Small Church

Unto the Altar of God by Lawrence D. Maloney is set in the 1958-1966 period and describes a teenage boy’s struggles to persevere in a rigorous Catholic seminary amid nagging personal doubts, the turmoil of the 1960s, and revolutionary changes in the Catholic Church triggered by the Second Vatican Council. Adding to these challenges in this coming-of-age memoir is the boy’s strong attraction to a girl who attends a convent school. The book, which has plenty of humor, romance and pop culture from the 50s and 60s, also shows the powerful influence of people in a small Western Pennsylvania ...

The Reverend Olympia Brown is offered free room and board on a small cruise ship in exchange for being a guest lecturer, but the dream-come-true trip turns into a nightmare when she learns an elegant and persuasive male passenger is targeting wealthy, single, gullible ladies for personal and heartbreaking gain. Olympia realizes that despite cruise companies' best efforts, they can't always keep their guests safe and happy because for some of life's miscreants a ship is a self-contained hunting ground where the unsuspecting prey are like fish in a barrel. Luckily for all, Olympia makes it ...

It was weird, but then he told me that he loved me more than anything in the world, and if he couldn’t be with me, he needed me to always remember that. The serene life Willow Braxton has carved out begins to unravel with a series of unsettling events, starting with a shocking encounter with Deputy Conroy and his parents that thrusts her deeper into a world she's been trying to escape. As they find themselves entangled in the mysterious disappearance of Elise Gratz's husband, Willow's past as Susan Hampton and her skills as a detective become increasingly difficult to hide, especially ...

Love is messy, hard, and worth every second if it is the right person. The Village at Crossroad Corners is a tight-knit, traditional, community and a snapshot from the time before technology and big commerce became a mainstay in American culture. The community is rocked when the village council makes the shocking decision to allow a developer to build a dual-aged, residential community, that will house both the elderly and college aged students in a connecting network of buildings. It is an ambitious multi-generational plan, where students and retirees will learn to work together for each ...

Maybe it was time to fully let go of the pain and embrace change with an uncertain future. The Living River Ranch has served thousands of visitors throughout its many years of operation through the love and commitment of Margaret, Matthew, and their families. It is time to expand the ranch toward a higher calling, answering the need to support the next generation of youth with many new life challenges. This second ranch is located in Northern Michigan on an abandoned, century-owned farm. The eight-bedroom main farmhouse and barn need significant work to provide a place for healing for many ...

“It’s perfect,” she sighed, and at that moment, she was pretty certain she fell in love with Silas all over again. The City of Laketon, Michigan hosts a car ferry hub that crosses Lake Michigan to the city of Magawakin, Wisconsin each day. The ferry, also known as the Wolverine, crosses with a host of vehicles and passengers for the eight-hour round trip. Travelers enjoy top deck amenities such as a restaurant, movie theater, live entertainment, and fun things for kids, including a play area for children and a gaming room for teens. Silas was trying to act like Eleanor’s leaving ...

"I loved her all these years, but if I don’t believe I can stay put and be happy here…I won’t go down that road.” The Dumont Island Boarding House is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is only accessible by car ferry. Most roads on the island are gravel, though the main road that travels down the middle of the island is paved. There are conveniences such as a general store, post office, souvenir shops, café and a post office on the island, as well as a few cottages spaced along the amazing coastline. The boarding house sits on the far side of the island, with limited ...

“You would be amazed at the things I’m learning to love these days,” she finished with a wide grin as she noticed Winston walking in her direction. Torch Lake Lodge is a single-parent paradise, as it boasts activities for children while allowing parents downtime to enjoy life from a different angle. From lakeside activities to sunset dinners, Torch Lake Lodge is the perfect getaway with counselors on hand to watch the kids, and staff to provide engaging activities for every adult guest. The staff have one single purpose in mind…make every guest, young or old, feel like this reprieve...

There seems to be a lot of people that got bit by the love bug this season,” she ribbed him with her elbow. Torch Lake Lodge is a single-parent paradise, as it boasts activities for children while allowing parents downtime to enjoy life from a different angle. From lakeside activities to sunset dinners, Torch Lake Lodge is the perfect getaway with counselors on hand to watch the kids, and staff to provide engaging activities for every adult guest. The staff have one single purpose in mind…make every guest, young or old, feel like this reprieve from real life, will be one that they will ...

In return, she had never met a more attentive, creative, and fun person to push her outside her comfort zone to new adventures around each bend. The Village at Crossroad Corners is a tight-knit, traditional, community and a snapshot from the time before technology and big commerce became a mainstay in American culture. The community is rocked when the village council makes the shocking decision to allow a developer to build a dual-aged, residential community, that will house both the elderly and college aged students in a connecting network of buildings. It is an ambitious multi-...

