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Join Our Online Directory website: www.goodnewspress.us December 2018

Plan of Salvation:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe
in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved.

A Message From Good News Press

The Christian message is often re-
Being Thankful in the United States: A Nationwide Survey ferred to as the "Gospel," which
means "good news." Specifically, it
Each year the team at Raven's Eye con- been able to do. findings support the presence of deep is the good news about Jesus—who
ducts a national survey in the United and meaningful family values among He is, what He has done, and what
States, which asks two questions: At this time, what or whom do you Americans, as well as the practical He offers. Essentially, the message
1. For what or whom are you most need most, and why? needs of jobs and money." -- Dr. Brit- is that Jesus was God in the flesh,
ton Niles that He came into the world to rec-
thankful, and why? • At this time, I most need my fami- oncile humanity to Himself, and
At this time, what or whom do you ly. Study co-author and CEO of Raven's
Eye that his salvation is freely offered to
need most, and why? • At this time in my life, I need more each person who will respond in
money. Other interesting findings include that: faith. The Gospel message explains
2018 survey results: that salvation is only possible
• I most need love and support. • Participants were most thankful for through the Crucifixion and Resur-
For what or whom are you most thank- What I need most right now is a job. other people, though god, health, ani- rection of Jesus. Through his sacri-
ful, and why? mals and material items were noted. fice, Jesus paid the price for our sin-
"This research is extremely valuable. It Such results indicate a human-centered fulness (rebellion against God), thus
• I am most thankful for my family offers insight into what Americans are
because they love me, and have always worldview. offering us forgiveness. Then
thankful for and what they need. In • Participants focused on family and through his Resurrection He con-
been there for me. terms of thankfulness, people appreci- friends, versus other social identities quered death, removing it as the
• I am thankful for friends in my life, ate family, friends, and the value of life penalty for our sin and replacing it
who love and support me. such as sports groups or occupations.
itself. When asked about needs, people Family included such relations as par- with the offer of eternal life that is
• I am grateful for my good health. reflect on both social and material ents, children, husbands, wives, moth- only available from Him to all those
• I am thankful for God. things, including their families, money, ers, and daughters were mentioned. that place their faith in Him.
I'm thankful for everything that I have love and support, and a job. These Continued on Back Page

Christian Themed Solid Rock Café Opens in Antioch’s Historic Rivertown

The Grand Opening of Solid Rock
Café on November 9th offers the
community great food, American,
Southern, & Cajun styled, a the weekends.
warm dining experience in- The owners of Solid Rock Café,
cluding some delta water Pastor Kirkland and Qwivander
views, faith, fellowship, and a
Smith, and Allen Payton wanted to
family friendly fun environ- offer tasty, quality home cooked
ment. food, faith and fellowship, family
friendly fun, and a warm welcoming
The restaurant and entertain- experience for all. Guests will also
ment house, located at 422 W. find several big screen tv’s to un-
Second Street, has an exten- wind & relax, cozy booths, servers
sive menu. Some of the menu with smiles, outside dining with del-
items include seafood, garlic ta views, private event space avail-
crab & noodles, gumbo, and able for parties, and more.
Jambalaya on the weekends
as well as greens, macaroni & Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11am Guests enjoy new restaurant (L); Guests are
cheese, fried and baked chick- – 8pm; Saturday, 9am - 8pm served food (above) at Solid Rock Café .
en, and numerous other Southern, (brunch 9am – 1pm); and Sunday facebook.com/solidrockcafeantioch, or
Cajun, and traditional dishes. A 11am – 6 pm ( brunch 11am -2pm). call (925) 481-2706.
breakfast buffet is also offered on For more info: solidrockcafe.us,
 Good News Press - Page 2
Do You Want Prayer? Call (925) 368-5052 or Fill Out the Prayer Request Form at www.goodnewspress.us

