Send2Press Newswire

Southern Baptists to Care for Their Ministers Through New Long Term Care Program

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:57:59 GMT

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention Endorses LTC Financial Partners, LLC and MetLife to Provide Long Term Care Education and Insurance.

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Leading the charge for faith-based organizations, GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention will be offering LTC Financial Partners' (LTCFP) LTC Outreach and Education Program (LTCOEP(TM)) to any minister or employee who wishes to be educated about the risks of not planning for long term care costs. The program will attack a major healthcare issue: Over 60% of seniors over 65 will need some form of long term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; but most Americans, including ministers and church staff, are ill-prepared for the expense.

The program will also cover the family members of the ministers, staff, and employees - important since long term care needs can come up for younger people as well as seniors, though at lower rates.

Long-term care costs can threaten the financial security and independence of individuals and their extended families, particularly if they are living on retirement income," says O. S. Hawkins, President of GuideStone Financial Resources. Operating as a church benefits board, GuideStone serves more than 190,000 participants worldwide including Southern Baptists and other evangelical churches, ministries and institutions. "Our ministers, church staff and ministry organization participants are not exempt from the devastating effects of long-term health care costs in retirement," Hawkins says.

The help will consist of information and training, plus the opportunity to purchase insurance policies via their employer. "Through this arrangement," says Hawkins, "LTC Financial Partners will provide our participants and their families with comprehensive long term care education and access to discounted rates for MetLife long term care insurance plans offered via their employer." In addition, "Employees who apply for coverage and are actively at work may also qualify for simplified health underwriting for a limited time."

The new long term care program, which may attract the attention of other religious organizations, is consistent with GuideStone's role in caring for those who care for America's 16 million-plus Southern Baptists. "As a part of our core mission of enhancing the financial security of those who GuideStone serves," says Hawkins, "we believe long term care education and access to quality insurance solutions will help our participants protect the retirement and investment savings they've work so hard to build." This move also represents a continuation of GuideStone's commitment to endorsing quality long term care solutions, he emphasizes. "GuideStone participants who currently have long term care insurance policies through previous endorsed relationships with other companies can continue to rest assured that they have stable, quality products."

A phased implementation plan is already underway. Specific details about the program will be shared directly with GuideStone participants in stages. In addition to SBC ministers, church staff and their families, the program will also embrace employees of SBC's ministry organizations and their families. Well over 100,000 individuals will be eligible to participate.

LTC Financial Partners, LLC, with offices nationwide, specializes in educating and empowering Americans about long term care issues. "We offer face-to-face or telephone counseling and advice to individuals and employers regarding their specific long term care financing needs," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO. "We also created the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program(TM) (LTCOEP(TM)), which is offered to employees of corporations and non-profits." The organization -- found at www.ltcfp.com -- is committed to helping people live life fully and completely in dignity, comfort and independence without financial burden.

MetLife has been at the forefront of helping Americans prepare for a more secure retirement and preparing for the future by offering a leading portfolio of long term care insurance products. The company offers a broad portfolio of comprehensive solutions and is committed to consumer education, making it uniquely positioned to meet the needs of GuideStone's constituents. Celebrating 140 years, MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. Through its domestic and international subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world and MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance, reinsurance, and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, please visit www.metlife.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, GuideStone Financial Resources, long term care financing

34th Annual Country Day Fair for Prince of Peace - Costa Mesa

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:27:18 GMT

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For the thirty-fourth consecutive year Prince of Peace School announces a great day of family fun! The Annual Country Day Fair is happening Saturday, April 19th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Costa Mesa. Prince of Peace Church and School have been a community anchor in the Mesa Verde community of Costa Mesa for over 40 years. Prince of Peace looks forward to serving up fun for the whole family at this event.

There's something for everyone: carnival rides, games and prizes, an international food fair, karate demonstration, puppet show, silent auction, live music and more. Admission is free, attraction tickets are available for purchase the day of the fair.

Anyone who enjoys good, wholesome fun is encouraged to head on over to Prince of Peace School, 2987 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa (Corner of Baker and Mesa Verde)!

Please see www.popcostamesa.com for more information.

About Prince of Peace
Prince of Peace was established in the early days of Orange County and has been serving our community ever since. Prince of Peace School offers safe, Christian based Pre- and Elementary-school education. Our staff is committed to providing the best care and education for your children.

Prince of Peace church services begin every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. We have fully licensed childcare during our Sunday school and church services. Our Youth Programs on Wednesday Night (6:00 p.m. for Dinner) consist of K-3 and 4th - 6th. We invite you to visit us any Sunday or weekday during office hours.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Prince of Peace Church and School, Orange County Country Day Fair

Pope Visit to U.S. Prompts Peaceful Protest March for Protection of Religions from Exclusivism

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:47:46 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On April 18th, Pope Benedict XVI will address the United Nations General Assembly as part of his first visit to the United States as leader of the Catholic Church. In response to this event, the Forum for the Protection of Religious Pluralism (FPRP) (protectreligions.org) is organizing a peaceful march, which will proceed at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18 from the United Nations building to the Gandhi statue in Union Square Park. Another demonstration and parade will be held outside Yankee Stadium during the Papal address there from 1-4 p.m., on Sunday, April 20. FPRP is holding these events to voice another view of religion, international politics, and civil rights.

