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Tag: church

  • Wooden Church Benches Are Fixed Stars: This is How Their Improved Version Looks Like

    Wooden Church Benches Are Fixed Stars: This is How Their Improved Version Looks Like

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    Anyone who enters the temple visually perceives the beauty of the space first and then feels the desire to settle down, to sit in one place and to be absorbed by the rhythm of mass or merely to contemplate silently.

    Press Release
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    updated: Sep 22, 2020


    RUZOMBEROK, Slovakia, September 22, 2020 (Newswire.com)
    –
    A very important part of every tabernacle is seating for believers. Therefore our company Confer s.r.o. decided to create a new 21st century church seating. Pews have been part of the churches for centuries, giving the space the final touch. Although this is not the first thing you notice when entering a temple, you cannot underestimate its importance. In the end, it is the pews bearing the weight of human bodies, so that their soul can come closer to God.

    From pomposity to comfort
    The church pews, as well as other inventory of temples, have a long story. Once they were massive, ornamental, and their production took months. They were masterpieces of carving, human reason, imagination and precision, and today they have great historical and artistic value. Though they were stunning, and with their monumentality they took our breath away, the sitting in them was not the most comfortable – they were very heavy and almost impossible to move at all.

    Today, in the 21st century, when people put emphasis on functionality and comfort in everything, church pews must undergo some transformation. With modern materials, technologies and ergonomics, today’s benches are more comfortable and flexible than ever.

    The value of wood is fixed
    Pews in churches are fixed stars. What works for centuries does not need to be changed, it just needs to be improved. Modern wooden ergonomic pews are a great choice for any sacred space. Wood remains natural number 1 due to its warm radiation and many impressive shades. The simple and airy design of the pews does not undermine the historical value of the church or the interior integrity. The church pew is thus becoming a visually interesting but unobtrusive, maximally functional piece of furniture that can be easily moved and whose arrangement can be varied according to needs.

    Why a modern church pew?
    The modern church pew can be stacked to respond flexibly to current space requirements. If the pew is no longer needed, the chairs can be easily detached from each other and stacked to create more space for standing.

    Emphasis on comfort
    The manufacturer has brought the latest knowledge of ergonomics into the design of church chairs that will form a unified church pew when connected. Long sitting is no longer tiring, and you don’t feel like being punished when sitting.

    Slovak manufacturer
    Church pews, which meet all modern requirements, are produced in Slovakia from the highest quality wood using state-of-the-art technology. The manufacturer is keen on precision design to the smallest detail. This creates an exceptional wooden church chair (or pew if needed), which is amazingly flexible in use and its spatial possibilities.

    Source: Confer

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  • Persecution of the Local Church: Long Beach, California

    Persecution of the Local Church: Long Beach, California

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    LONG BEACH, Calif., February 25, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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    ​The following is an open letter from Jonathan Thompson, founder of Good Seed Community Development Corporation (“Good Seed”), an organization that grew out of the Good Seed Church, whose mission is to help youth not only live but thrive by providing supportive, nurturing, specialized care for homeless young people in California through supportive housing, job training, comprehensive services, and individual planning: 

    Across the United States, we assume that the modern-day church is free of persecution from government. However, through land use and zoning laws, and procedural processes, the local church is facing levels of opposition, suppression, and delay in cities throughout the country. The Atlantic previously wrote an article, The Quiet Religious-Freedom Fight That Is Remaking America, in 2017 regarding a small town church nestled in Bergen County, New Jersey. However, the quiet religious freedom fight is making its way across the United States from the East Coast to the West Coast. And, just like a basket is a combination of individual strands woven together to form a unit so, too, are the systematic means and methods to oppress the modern-day church.

    The church (meaning an organization or assembly, from the Latin word ecclesia), in all of its splendor, was established and identified directly as the body of the Lord Christ Jesus. The church is designed to be a local group of believers who come together to glorify God; seek fellowship; spread the gospel; support and nourish the saints; visit those in jail; care for the poor, widows, and orphans; and, ultimately, to be the light on a hill pointing to God the Father.

    However, those who do not see the value, who do not believe or only see the occasional blemishes in the church, are using local laws (such as land use laws) to delay, deter or stop churches from being established or from operating. Throughout the United States, there are countless stories of local governments such as cities and counties establishing laws, fees, zoning codes, and procedural processes that make it extremely difficult for churches to operate. This continues to occur despite the passage of federal legislation such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which was designed to prevent local government and municipalities from obstructing churches through discriminatory zoning procedures and laws.

