Tag: entertainment

Associated Press

At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press The Rev. Matt Curry’s parents were children of the Great Depression, just like “The Waltons” — the beloved TV family whose prime-time series premiered 50 years ago. When Curry was growing up on a farm in northern Texas, his carpenter father and teacher mother often argued playfully over who had a poorer childhood. “The Depression was the seminal … Continue reading At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

(Who Is Alex Trebek?)

Game show host with cancer touts prayer, but faith story is complicated. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I have wondered about Alex Trebek’s faith for a while. My curiosity was piqued last May … Continue reading (Who Is Alex Trebek?)

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Meet the real-life pastor portrayed in the Easter film ‘Breakthrough’

The faith-based film, starring Chrissy Metz of ‘This Is Us’ fame, opens nationwide April 17. It’s the story of a teen who slips into an icy lake and has no pulse — until his mother prays. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — Four years ago, Jason Noble was an unknown pastor for an Assemblies of God church in the St. … Continue reading Meet the real-life pastor portrayed in the Easter film ‘Breakthrough’

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WACO, Texas — Tractor-trailer rigs roared overhead. Cigarette smoke wafted in the air as a praise band played drums and electric guitars on a stage set up amid tall concrete columns. On the Sunday (Nov. 18) before Thanksgiving, poor people riding bicycles and pushing old grocery carts lined up — as they do every week — … Continue reading ‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

Bobby Ross Jr.
Oklahoman

Elvis Week reading: Faithful hordes still swarming the King’s castle

From the archives: Lead story of package my wife and I wrote at 20th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Tamie Ross| The Oklahoman MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Goose bumps formed just below James Hubert’s earphones as he followed the Graceland Mansion tour group into the dining room. As Priscilla Presley recounted on audiotape how Elvis Presley chomped southern cooking, played poker and … Continue reading Elvis Week reading: Faithful hordes still swarming the King’s castle

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Preach it, Teech: Minister mixes God, hip-hop

Preach it, Teech (reporting from Santa Ana, Calif.): For California minister, rap music is a way to reach a new generation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SANTA ANA, Calif. — As Jason “Teech” Darden grabs a microphone, loud music pulsates. The audience — a group of urban students invited to a Saturday mentoring event — cheers as Darden begins to rap. “Turn it … Continue reading Preach it, Teech: Minister mixes God, hip-hop

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A search for preachers — reality TV style

A search for preachers — reality TV style (reporting from Malibu, Calif.): A video quest puts a modern twist on efforts to inspire a new generation of ministers.  MALIBU, Calif. — “American Idol” for ministers? “Survivor” with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit? Welcome to the “Next Gen Preacher Search,” developed by Pepperdine University’s Youth Leadership Initiative. The national contest invited students interested in preaching and … Continue reading A search for preachers — reality TV style

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’

The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’: New movie starring Kevin Costner is based on the inspiring true story of coach Jim White, who has deep roots in Churches of Christ. “McFarland, USA,” a new Disney film starring Kevin Costner, tells the true story of California cross-country coach Jim White, who transformed a migrant farm town’s predominantly Latino high school into an unlikely powerhouse. The PG-rated motion … Continue reading The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in  (reporting from Calvert City, Ky.): Kentucky church members stay true to their Christian values while operating one of the nation’s few remaining outdoor theaters. CALVERT CITY, Ky. — As the sun sets in rural western Kentucky, the marquee lights shine at the Calvert Drive-in Theatre. For many who enjoy the outdoor movie experience, the nightly double features stir nostalgia and fond memories … Continue reading No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

Bobby Ross Jr.