came together, Mary became pregnant because of the Holy Spirit sending Jesus down through her stomach.

- Jesus suffered and was crucified (hang on a cross) to pay for the sins (guilt and mistakes) of human. Jews don't like Jesus teachings to Christians, so they hand Jesus over to Romans. Thus, Roman falsely blame Jesus for teaching dangerous ideas that involves in rebelling the government, so they execute him through crucifixion. Jesus was mocked, beaten, and taunted by the Romans.

- Jesus died and was buried. Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus in clean linen cloth and buried him in a tomb. Then, Joseph rolled a big stone to block the entrance.

- Jesus resurrected on the 3rd day after his crucifixion, which means he died and came back to life again, and ascend to heaven to God, his father. This lead Christians to believe that they can have an eternal (permanent) life after death in Heaven, like Jesus too.

- Jesus will return to Earth to judge the sins of humans. People will be punish, by their own sins, if they don’t admit their sins and not believing in God. People are forgiven and save if they admit their sins and confess their beliefs about God.

By Victor

† Christian's Sacred Book †

In this section, we are going to talk about the Sacred Book of Christianity, Bible.

* Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew.
Two Versions:
* Old Testament (original Hebrew Bible)- same as Jewish’s Torah, sacred book of the Jewish faith. Include Jewish laws, historical, and prophetic writings. As a Jew, Jesus taught Jewish ideas. 100% belongs to Judaism
* New Testament- rewrote by Jesus’ 12 disciples which are Christians. Christianity’s main holy book. 100% about Christianity.

Passage from the New Testament
‘Then one of the twelve disciples- the one named Judas Iscariot- went to chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” So they counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to him. From then on Judas was looking for a good chance to betray Jesus.’
* Explanation: Judas, one of Jesus’12 disciples betray him by telling leading the Romans to where Jesus is currently staying. Just because of his greed for money.
* Connection to ‘The Last Supper’: Jesus knew that Judas was the traitor. Despite that fact, he still invites him along with the other 11 disciples to eat the last dinner with him before he goes on trial and get kill by the Romans tomorrow. Then, Jesus announce: “I tell you, one of you will betray me. The one who dips his bread in the dish.” Judas said: “Surely you don’t mean me, Teacher?” Still, Jesus forgave the sins Judas had done.

 

                                                                        The Last Supper
By Victor

† Sacred Days †

In this section, we will explain some Sacred Days in Christianity.

* Christmas: 25th December. Celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday, or when he was born. During the weeks before Christmas Day, people send cards to other people, watch plays about Jesus, go to carol services, put up decorations for homes, churches and Christmas trees, and prepare presents for friends and family. During Christmas day, families woke up very soon to open presents under Christmas tree. Then, they go to church to sing carols and celebrate the birthday (people put on their best clothes). Next, the whole family sit down for Christmas dinner at mid-day and in early evening they have a Christmas Tea. Lastly, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the Queen gives her Christmas Message to the nation which is broadcast on radio and television. At night, people wear King’s paper crown to celebrate Jesus’ birthday party.

* Easter: The date of Easter changes every year, it’s between March and April. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection (coming back to life again, rose from death) of Jesus. It’s the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. Eggs are a major symbol of Easter since they symbolize new life. Crosses are often covered with flowers to symbolize Jesus' victory over death.
- Christians gather together on Easter Sunday on a hill side to see the sun rise. They light a fire outside the church early on Sunday morning using the Paschal candles (celebrate Jesus’ wounds) and maybe (the candles) will be carried into the church for worshiping stuff . Some churches have an Easter Garden: A stone block the mouth of a tomb before Easter day, then rolled away on Easter morning.
- Very famous (especially for kids): Easter Egg Hunt. Small chocolate eggs are hidden for the children to find on the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Cards: drawing of a rabbit.
- Food: Boiled eggs (breakfast), then Easter cards and gifts may be exchanged. Roast lamb (duck meat, main dish served w/ mint sauce and vegetables). Easter biscuits & Sinnel Cake (dessert).

