Online Sermons

Universal Life Church

2011-12-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

It seems every Christmas story has to have a Scrooge, from Hallmark dramas to children's books. The reason we always write a jerk into our holiday stories is because it's true. In real life there's always a jerk.

Today, I want to encourage you not to be a Christmas jerk. Don't be the Scrooge. It's all too easy. Maybe you're expecting an Xbox and you get a sweater. Maybe you're parents have to tighten the belt and you have fewer packages under the tree especially you teenagers admit you do like those expensive items. Maybe Christmas is a tough time because you're reminded again of the dysfunction of your family. Perhaps you wish you're family would be like the others who seem to have it all together or have all the money.

Or . . . maybe you're stressed out because you have a ton of stuff to do. Recitals, plays, people, parties.

The circumstances and environment around the holidays make it all too easy to fall into jerk mode. And I'm saying, don't let it happen. Why? Because, of all people, it is Christians who should be full of joy on Christmas. Why? Becasuse this is the celebration of our Lord and Savior's story, how God moved dramatically to rescue His creation by sending Jesus to live, first as a baby, then as a growing boy, and then as a man.

Christmas is good news and let it be known. It is God's entrance into the world. God didn't stay in Heaven, he moved to become flesh. What a powerful story we have in Christmas.

One of the questions we should ask is How do you avoid becoming a Christmas jerk? First, Think about the story. Go back to the chapters in Isaiah and Matthew and Luke. Remember why we celebrate. Second, go with the Christmas flow which I mean is hold your Christmas plans loosely. Remember its about love, about giving, about peace. So if you get stiffed on the Xbox or that Ipod or that cell phone, let it go. Third, find ways to give back this Christmas and remember God loves a heartful giver. Is there a needy child, a program at your church, a community center that needs you're time and perhaps you're money? Give. Fourth, don't get hung up on frivolous stuff. Don't be a Christian who whines about everything that you think that things should be, or about. Just fight against those with genuine, Holy-Spirit-led Christmas cheer. That's not being nice.

Strive this year, to be part of the good at Christmas. And leave the jerkiness to Hallmark Channel, and others.

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Robert G.

Merry Christmas from The Griffus Family.

Universal Life Church

Online Sermons

2011-06-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Jesus Was Tempted Too
Online Sermon

Today's Scripture

"We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV (suggested reading for this week: Luke 4:1-15)

Thoughts for Today

Every Christian is tempted to fulfill the natural desires of life in illegitimate ways on a daily basis. Some of us struggle more with sexual temptation. Others with eating too much, desiring to control others, looking good at any cost, taking things that are not our property. The list could continue for pages, but you get the point.

It is surprising for some people to learn that the Bible shows us that Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted. This week we will look at some of the specific temptations Jesus experienced and how he handled them. He was tempted—but he did not sin.

Consider this …

Jesus knows from experience what temptation is like. He is our high priest who intercedes for us with the Father. How comforting to know that he understands what we are going through when we are tempted. We can go to the Father when we are struggling with temptation with assurance that we will find understanding and help. How encouraging today's scripture text is: "So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help."

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful for the knowledge that Jesus experienced temptation too. This helps me know that you will continue to love me and will respond with kindness and help when I turn to you in the midst of a struggle with temptation. In Jesus' name …

http://www.eawweg.com
Universal Life Church

Online Sermon

2011-06-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thought

The word for the day is thought. Recently I uploaded the Home Course in Mental Science to my website

Wisaac3rd.com in installments of a chapter every day or two so it took me probably a month to upload all twenty chapters plus the study guide. This is a very challenging course as far as study content. It will make one think if their mind is open to any extent at all.

Thought is what I am into at this time. Thought is very interesting for the course brings out that our world, our bodies and for that matter is all thought, nothing but thought.

As Scripture says as One thinks so it is.

Which sort of interesting for last year I had the epiphany that all there is was belief and perception. The more I study the more things I find that lead me to believe this more and more that the only reality there is, is the one we believe it to be.

As we believe so do we endeavor to bring others into our beliefs so we have our different religions.

Actually, I believe the only reason there are so many religions and branches of religions are that leaders within each one seek to get the attention they think they deserve and if they do not get it they break away to form their own form of whatever it was they were selling this week.

No different from a MLM marketer jumping ship to form their own MLM.

Guess, I am getting cynical as I advance in years. The only thing truthfully I have ever found to satisfy me is when I discovered Spirit and what a Friend it is to me. It walks with me and it talks with me and goes by many names, God, Allah, Buddha, Jesus. Although it matters not what it is called for to me it is the great comforter.

I find I can rest in Spirit while giving all of my challenges to it and knowing they will be worked out. It is not for me to know how only to know it will be.

It is left to me to have faith that Spirit has me in the palm of it’s hand always looking over me. Protecting me and loving me.

It shows me that as long as I seek to harm no one I shall not be harmed.

As ever con man out there knows it is impossible to cheat or to con an honest person. Only the greedy can be conned. Those that are seeking something for nothing. The quick buck, over night success, flash in the pan. The one hit wonders.

Most true over night successes spend years to get the opportunity to be an overnight success.

As much as I am enjoying American Idol this year I am wondering if they will appreciate their success as much as those that spent years in the bars, saloons, county and country fairs, playing on the back of a flat bed trailer.

The true successes I see and it matters not whether it is in the entertainment arena, the world of business, science, medicine, academia, sports or whatever it may it are those that go to the office or to work everyday knowing that if the lottery were theirs tonight that tomorrow they would still be reporting in to their specialty, for they love what they are doing.

Anyone that can bring a passion to what they are doing will be a success. In fact if they are truly passionate about what they do they are already a success.

My website is only a few pages from hitting the three hundred page mark and that at this time is my passion as well as making my sweetie as happy as I possibly can for that is my passion in life to be the best companion I possible can, while serving you through my website by finding and bringing to you the best self-help materials in as many genres as I possibly can.

There are many paths in this world in fact since there are almost seven billion people in our world now that means there are almost seven billion paths to find our way to the top of the mountain as we seek to find our way home again.

The way I am finding my way is by loving and believing in you.

Universal Life Church

Why I became Ordained

2011-02-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I became ordained because there was something inside of me that said I should help other people realize their spiritualism without the confines of being associated with an organized religion.

Tolerance for all beliefs is the key to true peace and spiritualism may come in many forms. Doing that which is right is an excellent motto to live by for anyone and I do my best to spread this message. Whether you believe in God or gods or an order in the universe or whatever it might be that helps you to center yourself in life.

All should have an open mind and respect that others might not feel the same way as you do, but that there is nothing wrong with what is spiritually important to you and how you feel about it and express it. Live and let live.

Rev. Dr. Rick

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2011-02-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

Well I can say this. I became ordained through ULC because:

1. It is a lot easier getting credentials from ULC and you do not have to build a church immediately.

2. I do most of my preaching in Nightclubs. Flogger in one hand Bible in the other preaching The Word of God in BDSM Nightclubs. How I got the nickname the Evil Wicked Cardinal of Evil. :devil:

3. I have vast knowledge of The Bible and know where most of the relics are which are described in the Bible.

4. I love a good debate on religion. I never lost a debate yet. For it is the individual on how they interpret The Bible.

5. I go to religious seminars where my vast knowledge improves religion. And, I talk on my own experiences.

6. ULC is the best place to start as an ordained minister. But, when you preach never implement ULC in any way shape or form. I never tell anyone about my credentials with ULC. I let my knowledge of The Bible do the talking.

7. People ask me where I became a Minister. I say four words. "It was my calling." Why say where you became a Minister. You build a church and call it ULC for instance it is not connected with ULC HQ. It is your church and do not break the law or implement ULC HQ in any way shape or form.

8. All ULC HQ is vouch that we are ordained ministers. Other than that you are on your own. So be smart and use The Bible. It is a powerful weapon.

9. Do not think you can evade IRS just because your a Minister. Because Churches and Ministers do get taxed. But, I do this volunteer and I accept no donations. It is Volunteer Work for me.

So; one thing always preach The Word of God, that is why we became ministers. And, teach others our religion.

Universal Life Church

Online Ordination

2011-02-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I am currently looking for work in both the Christian world and the secular world. I am hoping and praying that God will lead me to where He wants me to be.

I have felt a calling to minister since I was a child but for some reason things always were in the way or seemed more important at the time. I was raised in the United Methodist church and was away from church until a few years ago when I met my wife and started going to church with her. She was attending a non-denominational church and that is where I learned the most about God and His Word. I once again started feeling the Calling again and I started looking into man's procedure for ordination. I believe that God is the only one that can truly ordain but man's laws need to be respected as long as they are not in conflict with God's laws.

I am currently taking a Christian Seminary course through ULC and I am looking into other courses as well. I want to learn all that God has to offer and receive it.

Pastor Todd

ULC

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2011-02-10T02:08:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

Believe it or not...... my day starts at 630 am, Take my boyfriend to work and the little one to school then I come back home and take my catchupfromsleeplessnight nap, This morning during that nap I had a vision of me performing my cousin's wedding ceremony, I used to play an online MMORPG and was a guide in that game and as a guide I would perform various wedding ceremonies.

I had the dream and it was so vivid and it even went further then the wedding ceremony, it went into the hospital here where my other cousin is recovering from a massive brain injury and I have been going to the hospital every other day to visit with him. He doesn't know who I am or anything but knows I am there and will play ball with me and talk with me and count... My god did you all know when you get a brain injury sometimes all you do is count? Anyways... back to my story.. In this dream I was helping small children and other people suffering from various elements... The dream seem to last months, I woke up physically exhausted and yet revived.... I did a google search on Ordain and landed here....

I know I am fresh meat to the lambs but this dream really kicked my midlife crisis into high gear.
I am in between jobs right now and while I was posting my resume to various places it dawned on me to get information and for whatever reason I did and here I am..... where I am going..... No clue. I am sure it will be an enlightening road of many events though!!

Paladin

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Ordination

2011-02-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I was raised in a liberal protestant household. My mother grew up in the Pentecostal Holiness church and often spoke of the rampant hypocrisy that she saw there. Mom goes to church for the music...doctrine means nothing to her. "Be a good person" is the only catechism she needs.

My father was raised in the same church in which I was baptized. He has done his share of praying and contemplation and is at peace with his relationship with God.. Occasionally he and I will have wonderful, sharing conversations on the subject, but he is not the sort to share his beliefs in public.

I was an enthusiastic student in Sunday school and bible study. I was even "born again" at church camp. That is, until I was scolded for suggesting that the Apostle Paul might have been speaking from within his cultural paradigm when he discussed the role of women in the church. I knew then that I would have to continue on my own path.

I became, and continue to be, a student of religion and religious history. Long ago, I realized that I was more familiar with the history of western religious traditions and of the Bible than most of the "Preachers" I encountered. I developed an urgent need to teach...to free people from the ignorance in which many organized religions want to trap them.

I have always been the "Dear Abby" in my circle of friends. I guess that, somehow, I was just naturally empathetic.

I want to teach....I want to serve.. I want to comfort.

I heard about internet ordination, but the first place I found was the Church of Spiritual Humanism. I read their forums, I thought it was right for me, and I became ordained in that church. It was not for several years that I stumbled into a forum where I was berated and belittled and generally treated ill...all because I confessed a belief in the Divine. It turns out they are Orthodox Atheists and have NO tolerance for hopeful agnostics or other 'superstitious' folk. This was stated, very obtusely, in their materials, but I just didn't get it before then. I have since resigned my ordination with them.

I continued my search and, at the urging of a Wiccan friend, I came to ULC. I now feel that I have found my "church home" where I can learn and grow and share.

I have performed several weddings (gay & straight) and one baptism.

Yup...that covers it.

Rev. Kate

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2011-02-01T01:57:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

Well, this is the 8th year anniversary in ULC for me. I came here because of the different paths that were celebrated here. I became ordained here because I knew ministry is one of my life missions. I am also a board certified holistic health practitioner, certified expressive art therapist, am earning a ph.d in holistic ministries from American Institute of holistic theology, and I earned a doctor of divinity from universal light church.

I completed the soul clinic class offered by ULC -- very good. I am a certified pastoral counselor, and board certified chaplain through the international pastoral counselors association. My ministry is growing, as am I. I held a beautiful service in my home where 12 of my closest friends showed up"the journey of our nativity" a metaphysical story of the nativity. I participate in many beliefs. I volunteer w/young gay youth.

I live w/ fibromyalgia daily and am writing for the fibromyalgia frontiers a quarterly news journal. I am a known art therapist and writer, look under Kurt Fondriest art therapist. so all this brought me here. All this came from me being here. The journey is still going....

Peace,

Rev. Kurt

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2011-01-30T01:53:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

My reason for becoming Ordained was first to get a better relationship with God by doing something to help.Having faith no matter what happens is sometimes hard and things happen that can pull you away from God.That did happen to me.I realized that God is not the reason some things happen,a lot of it is our wrong doing or thinking.I feel much better about doing this and plan on moving further in this.

I was called into the ministry. I was a youth leader in a church in this town for five years, after growing up in church and exploring what I believe on my own, and finding my own self, I decided I don't like what the word christian means anymore, I left the church and called myself a Christ follower. Now me being gay and leaving the church for that and many other reasons, I still wanted to keep my calling, and my dad and my sister are both ordained through the ULC and I thought well lets make it a family thing, and so I did, my wife and I are both ordained we are new, ordained 10 31 05.... and now we want to do marriages and counseling soon. and are fortunate that we have a friend that owns a shop that will get our names out there when we are ready

Rev Michelle

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2011-01-25T01:50:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I was originally ordained in mid-1970's. I felt it validated me and it also allowed me to openly work with drug addicts and alcoholics. I was born the 8th Great Granddaughter of Sara Pease, Salem Village, 1692 and have been different all my life.

In the mid 70's I started working with women, who had lost their children to CPS and had problems with substance abuse. I didn't have a degree in social work or law so the legal system didn't accept me as have any expertise. To assist the women I was attempting to help I was ordained and that make me their spiritual adviser/minister. Then the state got involved in substance abuse treatment and my ordination was not acceptable in working in the recovery field for several years.

In addition to having been born into a witch family, I have studied Wicca, Stergia, and Native American Spiritualism. I am an adviser to many women now who have substance abuse problems and now the ordination is considered valid again, although not appreciated by Social Workers or other people who work within the "recovery" field or in CPS.

Lady Aurora

ULC

Online Ordination

2011-01-20T01:26:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

To answer such a question I would have to give you a brief history. So, here it is. I was raised in a eccelectic home of the Christian mentality which means my parents ran the gamut of possibilities. We attended Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witness, Church of Christ, Baptist, Pentacostal, and non denominational. Though prior to that particular mentality, I was aware of the fact that my mother caste astrological charts and my step father referred to her as a witch, and that I had what is often termed ESP from my age group but what I call intuitive now.

Well, the stepfather who ventured into becoming an ordained minister was in fact the monster in the closet and my brother and I suffered greatly for his perversions. At 18, though deeply spiritual, and obviously wounded, I walked away from the Christian path, and into marriage with a non practicing Catholic. My brother, walked behind the bars of the prison system the same year at 15. We both sought to escape.

