PANAMA CITY, Panama — To celebrate the theme “Getting outside our churches,” 25 Virginia Baptists travelled to Panama Jan. 26 to attend the annual meeting of the Panama Baptist Convention and to sign documents establishing a five-year partnership between that…
VBS material ‘Finds Hope’ in writers at Newport News, Va., congregation
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — God often works unexpectedly. “Finding Hope: A Field Trip of Faith,” the Vacation Bible School material produced by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, is a prime example. Available March 1, “Finding Hope” is being called “a unique…
EDITORIAL: 22 years of therapy — for free
The editorial theme we and our New Voice Media partners chose for this issue has to do with the support ministers (and others) can give each other. Although I have mentioned it in previous editorials, I feel compelled be more…
EDITORIAL: Which crown would you want?
In my opinion, Carrie Prejean is an example of what is wrong with American Christianity. Two weeks ago if you had asked me, “Who is Carrie Prejean?,” I’m not sure I could have remembered. But last Tuesday morning, before I…
EDITORIAL: God’s peace in my world
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). “Glory to…
United Kingdom’s ‘Fresh Expressions’ may assist Virginia Baptists
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — About 35 persons representing several denominations gathered at Columbia Baptist Church Dec. 2-3 to hear Anglican Bishop Graham Cray describe Fresh Expressions. In addition to Baptists from Virginia and Maryland, leaders from Methodist, Episcopal and Nazarene…
EDITORIAL: The story of Christmas — in the news
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2, NIV). Thirty-three Chilean miners know what it is like to walk in darkness…
EDITORIAL: Hard questions for hard times
We can all only hope that economic pundits who say we are experiencing a recovery know what they are talking about. For the present, however, times are tough all over. In presenting a budget to the messengers gathered last week…
Reggie McNeal tells Virginia Baptists to ‘get off their donkeys’
HAMPTON, Va. — In his final message to messengers and guests attending the annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Reggie McNeal told them to get off their donkeys. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan as his…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida laments strange Baptists
Dear Jimmy, I’m sure this never happens to you, but sometimes my mind gets to wanderin’ a mite during the sermon. That’s why I can sure understand what happened to this feller who happens to be your Uncle Orley’s cousin,…
How big is your back door?
For several months a recruiter had been building a relationship with a likely volunteer, speaking persuasively about a career in the army. He had spoken of the war and the need for recruits. Mostly, however, he had emphasized the retirement…
EDITORIAL: Dealing with the anger means dealing with the issues
If, like me, you have been unfortunate enough to hear the barrage of campaign ads, you have probably been distressed by the angry accusations blasted like canon shots back and forth between party lines. It’s enough to cause those of…