Category Archives: Society

The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

God Meant For His Word To Transform His Children’s Lives


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This book is a must read for all ages. It will help you understand the word of God, in ways that you haven’t imagined

Author Marvin L. Smith invites believers to harness the power of God’s Word in The Penetrating Power of the Word of God: Unlocking the Secrets of Using the Limitless Power of the Word to Change Your Life Forever! ($12.49, paperback, 9781662871900; $5.99, e-book, 9781662871917).

Smith wants to see lives transformed by God’s power, and he knows the power that is contained with the promises of God’s written Word. In this book, he teaches Christian how to access the power within these promises and how to activate them in their lives in order to achieve the transformation that God intended for them.

“This book is a must read for all ages. It will help you understand the word of God, in ways that you haven’t imagined,” said Smith.

Apostle Marvin L. Smith is President of Faith in Action School of Theology and Founder of Faith in Action Church. He attended Norfolk State University, Tidewater Community College and Victory Life Bible College. He proclaims the truth of the gospel as a prophet, preacher and teacher.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. The Penetrating Power of the Word of God is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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The Pillars Christian Learning Center Named Top Preschool/Daycare in San Antonio in the 2023 SAEN’s Readers’ Choice Awards


Their focus on spiritual and academic development and commitment to providing exceptional childcare makes The Pillars Christian Learning Center a standout provider in the San Antonio early childhood education industry.

The Pillars Christian Learning Center was named the Top Preschool/Daycare in San Antonio in the 2023 San Antonio Express-News Readers’ Choice Awards. According to the San Antonio Express-News, this year’s contest had over 56,000 nominations and 268,000 votes.

“Their focus on spiritual and academic development and commitment to providing exceptional childcare makes The Pillars Christian Learning Center a standout provider in the San Antonio early childhood education industry,” the San Antonio-Express News feature read.

The Pillars Christian Learning Center was founded in San Antonio, Texas in 2009 by Geren and Melissa Anderson. The Pillars offers families premier, faith-based childcare focused on academic excellence. The Pillars has seen phenomenal growth over the last decade and has expanded beyond San Antonio into Bulverde, Cibolo, New Braunfels, Midlothian, and Colleyville, Texas.

“We are thrilled to win this award,” co-owner and COO Melissa Anderson stated. “The Pillars is always striving for excellence, and awards like these are a testament to the hard work of our teachers and school administration.”

About The Pillars Christian Learning Center

The Pillars Christian Learning Center was founded in San Antonio, Texas in 2009 by Geren and Melissa Anderson. The Pillars provides premier, faith-based childcare focused on academic excellence to families in San Antonio, Bulverde, Cibolo, New Braunfels, Midlothian, and Colleyville, Texas.

The Pillars has received numerous accolades including being named one of the “Three Best Rated” Preschools in 2019, joining the “Aggie 100” list of fastest-growing companies in 2022, and being recognized as a “Best Place for Working Parents” for both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, The Pillars was awarded the San Antonio Express-News Reader’s Choice award for #1 Preschool/Daycare in San Antonio for 2023 and several of The Pillars schools have achieved a 4-Star rating, the highest possible, from the Texas Rising Star Program. The Pillars is also dedicated to giving back to the local community by supporting mission-minded organizations and charities such as Arms of Hope, the San Antonio Food Bank, and Pursuit Church San Antonio’s Community Food Pantry.

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empty tomb®’s Mission Match® Revised Focus Builds on Work Begun in 2002


Mission Match’s focus on under-age-five child survival builds on more general mission work done by churches from 2002 through 2016 with matching contributions.

empty tomb, inc.’s Mission Match’s focus is now on churches helping, in Jesus’ name, to meet the goals to reduce the rate of under-age-five child deaths in 40 countries.

These 40 countries, as of 2015, were behind the curve in meeting goals set by world leaders to reduce the rate of child deaths.

A church in the U.S. can apply for a matching contribution from $500 to $3,000 in $500 increments.

