Praising God in the Storm
ATLANTA (W.) Feb. 29, 2008 -- One of the perks of ministry is hearing stories about how God has used you.
Chris Huffman, bassist with Christian music's top band, Casting Crowns, said band members get a lot of feedback.
"We get e-mails all the time," Huffman said, "about either a moment someone had listening to one of our songs or somebody having a rough time and God used our song to lift them up."
Sometimes, the songs come out of that feedback.
Huffman tells the story of the Edwards family from Raleigh, N.C. One of their daughters, Erin, loved Casting Crowns and had put together a dance routine to Casting Crowns' "Here I Go Again." She danced in front of her church and she danced before her friends at school.
The family sent a videotape of Erin's dance to Casting Crowns and the band immediately connected with the Edwards. But soon after the dance, doctors discovered Erin had cancerous tumors in her lung.
"Some days it was good and other days it couldn’t be worse," Huffman said. "Through all that stuff the mom was obviously going through the emotions any family would go through. But at the same time, you could still sense her worship of God. The song 'Praise You in the Storm' came out of that testimony. Mark told her before she passed a way ... She never got to hear the song before she passed on. She’s obviously got nothing to worry about now."
The song includes the chorus:
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
Huffman said that song has connected with people.
"We have a thing on our website where we ask people to send us e-mails of any sort of how God has used [us], especially relating to that song. We’re actually working at compiling a book of all the letters and things we've gotten to give to Erin’s mom. What we think is used for bad, God still uses for good."
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
MLK's niece to talk about abortion's impact on Civil Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. (W.) Feb. 28, 2008 -- Dr. Alveda King, pastoral associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is expected to participate today in events celebrating Black History Month and examining the role abortion has played in the African American community.
"As Black History Month comes to a close and we move forward, we cannot forget the devastating impact abortion on demand has had and continues to have on African-Americans," said King. "Abortion has wiped out one out of four blacks in the United States. That's 15 million Americans who have been denied the most fundamental civil right, the right to life."
King will join other leaders for prayer vigils at abortion facilities, a press conference at the Family Research Council, and an afternoon Capitol Hill reception at the Cannon House Office Building.
Indy Coach Dungy inducted in Society of World Changers
MARION, Ind. (W.) Feb. 27, 2008 -- Tony Dungy, head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, has been inducted into Wesleyan University's Society of World Changers and received an honorary degree from the school.
After his induction Wednesday, Dungy told students that his parents, who were both educators, instilled in him three important lessons: "They told me, 'Whatever path you take, do it with gusto and fire, representing the Lord; treat everyone you come across with respect; and, wherever you settle down, make your neighborhood a better place to live.'"
Dungy is only the fifth inductee into the Society of World Changers, which Indiana Wesleyan University launched to honor exemplary individuals who are impacting their professions with a vibrant religious faith.
In his first NFL head coaching stint, Dungy led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to four playoff appearances in six seasons and became the winningest head coach in Tampa Bay history. In 2002 he was named head coach of Indianapolis, where he began a streak of six consecutive double-digit victory seasons and playoff berths, including the Super Bowl XLI championship.
Dungy also is the author of "Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life," which has been on The New York Times best seller list since the book was released last July.
Dungy's appearance at IWU was arranged by All Pro Dad, a program sponsored by Family First, a Tampa, Florida-based not-for-profit organization, which Dungy helped launch while coaching Tampa Bay.
Dungy was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters during yesterday's ceremony. A life size bronze bust of Dungy was also unveiled and will join those of other World Changer inductees in the rotunda of the University's Jackson Library.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NYC seminary appoints first woman president in its 172-year history
NEW YORK (W.) Feb. 27 – For the first time in Union Theological Seminary's 172-year history, it will have a woman at the helm.
Serene Jones has been selected to become the 16th president Union Theological Seminary in New York. Jones starts on July 1. She replaces Joseph Hough Jr., who is retiring after 9 years as president of the non-denominational seminary.