FPRP is devoted to raising public awareness of religions that have been victimized by aggressive proselytization campaigns that are grounded in religious exclusivism, which is there is only one way to God and all other ways are wrong and even evil that needs to be destroyed. Catholic, Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians looking to increase their numbers at any cost have had tremendous success in recruiting new converts by closely linking social services with deceptive and exploitative proselytizing. For example, schools have been built by evangelicals in other countries to provide an education to the poor, but the schools have also sought to persuade the children that their parents' spiritual beliefs are wrong and that Christianity is the only true religion. During natural calamities (tsunamis, earthquakes etc), services to the distressed are attached to proselytization campaigns. Weaker sections of the societies are targeted creating hatred, disharmony and tearing apart communities that lived together for thousands of years.

These campaigns are funded through a combination of donations from churchgoers and government support, are still being conducted around the world with little interference. Such acts of intolerance violate the religious freedoms of many ancient traditions, and the FPRP is holding its events to bring attention to the injustices faced by them.

According to the events' organizers, religious exclusivism is at the root of religious injustice and sectarian violence around the world. This includes 9/11, Rwanda and other genocides, stolen generations of native cultures, suppression of women, gays as well as many lesser known violations committed in the name of God. In Bangalore suburb, new Christian converts from slum areas who were told by missionaries that their old neighbors worship demons put crosses at every street corner of the community of non-Christians and replaced their street names with Christian saints names. Residents live in fear as hostilities mount.

"We represent faiths, including several Christian denominations, that do not support proselytization and view the practice of it as a complete contradiction of their beliefs," says Jonas Trinkunas from the World Congress of Ethnic Religions (WCER), one of the organizations that is sponsoring the event. "When the members of the U.N. say that they support religious freedom and then give privileged treatment to the leader of a religion that regularly endorses deceptive proselytization campaigns at the expense of others, we feel that we are being penalized for remaining true to our faiths. If religious freedom is going to be shared by everyone, this unequal treatment must stop."

While this event is designed to focus on the rights of minority ethnic religions, other groups are encouraged to participate regardless of their religious or non-religious backgrounds. Hindu Collective Initiative of North America representing many Hindu temples and organizations is supporting the event. Religious groups such as Buddhists, Druids, Greek, Hindus, Romuva, Slavics, Wiccan, and other ethnic religions from Europe, Africa and various parts of the Americas have already confirmed their attendance at the demonstration, and the organizers are hoping that more groups will participate.

"We are not against any religion," says Satyanarayana Dosapati, one of the organizers of the event. "But the religious freedoms of cultures are being abused in many countries and their ancient traditions are being lost at an alarming rate. Mahatma Gandhi called proselytizations conducted by missionaries as the deadliest poison that ever sapped the fountain of truth. We can no longer afford to live in a world in which some religions spend billions of dollars each year to spread intolerance and injustice under the guise of humanitarian aid while ancient traditions disappear as the result. If religious pluralism is to have a future, we must act now."

FPRP plan to submit a petition signed by members of all religious groups to UN Secretary General calling for more active role by UN in protecting all the World religions and cultures.

Detailed information is at www.protectreligions.org.

More information or media queries:
Contact: Valerie Tarico
Forum for Protection of Religious Pluralism
Phone: 847-462-4692
E-mail: protectreligions@gmail.com

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Forum for the Protection of Religious Pluralism, Pope Benedict XVI

Mormon Author's New Book Addresses Interest Stimulated by Mitt Romney's Election 2008 Campaign

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:01 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. - Dec. 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today's speech by Governor Romney was in response to concerns many have about Mormonism. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the fourth largest church in the USA, is one of the world's fastest growing, (approximately 300,000 new converts each year). It is also one of the least well understood. Many people respect and admire the members, but have problems with their understanding of doctrines and history. Reactions range from curiosity to animosity, says author Walter Scott.

There is a serious information gap. No politician can, or should have to publicly discuss his religion in enough detail to educate the open-minded and also deal with intolerance. For people to declare a major religion a non-Christian cult, because it doesn't accept their creeds, is weird, to use their word. The logical extension of that argument would result in all followers of Christ prior to 300 A.D. being classified as non-Christians! The tone and remarks of some set a dangerous political precedent, and are unfair to Mormons.

We can only hope to overcome this gap by comprehensive information.

What are the commonalities and differences with other Christians? Some beliefs are different. Why? Mormons have been more successful than most in resisting the drift away from traditional values and moral standards, and the attacks on the family. Why? What are the reasons behind our beliefs and practices?

We hope for understanding, not necessarily agreement. This situation has given us the attention of many, an essential requirement for educating them and correcting misconceptions, the author observes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Walt Scott, a fifth generation Mormon, has twelve pioneer ancestors, including one who joined the Church in 1837, seven years after its organization. This book benefits from that legacy and the author's experiences in leadership and teaching assignments in the Church. He and his wife have six children, nineteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. From that group and their spouses, twelve have served fulltime missions for the Church, in New York, Texas, England, France, Russia, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Taiwan.

BOOK INFORMATION

Title: The Mystery and Controversy Surrounding "Mormonism"
Author: Walt Scott
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-159858-500-1
6"x9" paperback, 172 pages, $16.95

More information: www.mysteryofmormonism.com

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Election 2008 Campaign, Author Walt Scott

World AIDS Day Remembered at HLC with Activities, Including Display of Famed AIDS Quilt

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:46:41 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Nov. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Hollywood Lutheran Church is remembering World AIDS Day with an event of Healing, Hope and Remembrance on Sunday, December 2nd, starting at 4:30 PM. As a prelude to the memorial, at 4:30 PM there will be an "AIDS MEMORIAL MARCH" for a few blocks, to the church starting at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Edgemont Ave. near the former site of Kaiser's AIDS Hospice Care Center.