Over the years I found that God, or the equivalent, was consistent in all spiritual paths. One always seeks to find communion with the higher purpose, some of us call it God, others Goddess, others think that the answers lie in breaking down all measure of distraction.

I found that what I wanted, was a relationship with God...without barriers, without interpretations. I wanted to be able to KNOW this. So, in my search, I have learned much and I found myself progressivly being asked to share this information. Over time, througout the many conversations on the subject, what I gave as assistance to serve the higher path of each person began to correlate to the teachings of other ministers and spiritualists. I was surprised by this, and thought is odd. I questioned if I was simply parroting the streams of thought I had read. After careful consideration and much soul searching I realized that that was not the case. I always followed the sense of God I found prevailed in those conversations and shared what the message was from the higher ideals. And if it happened to be similar to the lesson their minister gave them, then I reminded them that the Spirit of God moves as necessary, and sometimes we need the message in varied forms before we take heed to it.

Then my mother came to visit and over about a years time in the course of many conversations, again, I shared that had I been Christian, I would have been a minister...but I could not in good conscience perpetuate one path to the exclusion of others. She returned home to find someone close to her had become a ULC minister and there we began.

Ideally I would like to offer guidance to those in need, and I do find myself wondering if perhaps visiting prisoners would not in fact be to the benefit of those feeling not quite aligned with ONE thought yet still in need of spiritual guidance and understanding. As yet I have no married anyone, and having been unemployed for the last year I have not had the financial stability to make time to search out and find the best way to visit prisoners, nor have I had the opportunity to seek out the opportunities to visit those in need at hospitals (as a minister).

Sister Ligeia

ULC

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2011-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

At first, I explored the idea through an internet link that advertised the option, as I was curious. I discovered that the idea of being ordained via the internet was both real and legal, so I broached the subject with the she-devil that was my then-wife. She, a faux-Catholic of rather narrow perspective, considered ULC evil, satanic, subversive, and a waste of time, just as she had considered the venerable institution of Freemasonry in which I had previously been initiated. The wretched woman.

But anyway, her opposition fueled my curiosity and so I soon took the plunge....I forked over the bucks, bought my ordination and two Doctorates, and then summarily boxed away the mailed goodies that soon followed. Now, I just carry the nifty black card in my wallet that denotes my piety as more a conversation piece than anything else... although I am willing and prepared to conduct any service I am fortunate enough to be called upon to perform.

I do not cite the purchased ULC Doctorates (Divinity and Metaphysics) on my business card, as they do not seem as worthy as those accomplishments I achieved through hard work and time. My fiance, who has two Masters and is soon to get her PhD, and I play with all our various letters and degrees just for fun. I am making her new biz card as a surprise. Here is my alphabet soup, sans Doctorates: Reverend MEK, LCDR, USN(RET), MBA, 32 Degree Mason, APDT, ABC Certified. I am not even sure how I would incorporate the ULC Doctorates into all that....I fear, despite their dubious authentication, they would trump my harder-earned achievements, and I do not want to do that.

Mike

ulc.net

Online Ordination

2011-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Why I Became a Universal Life Church Minister

No, this is not "true confession," or any weepy story of redemption. Fed up with the direction that The (formerly Protestant) Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. was taking, I concluded that the fault lay in its professionals -- the priests and bishops. If seminary teaching and practice led to the garbage these people were spouting, then their right to continue should be examined by someone in authority, and heads should roll.

Well, it's not going to happen. They are entrenched and subject to no effective discipline. The only "sin" they can be held guilty of is failing to parrot the agitprop proclaimed by their superiors. Hence, in my opinion, their "credentials" are spurious. Any laymen with diligent study and purity of heart could do a better job of serving Episcopal congregations.

So as a lark -- and as a protest -- I forked over $19.10 to the Universal Life Church for a certificate of ordination and a laminated identification card. This, together with a letter stating that I was "in good standing" as a minister of the Univesral Life Church in Brewster, Massachusetts, entitled me to recognition by the Commonwealth as qualified to perform marriages.

But then a strange thing happened. Something came over me that I cannot explain. I starting acting like a clergyman. Sort of like a friendly Baptist preacher. I took a far greater interest in theology, the creed, the sacraments -- and in people. I thought consciously about how to reach others so that they could lead more satisfying lives. I worried more about those in my circle with problems. I tried to help solve trouble relationships.

Can it be that God is using this tired old doofus for His purposes?
I wonder. What do you think?

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

The Reason I was ordained.. Is because I felt my calling as a Heinzist Minister, and the ULC seemed to be one of the few churches that were open enough for me to legally practice my Heinzist Tradition.

This decision did not come overnight.

At the age of 14 is when the Heinzist path was started by 1998, it was nearly complete in the beliefs section. People I went to highschool with looked up to me as a leader as a minister.

I was not only known as a spiritual person. But as the Leader of the Peace Keeping Rail Gang, who earned high respect for the locals, because we ran hate groups, and caused three violant gangs to truce peacefully between us, in the town of Milton, Wisconsin.

I was known to put my life as risk, and I have went head to head in some extremely dangerous situations. I could list a bunch of very interesting War stories.. which is even more interesting how a non-violant group takes on a violant group in making them think, can make one drop down all weapons.

One such group we ran out was the KKK. Who was desperately trying to recruit some of our friends and nearly had 3-4 within them, Which really made our work cut out to expose to our friend who these people really were, as she thought they were the coolest people to ever set foot on the earth.

Coming from an interracial foster home I have went against them, and other powerful organizations. I helped expose one minister who was sexually abusing, and mentally abusing his congregation and encouraging us .. his youth congregation to STEAL books from their library to steal anything non - christian to burn.

From what I understand New Life Assembly of God church on North wright road in Janesville, Wisconsins STILL practices this. My sister was a member of them last year an she burned some of my books. And they treated her all well, until she told them I was her sister, and was stupid enough to show my email I wrote to her about how I did not want anything to do with her or that terrorist church.

They started to treat her and her bf rotten, and they eventually left the church.

Anyhow the real reason I had became ordained is the same reason I do anything that involves a major choice.. To Make a positive difference.

All though highschool I had teachers whispering to me. You should become ordained through the Universal Life Church... I had students begging me to as well... And for years my foster sisters and I used to do our own ceremonies in the woods... and they too said I should...

It was after a chain reaction of visions and dreams, And the Spirits adding more towards my Heinzism Tradition . Is when I realised... This is no longer just a belief system anymore.. It has now formed into a simple eclectic tradition. And the Spirits urged me.

Go Public, Go Private, Live this, Teach This, Minister This!.

After 3 years of the Spirits I work with doing this. I finally had done so, and I have been into some amazing experiences. I have gifted psychic/healing abilities. Some of the locals call me a Shaman. I use the term Spirit Worker.... They use that term for the weather working abilities I been known for since 1989 when I was 9 years old.

I have been hit by lightning once .. after I went upstairs to prevent anyone from getting hit by making sure everyone was in bed. "Spirit Said" is that story... I have it posted all through the internet and you can find a link to it from my bio page.

Just recently I worked with a paraylised kitten and it made a full recovery.. this has not happened once but 3 times since 1997. So I know I am working with strong Spirits, Strong energy.

And the reason I became ordained is so I could do Spirits work, teach what spirits have taught me, and help make the world a better place.

I am Universal Life Church Minister.. of the Heinzist Tradition.

I am not a perfect person, and if you have seen me in any yahoogroups or chats you will know that I do not hide that.

Over there most of you if you go there know me as "DNatureofDTrain_CaseyJones" on other places "CaseyJTrain" or Just DNatureofDTrain. .. CaseyJonesTrain.

People here will probably recognize me from many chats or networks as I state that.

Take Care and Peace and Blessing,
Rev. Dana C. L.
"DNatureofDTrain"

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Ordination

2010-12-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I'm a long-time ULC minister. I became ordained out of necessity in 1972.

I'm a school teacher and with the help of the local Health Department, a local church, and even the USAF, myself and a few colleagues started a free clinic for teens where they could get medical assistance with drug problems, STD's and birth control.

Well, my Vice Principal got wind of it and demanded that within the month I produce a list of the names of all students of our school who came to the clinic for drug problems. I checked with my attorney and I did not have any way of withholding this info. So, I became ordained through ULC---in those days it was by mail--- and refused to supply the list of names on the grounds that it would violate a trust between a minister and his flock. On appeal to the Board of Education attorney, it stood as legal confidentiality and I (we) were off the hook.

John

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Free Online Ordination

2010-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I've always had someone approach me for advise or just wanting someone to talk to. I became ordained by ULC because I didn't appreciate the various teachings or beliefs of the standard religions around me. I more or less wanted to be an interfaith believer.

I have always been interested in cars as a hobby and that has brought others closer to me to share their problems. Motorheads and people that can't get their car started on a cold morning have as many problems as the rest of the world. (Go figure!) I did go through some agonizing reappraisels in reaching this decision having gone to Catholic school while brought up Protestant and having lived in a multicultural neighborhood.

Not knowing much about others beliefs I listened and told them what I thought was right. I can't believe how far this attitude has brought me in life. At my job I listen and talk to people from many various cultures from around the world. This diversity has made me more aware that people are the same around the world. They want to make a peaceful living and raise their families. I truly do feel, that now, I am an INTERFAITH MINISTER.

ulc.net

*********************

The Universal Life Church offers free online ordination and an extensive seminary program where we offer a course in Wiccan Studies, one on the Four Gospels, several courses that are based on A Course in Miracles, several Christian Studies courses and a variety of courses on Spiritual Awareness and Spiritual Development.

Universal Life Church

2010-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I guess the biggest reason behind my decision to become ordained was the fact that my best friend asked me to perform his hand-fasting. Up until that point, I was happy merely following my order without any of the, shall we say, "perks" that go with the job.

But once I joined the form I got a better sense the I was just ordained but part of something. I had become part of a free thinking people willing to put difference aside... most of the time ;) and discuss religion and beliefs not from the point of which is right, but from the point of enlightenment. So I guess my spirit must have pulled me to the place I fit in instead of me just becoming ordained.

Love, peace, and happiness

Chirockdruid

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2010-12-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

At a young age I attended a Baptist Church, primarily because that's what my parents professed to be at the time and where they chose to go.

As I got older and began to think for myself, I questioned just about everything. I went from Agnostic to Atheist to Agnostic again and, after years of studying various religions, I eventually settled on creating my own faith, essentially cobbled from the parts of other more traditional religions that I agreed with and my own unique perspective on the universe-at-large.

Some might consider my personal religion vague but I see it as being "open-minded" and awaiting the universal truths to fill in the sketchy areas where I don't have hard answers.

When I discovered the ULC early last year, like many I thought perhaps it wasn't an entirely serious organization, but the more I read the more I found myself agreeing with the ULC's basic tenets. I read somewhere, either from Rev. Hensley himself or another ULC minister, that said something like "Religion is very personal and unique to every individual. Who knows what you believe better than yourself?".

Well, it didn't take rocket science for me to correlate the similarities between that statement and my own unique religion. I don't have to force others to believe as I do, only live my life believing what I wish, listening to the perspectives of others (I don't have all the answers but I'm always searching) and "Doing that which is right." Spirituality for me is about learning.

Could any other organized religion or church offer a more simple and easier-to-live-by doctrine?

If so, I never found them.

And thus I became a ULC minister (as did a couple of my friends who were also impressed that a legal religious order would allow them to believe what they wished and not force any particular set of beliefs or restrictions on them).

The ULC is the only order I know of that allows me to fit in and learn from others who don't necessarily believe what I do, but do believe that everyone should have the freedom to believe what they wish so long as it doesn't harm others.

That "open-door" policy is quite refreshing compared to some places where you might be beheaded for simply asking "Why?" about some facet of religion.

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-12-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I applied to ULC for the soul reason to legally and properly conduct a sold service to my faith. I
was directed here by a fellow minister. I was once lost and this is going to help me further my change in life choices. I chose the name lost soul because you cant find your self if you were never lost.

Every action has a reaction! I chose this way as the path I will follow.

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2010-12-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I became an ordained ULC minister because a terrific group of vegetarian hippies in Atlanta in 1969 told me it was a good way to escape from orthodox religion. They were so right, and those were wonderful days.

Then the world turned a few times, and I stepped off the Red Road to wander some very meandering paths.

Then, thirty years later, I did it again, figuring I was expired from the first time. It is a VERY very different organization these days, in membership at least, due to the internet. There are many more opportunities to learn and grow, which is good, but I think there are more nuts these days showing their colors as well.

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-12-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I was ordained on January 9th 2004 and finely performed my first wedding ceremony this last October 15th, 2005.

I offer my services at no charge and I'm pretty much referred through friends and it looks like I have two more weddings coming up next year.

I deal with a lot of people that are into Cars (Hot Rods) Motorcycles and clubs that are associated with the hobby etc.

I appear at several automotive and motorcycle charity events each year. I am directly involved with most of these shows and oversee charity auctions and other fund raisers for the underprivileged. A lot of these shows are presented on sundays and I would like to be able to offer short services, opening and closing prayer and blessings if asked.

I belong to 4 different clubs and associations one club that I belong to called the "Early Riders". Currently we have over 100 members. I am the youngest at the age of 48. The majority of my club brothers and sisters are my senior of 15-20 years of age. Our members lived pretty ruff and tumble lives back in the 50's and 60's what I refer to as the survivors. There are a good many of them that are now experiencing the trials and tribulations of age.

On and off we end up with members in the hospital, and recently we have had a few pass away. We also just have had a couples that get married!

Some of these these people are God Fearing and that of the Christian faith. However many of them are not linked with any specific church, either that or they are pretty much agnostic. My goal is not to start a church but to offer services of confront and joy and advise to those in need of spiritual healing and confirmation of their faith what ever that may be.

Even though my faith lies with Christ I have never been able to agree with any church. I am not a fundamentalist. I have a very open mind and so therefore through out the years when trying to join a church I've always bumped heads with other members.

Christian fundamentalist may say that I am one that is luke warm, only to find out that I am red hot.

I am one of those types that associate God, Christ and other spiritual entities as pure energy beings and therefore consider them in the form of extraterrestrial not of this world.

I believe that God or (gods) created our universe. (Big Bang?)

Our bodies are carbon based the same as all physical elements that make up the universe, so therefore man was created by God. We run off of electromagnetic fields or electricity. The brain stimulates the physical components with of the body with electrical signals. The mind and soul are completely separate components that are composed of pure energy.

In short I believe that God and Christ have nothing to do with a specific church. Belief is not found in a church is found within oneself and the personal relationship that you have with them which can be found through spiritual meditation or prayer.