Jones is a professor of Theology at Yale Divinity school. She serves as chair and faculty member of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Yale University. She's also held faculty appointments at Yale Law School and in the Department of African American Studies and Religious Studies.
"Dr. Jones's exceptional leadership style and distinguished scholarship make her the ideal person to lead this vibrant theological institution, which has been home to notable scholars Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer," said David Callard, chairman of the seminary's board. "With Dr. Jones's vision and commitment, Union is positioned not only to continue its role as a leading institution of theological education but also to be a strong voice at a time when religion, with all its pluralistic manifestations, has become an increasingly powerful and divisive issue."
Jones expressed her hope and vision for the school as it moves into the next chapter of its life and mission.
"In the intellectual Christian world, Union Theological Seminary has long held a preeminent position shaping not only American religious life but its cultural and political values as well. At the present historical moment, in North America and globally, Union stands ready to assume this role with renewed vigor, intellectual acuity and abiding faith," Jones said.
Jones has published 37 articles and book chapters since 1991. She is the author of Feminist Theory and Theology: Cartographies of Grace (2000) and Calvin and the Rhetoric of Piety (1995). She co-edited Feminist and Womanist Essays in Reformed Dogmatics (2006), Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Engagement with Classical Themes (2005), Liberating Eschatology: Essays in Honor of Letty Russell (1999), and Setting the Table: Women in Theological Conversation (1995).
Jones earned her M.Div. from Yale Divinity School (1985) as well as her Ph.D. in theology from Yale University (1991). She holds a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma (1981) and is an ordained minister in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Union Theological Seminary was founded in 1836. It describes itself as "an independent, ecumenical graduate school of theology with the mission to educate men and women for ministries in the Christian faith, service in contemporary society, and study of the great issues of our time."
Serene Jones has been selected to become the 16th president Union Theological Seminary in New York. Jones starts on July 1. She replaces Joseph Hough Jr., who is retiring after 9 years as president of the non-denominational seminary.
Jones is a professor of Theology at Yale Divinity school. She serves as chair and faculty member of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Yale University. She's also held faculty appointments at Yale Law School and in the Department of African American Studies and Religious Studies.
"Dr. Jones's exceptional leadership style and distinguished scholarship make her the ideal person to lead this vibrant theological institution, which has been home to notable scholars Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer," said David Callard, chairman of the seminary's board. "With Dr. Jones's vision and commitment, Union is positioned not only to continue its role as a leading institution of theological education but also to be a strong voice at a time when religion, with all its pluralistic manifestations, has become an increasingly powerful and divisive issue."
Jones expressed her hope and vision for the school as it moves into the next chapter of its life and mission.
"In the intellectual Christian world, Union Theological Seminary has long held a preeminent position shaping not only American religious life but its cultural and political values as well. At the present historical moment, in North America and globally, Union stands ready to assume this role with renewed vigor, intellectual acuity and abiding faith," Jones said.
Jones has published 37 articles and book chapters since 1991. She is the author of Feminist Theory and Theology: Cartographies of Grace (2000) and Calvin and the Rhetoric of Piety (1995). She co-edited Feminist and Womanist Essays in Reformed Dogmatics (2006), Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Engagement with Classical Themes (2005), Liberating Eschatology: Essays in Honor of Letty Russell (1999), and Setting the Table: Women in Theological Conversation (1995).
Jones earned her M.Div. from Yale Divinity School (1985) as well as her Ph.D. in theology from Yale University (1991). She holds a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma (1981) and is an ordained minister in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Union Theological Seminary was founded in 1836. It describes itself as "an independent, ecumenical graduate school of theology with the mission to educate men and women for ministries in the Christian faith, service in contemporary society, and study of the great issues of our time."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Churches to hold 'Web Focus' day on April 27
WHEATON, Ill. (W.) Feb. 26, 2008 -- A worldwide 'Web evangelism focus day' has been scheduled to help Christian ministries maximize their use of the Internet.