Before the memorial, there will also be time for Meditation in the Sanctuary and a chance to view 3 panels of the renowned AIDS quilt, which HLC has flown in from Atlanta especially for this event.

The Memorial Service itself begins in the sanctuary of Hollywood Lutheran at 5:00 PM, and features original music by Christopher Flores and Eldon Turner.

To add to the memorial and highlight the shifting demographic of the face of AIDS (to women of color worldwide), the Los Angeles-based choral ensemble Vox Femina will perform. A reception follows featuring more music by the Great American Yankee Freedom Band. At the reception, there will be opportunities to learn about the work of Project Angelfood and the Aids Walk; and a presentation will be made to Project Angelfood.

So...come, light a candle, remember a friend by name, say a prayer, ask for healing, give thanks for the lives of our friends, and the nurses, doctors, drugs and caregivers that sustained them. Sign up for a cause and make a difference. Enjoy food, friends, music - and celebrate life.

There is no charge for the Memorial, but contributions for AIDS charities will be gratefully accepted.

Hollywood Lutheran Church is located at 1733 N. New Hampshire Ave. Hollywood, CA 90027 (one block W. of Vermont, 1/2 block N. of Hollywood Blvd.) There is free parking, at the church.

To learn more visit these sites: http://www.worldAIDSHollywood.org or http://www.hollywoodlutheran.net.

Or contact Eldon Turner, HLC Music Minister at eldonturnerdesign@yahoo(.com), or call (323) 667-1212 at the church.

This is a group event sponsored by Hollywood Lutheran Church; Lutheran's Concerned Los Angeles; and The American Catholic Church.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, World AIDS Day Hollywood, Hollywood Lutheran Church

Walt Scott Announces the Imminent Release of a Timely Book Addressing Public Interest in Mormonism Stimulated by Mitt Romney's Campaign

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:38:21 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. - Nov. 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- While the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is now the fourth largest church in the USA, and one of the world's fastest growing, (approximately 300,000 new converts each year) it is also one of the least well understood. Most people like the members, but many have problems with the doctrines and history. Public reactions range from curiosity to animosity, says author Walt Scott.

These reactions are caused by wide spread lack of information and by misinformation. Virtually all of Mormonism rich literature has been written by members to members. The Internet has extensive information available at places like www.lds.org, but also a lot of anti-Mormon information. If you want to know something about a people, ask them, not their antagonists.

For oh, so long, Mormons have "turned the other cheek" to false and misleading characterizations, such as claims that their church is not a Christian church, or that it is a "cult," with the result that many assume that what they have been told must be true. This well researched and documented book was written specifically for the public. It gives objective, clear, candid and comprehensive responses to frequently asked questions, discusses differences and commonalities with other Christians and people of other faiths, and explains the reasons for the differences.

The author hopes to promote understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect, by "demystifying" Mormonism.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Walt Scott, a fifth generation Mormon, has twelve pioneer ancestors, including one who joined the Church in 1837, seven years after its organization. This book benefits from that legacy and the author's lifelong experiences in leadership and teaching assignments in the Church.

He and his wife have six children, nineteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. From that group and their spouses, there have been twelve who have served full time missions for the Church, in New York, Texas, England, France, Russia, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Taiwan.

BOOK INFORMATION
Title: The Mystery and Controversy Surrounding "Mormonism"
Author: Walt Scott
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN 978-159858-500-1
6" x 9" paperback, 172 pages, US $16.95

An electronic version is available (free during November 2007) at www.mittandmormonismbook.com.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Author Walt Scott, Mystery and Controversy Surrounding Mormonism

The Grand Opening of a Grand Yoga and Vedic Cultural Centre and University in Los Angeles

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:46:39 GMT

MONTCLAIR, Calif. - Nov. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful Vedic Era! Experience the celebrations and ceremonies of India, western and world music and fun family entertainment, for three energizing and joyful days at the Grand Consecration of a Vedic Temple. Join us at the new Nithyananda Vedic Temple, Nov. 9th - 11th at 9720 N Central Avenue, Montclair CA, 91763.

Come, experience the grandeur and bliss of the Vedic Era! 48 hours of continuous Vedic rituals and opening of a University to radiate the enlightening Vedic Sciences. Fall into meditation and commune with the divine as you witness the largest number of tallest deities in North America being infused with divine energy by Paramahamsa Nithyananda, a multi-dimensional Enlightened Master from India. Don't miss this rare, transformational opportunity!

The one-of-kind institution in North America will a seat of higher learning with top notch Vedic Scholars. It will have a rich spiritual library carrying over 100,000 books and house 1,200 very rare and authentic artifacts of the Vedic era. 30 different subjects will be taught on all aspects of Vedic tradition like yoga, meditation, ayurveda, Vedic rituals, crafts like rangoli, henna etc., with over 100 online courses and an E-library. Little Anandas, a weekend cultural school for children will be offered, where they will discover the Vedic truths in a fun environment. This bastion of Vedic culture and tradition in the West, aims to raise awareness of the Vedic tradition and usher in a positive impact on global peace and universal brotherhood.

As part of the GRAND celebration, Swamiji will be delivering FREE public discourses on the Shiva Sutras - the essence of meditation - for a continuous and unbelievable 30 days starting November 10th to December 9th. Shiva Sutras are the scriptures given directly by Lord Shiva to Devi, teaching various meditation techniques which help to reach "Shiva Consciousness." When meditated upon they can take your mind on a direct path to the state of Enlightenment (complete self-realization - every moment brings new beginnings and new truths).