Ways To Help Those Impacted by California Wildfires

The Camp and the Woolsey
wildfires in California has
had devastating effects,
claiming at least 83 lives
and thousands of homes.
The Camp Fire nearly de-
stroyed the entire city of
our neighbors Paradise California, leaving
Partner With Us in Sharing the thousands homeless. The
Good News of Jesus Christ to our about the Good
News of Jesus Camp fire is the most de-
Community! Christ and reap structive wild fire in Califor-
Good News Press is a Christian outreach eternal rewards. nia history, and of this writ-
publication in the San Francisco Bay Area. Good News Press ing is still not completely
This popular high-quality, newspaper, in- believes that this out, but about 90 percent
forms and inspires believers, as well as commission begins contained. Recent rain has
plant seeds into the hearts of men and in our own back- turned very unhealthy air due Wildfire Burns Hill with Flames and Dramatic Smoke For-
women. to the wildfires for large mations during Woolsey Fire California
yards. There are
Good News Press covers world, national, more than 7 Mil- chunks of California, but the
and local religious news and events, and lion people in the Bay Area. We want to rain has since brought air back to health assistance as well as medical
features inspiring Christian articles and in- healthy levels. treatment.
share the good news, and bring to them the
sights. It is available, both digitally online love of Jesus Christ.
and in full-color printed format. Organizations that Help: The Salvation Army
• Urgency… We believe that these are the
Christian newspapers reach a targeted audi- end times and that Jesus Christ is soon to began their response work for the
ence-specifically a family oriented, audi- American Red Cross: Camp Fire on November 8, and ex-
return.
ence, with strong loyalties and convictions. Go to our website to find out how to sup- Make Donations at their website: panded their efforts as the fire has ex-
Why Support Good News Press www.redcross.org or make a $10 dona- panded. The Salvation Army has de-
port Good News Press at
• Fulfill the Great Commission! Help us tell www.goodnewspress.us tion by texting the word CAWILDFIRES ployed multiple Emergency Disaster
to 90999 or calling 1-800-RED- Service teams to provide meals and
CROSS. support to those affected. Teams are
providing three meals a day, snacks,
Join our Directory: www.goodnewspress.us California Community Foundation’s beverages, essential items, and emo-
Wildfire Relief Fund tional and spiritual care. To donate visit
Promote Your Business or Ministry www.calfund.org/wildfire-relief-fund their site:https://
The fund has raised more than $5 mil- westernusa.salvationarmy.org/usw_thq/
lion for relief and recovery efforts for news/california_wildfires/
Black Friday Becomes Bless Friday® wildfires. Provides financial and mental

- Bless Friday Expands to preparing the public areas of the Open

South Texas Door Mission for Christmas. ODM helps
addicted, homeless and disabled men. What Does Christmas Mean to Christians?
Since 2010, Bless Friday® has provided At-home activities include packing rice
an alternative to hectic Christmas shop- and beans for the Fuente Food Pantry Christmas is the most commercial celebrate Christian on different dates.
ping on the day after Thanksgiving. and making emergency lunch kits for season in our society, but for a sig- December 25 is simply an arbitrary
Churches and Christians in Houston, Kids' Meals. Participating Houston area nificant percentage of the population date chosen to celebrate the birth be-
The Woodlands, Richmond, Trinity, and churches include Memorial Drive Pres- it is also a holiday packed with cause the exact date is unknown.
Cotulla, Texas and Seattle, Washington byterian Church, St. John the Divine meaning. For Christians who take
are preparing projects that honor Christ Episcopal Church, West University Bap-
at Christmas on Friday, November 23
their faith seriously, Christmas is the The date is non-consequential, any-
tist Church, Crosspoint Church and the celebration of one of the most im- way, since the true significance of
and also on Saturday the 24th. These Beacon of Light Christian Center.
churches encourage families and indi- portant events in history. Christmas for Christians is not found
viduals to celebrate Bless Friday® as an Beacon of Light Christian Center, locat- in the coming of Jesus. It is in why
alternative to Black Friday. ed in south Houston, will host clothing Christians consider Christmas to be He came. The Bible explains (and
giveaway for the community on the the celebration of the day Jesus Christians believe) that Jesus is (and
This year Bless Friday will partner with morning of Saturday, November 25. Christ was born as a baby. Known in was) divine, and that He came into
RE/MAX Legacy Living and nearby resi- theology as the "Incarnation," it sig- the world for the primary purpose of
dents and passersby will gather to fill Chuck Fox, founder of Bless Friday®, nifies that God became human and eventually giving up His life as an
and wrap Christmas shoeboxes for dis- states, "Starting your Christmas celebra- entered into His own creation. Ac- expression of His love and grace.
tribution by the Houston International tion with service changes how you expe- cording to the biblical nativity narra- Ultimately, it was part of a grand
Seafarers. Jemila Winsey says, "These rience the holidays. Helping others al- tives, Jesus was born to a virgin plan to offer forgiveness and life to
boxes will lift the spirits of lonely seafar- ters how you view the season. Children named Mary in the town of Bethle- all who would willingly choose to
ers in the Port of Houston who are con- especially may be transformed as they hem in the Judean countryside. place their faith and hope in Him.
fined on board and away from their fami- shift their focus from receiving presents
ly and home during the holidays." to serving others. Join us by choosing Though most people identify Christ- While many people complain about
an activity that honors Christ, gather mas with the date of December 25, the holiday’s modern emphasis on
Houston churches' efforts will include together your family and friends, and Christianity does not actually claim
helping people still impacted by Hurri- start your Christmas celebration with consumerism, Christians throughout
that Jesus was born on December 25. the centuries have recognized that
cane Harvey; sending congregants to service." In fact, Christmas has been celebrat-
The Beacon, a homeless shelter estab-
ed on a variety of different dates Christmas represents a turning point
lished by Christ Church Cathedral; help- Bless Friday® was founded in 2010 in in history when the Savior entered
ing at the Houston Food Bank, serving Houston to change the way Americans
throughout the history of the Chris-
tian Church. In fact, even today the world.
lunch at Cornerstone Community and celebrate Christmas.
Christians in some parts of the world

