Latest news with #HowGreatThouArt
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Memorial unveiled for Gisborne suffragist Agnes Scott at Taruheru Cemetery
Group director operations at Gisborne Hospital John Swiatczak focused on the health emphasis to Scott's compassionate work and her role as the first woman elected to the hospital board in Gisborne. Historian Jean Johnston said it was wonderful to commemorate someone who had been a formidable force in Gisborne but had been forgotten in the history of Tairāwhiti and lay in an unmarked grave in Taruheru cemetery. Johnston featured Scott in her book Ambitious Gisborne Women – The organisations they established and their impact on Tairawhiti 1875-1929 and had discovered her unmarked grave while carrying out research. It was the book that had prompted the idea to create the memorial headstone and the fundraising committee was formed to make it happen. The gathering began at Stonehaven on Nelson Rd, where people were given a service sheet and then followed piper Robert Hunter from the Gisborne Highland Pipe Band to the graveside. Dame Ingrid Collins and Swiatczak removed the tartan fabric that covered the headstone, unveiling the memorial. The ceremony finished with the singing of Te Whakaaria Mai, How Great Thou Art. A Scottish-themed afternoon tea was provided by the Gisborne Women's Institute before the unveiling ceremony. Scott was the first woman elected to the Cook Hospital Board 100 years ago. The former nurse was also part of the Gisborne Women's Political Association, secretary of the Cook County Woman's Guild and a trustee of the town's first children's creche, which was later named the Heni Materoa Children's Home. Her name and address can be found on the 1892 Gisborne Suffrage petition, which 220 local women signed. A strategic political worker in support of the liberal cause, she joined forces with and supported Margaret Home Sievwright when she addressed more than 200 women prior to Gisborne women voting for the first time in the parliamentary elections on November 28, 1893. Her catchphrase to any visiting politician was 'just push us forward'.
The Guardian
03-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Country diary: Lambing season is in full swing
Lambing each spring is a time when I find myself going round and round in circles. At least three times a day I do a lap of the farm, checking on the yows and lambs, making notes about which have lambed and how many lambs they have had. I'm also troubleshooting; looking out for lambs that are cold, hungry or inactive, and for yows on the verge of lambing. Just a flick of the tail or turn of the head can give it away. It's also time to notice things: hawthorn beginning to blossom, bluebells looking like they might flower soon, two noisy oystercatchers, a buzzard circling overhead. It's an active world and I'm not just an observer, I'm part of the whole landscape and ecosystem. This year I'm lambing 178 yows, and so far 79 have lambed. Nearly halfway there. We normally scan them, but aren't this year as we planned not to give any additional feed to those expecting twins. That's because the twins were a little big last year, and we are moving to an entirely grass-fed regenerative system. So far they are lambing at about 125%, so one in four is having twins. I've had to intervene in two out of the 79 births. One lamb has died, two yows have rejected their lambs, and one was convinced to mother its own by bringing them into the shed and putting them in a small pen together. The whole process from first birth to last takes about 25 days. This week a farming friend died suddenly at the age of 59. I haven't given myself time to think about this until today, and suddenly, overcome, I sit on the hillside and lie down in the grass. I see tiny violets around me and the view of the valley below. As well as being connected to nature, we farmers are connected to each other. I think about those who lambed here before me, and those who will hopefully come after. A peregrine soars overhead, and as I watch it I'm reminded of my friend singing his favourite hymn, How Great Thou Art: 'When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze'. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Together in unity': Crowds gather for National Day of Prayer events in Ebensburg, Somerset
SOMERSET, Pa. – As Danny Conner sang the hymn 'How Great Thou Art' Thursday near the Somerset County Courthouse steps, he gestured for people in the crowd below to join him. 'Everyone,' he said, raising his voice mid-song. 'Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee.' Conner could have been addressing fellow faithful nationwide, as Somerset County's National Day of Prayer event was mirrored in towns across the U.S., including Ebensburg. At least 125 people gathered outside the Somerset courthouse for the early May tradition. Hundreds of National Day of Prayer events occurred simultaneously nationwide. PHOTO GALLERY | National Day of Prayer | Somerset County In Ebensburg, community members joined hands to praise God in song as they gathered in front of the Cambria County Courthouse. This year's National Day of Prayer theme was 'Pour Out To The God Of Hope and Be Filled.' 'Our theme is to pray to the God of hope, and this day brings hope to the community,' said Pastor Lee Workman III, president of the National Day of Prayer Cambria County Task Force. 'It brings us to a spiritual level where we need to be, and it brings positive things when we speak the name of God. This day brings a lot of people together in unity.' In Somerset, National Day of Prayer committee members were surrounded by an empty cross and U.S. flags as they sang, spoke and referenced Scripture. Both events featured prayers for military members and veterans, schools and students – and an education system that embraces God. In Somerset, they cited economic hardships at home and prayed for business leaders to create jobs, prosper and grow while staying true to Christian values. A prayer for local families included those struggling and in 'crisis,' and a call to support the local organizations that work daily to support them. Local resident Doug Stupka led the group in prayer for the country's government leaders at all levels, from local lawmakers and judges up to the White House and President Donald Trump. 'Let them lead on biblical principles rather than personal ambitions,' Stupka said. The National Day of Prayer has been held on the first Thursday of May annually since 1952 and has been marked by millions of people of various religions across America since. The local events were organized by Christian leaders. The Rev. Eric Raygor, a Methodist minister, told the crowd in Somerset that churches need to come together, regardless of denominational differences. 'Even though we come from different buildings, we are (all) your family,' Raygor said, adding later: 'And forgive us when we fall short.' Nicktown resident Mary Ann Williams said in Ebensburg that the event inspires hope, trust and faith in the Lord. 'Above it all, he's the foundation, and without that solid rock, everything will tumble away,' Williams said. 'Anything that brings about joy and unity is a positive.' Williams said the day is about keeping faith strong. 'We are all disciples of the Lord, and that is our mission,' she said. 'We need to bring it to all four corners of the world.' For those participating, Workman said the message was that they will see that change can be made if everyone stands together. 'I pray they have a better understanding of their hope and positives will be brought out through this,' he said. 'For the positives to happen in the county, we need to work as a team.' Somerset County National Day of Prayer committee members prayed for a similar outcome. Across East Union Street, John Ringler, of Acosta, and Carolyn Brown, of Jenner Township, were among those who sat together in small group prayer moments before the event ended. Ringler said he woke up distracted by the damage that a storm inflicted on the region Tuesday, and called a friend in Ligonier to make sure he was OK. Thursday's event served as a reassuring reminder that God is the calm within life's storms, they said. 'Being here, it's a peaceful, calming feeling,' said Ringler, a first-time attendee. 'I'm glad I came.' 'Just being around all of these people ... and the prayer,' Brown said, 'you leave here uplifted.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baylee Littrell says Backstreet Boys dad taught him how to stay humble in Hollywood
Baylee Littrell wore his faith on his sleeve all the way to the top 20 on "American Idol," and he said it was a lesson he learned from his parents. Littrell, 22, is the son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell. He won the judges over with an original song in his audition (accompanied by his famous dad), and then his performances continued to impress in the later stages of the competition, before being voted off last week. In the Hollywood round, he performed an original song called, "Hey Jesus" that he wrote following the death of his grandmother. Littrell said he did not expect to receive the feedback he did from fellow believers in Christ. Backstreet Boys Singer Gets Emotional During Son's 'American Idol' Performance About Finding His Faith "I feel like I got a really, really good response from it," Littrell told Fox News Digital. "A lot, a lot of support that I truly did not expect to receive. Because in this day and age, representing faith is kind of taking a risk. I feel like the majority of the world doesn't look to find it. So when I had that reception from fellow believers out there and people that are just now finding faith, I made that my strength for the rest of the show. So, it was great." Read On The Fox News App His faith is something Baylee said blossomed at home. "That's the foundation of my faith is what my parents taught me growing up, what I would learn in school, growing up," he said. "And it's just, it's always a big part of our lives. You know, it's really the foundation of our life. And there is a big misconception with it. You know that you can't live a full life or you can't do certain things, due to religion." But that's the wrong perspective, he shared. "It's really more like, to me, I look at being like a good Christian is one who does not judge, one who accepts everyone," he added. "So, it played a big role and it was actually really freeing to have it on the show and be able to be that voice for people that have already known it for so long or that are just now finding it. So, it meant a great deal to me." 'American Idol' Judge Carrie Underwood Admits It's 'Difficult' To Bring Faith Into Hollywood Judge Carrie Underwood, who also competed on and won season 4 of "American Idol" back in 2005, has been very open about her own Christian faith throughout her career. This season's Easter episode featured the contestants singing spiritual songs, capped off with Underwood's powerful performance of "How Great Thou Art." While Littrell said he never got to speak with Underwood directly about their walk with God, he said that growing up her voice had been a constant in their home. "The faith songs that she's recorded and put out there over the years have always been a pillar in my house," he shared. "You know, my grandmother many years ago when she lost one of her best friends, I sang 'How Great Thou Art' at her funeral and that was her friend's request. And so it was like, it's a beautiful moment." "That's what really brought me to Carrie's faith-based music and stuff like that. I got to see her sing that during our Easter episode. And I was crying, I was bawling my eyes out just because it's a beautiful moment. And I truly believe she's been used as a vessel. And I think it's so cool to see the beauty and the power of her voice and what she does with it and how she uses it." 'American Idol' Judge Praises Contestant For Boldly Sharing Her Faith Through Music: 'Never Scared' Littrell surprised fans on social media last week when he posted pictures of himself in the studio recording, "Hey Jesus." "So, that song, hopefully we're going to get that out in the next couple of weeks while it's still fresh in people's minds," he said. "But I went into the studio just with my acoustic guitar and recorded it and going back in the studio today to just refine some things with it. And we've got a lot more music coming, but definitely want to get 'Hey Jesus,' there first just so people have it." Asked to explain what genre of music he believes he'll fit into, he said he wouldn't want to stay in just one box. "I would never pin myself as like strictly a Christian artist," he said. "I could see it being more pop-related. I've taken a stab at country the last like six years and that one doesn't feel like it's really going to work out. I just feel like I'm going more into a direction of singer-songwriter." "But, too, I want to highlight any time I write a song that's faith-related, I would love to get it out there," he added. "You know, be a voice for people. I don't think I would ever strictly be a Christian artist, but I would definitely love to, you know, any chance I get to do both and have that out there for the world."Original article source: Baylee Littrell says Backstreet Boys dad taught him how to stay humble in Hollywood
Fox News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Baylee Littrell says Backstreet Boys dad taught him how to stay humble in Hollywood
Baylee Littrell wore his faith on his sleeve all the way to the top 20 on "American Idol," and he said it was a lesson he learned from his parents. Littrell, 22, is the son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell. He won the judges over with an original song in his audition (accompanied by his famous dad), and then his performances continued to impress in the later stages of the competition, before being voted off last week. In the Hollywood round, he performed an original song called, "Hey Jesus" that he wrote following the death of his grandmother. Littrell said he did not expect to receive the feedback he did from fellow believers in Christ. "I feel like I got a really, really good response from it," Littrell told Fox News Digital. "A lot, a lot of support that I truly did not expect to receive. Because in this day and age, representing faith is kind of taking a risk. I feel like the majority of the world doesn't look to find it. So when I had that reception from fellow believers out there and people that are just now finding faith, I made that my strength for the rest of the show. So, it was great." His faith is something Baylee said blossomed at home. "That's the foundation of my faith is what my parents taught me growing up, what I would learn in school, growing up," he said. "And it's just, it's always a big part of our lives. You know, it's really the foundation of our life. And there is a big misconception with it. You know that you can't live a full life or you can't do certain things, due to religion." But that's the wrong perspective, he shared. "It's really more like, to me, I look at being like a good Christian is one who does not judge, one who accepts everyone," he added. "So, it played a big role and it was actually really freeing to have it on the show and be able to be that voice for people that have already known it for so long or that are just now finding it. So, it meant a great deal to me." Judge Carrie Underwood, who also competed on and won season 4 of "American Idol" back in 2005, has been very open about her own Christian faith throughout her career. This season's Easter episode featured the contestants singing spiritual songs, capped off with Underwood's powerful performance of "How Great Thou Art." While Littrell said he never got to speak with Underwood directly about their walk with God, he said that growing up her voice had been a constant in their home. "The faith songs that she's recorded and put out there over the years have always been a pillar in my house," he shared. "You know, my grandmother many years ago when she lost one of her best friends, I sang 'How Great Thou Art' at her funeral and that was her friend's request. And so it was like, it's a beautiful moment." "That's what really brought me to Carrie's faith-based music and stuff like that. I got to see her sing that during our Easter episode. And I was crying, I was bawling my eyes out just because it's a beautiful moment. And I truly believe she's been used as a vessel. And I think it's so cool to see the beauty and the power of her voice and what she does with it and how she uses it." Littrell surprised fans on social media last week when he posted pictures of himself in the studio recording, "Hey Jesus." "So, that song, hopefully we're going to get that out in the next couple of weeks while it's still fresh in people's minds," he said. "But I went into the studio just with my acoustic guitar and recorded it and going back in the studio today to just refine some things with it. And we've got a lot more music coming, but definitely want to get 'Hey Jesus,' there first just so people have it." Asked to explain what genre of music he believes he'll fit into, he said he wouldn't want to stay in just one box. "I would never pin myself as like strictly a Christian artist," he said. "I could see it being more pop-related. I've taken a stab at country the last like six years and that one doesn't feel like it's really going to work out. I just feel like I'm going more into a direction of singer-songwriter." "But, too, I want to highlight any time I write a song that's faith-related, I would love to get it out there," he added. "You know, be a voice for people. I don't think I would ever strictly be a Christian artist, but I would definitely love to, you know, any chance I get to do both and have that out there for the world."
