The Faith Connection

Brewing up coffee -- and much more

 

 

Coffee and snacks.  A great mix of music.  Old friends and new sharing laughs and good conversation.  And it's all free. 

That's the experience scores of Raleigh and Cary residents have been finding regularly at The Coffeehouse, a social gathering for special needs adults that's been taking place for more than a decade. Organizers want folks who sometimes feel left out to instead feel right at home.

"I think it just allows them an outlet for socializing," says Coffeehouse volunteer Emily Kovac.  "They're already interacting through Wake Enterprises or classes they might be taking.  They see each other quite frequently (in other ways), but Coffeehouse gives them a chance to interact on a social level."

The idea for Coffeehouse began at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1997.  One Friday a month, the church would turn its Fellowship Hall into an informal club for the developmentally disabled.  Later, organizers decided to expand the project into a separate non-profit called The Serving Cup, which also promotes housing and other services for the special needs community.

But Coffeehouse is still percolating, meeting twice a month now alternately at Good Shepherd and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary.

"There's a prayer at the beginning,” says Kovac.  “We bless the attendees and the food and the fellowship.”

Volunteers from the two churches as well as non-members serve at the Coffeehouse events, which can sometimes draw more than 200 people.  And although the attendees are the main focus, Kovac says the volunteers are blessed as well.

“I think I take away more from it than some of the attendees do because I'm so humbled.  It's just such a great way to interact with people you might not see in your everyday life.  They're so gracious.  And I think they really appreciate the fact that we look at them as peers and not at their handicap or disability.”

The next Coffeehouse takes place this Friday night (March 25^th) at Good Shepherd.   The “house band” known as The Coffee Grinds will perform, starting at 7PM.  Caretakers are welcome, too.

Homelessness: not a game -- but you can play it

 

The scenario is grim:  you’ve lost your job… your house… your life savings.   You’re down to your last $1,000 and your family has to make it through the month.  What do you do?

That’s the dilemma facing those who interact with a new internet game that’s causing a sensation nationally – and generating a lot of buzz for a faith-based Durham organization.

Urban Ministries of Durham and the McKinney advertising firm have collaborated on a game called Spent, which simulates what life is like for the homeless and near homeless.   (Find it at this link)

"We’ve been working with McKinney on doing some awareness building activities for the past few years,” says UMD Executive Director Patrice Nelson, “and we went to them to ask if they would do new posters.  And McKinney said, you know what?  We think we actually have an idea that's much more interesting.” 

Interesting, indeed.  Since being released February 8^th, Spent has attracted the attention of ABC News, Fox News, CNN and other media outlets.  The website has received more than 1.5 million hits.  Most importantly for Urban Ministries, it’s led to nearly $7,000 in donations.

"What's also been very interesting about the game,” Nelson says, “is the comments we've had from around the country and other agencies that have asked to link the game to their website and to use it for awareness building in their communities.”

I tried Spent myself and found it rather nerve-wracking.   As you make decisions about how to stretch out that $1,000 over 30 days, new challenges pop up:  health problems, transportation problems, landlord problems… all based on real situations faced by those on society’s margins.

Says Nelson:  "We've talked to people who are in our shelter and to people who were in our shelter, and I've had many phone calls from people who are saying the options are very realistic.  All those things may not happen within a 30-day time period.  But it is a game, so the time span may be a little condensed in order to make it work.  What I tell people and I know to be true is that, even if they didn't happen in one month then they happened over the course of three months.  The end result is still that someone is financially and emotionally spent."

In my two attempts at Spent, I ran out of money the first time and made it through the second with just a few dollars to spare.   And it really got me to thinking about what it would be like to find myself in a similar situation.   Which is exactly the point.

"I hope (Spent players) will talk more about the problem of homelessness and poverty in our community and in our country,” Nelson told me, “and that they will take action to get involved and to provide financial support to agencies like ours and others around the country that are working to address these issues."

