Wide-Awake Christians
I have been rereading a book by Clarence Jordan (author of the Cotton Patch translations of the New Testament) entitled The Sermon On the Mount ( Judson Press, Revised, 1952).
More Stories from this Author
Revelation: A Commentary
by Brian K. Blount. The New Testament Library. WJKP, 2009. Hb., 462 pp. $49.95.
John Calvin, Hey!
During observances of the 500th anniversary of John Calvin, several good books, many articles, and numerous seminars have highlighted his work.
Changing pledge Strategy
Many churchgoers are caught in a three-part dilemma:
“Crazy Heart”
“Crazy Heart” is a film that we feel like we’ve seen before, but the performances of the primary characters are significant enough to pay attention, anyway.
“Broken Embraces” (Los Brazos Rotos)
It’s an old story, but here it’s told so piecemeal that we almost don’t recognize it: rich executive Ernesto Martel (Jose Luis Gomez) falls in love with his beautiful administrative assistant, Lena (Penelope Cruz).
Nine
“Nine,” the movie version of the Broadway hit, sure has some big names attached to it.
A Single Man
A middle-aged English professor continues to grieve over the loss of his long-time partner.
Sherlock Holmes
“Sherlock Holmes” is just fun to watch.
You might meet Jesus in a pub, says Scottish minister
Edinburgh, 23 December (ENI)--If Jesus lived in Lanark you could possibly meet him in the pubs around town, says Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) minister, the Rev. Bryan Kerr.
“The Messenger”
“The Messenger” is one of those films that stays with you. No super special effects. No fancy CGI. No dramatic battlefield scenes.
Harold Kurtz, globe-spanning missionary and former director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, dies
LOUISVILLE — Harold Kurtz, an Idaho farm kid who became the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s preeminent evangelist to peoples without the gospel around the world, died of brain cancer Dec. 18 in Portland, Ore., surrounded by his family. He was 85.
Arabella Meadows-Rogers dies
NEW YORK — Arabella Meadows-Rogers, 60, recently-retired executive presbyter of New York City Presbytery died Dec. 17 from the effects of pancreatic cancer.
“Avatar”
“Avatar” is taking the CGI to a new level, and in IMAX 3-D, it’s an incredible movie-going experience, even if the plot does make you uncomfortable.
James Cameron, the director of “Titanic,” penned this one several years ago, waiting for the technology to catch up to his vision. The difficulty is that as technology developed, international politics changed as well.
“Invictus”
Clint Eastwood has teamed with Morgan Freeman again, and once more, the result is movie magic.
Terminal Advent
Out there,
More than maple leaves
fall—
burnt red,
beneath graying skies,
winter’s dread.
Faith-based group fights bill that gives Malawi leader more powers
(ENI) — Churches and faith-based organizations in Malawi are up in arms against a new measure passed by their parliament that they say gives President Bingu wa Mutharika dictatorial powers to decide when local government elections should be held.
Christian pilgrims pack Bethlehem’s inns, says mayor
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (ENI) — There is no room at the inn at Bethlehem this Christmas as the city's hotels are fully booked, something Mayor Victor Batarseh attributes to the efforts of Christian churches abroad to bring pilgrims to the city.
Opinion: The advent of Christmas craziness
(ABP) — The United States’ habit of Christmas craziness began, just like reminders of the holiday season itself, early this year.
Evangelist Oral Roberts dies at age 91
TULSA, Okla. – Oral Roberts, 91, longtime television evangelist and founder of preaching and healing ministries, and Oral Roberts University, died today (December 15) in Newport Beach, Calif., due to complications from pneumonia. His son, Richard, and daughter, Roberta, were at his side.
“The Hurt Locker”
reviewed by Ronald P. Salfen
“The Hurt Locker” is the movie you’d rather not watch starring the people you hardly know, dealing with a subject matter you’d prefer to avoid: the awful war in Iraq.
“Me And Orson Welles”
reviewed by Ronald P. Salfen
This is a little Depression-era period piece that has some surprising charm, especially considering the huge questions surrounding its release.
“Up in the Air”
reviewed by Ronald P. Salfen
Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is the consummate frequent flier.
A Hymn for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: Mary Gladly Told Her Cousin
Editor’s Note: Given that many Presbyterians in the pews love to sing Christmas carols throughout Advent, but many worship leaders want to keep with Advent themes for worship, we have commissioned Carolyn Gillette to write Advent-themed hymn texts for Christmas carol tunes for each of the Sundays of this year’s Advent. We invite our loyal readers to incorporate these into their Sunday worship, and to send us a note to let us know how the congregation responds.
Peace for predator and prey
The wolf shall live with the lamb,