The church mission projects can, for example, support medical workers, provide a specific item needed at a medical facility, or furnish supplies that contribute to child survival. It is understood that other age groups might also be assisted by the projects.

Mission Match is seeking 30 churches to launch a next phase in developing this mission incentive tool. Churches can apply for matching contributions for their medical mission projects.

Mission Match’s focus on under-age-five child survival builds on more general mission work done by churches from 2002 through 2016 with matching contributions.

From 2002 to 2016, churches could apply for Mission Match matching contributions for any type of mission project the congregation chose. A total of 86 churches from 23 states carried out 112 projects during those years. Mission Match provided $222,000 that was matched by a reported $335,115 raised in the congregations for their projects.

In this next phase, at least 30 congregations can receive matching contributions for their new or expanded medical missions projects to benefit child survival in any one of 40 countries.

The list of 40 countries included in the Mission Match focus is available at missionmatch.org on the 40 Countries page.

Churches can find information about applying for a Mission Match matching contribution at missionmatch.org and selecting the Church Application page from the menu.

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Pastor Shares Her Story of Discovering Her Sexuality and Her Authentic Self


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Growing up under the influence of her family’s religious teaching and beliefs of the Catholic Church, Reverend Lisa R. Kelson spent a large portion of her life succumbing to their patriarchal teachings and ignoring her own inner compass. In her new book, “A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God: A Soul’s Journey to Self-Awareness, Identity, and Truth,” she shares her personal journey to spiritual enlightenment and coming to terms with her authentic self.

“It has taken me nearly 60 years to wake up to my true authentic self as a lesbian,” Kelson said. “In my younger days, I had no idea that there was a deeper and higher self, waiting to be discovered. For many years, I lived from my lower aspect, while trying to fit into society’s social rules and norms.”

In “A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God,” Kelson uses her personal experience as an example of how readers can break free of their preconceived ideals of who they are expected to be, and instead free their souls to be their true selves. She addresses the harm that can come from religious teachings, and how it can be exclusionary to those the church does not deem “perfect.”

“When one begins breaking down scripture, outside the oppressive lens of patriarchy,” Kelson said, “one can finally understand how scripture is misunderstood in our current age. These writings were written in an oppressive era, and the literal interpretation are not in alignment with deeper truths.”

Kelson doesn’t want readers to rely on anyone else’s truth, instead she wants them to discover their own.

“My hope in sharing my awakening journey,” Kelson said, “is to help those who feel lost and out of sorts with life. This journey is spiritual and not religious. The answers are already within, waiting to be uncovered.”

“A Lesbian’s Awakening to Purpose, Self-Love, and God: A Soul’s Journey to Self-Awareness, Identity, and Truth”

By The Reverend Lisa R. Kelson

ISBN: 9798765234174 (softcover); 9798765234181 (hardcover)

Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Reverend Lisa R. Kelson is a native Floridian. After completing her Bachelors of Sport’s Science Education, she enlisted in the Army. She completed her service after returning home from the Gulf War. Upon the completion of her master’s degree in technology education from the University of Georgia, she returned home to Florida. She soon realized that God was calling her to ministry, and she enrolled in Episcopal Divinity School where she completed her Master of Divinity. While this experience prepared her for church ministry, she would soon awaken to a higher spiritual path where she shifted her focus to awakening her higher self. This path led her to understanding deeper truths, that led to her awakening and freeing her soul. To learn more, please visit https://www.reverendlisarkelson.com/.

General Inquiries:            

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Ashley Fletcher

afletcher@lavidge.com

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ElderNet Recognizes Community Leaders with Second Annual Maud Campbell Tierney Volunteer of the Year Awards


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ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth (“ElderNet”) honored five volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty as part of its recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at Beaumont. The volunteers were recognized for outstanding service in support of older and disabled adults in the community. The volunteers worked tirelessly to help neighbors in the community remain independent and improve their quality of life through access to healthcare, food security, companionship and other holistic support services. Each honoree received the Maud Campbell Tierney Volunteer of the Year Award, which was created in memory of Maud Tierney, a longtime volunteer and passionate supporter of the organization and its positive community impact.