Side note:  this Thursday night (March 3^rd), Urban Ministries of Durham hosts its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Durham Armory.  Ten local restaurants will compete for “best soup” honors, with attendees and special judges sampling their offerings.  ABC11’s Tisha Powell will serve as one of the judges.  Proceeds from the fun event will help underwrite the 220,000 meals UMD serves annually.

Growing crops -- and hope

 

A new farm is starting up in Granville County.  And in addition to the corn, green beans, and other crops that will soon be growing, add a couple of other things to the list:   hope and redemption.

"It's very therapeutic when they can plant and can see something grow,” says Shawn Saunders, Executive Director of Converting Hearts Ministries in Creedmoor. 

Converting Hearts is the Christian-based substance abuse ministry operating the farm.  The workers who will plant and cultivate the crops are all men going through CHM’s program.

“It's so great because you pull them out of the hustle and bustle and chaos of urban life,” says Saunders, “and put them in a place where they can just have peace and quiet, and sequester them to work on a farm, work with their hands.”

Converting Hearts started up a couple of years ago and now has 11 recovery beds.  But the farm itself is something new. 

“We're on six acres now, but we've got plenty of farmland to do some major harvesting, so it'll get larger and larger as we grow,” Saunders told me.  “We'll probably have about 40 head of cattle.  We're going to be selling eggs.   It'll be self-sustaining.  We'll be able to manufacture our own beef as well as our own crops.  And the men will be making furniture as well – we're going to have a wood shop."

Saunders knows all too well the devastation drug and alcohol abuse can cause a family.  He saw his mother and two brothers wreck their lives by abusing prescription drugs and other things.  Now, one brother is in CHM’s program – and the other is on the staff.

"Will (Saunders) and I work together now,” he says.  “This is a dream of ours -- to help people who struggle with life-controlling issues such as chemical/substance abuse.  My brother Nathan's actually in our program ready to become a house manager.  He's been here for five months.  He's doing great."

The Converting Hearts farm is on Highway 96 near the Wake County line.  Saunders says it will probably be an all-organic operation.  I’ll let you know in a future blog when they’re ready to start selling.

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Thousands of Catholics and those curious about the Catholic faith will converge on the State Fairgrounds this weekend for the Raleigh Diocese's largest conference of the year.  Ignited by Truth takes place Friday evening and all day Saturday at the Jim Graham Building.  The event features nationally-known speakers, live music, and workshops, and is in its ninth year.

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The Islamic Association of Raleigh is extending a welcome to its non-Muslim neighbors and friends with an Open House this Saturday (February 26th) from 2:00 to 5:00PM.  The Association is located at 808 Atwater Street.  More details here.

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Looking to try something different for Passover?  How about trying it Southern style?  Penny Rich, a Personal Chef and Caterer, gives the traditional Passover meal a Southern accent this Sunday (February 27^th) at the NC Museum of History.  She’ll serve up dishes such as “dirty matzoh” and Mississippi praline macaroons.  The cooking demonstration is free, but you have to register by February 23^rd.    Call (919) 807-7992.

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America’s religious landscape is changing.  ABC News reported on a new study that details which denominations are shrinking – and which are growing. 

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The big Hollywood studios are still somewhat uncomfortable about how to handle matters of faith.  Case in point:  one studio exec literally tried to edit the Bible out of a new film that’s based on a true story.  You can read about it here.

Men in Black, a White Mass, and a “Jesus Feast”

 

Here come the Men in Black. 

No, not the Will Smith movie.  100 Men in Black will perform a free gospel music concert Sunday at Durham’s Union Baptist Church.  It’s the eighth time this all-male chorus – made up of men from across the community from various denominations – has given the free annual concert under the direction of Marlon West.  West founded the 100 Men in Black chorus in 2003.  More about Sunday's concert here.