NITHYANANDA is a young, multi-dimensional, Enlightened Master from India whose popularity has exploded over the last seven years and awakened the hearts of millions of followers. His ground-breaking and dynamic techniques are transforming lives world wide. His goal is to create a blissful society, to spread the knowledge of the enlightening Vedic Sciences and in turn pave the way to creating peace in the individual, the country and the world. Currently there are over 1,000 centers in 30 countries, 30 Nithyananda Meditation Academies and 2 Universities.

The bliss continues to expand at an incredibly rapid pace. Be a part of it!

For more information, visit: www.NithyanandaVedicTemple.org or contact
info@NithyanandaVedicTemple(.org).

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Nithyananda Vedic Temple, Shiva Sutras

Cannabis Minister Gives American Churches Warning After Conviction

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:00:00 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Aug. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "I live in the City of Angels where the Mayor cheats on his wife, the City Attorney cheats the taxpayers and I teach the Word of God and the love of Jesus and I am being sent to prison for several years," says Rev. Craig X Rubin. I love my country, but I love God more and I must teach the Truth that Jesus proclaimed a Kingdom not a religion. The Truth is that Jesus is Messiah, He was born of a virgin and rose from the dead. The Law and the prophets spoke the Word of God and all the prophecies of the Bible will come to pass and that is all that our temple taught.

"My name is Rev. Craig X Rubin. I was ordained by the Universal Life Church 17 years ago. A church that will ordain anyone for free, not for a fee as the AP (Associated Press) is reporting. Everyone, the prosecutors and press, seem to be making a big deal out of the fact that anyone can become ordained to marry people in the name of God by this church."

*(Photo Caption: Inside Temple 420, LAPD point loaded shotgun at unarmed clergy with hands against the wall.)

"I love God; always have and always will. As far as I am concerned I don't need to be ordained by anyone to teach the Word of God. His Law is written in my heart and I have not broken it. Abraham Lincoln was a self taught lawyer and no one would say he was a bad lawyer. My great-grandfather was a rabbi who founded the first temple in Toronto. It is in my blood to teach God's Word, so it should not be important which church ordained me.

"I don't feel one ounce of remorse for the crime I am about to go to jail for. In fact, I continued to commit my supposed crime for 9 months after my arrest and no persons' health or safety in the State of California was compromised. My only crime is wanting to reach people of my community, stoners (the 420 Nation) with the Word of God. I never talked anyone into smoking pot. I taught them that God created this wonderful plant and that they should study the Word of God as known through the Bible to know the will of God. I am now going to be taken from our society and my seven children, all of whom live at home, for many years for my faith that cannabis is the Tree of Life. My wife and I had no presumption of innocence as this country proclaims. We had our life's saving seized and lost our house all because we started a church.

"This is my warning to fellow Christians in America. If you didn't stand up for my church when they came in with shotguns and kicked down my church doors, when they took the names of my church members and kept them from us, took our U.S. federal mail, seized my wife's and my life's savings without a conviction of any kind (and we have no criminal record) than I ask you...who will stand up for your church when the federal government comes marching in because you are teaching that God created all the plants on the third day; Or when you teach the Book of Revelation...who will stand up for you? I never changed one word from the Book of Revelation and now I am going to be spending years in jail for my faith that the Book is inspired by Jesus Christ.

"In my case the judge ruled that I was not allowed to mention the federal law or the Constitution to the jury because it might confuse them. I was not allowed to give the jury a copy of the Bible. They might actually think we had rights in this country. The prosecutor, Bob Chen, even objected when I told the jury that inalienable rights were not given to us by the government, but they came from God. I am Jew who came to know that Jesus was the Messiah, but I am still a Jew. I can no longer make Aliyah, the Jewish right of return, to Israel a land I have prayed for my whole life. It was my prayer and still is that one day I'll live there near Jerusalem and I will be able to visit the Holy City often. Currently, the country of Israel won't accept me anymore because I am a Jew who puts faith in the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. The funny thing is I feel more Jewish than ever now that I believe in Jesus and I know the Law and the prophets more intimately.

"My only request of my fellow followers of Christ is that you pray for my children during this hour of struggle for my family. Lastly, since this will be my last comment for a while is that you recognize I didn't go fishing for Christians in an aquarium when I started my church. I went to Hollywood a city with more sin than Las Vegas. I reached the homeless, people in the business of pornography, prostitution; I didn't try and steal Christians from other people's churches. I went to people who didn't have God in their lives and I taught them the Bible, the Word of God, according to my mission and because I was successful at it I am now going to jail."

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Reverend Craig X Rubin, Cannabis Minister convicted

City of Angels vs. Word of God: OJ Simpson's Lawyer Comes Up in Cannabis Church Case

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:35:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - July 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Reverend Craig X Rubin says, "God has called me to do this work. I am spreading the good news of Jesus' Kingdom to new believers and informing people about the real Tree of Life." Reverend Rubin is the leader of Temple420.org, a Judeo-Christian pro-marijuana church that doesn't promote smoking marijuana, but does burn marijuana in its religious ceremonies.

"The plant changes from marijuana to the Tree of Life when we burn it just as wine turns to the blood of Christ. Also, we know that our prayers are carried to the heavens on the smoke of this plant."

*(Photo Caption: Rev. Rubin appearing on KTLA 5 CW television in Los Angeles.)

