Virginia Baptists' first state missions work is featured in the new issue of the Virginia Baptist Register, the annual journal of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society. Fred Anderson, executive director, has written “Turning the World Upside Down,” an article recounting…
BCM at Mary Washington sees ‘extreme makeover’
During the 1950s, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, then known as Baptist Student Unions, were started at colleges and universities across Virginia to encourage fellowship among Christians on campuses. Since then, computers, satellite TV, cell phones and Ipods have changed the way…
Retreat focuses on special ed needs
The 32nd annual Special Education Retreat, held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center Oct. 20-22, drew 371 people—204 of them students with special needs. Alice Rusher They were assigned to one of 14 classes by age and abilities. While they…
Opinion: Christmas trees and menorahs: Sharing space or sharing a story?
I'm willing to bet that no one has a favorite holiday story about time spent in an airport. The main thought that we have involving airports is that we spend as little time as possible in them. Of course, if…
BCE, others urge Wal-Mart to practice Golden Rule
DALLAS (ABP) — Wal-Mart, the self-styled low-price leader, can't seem to get a break these days. While the giant retailer has recently come under attack from pro-gay groups for backpedaling on diversity initiatives, a group of Baptist pastors and leaders…
110th Congress features Baptist leaders, notable firsts in its religious profile
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Baptists of all stripes will feature prominently in leadership of the 110th Congress, which itself will feature some religious firsts. As both chambers pass from Republican into Democratic hands, several Baptists have been elevated to leadership positions…
Analysis: Change in Congress portends different set of social controversies
WASHINGTON (ABP) — When the 110th Congress convenes Jan. 4, the culture wars could move to a different battleground. The shift in the House from a significant Republican majority to a significant Democratic majority probably won't reduce legislation controversial for…
Judson College gets $9 million bequest, its largest gift ever
MARION, Ala. (ABP) — Judson College is poised to receive a $9 million Christmas present. Proceeds from the estate of Marian Acree Tucker of Dadeville, Ala., will be the largest bequest ever given by an individual donor to the Baptist-affiliated…
Hybrid holiday ‘Chrismukkah’ shows tension in blended American families
DALLAS (ABP) — There's a new winter holiday on the rise, and it could be the perfect opportunity to enjoy Fa-La-La-La Latkes, Blitzen's Blintzes, and Christmas trees filled with “menorahments.” It's not Christmas. And it's not Hanukkah. It's both. And…
Colleen Burroughs, friends bring water to drought-stricken Malawi
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — When Colleen Burroughs heard a news report last year that a drought in Malawi threatened to kill 5 million people, the Birmingham resident, who was raised in Malawi by Baptist missionary parents, knew she had to…
Rosalynn Carter ordained as deacon by Baptist church Plains, Ga.
PLAINS, Ga. (ABP) — Former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter was ordained as a deacon Dec. 10 by Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga. Though raised a Methodist, Carter, 79, has been active in Baptist congregations since her marriage more…
Avoid Christmas stress by getting organized, expert says
DALLAS (ABP) — 'Tis the season for anxiety attacks as to-do lists grow longer and days grow shorter. But families can reduce holiday stress by following a few simple organizing tips, author Marcia Ramsland says. “The holidays are as much…