‘To be united with the beauty we see.’

KEN WHITT, the author if God Is Just Love, is our resident expert on “Things Families Can Do To Find Hope and Be Love.” In fact, that’s the title of the final section of his new book in which Ken lists more than 100 things you can do with your family right now. Ken is a multi-talented pastor, storyteller, craftsman, cook and teacher. This week, he writes about his woodworking art in which he intentionally highlights the beauty of the wood he brings into his shop. Ken’s writing is a warm invitation to think of the many ways you and your family can embrace the beauty of the world God has given us. Plus, at the end of his column is a gallery showcasing some of Ken’s creations. Please enjoy our Cover Story, and share it with friends via social media and email.

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From Our Writers—

Dr. David Gushee

Coming Soon: A Fresh Vision of the Christian Moral Life

DR. DAVID GUSHEE’s teaching on Christian ethics has helped families and congregations around the world to find inspiration and spiritual resilience in our turbulent world. We are honored, as a publishing house, to partner with Dr. Gushee in releasing his major 2022 book, Introducing Christian Ethics: Core Convictions for Christians Today. Our Front Edge Publishing column, this week, reports on Gushee’s latest work—first, an important new column he has written about the disintegration of American “Evangelicalism”—and then a preview of his upcoming book.

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Lucille Sider

Finding Resilience in the Midst of Winter Blues

NOVEMBER is right around the corner, which brings on a surge of “winter blues” across the Northern Hemisphere. Author Lucille Sider writes about her own spiritual disciplines to maintain her resilience through the darker months of the year. This is a column you’re likely to want to share with friends.

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Kevin Vollrath

Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Children in Challenging Corners of the World

Over the past year, we have welcomed occasional columns by scholar and journalist Kevin Vollrath, who specializes in reporting on the work of historic churches in the Middle East. In this new column, Kevin visits the School of Joy, where a Catholic priest and his staff created a school to help at-risk children.

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Holidays & Festivals

Happy Halloween—and related holidays!

WE’VE GOT the story about Halloween 2021, plus related observances at this time of year. Plus, in that story, you’ll find helpful links to tips for parents and ideas for parties and family fun.
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WANT TO SEE ALL THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just visit  InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. THE GUILTY—Ed writes, “Director Antoine Fuqua  and writer Nic Pizzolatto have done a fine job of adapting a 2018 Danish film to the American scene. The film is a thriller, a very intense one, but one with a social conscience that deserves to be seen and discussed widely.”
2. MASS—”This is one of the best films I have seen this year. It includes one of the most powerful scenes of grief and reconciliation that I have seen in a film.”
3. FLAG DAY—Ed praises this film in which three members of the Penn family portray the family of a con man.
4. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951)—”This is the 70th anniversary of the release of this classic science fiction film. It stood out at the time as the most intelligent film of the genre, carrying a message of peace and tolerance during the onslaught of the Cold War. Unlike other sci-fi films, the menace to Earth came not from alien monsters but from humans themselves.”
5. SON OF THE SOUTH—”Writer-director Barry Alexander Brown’s film is based on Bob Zellner’s well-received 2008 autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement.”
6. THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE—Ed praises the new film about the lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and says it’s likely to surprise many viewers.
7. REMINISCE—Ed McNulty writes, “Writer-director Lisa Joy blends film noir with science fiction in this tale set in a near future Miami whose streets are being flooded as climate change causes the ocean to rise. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is the jaded detective whose specialty is the past.”
8. COME FROM AWAY—”The horrific events that occurred 20 years ago on 9/11 reveal the evil depths that humanity can sink to, but this filmed version of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Broadway play celebrates the heights to which humanity can rise.”
9. DAYS OF GLORY—”Co-writer/director Rachid Bouchareb provides a very different perspective on World War II in this tale centering on four North African Muslims who enlist to free what they regard as their fatherland, France.”
10. RESPECT—”Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude.

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Ian Fleming’s Seven Deadlier Sins & 007’s Moral Compass

A BIBLE STUDY WITH JAMES BOND?

