Muslims in the United States of America?

How would you feel if people judged you, as a Christian, when they saw you wearing a cross or carrying a Bible?  Would they dislike you because you appeared to be different?  Had they taken time to know you for yourself?  Have they linked you with other people who act like idiots (see Around Town With Ms. “V”-Qur’an)?  Have you or I, done anything wrong lately?

The old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” applies to this post.  Not all Muslims, or people who dress differently from traditional Americans, are out to kill and destroy.  We have people in our church who don’t wear jean, shorts or tee shirts to church, yet we accept them for who they are.  They came to a non-denominational church to hear a Word from God.

This writer knows several people who cover their heads, or cover their bodies (wouldn’t that be a novel idea), or pray several time a day (wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians communicated with Father God continually?).  We, as followers of Christ, should judge everyone as individuals, just as we want to be appreciated (Take a moment and read all of Matthew 7 in the Bible).  Sure we should be cautions with our surrounding, but that should be with most things.  Holy Spirit will keep us advised if we are in constant communication with Him.

If this message is offensive to you, then that’s on you; and like some political candidates - you will be held accountable for your actions and beliefs.  I may lose some associates, friends and family on social media; nonetheless, the subject needed to be addressed.  Love YA’LL!!!

Florida church to burn the Qur’an (Koran) 9/11

Originally posted on Examiner September 11, 2010
On September 11, 2010 marked the 9th year since the bombing of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania.  To commemorate this painful time in history, a local church wants to ‘burn copies of the Qur’an (or Koran) on that day.

The Bible            The Qur'an

The Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Florida, is the church that is planning a ‘book burning gathering’ to display their beliefs that anything Islam is of the devil.  Do you remember a scene in the movie “Footloose” where the congregational folks wanted to destroy some literature, from the public library, that they considered unseemly?  This is a reminder of the antics of the KKK or the Nazi’s of years ago.  If you need to go back further, look at how the Jews condemned Jesus.

A religion doesn’t sentence people to hell – people choose to direct their lives in that path.  You cannot classify a group of people in the same realm.  Not all Christians are good and loving, as being demonstrated by the Dove World Outreach Center.  What they plan to do on September 11th, despite being told that the church would be ‘fined’ by local government officials, would be an abomination.

We should know and learn the ‘truth’ and not accept ‘religious profiling’ and accusations of a particular people as an answer to “Who God Is”.  God is love and we should be at peace with all men.  How are others to know the love of God if they can’t recognize Him in us?  There is an old adage that says, “If you shoot my dog, I’ll kill your cat” (way before Jay-Z decided to use the saying); is that where we’re headed?  If only Christians were as diligent in prayer as some Muslims, then we would know the truth and not have to revert to retaliations.

Clara White Mission to host HIV testing

Clara White Mission and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation will host a community HIV Testing event.  Safeguard yourself, your family and those you care about.  Get tested!  The day’s activities will include: a DJ, Food, Educational Information and Gifts for everyone that is tested. For more information, email Ju’Coby Pittman, or you may contact Lolita Hill at (904) 535-1658.

DATE: Saturday, August 27th.
TIME: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

Jay Leno has jokes that he’ll share in Orange Park Florida

If you’ve been wondering what TV host Jay Leno has been doing since he retired from “The Tonight Show”, then you’ll need to get your tickets now to his one-man-show coming in 2017, to Orange Park Florida.  These tickets will be great stocking stuffers for Christmas.

“Jay Leno marks the first announcement of many top-notch performers we have planned for this next season,” said Thrasher-Horne Center Executive Director Denton Yockey.  “We look forward to his comic style that has entertained so many on ‘The Tonight Show’ for so many years.”

In person, Jay Leno

Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” His career has included top-rated TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist.

Leno’s late night television ratings domination included more than two decades of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” winning every consecutive quarter of his hosting over the past 19 years.  After Jay resumed hosting the program, following its one-time interruption, he made it once again the consistent and uninterrupted ratings leader for late night.  You might even have enjoyed him on his “Jay Leno’s Garage” show, nonetheless, he’ll be coming to Jacksonville soon.

An indefatigable performer, Leno loves to test his humor live on audiences across the nation, performing over 100 live appearances in nightclubs, theaters and stadiums each year.   His “everyman”-style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide.

“Jay Leno”
DATE: Sat. January 14, 2017
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: range from $69 – $129 (all fees included) and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 12+ (15% discount), or 40+ (20% discount).  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.

Thrasher-Horne Center announces upcoming 2016–2017 musicals

Thrasher-Horne Center announces the second season of Broadway Orange Park with four touring

2016 - 2017 OP Musicals

musicals: “Into the Woods,” “Avenue Q, Xanadu” and “Mamma Mia!”  The season starts November 2016 and runs through June 2017.  Subscriptions are currently on sale at the Thrasher-Horne Center Box Office.  is ready to continue Thrasher-Horne Center’s Broadway development.  “This is a season for real fans of musical theater with some offerings that aren’t always seen in a typical Broadway series in Jacksonville,” said Executive Director Denton Yockey.  “Thrasher-Horne Center is trying to provide shows that will complement and build upon the theatre culture already rooted in Northeast Florida.”

Broadway Orange Park begins Saturday, November 26 at 8 p.m. with the launch of the national tour of “Into the Woods”.  This acclaimed production by Fiasco Theater was such a surprise hit in New York that its run was extended twice over the past year.  Now the company takes this reimagined production on the road rehearsing and presenting the first performance of the national tour at Thrasher-Horne Center.  Mind the wolf, heed the witch and honor the giant in the sky in this Tony Award-winning musical classic by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine about the power of wishes and what really happens after they come true.

The 2016–17 season continues Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m. with a stop at “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning and irreverent, laugh-out-loud look at life after college.  Part flesh and part felt, this production is packed with heart as recent Princeton college graduate seeks to find his purpose in the big city.  “Xanadu” takes the stage Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m.  This adventurous, rolling-skating, zany musical spoof is based on the cult classic movie of the same name.  “Xanadu” rolls and sings along to all the same legendary pop-rock songs: “Magic,” “All Over The World,” “Suddenly,” “I’m Alive,” "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and “Xanadu.”  All songs composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.  Both “Avenue Q” and “Xanadu” are presented by Slow Burn Theatre, a regional theatre company from South Florida, that is making a name for itself with exciting and fresh theatrical productions.

The season ends on Tuesday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. with the Farewell Tour from one of the most successful musicals of all times “Mamma Mia!”  “Mamma Mia!” is the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five current musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway.  The show is preparing for its 90+ market farewell tour.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Subscriptions are now on sale for the four show season.  Prices range from $99 to $199 and include options such as swap or drop a show.  Tickets for individual shows will be available in the fall.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.