    In many ways, the church is not intended to conform to the fluctuating ways of the world. However, when done properly and implemented justly, local laws benefit the church such as those that ensure proper implementation of egress and handicapped designs, energy efficiency, fire safety, and other best practices.

    However, when zoning and land use laws are implemented maliciously, they essentially prohibit the legal operation of churches within local systems and codes. This results in unnecessary conflict, delays in the gospel, and wasted resources. It also forces orphans, widows, and the homeless to seek support elsewhere.

    The City of Long Beach, California, for example, codes, zoning laws, systems, and procedures are an example of laws used to suppress the local church. This image shows the requirements a church must meet in order to be legally established in an area of Long Beach, including the fee schedule to submit an application for a permit and local requirements to operate, which in this case is a Minor Conditional Use Permit. The relevant fees are highlighted in yellow.

    In comparing the zoning codes for a church, theater, and adult entertainment business, the chart shows that a church is the only use requiring a Minor Conditional Use Permit (which would cost over $4,000) and would have to undergo a lengthy discretionary conditional use approval process, which can take a few months to complete if approved.

    These requirements can greatly affect the success of a new church or the relocation of an existing church by redirecting time, energy, and resources away from their core mission. This raises the question of whether these restrictions are put in place to intentionally deter churches and other faith-based institutions from operating in Long Beach. In regards to layout, seating requirements, and operational structures, there are clear similarities between a church and a live theater or movie theater. However, a theater and adult entertainment use is permitted by right while a church is subject to a lengthy discretionary approval process.

    The Christian faith believes the evil one uses any number of tools at his disposal, and this can be one of them. In these instances, prayer, discernment, voting, and active civic engagement are paramount for faith-based organizations; without these efforts, the subtle attempts to block their existence may succeed and will impact wider communities and future generations.

    The Good Seed Church is one institutional example of land use discrimination and oppression in the City of Long Beach. Their church focuses on meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Transitional-Age Youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They paid the Minor Conditional Use Permit fee in April of 2016, submitted the required documents for review, and participated in numerous meetings with the city’s Planning Department. However, they were still met with opposition and ultimately realized it was never about jumping through the hoops; it was about the church living out its mission to glorify God in fellowship and service, caring for the poor and the orphans, and ultimately to be a light. Good Seed believes youth — homeless or not — need a church that can meet their spiritual, physical, and mental health needs. They need showers, meals, a support team trained in mental health best practices, and mentors to show the love of God in a supportive and welcoming environment. As the Good Seed Church goes into its third year of experiencing “denial by delay” with the City of Long Beach Planning Department, it is important to share their experience as a caution for churches and faith-based institutions to be mindful of the intentional oppression of churches in local cities throughout the United States.

    Media Contact

    Jonathan Thompson
    jthompson@goodseedcdc.org
    T (323)758-5433

    https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/rluipa/543504

    Source: Good Seed

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  • Mother Teresa Biopic Honored With Rare Re-Release in Theaters

    Mother Teresa Biopic Honored With Rare Re-Release in Theaters

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    Social Impact Film Company Brings “The Letters” to Select Theaters on the Anniversary of Mother Teresa’s Canonization — September 4, 2018

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 5, 2018


    AUSTIN, Texas, July 5, 2018 (Newswire.com)
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    Rarely does the public witness a cinematic re-release of a Hollywood movie. To be granted such an opportunity, a film must qualify for a number of “special circumstances.”

    “The Letters” was predicted to reel in high box office numbers upon its release in December 2015. An epic biopic about Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, best known to the world as Mother Teresa, the film won multiple top awards in film festivals across the globe. This includes Best Picture and Audience Choice Award at the Sedona International Film Festival, and Best Director and Best Actress at the International Catholic Film Festival in Vatican City.

    However, things took a turn when the film encountered what distributors would later call “unexpected circumstances and unusually bad timing.” Two days before “The Letters” released in theaters nationwide, the San Bernardino terrorist attack took place. News outlets warned the public to stay away from facilities such as movie theaters –resulting in dismal box office results for all films released that weekend.

    Despite low box office results, “The Letters” earned impressive sales numbers in both international markets and the home entertainment market. The film also received high marks from the public on the popular streaming site, Netflix.