“Maud had a true passion for giving back and found ElderNet to be the perfect place to dedicate her time, as it’s such a special organization filling a unique need in our community,” said Brian Tierney, Maud’s husband and CEO of Brian Communications. “It’s wonderful to honor her legacy with this award and to see how dedicated each award winner is to ElderNet’s mission.”

This year’s ElderNet Volunteer of the Year Award recipients are:

  • Extraordinary Effort Award – Ward Barnes
  • Escort Driving Award – Susan Edwards
  • Shopping Assistance Award – Robin Putzrath
  • Friendly Companion Award – Dana Scher
  • Pantry Assistance Award – Bonnie Asher

“We cannot thank our volunteers enough – they’re what make ElderNet such a community treasure,” said Anthony Johnson, Executive Director of ElderNet. “The Tierney family’s substantial support in setting up the endowment is a wonderful way to remember Maud Tierney’s tremendous volunteer spirit and provides the resources for us to help even more people in need.”

To learn more about ElderNet, visit https://eldernet.org. To contribute to the Maud Campbell Tierney Endowment Fund, visit https://eldernet.org/donate.

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About ElderNet

ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976 by representatives of community, religious and governmental groups. ElderNet serves adults of all ages, especially frail older or younger disabled persons with low to moderate incomes who reside in Lower Merion or Narberth.ElderNet helps older neighbors remain independent and provides a variety of free, practical services so they have access to healthcare, food security, and an improved quality of life. ElderNet also provides information to individuals who need assistance with housing, nursing care, or other necessities.

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Make The Psalms Personal And Let Them Lead You Into A Closer Walk With God


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My individual study and understanding the book of Psalms gave me a desire to write this book. Psalms helps the Christian to walk on the right path despite the war and attack against the Christian by the enemy

Author Larry Jarvis shares his analysis of God-man relationship detailed in verse in Unwrapping Psalms: Meditating Through the Psalms Confabulating the Psalms Psalm Dialog ($16.49, paperback, 9781662876769; $7.99, e-book, 9781662876776).

Jarvis uses his skill explaining complex patents in court to explain the relationship that God seeks with each individual through worship, submission, discipleship and trust.

“My individual study and understanding the book of Psalms gave me a desire to write this book. Psalms helps the Christian to walk on the right path despite the war and attack against the Christian by the enemy,” said Jarvis.

Larry Jarvis is a trial attorney involving patents, trademarks and copyrights. His work has taken him to ten different countries of the world, to the US Supreme Court and to The Hague in the Netherlands. He has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. He is married, has four children and nine grandchildren. He has taught adult Bible classes at his churches for over forty years. Jarvis resides in both Sanibel, Florida attending Sanibel Community Church and in Wheaton, Illinois attending College Church of Wheaton.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Unwrapping Psalms is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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You Do Not Have to Make a Choice Between God and Science


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This book shows that science and faith aren’t in mutual opposition, but highly complementary.

Author James A. Cannon, Ph.D. explains the faith behind physics in Finding the Light: Science and its Vision ($15.99, paperback, 9781662865787; $29.99, dust jacket, 9781662865794; $7.99, e-book, 9781662865800).

Contrary to the popular belief that science opposes Christian faith, Cannon teaches that historical physical science, as well as modern physics, follow faith’s universal promptings within the human heart. He demonstrates how both have flourished together in the lives of prominent scientists throughout history, and argues that faith in God is a guardian of classical realism, the philosophical foundation of science.

This book shows that science and faith aren’t in mutual opposition, but highly complementary.