For Jewish members Rubin states he is just teaching the principles of the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments (Not Suggestions, his comment), but many Jewish people are coming to New Testament services just to learn about Jesus and the life of historical Jews at that time period in history when Israel was dominated by the Roman Empire. Reverend Rubin, a history major from UCLA, goes on in his preacher like manner, "I think every nation needs the Bible, but it is my mission to share the Word with the people of the 420 Nation (stoners). I want to lead my people towards the God of the Bible. I take the Book seriously and believe every prophetic word of the Bible will come to pass."

On the opposing side, the City of Angels is represented by Deputy DA Bob Chen who says possessing and selling cannabis flowers for religious purposes is illegal. Mr. Chen allegedly doesn't believe church members are sincere in thinking cannabis is the Biblical Tree of Life. He calls their sacrament a smoke screen to possess cannabis, says Rubin.

Temple 420, for its part, is asserting "religious freedom" and seeking the Federal protection under Title 42 of the United States Code commonly referred to as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Mr. Chen says Federal law doesn't apply in this case because no Federal agents were used. "There is no Federal involvement in this case," was Mr. Chen's exact quote from the preliminary hearing. He went on, "This operation was conducted entirely by the LAPD, a local law enforcement agency therefore these Defendants are not entitled to use the Federal defense."

Rubin asserts that state law can not over rule Federal law. The Pre-Trial Discovery hearing promises to be exciting. Reverend Rubin plans to offer as evidence some heated email exchanges between he and the famous Robert Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro called Reverend Rubin mere hours after he was released from jail saying that he was interested in representing him and asked for a meeting.

It turned out the Reverend Rubin and the other co-Defendants couldn't afford the services of Mr. Shapiro. Then in a strange coincidence during discovery the Defense team noticed FBI officers and two agents from an "unknown agency," according to the testimony of Officer Tracye Fields, (Preliminary Hearing testimony given by LAPD #33844 April 9, 2007), going in and out of a private door to a business that Mr. Shapiro is a partner in, Legalzoom.com.

Rubin heatedly asserts, "As soon as I saw the Federal agents going and out of an unmarked private door belonging to a company with ties to Mr. Shapiro I immediately became suspicious. So, I emailed Mr. Shapiro with a brief email demanding to know who asked him to call me even though I knew the answer."

Robert L. Shapiro wrote Reverend Rubin back on the Fourth of July saying his business partner has asked him to call and then threatened to take legal action against Reverend. The letter writing continued on the Fifth of July with both men asking the other not to write again.

"You should be able to get the precise information in the discovery of your criminal trial," was the last thing Mr. Shapiro wrote to the Reverend of the cannabis church on the Fifth of July, so that is the Reverend's plan. In the discovery motion that will be heard on Monday July 16th at 8:30 AM at 210 W. Temple, Department 131, by Judge Strobel, Rubin plans to ask. In the filed motion by Reverend Rubin on July 6th he did just that and asked for all communication between law enforcement agents and Robert Shapiro hoping to prove that Federal agents were involved.

More information about Temple 420, Temple420.org.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Temple 420 church, Reverend Craig X Rubin

Potential Republican Presidential Candidate Faces Seven Years in Jail

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:57:00 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - June 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On August 16th 2005 Reverend Rubin announced that he'd be seeking the Republican Nomination for the office of President of the United States of America, with the publishing of his book "9021GROW" (ISBN: 0974711004). The opening line of the book prophetically stated that by the time you hear of the Rev. Craig Rubin, he'd either be in the White House or in jail. At the moment it is not hard to guess which scenario is most likely to happen: going to jail.

Reverend Craig X Rubin is facing seven years in jail for what he says is religious and political persecution. His next date in court is June 12, 2007. Superior Court of Los Angeles, 210 W. Temple Dept. 131, with Judge Mary H. Strobel, where he is going to present evidence already shared with D.A. Bob Chen that there is an alleged Federal conspiracy going on in this case.

*(Photo Caption: Rev. Craig X Rubin at doors to Temple 420.)

On November 8th 2006, police armed with guns and in raid gear kicked open the doors to his temple in Hollywood. "I am a true and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ," says church leader Reverend Craig X Rubin, leader of Temple 420. "We are a Judeo-Christian temple that knows that marijuana was created by God and is the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible."

The Bible claims in the Book of Revelation of St. John, given on the island of Patmos, that in the end times some people will be cursed no longer for using this plant. The Greek word translated in the KJV as "cursed" is "anathema," which means to be excommunicated.

The Biblical Tree of Life is a plant, if you believe the Bible, and the leaves of this plant are supposed to be used for the healing of all nations. Followers of Temple 420 see marijuana or cannabis hemp as a way to end our war in the Middle East since marijuana is a source of fuel. In fact Henry Ford even built a car with a hemp fiber resin shell, similar to the fiberglass Corvette, that was ten times stronger than steel.

Reverend Rubin is claiming that there is a Federal conspiracy to deny Reverend Craig X Rubin the right to practice his religion and seek the office of the President of the United States. There has been alleged gross police misconduct by Officer Tracye Fields of LAPD #33844 who actually perjured herself under oath by stating that Federal officers were not involved in the raid on Reverend Rubin's temple.

Video evidence has come to light that shows Federal officers were allegedly working with LAPD from early in the day and didn't simply show up to "observe," as Officer Fields testified to in a preliminary hearing. Under oath Ms. Fields testified that Federal officers were not involved with the investigation or execution of the warrant on Reverend Rubin's California Religious organization, but the videos shared with prosecution in discovery clearly show that Tracye Fields had contact with undercover Federal informants before going to get the search warrant on the temple.

