I sometimes recall with nostalgia that courageous country church that called me as its college-student pastor. This group of deeply committed Christians allowed me to gain valuable experience and also served to mentor me since many of them knew more…
HERITAGE: ‘What am I to do?’
The weekend of May 3-5 marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville near Fredericksburg, Va. An ambitious reenactment was planned, with armies of men in blue and grey, the sounds of cannon fire and the excitement of make-believe…
As they turn 150, Seventh-day Adventists still praying for the Apocalypse
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In the past 150 years, Seventh-day Adventists have built one of Christianity’s most inventive and prosperous churches — while praying for the world to end as soon as possible. A small band of believers has mushroomed to…
Despite biblical injunctions to the contrary, Christians remain obsessed with end times
Just because Jesus told his disciples God alone knows when he will return, that hasn’t prevented 2,000 years of Christian speculation. “Some have said: ‘Jesus just said we can’t know the day or the hour. But that doesn’t mean we…
HeraldBeat: Tracking Baptists across the Mid-Atlantic
Accepted a new call? Been ordained? Church celebrating an anniversary? Mission trip or project that you would like highlighted on the HeraldBeat page? Send info to HeraldBeat editor Barbara Francis at [email protected]. Transitions ON THE MOVE John Johnson, to Antioch…
Modern hymn writers revive a lost musical art, with success
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Most songwriters in Nashville want to get their songs on the radio. Keith and Kristyn Getty hope their songs end up in dusty old hymnbooks. The Gettys, originally from Belfast, Ireland, hope to revive the art…
British faith groups reclaim St. George as symbol of inclusivity
(ABP) — The Baptist Union of Great Britain joined other faith groups in a letter reclaiming St. George’s Day, celebrated April 23, from right-wing group’s using England’s patron saint to promote Islamophobia and hatred. “We want to promote a new,…
‘God’s Smart Aleck’ is rising Hollywood star
(ABP) — Nowadays, comedian Michael Joiner is billed as “God’s Smart Aleck” to gently remind audiences that his clean humor comes from a Christian perspective. But there was a time when the Indiana native, raised a Baptist, was anything but…
Chase City church pilots service project for Virginia’s Concord Baptist Association
CHASE CITY, Va. — Twelve different service projects were conducted in and around Chase City April 13 as 55 volunteers from Concord Baptist Church there piloted an Operation Inasmuch project for the Concord Baptist Association. Chase City congregants launch balloons…