I was baptized a Methodist, raised as a catholic, have studied religion of all types and even practiced what I called white witchcraft as a young adult to find out later it was referred to as Wicca. I still practice methods of Wicca today because as a belief it is very diversified and seems to mostly be free from fundamentalist rule. I will have to admit, however, that there are a few things even with Wicca that I don't agree which mostly has to do with the way it's founder confirms a Wiccan. I was bound to a Wiccan for 7 years and we seemed to get along just fine during that time. Unfortunately we are no longer together but that had nothing to do with our spiritual beliefs.

My beliefs are very deep and can be somewhat confusing. So I am currently working on a web area for the general public that will testify to my beliefs and will post when I feel more comfortable about it so folks can get a better understanding of who I am.

To keep it simple I am here for the good of all and only for good and for those who seek my services in faith whatever faith that may be.

I am really very grateful that I have been led to this group and the ULC. And look forward to the future.

Once again thanx to all.... Rev. Moldy / J.W. Hillinger
A.K.A. the Moldy one

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2010-12-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

Hello. My name is Carl Kem and I was ordained on Dec. 28th, 2002 (might be 2003).

My reasons are simple- for so long I have searched in vain for a church that is a true church of God. haven't we all searched for that? I was raised LDS and was a member for 23 years. I bounced from church to church- Methodist, baptist, southern baptist, independent baptist, independent southern baptist, conservative southern baptist (I honestly feel there are more different sects of southern baptist than there are recipes for southern fired chicken), catholic, Jehovah's witness's, church of Christ, Lutheran, presbyterian, I ain't kidding when i say the list could go on. So many churches, but for what reason? All a matter of this man feels this way and that man feels that way, and if this man sees you're a member of that man's church you're now going to hell, and when that man sees you as a member of this man's church, he will knock on your door until you answer and account to him WHY you made such a choice. Is that what God wanted? I don't think so.

When I came to ULC, I did so out of desperation. I wanted an answer and I was going to get it!!! And get it I did. The answer, to me, is not what is in a church, because there are so many of them if there was one true church, the rest would quickly fall away. Instead it is within your heart. Who is God to you, and how do you believe in him? Maybe to you He is a Goddess. Or perhaps to you He is your Spiritual Brother. Ultimately who He is is up to you, and no man, or woman for that matter, has any right to say otherwise.

I have been attacked for my beliefs. The Clerk of Court in several counties in several states refused to accept my faith. The state says that to be a church you must have articles of incorporation and a 501c3 status from the IRS. I have been told that unless I adhere to the state laws, I cannot have a church. Well, here I am several years later, and while I have no congregation (I have 2 others that listen to my sermons), the state has yet to interfere.

So who is God to me? What is my faith?
My faith is COSMOS. Friends have made jokes of the name. One even called it the "Church Of Sleeping More On Sunday". Though my favorite joke is "Constantly Offending Socialists Mormons Ogres & Numbskulls". But is that it? No, it's not. It's far from that.

God is the Maker of all. He made the Earth we live on. He made the skies that are above us. He made the waters as deep as they are and the fish and creatures within. He made the mountains, as tall and grand as they may be, with all the glorious fine works of His art all across this blessed planet. He made the stars and the planets, the nebuli and the galaxies as large and beautiful as they are, and He made the ominous black holes that swallow galaxies by the dozens. He made the fine works such as Mt. McKinley, and those are terrible and fearsome as Mt. Pinatubo or Mt. St. Helen. All with important lessons within them all, all showing the might that He has.

Even with that said, I believe that while He does have these magnificent powers, there is much that He does not do. He does not interfere in stopping the multitude of crimes that happen. Why should He? They are lessons, they are opportunities, for us and for those that commit them. We can be disturbed by the actions of a murderer, and rightfully so. But that murderer also has the choice given to him by God to change. He has the choice of murdering again or coming before Jesus seeking forgiveness and asking for help.

These are the many chances that God gives us all. We will always have these opportunities. Maybe we choose wrong and we pay for it. Maybe slightly and perhaps dearly. But in the end He always has His door open to us, so we may choose, shall we stay or shall we go. shall we stay in His company and seek repentance and forgiveness for our many sins, or shall we go and walk the lonely road of life into the pits of hell?

So in closing, the Universal Church of COSMOS is just that- in celebration of the universal creations God has made. For us and for others. We have no special books of scripture, because the Holy Bible, new and old testaments, is sufficient. There is one God. One Jesus. One Holy Ghost. They are all one but they are all still the same. The Father, the Son and the Spirit.

You may lose your religion. I have. But I never lost God, and He has never lost me.

Maybe another day I will write more on this. I certainly look forward to it.

Respectfully,
Rev. C. Kem

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-11-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Why, because when you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not adding or subtracting anything from the word of God, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you need to say or know, when the time comes. The Universal Life Church, asks only that we be honest and true to ourselves and helpful to our brothers and sisters.

Since, I have been ordained, I have mostly officiated at funerals, now I would not have picked this way to serve, but this must be my calling at the time. To serve and give comfort to those that mourn. I have been told several times that I have the Holy Spirit guiding me in my funeral sermons, and I usually get asked where I went to school, when I tell them I did not attend a seminary, most are surprised, and I feel they think I am joking. But, I pray and give myself to the Holy Spirit, who knows all, and helps us when needed.

I say all this to show that the Universal Life Church is doing a service to the mortals of this earth, male and female, with no rejection because of ones race, sex, education level, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

God Bless and keep the Universal Life Church,
Reverend Dennis William Hawkins
Unicorporated Jefferson County, Colorado
Gluscushawk-at-Comcast.Net

ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2010-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

All my life I've been a very spiritual person, and also somewhat of a psychic. Of course that is not acceptable in any monotheistic religions that I've come across. And I found the contradictions of the bible, an angry vengeful god in the old testament, versus a gentle loving god in the new testament, something I could not put my faith in.

As I grew older and studied more I learned that, through my own ancestry, there were a class of Priests long before Christianity came to northern Europe. That was when I learned about Druidry. I joined an organization based in England called OBOD, or the Order of Bards, Oviates, and Druids. I took their correspondence course and was completely amazed at how this ancient spirituality, the worship of nature and the duality of the universe, felt so right in my heart and mind. Because I live in the US, belonging to this organization doesn't give me any rights as a priest or minister. When I found your organization I had found what I was looking for, a way to be legally ordained under my own belief system.

I now have a small ministry where I teach the ways of my ancient ancestors. I have also learned, by tracing of the family tree, that it is very likely I am descendant of real Druids. My maiden name, Cady, means House of God in Gaelic.

I have also taken some of the ULC courses, which have contributed to my understanding of all spirituality. I am very grateful that I found ULC.

ulc.net

**********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with theUniversal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Brave Officer

2010-11-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

The Sailor Pictured Below Is,
Navy Petty Officer,
PO2
(Petty Officer, Second Class)
EOD2
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Second Class)
"MIKE MONSOOR"
April 5th, 1981 ~ September 29th, 2009
Mike Monsoor,
Was Awarded "The Congressional Medal Of Honor" Last Week,
For Giving His Life In Iraq , As He Jumped On, And Covered With His Body, A Live Hand Grenade,

Saving The Lives Of A Large Group Of Navy Seals That Was Passing By!
~
During Mike Monsoor's Funeral,
At Ft . Rosecrans National Cemetery , In San Diego , California .
The Six Pallbearers Removed The Rosewood Casket >From The Hearse,
And Lined Up On Each Side Of Mike Monsoor's Casket,
Were His Family Members, Friends, Fellow Sailors, And Well-wishers .
The Column Of People Continued From The Hearse, All The Way To The Grave Site .
What The Group Didn't Know At The Time Was,
Every Navy Seal
(45 To Be Exact)
That Mike Monsoor Saved That Day Was Scattered Through-Out The Column!
~
As The Pallbearers Carried The Rosewood Casket
Down The Column Of People To The Grave Side .
The Column Would Collapse . .
Which Formed A Group Of People That Followed Behind .
~
Every Time The Rosewood Casket Passed A Navy Seal,
He Would Remove His Gold Trident Pin From His Uniform,
And Slap It Down Hard,
Causing The Gold Trident Pin To Embed Itself
Into The Top Of The Wooden Casket!
Then The Navy Seal Would Step Back From The Column, And Salute!
~
Now For Those,

Who Don't Know What A Trident Pin Is,
Here Is The Definition!
~
After One Completes The Basic Navy Seals Program Which Lasts For Three Weeks,
And Is Followed By Seal Qualification Training,
Which Is 15 More Weeks Of Training,
Necessary To Continue Improving Basic Skills And To Learn New Tactics And Techniques,
Required For An Assignment To A Navy Seal Platoon .
After successful completion,
Trainees Are Given Their Naval Enlisted Code,
And Are Awarded The Navy Seal Trident Pin .
With This Gold Pin They Are Now Officially Navy Seals!
It Was Said,
That You Could Hear Each Of The 45 Slaps From Across The Cemetery!
By The Time The Rosewood Casket Reached The Grave Site,
It Looked As Though It Had A Gold Inlay From The 45 Trident Pins That Lined The Top!

This Was A Fitting End To An Eternal Send-Off For A Warrior Hero!
This Should Be Front-Page News!
Instead Of The Garbage We Listen To And See Every Day .
~

Here's A Good Idea!

Since The Main Stream Media Won't Make This News .

Then We Choose To Make It News By Forwarding It .

~
I Am Proud Of All The Branches Of Our Military

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming ordained

2010-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I wish to share why I became ordained by the ULC. Firstly, I believe we are all called and ordained by God when each of us decides to serve our fellow brethren in the world. I come from a religious background, raised in the back of my grandmother's Pentecostal church.

My grandfather, on the other side of the family, was a Baptist ,so there was some discourse in growing up. I believe that if God is using you now for anything that HE has a plan for you and your life. So to my calling, I have been involved in many organizations of religion and I have found many real Christians in all churches and a lot not even in a church, so I decided to try to reach others who have been disfellowshiped or deflocked or thrown out or simply walked away from their churches.

I want to give them a place to come and to express their views and write poems or faith articles that gives all a chance to help other's. I have been down the road that leads to destruction and back by the mercy of God and brought out to serve. So I asked myself how do I go about serving God? I got an answer when one day a friend of mine asked if I would like to go with him to a public TV class,well I got a chance to do a TV show.

I asked God what should I call this show? I want to keep it simple and try to reach other's without preaching to them to let them know that receiving salvation is a simple thing to do if you truly want to be with the Lord Jesus. Bingo the name Simple Salvation came to me ,so I used it as the title of the TV show which numbered only four. Soon people who I knew stated asking me which church I belonged to and how long had I been a minister? I was afraid to do more as I was not ordained by a man's church but by God's calling as decribed in the book of John.

A young friend of my son who I did a Bible study with told me he was an ordained minister,so I asked how someone as young as himself had become ordained and by which church? He then informed me about the ULC church in Modesto CA. so I went to the site and became ordained by them in Oct.1999 I have received a lot of respect since being ordained by a recognized church. I think you ULC though there are a lot of thing's I disagree with the whole thing of letting anyone become ordained, I do respect the idea to do good to all and respect their beliefs.

God will straighten us all out on His return. I encourage all who wish to serve as a minister to become ordained and I have a link on my site to come to ULC and become ordained them selves. Thank you Jesus for all who wish to be with you and be in the kingdom of God.

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

ulc.net

Become an ordained minister

2010-11-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Why did I become a ULC Minister?

It was an interesting chain of events, and a story I'm sure I've told more than once here.

When my husband and I first got engaged, a friend of ours informed us that as an ordained minister, he'd be happy to perform our wedding. I absolutely did NOT believe that he was ordained. He told me about the ULC, the only doctrine of which was "Do that which is right", and that's what intrigued me. He explained that it wasn't about a specific religion or belief, but about religious and spiritual freedom.

He gave me the website, and I checked it out that night. I still couldn't believe it could be that easy to become ordained, and I had to try for myself just to see if it was true.

I take pride in my status as ULC Minister. I don't preach in a church or hold sermons. My ministry is about spreading peace and understanding to as many people as I can reach.

From a minister at ulc.net

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Four Gospels

2010-11-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

A commentary on part of the four gospels course.

For whoever has taken this course I hope you will find this short Bible study edifying. For those who have not I hope you also find it useful.

This courses main reference was from a book called the Unvarnished Gospels which I will not refer to. I have chosen to use a New American Standard Bible. Use whatever one you wish.

The author of this course made mention of a passage in Matthew 9:14-17.

For ease of instruction the words of Jesus are all in red.
"The disciples of John came to Him (Jesus), asking, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. But no one puts a patch of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do people put new wine into old wine skins; otherwise the wine skins burst, and the wine pours out and the wine skins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved."

It is here that the author of the course is hoping to use this as a forum conversation starter. So I think I will try to take him up on his offer. Whoever wants to add in on the subject please feel free even if it is to tell me I don't know what I am talking about, but this is somewhat how a preacher explained this in a sermon I heard long ago and it has directed be ever since how I read my Bible.

The question the 4 gospels author is asking is, does this mean you can't teach an old dog new tricks? He doesn't seem to think so but it is a good base question to start with.

This parables theme seems to be saying "Out with the old and in with the new."

Here is how I understand it. In Christ we are a brand new creation. The old man is buried with Christ to be raised again a new man. Every now and then the old man likes to pop up and we need to metaphorically beat him on the head to put him back in the grave.
　
Scriptural support.
Romans 6:3-11 (Read the whole chapter to get a better picture.)
"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin."
Philippians 3:21
"Jesus Christ…who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory…"

Here we have it painted quite clearly. Our old lives are buried. This is the meaning of baptism. Our old self in a tomb and raised again in Christ.

One might deduce the wine skins being spoken of in this parable would mean us.

I will get back to this point later on.
Now what is the wine?

Acts 2:4 is the day of Pentecost when everyone in the upper room was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Later on in the same chapter in vs13 when they were speaking in tongues and being full of the Holy Spirit some mocked them saying they are full of "sweet wine" or as other translations of the Bible render this "new wine."

The Holy Spirit in many cases in the Bible is compared to wine.
Ephesians 5:18 "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…"

In Numbers 6:2-3 in the case of taking a Nazirite vow it says "he shall abstain from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar, whether made from wine or strong drink, nor shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh or dried grapes."

What is Numbers 6 saying here? It is saying if you want to live a life of not just devotion to God but separation to God your partying and carousing days are over.

Nowadays unless for other purposes I wouldn't take it so far as to abstain from a little alcohol but what is being said here is don't even have a hint of worldly influence in you. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in you by abstaining from impurities and evil.

I am not saying drinking is evil, but I sure wouldn't want to get liquored up on a Sunday morning and go to church claiming to be Spirit filled. The same goes for sexual immorality. Do not be under the influence of the world here is the message and even think you can serve God. Samson in the book of Judges could not drink alcohol or any other fermented drink because of the Holy Spirit stirring in Him. Not that he was known for obeying the rules but this one I believe he respected.
But the message of this study is the wine and the wine skins.

I would strongly say the Wine spoken of in Matthew 9 is the Holy Spirit that God promised through the prophet Joel in chapter 2 vs23.
"So rejoice O sons of Zion, and be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain. The early and latter rain as before. The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with the new wine and oil."