    These results garnered the attention of Alan J. Elias, Chief Executive Officer of OnBuzz, who found the film worthy of re-release in the U.S. OnBuzz’s unique distribution model is unlike any other in Hollywood, and the results speak for themselves. OnBuzz plans to re-release “The Letters” on September 4, 2018, to celebrate the second anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization.

    To avoid any similar effect on this re-release, social impact film company, OnBuzz, will utilize their unique Social Impact Strategy to market to the film’s target audience — churchgoers. OnBuzz will implement interactive kiosks in churches and mega-churches across the nation. The kiosks have proven to drive up social media shares, increasing the network of potential audience members which, in turn, drives up ticket sales. In addition, the company will tap into the same network of churches and churchgoers for the OnBuzz distributed film, Tortured for Christ, which became the most successful independent film in the nation for a one-day theatrical event during the week of its release.

    Social Impact is at the heart of OnBuzz’s unique strategy. A portion of ticket sales will support Mully Children’s Family, Charles Mully’s nonprofit that cares for orphaned and vulnerable children in communities throughout Kenya. Considered by many to be a modern-day Mother Teresa, Mully created his nonprofit out of his experience as an orphaned child. By connecting “The Letters” and “Mully,” OnBuzz highlights Mother Teresa’s life work and simultaneously raises awareness and donations for Mully’s children’s charity.

    It is said that “it’s not over ’til it’s over” and with “The Letters,” it seems that it is not over yet. Stay tuned for more “buzz” as OnBuzz prepares to release “The Letters” this September.

    OnBuzz is an end-to-end film financing, production, distribution, and marketing firm focused on sustainable filmmaking.

    If you would like more information, please contact OnBuzz at info@onbuzz.com or +1 (512) 968-3809.  

    Source: OnBuzz

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  • Christian Film Beats the Odds, Tops Box Office Charts Using Unique Social Impact Strategy

    Christian Film Beats the Odds, Tops Box Office Charts Using Unique Social Impact Strategy

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 3, 2018


    AUSTIN, Texas, July 3, 2018 (Newswire.com)
    –
    “Tortured for Christ,” an independent faith-based film, relays the true story of Romanian Pastor Richard Wurmbrand and the 14 years he spent in a Communist prison enduring torture and persecution for his Christian faith. The film was produced by Wurmbrand’s nonprofit organization, The Voice of the Martyrs, to honor the 50th anniversary of the pastor’s international best-selling book that recounted his persecution, also titled “Tortured for Christ.”

    In the week of March 5, 2018, “Tortured for Christ” earned its spot as the most successful independent film in the nation for a one-day theatrical event. With 477 screening events held in theaters and churches nationwide and 62,644 single tickets pre-sold for a Monday night premiere, “Tortured for Christ” generated $783,300 in revenue and surpassed all competing major film studios. The film’s unsuspecting box office success was made possible by OnBuzz’s unique Social Impact Strategy.

    OnBuzz, an Austin-based social impact film company, utilized Data-Driven Marketing to yield high ticket sales by tapping into resources provided by The Voice of the Martyrs. OnBuzz accessed target audiences currently involved in the “Tortured for Christ” brand, contact the organization’s supporters and individuals personally influenced by Wurmbrand.

    Tracking the received data allowed OnBuzz to organize theater and church screenings in zip codes with the highest volume of VOM supporters. Ticket sales occurred in advance, and screenings were not greenlit until the desired threshold was met thus reducing costs and eliminating the risk of low audience capacity. This method successfully encouraged ticket holders to share screening events through social media platforms, increasing potential audience networks, which resulted in an influx of ticket sales.

    Emphasizing the social impact potential of “Tortured for Christ” appeals to Christians and Christian communities seeking deeper discussion while raising awareness around religious persecution. In addition to receiving a copy of Wurmbrand’s book with each ticket order, a portion of ticket proceeds are used to help persecuted Christians around the world. According to a 2017 report released by the Pew Research Center, Christians fall victim to government restrictions and social hostilities in 64.65% of countries around the globe.

    The effectiveness of the Social Impact Strategy outlasts the film’s premiere; 640 “Tortured for Christ” screenings have taken place across the country to date with more events scheduled daily. OnBuzz continuously seeks more faith and family content to market using their innovative strategy. They see these films as more than just movies but as movements.

    OnBuzz is an end-to-end film financing, production, distribution, and marketing firm focused on sustainable filmmaking.

    If you would like more information, please contact OnBuzz at info@onbuzz.com or +1 (512) 968-3809. 