There were moments when he wanted to scream at God for making him even want to love again. A new advisor has been housed in the college dorm to help with studies, writing labs, and other services so students don’t have to travel to partake in. Nila is a gifted writer in her world but is unwilling to publish anything due to some personal obstacles. Sparks ignite when Matthew comes to help Charlotte fertilize and set up soil for the community garden. Nila takes notice of him but immediately realizes that they are probably oil and water. The Village is reeling from the development news and ...

All he could do was pray for swift justice and that the town got through the growing pains of their new reality, sooner rather than later. The Village is reeling from the development news and plans to accommodate many new people. Family businesses are being stretched in new directions; friendships are challenged as they either love or despise this disruption to their routines and how to keep up with this sudden development in their community. As the buildings take shape on the horizon, new love, fresh starts, and brighter futures all take shape in new ways that people never expected. ...

“You are amazing,” she gushed at him. “I was so worried about all the things you would have to give up being with me, and instead, we are finding more amazing things to do because we are together.” The Village is reeling from the development news and plans to accommodate many new people. Family businesses are being stretched in new directions; friendships are challenged as they either love or despise this disruption to their routines and how to keep up with this sudden development in their community. As the buildings take shape on the horizon, new love, fresh starts, and brighter ...

“It’s overwhelming how much I feel for you after just a short time in your presence. I hope we can weather this time of change, find moments to relish together, and keep trying new things.” The Village at Crossroad Corners is a tight-knit, traditional, community and a snapshot from the time before technology and big commerce became a mainstay in American culture. The community is rocked when the village council makes the shocking decision to allow a developer to build a dual-aged, residential community, that will house both the elderly and college aged students in a connecting network...

“Can’t,” she said, looking ready to bust out of there. “I have a story due at the end of the day. Love you,” she threw over her shoulder as she started to run from him. The Village at Crossroad Corners is a tight-knit, traditional, community and a snapshot from the time before technology and big commerce became a mainstay in American culture. The community is rocked when the village council makes the shocking decision to allow a developer to build a dual-aged, residential community, that will house both the elderly and college aged students in a connecting network of buildings. It...

They stood awkwardly looking at each other, and finally, something deep inside him broke through. The Village at Crossroad Corners is a tight-knit, traditional, community and a snapshot from the time before technology and big commerce became a mainstay in American culture. The community is rocked when the village council makes the shocking decision to allow a developer to build a dual-aged, residential community, that will house both the elderly and college aged students in a connecting network of buildings. It is an ambitious multi-generational plan, where students and retirees will learn ...

”Actually, maybe Tanner Creek Ranch is the place for first loves.” Tanner Creek Ranch, located in Northern Michigan, overlooks majestic fields of hay and alfalfa. It has been owned by the Tanner family for generations. Once a working farm producing crops and raising cattle, it has become a therapy ranch to rehabilitate various domestic and specialized animal populations. Rosa Martinez is not a woman that likes labels. She is Latino, a crusader, and maybe a little bit outside the box with her thinking. Sure, her rescue opportunities normally include dogs, but when she finds a pair of ...

He didn’t see love, marriage, and baby carriages anytime soon but wanted to know if that would be a future possibility. Living River Ranch, a beacon of love and commitment nurtured by Margaret, Mathew, and their devoted families, has been a haven for countless visitors over the years. Now, as the ranch evolves, it embarks on a purpose-driven expansion, responding to a higher calling to support the burgeoning aspirations of the community's next generation. The ranch's compassionate reach extends to both animals and humans in need, as well as neighboring ranches, embodying a steadfast ...

Empowered to Pastor equips pastors to understand how to guide a small group-based church to greater fruitfulness. Each of the 21 chapters covers a distinct, essential aspect of the small group-based church. The themes include the Biblical base for small group ministry, key principles, how to make the transition, simple church planting, equipping the members, coaching, and children and youth in small groups. Each lesson includes a short video, discussion questions, Internet resources, and a downloadable PowerPoint. This book is packed with valuable material designed to help you make more and...

He woke in a cold sweat when he realized it was not Rene but Adele in his arms. Welcome to Loveland County, where the renowned Crawford family takes center stage in this captivating series. Get ready to embark on a journey with the six Crawford brothers as they explore new horizons in both their careers and personal lives. While navigating their individual paths, the unbreakable bonds that tie them together will be tested and ultimately triumph. Ethan, bearing the weight of personal losses, has single-mindedly driven his uncle's heating and plumbing business into profitability. He has ...