Then later in in vs. 28-29 he prophesies
"It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days."
The Holy Spirit is the new wine and the oil. Read Matt 25 for how the Holy Spirit is the oil. All the virgins had lamps which is the word of God but some of them didn't have any oil. The Holy Spirit is what illuminates and brings to life. It instructs, it guides and teaches. It is our anointing. It is our promise given to us of Christ's return.

1 John 2:26-27 - The Holy Spirit is our anointing; our instructor.
John 16 - He is the Spirit of truth that reveals to us what we need.
By the way as a side note. If you want to read a gospel that brings to light the deity of Jesus and what we have in Him through the Holy Spirit He sends read John.

Eph 1:13 - The Holy Spirit is our seal/pledge. We have all as Christians been sealed with it for the day of redemption. Let us only by the strength Jesus brings us submit to Him daily through prayer that we might not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

Jesus is the one who brings us this Holy Spirit.

John 14:16-17 - "I will ask the Father and He will give you ANOTHER helper, that He may be with your forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."
　
John 2 is the first miracle Jesus performed. The miracle at Cana. Here He took ordinary water and turned it into wine that was better than what any man could make. Even the headwaiter exclaimed "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."

Jesus makes the old like new again. We are the wineskin and he fills us up with the wine. But as John 2:26-27 says we cannot be filled with the wine if we are of the world or still the old man, decaying and dying.

Titus 3:5 "He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit."

A sign of coming out of the world and into the new family of Jesus is the taming of the tongue.

James 3 says "The tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity…the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell."

James is making it sound very dismal. Who can control the tongue but God?

We must therefore as put so well in Romans 6:12-13

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."

And there you have it! I totally did not mean to write a sermon on Christian living, but if you are looking for the signs of God living in you and that you are submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil then this is part of what needs to happen.

I am by no means saying this happens on our strength.
I have been a Christian since I was a child. I have never known anything else. But at a point I fell away sort of. I presented by tongue and my body as instruments of unrighteousness and I had to say to God "Something just isn't working here. I need the Spirit of regeneration working in me like it did before."

Then along came a change in my attitudes; desires and the strength of God came more and more into my life. We are all people in process. Only those who have died are free from sin. But we must never give up submitting to God.

In Acts 10 Peter proclaimed the gospel message to the Gentiles, and as they heard this message. As this truth sank into their mind and their souls they became filled with the Holy Spirit. Then it was after this they were baptized with water. I use this verse for anyone who tells me a Christian is not spirit filled until they receive the water baptism for it was not before but after receiving the Holy Spirits baptism were the gentiles then baptised with water. And they were baptised into the name of Jesus Christ.

Now assuming the reader of this is a Christian and wants to know more about the baptism of the Holy Spirit here is how I think of it as being.
When you became a Christian you got a life saving drink of water. You were dying in the desert of your own sin. Along comes Jesus and says have a drink. Now that you have had a drink of water and have been partially filled you want more and more and more.

You realise you cannot live the Christian life on your own power. If you are a pastor who has not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit you will one day out of humility ask God out of humility to fill your sermons and your ministry because you will finally realise you cannot do it on your own.

Here comes a full blast of the Holy Spirit filling you right up.

John 7:37-38 "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said 'from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

In vs. 39 the writer says "But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

If you want the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Talk to a pastor about it if you want, but I say unplug your phone and your TV set. Turn off your computer and pray and ask God for it.

You have a heavenly Father who will not give you a scorpion if you ask for an egg or a snake if they ask for a fish.

You have a perfect heavenly Father who wants to set your life on fire with His Holy Spirit so he can live out His desires through you. Not through forcefulness but by you submitting to Him.

If the reader of this is not a Christian. I am telling you there is no better life than the Christian life. If anyone disputes that I and many other spirit filled Christians have a testimony that proves otherwise. You might be putting it off for whatever reason but in this case there is no time like the present.

Please share your thoughts on the forum or contact me at
justpray@hotmail.ca
Colin.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

I chose to listen to the calling of the Holy Spirit and become
an Ordained Minister. Sadly many attacked my Ordination and called it bogus and ridiculous.

Many said it was a sin and I am quite sure you have heard all the negatives. I am quite devastated at the response negative to my wanting to serve Humanity as a ULC Minister.

I am in Perth Western Australia and feel somewhat disorientated now and lost and confused, and not sure now what to do and how to begin a Ministry and how to set up a church and Minister to the people noone else wants, the disenfranchised and most needy vulnerable in the Perth area.

Universal Life Church
I dont have money to buy vestments, don't have money to buy chalices and all the other things one would assume comes with Ministry including somewhere to Minister. I have no church, no fellowship and no flock.

am just so lost now. I truly wanted to serve Jesus, and Humanity.

All Perth churches seem so bigoted and claim it takes years to be ready to minister and be ordained and want doctorates and bachelors degrees in theology and divinity which costs thousands per yr. No one seems to want to allow me to Minister in their church.

Reverend Tess McNamara

ulc.net

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermon

2010-11-11T07:55:00.001-08:00

Attitude, Attitude

Today's Scripture
"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." Ephesians 4:15 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Conflicts do occur in marriage and can cause disastrous results if not managed properly. Attitude can make all the difference.

One option in dealing with conflict is an "I'll get him (her)" attitude. "I win and you lose because I am right and you are wrong." This is a power play and shows little or no love.

Another option says, "I'll get out. I'm uncomfortable, so I'll withdraw from the conflict." And you storm from the room with nothing solved.

"I'll give in. I'll be nice and submit to your demands so you'll love me." You become a doormat who is smiling ... but frustrated.

"I'll meet you halfway. I have only half of the truth and I need your half." This is the attitude of creative compromise, but these two half-truths may not equal the real truth.

Consider this ...
The most fruitful attitude is "I care enough to confront. I want to stay in a respectful and honest relationship with you. I want you to know where I stand and what I am feeling, needing, valuing and wanting." This attitude invites your spouse to change but does not demand it.

The Bible calls it speaking the truth in love.

Prayer

Father, help me when facing conflict. Help me to have the right attitude ... to always reflect the love of Christ. Help me to speak the truth in love. In Jesus name, Amen

Blessings,

Robert G.
Robert Griffus
More of My Blog's

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermons

2010-11-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

Minimize The economic situation has hit all of us hard, some very hard; better times are ahead. This time of year can be stressful for all concerned. An avalanche of gifts, is it really what you must do?

Starting this year can we put the Traditional back into the Holiday Season, not the maxing out of the plastic type of tradition, but putting the Holy back into the season.

Placing the Sacredness of the holiday season, back into the season. Parties are sometimes great, but would the Higher Power approve of what you do, think, and say, and yes even your manor of dress-this season? S/He, are watching, they are seeing, not from a distance, but up front, in a closeness that is very real.

If you do not have a Higher Power, ok, but this is a special time of year, some people try to be more human, especially this time of year=will you be one of them? As you do or don't do whatever it is that happens this time of year take the Commercialism out of the last two months of the year.

Naughty or Nice isn't just for Tots, and No I don't mean Tater Tots; you are on someone's list, how will this year's score sheet tally for you, Naughty or Nice.

Now reflect on your cumulative score sheet, Naughty or Nice, if that last thought does not compel you to the Nice side, your Holiday Goose may be cooked. The bountiful Table has been set, no leftovers, you may have do some chores after, but the Desert is a Miracle.

Rev. Lee

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2010-11-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

I was teaching and lecturing on meditation but I wanted to go deeper into spirituality. Being a Buddhist, I saw my audience as being limited and sometimes judgmental. I started reading a lot of books on Catholicism and got interested in the lives of saints, monks, and nuns. I don't remember what sparked it, but one night I was drawn to looking on Yahoo for minister info.

The ULC popped up and I read about how easy it was to be ordained. I must admit my ego kicked in and I thought it would be charming to be a "Reverend". The more I read about the ULC and their views, the more I agreed with them that people of all kinds have ministry ability. It's not about memorizing scriptures, it's about being there to help people with their spiritual needs. I liked their interfaith ideas and I felt this was a great way to be able to talk and aid more people than I could have before... :)

Samadhi

From ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-11-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

This blurb is more about, how I became a ULC Minster, and then my acceptance of being part of ULC.

I read about ULC on another forum.

I was curious and checked out the site. I was surprised to find out how easy it was to be ordained. Then I went to the forum and asked a question; I think it was about alternative religions. I began to slowly learn that there were many different religions and non-religions represented. Being a believer in Metaphysics, I believe that I was drawn to the ULC for a purpose. Being part of such a diverse group of multiple, inter-faiths is an enriching experience.

To serve as a ULC Minister is a privilege.

" Do That Which Is Right" is not a hard philosophy to live by; although it could be challenging to those who believe that only their religious way is right :D

From ulc.net

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming Ordained

2010-11-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

I became ordained mainly to assist with debriefing Volunteer Emergency response Communications officers.

as a Divisional Commander (still) I find it was a good move.

I can now often get to what is troubling them after the official debrief by changing Hats so to speak.

When things are bad and the only contact with the outside world is the comms officers they are under a lot of strain, without really knowing what is happening other than the messages they pass.

A large part of moving on, after bad experiences is being able to talk about it
in a neutral situation.

Also I have found that it was the right choice, as I am also able to be an ear for, and able to support spiritually some of the people in the community most affected.

Rev.Ed Crain

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermon

2010-10-31T21:21:00.001-07:00

Children of the Creator, Children of our Earth Mother:

Points to Ponder:

If you wish it so, take a moment to be thankful for all you have been given, all that you have, that which good in the eyes of the Creator. The Lord's day is upon us, ponder that which happened last week, that which you will engage in this week anew.
Hours ago some called it Back Friday, that day when the Holiday season begins, at least for the Commercial Retailers. Allow me to share my "Good Morning Sunday", for you, it will not take all that long-promise.
Father grant us, your children Peace because your hour draws near, grant us Peace all of our days here on this Blue marble-we call Earth. Grant us peace as we toil this new week, for we know it is no one who toils longer nor harder than you-Dear Father. We ask that the Spirit of Peace descend upon us, for we ask this for all of your children, Father send your Spirit of Peace, to dwell among the children of Father Adam, and Mother Eve. Dearest Heavenly Father, we recognize it is from you and your will, that Justice and righteousness, can and soon will be among your Children. Humbled, with great prayer and fasting we recognize Peace will only be upon the Children of Man, your children, when we follow your will, your laws. We ask Dearest Father that the Great Spirit of Peace walk complete with our neighbors, our enemies, our families. We are instructed, tested, healed and cured, by your will, we ask that the Spirit of Peace prepare the way-Amen.
Some of the kinds of things I am asked to do include: Blessing a Mom in the making, and the new mother, blessing the Litte People-children's' actions/activities/school/play areas/living & sleeping area/the blessing of animals of all kinds/ candles and wreaths-since it is that season/ candles year round/food & beverage and sacred icons at holidays and non holidays/blessing a trip it can be work or recreation or day trips/counseling for the spirit and soul/ anointing of the sick, ill and terminally ill. Sometimes a child or any child of the Creator will ask: Why is this and has this been deemed so important to us? My reply: The loving care for the Soul, the uniting of the family of humanity; because we are given freedoms of belief-for some the belief is ok but not the sacraments; so that we experience the closeness of God; to commune with the Spirits of God to aid in of being alive-to enhance our Faith.
So what sort of training or experience is needed beyond faith and belief? Do you ask for specific skill sets, or is it my personal belief system you ask, if it is the latter-we speake of the first-first. What sort of Community Service is it you do or have done in the past- why, they are your brothers' and sisters'. Explore communication techniques and systems for the Care and Feeding of the Soul. Explore systems and techniques that address conflict resolution-so each side is an equal party-do you mean a talking stick. Sometimes this can work, if there is an answer feather as well. Co-equals, all of the time. It fosters understanding and harmony. It helps to understand other peoples religions, we are all children of the Creator-if we can and do accept them as they are, and they as we are-there will be peace, and understanding will follow. Are these essential truths-Yes. Is it true what people say about you, that you talk to the animals', and they to you? I also speake with the clouds, trees, waters, the air, the trees, the rocks. How about a mailbox, it is made of compounds found in or on Earth, if it is organic, it has a voice; it must for it is part of creation. Love thy neighbor is not just Two Legged, it must be all of our neighbors. What about meetings, and conferences or conventions? If it is of man you seek answers to the ways of man-then seek man. If it is the ways of the Creator, then one must go to Creator, if it is of the animals-you must go to the animals/tree/or whatever you seek to find answers from. Sounds a bit like not in reality or not normal. Ok may I ask a question of you-sure. Is the world in which you live in-REAL? Or is of this world?
Are you saying this world is not real? I am saying this world is-Of this World. You look a bit confused. Yeah I am, what is it that you spend the most amount of time each day or week or month or year doing? Why? That which you do the most is that which you worship. So church isn't just one day a week thing? No, it is all day-every day, if not then you are worshiping this world-not Creator. So I should quit school and become a Priest? NO, school is not a 24/7 kind of thing. School helps you to understand and fit in with people/society/your brothers' and sisters'. Why can't I be just who I am? You are-but society is part of the solution for some needs you have, other needs are met by God. When you start something, include God; when finish something include God; when doing or going somewhere include God. I don't understand? It is really simple-include God in all that you do; everything you have, do, and keep-it is from God. Then why do we have church? Church is people coming together in unity and peace to worship and learn of God. So it isn't the building? No it is not, that is a building-not Church.
People say you protect animals, is this true. Yes, and I give toys to shelters for animals, and food treats for the shelters of animals of all sorts. Is that why you have so many bird feeders and bird baths? When man takes lands that were once the home of animals, man must give back to these same animals. The bird baths are really not so much for cleansing, are they are playgrounds for the birds to play in. When the shelter animals are in cages they need stimulation to fight off boredom and separation from their Pet Parents. Pet Parents? When you adopt any animals and make it part of your family, they are dependent upon you for all of their needs. Like a baby? Exactly. I also donate blankets, bath and beach towels to the shelters. It provides not only warmth, but acts as a snuggle buddy.
What about when people or animals die? There are rituals and rites, and for some, ceremonies that take care of this. Why is saying good-bye so hard to do? Saying good-bye to any loved one is always hard. Think of it like this-their spirit has learned all they needed to know to move on. They now or soon will again, be in the Light of Creator. This is where they came from, and came down here to learn and grow. They did, so now they are home again. But it really is hard to still be here. It is part of what you need to learn and grow. Appreciate life and all the gifts of Creator, learn and grow. Then why am I so sad. To learn!