April 27 has been designated Internet Evangelism Day. Churches can download free materials from the Internet Evangelism Day website, enabling them to create a short presentation within their activities on that day. A PowerPoint, video clips, drama scripts, music and handouts can be used to create a customized program lasting from one minute to 50 minutes. That information is available at www.internetevangelismday.com .
April 27 has been designated Internet Evangelism Day. Churches can download free materials from the Internet Evangelism Day website, enabling them to create a short presentation within their activities on that day. A PowerPoint, video clips, drama scripts, music and handouts can be used to create a customized program lasting from one minute to 50 minutes. That information is available at www.internetevangelismday.com .
The emphasis of the day is that Web evangelism is for everyone, not just the "technically gifted," organizers said.
"There are many ways to share your faith online, without any technical background at all," said IE Day Coordinator Tony Whittaker.
Christian leaders are also enthusiastic: "I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day," said Dr. John Stott.
Churches can start planning their focus day now. More information: InternetEvangelismDay.com
Internet Evangelism Day is also a year-round resource about online outreach. It explains many ways that Christians can share the good news, including through church websites. Churches often find it difficult to create a site that will engage with outsiders in their area.
"How can our church website help us reach out into our community?"
A new online tool has been released by IE Day, which provides churches with a free 15-page evaluation report. Users assess their own website by answering 55 simple questions in the tool questionnaire. Their customized report is immediately displayed online, ready to print or save. Its recommendations are tailored with specific practical suggestions, based on the questions that were ticked. View the evaluation tool here: InternetEvangelismDay.com/design
A church site which has been prioritized for non- Christian visitors can be remarkably effective in reaching the community. "Week in, week out, more visitors turn up at our church on a Sunday because of the website, than anything else," writes one growing church in London UK.
The tool also provides the parable 'A Tale of Two Golf Clubs' (which is available to republish) to illustrate the principles of effective church websites: www.InternetEvangelismday.com/golf
"This checklist is an invaluable tool to identify critical areas for improvement. Every church should study this regularly and act on it," said Gary McClure, LifeWay Ministries.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Dozens of Chinese Christians detained; S. Korean minister missing
XILINHAOTE CITY, Inner Mongolia (W.) Feb. 25, 2008 -- The president of the Inner Mongolia Branch of the Chinese House church Alliance , Wang Dawei, was detained along with more than 40 co-workers last week, according to China Aid.
China Aid said the leaders were in their third day of Bible study when more than 100 police officers from the State Security Bureau and members of the Religious Affairs bureua disrupted the meeting and detained the ministers.
Police officials also confiscated the offering collection and more than 30 boxes of Bibles and other Christian literature, China Aid said. Security Bureua members then searched Dawei's personal residence.
The leader of the meeting, a South Korean minister, was also detained during the incident, his whereabouts remain unknown, China Aid said.
The intensity of persecution amongst members of the Chinese House Church Alliance continues to increase as the Beijing Olympics draw near, China Aid said.
China Aid said the leaders were in their third day of Bible study when more than 100 police officers from the State Security Bureau and members of the Religious Affairs bureua disrupted the meeting and detained the ministers.
Police officials also confiscated the offering collection and more than 30 boxes of Bibles and other Christian literature, China Aid said. Security Bureua members then searched Dawei's personal residence.
The leader of the meeting, a South Korean minister, was also detained during the incident, his whereabouts remain unknown, China Aid said.
The intensity of persecution amongst members of the Chinese House Church Alliance continues to increase as the Beijing Olympics draw near, China Aid said.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Fridays with ... Casting Crowns
The Message
ATLANTA (W.) Feb. 22, 2008 -- "Casting Crowns" is the hottest Christian concert ticket in town these days, securing six Dove nominations and their latest album, "The Altar and the Door" going Gold in 10 days.
Chris Huffman admits, he was just glad to have some new songs to play when the album came out last summer. The Alter followed the successful debut album "Casting Crowns" and "Lifesong."
WordNews.org had an exclusive with bassist Huffman who gives some insight into what its like to be in the band everyone's talking about.