**

What would Jesus…eat?  That’s the focus of a program next Wednesday night (October 20^th) at Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill.  Professional Caterer Zacki Murphy will create and serve a special meal of ancient Mediterranean foods, including marinated chicken, hummus with flat breads, mixed fruit and nut bars, and more.  There is a fee for this “Jesus Feast,” and you can find out more here.

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Last week was the Red Mass – for those in the legal community.  On Monday night, the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh will celebrate the annual White Mass for those in the medical profession and their families.  It will take place at The Catholic Community of St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill.  Bishop Michael Burbidge will be the Principal Celebrant.

**

The Jewish Federations of Raleigh/Cary and Durham/Chapel Hill will team up to sponsor a big event at the RTP Hilton this Sunday.  The Simcha Showcase will feature dozens of vendors offering services and items for weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other celebrations.  The expo will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

**

CNN has an interesting project on its website.  As part of the network’s continuing documentary series “Black in America,” they’ve asked church choirs to submit video renditions of the gospel music classic The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.  The CNN folks say they will then “blend all the videos together to create a unique global version.”  The deadline has passed to send in your clip (sorry about that), but you can see some of the submissions at this link, plus read more about how it all works.  When the final version is done, I’ll put a link to it in a future blog.

Animal blessings... and a religion IQ test

 

From hamsters to horses.  That describes the range of animals blessed at Duke Chapel last year at the annual Blessing of the Animals.  And you can expect a similar scene this Sunday afternoon at 4 on the Chapel’s front lawn.  It’s to mark the Feast of St. Francis, who was known for his love for all creatures great and small.  The Durham Children’s Choir will also perform.  A number of other local congregations will hold similar events.  At Durham’s St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Claire Wimbush will lead the service with the help of her service dog, Willa. 

 The Animal Blessing is only part of the celebration going on at the Saint’s namesake parish in Raleigh, The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, where FrancisFest activities actually begin this evening.  Then Saturday morning at 9:30, Raleigh Diocese Bishop Michael Burbidge will give the Blessing of the Animals outside the church.

**

 Members of Apex United Methodist Church are proud of the fact that they were a church before Apex was Apex.  The church got its start in 1870 – before the town was officially chartered.  They’ll be celebrating all that and more Saturday with the church’s HarvestFest and 140^th Homecoming.  They’re even promising a theatrical horseback riding appearance by the great John Wesley, himself, perhaps stopping by to get some of that Brunswick stew the Apex UMC men are known for.

**

Members and friends of Durham’s Antioch Baptist Church are dusting off their walking shoes for their big event October 9^th.  They’ll be hosting a Walkathon to benefit Antioch’s “transitional ministry” home at 214 North Hyde Park Avenue.  The newly-renovated structure serves as half-way house for former inmates who have turned their lives around and are readjusting to society. 

 **

 Was last weekend’s Christian rock concert at Ft. Bragg a violation of Constitutional principles?  CNN looked into the issue.

 **

 Finally, there’s been a lot of buzz this week about the new survey by the Pew Forum which indicated atheists and agnostics know more about religion than members of most faiths.  The Pew folks have put a mini-survey online so you can check your religious IQ.  Here's the link.  By the way, I got 100%!

Anniversaries, concerts... and 24-hour preachin'

 

Congregants of Durham's Judea Reform have 50 reasons to cheer right now.  Plus 30 reasons.  Judea kicks off a year-long celebration this weekend marking the temple’s 50th anniversary, along with the 30th anniversary of Rabbi John Friedman as its leader. 

 “(Judea’s) main impact has been in providing an attractive place for Reform Jews, or those who want to try Reform Judaism,” says Dr. Friedman.  “We’ve had, over the years, five of our students go on to be rabbis.  We have a very rich educational program and social justice program.  And our worship services are very popular.”   

Things kick off tomorrow night at 7 with a "History Wall" dedication featuring photos from the five decades of Judea's history.  A congregational open house takes place Sunday morning. 

