I use Adobe Photoshop 5.0 to render/save the images as GIFs, and then I import them into Adobe ImageReady 2.0 as frames and just save them as animated GIFs.  Not as hard as it sounds; I doubt you’d have a problem with it.  You’re very technically capable.

Your observations about the pope I agree with.  I can’t say whether or not I feel that the world is quickly coming to an end; sometimes it feels that way, but the New Testament shows us that nobody will be able to predict when.  The real matter is whether or not we’re ready at all times.  It’s sad to see denominations such as Catholicism deviate from concrete biblical doctrine in order to show others how “tolerant” they can be.  I can only hope and pray that those of us who still care about the truth can be strong and will not be hindered.