Thank you for this opportunity and service>lb

p.s.: Now and then make room for a used Golf umbrella, and a couple blankets. I go to St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift store and Goodwill thrift stores to find these and other items. I donate them to one of the many Animals shelters nearby. Golf umbrella make wonderful tents for the invalid and critter babies to get some air, out in the exercise area. No exercise area is bad news, probably a "Kill Shelter" or a farm for "Testing Subjects", this latter I associate with intense animal cruelty. The "Kill Shelters" put the animal down within a few days if not placed into new homes.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Sir Christopher Wren

2010-10-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sir Christopher Wren
Today is the birthday of Sir Christopher Wren; began his life as a mathematician, astronomer. In 1661 Charles II had him appointed Assistant to the Royal Architect.1666. He credited with the rebuilding of more than 50 churches decimated by the London Great Fires of 1666. Wren designed St. Paul's Cathedral, and this is where he is buried at. Saint Paul's is said to have been his Masterpiece. Educated in Latin and Physics at Oxford. Wren is the founder of the Royal Society; his works were highly valued by Isaac Newton. Born of Christopher Wren DD, who went on to be the Dean of Windsor in 163r. Way to go Pops!

Wm. Holder was his Mentor for the Math education he received. The good Doctor Holder also married Wren's older sister Susanna. It was form Holder's intro that Wren met his mentor of Anatomy. 1650 Wren went to Wadham College, Oxford; it was at Oxford Wren met John Wilkins, at that time he served as Warden in Wadham. This is where he met the Associates that would assist Wren in forming the Royal Society The Society tended to the affairs of Scientific studies-for the betterment of al of Mankind, in general. In 1661 Wren was elevated to the position of the Savilian Professor of Astronomy. In 1669 is when he became acquainted with the Chief Architect. 1665-1723 was the Church planning period. When the London fires happened, Wren discovered thirds of the City in smoldering ashes; he set about the rebuilding process of the City of London. Nov 14 1673 Wren was Knighted, soon after the fires; he becomes a Full Member of Parliament, but never takes the seat in Parliament-oh posh! He Is the founder of the Warrant Arch. Style. The Church was started in Warrant Architectural, but Wren was not about to be Pushed Around by King and Clergy-oh no! There was no Dome 1697, still no dome, the first Service in the church is held. By now some jaws were very tight-fuming mad. Oh well, Wren is credited with the building and planning of the Royal Observatory and the Library at Trinity College at Cambridge, Wren has several Assistants on these two projects, but remain in fu control of these two projects, conception to Grand Opening.

When Charles II passed-James assumed the royal Duties and had Wren build him a "New Church" none of that Old Stuff, I want New Stuff. was said to be heard throughout the Social A list. 1696 he was appointed Surveyor of Greenwich Naval Hospital, the position he held until his passing. The Dome on the US Capitol is in the style remembered being created by Wren. Had you a fifty pound note from the period of 1981-1984, there was his picture-oh yes. The Main Hall, at College of Wm. & Mary, here in the US-yep called Wren Hall; now there is a How Do. The simple inscription on Wren's head stone reads in English translated from Latin:

	Reader, if you seek his memorial – look around you.

The Wren Arch. Style is seen throughout all of Western Europe, with touches reaching well into the Eastern Church. > lab

· Ref's;

· St Paul's Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren, Vaughan Hart, (ISBN 0714829986 paperback)

· On a Grander Scale: The Outstanding Career of Sir Christopher Wren (ISBN 0-00-710775-7 hardback, ISBN 0-00-710776-5 paperback)

· His Invention So Fertile: A Life of Christopher Wren (ISBN 0-19-514989-0)

· Parentally, or, Memoirs of the family of the Wrens

· The lives of the professors of Gresham College

· The Americans (ISBN 0-618-37719-0)

Thank you for this opportunity and service

p.s.: his eldest son carried on his work until his death.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermon

2010-10-20T10:33:00.001-07:00

Biblical Interpretation
One of our ministers found this on the internet and wanted to pass it along.

I found this looking around the internet and figured I would forward it to you to pass on to the up and coming Christian theologians.

A lot of good information to use as a reference I thought.

Colin.

8 rules of biblical interpretation.

"And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation." [2 Peter 1:19,20 NAS]
We can't have a "sure word" about the meaning of Scripture (or anything else) unless we have a sure method to interpret the words. The following eight rules are the center of all grammatical interpretation. They have been accepted and used by scholars from Socrates to the present. While my hope is that they will be used to "rightly divide the word of truth" of the Holy Bible, they are equally applicable to legal, historical, and other such language.
Since the Bible teaches that God is not the author of confusion [1 Cor. 14:33], how can the many disagreements today between Christians and the proliferation of the cults be explained since all, or nearly all, claim to use the Bible as the basis of their doctrines? Nearly all false doctrines taught today by Christians and cultists alike can be traced to the distortion of the meaning of Biblical words. These eight rules are prayerfully offered in the hope that they may help many come to the truth of what God says in His Word. The Rev. Guy Duty said in his book Divorce & Remarriage:
"When two interpretations are claimed for a Scripture, the construction most in agreement with all the facts of the case should be adopted. When all the facts of an interpretation are in agreement they sound together in harmony, like notes in a chord.

Biblical interpretation is more than knowing a set of rules, but it cannot be done without the rules. So, learn the rules, and rightly apply them...." (Divorce & Remarriage, Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1967)
Here are the eight rules:
1) The rule of DEFINITION: What does the word mean? Any study of Scripture must begin with a study of words. Define your terms and then keep to the terms defined. The interpreter should conscientiously abide by the plain meaning of the words. This quite often may require using a Hebrew/English or Greek/English lexicon in order to make sure that the sense of the English translation is understood. A couple of good examples of this are the Greek words "allos" and "heteros". Both are usually translated as "another" in English - yet "allos" literally means "another of the same type" and "heteros" means "another of a different type."
2) The rule of USAGE: It must be remembered that the Old Testament was written originally by, to and for Jews. The words and idioms must have been intelligible to them - just as the words of Christ when talking to them must have been. The majority of the New Testament likewise was written in a milieu of Greco-Roman (and to a lesser extent Jewish) culture and it is important to not impose our modern usage into our interpretation. It is not worth much to interpret a great many phrases and histories if one's interpretations are shaded by pre-conceived notions and cultural biases, thereby rendering an inaccurate and ineffectual lesson.
3) The rule of CONTEXT: The meaning must be gathered from the context. Every word you read must be understood in the light of the words that come before and after it. Many passages will not be understood at all, or understood incorrectly, without the help afforded by the context. A good example of this is the Mormon practice of using 1 Cor. 8:5b: "...for there be gods many and lords many..." as a "proof text" of their doctrine of polytheism. However, a simple reading of the whole verse in the context of the whole chapter (e.g. where Paul calls these gods "so-called"), plainly demonstrates that Paul is not teaching polytheism.
4) The rule of HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The interpreter must have some awareness of the life and society of the times in which the Scripture was written. The spiritual principle will be timeless but often can't be properly appreciated without some knowledge of the background. If the interpreter can have in his mind what the writer had in his mind when he wrote - without adding any excess baggage from the interpreter's own culture or society - then the true thought of the Scripture can be captured resulting in an accurate interpretation. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "Our only interest in the past is for the light it throws upon the present."
5) The rule of LOGIC: Interpretation is merely logical reasoning. When interpreting Scripture, the use of reason is everywhere to be assumed. Does the interpretation make sense? The Bible was given to us in the form of human language and therefore appeals to human reason - it invites investigation. It is to be interpreted as we would any other volume: applying the laws of language and grammatical analysis. As Bernard Ramm said:
"What is the control we use to weed out false theological speculation? Certainly the control is logic and evidence... interpreters who have not had the sharpening experience of logic...may have improper notions of implication and evidence. Too frequently such a person uses a basis of appeal that is a notorious violation of the laws of logic and evidence." (Protestant Biblical Interpretation, Boston: W. A. Wilde, 1956)
6) The rule of PRECEDENT: We must not violate the known usage of a word and invent another for which there is no precedent. Just as a judge's chief occupation is the study of previous cases, so must the interpreter use precedents in order to determine whether they really support an alleged doctrine. Consider the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12 who were called "noble" because they searched the Scriptures to determine if what Paul taught them was true.
7) The rule of UNITY: The parts of Scripture being interpreted must be construed with reference to the significance of the whole. An interpretation must be consistent with the rest of Scripture. An excellent example of this is the doctrine of the Trinity. No single passage teaches it, but it is consistent with the teaching of the whole of Scripture (e.g. the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are referred to individually as God; yet the Scriptures elsewhere teach there is only one God).
8) The rule of INFERENCE: An inference is a fact reasonably implied from another fact. It is a logical consequence. It derives a conclusion from a given fact or premise. It is the deduction of one proposition from another proposition. Such inferential facts or propositions are sufficiently binding when their truth is established by competent and satisfactory evidence. Competent evidence means such evidence as the nature of the thing to be proved admits. Satisfactory evidence means that amount of proof which would ordinarily satisfy an unprejudiced mind beyond a reasonable doubt. Jesus used this rule when he proved the resurrection of the dead to the unbelieving Sadducees in Matt. 22:23-33.
Learning these eight rules and properly applying them will help keep any interpreter from making errors and will hopefully alleviate many of the disagreements unfortunately present in Christianity today. However, these eight principles are no substitute for the Holy Spirit which will, if you let Him, guide you in the truth [John 14:26]. If you receive Christ into your heart, God will give you the Holy Spirit freely as a gift [Acts 2:38]. I urge you, if you have not already done so, to examine the claims and the work of Jesus Christ and to receive Him as your Savior.
This paper will close with some words from King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, excepting our Lord Jesus Christ:
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: to understand a proverb, and the interpretation." [Prov. 1:5,6]

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church.

Online Sermon

2010-09-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

"Restoring Honor" Washington DC

The theme for this rally was to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King's niece, Dr. Alveda King, was a featured speaker honoring his legacy and good name. Also highlighting this event on August 28, 2010, was Sarah Palin and those awarded through recognition of living their lives in Faith, Hope and Charity.

Glenn's message was far from political. It was inspirational! The message was and is about restoring our core values and principles, returning to the core essence of our Founding Fathers. Beck urges us ALL to pray on our knees for our country, our leaders - to pray in our churches, synagogues, and mosques – and restore our country's founding principles under God. If we do not bring God back into our country (our lives), we will fall as a nation.

From the moment I committed to this journey everything synchronized into place. The energy at the gathering was electrical yet peaceful. I did not come across one rude or indignant person. There were hundreds of thousands of people there, nearing 500,000, which is a conservative estimate!

I was very proud to be a part of this gathering – history in the making. Those of you who have only heard of Glenn Beck in a derogatory sense, I urge you to watch him on Fox News and really listen to what he has to say. Don't just believe what he is conveying -instead research his findings yourself. Then and only then will you have an accurate viewpoint about Glenn and his message, as well as the history of our Founding Fathers and the future of our nation. Will we stand or will we fall? Learn what we the people need to do to secure our future, our children's future, and our grandchildren's future.

Nancy Kimes

Cambria, CA

**********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

2010-09-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

I had a friend who had done a bunch of weddings and thought that was a fine idea since it's a contract more than anything in our state and why should judges and clergy get all the fun of performing weddings.

He got me ordained and I casually mentioned to friends I was ordained and within a year or so some close friends asked if I'd be interested in doing a small ceremony. It turned out to be a lot of fun, they were more nervous than me, and will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

Once I popped my minister cherry....it seems like word has gotten around and I've done seven....including a beautiful Wiccan ceremony in Oklahoma (I learned you have to be pre-approved there).

And coming from a childhood full of annoying bible thumpers and dogmatic where I was really turned off by organized religion. With the ULC I was able to shuck off some of that crap and actually pursue my own spiritual journey.

Ignacio

Universal Life Church

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-09-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

Should Christian Parents Spank Their Children?
By Rick Creech

To Spank Or Not To Spank
Should Christians spank their children? Some Christians think that a parent should spank their children because they think the Bible tells them to do so. Because Christians believe the Bible to be their instruction book on both faith and practice, it's very important to carefully consider exactly what the Bible has to say on the subject of the parent-child relationship, especially in regards to spanking. To spank or not to spank, that is the question.

If you love your children, then one of the great desires of your heart is to see your children grow up and do the right thing and become the best that they can be. There are no guarantees, but loving parents want to make sure that they do everything that they ought to do in order to increase the odds in the favor of their children. There is a warning to parents in the New Testament to make sure that they do not do something that ends up provoking the children to wrath. The first part of Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath." What a shame it would be if a parent should start the responsibilities of parenting with the wrong idea about what is important in the upbringing of their children. In spite of how much the parent loves the child, the parent might end up influencing the child in the wrong way.

We are going to look at what the Bible has to say on the subject of disciplining children. Does the Bible instruct parents to spank their children?

Chapter 2
Important Principles To Know To Correctly Interpret The Bible
In order to interpret the Bible correctly, we must always remember that some passages are meant to be taken literally
and others are meant to be taken symbolically. If you take a particular passage of the Bible literally when it was meant
to be symbolic, then you will not understand its true significance. For example, Jesus often taught by using parables.

When He taught about a sower who went forth to sow seed, He was not primarily talking about real seed that a farmer plants in the ground. The seed was symbolic of the Word of God. If you do not understand the symbolism, then you do not understand what is really being taught. The Bible is accurate and reliable and literally true in all passages, but passages that have symbolism cannot be completely understood unless the symbolism is understood.

Another important thing to realize when studying the Bible is the fact that the Bible is divided up into the Old Testament and the New Testament, and some of the things of the Old Testament were done away with when the New Testament came into place. John 1:17 says, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." There is a difference between law and grace. Some of the things emphasized in the Old Testament were a part of the law, and the requirements of the law, and the strictness of the law. Many of the strict requirements of the law we no longer practice, because we now know a more complete revelation of how the Lord wants us to live: that of grace and truth that was brought by Jesus Christ. For example, the law of the Old Testament stated very clearly that if anyone committed adultery, they should be put to death. But when a woman who was taken in adultery was brought to Jesus, Jesus did not allow the men to put her to death. Instead, Jesus said to the men, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Jesus did not change the moral principal that was in the law, because He still told the woman, "Go and sin no more." But Jesus did change the way that the requirement of the law was enforced. Jesus did away with the harsh physical punishment, but He still upheld the moral standard.

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church.

Online Sermons

2010-09-08T17:03:00.001-07:00

God's Revelation to Moses
Universal Life Church
Min. Johnathan Hester

Exodus 3:1-3:15

Imagine you're taking a walk on a lonely hillside on a hot summer day....

A furze bush catches fire, but instead of burning up it just keeps on ,,, burning!

That,,that would take your attention and make you think,

"What's going on?

Is someone trying to say something to me?"------------

It could be a CALL OF GOD - to know him in a deeper and more intimate way and which could change the direction ,,, of your life....

It's something which we need to have,,,, often,,, more than once,,,, in,,,in our Christian pilgrimage – that call of God.

There's,,,there's a fine example of this in the life of Moses as he encountered God at the Burning Bush,,,, (amen) from which we can draw some valuable lessons. The phenomenon of the bush which kept on burning isn't the important's of it - it was just the means that God chose to get Moses' undivided attention...huh ...