Get Listed in Our Online Business Directory ! Visit Our Site at : www.goodnewspress.us
Christmas trends: Forget pine, white trees are hot
Welcome to the future. Nearly
60 years later, nostalgia in
white, silver and flocked trees
has come full cir-
cle, out of garage
sales and back in-
to the living
room.
According
to the Wall Street
Journal, this is
likely due to In-
stagram and social
media where, if
you want to dis-
play your favorite
colorful orna-
ments, nothing
shows them off as
well as a white
tree.
In some
ways, the white
trees are a back-
lash against the
all-natural trend
in design, food, clothing and
life in general, says the Jour-
nal. Besides, it is exhausting
and expensive to head out to
the tree farms to find and cut
Remember.
Honor. Teach.
Group remembers war dead
with wreaths
Like most good ideas,
this one began with a prob-
lem.
In 1992, the owner of
a wreath company in Maine
found himself with a surplus
near the end of the Christ-
mas season.
What to do?
Morrill Worcester,
owner of Worcester Wreath
Company, decided he would
use the wreaths to decorate
the most inspirational place
he saw as a boy: Arlington
National Cemetery.
With the help of a
senator, he made arrange-
ments to decorate an older
section of the cemetery, one
with fewer visitors every
year. A local trucking com-
pany heard about the effort
and donated transportation
for the wreaths. American
Legion and VFW posts volun-
teered to make red bows. And
the Maine State Society
Good News Press - Page 3
just the right spruce or pine.
If it is a backlash, it
got started in 2017, when Way-
fair saw white tree
sales spike, quad-
ruple the year be-
fore and selling
out earlier. White
trees made up 13
percent of total
Christmas tree
sales, up from 5
percent the year
before.
This year, as
in the 1970s, white
trees make the per-
fect backdrop for
ornamental themes.
One-color ornaments
are popular, as are
white-on-white
flocked trees and
lights. It certain-
ly adds a bright
spot to a room.
Especially with flocked
trees, you can still go native
with wooden ornaments, pine
cones and toys mixing with
lights of a single color.
helped to lay the wreaths.
It became a mission
for veteran and military
groups and the idea spread.
By 2007, a non-profit
corporation-- Wreaths Across
America -- was formed with
the motto: Remember. Honor.
Teach.
In 2014 the group
placed more than 700,000
wreaths in 1,000 locations
from Pearl Harbor to Valley
Forge.
If you would like to
participate, go to wreath-
sacrossamerica.org.
 Good News Press - Back - December 2018
Visit Our Site: www.goodnewspress.us Send your news or events to: info@goodnewspress.us
Retirement Reformation Movement Aims to Transform
Lives and Mobilize Untapped Golden-Years Army
Shockingly, most Christians of future thinking among ma-
plan to do 'nothing' when they turing people, but also a gaping
stop working, but Bruce Bruins- hole in the church's current
ma hopes a 'seniors summit' view of seniors. Focusing minis-
will change all that and spark a try more on young people and
revolution of devotion and ser- families, many churches just
vice tell older members "to keep
giving and not be grumpy," he
-- The American church's giant says.
isn't sleeping, but it's busy
playing golf and taking lif easy
in retirement, according to the The retirement issue has come
man behind a campaign to mo- to the forefront in recent years
bilize an untapped golden-years as longevity has increased, Bru-
army. insma acknowledges. Many
people can now expect to live
30 years after they stop work-
Having built a successful career ing, he says, passing through
and company helping Christians three different phases of oppor-
save wisely for retirement, fi-
nancial services veteran Bruce
Bruinsma is now focused on
making sure they spend those
years well, enriching their own
and others' lives.

