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FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Stand Up For Marriage

Vote FOR the Marriage Protection Amendment on May 8th

In recent years, the definition of marriage in our country has become a passionate topic of debate at

both the state and federal levels. On its surface, the debate may seem straight forward, yet the

issues and consequences surrounding the definition of marriage are much more complex than many

of us may think.

Marriage is under attack, and the battle has now come to North Carolina. On May 8, North

Carolina voters will have the opportunity to preserve the definition of marriage in our state by

voting YES on the Marriage Protection Amendment. The threat to our state’s definition of

marriage is real. In fact, North Carolina is the only remaining southern state that has not protected

the definition of marriage in its constitution. As we have seen happen in other states, the first of

what will be many lawsuits was filed in North Carolina challenging our marriage laws in December

of 2011. Each of these lawsuits demands that the definition of marriage for everyone be

permanently changed to suit the needs of just one same-sex couple. The lawsuit filed in Guilford

County, is just another example of why the Marriage Protection Amendment is needed and should

be passed by North Carolina voters in May. If activist judges or politicians were to succeed in

redefining marriage in North Carolina in the future, there would be profound consequences for

religious organizations, individuals, medical professionals, and small businesses—and for society

itself.

Contrary to what some people think, same-sex ‘marriage’ would not exist in the law alongside

traditional marriage; as if it were a different expression of the same marriage institution they have

always known. Marriage will be redefined for everyone. Our historic understanding of marriage as

the union of one man and one woman would be replaced by a new paradigm for marriage as the

union of two adults, regardless of gender.

This new, redefined version of marriage as a genderless institution would be the only legally

recognized definition of marriage in North Carolina. Such a radical change in the definition of

marriage will produce a host of societal conflicts that government, exercising its broad enforcement

powers, will have to resolve. Citizens, small businesses and religious organizations whose own

beliefs, traditions, morals or ethnic upbringing are at odds with the new definition of marriage will

find themselves subjected to legal consequences if they do not act according to the new legal

definition.

When Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, schools began teaching second graders that boys can

marry other boys. The courts ruled that parents had no right to object. Unless the NC Marriage

Protection Amendment passes, North Carolina may compel public schools to teach children there is

no difference between traditional marriage and same-sex marriage. (Source:

www.voteformarriagenc.com)

Perhaps most importantly, shifting the focus of our marriage laws away from the interests of

children and society as a whole, and onto the desires of the adults involved in a same-sex

relationship will result in the most profound long-term consequences. Such a paradigm shift says to

children that mothers and fathers don’t matter (especially fathers) – any two “parents” will do. It

proclaims the false notion that a man can be a mother and a woman can be a father – that men and

women are exactly the same in rearing children.

When marriage ceases to have its historic meaning and understanding, over time fewer and fewer

people will marry. We will have an inevitable increase in children born out of wedlock, an increase

in fatherlessness, a resulting increase in female and child poverty, and a higher incidence of all the

documented social ills associated with children being raised in a home without their married

biological parents.

The North Carolina Marriage Protection Amendment says simply and powerfully: “Marriage

between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or

recognized in this State.”

(Continued on page 3)

April Midmonth

2012

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Children's Ministry Needs Please contact Brinn Clayton to volunteer (504-2449 or ctbrinn@roxboro-courier.com)

Preschool Greeter: The greeter will stand in the hall from 10:15-10:35 to assist arriving families and volunteers.. Sunday School teachers: Two teachers are needed for the 2 & 3 year old class. Preschool Worship Volunteer: This person should be willing to work only one Sunday

(continued from page 1)

God himself is the author of marriage. He gave marriage as a gift,

as a sacred covenant institution for our health, our happiness, for

human flourishing and for His glory. Beyond this we understand

marriage is a picture of Christ’s covenant relationship with His

church. I believe that most of us know and understand these

truths. I also believe we know what happens when marriage is

marginalized. We see it unfolding before our eyes everyday. It

can only lead to unhappiness, unhealthiness, and the unraveling

of human relationships.

In a world where people are more and more prone to do

“whatever is right in their own eyes,” as opposed to what God

declares is right in His Word, we need to protect traditional mar-

riage, and supporting this amendment is a key step towards this

protection!

As with all issues such as this, ultimately it is a spiritual battle

that is fought first and foremost on our knees. Pray for the fami-

lies of our church and our community. Pray for those in govern-

ment who lead us, that they will do so according to God’s truth

and with His wisdom. Pray for the grace and compassion to

reach out in love to those who are deceived by the enemy’s lies

and entrapped in a lifestyle of sin.

I will be saying much more in the weeks to come about this

amendment and how we as Christians should be involved in this

process.

I love you and I look forward to seeing you and worshipping with

you as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Gerald

Choir Practice

Sunday April 22, 2012

8 A.M.

Voice of the Martyrs Speaker

On Saturday evening, May 19,

Westwood will host Pastor Masih

who is a representative for the Voice

of the Martyrs. He has shared his

story on Focus on the Family, and

will share it with our community.

Discussion topics will include the

Koran, Jihad, and Sharing the Gospel

with Muslims. There will be a

fingerfood fellowship before the

service which will begin at 7 pm.

If you have any questions, please

contact Jason Evans, at

jassonevans@esinc.net.

Blood Drive

Sunday April, 22 from Noon to 4 P.M.

You have the opportunity to save lives., liter-

ally, by donating blood. Please take the time

to give of yourselves to help others in need.

Pregnancy Support Center

Happy Days Diner will be donating 10% of

sales to the Pregnancy Support Center on

Friday April 27 starting at 4 P.M. Come

and enjoy food, fun and fellowship while

supporting a local restaurant and a resource

that seeks to meet the needs of the

community.

Westwood Greens

We are at a the beginning of our mowing sea-son and need people who will commit to being on our team. Thank you to the teams who did such an awesome job last year. We will have a sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center. Please sign up if you want to be part of this team this year. Contact Bill Maloney, Craig Hoxie or Gar DeHoog with questions.

Our Known April Birthday

15 Samuel Day 16 Hope Barbar 18 Sarah Bridges 19 F.O. Clayton 20 Michael Gray 20 Jennifer Villeda 21 Sheila Stover 22 Nicole Stepp 25 Richard Overgard 26 Dustin Harris 26 Blake Whitt 27 Ryan Hutchins 29 Shawn Lakey 30 Darien Coleman

970 L

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Roxboro

, N

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Phone: 336-5

99-1

982

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Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the

peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and

sing for joy. Psalm 67:3-4

There are thank you cards on the bulletin board out-

side of the church office . Please stop by and read

them.