You see here in the 21st century,,, it,,, it could just as easily be some disruption from our routine lives -such as a news flash on TV,,,,an,,, an accident or illness; perhaps an unwelcome change of circumstances, such as a loss of a job, even the Mother of the church who's 81 years old ,,,body in pain,,,, bout too loose her leg ,,,,but she praise him any how,,, God,,,God,, God can speak to us in strange ways....

God will often,,, get our attention by causing uncommon events to occur.

We may call them coincidences but these are not chance events....

They are God's way of tapping us on the shoulder so that we'll sit up and take notice of what he has to say........ He can also do so in less dramatic ways ,,,,,,,,,- as we read the Scriptures or even listen to a sermon! I've known all of these as prompts,,,,, in hearing God.

What is God like?

This is a question, which has exercised the minds of mankind.

It reminds me of the story of the little girl who was in deep concentration over her drawing. Her mother asked her what she was drawing and received the curt reply, "God." Her mother protested, "But no one knows what God looks like!" The little girl replied, "They will now!"

The story of the Burning Bush tells us a great deal about God.... Let's see When, Why, How and Where God revealed himself to Moses, and What it meant to him - and what it can mean to us.You see I've often said to glean a better understanding of the scripture you must ask yourselves when ,,,,why ,,,, how ,,,, and where ....

WE"LL START WITH ,,,WHEN HE WAS COMPLACENT

His first 40 years had been anything but humdrum,,,, He'd been a prince of Egypt,,,, but he'd known the first stirring of the Spirit,,,,or perhaps through a pang of conscience,,,, when he contrasted his life of privilege with the poverty and pain of his fellow countrymen ,,,as the Hebrew slaves.

The trouble was that Moses had wanted to serve God and had tried to do it in his own strength, only to find that his attempts had failed and had ended in disaster!!!!! He had acted in good faith but rashly, and had to flee for his life.... His lifestyle had radically altered from the luxury of the palace to the harsh existence of the desert....

The storyteller recounts that "Moses was content to dwell with his father-in-law and kept his sheep" (Ex 2:21). There's every reason to believe that these years were the happiest in his life. Perhaps he had prayed the ancient prayer, "God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." It's good counsel that we would be advised to take. God had given him a wife; God had given him security. But it's possible to take contentment too far and for it to slip into complacency.

Moses had settled down and accepted that his plan of being a blessing to his people was only a faded dream, which could never be realized. Day in and day out he did his shepherding duties, living with his thoughts and memories of what might have happened and his failure. Perhaps in the first years he had hoped that somehow he could salvage something from his ruined career.

The 40 years in the desert slowly went by and there had come no summons from his people, no call from his God. He resigned himself to have been forgotten by both – he was yesterday's man - and must content himself with his lot. It's possible for us, too, to have the same feeling as Moses, of being in a spiritual rut. Moses had now been doing the same thing for about 40 years. After that time you don't expect much to happen - but that's without reckoning on God. You see, he has plans for each one of his people; he had plans for Moses as he knew he had potential, but nothing had happened. This leads us to think of:

WHY THE CALL WAS DELAYED

The circumstances of life must be taken as God's training school for his people. This is why God drew Moses from the finest academic training possible in Pharaoh's court to teach him other things that would qualify him as God's shepherd to lead theIsraelites to their Promised Land.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us, "The Lord disciplines those he loves ... " And also that they might "endure hardship as sons".... The writer goes on, too say "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful,,, later on,,, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained in it"------ (12:6,7, and 11).

The education Moses had received in Egypt was priceless, but there were qualities that can't be gained by reading textbooks or sitting at the feet of professors......... His 40-year-stay in the desert was not to be wasted. The Lord was beginning to move in Moses' life - just like he may well be doing so with you and I,,,, - in preparation for a new sphere of service and usefulness in his kingdom.... Sometimes, in God's plan for us, enforced learning is inevitable.... Here we see Moses had some rough edges in his life which had to be dealt with ---- his arrogance, his quick temper - and it required many years of reflection before he learned the lesson that God's work must be done in God's way.

Enforced learning is one of God's ways of getting our attention.... Like with Moses, it may be that God appears to withdraw from us, or even allow some disaster to happen in our lives. As with the apostle Paul, God may allow a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) to bring us into the place where he can reveal himself to us and prepare us for useful service.... Charles Spurgeon said, and I like to quote him ,,, he's a good writer ordained by God but,,,but he say's "If I knew I had twenty-five years left to live, I would spend twenty of them in preparation."

Most of us don't like preparation. We want to get on with things. But God's timing of these matters is sovereign. I read that a good film director shoots the last scene first, then he goes back to the beginning and makes every scene move towards it. God is the Supreme Director because his word tells us that "I make known the end from the beginning" (Isa 46:10) but sometimes we don't understand his preparation for our next step....

When the time is right, God's moves can be sudden and dramatic, as we consider:

WHERE THE REVELATION CAME

The day started like any other day. Moses called his sheep, rounded them up and led them to fresh pasture in the Sinai Peninsula. It was extremely hot, and suddenly, something caught his eye,,,,, A bush had,,,had burst into flame.... Of course it had happened before as bushes often caught alight in the intense midday heat, as the sun's rays magnified some of the quartz crystal lying on the ground. But normally the fire would have burned itself out in a few minutes leaving only a pile of ashes,,, But ahh,,,, this one was different ,,, because we're told (*I told Pastor Carter ....) As I said this one was different ,,, "the bush was not consumed".

Moses was intrigued and he thought to himself, "I'll go over and see this strange sight - why the bush doesn't burn up." Anything to relieve the boredom of the routine! But as he approached the bush, he was stopped in his tracks. The bush spoke! It called out his name, not once but twice.

Was the heat playing tricks on his mind? Then he realized ,,, what was happening.... This was God.... It had to be. The man who had settled down to a complacent life was suddenly startled and awakened to the presence of God. (That's a good a place for shout ....)

God will often get our attention by causing uncommon events to occur.... We may call them coincidences but these are not mere chance events.....

They are God's way of tapping us on the shoulder so that we will sit up and listen ,,,, to what he has to say.

What happened that day saint's changed everything for Moses - it's something, which can happen to us when God becomes real in our lives ,,,, Like when Saul met Jesus on the Damascus road; like when John Wesley received the assurance of sins forgiven at the meeting in Aldersgate Street; like when William Booth saw the degradation of East London and when Thomas Barnado was touched by the plight of orphans. The Spirit of God can touch you and me as well!

If you don't believe me ,,, let me show ,,,, listen to how,,,,,

HOW GOD REVEALED HIMSELF

We're told that "the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush." The voice that came from the bush was God's,,,, There followed an amazing conversation,,, God called to him, "Moses, Moses!"

It's significant that the call was personal - by name. There are millions of Christians living now, and it's wonderful to know that God knows each individual,,,, and when he speaks to a person, that person knows that the word is for him or her personally....(come on somebody shout with me)

Our responsibility is to recognize the authentic message and trust him sufficiently to obey it,,, If we don't,,,, we might let an opportunity,,, pass us by,,, because we weren't in tune to his wavelength,,, we didn't know his voice,,,, Fortunately,,,, Moses had already built up a relationship with his God,,,, ahh ,,,ahhh amid the silence and pain of the years in the wilderness. That's why he was able to respond to it at theburning bush with little hesitation. The story tells us, "And Moses said, "Here I am."

This was the most crucial meeting of his life,,, but he had no advanced warning of it.....

How appropriate it was that Moses replied "Here I am" without going into the "why's" and "wherefore's" of the situation,,,, Moses had a lot of baggage of his past life, but now it was all to be put behind him ,,,,

When God speaks to us it's time for us, like Moses did , to turn aside from prejudices, complacency, memories of past failures and hurts. It's God's agenda, not ours, that matters.

And ,,,and God immediately ,,, took the initiative in the dialogue. "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground ...." It was important that Moses had a clear understanding from the start that he was dealing with a holy God ,,,,with whom there could be no compromise.... Moses was being called to lead his countrymen who had been living in an alien society....

Many of them had been infiltrated by the multi-god culture of Egypt.... He was going to raise the standard of holiness in the Hebrew nation, but first had to be sure of it himself.

The commentator, Matthew Henry, writes that Moses was encouraged to draw near "for his conscience to be satisfied, but not his curiosity.

He was told to show reverence by putting off his shoes, a token of respect and submission.,,, Like with Moses, the invitation comes from God to draw near to him, yet the Scriptures, both the Old and the New, enter a caution that we come not rashly, but thoughtfully and humbly,,, How essential it is that we approach God "with reverence and Godly fear" -

He is the Almighty not the "Almatey". From this time on, Moses had a face-to-face friendship with God, but he never lost that sense of fear and respect for him. Having received the revelation of God, Moses learned:

WHAT THE REVELATION MEANT

The words spoken by God were essentially a self-disclosure to Moses of his name and his status. God was revealing to Moses, first of all:

The God who WAS

"The Lord said, I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." Moses was being assured that this God hadn't just come on the scene. He was the God of his forefathers, the one who had met their needs in past centuries....

God had stood by Abraham and had rewarded his faith. He had been the companion of Isaac and the helper of Jacob. They all had known times of adversity and oppression and just as he did not fail them, so likewise he won't disappoint Moses.

This is something of great importance to us, for we have the historical record, going back thousands of years of God's providential care of his people,,, Let's not be shy of bearing testimony to God's faithfulness in the past. But not only did God reveal himself to Moses as the God who WAS, but also as:

The God who IS

Moses asked,"What is (your) name?" "God said to Moses, I am who I am." This new revelation by God of his name is significant. He was declaring the name by which he would be known; he was "I am whom I am".

It speaks of his existence: he is, he lives.

It speaks of his nature: he is the source of all being and life.

He is self-sufficient and all other life is dependent on him.

He is eternal and unchangeable in his promises.

During Gladys Aylward's harrowing journey out of war-torn China during the Communist take-over, she faced one morning with no apparent hope of reaching safety.... A 13-year old girl tried to comfort her by saying, "Don't forget what you told us about Moses in the wilderness," to which Gladys Aylward replied, "Yes, my dear, but I am not Moses."And the young girl replied,,,, "Yes, but God is still God."

God is still I AM today. He still wants to be present, eternal, self-sufficient and active in the lives of his people....( Ya'll don't here me ...) *****I know I was supposed too teach this thing,,, buttttt

As history unfolded, the number of his names increased to reflect more facets of his nature,,,, The revelation of God the "I AM" was completed in the Incarnation of his Son,,,, Jesus Christ,,,Somebody say Jesus !!!!

We now know him as the Bread of Life,,,, the Good Shepherd,,,, the Rest Giver,,,, the Provider,,,, the God of Peace,,,,, the Healer,,,,, and many other things besides. He is the God who WAS, the God who IS, and also:

The God who WILL BE

The words used in the Hebrew to disclose God's new name are closely linked with the most powerful verb in any language - "to be". They not only mean "I am who I am" but also "I will be who I will be." The context in which these words were given was the call of Moses to deliver the young nation of Israel from Egyptian oppression - and what a task that proved to be.,,, Already he shrunk from the prospect of confronting Pharaoh and pleaded that someone else should go in his place.

The story of the Exodus is God's confirmation that he is as good as his word.... When Moses was powerless in his own strength ,,, God provided supernatural means of support,,,, and so throughout the history of Israel.

When the apostle John was exiled as a lonely prisoner on the island of Patmos, the same reassurance of words of grace and peace came from Jesus,,,, described as "Him which is, which was and which is to come". All this means that God will be what we need him to be in any situation that we face in life. In the words of a hymn, "How good is the God we adore, our faithful and unchangeable friend: whose love is as great as his power, and knows neither measure nor end...."

What did the Burning Bush experience mean for Moses? God wanted to get him up out of his comfortable existence to do the work for which he was destined.... Moses was never the same again....

He had a new intimacy with God; he knew him as friend to friend,,,, The experience gave him a new motivation;,,, his past lifestyle was forgotten,,,, He received a new power for his call to service....

The same principle applies to us when God's call comes. The job description that God has for you and me won't be the same as for Moses but it will be real ,,, and challenging all the same.

God wants us, who name the name of Christ, to get involved, by our living,,,, by our praying,,,,, by our giving,,,,, and by our caring. ....

God looks not for our ability but for our availability.

Let's be sure to be receptive to his call and, when it comes, to obey it.

*(GOD BLESS YOU AND ,,,MAY GOD FOREVER KEEP YOU ....)

Min. Johnathan Hester

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2010-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Online Ordination

I got ordained because I've been pursuing spiritual studies--completely independently of any school other than books and life--lol--and because I've been wishing for a while to start my own church. I didn't have much of a concept for what it would be like until about a little over a year ago...have started my own yahoo group for the eventual offline church I wish to start.

Love,
Brigit

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermon

2010-09-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

S e l f

Universal Life Church

Humankind is being led along an evolving course, through this migration of intelligences
and though we seem to be sleeping
there is an inner wakefulness, that directs the dream
and that will eventually startle us back to the truth of who we are. ..... Rumi

Prayer should bring us
to an altar
where no walls or names exist.

Is there not a region of Love, where the Sovereignty is illuminated nothing,
Where ecstasy gets poured
into itself and becomes lost,
Where the wing is fully alive
but has no mind or body?......— Rabi'a al Basri

A long while ago, some knew Self in such perfection that they healed themselves, and healed others. Some levitated. Some stilled forces of nature. Some disappeared, and then reappeared. Some transformed their bodies completely

Have you a desire to know God? Self? Truth? What might you do then, to begin to unravel mysteries of the same?
Research. Inquire. Seek. Discover. Be steadfast. Importantly: love.

Do not forget or neglect love.
Its peacefulness, humility, pure mindedness and refined devotion are so precious; so crucial.
In your endeavor to unearth Self, ne'er are you alone!
...Your Essential nature (i.e. the Truth of yourself), is the Ultimate Reality (i.e. the Truth of All). ...Isolation or separateness is maya (i.e. illusion). ...You — your truth, your Being itself — is always intimately enmeshed with everything that Is; everything in existence.

May your personal path towards deeply knowing and living your own magnificence and complete potential unfold magnificently, Divine.
Pranaam. Peace. Be Well. Namaste

Your friend Eddie Casey.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

I became ordained to answer what I perceived as a need for a person who could stand with people in their spiritual search without being part of an organized religion. Organized religion preaches being non-judgmentalism and love for the sinner but then proceeds to punishing the "sinner". e.g. Roman Catholics are to love homosexuals and yet, if homosexuality is admitted and that person is in seminary, he cannot be ordained.

In my years as a Nurse I was able to help people and their families as they neared death. My Ministry is an added credential. I hope to be able to officiate at Funerals as well as Weddings and Baptisms.

Thanks,
Rev. Ursula

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-08-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

Online Ordination

At first it was for a joke - a friend of mine told me about the ULC and I did a search. I was ordained in October 2002 (about the same time I looked up the ULC through this site I believe - or the HQ site as I know I am on the ULC's official "roll call".) After a short time I came back to this site (June 2003) and joined the forum. I have since received the basic ministry package (before the CD-ROM was included). Last year I received a few books and the D.D. This year was more books.