The undercover informants are famous in the pot world. The video clearly shows Brett Boag of Apothecary Travel (U.S.) and Apothecary Seed (Holland), the official travel agency for High Times magazine, along with his half-brother Robert Ayala working with law enforcement officers to bring marijuana into the temple prior to the arrest.

Temple 420 operated similarly to over 200 medical marijuana clubs in Los Angeles. The main difference was that one didn't need a doctor's note to be able to use cannabis for religious purposes because of Federal law and a Supreme Court ruling. Rubin opened his church after the Supreme Court ruled what he was doing was perfectly legal in a case called "Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita" (federal cite: 546 US 418) decided on February 21, 2006.

Under federal law Reverend Rubin has the legal right to import, use and disseminate among church members a Schedule I controlled substance for their religious practice. U.S. Code 42 Chapter 21 B gives American citizens the right to freely practice their religion without the fear of having those practices substantially burdened by laws of general applicability. By lying under oath about the Federal involvement, Officer Tracye Fields was allegedly hoping to deny the church the right to use Federal law as an affirmative defense.

If the media would like copies of the video showing the alleged Federal informant bringing marijuana into the temple, police using excessive force by pointing a loaded weapon at clergy and making a joke even though clergy posed no harm to the officer, Federal involvement in the raid of the church without first showing a "compelling interest" or using the "least restrictive means" when extinguishing our religious practice as required by Federal statute, or copies of photo copies of Officer Fields testimony given under oath, please email CraigXRubin@hotmail.com. DVDs or photo copies will be immediately sent overnight to all qualified media outlets. The videos are surveillance videos and don't come with audio.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, LAPD raid on church, Reverend Craig X Rubin

Ministry Developed to Keep Kids Safe from Sexual Offenders

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:48:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Feb. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Recent studies show that sexual offenders are turning to God in increasing numbers and attending church in secret; "Keeping Kids Safe Ministries" (www.KidsSafeMinistries.com) is helping churches discern who is attending church for the right or wrong reasons.

Here are some hard-core facts regarding sexual offenders:

In an effort to deal with sexual offenders who have turned to God, two therapists, Greg Sporer and Steve Vann, quit their jobs to develop "Keeping Kids Safe Ministries."

"Neither of us could sit idle with the knowledge that sexual offenders may be attending church for the wrong reasons," Sporer said.

Sporer worked in prison sexual offender treatment programs and Vann was employed as a treatment provider for adolescent offenders. Both men are concerned about children's safety. They now use their 40,000 hours of combined experience working with sexual offenders to keep kids safe at churches. They have biblical solutions to deal with offenders who attend church for the right or wrong reasons.

According to Vann, God offers forgiveness for all sinners including offenders. He explains that it is good news that offenders are turning to God; however, the bad news is that most church leaders are not prepared for the increase in offenders who worship at church or the church members who are there to offend children.

Sporer, who has specialized in church sexual offenders since 1989, believes that churchgoers continue to be naive about their own church members - most church sexual abuse cases involve members of their church.

Some churchgoers will witness suspicious behaviors, but not report it because the behaviors do not match up with their perceptions of a sexual offender. Church offenders display Christian character, and are often married, and use their spotless criminal record to gain positions working with kids.

So, are churches defenseless with hidden sexual offenders in their congregation?

"Absolutely not," Vann said. "Church sexual abuse is preventable. All church offenders have two weaknesses that are on display prior to any offense: boundary violations with a teen or child; and suspicious behaviors."

Vann continues that it is too risky for a hidden church offender to stay in a church that is skilled in dealing with boundary violations and suspicious behaviors.

"Keeping Kids Safe Ministries" invests in church leaders and church youth workers to create an environment where an offender's behavior is questioned and dealt with appropriately.

The ministry has a team of experts who help churches better discern which offenders are praying to God or preying on kids. They assign a professional with years of experience working with sexual offenders to churches to enable them to better deal with problem situations before children are harmed.

Both Sporer and Vann are passionate about serving church leaders so all kids can be safe at church. For more information about this important ministry visit: www.KidsSafeMinistries.com.

Text provided by the news source.

Christianity 'Not A Real Religion' According to LAPD as Cannabis Church Files Suit Against City of Angels

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:00:00 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Feb. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- When Reverend Craig X Rubin was arrested at his house of worship he asked the lead LAPD officer for the special rights accorded to clergy under California Penal Codes 1524 and 1525, but was told by the officer that his Bible-based Judeo-Christian organization, that was recognized by the state of California, was "not practicing a real religion." Temple 420 is a registered religious organization with the State of California (CA Corporation #C2791851) and Reverend Rubin has been ordained by a church that has passed the State's organizational test in court. Members of the congregation use cannabis in their temple - a practice that has gotten them into trouble with the LAPD.

People know Reverend Craig X Rubin for the role he plays, as the owner of the medical marijuana club, on the hit show "Weeds" on Showtime; but what people don't know is that he is a messianic Jewish preacher on the weekends.

Temple 420 on Hollywood Blvd. (www.Temple420.org) has services every Saturday and Sunday at 4:20 p.m. The Old Testament is taught on Saturday and the New Testament on Sundays. The unusual thing about Temple 420 is their faith that cannabis is the "Tree of Life," spoken about in several places in the Bible; most notably the Book of Genesis and the Book of Revelation, where it describes the leaves of this plant as being, "for the healing of all nations" because cannabis, sometimes called hemp, is so versatile as a natural resource.