Friedman says the temple has come a long way in fifty years.  “When the temple was founded in 1961 there were less than 20 families, and it was founded in the basement of someone’s home.” 

Now there are more than 600 families.  One of Judea’s former rabbis, Eric Yoffie, has gone on to become president of the liberal Reform Judaism movement.  Rabbi Yoffie is scheduled to return to Judea in April to speak as part of the anniversary celebration.   

And Dr. Friedman himself has developed a national reputation.  I asked him if he could go back three decades and give himself advice knowing what he knows now, what would it be?

“I’ll tell you one thing for sure,” he says.  “I wouldn’t have answered the many calls I had to go and interview in other congregations.  Because I never found anything I liked as much as living in Durham.  This is nearly a Shangri-La kind of place for a rabbi, especially one who enjoys the intellectual climate that Durham and Chapel Hill provide.”

 **

The faithful from Raleigh's Edenton Street United Methodist Church will fan out tomorrow to do good.  The church's second annual Great Day of Service will send families and individuals off "as the hands and feet of Christ to those in need."   Church leaders have put more than two dozen projects and service options on the agenda this year, ranging from nursing home visits to serving the homeless at Moore Square.  The day will begin with breakfast at the church and a short worship service.

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Hundreds of women from across the country will gather at Shaw University tomorrow as the Divinity School hosts its 27th Annual Women's Conference.  It's a day-long event opening with a morning worship service and closing with an evening banquet.  The keynoter is the Rev. Debra Haggins O'Bryant, the first female chaplain of Hampton University.

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Methodist men are called to "Share the Game, Share your Faith" tomorrow at the Duke vs. Army football game.  "Duke Day" is a community outreach that features a pre-game worship event at Duke Chapel, a tailgate lunch, and the game.  This video clip explains how it's to work.

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Are you a foodie?  You can enjoy foods from 14 different countries tomorrow at St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton.  Admission to the church's International Food Festival is free.  It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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If you build it, they will come.  But first people have to vote for it.  The South Durham Little League is hoping to renovate the back field at Hope Valley Baptist Church.  They've raised $30,000 for the ball field so far, but they need another $20,000.  The Little League and the church are hoping for a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project, but that requires folks voting early and often.  Here's the link if you want to vote or find out more details.

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That rumble you hear from Ft. Bragg this weekend may not be a training exercise.  They're expecting 10,000 to come out Saturday to Rock the Fort, a Christian rock concert sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  It'll be on the Main Post Parade Field from noon until 8:30 p.m.

**

Finally, the North Carolina minister who preached for 24 hours straight -- more or less.  Steven Furtick of Charlotte's gigantic Elevation Church (5,000 members) held a 24-hour internet preach-a-thon this week to launch the release of his first book, Sun Stand Still.

Holy Days, Bible tweets, and an "unnecessary" God?

It’s a busy time in our local faith communities.  Today is the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  At local synagogues like Raleigh’s Beth Meyer, services and celebrations began Wednesday night to mark the beginning of the year 5771.  Rosh Hashanah customs include the sounding of the shofar -- or ram’s horn trumpet -- and eating apples dipped in honey in hopes of a “sweet” new year.  It’s a time of hope and renewal, but also a time of reflection and repentance leading up to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur (on September 18^th).  

 

Muslims in the Triangle and around the world are marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with feasts and celebrations.   The Islamic Association of Cary will host a day-long Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration Sunday with cultural foods, rides for the kids, and more.  Admission is $15 per family and proceeds will be donated to Pakistan flood relief.  Loosely translated, Eid-ul-Fitr means “festival of the purification.”

 

At many Christian congregations, September means the unofficial start of a new church year and the launch of new programs and classes.  More than 140 North Carolina churches of various denominations are offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University beginning this month, billed as “a biblically based curriculum that teaches people how to handle money God’s way.” 