"We're excited to have some new songs to play," Huffman said. "When the traveling kind of wears you out, that the only time when we get a little tired of the songs."
Huffman continues: "but even then it's just the music part. Even in those times when we're tired the message is kind of slapping us in the face, reminding us who we're playing for."
It's the difference between being a musician and a Christian musician.
"Every musician has a desire to play in front of people or be able to share their talents with people around them," Huffman said. "But it’s definitely a good reminder to us, no matter how tired we can be, it reminds us to keep our heads straight and why we get to tour."
Check in next Friday for the next installment of Fridays with ... Casting Crowns.
ATLANTA (W.) Feb. 22, 2008 -- "Casting Crowns" is the hottest Christian concert ticket in town these days, securing six Dove nominations and their latest album, "The Altar and the Door" going Gold in 10 days.
Chris Huffman admits, he was just glad to have some new songs to play when the album came out last summer. The Alter followed the successful debut album "Casting Crowns" and "Lifesong."
WordNews.org had an exclusive with bassist Huffman who gives some insight into what its like to be in the band everyone's talking about.
"We're excited to have some new songs to play," Huffman said. "When the traveling kind of wears you out, that the only time when we get a little tired of the songs."
Huffman continues: "but even then it's just the music part. Even in those times when we're tired the message is kind of slapping us in the face, reminding us who we're playing for."
It's the difference between being a musician and a Christian musician.
"Every musician has a desire to play in front of people or be able to share their talents with people around them," Huffman said. "But it’s definitely a good reminder to us, no matter how tired we can be, it reminds us to keep our heads straight and why we get to tour."
Check in next Friday for the next installment of Fridays with ... Casting Crowns.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Anti-abortion Ob/Gyns feel threatened for their beliefs
Anti-abortion obstetricians and gynecologists say they are being threatened for their beliefs.
The group cited a November 2007 opinion by American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's (ACOG) Ethics Committee titled "The Limits of Conscientious Refusal in Reproductive Medicine."
The opinion warns Ob/Gyn doctors that their practice pattern can be considered "unethical" by ACOG standards if they do not either do abortions, or refer patients desiring an abortion to an abortion provider.
The opinion suggests anti-abortion doctors should locate their office in proximity to an abortion provider, for the convenience of such patients.
The American Board of Ob/Gyn published its revised standards for doctors seeking recertification in January 2008 which are tied to ACOG Ethics compliance.
Anti-abortion Ob/Gyns called the move "a raw power play to cripple, and ultimately eliminate from practice, those doctors who hold a conscience conviction on the sanctity of human life, and refuse to have a part in doing, or referring for, the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life."
The American Association of ProLife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) said it objects strenuously to this attempt, by a professional medical organization (ACOG), using "ethics violations" and "denial of recertification" as a battering ram, to force pro-life doctors into pro-choice compliance."
APPLOG issued a position statement earlier this month, concluding: "... it seems that the (ACOG) Ethics Committee does not understand the strength and depth of a conscience conviction against the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life. This is not a negotiable issue for those who hold this conviction. The United States Supreme Court allowed elective abortion to be a legal right. The U.S. Supreme Court is not an infallible moral guide for a person's conscience, as evidenced by a previous similar egregious ruling."
The group pointed, as an example, to the 7-2 court majority that concluded that Africans are "beings of an inferior order" than the white race, and slaves are property devoid of all rights of legal redress for grievances.
"The U.S. Supreme court got it wrong in 1887, and they made the same mistake in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade: Unborn children are fully human, and are entitled to the same right to life as the rest of society," AAPLOG said.
The group cited a November 2007 opinion by American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's (ACOG) Ethics Committee titled "The Limits of Conscientious Refusal in Reproductive Medicine."
The opinion warns Ob/Gyn doctors that their practice pattern can be considered "unethical" by ACOG standards if they do not either do abortions, or refer patients desiring an abortion to an abortion provider.
