Jonestown Remembered

On November 18, 1978, over 900 people died in the jungles of Guyana at the People's Temple Agricultural Project, more famously known as Jonestown.

This tragic event disturbs me today as much as it did 46 years ago. At the time I was a young Hippie Jesus Freak leading a small group of Christians and seeing that horrible abuse of power changed my view of church leadership forever.

Jim Jones' "throne" in the Jonestown pavilion, scene of mass murder/suicide November 18, 1978

So Jesus called them all together and said, “You know that the rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it shall be among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of the others - like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

The Apostle Paul wrote... "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand." (2 Corinthians 1:24)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Peter 2:9)

Jonestown - Wikipedia

Peace, Love and Light!

Kevin (Cloud)

Rock Mass 11/03/2024 - Election Edition

 

Rock Mass on the first Sunday of the month.

Rock Mass for Sunday November 3, 2024 - Election Edition

 

We usually think of paying taxes when we read Jesus’ words “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” but I would suggest that here in the U.S. we can apply that to voting as well. We have the privilege and I might add a sacred duty to vote. We can’t vote for a perfect candidate, none exists, but for Heaven’s sake please vote.

Most of all I would suggest that no matter who wins in November that we all remember Paul’s words to Timothy:

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

 

Peace, Love and Light!
Kevin (Cloud)

 

The inspiration for creating "Rock Mass" came from the Rock Mass at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena California back in the early 1970’s. On the first Friday night of each month All Saints held a Rock Mass which was a mix of traditional Episcopalian Mass and rock concert. A live band would play popular rock music which couldn’t necessarily be called “Christian” but contained spiritual phrases and references to God or Jesus. During the 1960’s and early 1970’s there was an explosion of these songs coming out of the "secular" music industry way before there was “Contemporary Christian Music”, in a way, it could be called "The Gospel According To Billboard's Top 10".

(Stained glass guitar angel found at www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber)

 

Fair Use Notice 

 

VOTE!

 

This Tuesday be sure to vote!

Understand the issues, know who the candidates are and remember to get out and vote this Tuesday! This is your only true way to make your voice heard - not "Liking" and "Sharing" on Facebook but actually getting off the couch and participating in our Democracy. It's your right! It's your privilege! It's your duty! But if you ignore it, if you waste it, if you don't exercise it you will have no one to blame but yourself for the way our country turns out! And if you don't get out there and vote, in my opinion, you loose your right to complain about the government! So vote and make your voice heard - or just shut up!

 

Peace, Love and Light!

Kevin (Cloud)