Michigan Avenue Church of God, 515 Minnis Road, will celebrate the one-year anniversary of service of pastors Wesley and Linda Choplin today, 11 a.m. Larry Timmerman will be the speaker. more

A time for change  “Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee” (Luke 8:39 KJV). These were the words of Jesus to the man of Gadara who had lived among the tombs because of the devils which possessed his soul, mind and body.  We’re entering the last half of the first month of 2020, but today is the first day of the rest of your live. New Year’s resolutions won’t make that much difference in the coming months. Those who knew their God at the ending of 2019 will no doubt continue their journey with Christ.  But for those who have regrets in their living and have gone in the wrong direction, the new year is a good time to take stock and make decisions for the right. It can be the beginning of a new life just as the man who lived among the tombs. His transformation, however, didn’t come about with resolutions, only by the power of Christ. The tormented man had no hope — he had no rest, no joy, no place and no peace.  Unpleasant circumstances had forced the man to live in fear and uncertainty. No longer could he enjoy the security and assurance of “home.” No longer could he have the normalcy of life. He didn’t know that the Son of God would be his visitor that day and then everything would change. He didn’t know that this day would be the beginning of a new life. He didn’t know that this group of men who landed on the shore of Gadara meant the difference in life and death.  Jesus and his disciples had crossed over the Jordan to the land of the Gadarenes to one of the cities of the Decapolis — now Umm Qais. After Jesus had stilled the storm while crossing the Galilee, the group faced this man who had been ostracized from society. But Jesus changed things for this outcast — He delivered him from the devils which then went into swine nearby. The pigs, according to Scripture, ran off the cliffs into the water and drowned. Jesus changed the direction of this madman in the graveyard. He touched him and told him to “go home” and share what Jesus had done for him. At “home,” there is warmth. At “home,” the table is set. At “home,” there is a place for you. How foolish it is to “live among the tombs,” if you will only open the door to Christ, and receive an instant and joyous welcome. “Return to thine own house,” and testify to the great things God has done in your life. It’s a new beginning. “A pilgrim was I, and a wandring, “In the cold night of sin I did roam, “When Jesus the kind shepherd found me, “And now I am on my way home.” — Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me more

Abundant Blessings Food Ministry, 18076 Blythe Ave. S.E., will have its monthly food giveaway on Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 423-479-2143. more

Abundant Blessings Food Ministry, 18076 Blythe Ave. S.E., will have its monthly food giveaway on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 423-479-2143. more

Cleveland Ministers Network will meet Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at Westwood Baptist Church, 4001 Georgetown Road. Pastors, ministers and community leaders are invited to join the group for a light breakfast. The topic will be “Longevity of Pastor and Church.” The speakers will be the Rev. Edward S. Robinson Sr., Bishop Ron Hill, the Rev. Nolan Phillips and Pastor Larry Cockerham. more

Abundant Blessings Food Ministry, 18076 Blythe Ave. S.E., will have its monthly food giveaway on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 423-479-2143. more

Ladies Day will be observed on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Liberty Baptist Church, 900 King St. S.W. Doris Bowman will be speaking on the “The Light of the World.” There will be a meal in the fellowship hall. more

I resolve … more

Ladies Day will be observed on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Liberty Baptist Church, 900 King St. S.W. Doris Bowman will be speaking on the “The Light of the World.” There will be a meal in the fellowship hall. more

Hymnsmen Quartet will be in concert today, 10:45 a.m., at Elkmont Baptist. Church, 4030 Old Freewill Road. ——— more