**

 

Some call him the nation’s first “televangelist.”  From the 1930’s through the 60’s, tens of millions heard the messages of Archbishop Fulton Sheen – first on radio, then on television.  Now a new documentary takes a look at Sheen’s life and legacy.  Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Pinehurst will screen the film, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen:  Servant of All on Tuesday night (September 14^th).  It’s a free screening but RSVP’s are requested. 

**

 

More than two dozen artists from across the state will perform next Friday night (September 17^th) at Garner United Methodist Church to raise money for an orphanage in Haiti.  The concert will feature music from a variety of genres, with a special appearance by Haitian missionaries and a native Haitian singer.  It’s a free event, with donations going to the Ryan Epps Home for Children. 

**

 

“Like last year…only better.”  That’s the motto for this year’s Fair at St. Raphael.  The Fair runs this evening and all-day tomorrow at the church’s Falls of Neuse Road location and they’re expecting another huge turnout.  In addition to the fun and games, Boy Scout Troop 314 will on hand to collect old and worn out American flags for proper disposal, in remembrance of 9/11.

**

 

Durham-based mega-church The Summit holds its first services at its new North Raleigh campus this Sunday morning at 9:00 and 11:00.  Summit is taking over the 5808 Departure Drive location formerly used by the Journey Church, which moved to its new location a few weeks ago.   

**

 

Finally, a couple of items from ABCNews.com:   first, the man who is tweeting the Bible, one chapter at a time.  Secondly, famed physicist Stephen Hawking grants a rare interview  to discuss his new book which argues science makes God unnecessary.  The Almighty declined to comment directly on Hawking’s assertions, but referred inquisitors to previously written statements.

Fighting hunger one backpack at a time

Would you like to help fight hunger?  How about making a $25,000 donation to a local program that’s making a difference?   And if you don’t think you have that much money to give – stay tuned.

First, about that program.  It’s called Backpack Buddy, and it operates out of Rolesville Baptist Church.  A few years ago, church members came up with the idea of filling backpacks with food to give to needy children at a nearby school.  The students take the backpacks home over the weekend, then bring them back empty on Mondays.  When Friday comes around again, the process starts all over.

“These children are selected by their guidance counselors as being very needy,” says church member Leslie Parker.  “They often receive free and reduced price lunches and won't get a lot of food at home.  And so these backpacks are filled with individually wrapped foods that are hopefully nutritious like pasta and Jello pudding, crackers, things that they can eat over the weekend since they won't have meals at school.”

Backpack Buddy started out with just one school and 25 to 30 backpacks going out each weekend.   Then the word spread and there are now five elementary schools participating:  Rolesville, Sanford Creek, Jones Dairy, Heritage, and Youngsville.  More than 100 children get the backpacks.

“It's a very organized effort,” Parker told me.  “We have volunteers that go to stores like BJ's and Sam's and buy the food in bulk. Usually on Thursdays a group will fill the backpacks and then another group comes in on Friday and delivers them to the schools.  Then on Monday or Tuesday of the next week when the backpacks are returned, another group goes and collects them.  So it's a very large collaborative effort.”

Rolesville Baptist relies on donations and grants to supply the food.  But here’s how you can help.  Remember that $25,000 I mentioned at the top of the page?  That’s how much the church could receive for Backpack Buddy if they’re able to win a contest through the Pepsi Refresh Project, which gives grants out to worthy community activities nationwide.  If enough people vote for Backpack Buddy online or by texting, the church will win the grant. 

Parker told me the $25,000 would fund the much-needed program for about a year.  “I'm also a teacher and I work with students who I see come to school without any food.  And these children who aren't able to get enough food over the weekend, this provides them with something.  Just from a practical standpoint we're helping someone else, but we're also showing the love of God through it by just doing something so simple as to provide food for someone who really needs it.”

**

Members of Durham’s Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church are also thinking about backpacks, but in a more traditional way.  The church will give out backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies tomorrow from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Lincoln’s second annual Back-to-School Bash will also feature food and fun activities to help get students pumped for the upcoming school year. 