Dr. James A Cannon (b.1933 – d.2020), after serving in the US Navy during the Korean war, studied and practiced journalism as managing editor of the Fordham University newspaper. Then he switched his area of concentration to physics. He earned an MA at Columbia and a B.S. and Ph.D. at Fordham. He did basic research at Bell Labs, but having the heart of a teacher, he left to pursue a career spanning five decades as a revered professor of physics and chemistry at Pace University in New York. A neurological injury led to retirement. He suffered for a dozen years until complications from Parkinson’s and Covid-19 took his life. During this time, with of the able assistance of his devoted wife, Monica, Dr. Cannon wrote Finding the Light: Science and its Vision, a testament to his life’s work, his Catholic faith, his love of science and his love of teaching.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date.Finding the Light is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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Ellevate Network, the largest community of women+ at work, names Jameela Jamil as 2023 International Woman of Change


“I am so honored and grateful to be recognized with Ellevate’s Woman Of Change Award by an organization that has done such incredible work to foster the progress of gender equality and inclusion.”

Ellevate Network, the largest community of women+ at work will honor actress and advocate Jameela Jamil as the 2023 International Woman of Change at the Mobilize Women Awards & Cocktail Reception in New York City on June 6th.

The Mobilize Women Awards & Cocktail Reception will be held on Tuesday, June 6th at 6 PM Eastern at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, located at 15 East 27th Street. Jameela will be accepting the award virtually.

Jameela Jamil is an actress, advocate, host and founder of I-Weigh. Jameela was first seen on American television starring as Tahani in Mike Schur’s Golden Globe-nominated NBC sitcom The Good Place, opposite Ted Danson and Kristen Bell. In 2022, Jameela joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she originated the first on-screen role of the Marvel villain Titania in the series She Hulk: Attorney at Law, currently streaming on Disney+. She also joined the cast of DC Comics animated feature film DC League of Super-Pets voicing the role of Wonder Woman, as well as the Star Trek spinoff series Star Trek: Prodigy voicing the role of Ensign Asencia, streaming on Paramount+. In November 2022, she joined the cast of Peacock’s comedy series Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin in the role of up-and-coming pop star Gisela, which got picked up for a second season. Earlier this year, Jameela was a guest star in Poker Face, a murder mystery series directed by Rian Johnson currently streaming on Peacock. Most recently, she launched Bad Dates, an original SmartLess Media podcast series which she hosts and produces in partnership with Amazon Music and Wondery. The hilarious podcast debuted at #1 on the Apple Podcast Comedy Charts.

Off-screen, Jameela is a powerful mental health advocate. In 2018, Jameela launched a movement and allyship platform called I Weigh—a platform and community of change makers who come together to share ideas, experiences and ultimately mobilize activism; exploring social issues that stem from mental health to climate change to the representation of marginalized groups. In April 2020, the I Weigh with Jameela Jamil podcast launched with Earwolf in which Jameela speaks to a variety of thought-leaders, performers, activists, influencers, and friends about their own experiences and stories with their mental health.

“I am so honored and grateful to be recognized with Ellevate’s Woman Of Change Award by an organization that has done such incredible work to foster the progress of gender equality and inclusion,” said Jamil. “It is imperative that we continue to elevate women’s voices and champion the most underrepresented groups in our communities. That is what we aim to do at I Weigh and what I am so happy to see being done through the Ellevate Network of women.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to honor Jameela Jamil as International Woman of Change at this year’s Mobilize Women,” said Maricella Hererra, CEO of Ellevate Network. “Jameela is an incredible advocate for disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity, and her work around social justice. She represents everything we fight for here at Ellevate, and we can’t wait to thank her for the work she does for inclusion.”

This event will help Ellevate kickoff its 7th Annual Mobilize Women Summit, which will be a completely free and accessible virtual experience the next day, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

The Mobilize Women Awards & Cocktail Reception supports Breaking Ground’s housing development work, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing for homeless and low-income New Yorkers. Those interested can purchase a ticket here or email corporate@ellevatenetwork.com to reserve a table.

