Doreen T-T's Signposts: April 2016

Sunday, April 17, 2016

2016 Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an interactive program where children learn about the Christian Faith through Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, puppet shows, and skits.

What is Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church's (GPC’s) Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2016 Theme?
    Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love.

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
     July 11-15, 2016 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
    610 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877

    Church Office: 301-948-9418
    Web: http://www.gpchurch.org/

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School Registration Period?
    Registration is now open and closes on 5/30/16 or when it is full.

How do I register for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Complete and submit the registration form: 2016 Registration Form

Who can attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Any child who is 4 years old by 07/01/16 up to those entering 5^th grade in Fall 2016-2017 school year.

Can non-Christians attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    Yes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about others.

How much does it cost to attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
    A voluntary contribution to assist with costs of materials is much appreciated:

    1 child=$30; 2 children=$40; 3 or more children= $50

Whom do I contact for more GPC Vacation Bible School information?
    Jeanette Shields at 301-948-9418

Safety Measures
     GPC asks about food allergies and prohibits any snacks with peanuts.

Sources:
http://www.abingtonfbc.com/VBS/vbs.htm
http://www.fumcpalatine.org/ministries/childrens/vacation-bible-school.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5136079_vacation-bible-school.html
http://virginialynne.hubpages.com/video/What-is-Vacation-Bible-School

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Ancestry DNA – A Cool Party Trick or Privacy Violation?

I am in great fear of all the ads Ancestry.com is placing you get folks to willingly give up their DNA just to see their ethnic origins. It’s the ultimate privacy violation yet thousands are flocking to do it like lambs to the slaughter.

I have to ask the basic but obvious question:

If you won’t willy nilly give out your Social Security Number or your credit card number, then why would you give someone a sample of your DNA - the most personal, private part of yourself?

What real guarantee of privacy do you have? Everything gets hacked, even the Pentagon!

Handing over your DNA for no good cause makes it easier for you to be found by authorities and insurance companies are always looking for a reason to exclude the insured from getting their claims paid. As science marches on, you know they will find a way to charge extra if your DNA has a gene for some disease. Or not cover you at all because of a congenital condition.

Why just hand it over for what is a cosmetic purpose? After all, who really cares if you’re Irish or Italian or something else? When all is said and done, you are you. If you aren’t sure who you are, you need psychotherapy or a life coach, not a DNA test.

More importantly, Ancestry.com LLC was started by the Mormons as a recruiting tool regardless of what the PR says. If you are not familiar with their brand of religion and especially if you are not religious at all, their goal is to get everyone inducted into Mormonism in the afterlife - whether you want to be or not. They get your name, family tree, and now your DNA.

I say “NO”. Be afraid. Do not do it.

Source: The Power Of DNA And The Potential For Misuse

http://wideshut.co.uk/the-power-of-dna-and-the-potential-for-misuse/

Monday, April 11, 2016

Great Performance by the Montgomery Philharmonic

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful concert by the Montgomery Philharmonic celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Jean Sibelius’ birth! He was a Finnish composer who lived from December 8 1865 – September 20 1957. *** It surprised me he died less than a year before I was born!

I had heard them play several times and it's always been a treat. Check out their site and upcoming performance dates: MP Link.

As usual, they were expertly led by music director and conductor Sandra Ragusa. She always does a great job of explaining the music so even inexperienced folks like myself get the full flavor of what is about to be played.

Details:

April 10, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
610 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
    Sibelius: Finlandia
    Sibelius: Night Ride and Sunrise
    Sibelius: Symphony No.7

Here are a few photos I took: