“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:16

God’s promise of a rainbow in the clouds indicating a permanent and unbreakable bond between God and the creatures of His world is a strong and assuring promise that lies at the very foundation of Christianity. We are told throughout the scriptures that nothing can separate us from God, not even our own sinfulness. In all of life, there are few feelings, needs and insecurities that are more totally and completely fulfilled than when we have a firm and unquestionable conviction that we are not alone, and are wanted and loved! Amen.

We greet you today with life, love and peace, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Thought for the week

“I believe in miracles because I see them every day in the changed lives of men and women who are saved and lifted through faith in the power of the living Jesus Christ.”

Hymn Sing

Clarksville Baptist Church, 2063 Berea Road, Richmond, will present a Hymn Sing at 7 p.m. Special singers will be Soldiers of the Cross and the Becknerville Travelers. Everyone is welcome.

Divorce Care

Divorce hurts. Don’t try to go through it alone. If you are separated or divorced, find help on your journey to healing. Divorce Care, a series of 13 seminars featuring biblical teaching and caring support. Learn how to deal with the pain of the past and how to look forward to rebuilding your life every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Main St. Child care will be provided with advance notice. Call the church at 623-3580 to register or for more information.

Country ham breakfast

There will be a country ham breakfast today from 6 to 11 a.m. at the St. Paul A.M.R. Church, 437 Francis St. Donations are $5. The breakfast is sponsored by the St. Paul Trustee Board. The host pastor is William Hale.

Single Mom’s Oil Change

First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, once again is hosting a Single Mom’s Oil Change. If you are a single mom or the wife of someone stationed overseas, drop by our parking lot today between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free oil change.

Friends Day

At 3 p.m. Sunday, the Concord Predestinarian Baptist Church Family will observe “Friends Day.” The special guests will be Elder John Settles, choir and congregation of the Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church. Dinner will be served. Everyone is invited to share in this day with us. Elder Anthony Phelps is the host pastor.

Empty Bowls Project

Help fight hunger in Madison County. On Friday, March 20, at the First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, will present the Empty Bowls Project. The minimum donation is $12, and your donation will include a handmade pottery bowl, homemade soup, bread and a drink. All of the proceeds will go to feed the hungry in Madison County through the following programs: God’s Outreach Community Food Bank, Food Bank of Kentucky River Foothills, Home Meals Delivery and the Salvation Army of Madison County. The bowls are provided by local potters and EKU art students. Times for the event are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 623-4028.

Tabernacle of Refuge

The Tabernacle of Refuge and Transformation will host a weekend of celebration and learning. It will also be our pastor’s anniversary and our leadership conference.

On Saturday, March 21 at the Salvation Army Church, the 9:30 a.m. morning Glory Prayer. From 11-2 p.m., the leadership conference will be led by Bishop Stargill of Inster, Mich. At 7 p.m. at 107 Broadus Aveune, Pastor Bill Wesley of Body of Christ in Irvine will be the preacher of the hour. On Sunday, March 22, at 11:15 a.m., David Morgene of Alabama will deliver the word of God. Elder Brenda Todd is the host pastor.

Missionary Day

New Liberty Baptst Church, Bobtown, will observe Missionary Day on Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m. The special guests will be Pastor J.K. Cunningham, choir and congregation of First Baptist Church, Berea. Dinner will be served. Everyone is invited. The host pastor is Alfonso Kenney.

Men’s conference

“Men come and free up your faith.” There will be a men’s conference April 18 at First Baptist Church, Francis and Collins streets. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Registration is $5. The conference will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” There will be two guest speakers and praise and worship. This is a great opportunity for men to come together in fellowship. Dr. Robert Blythe is the host pastor. More information to follow.

Upward Bound Ministries

Defenses: Defenses help us cover up sin and maintain our delusion. Defenses can be used appropriately, but when we use them to avoid facing the truth about ourselves, they make delusion even darker. When we do not want to face the truth about our actions because of the painful feeling honesty would bring, we try to use defenses such as acting superior, blaming, attacking, denying, rationalizing, threatening or evading/dodging. Behind most, if not all, defensive strategies lies fear of being exposed for who we really are. When we use defenses to hide from the truth, we build a wall brick by brick. This wall protects us from the truth and provides a secret place for us to hide. Unfortunately, the wall isolates us from people who can help us. Come to UBM group and receive help. The group meets every Friday at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Rock, 1049 Richmond Road, Berea. Be sure to tune in to “Lifeline” Upward Bound Ministries drug prevention telecast which airs every Thursday at 6 p.m. on Time Warner Access Channel 5. Please visit the Upward Bound Ministries Web site at www.upwardboundministries.org.

Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.

Special note

To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S. Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 246 Sunset Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: communityfocusnp@gmail.com and all e-mailed announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish your announcement to appear in the newspaper.