For some Christians, moving during the COVID-19 pandemic complicates hunt for church home. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle James and Candice Wiser’s church family in Southern California shed tears this past summer as the couple and their two young daughters prepared to move to West Texas. The Camarillo Church of Christ, about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles, organized a socially distanced going-away party in … Continue reading Visiting vs. virtual
‘It’s a great relief to see so many friends and family becoming more protected. We’ve had enough sickness and loss.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Celebrate. People need hope.” My friend David Duncan texted me that advice when I told him I was struggling to write this column. Related: An unfathomable toll A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to make sure I acknowledge the … Continue reading After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
After its cancellation last year, California’s Springfest returns to the calendar — but not without challenges. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Normally, organizing a youth rally would be no big deal. Adam England would choose a theme. Pick a speaker. Invite area churches. But the details become much more complicated in a pandemic. Since 1987, Springfest has drawn California teens to the Westside Church of Christ in Bakersfield … Continue reading A youth rally in a pandemic? It’s not as simple as requiring masks and distancing
The surprising ties that bind some of country music’s biggest stars to Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Mr. & Mrs. Carl Dean.” The black-and-white picture of the newlywed couple appeared in a 1966 directory of the Radnor Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. Still happily married to the pretty blond nearly 55 years later, Carl Thomas Dean has eschewed the media spotlight … Continue reading Saints and singers
A majority view the coronavirus shots as an answer to prayer, a survey finds. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Many of the 700 members of the Grace Chapel Church of Christ in Cumming, Ga., north of Atlanta, are excited about the rapid development of vaccines to fight COVID-19. “This is an answer to prayer, for certain,” said Paul Huyghebaert, the church’s lead minister. When his turn comes, … Continue reading Most Christians welcome the COVID-19 vaccines, but some are skeptical
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ — Matthew 5:9 By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Peace. That was Domingo Reyes’ prayer as the Wilmington, Del., minister taught his congregation’s Wednesday night Bible study Jan. 6, just hours after a deadly riot inside the U.S. Capitol. “The events that occurred were so disturbing that I had to change my … Continue reading Jesus emphasized peace to those who would follow him
Christian nationalism on display in U.S. Capitol riot. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Hamil R. Harris | The Christian Chronicle WASHINGTON — “Jesus Saves.” “For the Glory of God.” “God, Guns and Trump.” As thousands rallied to support President Donald Trump’s unproven claim of a stolen election — a protest that turned deadly as an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — many waved signs linking the Republican political leader … Continue reading Flags, faith and fury
By Bobby Ross Jr. A church shooting. Deadly twisters. Racial justice protests. And the biggest news in this tumultuous year: COVID-19. These were among the most memorable stories that I covered in 2020. Here is my personal year-end Top 10 list, mostly in chronological order: • Texas church shooting: A gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, killing … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 most memorable stories of 2020
From a pandemic to a space mission, the year brought unpredictable and unforgettable news. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A global pandemic. Prayers for racial justice. A Christian astronaut launching into outer space. These were among the top stories in The Christian Chronicle during 2020. In their own words, Christians describe the heartbreak, hope and even humor that characterized the past 12 months: “There is … Continue reading 2020 in quotes: Pain and joy
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 