    Source: OnBuzz

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  • Florida Pastor is Moving Into a Glass House and Streaming It 24/7

    Florida Pastor is Moving Into a Glass House and Streaming It 24/7

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Aug 27, 2017


    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., August 27, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    In a day where most people hide their private lives, South Florida Pastor and popular YouTuber, Troy Gramling, will take an unprecedented move towards transparency and move into a glass house with his wife Stephanie on Sept. 10, 2017. The best part is that you’ll be able to watch their every move — live and uncensored at myglasshouse.com for the entire month of September.

    The glass house is being built on the northwest corner of Flamingo & Stirling Road in Cooper City, Florida, and will include multiple camera angles to broadcast every minute of the experience!  While no physical nudity will be involved — the pastors do promise to get naked about their relationship and open up about how they handle day to day issues.

    We are leveraging this month in the glass house to rise above the white noise of the world and share with everyone how our lives are very similar to theirs.

    Troy Gramling , Lead Pastor

    “We are leveraging this month in the glass house to rise above the white noise of the world and share with everyone how our lives are very similar to theirs. We pray that by watching what we go through, it will help others with their own relationships and make them feel stronger and more encouraged,” said Gramling.

    The pastor will step out of the glass house on weekends to teach from the main stage of his 14,000-member congregation, based in South Florida, the Caribbean and in South America. Gramling’s discussions will also be aired on NBC-6 Sunday mornings and other local TV stations throughout the country. Listings are available at myglasshouse.com.

    Media and general public tours of the glass house are available exclusively during Potential’s Fall Kickoff Weekend Sept. 9 and 10. Exclusive pre move in tours will be available on a limited basis for media outlets and special groups through our Marketing Department.

    ‘Move In Day” is Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. (ET). Ribbon cutting and limited edition giveaways will be available during the festivities. You’ll definitely want to be there to watch the cameras roll and the privacy end in the lives of these two nationally recognized pastors.

    Media Contact: 
    Heredes Ribeiro
    Phone: 954.434.1500
    Email: h@potentialchurch.com

    Source: Potential Studios

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  • Christians Come Out Against Qatar

    Christians Come Out Against Qatar

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 27, 2017


    Washington, D.C., June 27, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    In a show of solidarity for the rights of people around the world to practice their faith without fear, the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) will hold a rally and protest to “End the Violence Against Christians” on Wednesday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m., in front of the Embassy of Qatar, 25th and M Streets NW, in Washington D.C.

    NBCI executive director, Rev. Anthony Evans said, “Christian minority religious groups find themselves at great risk. Caught in the midst of sectarian conflicts brought on by war, occupation, repression, and severe social and political dislocation, Christian communities have paid a terrible price, most especially in Qatar, and Iraq.”

    “Whether forced to flee the violence of the civil wars that have ravaged these countries, or expelled by as part of genocidal ‘cleansing’ campaigns, these once-vibrant Christian communities have been so depleted, that some rightly fear their extinction in their homelands.”

    Rev. Anthony Evans

    “Whether forced to flee the violence of the civil wars that have ravaged these countries or expelled as part of genocidal ‘cleansing’ campaigns, these once-vibrant Christian communities have been so depleted, that some rightly fear their extinction in their homelands,” said Evans.

    The National Black Church Initiative is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment.

    Contact: Rev. Anthony Evans
    202-744-0184​
    ​Proimage.amj@gmail.com

    Source: ProImage Communications

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  • Trinity Security Allies & Church Safety

    Trinity Security Allies & Church Safety

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 8, 2017


    Waynesville, NC, June 8, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     Are you prepared for the dangers that your house of worship faces today? Threat profiling – ways to make your church a safer place.

    Jim Howard, a 35-year police veteran and principal with Trinity Security Allies, will make a presentation this Saturday, June 10th at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 224 Barber Hill Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786. Mr. Howard started his law enforcement career in 1975 with the Norfolk Police Department in Norfolk, VA, and has been in law enforcement either sworn or working for the private sector all his adult life. Jim was with the Norfolk Police Department for 26 years, retiring from there as a Sergeant.

    “There is so much value in raising awareness about an everyday threat facing our churches.”

    Ed Klaameyer, Congregation President

    How do you determine a threat has walked into your church?