* Lent: 40 days before Easter to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus spent in a desert w/ no food and water to pray and fasting for the sins human has done. A time for people to think about themselves (personal reflections): what they did over the year, what sins they commit…. and to find ways to improve themselves. Also, during Lent, people try to reduce the amount of food they eat as much as possible because in the past, Jesus doesn’t have food during these 40 days.


* Holy Week: the last week of Jesus' life, people celebrates the victorious deeds that he’s done to save humanity from their sins before he was crucified (kill).
 Maundy Thursday: a day to remember and celebrate about the Last Supper between Jesus with his disciples, when Judas betrayed Jesus.
 Good Friday: A somber and sorrowful day that Jesus was crucified, or died on a cross by the Romans to save people from all their sins, which is the mostly recognized as a symbol of Christianity.
 Palm Sunday: celebrate Jesus’ first entry into Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem by a donkey, which is pretty humiliate.
Holy Saturday: The day after Jesus died, where he now rested in a tomb. It is a quiet day of meditation. In many churches during this day, people remember their family and friends who have died, pray for them.


* Ascension Day - when Jesus goes to Heaven.

* Epiphany- 12th day of Christmas. Celebrates the visit of the 3 wise men when Jesus was born in a barn along with Mary.

* Mothering Sunday- Mother’s day when children pay respect to their Mothers by giving their Mothers a gift and a card. This day is to honor and respect what our moms did for us.

* Harvest Day- Celebration to thank God for food/crops grown on the land and all the good things God given to them. We celebrate this day by singing, praying and decorating our churches with baskets of fruit and food

* Pentecost- seven weeks after Resurrection when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to comfort, strengthen, and tell Christians to spread Christianity. Then, Christians and missionaries spread Christianity and Jesus’ messages to the world. After that, 3000 more people became Christian in just a day.

By Victor

† Interview #1 †

What's the origin of Christianity?
Jesus the Christ, Son of God (Mt. 16:16-20) begun first Pentecost after His ascension (Acts 1 &2)

Why do you follow this religion?
"many proofs" He was raised from the dead (Acts 1:3); matches exactly ancient prophecies God gave O.T. writers (e.g. Isa.53; Dt. 18:18; Micah 5:2; Ps. 22; Daniel 2, etc); exhibited power to raise the dead and give instant healing, sight to blind that His foes admitted were genuine after careful inquiry (Jn. 9; Jn. 11:39-47; etc.)

What makes you believe in god?
The existence of God is a self-evident truth clearly seen through the created things God made (Ro. 1:20-23)

How does the conflict in Jerusalem make you feel?
Same as any other "conflict" where humans exhibit base behavior.

How do you spread Christianity?
How do you teach Christianity to others? "Preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2)

Is there anything you don't believe about Christianity?
"Christianity" correctly defined means a follower of Jesus; He was sinless (Heb. 4:15; Jn. 8:46); groups appropriating the name "Christian" while acting like the devil are not an expression of "Christianity." The Original Jesus and His Church must be distinguished from frauds.


How does Christianity guide people through life?
By following the "Good Shepherd" who offers "abundant" life. (Jn. 10:8-15)

How did you become the leader of the church?
Jesus is the "head of the church." (Eph. 1:22). No other holds that position.


What are the major differences or similarities between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam?
Judaism law of the O.T. was a pedagogue slave assigned to monitor juveniles (Gal. 3:23-27). Jewish scripture foretold the coming of the superior "new covenant" (Jer. 31:31), Christianity. Islam came from a plagiarist who corrupted and maliciously padded pieces of scripture heralding himself a prophet yet bearing no credible credentials -similar to efforts of the Western Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Jr.

What does god look like?
"God is spirit." (Jn. 4:24). A "spirit has not flesh and bones" Lk. 24:39. Since He is not a physical creature but the self-existent eternal being, He is unique.

What do parts church symbolize? (example: the paintings in church, the window pictures symbolize?)
The church is the believers, the people of Christ, not a material building. The believers themselves are the "temple." (1 Cor. 3:16-17) So, paintings, windows, organs, pews, steeples, etc. did not exist in the original church (which often gathered at a Christian's house (Ro. 16:3-5).