"Ending the prohibition on cannabis will get us out of the Middle East sooner," claims Reverend Rubin, "because we can use cannabis to make fuel, thus making us more energy independent. The President keeps talking 'switch grass' and I know which grass he should switch. Henry Ford built a hemp car that ran on hemp fuel back in the 1930s."

*(Photo Caption: Image of Henry Ford and his hemp car. Image is in public domain.)

The congregation feels burning the Tree of Life reminds them to follow the Laws of God, the Ten Commandments, that emanated from a burning bush. Further, they use the smoke of the plant as an intercessory to carry their prayers to God. Both Jewish and Christian members of the sect agree that cannabis is the Biblical Tree of Life and wonder why they are treated differently than the Catholic Church who actually did recently commit crimes and allegedly covered them up.

"Could you imagine the type of paramilitary force that invaded our temple, kicking down the doors of the Catholic Church to get information on alleged pedophile priests -- yet that is exactly what they did in our house of worship." Officers kicked their way into the sanctuary with weapons pointed, without the slightest thought or care of putting their paramilitary boots on the Holy Cross and Star of David on the custom made temple doors. The Reverend continued, "I was taught in California public schools all the way through graduating from UCLA. I have seven children, have no criminal record, and yet without a conviction the LAPD has seized all of my personal assets, leaving my family penniless and about to be homeless."

February 13, 2007 the Reverend responded as the City of Los Angeles tried to permanently seize control of the Reverend's life savings. He had 30 days to respond or his worldly assets became their property. When filing his response and requesting a quick resolution he was told by Sharon Terry of the District Attorney's Office, "Not to expect a hearing anytime soon" as the City was busy. Meanwhile, the Reverend and his family are being evicted, as their assets are held for an indefinite period of time, and the Temple's only income comes from donations via the Internet.

According to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the authorities can only use "the least restrictive means necessary" if they feel a religious organization is violating rules of general applicability. That is why Reverend Rubin has filed a complaint with the LAPD (CF07-000151) and has given notice to the city of his intent to sue for religious discrimination and violations of his civil rights. The complaint alleges that Officer Trayce Fields knew on August 25, 2006 that Reverend Rubin was an ordained minister teaching the Bible at his Hollywood Temple and she did not give that information as required by law to the judge who issued the warrant.

"American churches should be concerned about religious freedoms at this time in our history. That is why I took this case. Temple 420 is reaching people other churches don't," says defense council La'Chelle Woodert, as she represents Reverend Rubin, who is facing seven years in prison for his religious beliefs.

For additional information, please contact:
- Reverend Craig X Rubin, +1-818-370-6528
- La'Chelle Woodert Esq., +1-323-251-8890

Text provided by the news source.

Fresh Insight on How to Improve Your Ministry in the Area of Integrity and Accountability is From the Husband and Wife Style of Ministry and Leadership

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:58:00 GMT

From single male solo leadership in the church to Husband and wife will improve the entire ministry outcome

CONYERS, Ga. - Aug. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Radah Publishing, a ministry of Crusade Dominion Church, with Dr. Sharon S. Milon, has announced availability of her new book, "Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship."

The insights of this book provide most of society the opportunity to make influential upgrades, to improve the value of the church's pulpit and homes. The approach and data provided is to have the church percentages of divorce and infidelity eradicated for the kingdom of God charge. This book is the only one known, addressing this revelation on the market today.

Readers embracing and using these truths taught in the book, will positively affect throughout the world, totally upgrading in all areas of dysfunction in church leaders, and its followers. The high percentage of church offenses against members would change and display the image and likeness of the Godhead found in the book of Genesis.

With this book taught in ministry schools and small groups, the understanding of equality would bring harmony and peace to the world we live in. Because the book is so clear and simple to understand, this knowledge should have been released long ago, for better relationships historically.

"Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship" provides a foundation to build marriages for healthy offsprings, with ministries of longevity. It is now available in Atlanta-area bookstores, online stores and Crusade Dominion Resources for the price of $15.00 (plus shipping).

Readers say, "If they had read the book before they married it would have been the tools they needed to help them avoid the failure of divorce and troubled children."

Preventing the fall of a marriage this book prepares you to move on after the trauma of a divorce and build you up to know there is a greater call and purpose and failure is not the end.

"Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship" is foreword by a leading Apostle of our time, Apostle John P. Kelly with a validation of this book states "It is one of the most needed books in print today!"

About Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship
"Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship" is published for those desiring to know more, with an open-minded perspective on the origin of Adam and Eve, catapulting the plan for all creation; with its unique blending of spiritual and willingness principles, both timeless and timely questions are confronted and resolved. Team Apostles, Husband and Wife Generalship can thus be thought of as a blueprint for continual upgrades of churches families and business husband and wife.

For more information on the book, or to order online, visit www.sharonmilonministries.org or call 770-761-9557 At Crusade Dominion Church.

Editorial Note: no ISBN provided for book. Website was not completed at the time this release was posted. Text was provided by the news source and only edited for typos, not grammar by Send2Press editors.

Ancient Greek Images Portrayed Genesis Events - Independent Record of Mankind's Origins Uncovered

Thu, 11 May 2006 20:09:00 GMT

ARCHIVAL CONTENT

ANNAPOLIS, MD - May 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Solving Light Books announced today the release of a 600-slide PowerPoint presentation, an expansion of the book, "The Parthenon Code: Mankind's History in Marble" (ISBN: 0970543832) by Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. The PowerPoint restores the east pediment of the Parthenon in color by computer, explains its meaning and, displaying more than 500 ancient images, shows that the characters and events portrayed in Greek art match those described in the early chapters of Genesis. Only the viewpoint is different. The Greeks believed that the serpent enlightened, rather than deluded, the first couple in paradise.

