It’s Christmas — and for Protestants, that means it’s time for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to make her annual cameo appearance in creche sets, carols and children’s bathrobed Christmas pageants. It’s Christmas — and for Protestants, that means it’s time for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to make her annual cameo appearance in creche sets, carols and children’s bathrobed Christmas pageants. But for some Protestant theologians and activists, the season also presents a time to take a fresh look at the role of Mary in the life of the church and to recover her presence for a more vital faith and spirituality. A host of books, essays and magazines are doing just that. These Protestant thinkers and writers see a recovery of Mary as in keeping with historic Reformation views. “Martin Luther had a very high view of Mary,” says Southern Baptist Timothy George, dean of the evangelical Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., “and a loving devotion to Mary, in a way. “(Luther) refers to her as the place where God did his handiwork on earth,” George adds. George made his comments in an interview for the PBS show, “Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly,” to be broadcast this weekend (check local … [Read more...]
Lift holiday parties toward a higher aim, Hughes advises
At a holiday party she hosted several years ago, author and women’s ministry leader Page Hughes watched the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with her guests while they enjoyed soft drinks and refreshments. At a holiday party she hosted several years ago, author and women’s ministry leader Page Hughes watched the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with her guests while they enjoyed soft drinks and refreshments. Before the movie credits rolled, Hughes shared that the most wonderful thing in her life was her relationship with Jesus. “I had an operation with complications the summer before this party and almost died in my own home,” says Hughes, the wife of Alabama pastor Les Hughes. “During that time I had experienced such peace and never knew fear. I shared this experience with my guests.” After she shared her feelings, one of the guests asked many questions about God, heaven and other spiritual issues. Just a few weeks later, Hughes found out that the young lady who had asked the questions had died tragically. “I’m not sure where this precious friend is spending eternity, but I know that I did what God was leading me to do,” Hughes notes. “God was using me to give her another chance.” Hughes uses this … [Read more...]
Collegiate cooperation: Students from Louisiana’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries demonstrated Christ’s love as they volunteered at disaster relief sites affected by recent hurricanes this year
Tim LaFleur said this semester has been stranger than any other during his 13 years as Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Nicholls State University. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter Tim LaFleur said this semester has been stranger than any other during his 13 years as Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Nicholls State University. Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected Louisiana, his students from the Thibodaux campus have been involved with relief efforts about every week. “People have asked if the hurricanes would affect our students’ involvement in our ministry,” he explains. “It hasn’t hurt our attendance. If anything, more students have been coming to our weekly meetings. “It’s been neat to see how God has worked through this,” he continues. “Our students have such a desire to help in missions work and projects and the response to the hurricane is just one example.” The week after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, students served meals to the National Guard, who were protecting the campus and surrounding area. Also, for 10 consecutive days, the ministry led a service for evacuees in the area. One Saturday 25 students repaired the roof of a retired pastor in … [Read more...]
Weekly announcements
Week of December 19, 2005 Potpourri MANSFIELD – First church: Gloryland Quartet in concert; Jan. 8, 2006, 6 p.m.; Roy “Thumper” Miller, pastor. NEW IBERIA – Highland church: Weekend in the Word Seminar; Jan. 6, 2006, 5 p.m. registration-9 p.m.; Jan. 7, 2006, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. concert; Jon Gillis, seminar leader; Rachel Gillis, worship leader; $30 conference fee/$20 book; to register or for more information, call Lynette Gary at (337) 364-2273; David Jeffreys, associate pastor. BOYCE – Cotile church: Pine Ridge in concert during night watch services; Dec. 31, 7-10 p.m.; Johnny Miller, pastor. ALEXANDRIA – Calvary church: “Becoming Soulmates” one day couple’s seminar; Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Les and Leslie Parrott, seminar leaders; $25/person, $50/couple; can register online at www.calvarynet.net or call (318) 445-5640 or (800) 274-1926; Steve McAllister, young marrieds minister; David Brooks, pastor. Revivals VINTON – Emmanuel church: Jan. 1-4, 2006, 7 p.m. nightly; Jack Daniels, evangelist; Gerald Little, pastor. ATHENS – Mt. Olive church: Jan. 8-11, 2006, 7 p.m.; Jack Daniels, evangelist. Christmas Programs FERRIDAY – First church: Live Nativity; Dec. 22-23, 6:30-8 p.m.; Wayne Gray, pastor. Staff … [Read more...]
World of religion
Week of October 31, 2005 Seminary recovery New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary recently launched a major volunteer cleanup initiative, giving Southern Baptists an opportunity to assist with the restoration and renewal of on-campus housing at the school. The goal is to schedule 50 volunteers per week from Oct. 31 until the job is finished. Volunteers will be asked to assist in a comprehensive cleanup and restoration of all second- and third-floor apartments on campus. The seminary’s insurance will only reimburse the school for restoration work on the contaminated first floors of campus residences. That work currently is underway. The volunteer plan includes three phases – cleanup of remaining items in apartments; cleaning and repainting; and restoring apartment flooring. The seminary will provide two meals per day and drinking water for volunteers. A sleeping area will also be provided, but volunteers must bring bedding, towels, a daily change of clothes (washers and dryers are not available) and breakfast snacks. Volunteers must be 18 and older and insurance is required. The seminary has arranged an insurance provider for volunteers; coverage can be purchased for a few cents per day. Details can be found at … [Read more...]