I really like calling myself "Reverend" and have made up some business cards that have may "Reve." and "D.D." included - mainly to show off to people. I really don't use my Reverend too much though as the Government here is not really that big on the ULC or other "fringe" churches. However, if I am complaining about something, or do a "Letter to the Editor", I use my "Reverend" and "D.D."

At first, I never really thought of my credential as more than fun, but I am taking it more seriously now. I really enjoy being a Reverend.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming Ordained

2010-08-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Rev. Amy Long,

I became a ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, because I believe mortals are called to Christ's ministry by Christ. Christ does not require a four year degree at a seminary school. Education is always good for the individual, but it is not necessary to preach the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus, did not select the educated scholars of the time to be his 12 apostles, he picked tax collectors, fisherman, unlearned mortals, etc. Why, because when you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not adding or subtracting anything from the word of God, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you need to say or know, when the time comes. The Universal Life Church, asks only that we be honest and true to ourselves and helpful to our brothers and sisters.

Since, I have been ordained, I have mostly officiated at funerals, now I would not have picked this way to serve, but this must be my calling at the time. To serve and give comfort to those that mourn. I have been told several times that I have the Holy Spirit guiding me in my funeral sermons, and I usually get asked where I went to school, when I tell them I did not attend a seminary, most are surprised, and I feel they think I am joking. But, I pray and give myself to the Holy Spirit, who knows all, and helps us when needed.

I say all this to show that the Universal Life Church is doing a service to the mortals of this earth, male and female, with no rejection because of ones race, sex, education level, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

God Bless and keep the Universal Life Church.

Reverend Dennis William Hawkins

Unincorporated Jefferson County, Colorado

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming a Minister

2010-08-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church
Dear Amy,

I truly appreciate your notes of encouragement you e-mail...they are very empowering.... Empowering others has been my life mission. I was a Pentecostal minister around 25 years ago and as I grew in my walk into the spiritual knowing....I left the church. I have been empowering others with the love of God ever since. I have been taking classes from you and received my ordination in 2008. I have retired from the corp. world and now dedicate my life full time to encouraging others on their path.

I have been living with Multiple Myeloma for the last 10 years and have been keeping it at arms reach. I am now in need of treatment and only want to look at this as an opportunity to claim my miracle and see the MAGIC happen as a witness of the amazing power of the Universe giving others the gift of hope in the midst of their illness as well as myself. There is a purpose in all things and I know this is just as it is suppose to be....I just don't want to miss the Divine purpose!

I had the "push" to write you and ask for your prayers and remembrance of me as I continue my journey while being a vessel of truth and a reflection of the Divine Love. If you are interested in seeing a little more about me....please go to my website below and read my words. I am also the organizer of Celebration of Spiritual Awakening and find this a path of empowerment for those who seek their Divine Knowing.

I have voted for you and am very proud of who you are.

Love and Light,

Karin

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming an Ordained Minister

2010-08-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church - Become an ordained minister

Alexandra Rose became a member of ULC because she knew from a very early age that she wanted to work with others. Even though the method and means to achieve that were as yet uncharted territory during her early learning, her lifelong quest for knowledge and enlightenment has instilled in her a devotion to self-discovery and working with her clients. Initially, she pursued an education in Social Work, however once the world of alternative therapies and non-traditional ministry was opened, her path began to unfold. About a year after intensely studying one of these modalities, she received what in a traditional ministry is referred to as a “calling”, the deep knowing that she was to be a spiritual counselor. Having been raised in a moderately observant Jewish home, this came as a surprise. She had not considered ministry as a part of her path. The desire to bridge these led to a period of searching, both inwardly and via various external resources to discern how to follow this guidance. It was during one of the times, in the Spring of 2004 that she received her ordination through ULC.

Since that time, service to others has continued to evolve and her commitment deepens. She feels truly blessed to have been chosen to serve others through God/Goddess’ word and honors all paths and traditions. One of the key elements of her work is bringing others to the deep recognition we all carry within a spark of divinity, whether you choose to refer to this as soul, higher power, guide, etc. At this point, she is honored to have those who are ready for this work drawn and receptive to the combination of therapeutic modalities, prayer and actively engaging guidance, which encompass her sessions. The healing room in which she works contains many “spiritual” tools; from smudge supplies to angel statues. At any given moment she may stop to utilize these to further a client’s goals or ease their transition to the next level.

Currently, I am impassioned about working with women to reclaim their power and remember their place as torchbearers and nurturers of the spirit. I envision a world in which men and women view each other as spiritual partners, joined in service to the healing of our world so that all live in freedom and peace, grounded in knowing our true selves. We move forward with the certainty that no problem is insurmountable when we each add our unique talents with a sincere to serve. My dedication to all who work with me, and fully engage, is to provide experiences where they see the light within more brightly and know themselves more fully than ever before.

For more information, go to http://www.alexandrar.com or http://www.proudwomencircles.com or call me directly at 800-508-6147.

May your days be filled with joy, your nights be peaceful and all of your life be an experience of love always!

Blessings always,

Rev. Alexandra Rose

**********************

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Become an Online Minister

2010-08-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church Minister - Free Online Ordination

Calling

I was ordainded by your online Seminary in 2002 and I am very interested in continuing my education at your Seminary. I am planning on taking your Doctor of Divinity Course next month.

Purpose

What made me decide to become a ULC minister in the Future I want to be able to offer online classes to others like I was fortunate to receive from ULC.

Experience

I became a Minister June 7, 2002 for Universal Life Church, an Elder at the Greater Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 1998, and o October 14, 2002 I was Consecrated in Klileen,Texas for the Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church here in Austin, Texas.

Background

I grew up Catholic and when my adopted mother died no one else in her family was still Catholic and I was not allowed to continue attend the Church I grew up in. My cousin was Church of Christ I believe.The I went to live with my adopted father and his wife was Pentacostal Holiness.

When I became an adult I chose to attend various churches,Greater Peace Pentacostal Victory Christian Center Assemblies of God, Teagues Jerusalum Temple Church of God and Christ, Greater Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Grant Chapel AME, I currently attend Ministry of Challenge Outreach Ministry.

I even all most converted to Buddhism.

Service

I really have been called in Missions/Outreach for those who struggle with Mental Health Issues,and the Justice System.I teach self esteem and symptom management groups at a place called SHAC Self-Help and Advocacy Center.

before I left on a 6 month leave, I helped form a NA group for those with dual-diagnosis, called Eagle Wings of Recovery.

Impact

I feel that being ordained has made a positive Impact in my life. I met an Artist by the name of Dennis W. Brown and he does Sketch Photography he is the one who drew my picture in colored pencil, he has been drawing since he was a young child about 5 years old and the Love of drawing never left his heart.

We started Star Portraits together he says his drawing is a gift from God and he is good.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-08-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Vision Fulfilled At Becoming a Universal Life Church Minister

I am very thankful to God for giving me a godly parents who nurtured and train in the way I should go. At the early age I learned that there is a powerful God who creates every living things and a very loving God.

It was on May 3, 1965 when I personally accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life. Then on December 31, 1975 when I feel the Lord is calling me for full time service the event was youth camp.

After completing high school I enter Baptist Bible College my religious affiliation to receive ministerial training. After four years of study I graduated through the grace of God with the degree on Bachelor Of Religious Education.

On May 3, 1980 up to the present I am pastoring a Baptist congregation church.For twenty seven years of serving the Lord I am very happy no regrets at all.

I become an Ordained Minister of ULC on April 20, 2007 and I join the group because the Holy Spirit leads me because their beliefs is not denominational, their objective is to train the servant of God.goal is to glorify God, and their teachings are biblical.

As pastor not only I am preaching and teaching the word of God I also perform the following as my duties such as; children dedication, water baptism. funeral services, solemnizing weddings and offering counsel to the broken-hearted.

My ministry includes visiting the sick at home or in hospital, visiting the prisoner, and comforting the elderly.

I'm also having community services like, blessings of government buildings, giving lectures on drugs addiction, pornography, environment. and other issue that are interesting.

These services render really affect my whole being because I learn to adjust and develop my personal relationship with all kinds of people.

I am doing this because of the love and compassion of Christ that has been imparted to my life. And to share the love of God to all human beings.

There are many people who touches my heart people who are drug addict, murderer, drunkards, thief, immoral who has been change by the power of God tears are falling in my eyes every time I see how the Lord changed their lives and they are serving the Lord joyfully.

For me joining the ULC family is a vision that has been fulfilled.

Rev. Danilo E. Ines

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Becoming an Ordained Minister

2010-08-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church - Becoming an Ordained Minister

TRUST HIM - OBEY HIM
Rev. Franklin D. Coleman (Minister Frank)
Chicago, Illinois
Minister Frank is a Chicago Firefighter and member of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church, in Chicago, Founded and Pastored by Apostle Aaron L. Royster and Prophetess Mable L. Royster. Minister Frank currently serves as an Ordained Minister facilitating the church’s Men Servants Ministry and publishes the weekly e-mail newsletter “MSM CONNECTIONS” that has announcements, news, recommendations, articles, and other information helpful to men in their spiritual growth. He is a member of the Trustee Board and plays guitar in the Anointed Voices of Praise Band.

New Joy Divine has been the church home for Frank and his wife Linda since 1997. Linda served as the president of the Usher Board for a few years and is a licensed minister. Minister Frank is an active Advisor for the Oak Lawn Lighthouse of Aglow International, an interdenominational organization of Christian women in 137 nations around the world.

Minister Frank has a heart for Men’s Ministry and believes that until men come to a full understanding of their spiritual role in the household, their family’s true potential will never be realized. To that end, Minister Frank founded “Path Of Life Ministries”, a Web Ministry with articles and links to resources to help put men on the Path Of Life.

Education:
Associate of Arts degree in Divinity from the Ohio Valley Biblical Academy, Saint John Theological Seminary.

Coursework in World Religions, Personal Development and Mentoring.
Continuing education and support from Cathedral University (via correspondence), The Online Bible College (via correspondence), World Bible School (via correspondence).

"Now all of that sounds fine & good now. But where did I come from?" says Minister Frank,
"From a "bottom" in 1990, God took me on a journey to learn how to trust and obey Him."

"I don't have a "rags to riches" testimony. God did not perform a miracle healing in my body, nor did He speak to me in an audible voice. I can tell you this; God saved my marriage from my infidelity. God delivered me from nearly losing everything as a "functional alcoholic." Two years after a corporate "down-sizing" God spared my family the pain of foreclosure with an "11th hour-59th minute" financial miracle. God moved hearts and minds to finance two vehicles in the midst of bad credit with the finance officers stating that they didn't know why they approved us. God is a good God!"

Minister Frank continues, "There are many more "acts of a God kind" that I could recite, but, there is a message: God requires only two things from us: TRUST HIM and OBEY HIM. That's the simple version, we can play around with the details all we want but, that's my bottom line."

"I was ordained as a ULC minister in 2001 in order to legitimize the ministry works I was involved in. Shortly thereafter, my Pastor recognized the gifts God put in me and offered Ordination through our local church. I was Ordained by New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church in 2002."

"God has since opened the door to a "Marriage Ministry" in addition to my Men's & Missions ministries works."

"All I have to say is that Universal Life Church was there when I needed the support and legal standing and that, I believe, put my spirit in a mode to let my light shine so bright that others could see it."

God bless you and keep you always!

Rev. Franklin D. Coleman

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2010-07-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church - Rev. Jesse L. Hoog bio:

When I was a little boy I always said I wanted to be a minister. It was always my dream, it seemed to nag at my inner soul and would never completely leave. On Aug. 23, 2007 it hit me that this was my calling and possibly my life's destiny, after all I was 21, no school, or any job I ever had seemed right, so I contacted Amy at the Universal Life Church Seminary and God and I made it happen! My family has a very long line of Ministers and all are/was God fearing people on both side's and all of a very diverse background and a variety of religions.

Starting on my dad's side, his father Amos Hoog was a ordained Church of God Holiness Minister, I never had the pleasure in hearing him preach or his views, for I was barely 2 when he died, but I do know, he did many good things, the way God would have wanted it. His wife (my grandma) Alice Ledbetter Hoog was an ordained and active Four Square Minister, she even founded the first Four Square Church in the Joplin, Missouri area near Stapleton Village. In her life she had attended L.I.F.E Bible College in Los Angeles, Ca. and Oral Roberts In Tulsa, Ok.

She never lost her faith in God and she even smiled while dying of cancer and said that God had his reasons for everything, she never blamed God or lost faith! Also on my dad's side of the family, his mom's (Alice) father George W. Ledbetter was an ordained and active Southern Baptist and a police Chaplain for the Wichita, Ks. Police Dept. My dad himself, Robert D. Hoog Sr. is an ordained Non-Denominational, he does not practice as a minister but he has always ministered to people through music for the Lord gave him a powerful voice that even helped him to overcome a speech impairment and to graduate high school. Alot of people have even said that I was gave his musical talents. Let's switch sides now to my mom's family. Her father Jack L. Vinyard was an ordained Non-Denominational Minister, he never lead a congregation of his own, but his love for God was none the less!

He maintained his faith through the Korean War and even had his shoulder shot off and re-attached and never blamed God! Instead he told all back home how he and his platoon had saw Jesus save them! He taught all of his grandkids that no matter the sins of your past, that he and God shared the same belief; forgiveness and that he and God loves all his children. When time came for him to live in eternity with his son he missed so badly and God he never shed one tear of pain and talked about the man who was coming to see him in his room.

The night he left we all saw from across the street a man in his room, we believe that man was Jesus or his son Jackie. Now that's about all the ministers in my family but to be very honest, all my family has a strong devotion for God. My mom is a Pentecostal from the P to the L so to speak and her mom was just a down right bred in the blood Christian. My brother is a Universal Life Church Minister the same as I, he is even the one who made me aware of the church's existence.

I guess to break down what actually I am, is a Pentecostal, Four Square and Nazarene Jesus freak! As of now I am just starting out, so my studies come first, for it says; "Study to show yourself approved unto God." 2 Timothy 2:15. So I haven't really performed any services as of now. When I was younger though before the ministry, my grandma Jennie S. Vinyard had a heart attack on her farm south of Joplin, Mo, she went for some time with no oxygen, while my dad gave her mouth to mouth to keep her alive. When she arrived at the hospital they told us she had brain damage and would probably never wake up, so with my family's urging and my grandma's believing in my power of prayer, I took her hand in the hospital and told her, "Grandma it's Jesse I'm going to pray with you now and when I'm done you wake up, OK?" So all in the room bowed their heads and I prayed to God with all my heart and when I was done I said, "Grandma wake up now, I did my part." Sure enough there was her eyes wide open and that day even the doctor cried. Though she was a bit incoherent we all enjoyed four more wonderful years with her. So I suppose that's my only performance as of now.