    Jim’s focus on church safety is that everyone must understand that the church’s key role is to enlarge the Kingdom of God. Jim explains how, by using a combination of time-tested, current trend profiling and behavior-patterning analysis staff, volunteers and members will be able to determent if a person needs help or is a threat to the church. Jim teaches churches to be prepared in today’s uncertain times for every dangerous situation that may come into their church, business, their home and their everyday life.

    After becoming the safety team coordinator for Generations Christian Church, Jim started offering safety training to other churches for no cost throughout the Tampa Bay area. Right now, Jim is still working with over 40 churches in the Tampa Bay area, several in North Carolina and South Carolina. Jim holds monthly meetings where he and the other churches talk about current events that would affect a church’s safety and best practices on keeping churches safe.

    Jim’s training educates church members, staff and volunteers in situational awareness, where they will look for warning sign, or red flags. He trains them to recognize the danger signs of a disruptive attendee, domestic violence or the possibility of an active shooter, and to alert others that may be able to stop something before it happens. Jim works through ways on how to prepare for those types of situation, to be able to slow down the threat until help can arrive. This threat profiling training is valuable for their staff, volunteers and members of the church and gives them the tools to see a threat before it turns dangerous, and ways to survive during the incident at the church, work, home or at play.

    “Our church brought Jim in to educate our church staff, and we learned so much more that 6 weeks later, we opened our facility to the community with Jim as the main presenter. There is so much value in raising awareness about an everyday threat facing our churches,” states Ed Klaameyer, former congregational president of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutz, FL.

    For more information:

    Mitch Smithies: (727) 677-0454 / msmithies44@gmail.com

    Jim Howard: (727) 534-6047 / jim@trinitysecurityallies.com

    Event: Saturday, June 10th, 9 a.m. to 12 noon

    Protecting Your House of Worship

                Cornerstone Fellowship Church

                224 Barber Hill Drive

                Waynesville, NC 28786

    *FREE EVENT – Donation appreciated.

    Source: MyNetworkOne on Behalf of Trinity Security Allies

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  • “Tempting Fate” Producer’s to Hold Movie Screenings for Interested Churches Worldwide

    “Tempting Fate” Producer’s to Hold Movie Screenings for Interested Churches Worldwide

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    “Tempting Fate” is a movie that deals with the same issue we face in our daily lives. It tries to show the impact of love , betrayal and forgiveness. This movie has gotten great reviews and has helped a lot of people deal with some troubling issues in their relationships, family, place of work, and marriage.

    Press Release
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    Apr 5, 2016


    Lawrenceville, GA, April 5, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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    Tempting Fate, a 2015 Christian Movie written, directed, and produced by Kevin Nwankwor, is available for church and private screenings this summer in United States, United Kingdom, Africa and all countries around the world. Seeking all interested churches in the designated areas, the Tempting Fate production crew will set up a movie screening at specified locations, host a Q&A session following the film, and meet with local communities to talk about the meaning of love, forgiveness, and, above all else, faith.

    “We are encouraging all churches to jump on this incredible opportunity for showcasing real-life obstacles and how, through God, it is possible to overcome anything,” said Kevin Nwankwor. “A church movie night is a wonderfully powerful and impactful way to communicate important teachings with surrounding communities through an easy-to-view and easy to understand method. Movies inspire discussions about faith all the time – use Tempting Fate as a way to spur those important topics.”

    Can anything stop you from loving your brother?

    Kevin Nwankwor

    Tempting Fate is a powerful tale unlike any other that truly dissects the meaning of love, betrayal, and forgiveness through a suspenseful and emotional film. A story of two very different brothers, one from a life of faith and kindness, and the other from a life of gangs and crimes, Tempting Fate illustrates the emotions, connections, and misunderstanding that results when two very different people of the same background cross paths.

    A film that received many positive reviews from its debut at the 2015 Pan American Film Festival event, viewers near and far are also praising the movie for its perfectly crafted worship soundtrack. The ideal music to showcase among a church community, the Tempting Fate Soundtrack will leave all attendees emotional and connected through their love for God.

    “Let us bring this movie to your church. We are willing to work with any community no matter the constraints for showcasing this important and thought provoking film.”

    The Director and Producer of the film will be present at each screening to take questions directly after. The film is two hours long, and attendees should anticipate 45 minutes to an hour of questions after the screening. If church auditoriums cannot accommodate all interested viewers, the Tempting Fate crew is willing to do multiple screenings at the same location.

    For more information or to sign up for this unforgettable and personal Tempting Fate screening and faith-based discussion, visit http://kevinnwankwor.com/movie-night/.

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