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Pass the trays? This congregation prefers gathering around the table

For a Virginia church, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a change to communion. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Va. — It’s warm and personal. It’s close-knit like a real family. That’s how Ernestine Jones, 77, a longtime member of the Arlington Church of Christ, describes the Washington, D.C.-area congregation’s new approach to communion. “You actually get to see the person right in front of you,” said … Continue reading Pass the trays? This congregation prefers gathering around the table

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🏀 OKC Thunder in a league of their own — when it comes to pregame prayer 🔌

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 OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t have a prayer in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Except that they did — the final score notwithstanding. Oklahoma City … Continue reading 🏀 OKC Thunder in a league of their own — when it comes to pregame prayer 🔌

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⚾️ ‘New pope, new me’: Devout Catholic baseball star finds his hitting groove 🔌

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 — After a slow start to his first season with the Texas Rangers, Jake Burger is crushing the ball again. The secret to the 29-year-old … Continue reading ⚾️ ‘New pope, new me’: Devout Catholic baseball star finds his hitting groove 🔌

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⚾️ Reporting on baseball and faith: A religion writer combines two loves 🔌

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 DETROIT — Cecil Cooper. Bobby Murcer. Rod Carew. Frank Tanana. As a boy growing up in the 1970s, I scoured the stats on the backs of their baseball … Continue reading ⚾️ Reporting on baseball and faith: A religion writer combines two loves 🔌

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A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonials

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged DETROIT — The preacher made his pitch like a pro. Frank Tanana held a Bible in his left hand — the one he used to strike out 2,773 batters in a 21-season major league career — as he urged a pregame crowd of 3,074 fans to follow Jesus. “I beg of you, today is the day of salvation,” Tanana told the … Continue reading A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonials

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🎸 Top 10 faith-infused country songs: The ACM’s all-time best honorees 🔌

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 “Telling folks that Jesus is the answer can rub them wrong,” as Brad Paisley put it in a 2010 song. “But this is country music,” Paisley proclaimed, “and we do.” … Continue reading 🎸 Top 10 faith-infused country songs: The ACM’s all-time best honorees 🔌

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A spiritual home run in Michigan

Detroit-area congregation extends a warm welcome to a visitor. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DETROIT — I woke up in my happy place Sunday: close to a major league ballpark. While in the Motor City reporting a story, I saw my beloved Texas Rangers play the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. But before donning my blue Texas cap, I put on a black dress shirt and made my way … Continue reading A spiritual home run in Michigan

Best in Class for ninth time: Christian Chronicle earns 34 national awards

Associated Church Press and Evangelical Press Association bestow accolades on the international newspaper for Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Christian Chronicle, where I serve as editor-in-chief, earned 34 national awards in annual journalism contests sponsored by the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association. The Oklahoma-based newspaper, which covers Churches of Christ around the world, captured first place in 10 categories. The contests … Continue reading Best in Class for ninth time: Christian Chronicle earns 34 national awards

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🌪️ WWJD: How journalists can cover natural disasters without exploiting victims 🔌

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 CHICAGO — Don’t ask me to explain nuclear science, but I can offer intelligent insight on a few subjects. The beauty of baseball. My love for Chick-fil-A. News … Continue reading 🌪️ WWJD: How journalists can cover natural disasters without exploiting victims 🔌