| 04/14/2001 TV highlights
For regularly scheduled religious programs, please consult The Dallas Morning News' TV Week in Sunday's edition. New Life in Christ Lutheran Church
The congregation at New Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Duncanville first met almost 26 years ago, and it is still going strong. The congregation, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has almost tripled its initial membership of 99, but the atmosphere has stayed virtually the same, according to Pastor Bill Metting. Fourteen current members attended the charter service on June 6, 1975. Magazines Worldwide Reviewer's choice
This is a marvel: a contemporary Christian CD devoted to nothing but psalms. And not just a few psalm verses lifted out of context for a simple chorus, but whole psalms sung from first verse to last. Like meat in your music? Here it is. Arts calendar Weekly planner
Events are free unless otherwise noted. Sprung buildings springing up
It's almost like having a 70-by-120-foot billboard. For 19 months the white tentlike structure – kind of a giant elongated igloo – has caught commuters' attention as they pass Southcliff Baptist Church, just north of Interstate 20 in Fort Worth. Churches are taking notice, too. Make a difference in the lives of poor people
Some of the most successful efforts making a difference on poverty are emerging from faith communities engaged on the ground in creative, close-to-home solutions. Unless we discover a new sense of family and community in America, we will never face the issues of poverty and racism. Here and now Easter observance is same the world over - this year
Christians everywhere will celebrate Easter on the same day this year because of a calendar quirk. Western and Eastern churches basically agree that Easter falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. But Easter celebrations for the two branches of Christianity can be as many as five weeks apart. Hand-lettering of Bibles proves illuminating
A group of scribes at St. John's Abbey and University in Minnesota has been receiving international acclaim for creating what scholars say will be the first entirely handwritten, illuminated Bible in nearly 500 years. That's news to Dallas resident James Gerald Pepper. The 34-year-old has spent the last 13 years painstakingly copying each word of the Bible and decorating pages with intricate illustrations. Touch. Feel. Create. Connect.
Christianity is reaching out to postmodern culture. The result looks a lot like faith in the first century, say the movement's proponents. Conversion is downplayed in favor of community. Helping the poor, the sick and the lonely gets strong support. Services eschew rational explanations in favor of experience furthered by stories, art, music, ritual and symbol. 04/13/2001 A difficult Easter for Holy Land Christians
JERUSALEM - Every year on Holy Saturday (April 14), the day before Easter, Palestinian Christians celebrate the ancient ceremony of the fire, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Resurrection. This year, however, few Palestinians will make it to the holy city for the ceremony because of the continuing Israeli blockade on West Bank and Gaza roads and communities. Cross purpose: Christians rejoice, disagree
There will be incense and candles. There will be an image of the crucified Jesus. And there will be the image of Jesus taken down from the cross and wrapped in a shroud. 04/11/2001 Public split on aid to religious groups
WASHINGTON – A majority of Americans support the idea of religious groups getting government money to provide social services, according to a poll. But they are sharply divided on specifics of the proposal backed by the Bush administration. 04/10/2001 Vatican modifies procession due to pope's frail condition
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has modified the traditional Good Friday procession at the Colosseum because of Pope John Paul II's frail condition, with the pope to follow most of the rite while kneeling. Ex-Dallas rabbi to lead travel program
Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, whose presidency of Reform Judaism's central seminary ended in scandal, has a new job. The former leader of Temple Emanu-el in Dallas is the new director of a program that provides free trips to Israel for American Jewish college students. 04/07/2001 Living faith
Yudel Schneiderman arrives at his nursing home's daily worship service before anyone else. The 95-year-old checks the thermostat and lights. Then he greets residents. Revelations Weekly planner Q & A Place of worship: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Trinity Presbyterian Church has many older congregants who are full of enthusiasm, said the Rev. Julie Adkins, senior pastor of the Oak Cliff church. Savior or martyr?