I truly believe that becoming a part of the Universal Life Church has strengthened me and my faith in God. It has also made me better at forgiving and walking away from a conflict rather than using anger! Just as soon as my classes are through the seminary are finished, I plan to become a full time minister, as well as be a police chaplain. Well I guess to close up this page in my life in this book of fine minister's, I will tell you all a story that happened when I was homeless. I was around twelve and homeless in my hometown of Joplin, Missouri. We were hungry and broke so we went to the local Salvation Army when we had no money for food. Outside the building on a super hot July or August day a homeless man had no shirt or shoes on his skinny body, had went there for some help.

Rather than helping him with clothes as he obviously needed they wouldn't let him in there for food or clothes but they took him a plate and made him stay in the hot alley. The plate of food looked like they was feeding a dog and it really upset me. My family and I was eating in the car. He went to go in the place to ask for more and they pushed him back out and told him NO! I got so upset at them I could of bit a bullet in two for there was only about five others there for supper and they were about to close so quantity shouldn't have been an issue. I said to the man, "Wait a minute" and I ran in there and asked them for food to take home to my brother. They gave me three buckets of food and I went outside. I gave that guy seconds on food and took off my shirt I was wearing and gave it to him. I told him, "God Loves You!"

And before leaving he asked my mom for a cigarette and my Mom gave him one and he lit it but he never took one drag of it not once! He rode off and we pulled off to ask him if he needed a ride cause after all he was on a bike and it was very hot. When we turned the corner he wasn't there, he wasn't even a half block away when we took off. He was just totally gone when we got up there where he had turned just seconds before. I think it was a test of God that he was an Angel! Thank you all for reading my page. I pray it has been pleasing to you all and some how inspired you!

Thanks and God Bless you,
Rev. Jesse L. Hoog

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

2010-07-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Two Universal Life Church ministers walked into a bar....

Many of my Bunny with a Toolbelt fans know that I'm also an ordained minister who has helped eight of my closest friends legally tie the knot over the past decade and a half. I met local minister Steve Sharp when he and his wife bought one of my pieces at Crafty Wonderland. He has performed ceremonies for many couples in the Portland area for the past few years, and I thought he'd be an excellent subject for an interview......or if you've simply are curious about what Reverends talk about when they're off duty:

BWAT: Hey Steve--thanks for agreeing to do an interview on my blog. My first question for you is: "What led you to become a wedding officiant?"

SS:I've always liked the idea of being part of such a positive celebration, and so I became ordained through the Universal Life Church in 1996. I started to put the word out that I was able to legally marry people, and I got the chance to perform my first ceremony when my daughter recommended me to her best friend. We held the ceremony in a park on the banks of the Columbia River on a beautiful June day, and I found the experience to be immensely rewarding. I was hooked!

My next ceremony was the backyard wedding of one of my wife's co-workers. They initially viewed marriage as "just a piece of paper" that they needed to "make it legal". After the ceremony, however, the groom made a tearful speech describing how his eyes had been opened to the spiritual bond he now felt between him and his wife. Reverend Steve was on his way!

BWAT: Tell me about the Universal Life Church and what you like about
their philosophy.

SS: Although I am a very spiritual person, I do not feel a particularly deep connection with any single organized religion. Rather, there are elements of many different religions which resonate with me. This is what I like about the Universal Life Church philosophy. They want you to pursue your spiritual beliefs - whatever they may be - without interference from any outside agency, including government or church authority. Their mantra (if you will) is "Do only that which is right", and they believe that every person has the natural right - and the responsibility - to peacefully determine what is right.

BWAT: What's your process for working on a ceremony with a couple?

SS: After the initial contact through my website - aBeautifulCeremonyNW.com - or WeddingWire.com, I schedule a time and place for our first meeting. I also email the couple a questionnaire so that I'll have all the basic details (venue, date and time of the wedding, etc.) in front of me. At our meeting, I will go over the details with the couple to make sure we're on the same page and then we'll talk about what kind of ceremony they have in mind. We talk about the tone of the ceremony (religious, spiritual, secular,) and what kind of "inner ceremonies" (roses, sand, candles, etc.) they may desire as well as elements such as parental honoring that they might want me to include.

I then compose a first draft of the ceremony based on our conversation and email that to them for approval. If they have any changes, additions or deletions, I will rewrite the ceremony and submit the revised version to them. This usually becomes the final version of the ceremony.

BWAT: What's the most unusual wedding ceremony you ever officiated?

SS: There have been some strange requests over the years, but I think the most unusual setting would have to be the wedding I performed aboard a moving steam train in the winter of 2009. It was about 14 degrees that day, but the bride still bravely wore a low cut wedding dress. The passenger car we were in lurched from side to side as we made our way down the track, but everybody took it in stride and the ceremony was one of the most upbeat and happy ones I've experienced.

BWAT: How do you choose what to wear when you're "at work?"

SS: I always ask the couple what they prefer, and they almost always opt for a dark suit.

BWAT: My biggest occupational hazard is being sentimental. Do you get
wrapped up in the magnitude of what you're doing and choke up while
officiating?

I've been known to get a little misty, but I never allow myself to really get choked up. After all, I am there to perform the ceremony on their special day and I would never forgive myself if I let my emotions diminish their experience in any way!

-----
Thanks Steve for letting me into your world! You can find more about Steve's techniques in the FAQ section of his website A Beautiful Ceremony NW.

Posted by Hilary Pfeifer

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church.

Online Sermons

2010-07-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

By Rev. Jimmy Warren

Gathering the Harvest

Beloved, I come to you again to have you know with certainly that God

loves you more than you will ever know. God and his son Jesus loved you so

much that they where willing to split their family to give each and everyone

of us the chance to become an heir to God's Kingdom and to share eternal

life with them. (John 3:16 )

We all need to be on our knees everyday praying for the harvest because

our Lord Jesus is on his way back to save all those who love Him and his

Father and to do away with those who will not obey. See our article, "You Only

Live Twice" on this site.

What is the harvest you say? Well its you and me folks. Have you ever

asked yourself, "Why are there so many churches?" Well, there are so many of

us and our personalities are so vast that each of us need a different kind

of person to reach us and teach our minds. This is why there are so many churches.

We need to pray for the harvest of people but we also need to pray for

laborers to help bring in the harvest. If you feel that you have been

called to share in the gospel, or feel called to the ministry,then become

ordained through the Universal Life Church and serve God in your own way.

I would ask that those interested read the book "40 Days of Purpose" by

Pastor Rick Warren. This book will help all of you to understand what

you, as a fellow human, need to be doing to help bringing the harvest. Read

Matthew 9:36-38

Pray for God to move on others, to teach and preach about the

forthcoming Kingdom of God; it is your duty. Don't just rely on your pastor or

church; get out yourself, have bible studies in your home,and talk to your

neighbors and friends. Read Heb.3:13-15 and Heb. 4:1

Take time to help strangers, go with your feelings when moved by the

Holy Spirit; you don't know who you might be helping. The time of the end is

near and we need to reach all kinds of people. We have to be like others to

reach them, especially young people who are turned off by religion. When we

read in Luke 7:35-38, we see how to behave toward our enemies. Then how should we treat those we know?

I run into young people all the time who say that religion is a

conspiracy brought on by our governments and the churches of the world. I counter

this idea by asking how a grand conspiracy on a scale never heard of before

could last two thousand years? We can't even keep a small thing covered up

for very long without someone spilling the beans.

We read in Matthew 10:13-16 that we must all come before Christ as

little children. This means we need to trust and come with open arms to God. A

lot of churches have missed the point of our dear Lord and Savior's message

of forgiveness. They have gone way over board in preaching about doom and

gloom. Read our article, "Why do you go to church"

All Jesus ever preached was forgiveness; He even said, "I come not to

judge,but to forgive." Read Mark 10:24-31. Beloved, we must be ready to give up everything to be in the kingdom and to help others make it. We must be willing to give up our lives to help our fellow brothers and sisters make it. What do I mean when I say, "We must be willing to give our lives." Our life is our time, and we need to be spending more of it in helping others reach the Lord. Amen

Let God tell you what to say to others, or wait till God opens your

mouth; don't be afraid to speak the word of God.Mark 10:20 says, "He that wins souls must be wise."

Jesus loves you so much that he laid down his life and died a miserable

death so YOU could be with him and The Father in The Kingdom of God

forever. Isn't this worth sharing with those around us, our lives and time?

Think on this and ask yourself, "What am I doing to help those around me?"

Beloved, we are told that there is no greater commandment than to love

one another. "As I have loved you," is what Jesus himself said, so how can

we be expected to do any less? We must take the message of Jesus to the

world, the whole world.

It is time for us all to read the bible for what it really says,and not

what a bunch of preachers say it says. Read it for yourself; you will be

amazed at how simple the word of God is. We are to follow the example of Jesus

and be forgiving to all who treat us wrong. We must repent and change our

ways to be good stewards of our creator.

Beloved, I reiterate. We are running out of time, the end is very near.Don't you want all those you love to be in the kingdom of God? All people are our brothers and sisters and we are commanded to love our brothers as ourselves. The time is now. Where are you right now? Are you doing your part, or are you like the rest of the world, just looking out for yourself?

All of us will be face to face with God The Father soon, and will have to give an account for our lives. Have you thought about this? Again the time is NOW!

Don't sit down and give up. Stand up for the Lord and be ready to be received in the kingdom of our God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Your eternal life is counting on it, be ready.

Amen and all praise be to God.

If you enjoyed this writing come to

our web site simplesalvation.org

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Sermon

2010-07-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

By Bruce Wallace

What I Wnat for Christmas

What do you want for Christmas this year? I think each year our list just gets longer and longer. The truth being known, I think most of us want too much way to much, mostly of the wrong things and not enough of the right things. I think we spend way to much on ourselves and not enough on others. Christmas is the time of the year to spread good cheer, make friends with that person you have been not talking with. Give a little time to someone who has less then you. Not worrying about just what to put under the tree.

We fill up under the tree with toys, and many gifts most of us will never use anyway.

Stop and think what do you think I might want for Christmas this year?

have you ever opened up all the present and feel there is still something missing?

Well I have prolong this long enough all I want for Christmas this year is that people know that a child was born. A son was given. He was given the name the everlasting father the Prince of Peace. Not all the toys not all the fancy gifts. We are forgetting that we are all Gods children, and yes my friends God is alive. The everlasting father the Prince of Peace.

Amen

Bruce Richard Wallace

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Ordained Minister

2010-07-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

ULC Nigerian Minister: Danjummai

Universal Life Church

My real name is Ahmad. My father’s name is Umar. My grandfather’s name is Abdullahi. I was born Friday, 16^Th, 1965 at Unguwar Shanu a Northern Kaduna suburb in the country Nigeria . I am a Muslim. My father died when I was young. Corporal Umaru Madagali died while receiving medical attention at the 44-Army Reference Hospital Kaduna after the Nigeria ’s Civil War which is known to be the war of the Unity of Nigeria. My mother’s name is Aisha. She hails fro Gora, Kano State . She raised me up, jointly with our guardian, Late Hajiya Ladin Basharu Argungu who was the financier of my early education.

There is nothing special about me. May be that I have a good memory of things spanning from when I was supposed to be a kid – things from when I was three years of age. When my father died late 1972, my family, customary of our tradition, tried to hide the news to me. When I asked why people were crying through out the day and that my mum said nothing about visiting my father at the hospital, my mother said “We’ll go to the hospital together next day.” I knew she was lying. I also knew that my father was no more. The period of the death of my father sharpened my curiosity on the matter of Afterlife. I remember when within that period we were taught letter writing in school and it occurred to me to write my father a letter where he was in what I later understood to be the limbo. Of course I had my frustration with the mailing address I was to use. I also understood how impossible it was to physically communicate with the dead. But I still went ahead to write and post my letter. I remember how silly I felt when I went to post the unaddressed letter which I knew would get stuck at the post office. I remember the body of my letter which reads: “Dear Father, how are you? I hope you are fine. I write to ask how you are doing.” That was my first shot on the controversial question of Afterlife, and interestingly, I dreamed of my father the night I posted my letter that he visited and took me out to a nice place and back.

There is nothing much in my adult life either. I grew knowing that I did all sorts of low-level youthful experimentation. That was during and after my secondary education in 1983. The only credit that could probably be given to my minor-life could be the awareness of the implications of my actions. What I had was a very probing mind and perhaps the reason why I keep craving for new acquaintances or experiences, and probably why I find it easy to adapt to new or challenging situations. I used to be fond of drinking and all sorts of smoking. I remember the New Year eve of 1985. I was in a bar drinking to the approaching year with a close-friend when it occurred to me to stop drinking and engaging in things that hamper spiritual growth. We prayed to God in our drunken state and luckily my prayer was answered and I became straightened. This quite unusual touch of God on sinners made me increased my curiosity about God. I was brought up to think of sinners as the enemies of God who do not deserve His mercy. But as I later became conversant with the Qur'an I came to know that "the mercy of God encompasses all."

By the year 1988, I was a complete devotee with great sympathy to the cause of the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, plunging myself into the arena of religious or world politics, and was soon to realize afterward, after the demise of the Imam that “God is more than the Heavens and Earth can contain.” I therefore set my search beam inwards again. I devoted time searching God in the Spirit. Islam is a spiritual religion but erroneous interpretations, like in the rest of the Paths, had turned it otherwise. A Muslim must believe in God, All Revealed Books, Prophets, Angels, Jinns (Spirits), Destiny and Afterlife. I had a great fancy for stories about the spirits. Interactions between Spirits and Mankind had begun from time immemorial. A whole Chapter dealing with the idiosyncrasies of the Spirits is featured in the Holy Qur’an. Sufi or Spiritual Scholars had also rendered works on this subject. Such works became my daily companions and before time my eyes began opening to the unusual occurrence around me. I used to come back home from work and find burning incense in my room or the odor of pleasant perfumes. There was a night I came back and felt the presence of a female entity in the room. There was a time I traveled out and when back late at night realized I had forgotten my keys where I visited. I was about breaking the door but something in my mind forbade me and made me stroll outside for a little while. When back I found the keys put at the step of my door. I gradually became used to my hidden friends and worked earnestly towards formalizing our relationship. The harder I worked the faster my eyes and dream sensors were opened, and when I was able to clearly see I was fully enrolled in the Batini (Hidden) School where I did my Masters and PhD - believe it or not.

I do remember the early days of my studies when I wanted to see the spirits with my physical eyes. I did my supplication and went to sleep. I was awoken by a tap on my shoulder and when I opened my eyes it was unbelievable. I found myself lying in a crowded beach. I sat up and watched the amazing scenario for minutes before going back to sleep. I also remember when I was eager to memorize all the faces I saw and voices I heard and my dream aid told me to just "pay attention". That was how I was taught healing and matters of the Kingdom. If I have work to do I just pop into the small world and come back with solutions – simple.

I began my healing career late 2001. Healing is cool, if not for the lonely times. When you are gifted (or ESP) you find you are lonely in the midst of a crowd. I find the Internet accommodating when I am resting. This, interestingly, was how I found online forums such as the University Of Metaphysical Sciences of which I am member and subsequently the Universal Life Church Forums which are invaluable fountains of enlightenment, where we of like minds meet to rub minds.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar