Rockdale Citizen

JOE LAGUARDIA: Advent is a reminder of God's covenant with us

This Sunday is a special day in the life of my church and thousands of other churches that observe the Christian liturgical year: it's the first Sunday in Advent. Advent, which means "coming," is a time to a recall the birth of Christ and all that Christ stands for

Giving thanks to Christ for many things

Psalm 118 invites us to "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever."

JOE LAGUARDIA: Reaching those who have given up on church requires compassion, finding common ground

Over the last week, politicians are clamoring to move the GOP forward after losing the While House. Stories abound on how they lost ground with young people who voted overwhelmingly for President Obama.

JOE LAGUARDIA: God remains our source of empowerment, no matter who wins the election

At the writing of this column -- on the eve of the election -- I do not have any clue who will win the presidential race.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Whether worship is traditional or contemporary, your relationship with God is most important

It seems that a church's worship style determines congregational attendance these days.

JOE LAGUARDIA: The church can be a source of support to breast cancer survivors

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a good time for advocacy, support, education, and remembrances of survivors and victims of breast cancer.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Use talents to inspire new ways of seeing the world, God and one another

Aside from some of my favorite times during the Christian year, such as Pentecost and Advent, we here at my church practice another event that has become a favorite: Christival.

JOE LAGUARDIA: When explaining theology to children, keep it simple

In last week's column, I mentioned a question my daughter asked before her great-grandmother's funeral.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Funerals offer opportunities to share our grief with God

Several weeks ago I had the honor of officiating a memorial service for a dearly beloved friend and churchgoer.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Amish exemplify how simple living leaves more time for God

If you were to ask me what religious denomination is growing in the United States, I would have guessed the Pentecostals.

JOE LAGUARDIA: God works miracles through the most unlikely of people

There once was a guy named Jairus. He was a real faithful churchgoer and leader in his community.

JOE LAGUARDIA: The church should combat modern-day malaise with imaginative hope

When was the last time you hosted a tea party and invited a bunny, a doll, a witch, stuffed bears, and your younger brother?

JOE LAGUARDIA: Crisis can allow us to grow in our faith, mature in our understanding of God

Every now and then I find myself in the office listening to a person who has just passed through a crisis of faith.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Finding the right church takes time

Trying to find a new church can be a daunting, overwhelming, and exhausting task. Whether a person is new to the area or simply searching for a new place to worship, finding that "perfect" community takes time and prayer.

JOE LAGUARDIA: A child's education is part of God's plan

Rockdale readers: My guess is that not many young people from the middle and high school crowd read the newspaper, so I need to ask you a favor -- please pass this along to a young person nearest you.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Homeless, schools, local businesses, arts need our support too

Last week, many communities in the South saw droves of people turn out for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Listening to other people's stories can bring you closer to God

My father's side of the family is especially good at storytelling. I don't know what it is about those LaGuardias, but their stories can captivate people for hours.. It's probably my Grandpa's influence. I remember attending barbecues ("grilling out" in the South) as a child and listening to him for

JOE LAGUARDIA: Rather than seek revenge, make room for God to work inside of us

Throughout the school year, I order my life around the Christian calender. That calendar begins with Advent and ends with Holy Trinity Sunday.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Engage in politics with love, understanding, respect

It was Paul who wrote to churches in the heart of the Roman empire that they were to "Be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God" (Romans 13:1). Ever since then, Christians have struggled with their role -- and the church's proper place --

JOE LAGUARDIA: In our weakness, we move beyond words and the world and look to God

Although parents get tired of hearing it, a child's cry is a miraculous way God helps us figure out what he or she wants.

JOE LAGUARDIA: Churches can be haunted by the ghostly baggage of past conflict

When I was trying to think of something patriotic to write about for the Fourth of July week, I couldn't think of anything specific.

JOE LAGUARDIA: The church should provide refuge for those on the margins of society

"And your slaves, both men and women slaves... shall prophesy.". In the ancient world, there were people who held the top of the social echelon and those who remained at the bottom. On the lowest rung were slaves.. Slavery was the result of various social situations. Some slaves were

JOE LAGUARDIA: God has a calling on us, even when our body is fragile with age

In the shadow of some recent deaths of important figures in Christendom, such as theologian John Hick and prisoner-turned-prison reformer Chuck Colson, some seasoned saints have been writing about what God has in store for those who are facing the second half of their life's ministries.