Greek artists did not portray "myths" as is commonly believed, but rather a visual narrative of their history meant to be easily grasped by their many illiterate countrymen. The gods looked exactly like people because they were the Greeks' (and our) ancestors. Socrates himself referred to the gods as his "lords and ancestors."

The Greeks called the first couple Zeus and Hera, a brother/sister - husband/wife pair whom their poets and playwrights traced to an ancient garden of ease, always depicted with a serpent-entwined apple tree. Like Adam and Eve, they had two antagonistic sons, Hephaistos corresponding to Kain (Cain), and Ares corresponding to Seth. Surviving images of those figures, the Greek Noah, and many others provide us with a new and independent record of mankind's origins, a discovery of Rosetta Stone proportions.

"Once you see that Greek artists celebrated the resurgence of the way of Kain after the Flood, the meaning of their art becomes obvious," says Johnson. "The ancient painted and sculpted record clearly shows that the Greeks pushed Noah and his God out of the picture, worshipped their ancestors as gods, and exalted mankind as the measure of all things," he added.

The Greeks summarized their boast to posterity on the east pediment of the Parthenon, explaining who they were and where they came from. The PowerPoint offers the first comprehensible and coherent color restoration of it. The pediment's profound, familiar theme resonates today even as it did 2400 years ago.

The PowerPoint features seven vase depictions of the Greek version of Eden, thirty-one of Noah's Flood and its aftermath, and thirteen of Nereus, the Greek Noah.

PowerPoint Trailer, Sample Sections, Restored Pediment, Noah, Eden Images can be viewed at:
http://www.theparthenoncode.com.

The Pope of Pot Finds Success on the Internet with Temple420.org

Mon, 08 May 2006 21:15:00 GMT

All across the nation people are flocking to the this Judeo-Christian message that includes marijuana as a religious sacrament

LOS ANGELES, CA - May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Temple420.org opened on April 20th to incredible success. There have been thousands of people flocking to the site and a true community is being created on-line. Two community members of Temple420.org have decided to get married and they have asked Craig X Rubin, the new Pope of Pot, to officiate over their Wedding. The other exciting news is that Rubin, the Temple's Reverend, is going to Washington D.C. to be trained as a preacher by Arch Bishop George Augustus Stallings.

The Temple members to be married are Jeffery David Moorman, 23, of Westego, a suburb of New Orleans and his lovely fianc� Sarah Joan Nicholson, 22. "I am a Christian," said Moorman, "and this Temple speaks to my fianc� and me. We are proud to be a part of the Temple and are supporters of the mission."

The date of the wedding remains to be set, but the young couple is committed to being married before Labor Day. Reporters can contact Mr. Moorman and his young bride at their residence in Louisiana (504-324-8563). Their parents are unavailable for comment.

Temple420.org is a unique religious institution that promotes a Biblically based Judeo-Christian philosophy. The Founder of the Temple is the great-grandson of Rabbi Schmuel Frileck, founder of the first Jewish temple in Toronto, Canada. Craig X Rubin considers himself a Messianic Jew, but doesn't want to alienate Jews who don't yet accept the teachings of Jesus.

"Jesus was a Jew, His message was Jewish, and all the writer of the Gospels were Jewish. This is a Jewish book about a Jewish guy," CraigX says when speaking about Jesus. "I read the same Bible to my children that my father read to me, only I read both halves of the book to my children."

When asked about the Biblical validity of his claims Rubin responds, "From the beginning of the Book until the end, God speaks about planting seeds and harvesting. The first Chapter of the Bible Genesis 1:11, Man is given every plant and herb bearing seeds for his use and in the very last chapter of the Bible Revelation 22 states that there will be a plant for the healing of all nations that will have 12 uses and be harvested 12 months a year. I know this is cannabis," Rubin states with confidence.

Although Reverend Rubin called himself a pro-pot Republican in his first book, 9021GROW (ISBN: 0974711004 - 2000B.C.) he attended the liberal Congressional Black Caucus in the early 1990s working for Arch Bishop Stallings of the African American Catholic Congregation. Arch Bishop Stallings has agreed to help train and advise the Pope of Pot in his evangelical style. Rubin tries to explain his reasoning for opening the Temple in his second book, "Jesus Smokes Weed" to be released in the spring of '07.

Rubin is the first to admit, "Of course people are skeptical, but I am sincere about spreading God's Word to the 420 Nation and beyond. There is no need in preaching the Word to Christians, they already get it. Jesus came to heal and that is our mission. There is a sickness which pervades the earth and we have a plant for the healing of all nations. The Hemp plant makes food, fuel, fiber, medicine and is the center of our spiritual life."

As a result of recent police actions in at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Rubin is offering all Boulder residents a discount on Temple420.org membership.

For more information on Temple420.org visit http://www.TEMPLE420.org or call 310-841-6113.

PODCAST:
Hear an interview with the Pope of Pot, Craig X Rubin, on the Send2Press Entertainment Podcast

About Craig X
Craig X Rubin graduated from UCLA with a history major in 1993. For eight years he was the owner of a successful hemp store on Melrose Avenue. He is married and lives in the San Fernando Valley with his seven children. He currently can be seen playing himself on Showtime's hit series Weeds. He is also a technical consultant on the show. Rubin writes for both High Times and Cannabis Culture Magazines.