Key issues await messengers at 2005 LBC annual meeting
There is a chill in the air – and the days are about to start ending earlier as Daylight Savings Time ends. There is a chill in the air – and the days are about to start ending earlier as Daylight Savings Time ends. And that means the annual Louisiana Baptist Convention must be near at hand. Indeed, it is – with the two-day gathering set for Nov. 14-15 at First Baptist Church of West Monroe. The theme of this year’s annual session is “Louisiana Baptists Touching the World.” The meeting marks the first for David Hankins, who assumed duties as state executive director in February. In his welcome to messengers and guests in the 2005 Book of Reports, Hankins notes that the annual meeting comes at a time when Louisiana is struggling to deal with a pair of devastating hurricanes. He reminds persons that Southern and Louisiana Baptists are at the forefront of relief and recovery efforts in the state. “What a time to make a difference for the Lord,” Hankins emphasizes. “By God’s grace, may it be our finest hour.” As expected, the upcoming annual meeting will feature various reports and testimonies regarding the impact of the hurricanes on the state and the extent of the ongoing recovery efforts. Close to … [Read more...]
Personal experience provides bivocational understanding
Since the beginning of my ministry as an employee of a state convention and then state Baptist paper, bivocational pastors have had my deepest respect. These men have been a mainstay of Southern Baptist life since its beginning. Since the beginning of my ministry as an employee of a state convention and then state Baptist paper, bivocational pastors have had my deepest respect. These men have been a mainstay of Southern Baptist life since its beginning. More than 30 years ago, I had the opportunity to help organize what was thought to be the first North American Mission Board (then the Home Mission Board) convocation on the work and needs of bivocational pastors. The bivocational pastors at the convocation, who had not been properly acknowledged previously, poured out their hearts, and their hearts were filled with love for their ministries, and frustrations this particular ministry generates. I remember one pastor who talked about how God had blessed his church with exceptional growth–his church had grown to 300 in attendance during the 15 years of his bivocational ministry with it, but the members had little money–and the strain the ministry placed upon his family, and him. At a point, tears filled his eyes … [Read more...]
Revival scheduled for closing session of LBC meeting
For several years, the annual Louisiana Baptist Convention has featured only three business sessions. For several years, the annual Louisiana Baptist Convention has featured only three business sessions. This year will be the same – and yet different at the same time. Huh? It will be the same in that only three business sessions are scheduled for the annual meeting at First Baptist Church of West Monroe on Nov. 14-15. It will be different in that a fourth session is planned – but for worship only. A Tuesday evening session has been added to the convention. It is set for 6:30 p.m. and will feature a pair of speakers – Junior Hill, an evangelist from Hartselle, Ala.; and Dennis Swanberg, a humorist and self-described minister of encouragement from West Monroe. The service also will feature No Other Name musical trio and a combined choir and orchestra from area churches. The worship service is open to all, including persons who are not registered messengers, emphasized Philip Robertson, state convention president and pastor at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville. “The only ‘business’ will be worship, praise, preaching and fellowship,” he said. “This will be a highlight of the convention, and … [Read more...]
Week of October 31, 2005
Weekly announcements Potpourri WEST MONROE – First church: Leonard Sweet, guest speaker; Nov. 13, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.; Keith Dickens, guest speaker at the 5:30 p.m. service; Donahue Praise Team will also be featured in the evening service; Scotty Sanders, pastor. VIDALIA – First church: The Stamps Quartet in concert; Nov. 12, 7 p.m.; Dan Glenn, pastor. CROWVILLE – Crockett Point church: Men’s Retreat; Nov. 4, 7 p.m.; Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Jack Daniels, Harold Danley, and Casey Johnson, evangelists; Mark Lanier, music; Joe Sin, pastor. RAYVILLE – Woodlawn church: “Set Apart Men’s Conference,” Nov. 11, 7-9 p.m.; Nov. 12, 10 a.m.- 12 noon; Jack Daniels, Jerry Chaddick and Casey Johnson, evangelists; Mark Lanier and Brad Mount, music; Joe Arnold, pastor. SHREVEPORT – Doug Burnley, chaplain of Christus Schumpert Hospital, has received the “Person of Vision and Tower of Strength” award from the Louisiana Chaplain Association at their recent Annual Retreat at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth. KEITHVILLE – North Keithville church: Testify in concert; Nov. 5, 6 p.m.; free; nursery provided; Rich McGahan, pastor. Homecomings RAYVILLE – Eastside church: Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m. … [Read more...]
‘Pastornator’ goes off-road, online with the gospel
Guy Fredrick’s idea of fun may seem strange to some. He enjoys “breaking” his truck on rocks, spinning his tires in several feet of sludge, and slipping, sliding and smashing on deserted, impassable trails. Guy Fredrick’s idea of fun may seem strange to some. He enjoys “breaking” his truck on rocks, spinning his tires in several feet of sludge, and slipping, sliding and smashing on deserted, impassable trails. For most people, this might seem more like an impending insurance claim than “fun.” But for Fredrick, his weekend off-roading jaunts are not only his hobby; they have become a means of reaching an unreached people group – the unconventional “off-roading” community of America. “It’s just exciting for me to have an opportunity to reach out to an unreached people group,” says Fredrick, a Wisconsin native and master of divinity student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. “For me, as a church planter, as a cultural anthropologist, as a missionary, one of my goals is to find people no one else can reach. ... “Just because of my natural bent, my abilities as a mechanic and my love for a sport, I’ve found a lot of people that no one is reaching,” he continues. “On the weekends, … [Read more...]