What are the differences between men and women in Christianity?
Though of equal worth as heirs of salvation (Gal. 3:27-29) different genders serve in differing roles (1 Tim. 2 & 3).

What if someone wants to quit Christianity, what will you do?
Recognize it. (2 John 9-11)


What if someone wants to follow Christianity, what will you do?
Tell them the "good news" the original gospel of Jesus Christ including "examining the scriptures" to insure their trust is founded on the truth of God's word (Acts 17:11; Acts 16:32, etc.)

What's the best way of being the leader of a church?
There are no openings for position of "the leader" since Jesus "ever lives" holding that position. All Christians occupy roles as servants (Mt. 20:20-28).

What sacrifices you made to believe in Christianity?
All believers sacrificed selfish thinking, living to gratify lusts, concern for conformity to worldly peer pressure among losers, a wasted life (Ro. 12:1-2). The faith stands on many supporting evidences, so reason, research and objectivity are strong in true Christianity. It enhances rather than diminishes a person.

How do you know god exists?
See above. ("The fool has said in his heart, There is no God." Ps. 14:1)


How does god contact people?
Your use of present tense requires this answer: God has "called...through our gospel" (the original apostolic message). That's the present tense answer. In human history at critical times God spoke "in the prophets in diverse portions and diverse manners, has at the end of these days spoken unto us in [his] Son.." (Heb. 1:1-4). The ultimate revealer of God's mind, Jesus, has already made "contact." That which He set in place resulted in "the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). God's "new covenant" came, delivered once for all time and in spite of urban legends saying it disappeared or became corrupted, we still have the original gospel message, confirmed by several corroborating extant ancient texts, translations and patristic quotes, etc. So, we see no credible evidence He is chatting with men today in an attempt to redeliver it.

To contact Priest Mary, or the Wasatch church of Christ , please visit the following website:
http://www.clearfieldutahchurchofchrist.org/

† Interview #2 †

What's the origin of Christianity?
The name Christian was first given as a mockery to those who believed Jesus when he said that he was the only way the only truth and the only life. Christians are those who believe Jesus is the one true living God.

Why do you follow this religion?
I follow Jesus because I believe Jesus told the truth when he said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

What makes you believe in god?
I believe in God only because God has gifted me with the ability to believe in him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8)

How does the conflict in Jerusalem make you feel?
Sad yet hopeful. Sad because we live in a fallen world (Genesis 3) where conflict and ciaos ensues, people are hut, abused and killed, many of whom don’t know Jesus and as a result will not come to the Father. Hopeful because evil does not win, Jesus will return and evil will be destroyed once and for all. (Mark 12:36; Romans 16:20)

How do you spread Christianity? How do you teach Christianity to others?
God does want us to take part in the spreading of his word and the making of disciples (Matthew 28) but only through grace is Christ’s truth believed and lives saved “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8). The way to spread Christianity is to preach and live the word of truth. Whether or not hearts are changed and people not only believe in Christ but walk in him (John 15:4, 16) is up to God (Ezekiel 2:7)

Is there anything you don't believe about Christianity?
No, I’m all in for Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:16-23)


How does Christianity guide people through life?
Christians have a great hope that this is as close to hell as we ever get. Without Christ this fallen, chaotic, destructive, horrible, conflict filled world that was once beautiful and good (Genesis 1-2) but has been destroyed by our sin (Genesis 3) is as close to heaven as you get.
Christians also are blessed by being able to have a relationship with Jesus (the risen King). We don’t have to wait to be in the presence of God we are gifted with his comfort, Joy, peace, grace and mercy now (Galatians 5:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:16).

How did you become the leader of the church?
ultimately God choses those who will lead (Acts 1:24, 9:15).

