Sunday, March 23, 2014

Entire Interfaith Novena to Defeat the HHS Mandate - Day 9 - Feast of Annunciation!


Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 1

Lord God,
You are the Author of Life and Freedom.
In your Spirit, we have the freedom of the children of God,
And in your Name, we promote the freedom of all
To seek, embrace, and live the truth of your Word.
In that freedom, Lord, we your people stand with Life
And reject whatever destroys life
Or distorts the meaning of human sexuality.
In that freedom, Lord, we your people live our lives
In a way that advances your Kingdom of Life,
And we refuse to cooperate in what is evil.
At this moment, therefore, when our government has decided
To force us to cooperate in evil,
We pray for the grace to be faithful to you
And to oppose the unjust laws and mandates
That have been imposed upon us and our institutions.
We pray for the conversion of those in civil authority
Who fail to appreciate the demands of conscience.
We pray for the complete reversal of all policies
That permit the destruction of life
Or coerce the cooperation of your people
In practices that are wrong.
Bring us to a Culture of Life.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 2

Lord Jesus Christ,
You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
You are the ruler of every nation
And you call all nations to obey your law,
Which is higher than any human law.
Lord Jesus,
We lift up to you today
All who serve in public office.
We pray, Lord, for our President
And for the thousands of people who serve in his administration.
We pray that you enlighten and guide them,
And free them from the deception of evil.
Give them a new respect for human life, for freedom of conscience,
And for the rights of your people.
We pray that your people may be free from all unjust laws and mandates
And may always raise their voices
On behalf of human rights.
We ask this of you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 3

God our Father,
You are the author of Liberty.
You created each human being
In your own image and likeness,
And bestowed upon each person
A dignity that nobody can take away.
You are the defender of our freedom,
A freedom by which we seek you,
And seek to be faithful to your law.
At this time of our history,
We ask you to protect the freedom you have given us
And to defend our dignity.
Give us the grace to speak up
On behalf of conscience,
And the freedom to live out our faith
No matter what the cost.
Give to each person, and to our public officials
the grace to respect
each person’s freedom of conscience and religion.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 4

Lord Jesus Christ,
Ruler of all nations,
You gave your apostles the command
To preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth,
And promised that you would be with them all days,
Even until the end of the world.
After your Ascension,
They went forth to preach your word
And you confirmed with signs and wonders
That you were working through them.
When they were told by the authorities of their day
Not to speak your name anymore,
And were even arrested and scourged,
They boldly declared,
“We must obey God rather than men!”
Lord Jesus,
You continue to proclaim your Word
in your Church today.
Give us the same clarity, courage, and determination
That your apostles had,
That we may not allow any obstacle or earthly power
To intimidate us into silence or compromise.
Grant that our highest loyalty may always and only be to you,
Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 5

Lord God,
You are Light, and in you there is no darkness.
You sent your Son Jesus Christ
As the Light of the World,
And you sent your Holy Spirit
To enlighten the hearts and minds of all.
Lord, we pray today
That we may always experience
The light of your truth,
Informing our conscience
Of what is right and what is wrong.
We pray that this light
Will reach all of our fellow citizens
That they may recognize the dangers of evil
Which are often hidden along their path.
Open the eyes and minds of all
To the threats that currently exist
To our religious freedom,
To the health and well-being of women,
And to the good of our nation.
Give us the grace not only to recognize evil,
But also to reject it with the unwavering strength
That comes from you.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 6

Father,
You unite the human family
Through the blood of your Son Jesus Christ
And the gift of the Holy Spirit.
At this time of need,
When your Church and all your people
Are called to stand firm against injustices
Inflicted on us from our government,
We ask you to strengthen us in the bond of unity.
Strengthen the unity of your Church,
That none of your faithful may be on the sidelines,
But that everyone may be active in this battle.
Give Church leaders the grace to discern
The many varieties of the working of your Spirit
That they may fan into flame the gifts that the Spirit
Bestows freely on your people.
And give us the wisdom to know
That no group has a monopoly on the defense of life and freedom.
May we work in an ecumenical and inter-religious spirit
And welcome the efforts of all people of good will
Who believe in freedom of religion and conscience.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 7

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
We thank you, Father,
For the grace of repentance
And the power of conversion at work in your people.
We thank you for your Holy Spirit,
Who convicts us of sin and enlightens us
About how to please you.
Lord, enable your people,
In the midst of current persecution and danger,
To live the spirit of repentance
Ever more deeply and effectively.
For every moment we lacked courage in the past,
Give us the grace to repent.
For every time we were silent when we should have spoken,
Give us the grace to repent.
For every time we could have witnessed to life but did not,
Give us the grace to repent.
Made strong by the spirit of repentance,
May your people rise up
And reverse the tide of evil in our midst.
Enable us to defend our freedom
And to build a Culture of Life.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 8

Father,
Your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
That those who mourn over their sins
And over the evils in the world
Are blessed indeed, and will be comforted.
We come before you today
In that spirit of Christian mourning
Over how far our nation’s policies
Have strayed from your law
And from the respect for life and conscience
That every law should reflect.
In the power of your Spirit,
Our mourning does not make us weak,
But rather renews our strength
To work for change.
Enable us, then, to speak up
And educate our fellow citizens,
And to make our voices heard
To our elected officials.
Reverse the unjust policies
That have been forced upon us,
And restore our nation
To the principles of freedom and justice
Upon which it was founded.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena to Reverse HHS Mandate—Day 9

God of our Fathers,
We thank you for our nation,
Founded by those who believed in your Word
And came to this land as if out of the desert
To seek a place of freedom and rest.
We thank you for their conviction
That our rights come from You, our Creator,
And that government exists
To secure those rights,
And never to destroy or weaken them.
Now that we face unjust mandates
That call upon us to violate our conscience,
We pray for your protection.
Keep us faithful to you in our every deed.
Grant that we may work for change
By being citizens who are active in the process
By which we elect our leaders.
Grant that by our efforts to educate and mobilize voters,
We may replace public officials who ignore your law
With those who observe it faithfully.
Bless our nation’s upcoming elections.
As we rejoice that we are citizens of your Kingdom,
So make us always faithful citizens on earth.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- See more at: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2011/entirenovena/#sthash.ndeIPw6B.dpuf

Friday, March 21, 2014

FLS in Ypsilanti is in need of maternity clothing

Family Life Services is in need of maternity clothing in all sizes and 3T-6 boys/girls clothing. If you have these items (new or gently used) and would like to donate them to a family in need, please drop them off at the center during our open hours. Tax receipts are available. FLS is located at 2950 Packard Road in Ypsilanti. Info contact Emily at (734) 434-3088.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

JOIN LOCAL RALLY in Ann Arbor--as HIGH COURT HEARS HHS MANDATE CASE, MARCH 25TH

PLEASE MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO AT LEAST JOIN THIS LOCAL WITNESS IN SUPPORT ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM__  ALL DETAILS ARE BELOW__

--the D.C. Rally and the Ann Arbor Rally_

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at U.S. Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case! On March 25, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the historic Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius cases which challenge the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate, and the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally Coalition will be there. Join us for a prayer vigil and rally at the U. S. Supreme Court from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on March 25. FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/204627633079260/.

Can’t go to D.C.: Here in Washtenaw County two prayer rallies are being held to coincide with the Rally in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, March 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 1st location: Intersection of Washtenaw Ave & Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor (site of the annual Oct. Life Chain). 2nd location: Geddes Road Exit off of U.S. 23. Park and meet at Concordia University, 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor. After exiting onto Geddes Road, go west on Geddes Road and turn south onto the first drive into Concordia University on the left. Follow the signs to the student housing parking lots. Rally signs will be available or you can make your own. Want to help, contact Sandie Weathers prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com or 734-657-1936. For updates go to:  http://pro-lifeactionnetworkblog.blogspot.com/. Please remember our purpose is prayer and to Stand Up For Religious Freedom!

Please Spread the Word!
Hope to see you on Tuesday, March 25th!

Stand Up For Religious Freedom!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at U.S. Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case!

On March 25, 2014 the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the historic Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius cases which challenge the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate. These are the first two cases on the HHS Mandate to reach the high court.

Here are three ways to HELP!

Rally with us in D.C. and Ann Arbor!

Pray, Pray, Pray with us!

Spread the Word!

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at U.S. Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case! On March 25, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the historic Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius cases which challenge the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate, and the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally Coalition will be there. Join us for a prayer vigil and rally at the U. S. Supreme Court from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on March 25. FB event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/204627633079260/.

Locally: Here in Washtenaw County a prayer rally is being planned to coincide with the Rally in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, March 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Signs will be available. To help, contact Sandie Weathers prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com. Details coming soon at:  http://pro-lifeactionnetworkblog.blogspot.com/. 

Join in the Interfaith Novena to Stop the HHS Mandate – starting on Day 3 (sorry for the delay, my fault). We can fight injustice in many different ways, but we must never forget that our strongest weapon is prayer. A novena is a nine day prayer sequence for a particular intention, in this case the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga cases and the defeat of the HHS Mandate. Though the devotion has its roots in Catholic spirituality, the prayers here are ones that people of any Christian tradition can pray. To join the novena already in process, please go to: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2014/marchnovenaday3/


2014-03-19 Updated List - Upcoming Pro-Life Events and News

Washtenaw County and Beyond
Partial list as of March 19th, 2014 Compiled by Sandie Weathers

Join in the Interfaith Novena to Stop the HHS Mandate – on  Day 3 (sorry for the delay, my fault). We can fight injustice in many different ways, but we must never forget that our strongest weapon is prayer. A novena is a nine day prayer sequence for a particular intention, in this case the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga cases and the defeat of the HHS Mandate. Though the devotion has its roots in Catholic spirituality, the prayers here are ones that people of any Christian tradition can pray. To join the novena already in process, please go to: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2014/marchnovenaday3/

40 Days For Life News:
Ann Arbor:  253 communities across North America and around the world began 40 Days For Life 2014 Spring Campaigns on Ash Wednesday, March 5th and will conclude on Palm Sunday, April 13th. 40 Days for Life (40 DFL) is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion. Here in Ann Arbor, we are again holding a prayer vigil at the Ann Arbor Planned Parenthood Facility, 3100 Professional Drive. For add’l info contact Campaign Director, Kate Astrakhan at kateastrakhan@gmail.com or 734-249-4944 or go to: http://40daysforlife.com/annarbor.html.  LIKE us on FB:   www.facebook.com/40daysforlifeannarbor    International website: http://www.40daysforlife.com/

Ann Arbor:  40 Days For Life Ann Arbor Mid-Point Rally - Saturday, March 22 at 11 AM at Planned Parenthood Facility, 3100 Professional Drive, Ann Arbor. Local pro-life prayer friends, Gene Firn will recite some of his Pro-Life poetry and Anne Robertson will share her fight for the unborn. Praise and Worship will be offered up.

Southfield: The Spring/Lent 2014 40 Days for Life campaign at Womancare of Southfield, starts March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and ends at 4 p.m. on April 13 (Palm Sunday).  We are emphasizing the Fasting aspects along with the Prayer at the vigil site (and elsewhere).

Knights of Columbus Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child! All Knights and the local community are invited to commemorate the Knights of Columbus Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child by participating in a Living Rosary and Chaplet at 3 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2014.  The location will be at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 3100 Professional Dr. in Ann Arbor.  This will be the 5th annual event held close to the Feast of the Annunciation to encourage Knights, their families and friends to stand together in public to pray for an end to abortion. Questions? Paul at 40daysannarbor@gmail.com.

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at U.S. Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case! and the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally Coalition will be there. Join us for a prayer vigil and rally at the U. S. Supreme Court from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on March 25. FB event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/204627633079260/.

Locally: Here in Washtenaw County a prayer rally is being planned to coincide with the Rally in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, March 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Signs will be available. To help, contact Sandie Weathers prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com. Details coming soon at:  http://pro-lifeactionnetworkblog.blogspot.com/.

The 40 Film is showing Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30) at the Maple Theater in Bloomfield Hills, 4135 Maple Road (west of Telegraph). For more info visit Themapletheatre.com or call 248-877-1000.This documentary investigates the effects of abortion over the last 40 years. Many well known prolife speakers are featured. If you would like to watch the trailer, go to www.the40film.com. Producer: Pro-Life Champions.


On Tuesday, March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, there will be a Mass, Chaplet and Rosary for the Unborn at St. Faustina Church in Warren (Formerly St. Edmunds). The Rosary begins at 6:30 P.M., the Mass at 7:00 P.M. and the Chaplet will be recited after the Mass. Info: Sarah Lonardo at helpersmi@gmail.com.
               
Our Lady of Czestochowa - the Black Madonna, coming to Michigan locations:
-March 25 – SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, MI
-March 26 – SS. Peter and Paul Church (West Side) in Detroit, MI
-March 27 – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lapeer, MI
-March 28 – Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Sterling Heights, MI
-March 29-30 – St. Isidore’s Church in Grand Rapids, MI
-March 31 – St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing, MI
The Black Madonna has been traveling the world since 2012 defending LIFE and for the pro-life movement. More details will be coming! Learn more at the Ocean To Ocean Campaign In Defense of Life at http://www.hli.org/hli_campaigns/ocean-ocean-pilgrimage/

Pregnancy Helpline Annual Celebration of Life will take place April 3, at 6:30PM. Nationally renowned speaker and former abortionist Dr. Levatino and his wife Ceil will keynote the annual Pregnancy Helpline Celebration of Life fund and awareness raising celebration. The event will also feature our famous Appetizer & Dessert Buffet, Baskets for Life Challenge, Silent Auction, a client testimony, great music, and more! Where:  The Brighton Church of the Nazarene - 7669 Brighton Rd, Brighton. Cost:  $20 each - groups of 10 or more $18 each. Pastors and a guest Free!

RLM Annual High School Oratory Contest, sponsored by Washtenaw & Western Wayne County RTL, will take place on Saturday, April 5th at Domino's Farms, EBA Cafe (lobby H, lower level). Obtain application, promotional flyer, rules & regulations go to: http://www.rtl.org/faith_school/oratory/oratorycontest.html. Or contact Karen Walacavage at (734)930-7474 or email:kwalacavage@rtl.org.

On Thursday, April 10th, the Knights of Columbus Michigan State Council will be hosting the 36th Annual Respect Life Dinner to benefit the Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund. This year our special guest speaker is Chris Godfrey, Life Athletes Founder and President.  The Burton Manor in Livonia is located at 27777 Schoolcraft 48150. Social hour begins at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm. Register on line at http://rtl.org/events/kofc/respectlife.html. For more details contact www.rtl.org or respectlife@rtl.org or (248) 371-0466. RSVP by Friday, March 28th.

Save the Date: Come join Madonna University’s Respect Life Group for a Pro-Life Youth Conference “Save the Storks” on Saturday, April 12th from 10-3:00 p.m. This is open to all high school students, college students and young adults. The cost is $15.00 per person ($10.00 Madonna University students). Please contact the Educational Center for Life, at 248-816-8489 or to go to www.edcenterforlife.org. Registration begins on February 3rd. Location: Franciscan Center, 36600 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia 48150.

Please join us for The Way of the Cross for Victims of Abortion, on Good Friday, April 18th at 10:00 am at Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Drive in Ann Arbor. We will remember all the victims of abortion—the children lost, the mothers wounded, the communities blighted—in a solemn, ecumenical prayer service. More Info: Contact Sandie Weathers at 734-434-8447 or prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com.

Right to Life – LIFESPAN’s Annual “Celebrate Life” Dinner will be on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the San Marino Club in Troy.  Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with dinner at 7:15 p.m.  There will be a Silent Auction and “Tin Can Raffle”.  Cost is $25.00 per person for 21 years old and younger, $50.00 per person for over 21 years old.  The keynote speaker is Ryan Bomberger, Radiance Foundation CEO.  Ryan’s mother was raped, yet she courageously chose to give him Life.  He was adopted as a baby and grew up in a loving, multi-racial Christian family of 15.  With siblings of varying ethnicities, he grew up with a great appreciation for diversity.  Ten of the 13 children were adopted in this remarkable family.  His life defies the myth of the “unwanted” child as he was adopted, loved and has flourished.  He and his wife, Bethany, have four adopted children.  The Radiance Foundation has made an unexpected impact on the Pro-Life Movement with the bold TooManyAborted.com billboard/web campaigns.  Please call 248-816-1546 or e-mail oakmac@rtl-lifespan.org for further details about the dinner.  Reservations are required in advance.

Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund is hosting a Youth Infographic Contest for high school and college-aged Michigan youth. Prolife youth from Michigan ages 13 to 22 as of July 1, 2014, can create and submit an original infographic, and contest finalists will have their works shared on the RLM FB page and judged by a public vote to determine the winners. An infographic is a graphic or visual representation of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. Contestants will be split into two divisions, 13-17 and 18-22 with a first division prize of $300 and second division prize of $500. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, July 1, 2014. For info and application go to: .http://www.rtl.org/faith_school/infographiccontest.html

Prolife 101 is an online 6-week educational course provided by Right to Life of Michigan.  Our first class will start soon!  During the course, participants will learn about the history of the prolife movement, the reality of abortion, fetal development,  prolife apologetics, Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda, and ways to participate in the future of the prolife movement. Visit RTL.org to learn when the next Prolife 101 course will begin. Or, send an e-mail message to info@rtl.org to request the Prolife 101 Informational Packet. Certificates of Completion will be given to those who complete the course.  http://media.rtl.org/pdf/Prolife_101.pdf.

To be added to the Prolife Action Network email group and receive updates for Life Chain,
Local Pro-Life Events and Religious Liberty Issues and Events
and to submit info on a Pro-Life event:
Contact Sandie Weathers prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com or
Marilyn Geyer at 734-973-2422 or mgeyer@provide.net
Visit us on Facebook: Prolife Action Network       

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case

Stand Up Coalition to Rally at Supreme Court March 25 for HUGE Hobby Lobby Case

Posted by Matt Yonke (March 14, 2014 at 4:53 pm)
On March 25, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the historic Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood v. Sebelius cases which challenge the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate, and the Stand Up Rally Coalition will be there.
These two cases could overturn Obama’s HHS Mandate—the very victory we’ve been seeking since 2012!
The Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby, and the Hahn family, owners of Conestoga Wood Specialties, are standing for all of us as they defend religious freedom by challenging the HHS Mandate in court. And now we must stand up with them as their cases are brought before the Supreme Court.
Here are 3 ways you can help:

1. Join us at the Supreme Court on March 25.

Join us for a prayer vigil and rally at the Supreme Court (Map) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on March 25. Look for the huge “Stand Up for Religious Freedom” banner. We will provide signs, or you can make your own to welcome the Greens and the Hahns as they enter the Supreme Court.
If you can make it, RSVP on the Facebook event page.
But if you can’t make it, please spread the word to friends or family in the D.C. area. Encourage them to make every effort to join this prayer vigil and rally for religious freedom.

2. Help spread the word far and wide about this critical Supreme Court hearing and rally.

E-Mail: Use this sample e-mail (or if you’re a Stand Up Rally Captains use the Rally Captains sample email) to alert all your e-mail contacts about these cases and the rally for religious freedom at the Supreme Court.
Facebook: Tell all your Facebook friends about the March 25 Rally and share the event page with them.
Change your profile picture to the “I Stand with Hobby Lobby” image you can see to the right.
Check back here for more graphics in the coming days, or visit the Stand Up for Religious Freedom Facebook page.
Twitter: Get on Twitter and use the hashtag #ReligiousFreedomForAll, and participate in our TweetStorm 10-11 a.m. on March 25th when the oral arguments will actually be presented.
Here are some sample tweets:
Join me in supporting Hobby Lobby’s fight for religious liberty. Visit hobbylobbycase.com and follow @hobbylobbycase #religiousfreedomforall
Learn what’s at stake in the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case. Visit hobbylobbycase.com and follow @hobbylobbycase #religiousfreedomforall
I support Hobby Lobby’s right to religious liberty. RT if you agree and follow @hobbylobbycase #religiousfreedomforall
Add your voice to the fight for religious liberty. Visit hobbylobbycase.com and follow @hobbylobbycase #religiousfreedomforall
The @hobbylobbycase holds serious implications for the religious rights of all Americans. Add your voice to support this courageous fight! #religiousfreedomforall
Understand the @hobbylobbycase and why all Americans should be concerned with the outcome: http://bit.ly/1e2vNow #religiousfreedomforall

3. Pray for these important cases in the coming days.

Keep the Green and Hahn families, all their attorneys and the Supreme Court justices hearing their cases in your prayers over the coming days before the oral arguments.
This is the most important case yet in the battle over Obama’s HHS Mandate. Please do your part today to help promote the rally effort and defend our cherished religious freedom!
- See more at: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/2014/march25/#sthash.j04LujSW.dpuf

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Updated March 9, 2014 Upcoming Pro-Life Events and News

Washtenaw County and Beyond
Partial list as of March 9th, 2014 Compiled by Sandie Weathers

40 Days For Life News:
Ann Arbor:  253 communities across North America and around the world began 40 Days For Life 2014 Spring Campaigns on Ash Wednesday, March 5th and will conclude on Palm Sunday, April 13th. 40 Days for Life (40 DFL) is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion. Here in Ann Arbor, we are again holding a prayer vigil at the Ann Arbor Planned Parenthood Facility, 3100 Professional Drive. For add’l info contact Campaign Director, Kate Astrakhan at kateastrakhan@gmail.com or 734-249-4944 or go to: http://40daysforlife.com/annarbor.html.  LIKE us on FB:   www.facebook.com/40daysforlifeannarbor    International website: http://www.40daysforlife.com/

Southfield: The Spring/Lent 2014 40 Days for Life campaign at Womancare of Southfield, starts March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and ends at 4 p.m. on April 13 (Palm Sunday).  We are emphasizing the Fasting aspects along with the Prayer at the vigil site (and elsewhere).

There will be a training meeting for sidewalk counselors (new or experienced)  at St. Lucy's in St. Clair Shores on Monday, March 10th at 7pm. Meet in the school behind the church. Info: Sarah Lonardo at helpersmi@gmail.com.

Prolife leaders and citizen activists, join us for the annual Right to Life of Michigan's Legislative Day event, Tuesday, March 11th, at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing. Registration begins at 8:45.  Have lunch with your legislator and find out more about the Abortion Opt Out Law that goes into effect March 14. We also welcome special guest speakers Brad & Jesi Smith. The Smiths prolife views were tested when they received the news that their 5th child, Faith, was diagnosed in the womb with Trisomy 18. A grave and frequently fatal medical condition, Faith was not expected to survive long after her birth. This resulted in multiple doctors advising them to abort their daughter. After birth and throughout Faith's childhood, many doctors and hospitals were reluctant to offer lifesaving treatment options.  You won't want to miss the Smith's tell their story challenging society's often low view of the most vulnerable of human lives. You can reserve your seat today by registering online at www.rtl.org or mail in your reservation.  For more information please call (517)487-3376 or email LEGISDAY@RTL.ORG.

Students for Life at the University of Michigan will be holding a fundraiser at Pizza House on Wednesday, March 12th (also trivia night at Pizza House), if you come in and mention Students for Life, Pizza House will donate 15% of your bill to our group, so we can do cool stuff with it. So come eat and drink and help us earn some money! Pizza House is located at 618 Church, Ann Arbor.

Family Life Services’ Winter Gala 2014 will be held on March 13, 2014 at the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville. Roam the museum, beginning at 6:00 pm, and see the new exhibits, and at 7:00 pm – a complimentary dinner  will be served by The Moveable Feast, followed by guest speaker Father Frank Pavone from Priests For Life. Our MC for the evening will be WMUZ radio's Chris Stevenson and Honorary Chair for the evening will be Elder Dr. Levon Yuille. This fundraiser will benefit Family Life Services Clinic & Pregnancy Center.   Seating will be limited, so register early!  Dinner is complimentary but registration is required. Go to http://www.flsbanquet.com  for info and to register.

Students for Life of Michigan's Annual Activism and Training Conference will be held on the EMU campus in Ypsilanti beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday, March 14 until Saturday, March 15 at 4:30 pm. This conference is a unique opportunity for pro-life students to come together for a weekend of networking, education, and fun. Students will have the opportunity to meet with local pro-life speakers and organizations that are dedicated to their success on campus. If you are part of the Pro-Life Generation, this is a weekend that you will not want to miss! REGISTER HERE BEFORE SEATS FILL: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-activism-and-training-weekend-tickets-10050107141.  For info FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/620295774709949/?context=create&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming.

Students for Life of Michigan will lead a morning prayer protest on Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 am at Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr in Ann Arbor as part of their Annual Activism and Training Conference.  All are welcome including children!

Eric Genuis in Concert! Once again Perinatal Hospice and Tender Care of Washtenaw County presents Eric Genuis in Concert with Avery Bright, violinist; James Rosenblum, cellist; & Autumn Boyle, vocalist, Saturday, March 15th at Christ the King Parish, Ann Arbor. The evening  also features a sharing by one of our hospice families; Chris and Holly McKitrick will share the story of their daughter, Frances. Tickets on sale at the door: $25 per adult (18 and older); $35 family rate. For more info contact: perinatsalhospice@gmail.com. FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/227059707497092/?notif_t=plan_user_invited

Knights of Columbus Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child! All Knights and the local community are invited to commemorate the Knights of Columbus Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child by participating in a Living Rosary and Chaplet at 3 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2014.  The location will be at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 3100 Professional Dr. in Ann Arbor.  This will be the 5th annual event held close to the Feast of the Annunciation to encourage Knights, their families and friends to stand together in public to pray for an end to abortion. Questions? Paul Dobrowolski at 40daysannarbor@gmail.com.

On Tuesday, March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, there will be a Mass, Chaplet and Rosary for the Unborn at St. Faustina Church in Warren (Formerly St. Edmunds). The Rosary begins at 6:30 P.M., the Mass at 7:00 P.M. and the Chaplet will be recited after the Mass. Info: Sarah Lonardo at helpersmi@gmail.com.
               
Our Lady of Czestochowa - the Black Madonna, coming to Michigan locations:
-March 25 – SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, MI
-March 26 – SS. Peter and Paul Church (West Side) in Detroit, MI
-March 27 – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lapeer, MI
-March 28 – Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Sterling Heights, MI
-March 29-30 – St. Isidore’s Church in Grand Rapids, MI
-March 31 – St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing, MI
The Black Madonna has been traveling the world since 2012 defending LIFE and for the pro-life movement. More details will be coming! Learn more at the Ocean To Ocean Campaign In Defense of Life at http://www.hli.org/hli_campaigns/ocean-ocean-pilgrimage/

Pregnancy Helpline Annual Celebration of Life will take place April 3, at 6:30PM. Nationally renowned speaker and former abortionist Dr. Levatino and his wife Ceil will keynote the annual Pregnancy Helpline Celebration of Life fund and awareness raising celebration. The event will also feature our famous Appetizer & Dessert Buffet, Baskets for Life Challenge, Silent Auction, a client testimony, great music, and more! Where:  The Brighton Church of the Nazarene - 7669 Brighton Rd, Brighton. Cost:  $20 each - groups of 10 or more $18 each. Pastors and a guest Free!

RLM Annual High School Oratory Contest, sponsored by Washtenaw & Western Wayne County RTL, will take place on Saturday, April 5th at Domino's Farms, EBA Cafe (lobby H, lower level). Obtain application, promotional flyer, rules & regulations go to: http://www.rtl.org/faith_school/oratory/oratorycontest.html. Or contact Karen Walacavage at (734)930-7474 or email:kwalacavage@rtl.org.

Save the Date: Come join Madonna University’s Respect Life Group for a Pro-Life Youth Conference “Save the Storks” on Saturday, April 12th from 10-3:00 p.m. This is open to all high school students, college students and young adults. The cost is $15.00 per person ($10.00 Madonna University students). Please contact the Educational Center for Life, at 248-816-8489 or to go to www.edcenterforlife.org. Registration begins on February 3rd.

Please join us for The Way of the Cross for Victims of Abortion, on Good Friday, April 18th at 10:00 am at Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Drive in Ann Arbor. We will remember all the victims of abortion—the children lost, the mothers wounded, the communities blighted—in a solemn, ecumenical prayer service. More Info: Contact Sandie Weathers at 734-434-8447 or prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com.

Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund is hosting a Youth Infographic Contest for high school and college-aged Michigan youth. Prolife youth from Michigan ages 13 to 22 as of July 1, 2014, can create and submit an original infographic, and contest finalists will have their works shared on the RLM FB page and judged by a public vote to determine the winners. An infographic is a graphic or visual representation of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. Contestants will be split into two divisions, 13-17 and 18-22 with a first division prize of $300 and second division prize of $500. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, July 1, 2014. For info and application go to: .http://www.rtl.org/faith_school/infographiccontest.html

Prolife 101 is an online 6-week educational course provided by Right to Life of Michigan.  Our first class will start soon!  During the course, participants will learn about the history of the prolife movement, the reality of abortion, fetal development,  prolife apologetics, Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda, and ways to participate in the future of the prolife movement. Visit RTL.org to learn when the next Prolife 101 course will begin. Or, send an e-mail message to info@rtl.org to request the Prolife 101 Informational Packet. Certificates of Completion will be given to those who complete the course.  http://media.rtl.org/pdf/Prolife_101.pdf.

To be added to the Prolife Action Network email group and receive updates for Life Chain,
Local Pro-Life Events and Religious Liberty Issues and Events
and to submit info on a Pro-Life event:
Contact Sandie Weathers prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com or
Marilyn Geyer at 734-973-2422 or mgeyer@provide.net

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