Ellevate would like to thank all sponsors involved in this year’s Mobilize Women, RBC Wealth Management, Accenture, Alliant, SunCommon, ABA, Diageo, DTCC, NFP, New York Life, Mamava, Tend Academy, WE Magazine for Women, Women of Wisdom Magazine, and Satyn Magazine.

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Special Book Integrates Biblical Knowledge to Explore the Topic of Grief


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After administering a survey about grief, the respondents indicated they wanted to have a biblical basis for grief care. I chose the Bible book of Job because it was very familiar.

Author Loretta F. Baker provides readers with a biblical perspective on grief and change in Transformational Grief in the Book of Job ($13.99, paperback, 9781662875359; $25.99, hardcover, 9781662875366; $5.99, e-book, 9781662875373).

Baker, a Doctor of Ministry and grief care specialist, penned this extraordinarily helpful book to provide a refreshing perspective of grief to those who are hurting. While expected and unexpected losses are inevitable, Baker’s book is relatable to all, so it will certainly be appreciated by many readers. She explores the biblical book of Job, detailing the troubles, suffering, and losses of Job, while detailing his friends’ journey through the grieving process and how the Lord helped lead them to restoration. Baker believes that this study will help readers grow in their understanding of grief and accept that they, too, can be transformed with the help of the Lord and others. It’s a lesson for all to trust that God’s plans are good.

When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Baker said, “After administering a survey about grief, the respondents indicated they wanted to have a biblical basis for grief care. I chose the Bible book of Job because it was very familiar. This study was designed to give readers a biblical perspective on grief and change that could be useful in caring for themselves and one another.”

Rev. Dr. Baker holds a Master of Divinity in Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Black Church Leadership from the School of Evangelism. She is an Associate Minister at Taylortown A.M.E. Zion Church where Presiding Elder Erich Von Shumake is the pastor. Rev. Dr. Baker is also an ACPE Spiritual Care Professional, a certified grief care specialist, and a Supernumerary Minister in the Kentucky Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church where she serves as a Christian educator. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Before accepting her call to ministry, Dr. Baker served as a church musician for more than 20 years.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Transformational Grief in the Book of Job is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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This Mother’s Day, empty tomb®, inc. Mission Match® Can Help Church Projects Honoring Global Mothers


Celebrating in this way this year will hopefully mean that next year, more global mothers will be celebrating with their children, rather than mourning them.

In a world where more than 1 million children under the age of five are expected to die this year, there are many grieving mothers. Many of their children will die from treatable causes. The leading causes of these deaths are pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria. In addition, many babies die in the first month.

This Mother’s Day, empty tomb®, inc. Mission Match® is able to provide matching contributions to each of 30 churches for a project done in Jesus’ name, to assist mothers in one of 40 countries.

In 2021, Americans were expected to spend $28.1 billion to celebrate Mother’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation, or about $220 on average.

This year, 30 churches that also spend to help these global mothers are eligible for Mission Match matching contributions. Matching contributions to churches for their mission projects are available in amounts of $500 to $3,000, in $500 steps.

Many global mothers need help with basic child survival. Churches continue to have one of the best distribution networks, reaching the greatest places of need. A review of various denominational Web sites found examples of needs: portable ultrasound machines; training of midwives to go to rural areas; or malaria nets. Churches can apply for a Mission Match matching contribution for a project that provides medical workers, assists with medical facilities, or furnishes supplies that assist with child survival. It is understood that other age groups may also be assisted by the project. Churches can contact denominations and Christian nonprofits about items needed to help make an impact on these deaths.

These 30 churches will hopefully help start a mobilization of many more churches to follow in their path.

Churches can find out about the application process at missionmatch.org on the Church Application page.

The list of 40 countries is at missionmatch.org on the 40 Countries page.

Celebrating in this way this year will hopefully mean that next year, more global mothers will be celebrating with their children, rather than mourning them.

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