Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

Knights of Columbus crown Antioch 2024 Free Throw champions

Saturday, January 27th, 2024
Front row: Brianna Davenport (8 yr. old girl), Isaac Ramirez (10 yr. old boy), Isaac Torres (9 yr. old boy), Cristiano Pham (8 yr. old boy), Ruby duPont (11 yr. old girl) Second row: Jorge Aragon (14 yr. old boy), Lex Magpoc (12 yr. old boy), Matthew Gallego (13 yr. old boy), Gabriella Matar (12 yr. old girl), Thalia Pham (13 yr. old girl) Back row: Knights of Columbus Antioch Council #3265. Photo by Knights of Columbus.

Qualify for District competition

By Wayne Steffen

Ten boys and girls ages 8 to 14 were named local champions of the 2024 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship and have earned the right to compete at the district level.  Antioch Council #3265 sponsored the local competition at Most Holy Rosary parish center. 

The champions are:

Age                     Boys                                         Girls

8                      Cristiano Pham                       Brianna Davenport

9                      Isaac Torres                            

10                    Isaac Ramirez             

11                                                                    Ruby du Pont

12                    Lex Magpoc                            Gabriella Matar

13                    Matthew Gallego                    Thalia Pham

14                    Jorge Aragon                                                             

Each of these winners will compete in the district competition to be held on February 10 with an eye toward moving on to county, state national, and international levels.

Council #3265 in Antioch, CA is one of 17,000 Knights of Columbus councils that make up the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally, and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.      

Golden Hills Christian School to hold open house Jan. 29

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024

Golden Hills Christian School in Brentwood is a TK–8th Grade school, accredited through ACSI and WASC. We’re hosting our annual Open House on January 29, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to welcome prospective families to check out the campus and meet the staff. Open enrollment will also begin that day.

This is a great opportunity to meet our teachers, look at the school curriculum, and learn more about the enrollment process. For more info about Golden Hills Christian School you can visit ghcs.org and RSVP below to let us know you’re coming!

The event will be held, and the school is located in the Golden Hills Education Building at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.

Grace Closet Food Pantry & Clothing Closet celebrates selection as FoodMaxx Give Back Bag Program beneficiary

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

Purchase a Give Back Bag in January and FoodMaxx will donate $1.00 to the Antioch non-profit

Antioch, CA – Grace Closet has been selected as a beneficiary of the FoodMaxx Give Back Bag Program for the month of January 2024.

The FoodMaxx Give Back Bag Program, which launched February 2022, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. The Program supports local Food Banks and hunger relief organizations.

Grace Closet was selected as the January beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the FoodMaxx located at 4500 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Grace Closet will receive a $1 donation every time a $2.50 Give Back Bag is purchased at this location during January 2024, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“It’s a great privilege to have been chosen for the Give Back Bag Program. Grace Closet appreciates the recognition concerning the service we have been providing here in East Contra Costa County” said Kibibi Columbus, Director of Grace Closet. “Every dollar received will help us continue our efforts to give freely to those who are in need of a helping hand in times of hardship and give hope, show love, kindness and grace”.

Grace Closet of Grace Arms of Antioch is a nonprofit located at 3415 Oakley Road in Antioch. Founded in 2005, Grace Closet has served as a place where men, women and children can receive food, clothing, encouragement and much more at no cost. Learn more by visiting www.gracearmsofantioch.org.

For more information on the FoodMaxx Give Back Bag Program, visit tsmc.2givelocal.com.

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”

Monday, December 25th, 2023

The Greatest News Ever Given

The lyrics in the old Christmas carol pretty much sum up the story of Christmas: “Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’” Because that’s how it’s described in the book of Luke, chapter 2 in the Bible.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby [Bethlehem], keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:8-14

As we celebrate Christmas, today, exchanging and opening presents, eating wonderful homemade food and watching classic Christmas movies, let’s remember what this holiday is really all about – celebrating the birthday of Jesus, the Christ.

He was, in the slang of speaker Ken Poure, “God in a bod.” He came down from Heaven, made himself lower than the angels and took on the body of a human being, was born as a baby – not into earthly wealth or power, but to a holy, yet imperfect young, virgin woman and a carpenter, to whom she was engaged, and in a stable with domesticated animals looking on, then growing into adulthood, so he could be one of us.

Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who the prophet Isaiah proclaimed 700 years before His birth, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

However, He was not a political messiah as many sought in that day, to lead a revolt and rescue them from the rule of the Roman Empire, but rather a spiritual, eternal messiah whose kingdom will never end. What’s more important and lasting, something political or spiritual? Obviously, spiritual.

As a human, Jesus was able to communicate with us, show us how to live and love, and share with us God’s message of salvation, which He provided. Instead of the yearly sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, whose blood merely covered over the sins of the people, the unblemished, perfect Christ provided us the once-and-for-all sacrifice, eliminating our sin and defeating the power of death – ultimate, spiritual, eternal death – for those who choose to follow Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. He is our bridge to God the Father, who reached down into human history to offer us a way to have a relationship with Him, that had been broken off by the sin of Adam and Eve.

So, today, this Christmas day, I encourage you to read the story of the birth of Jesus, the Christ in Luke, chapter two. Then find a Bible-believing church to attend today to seek out others who understand and have experienced the true meaning of Christmas, found in Jesus, who came to give us hope; salvation from the degradation of sin in our lives – because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God – the opportunity to have an abundant life, not just one of empty pursuit of pleasure and acquiring things; peace in our hearts; and to be with Him for eternity. Because unlike any other spiritual leader in history Jesus is the only way to God, as he proclaimed “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And that is the way to have a truly, Merry Christmas!

Allen D. Payton, Publisher

Here are the words to the song that memorializes the most important herald that has ever been – the announcement by the angels of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ, the long-prophesied messiah, born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.  He was born to bridge the gap between humans and God, due to the sin in their lives, which breaks our fellowship and relationship with Him. This year, you can know the true meaning of Christmas by opening your heart to the message and reason for the season, the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Learn more by clicking here.

The word hark means listen, and a herald is an official messenger bringing news. That’s why the songwriter referred to them as herald angels, because that’s the type of angels they were, announcing the good news of Jesus’ birth. Enjoy the lyrics and song of “Hark the herald angels sing.”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled”

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

To hear it sung, click here.

“Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A somber man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.

The true meaning of Christmas

Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason, the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

From the Bible in the Book of Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26-38 NASB; and Chapter 2, verses 1-14, NIV.

Grace Bible Fellowship to host annual free toy giveaway Christmas Eve morning

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch is hosting their Free Annual Toy Giveaway on Christmas Eve at 3415 Oakley Road, Antioch. Call 925-522-2017 for more details. For more information about the church visit www.gbfofantioch.org.

Entrepreneur Incubator at Genesis Church in Antioch Dec. 23

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

Shift your mindset and your profits! Find your purpose and create your legacy. Network with other great minds and grow together every 4th Saturday

Business professionals, receive coaching to form strategic partnerships, build referrals and sharpen your skills to help grow your business and make it both profitable and sustainable at the Entrepreneur Incubator at Genesis Church in Antioch every fourth Saturday of the month.

The next session presented by Bay Area Urban Development Association (BAUDA), in association with Dalet Access Labs, Genesis Church and Urban Business Network, will be held Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The church is located at 1800 Woodland Drive on the corner of E. 18th Street in Antioch.

Register at Entrepreneur Incubator | Genesis Church.

For more information visit www.bayareauda.com and www.yourgenesischurch.com.

Christmas Eve services at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Learn of the Advent during Sunday morning services

Candlelight Services at 7:00 pm and 11:30 pm

Join us at Golden Hills Community Church on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023. Come celebrate Jesus with us as we explore what this season of Advent is all about during our normal Sunday morning services at 8:30 am and 10:30 am. There will be no kids’ classes that morning. We encourage all ages to sit in the service with their family. 

Then join us that night and worship the Lord during one of our annual Candlelight Services. We will sing Christmas songs of worship and hear from God’s Word as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Our first service will be inside the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. We will offer ASL interpreting at this indoor service.

Our second service will be outside on the plaza at 11:30 pm. Please bring your own chair and wear something warm!

These services are for the whole family. Each service will last 30–45 minutes. 

For more information visit Christmas | Golden Hills Community Church. The church is located at  2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.