His students are studying to be ministers and theologians. They've committed their lives to following Jesus' teachings. But more and more, some reject the usual Christian talk about Jesus' death. A simple prayer with awesome answers
The obscure prayer tucked deep within a ponderous genealogy almost defies notice. Yet The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life has managed to fulfill every aspect of the ancient Hebrew's plea by becoming a full-fledged publishing phenomenon. Written by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, the pocket-size book examines two sentences in 1 Chronicles 4:10 about a man named Jabez and his very simple prayer. Innovative idea: Filling Communion cups fast
The volunteers dreaded going to church on Thursdays to begin filling more than 350 trays for Sunday Communion. It took seven people up to 30 hours over three days to perform the tedious task of filling the Communion cups for the 15,000 members of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky. Here & now Tina Beattie: God's wounded love on the city streets
As a volunteer working with women in prostitution, I often find myself challenged by the suffering wisdom of women on the streets. Ours is not an evangelising project, and we rarely initiate conversations about God or religion. Bogdan Witecki: Dying for the enemy: Greater love hath no man than this
When I first heard the story of Maximilian Kolbe, I regarded it as just one more war tale about a hero who gave his life in the fight against the Nazis. So many others lost their lives to protect friends and loved ones; what was so special about a Franciscan priest who died to spare the life of another? Arts & media reviews Jewish fund-raising campaign fuels big plans
New buildings are busting out all over in the Dallas-area Jewish community. There's a new Jewish Community Center campus in Plano, a new facility for Jewish Family Service, and four Jewish schools in various stages of building, expanding or renovating. But, uniquely, most of the money is coming from a single, united fund-raising effort by 10 Jewish agencies. Arts calendar O.C. Supertones are coming in loud and clear
For one member of the upbeat, ska-based Christian band the O.C. Supertones, a visit to Dallas is more than just another stop on a tour. Trombonist Dan Spencer graduated from Plano East High School in 1992, attended the University of North Texas, and was a member of Denton's popular (secular) ska band the Grownups. 03/31/2001 Revelations Place of worship: Colonial Hills Baptist Church
When the Rev. Bobby Tollison was called to serve as pastor of Colonial Hills Baptist Church a year ago, he felt he'd been handed a golden opportunity to serve the growing area around Cedar Hill. Letters Taking stock
David Billingsley looks like a man who has it all. He has a loving wife and four bright children. They share an elegant Far North Dallas home with four bedrooms, a pool and two minivans tucked safely in a garage. He has a strong faith, and more friends than he can count. What he doesn't have is a job. How to: Talk to someone who has lost a job
How do you talk with someone in your faith community who has lost a job? Everyone's different so there's no sure answer. Dale W. Patterson: First the glance, then the flirting, then the ditching
When did the infidelity begin? How did it become so easy to rationalize that God had led me to that new place in my life? Years before, it was like that with her. I loved to be with her. I thrilled in her every word. Coming into her midst, I was refreshed. And our passion found consummation in promises. Arts & media reviews Longest story ever well-told
Thomas Cahill is presumptuous enough to believe that he can distill the essentials of Western history into what will be seven manageable volumes. He's a deft enough writer to keep the work interesting. And he's shrewd enough to come up with titles that promise rare and entertaining tales. Baylor, Harvard exploring mutually beneficial 'pipeline'
Baylor University Provost Donald D. Schmeltekopf admits he didn't figure a trip to Harvard with several of his professors and students would amount to much. But after two days of meetings with faculty, administrators and students at Harvard, Mr. Schmeltekopf said he was "totally surprised [by] how eager they seem to get to know us." Arts calendar Joni's bringing exhibit to arts center
Joni Eareckson Tada is preparing to open the first full exhibition of her artwork in more than a decade. Until now, the lifelong artist has exhibited her works twice – most recently at the Billy Graham Center in North Carolina in 1988. Like any artist or public performer, the 51-year-old singer and radio host said she's experiencing her share of pre-show jitters and excited anxiety. Weekly planner Innovative idea
The Christian Bible hasn't changed much in more than a thousand years. So finding new ways to approach and study the same texts is a constant challenge. Seder meals mark Hebrews' liberation
Passover, which begins at sundown on April 7 this year, commemorates God's liberation of the ancient Hebrews from slavery under Pharaoh. It's celebrated during a ritual dinner called a Seder. Q & A How to: Find spiritual direction
The ancient practice of spiritual direction is finding wide appreciation today. That's the prayerful art of assisting people in discerning God's activity in their life. Here & now 03/24/2001 Southern Baptists ending talks with Catholic Church
NEW YORK – The Southern Baptist Convention is halting 30 years of official doctrinal talks with the U.S. Roman Catholic Church. Arts & media reviews Revelations Weekly planner Pastors at storytelling event say stories can help in crises
The Texas Storytelling Festival this week in Denton is delivering the usual tall tales, Texas legends, children's stories, ghost tales and outrageous lies. But several participants in the 16th annual event, which continues Saturday and Sunday in Civic Center Park, use stories to help people through difficult times. 48 hours: When Sikhs open their home to read their holy book, the guests stay awhile
The tension is familiar to anyone who has hosted a christening, wedding or bris in their home – or any other event with social and religious significance. Now imagine maintaining that intense focus on hospitality and religious observance for 48 straight hours. Debra W. Haffner: Churches must see spirituality, sex as linked