**

How’s this for a speaker’s line up:  Megachurch pastors T.D. Jakes and Andy Stanley. Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy.  Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch.  Those are just some of the speakers folks will hear via satellite next week at NewHope Church in Durham.  NewHope is one of more than 170 “host” locations for what’s called The Global Leadership Summit, designed to “transform Christian leaders around the world.”  The annual summit is the brainchild of Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago suburbs, said to be the fourth-largest church in the nation.  The Leadership Summit takes place August 5^th and 6^th and there is a registration fee.  

**

You’ve heard of Wikipedia and WikiLeaks.   How about WikiWorship?  That’s the name of a casual new Sunday evening service at Warren's Grove United Methodist Church in Roxboro.  Pastor Philip Chryst is using the time to answer difficult questions from congregants about Christianity and religion.   Questions on the agenda for this Sunday night include, “What are sins?” and “How far is too far go to with a boyfriend or girlfriend?”  Should be interesting.  WikiWorship starts at 6 p.m.

**

Can a person be “de-baptized?”  ABC's Dan Harris reported on the controversial practice recently on Nightline.

Independence Day goes to church

With the 4^th of July coming on Sunday this year, many area churches are marking the patriotic holiday with special services and celebrations.

 

C3 Church in Clayton plans to honor the men and women of the armed services on what they call God and Country Day.  They’ll have military vehicles on display as well as other “fun surprises.”  Sunday will also mark the culmination of the church’s month-long Operation We Care project, in which members compile care packages for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.     

 

The Capital Church in Garner is having an Independence Day celebration after its 10:45 service, with a bull ride, inflatables, and free hot dogs and burgers.  Servicemen and women (including police and firefighters) are asked to come in uniform.

 

If you’re a fan of Low Country cuisine, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Fuquay-Varina is having its third annual Red, White & Blue Shrimparoo on Saturday from 4-7 p.m.  The church’s Low Country Boil will feature shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage  -- along with live entertainment.

 

And, preacher-turned-politician Mike Huckabee turns preacher again for a 4^th of July appearance in the Queen City.  The former Arkansas Governor will speak at Charlotte’s huge First Baptist Church for its July 4^th Celebration.  There’s speculation Huckabee is preparing for another presidential bid, but First Baptist’s pastor tells the Charlotte Observer the Sunday event won’t be a political rally.

 

**

 

Another big celebration will happen Sunday in Raleigh, but it’s not connected to Independence Day.  The International Buddhist Progress Society of North Carolina will formally dedicate its new temple at 2529 Prince Road. 

 

“We’re super excited,” says spokesman Christopher Thurston.  “It's easily the biggest event we've done at the temple.”

 

They’ll have a ribbon cutting and live music – typical things you’d see at a building dedication.  But there will also be some decidedly Chinese and Buddhist elements:  a purification ceremony, a traditional Chinese Lion dance, and monks visiting from across the country.   All to consecrate a building that marks a milestone for the Triangle’s growing Buddhist population.

 

"There's a fairly vast and diverse Buddhist population in the Triangle,” Thurston told me, “which kind of reflects America.  Buddhism is the third largest religion in America -- you have Christianity, Islam and Buddhism.  The Triangle definitely reflects that.”

 

The temple, which is off Tryon Road, is described as “modernistic,” with dramatic lines, angles, and open space.  You can see a picture of it here.  The temple has already been functioning for the past two and a half years, offering classes to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike on subjects like calligraphy, meditation, and vegetarian cooking.   

 

The temple dedication starts Sunday at 10:00 a.m., is open to the public, and will be followed by a free vegetarian lunch.  And why the 4^th of July?

 

"The date was picked because of the lunar cycle.  Our being a Chinese temple, we do things off the lunar cycle,” says Thurston. 