The opinion suggests anti-abortion doctors should locate their office in proximity to an abortion provider, for the convenience of such patients.
The American Board of Ob/Gyn published its revised standards for doctors seeking recertification in January 2008 which are tied to ACOG Ethics compliance.
Anti-abortion Ob/Gyns called the move "a raw power play to cripple, and ultimately eliminate from practice, those doctors who hold a conscience conviction on the sanctity of human life, and refuse to have a part in doing, or referring for, the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life."
The American Association of ProLife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) said it objects strenuously to this attempt, by a professional medical organization (ACOG), using "ethics violations" and "denial of recertification" as a battering ram, to force pro-life doctors into pro-choice compliance."
APPLOG issued a position statement earlier this month, concluding: "... it seems that the (ACOG) Ethics Committee does not understand the strength and depth of a conscience conviction against the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life. This is not a negotiable issue for those who hold this conviction. The United States Supreme Court allowed elective abortion to be a legal right. The U.S. Supreme Court is not an infallible moral guide for a person's conscience, as evidenced by a previous similar egregious ruling."
The group pointed, as an example, to the 7-2 court majority that concluded that Africans are "beings of an inferior order" than the white race, and slaves are property devoid of all rights of legal redress for grievances.
"The U.S. Supreme court got it wrong in 1887, and they made the same mistake in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade: Unborn children are fully human, and are entitled to the same right to life as the rest of society," AAPLOG said.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Anti-abortion protests planned outside Democratic National Convention
DENVER (W.) Feb. 20, 2008 -- Plans are being made for peaceful anti-abortion protests outside the Democratic National Convention this August.
The planned protesters and their legal team are scheduled to meet with Denver's Attorney David Fine today.
Prior to that meeting, the Christian Defense Coalition and the Survivors, an anti-abortion group, will be holding a news conference in Denver. The convention is scheduled for Aug. 25-28.
At issue, the Christian Defense Coalition said, is the city's decision to remove 14 downtown city parks from the list of public venues in which groups may peacefully assemble. The coalition said the city has refused to accept applications from the pro-life groups seeking to conduct peaceful First Amendment activities at these parks.
The groups followed the normal park application process for the City of Denver by attempting to apply for permits on Nov. 1, the coalition said. They were told that their name would be put on list and they would be contacted when a permit process was put in place. After nearly 4 months of waiting, there is still no plan in place and no indication when one will be put in place, the coalition said.
If the groups cannot reach an agreement with the City of Denver at this meeting, they will file a federal lawsuit tomorrow.
"As advocates for the pre-born, it is the responsibility of the Survivors to defend our right to free speech," said Danielle Versluys, Survivors' director of special events. "Peaceful prayer and witness in the public square are essential to our fight for justice in America, and we cannot let our rights be trampled at the expense of the children scheduled to die from abortion."
The planned protesters and their legal team are scheduled to meet with Denver's Attorney David Fine today.
Prior to that meeting, the Christian Defense Coalition and the Survivors, an anti-abortion group, will be holding a news conference in Denver. The convention is scheduled for Aug. 25-28.
At issue, the Christian Defense Coalition said, is the city's decision to remove 14 downtown city parks from the list of public venues in which groups may peacefully assemble. The coalition said the city has refused to accept applications from the pro-life groups seeking to conduct peaceful First Amendment activities at these parks.
The groups followed the normal park application process for the City of Denver by attempting to apply for permits on Nov. 1, the coalition said. They were told that their name would be put on list and they would be contacted when a permit process was put in place. After nearly 4 months of waiting, there is still no plan in place and no indication when one will be put in place, the coalition said.
If the groups cannot reach an agreement with the City of Denver at this meeting, they will file a federal lawsuit tomorrow.
"As advocates for the pre-born, it is the responsibility of the Survivors to defend our right to free speech," said Danielle Versluys, Survivors' director of special events. "Peaceful prayer and witness in the public square are essential to our fight for justice in America, and we cannot let our rights be trampled at the expense of the children scheduled to die from abortion."
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