What are the major differences or similarities between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam?
All people know that they have done something wrong as well as missed the opportunity to do something right at some point in their life. The wrong we do (including are thoughts) and the good we don’t do is called sin because we are going against what God has intend for us. Going against God is like waging war on God the penalty of which is death (Romans 6:23). Sense we have all sinned we have all declared war thus all deserve the penalty. The biggest and most obvious difference between Christianity and all other major religions is what we call substitutionary atonement. Substitutionary atonement is a big way of saying Jesus took are death penalty (Romans 6:23) on the cross, where he conquered Satan, sin and death. Christians are the only ones that have their sin paid for by a savior King. The others are all works based, it is if they say "here, this is what you need to do to clime your way up the holiness ladder so that you will be good enough to get into heaven". Other religions are all about trying to pay off God by doing enough “good”. Sadly some false teachers in Christianity fallow this works based understanding of salvation but it is not what the Bible teaches.

What does god look like?
Christians believe that God is one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) we do not know what God the Father looks like nor God the Holy Spirit but we can guess at what God the Son looks like basied on the time and place he was born.

Are there any conflicts in your life because you chose to believe in Christianity?
In the worldly scene; not really. In this part of the world the only conflict or persecution Christians have to endure is crass comments, back handed jokes, being ignored and dirty looks. And I don’t even face conflict every day or even every week! However I do not wrestle ageist flesh and blood (Ephesians 6) as a result I am being killed all day long (Romans 8:36).

What do parts church symbolize? (example: the paintings in church, the window pictures symbolize?)
We believe the Church is not a building, rather a people in love with and on mission for Jesus. The Church represents the kingdom of God that is already here but not yet fully reveled.

What are the differences between men and women in Christianity?
Men and woman are both created equal in the image of God. Men are to lead and love their wives as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5). The men are held responsible to God for the spiritual health maturity of their family in the same way a pastor is for the congregation entrusted to him by Jesus (Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 5).

What if someone wants to quit Christianity, what will you do?
Pray for them. Prayer is what we do in order to talk to God

What if someone wants to follow Christianity, what will you do?
Teach them how to pursue Christ in response to Christ first pursing them.

What's the best way of being the leader of a church?
Well, I am not “the” leader of the Church, Jesus is (Colossians 1:18)

What sacrifices you made to believe in Christianity?
My whole life is devoted to Christ, but whatever gain I had apart from Christ I count as garbage do to the surpassing worth of Christ Jesus, my Lord. (Philippians 3:6-8)

How do you know god exists?
As the famous song goes “Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so”

How does god contact people?
Primarily through the Bible which is the very words of God given to man (2 Timothy 3:16).

To contact Priest Michael or the church, visit the church's website:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/

† Church Description †

1. What did it look like outside?
Sacred.

2. What symbols did you see? What do those symbols mean?
Cross: Christiany; to remind ourselves that God is in our bodies and that we give him everything we own.

3. What does it look like inside?
Warm and peaceful.

4. What do the people wear at this site?
Long bottoms, T-shirts or long sleeve shirts.

5. What do they look like?
Dignified.

6. What does it sound like inside the building?
Silent.

7. What does it smell like inside the building?
Normal.

By Ami

† Christian Diary †

Hey my name is Ami and I am a Christian.

Based on my religion, Christianity, my family and I must go to church every Sunday. Once I enter the church, I immediately have to make the “Sign of the Cross”. The reason it is a must because I basically pray:

Lord, I give You my mind.
Lord, I give You my Heart and my love.
Lord, I give You all of my good thoughts, actions and behavior.
Lord, forgive me all of my sins.

Making the “Sign of the Cross” is to remind myself that God died for me on the cross. Then, the next thing I do is learning lessons from the Bible by listening to the Church Father. Afterwards, I kneel down to show my full respect before the Communion begins. I then have to read a lesson in the Bible to myself in order for God to forgive my sins. The Communion represents the last supper when Jesus gives twelve loaves of bread to his twelve disciples and states that it is his body. Then Jesus as well tells his twelve disciples that who eats his flesh, as in bread, and his blood, as in red wine, will have eternal life. Once the Church Father has given me the Communion Wafer, I get down on my knees and tell God that He has visited me and I am very grateful for that. Later on, the Church Father gives his permission for every single person in church to leave. Once again, I must make the “Sign of the Cross” to remind myself that God is always in my soul and He died for me on the cross.