Through his new Retirement

Reformation
(www.retirementreformation.or
g) initiative, he plans to birth a
movement that inspires and
equips seniors to invest their
hearts in a deeper relationship
with God and their time and
money in building God's king-
dom.
Being Thankful Survey Continued from Front Page
•
Females were relatively more thank- groups, while younger women were rel-
tunity to be active in God's ser- atively more thankful for their boy-
With many believers among vice as they further age. ful for their, "wonderful husbands," than
America's 50 million or so and were males, while males were relatively friends.
growing population of retire- more thankful for their, "loving wives." Other than thankfulness or gratitude,
ment-agers, the church has But the Retirement Reformation love is the most frequent emotional term
missed an opportunity to capi- isn't only about what seniors • Younger males mentioned needing a used. For more information, go
talize on their wisdom, experi- can do for the church—it's also car relatively more frequently than other to: ravens-eye.net.
ence and resources, Bruinsma about how their lives can be en-
contends. riched in return.
December National Events
"Our career may come to an "The world says that it's all 1-31, National Impaired Driv-
Cambridge. Since 1918, a
end, but as Christians our call- downhill after you retire, and ing Prevention Month. Christmas Eve service of car-
ing to serve God continues until you just need to try to enjoy as ols and readings from the Bi-
we die," he says. "Imagine much leisure as you can before
what might be accomplished if 1 and 8, Christmas Candle- ble performed by the Choir of
you die," Bruinsma says. "There lightings. Roscoe Village, King's College. Web:
more older Christians were ac- is something much more ful-
tively engaged in meaningful filling available; God invites us Coshocton, OH. Web: roscoevil- kings.cam.ac.uk.
ministry. Remember, ministry to be part of reflecting him to lage.com
equates to changed lives." the world in every stage of life. 25, Christmas.
Our last quarter could be our 1-31, Christmas New Orleans
best season ever, if we take ad- Style. New Orleans, LA. Con- 26, Boxing Day. Dec 26. A day
Many people are completely un- vantage of a life's worth of certs, caroling Web: fqfi.org. when Christmas gift boxes have
prepared for their second half knowledge and experience, been expected by a postman,
of life, in retirement, Karcher combined with a greater free- 2, Hanukkah Begins At Sundown. the lamplighter, the dustman
said, though it is the time when dom provided by both time and and generally by all those
"we could most anticipate a money." 10, Nobel Prize Awards Ceremo- functionaries who render ser-
greater freedom in our calen- nies. vices to the public at large,
dars and finances than we pre- without receiving payment
pared for." Welcoming the invi- Retirement Reformation 14-Jan 5, 2019, Christmas Bird therefore from any individual.
tation to be part of the summit, (www.retirementreformation.or
he added: “I anticipate there Count. Web: audubon.org/
g) was founded to help Chris- 31, First Night. Family-
will be phenomenal new rela-
tionships formed, ideas gener- tians approach retirement as an 23, Community Carol Sing. Mys- oriented, nonalcoholic commu-
ated, and plans put in place for opportunity to serve God in new tic, CT. Web: mysticsea- nity celebrations of the New
improving the impact the aver- ways, sharing their wisdom, ex- port.org. Year-first observed in Boston,
age Christian has on the world perience and resources. It also MA, in 1975.
around them." assists churches and organiza- 24, Christmas Eve.
tions in maximizing the gifts of 31, Leap Second Adjustment
a largely untapped constituency 24, ENGLAND: Festival Of Nine Time. (to coordinate atomic
by equipping older members Lessons And Carols: 100th An- and astronomical time).
He began researching the issue and supporters for active in- niversary. King's College
and found not only an absence volvement in ministry. Chapel, Cambridge University, 31, New Year's Eve.