A heart for Hawaii (reporting from Honolulu): Pearl Harbor church has served military families for 59 years, but future at risk. HONOLULU — “Aloha!” Mark Young stretches out each syllable of the traditional Hawaiian greeting as 150-plus church members and visitors fill the blue-gray wooden pews in a simple, A-frame auditorium. “Welcome to the Pearl Harbor Church of Christ, where we keep a little bit … Continue reading A heart for Hawaii
Family mission trips on the rise (reporting from Logan, Utah): An Oklahoma group’s 1,200-mile journey to Utah exemplifies a growing trend of Christian parents introducing children to mission work. LOGAN, Utah — Asked what excited her about going on a mission trip to Utah, 5-year-old Lainey Foster smiled. “I might go swimming today or every day that I’m here,” the blond-haired cutie replied. “So that’s really good.” … Continue reading Family mission trips on the rise
50 years of Northern exposure (reporting from Wasilla, Alaska): Alaska lectureship celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ. Third Place, Leisure Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WASILLA, Alaska — This state known for its natural beauty, midnight sun and independent spirit boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, 100,000 black bears and, oh, about 2,500 … Continue reading 50 years of Northern exposure
In Guatemala, a celebration 50 years in the making: The Pan American Lectureship returns to the Central American capital where it started in 1963 (reporting from Guatemala City). Currents. GUATEMALA CITY — Fifty years ago, the Pan American Lectureship was launched in this Central American capital to focus attention on fledgling Latin American missions. Just a few years before, Jerry and Ann Hill and their … Continue reading In Guatemala, a celebration 50 years in the making
Ministry in Mormon country (reporting from Salt Lake City). Page 1 lead. SALT LAKE CITY — To Mormons, the Salt Lake Temple — a magnificent granite structure built in the 1800s — stands as a sacred icon and monument of pioneer faith. For the 14 million adherents worldwide of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square represents “Jerusalem and Mecca and Shangri-La all … Continue reading Ministry in Mormon country
Saving Sin City: West Coast meeting draws preachers, leaders to Las Vegas (reporting from Las Vegas). Page 1 lead. Second Place, Convention or Meeting Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LAS VEGAS – Go ahead. Snicker. Leo G. Gay has heard all the jokes. When fellow Christians find out he’s from Sin City, the wisecracks start. “I get questions like, … Continue reading Saving Sin City
Pepperdine aims to renew, refresh a cappella singing (reporting from Malibu, Calif.). Second Front. MALIBU, Calif. – This sun-drenched city on the Pacific coastline is known for sandy beaches, surfboards and stargazing — Hollywood style. It was singing, though, that drew an estimated 500 music composers, choral directors, choir members, biblical scholars and ordinary church members to Pepperdine University for a recent four-day conference. “The Ascending … Continue reading Pepperdine aims to renew, refresh a cappella singing
Down by the river: Come to Jesus, at camp (reporting from Yamhill Ore.). Page 1 lead. Texting during worship? No, just reading the text. Inside Story. ‘O Happy Day’: When Jesus washed their sins away. National. Camp policies vary on requiring parental permission to baptize a child. National. Continue reading Down by the river: Come to Jesus, at camp
New England’s place of refuge, fellowship (reporting from Raymond, Maine). Currents. Are you ready to ‘Fireproof’ your marriage? Inside Story. Global financial crisis: Christian universities tout long-term approach to investing. Second Front. Continue reading New England’s place of refuge, fellowship
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 