 

** 

The Gulf Coast oil disaster will be the focus of prayer and reflection next Wednesday (July 7) at Durham’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  The church will host an interfaith prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  Duke Divinity School professor Ellen Davis will be the speaker.

Crime-fightin' pastors, a movie shoot, and more

Are you a pastor or religious leader in the Bull City?  If so, Chief Jose Lopez and the Durham Police Department are looking for you. 

 

No, you’re not in trouble. 

 

You’re wanted to attend a Safety in Numbers Prayer Breakfast next Thursday morning (9 – 10 a.m.) at police headquarters.  The Durham PD’s Project Safe Neighborhoods unit launched Safety in Numbers back in January. 

 

“It’s a 2010 city-wide community engagement campaign,” says coordinator Jennifer Snyder.  “What we’re trying to do is mobilize the community in the area of gun crime.” 

 

The department’s first-ever pastors’ prayer breakfast is one of several activities DPD is doing this year to mobilize residents in the effort to promote safer streets and homes.  “Pastors will have a chance to network amongst themselves,” Snyder told me.  “They’ll be able to hear a story about one church that was affected by violent crime and then they’ll also hear ways the Safe Community can support law enforcement efforts in decreasing gun crime.” 

 

If you’re a religious leader and want to attend the prayer breakfast, you call Jennifer Snyder at 560-4438, ext. 29230.

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I mentioned some weeks ago in a previous blog about the Male Investment Plan, the comprehensive national project being launched by three African-American Methodist denominations to impact the lives of young black males.  Now there’s a definite launch and roll-out date:  May 22^nd.

 

"We're going to launch in the five cities,” says the Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell of Raleigh’s Grace AME Zion Church, “but shortly thereafter everybody else will come on line as well.  So it's going to be national in scope.  We've got the cities plotted out.  We're excited about it."

And one of those launch cities will be Raleigh.

 

Dr. Powell told me the heart of the plan is the Saturday Academy.  The weekly gatherings will pair the young participants with mentors, give them training and guidance on life issues, and provide them with hope and encouragement.  The academies will have a different focus each quarter:   Spiritual Enrichment (June –August), Education (September – November), Health and Wellness (December – February), and Economics (March – May).

 

"One of our national partners is going to be the American Bible Society,” Powell says.  “They're actually preparing a curriculum around those four themes.  And so for each quarter there will be Bible studies every day to coincide with that, for 91 days."

 

The Male Investment Plan was approved this past March by leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal, AME Zion, and Christian Methodist Episcopal denominations, meeting for the first time together in over 40 years.  The hope is this faith-based national project will lead to changed lives and changed futures.  "And we're now also in conversation with Big Brothers, Big Sisters about a national partnership with them as well," Powell told me. 

 

I’ll keep you updated here in the Faith Blog.

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They can “blow up hot water bottles like balloons, snap baseball bats like twigs, lift telephone poles overhead, rip phone books and license plates like pieces of paper, and smash walls of concrete.”  Sounds like superhero stuff, but these are real folks who will be putting their skills on display May 9^th through 12^th at Whitley Church in Johnston County. 

 

They’re athletes and performers with Intense Ministries, who tour the country putting on demonstrations and talking about their faith.  The shows are free.

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HWF Productions sends me word they’re looking for at least 200 extras for a “church scene” they’re shooting for the short film Passionate Prayers.  The shooting is scheduled to take place Thursday evening (May 13^th) at White Oak Baptist Church in Apex, with registration and sign-in beginning at 4:00 p.m.  Cast members of all ages are needed.  No compensation -- but you may get to see yourself up on the big screen!  For more information you can contact Schelle Holloway at [email protected].

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Feeling in a 50s mood?  Put your “glad rags” on or your poodle skirt and head out to White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary next Friday night (May 14^th) for the Oldies Drive-In.  You’ll find classic diner food, classic cars and music, plus waitresses on roller skates.  Should be a lot of fun.