I often begin my presentations on sexuality and religion by asking the audience, "What did you learn about sexuality in your church or synagogue while you were growing up?" There is often an amused titter, then silence. The answers come tumbling out. Send us your ideas
The Religion section has begun several new regular features. We'd like your input. Quietly, Calvary is making waves on local radio
A new Christian voice has popped up on the Dallas radio dial with no fanfare and little promotion beyond word of mouth. But that's typical of the Calvary Satellite Network. Q & A Place of worship: Metrocrest Bible Church Share your faith through stories
This passage from Mark's Gospel is penned on the front page of my Bible: "He always used stories to teach them" (Mark 4:34). Jesus didn't rarely use a story or occasionally use a story; he always used stories to teach. It's easy to see why. Innovative ideas: God's Mailbox
"Dear God," the letter started. "If you put a piece of you into everyone, how come you don't run out? Love, Your Wondering Creation." Every month, a dozen or so kids – and a few adults – drop queries into God's Mailbox at Temple Beth-El's school in Somerville, N.J. Here & now Helping hand: Ministry doesn't stop at city limits
Norma Jacquess believes so strongly in the words of Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" – that she named a ministry after it. Denise Johnson Stovall: A word to the wise was worth waiting for
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. – Psalm 27:14. I just learned to "wait on the Lord" – and I'm glad – when I recently celebrated a milestone as a woman of faith. Arts calendar Paying homage to a Hindu holy man
Ever heard a buffalo recite verses from the Veda? Well, according to Hindu tradition, the saint Shri Dnyaneshwar – while still a child – made a buffalo do that, proving that all creatures are united by the soul. 03/22/2001 Papal center more ecumenical, less personal
WASHINGTON – It is a hand frozen in time, cast in bronze. Deeply creased and relatively small, the life-size mold of Pope John Paul II's hand is the first image that visitors encounter in the "Hands of Peace" exhibit. Congress studies church-charity measures
WASHINGTON – President Bush's plan to steer tax dollars to religious groups got off to an enthusiastic start in the House on Wednesday, with members praising churches for their social work. 03/21/2001 Reports allege Catholic priests' sexual abuse of nuns
Roman Catholic Church reports written over a period of seven years allege numerous cases of sexual abuse of nuns by priests and a consistent failure by church leaders to punish abusive priests. 03/20/2001 Holy rocker
A lot has changed for Christian music powerhouse Carman, who returned to Dallas on Monday night for a concert at Reunion Arena. When he played Texas Stadium in 1994, his show set a record for a Christian solo artist – slightly over 71,000 fans. Then he virtually dropped off the map, opting to orient his career more toward the movies. Bush reiterates pledge to pastors
WASHINGTON – President Bush on Monday assured a group of influential black pastors that, despite opposition from some religious conservatives, he will seek government money for social services provided by religious organizations. 03/17/2001 Ohio motto not violating Constitution, court rules
CINCINNATI – Ohio's motto, "With God, all things are possible," is constitutional and is not an endorsement of Christianity even though it quotes the words of Jesus, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. Revelations Weekly planner Author Thomas Cahill to speak in McKinney
Author and historian Thomas Cahill will speak Tuesday at First Baptist Church of McKinney. How to: Pastor the largest church in the world
The Rev. David Yonggi Cho, pastor of world's largest church, was in town last week for a one-day crusade at Calvary Temple in Irving. His church, the Yoida Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea claims more members than some American denominations – more than 750,000. Arts & media reviews Wallace Chappell: A journal can help map out the journey
Almost as soon as writing was discovered, humans found out that it revealed deep things in their thoughts. Journaling began at that moment. (Almost as soon, the need to hide what one was revealing also emerged, and the earliest encryption was launched.) Journals of famous people have long had wide circulation and reveal the power for growth that comes from writing down one's deepest thoughts. FW gospel choir making a name for itself
Excell Amos is living up to that first name. His 5-year-old music ministry has brought new energy to a Fort Worth church and produced a CD that's being sought for nationwide distribution. Arts calendar John R.W. Stott: Which Jesus are we talking about now?
The beginning of a new millennium has provoked many conversations and discussions about Jesus Christ. But which Jesus are we talking about? There are hundreds of different Jesuses on offer in the world's religious supermarkets. The tendency to misrepresent Jesus began early. Q & A Innovative idea: Gifts for holy days
School fund-raisers have long tested supporters' capacity for candy and wrapping paper. Lutheran High School of Dallas decided to offer something different. On emerald holy ground
For many Americans – particularly the tens of millions with at least a trace of Irish blood in their veins – St. Patrick's Day provides a chance for the "wearin' of the green" and plentiful opportunities for parades, parties and pints. But many believe these annual celebrations only divert people's attention from Patrick's deep devotion and the mystical allure of Celtic spirituality. Christian showman's radical approach to faith means few are indifferent to him
He shakes his hips to Elvis, moonwalks to Michael Jackson and points his finger John Travolta-style to Saturday Night Fever disco. This is Carman. Here & now Rabbis to Jews: Give it a rest
For the fifth year, American and Canadian Jews are trying to restore interest in observing their sabbath, or Shabbat. And they're spending another quarter million dollars to do it. |
