Sticky post

As war drags on, Ukrainian refugees grapple with uncertain future

At a Texas church, tears and talk of bombs underscore the precarious circumstances for thousands losing their legal status. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON — Liza Sharii-Yukabovska fled her native Ukraine four years ago after Russia attacked its Eastern European neighbor. In the U.S., the mother — who escaped with her daughter, Sophie, now 17 — connected with Houston’s Memorial Church of Christ and was baptized. … Continue reading As war drags on, Ukrainian refugees grapple with uncertain future

Sticky post

🇺🇸 America at 250: 1976 Bicentennial mixed faith and fireworks 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged PHILADELPHIA — My 7-year-old grandson, Bennett, donned a red, white and blue top hat like Uncle Sam. He grinned as he posed for a picture with his father, … Continue reading 🇺🇸 America at 250: 1976 Bicentennial mixed faith and fireworks 🔌

Sticky post

Texas Rangers don’t have a ‘Pride Night,’ but they do have a ‘Faith Day’

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged ARLINGTON, Texas — Minutes after a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on a recent Thursday, Texas Rangers players streamed out of the first-base dugout at Globe Life Field. Casually attired in blue Rangers T-shirts and shorts, they strolled across the green outfield turf toward the right-center field bullpen. In the area normally reserved for relief pitchers to warm up, … Continue reading Texas Rangers don’t have a ‘Pride Night,’ but they do have a ‘Faith Day’

Sticky post

⚾️ Jesus in the clubhouse: MLB players open up about their faith 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged ARLINGTON, Texas — In the fourth grade, I discovered Topps baseball cards. I’d chew the crunchy bubble gum inside each 20-cent pack and memorize the stats of … Continue reading ⚾️ Jesus in the clubhouse: MLB players open up about their faith 🔌

Sticky post

⚾️ Church helps homeless son of late Yankees TV cameraman 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged HOUSTON — When Maurice Costabile first showed up at a Houston church a few years ago, members had no clue his late father, Duilio, was a beloved TV … Continue reading ⚾️ Church helps homeless son of late Yankees TV cameraman 🔌

Sticky post

⛪️ Southern Baptists push back on ‘woke’ leaders and women pastors 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged In the hallways of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, this week, at least one kid was spotted wearing Mickey Mouse ears. No one … Continue reading ⛪️ Southern Baptists push back on ‘woke’ leaders and women pastors 🔌

Sticky post

✝️ Why Pope Leo’s appointee to lead Vatican communications stands out 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged A few years ago, while working on a profile of Christian attorney Lori Windham, I interviewed her boss at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. I found … Continue reading ✝️ Why Pope Leo’s appointee to lead Vatican communications stands out 🔌

Sticky post

📰 Lessons learned in high school journalism class still resonate 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged KELLER, Texas — Ronald Reagan was president. “Top Gun” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” were massive hits at the box office. Telephones were attached to the wall, and … Continue reading 📰 Lessons learned in high school journalism class still resonate 🔌

Sticky post

Together again — decades after split

The pieces fit as two Pennsylvania congregations merge to become one body. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle POTTSTOWN, Pa. — A match made in heaven. In God’s timing. That’s how members and leaders alike characterize the merger of the Coventry Hills Church of Christ and the Chesmont Church of Christ. After decades apart, the congregations — halfway between the high-rises of Philadelphia and the horse-drawn … Continue reading Together again — decades after split