THE WORLD IS BUZZING ABOUT BOND after the latest 007 movie broke opening-weekend box-office records in the UK and the film now appears to be headed into the record books in the U.S. as well. What’s the enduring appeal? Why has this media franchise drawn such a durable—and growing—fan base? Is it the hit music in the soundtracks? The high-tech gizmos and special effects? Bond girls? Author Benjamin Pratt has studied Ian Fleming’s work for many years and argues that our fascination runs much deeper: These tales explore epic struggles with good and evil in our world, showing us what can happen when unchecked sins are allowed to run rampant. The more turbulent our time—the more we want to see Bond slay these deadly dragons. Please, read this cover story and share it with friends this week.

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From Our Authors—

Duncan Newcomer

Connecting Lives and Stories through an ‘Emotional Value Auction’

WHAT A TERRIFIC, INNOVATIVE IDEA! Duncan Newcomer writes this week about how powerfully he got caught up in an “Emotional Value Auction,” which artist Adriane Herman recently coordinated in Maine. You’ll definitely want to share this story with friends.

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Larry Buxton

Who’s a Caretaker, Cop, Coach, Consultant and Companion? 

IN HIS LEADING WITH SPIRIT VIDEO, this week, Larry Buxton explains “5 Stages of Parenting” —then applies those lessons to leadership in our congregations and communities.

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Bill Tammeus

The Importance of Sharing Good News

THE PRESBYTERIAN OUTLOOK magazine reviewed (and recommended) Bill Tammeus’ book Love Loss and Endurance. Then, Bill shared that “media mention” with our staff so we can bring all of you that good news today. In our Front Edge Publishing column, this week, Susan Stitt explains why such coverage—and such sharing of links—is so important to the discoverability of our books.

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Lucille Sider

‘Light Shines in the Darkness’

WE WERE PLEASED, this week, to see that the editors of Mentor Pro online magazine chose to highlight Lucille Sider’s Light Shines in the Darkness: My Healing Journey Through Sexual Abuse and Depression in a roundup of recommended books on mental health. You also can learn more about Lucille’s book by going directly to its Amazon page.

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General James Dozier

A Video, Photo Gallery and eBook, too

RECENTLY WE ANNOUNCED the publication in hardcover and paperback of retired Major General James Dozier’s memoir, Finding My Pole Star—which tells about his lifelong pursuit of guiding principles. That quest was sorely tested when Dozier became the highest-ranking U.S. officer to be held captive by terrorists. NOW, Dozier’s book also has been released in an eBook version for Kindle. We also have launched a resource page for the book, which you can find at www.GeneralDozier.com. That resource page includes a video about the book, a photo gallery—and much more.

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Holidays & Festivals

Navratri, Dussehra

OCTOBER 7 and 15—Stephanie Fenton reports on this nine-night festival in which Hindus emphasize the motherhood of the divine and femininity. Each night during Navaratri, Hindus worship a different form or characteristic of Mother Goddess Durga, who is regarded as being manifested in cosmic energy and power.

Timely Causes—

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and Front Edge Publishing’s Susan Stitt writes about the many books we have launched to help individuals, families and the entire community.

THIS ALSO IS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH—So, please enjoy this holiday story that celebrates the more than 60 million Americans who share Hispanic heritage. Our story includes a short video and links to online resources—plus recommendations of helpful reading to learn more about our nation’s deep Hispanic roots.

WANT TO SEE ALL THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just visit  InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. THE GUILTY—Ed writes, “Director Antoine Fuqua  and writer Nic Pizzolatto have done a fine job of adapting a 2018 Danish film to the American scene. The film is a thriller, a very intense one, but one with a social conscience that deserves to be seen and discussed widely.”
2. MASS—”This is one of the best films I have seen this year. It includes one of the most powerful scenes of grief and reconciliation that I have seen in a film.”
3. FLAG DAY—Ed praises this film in which three members of the Penn family portray the family of a con man.
4. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951)—”This is the 70th anniversary of the release of this classic science fiction film. It stood out at the time as the most intelligent film of the genre, carrying a message of peace and tolerance during the onslaught of the Cold War. Unlike other sci-fi films, the menace to Earth came not from alien monsters but from humans themselves.”
5. SON OF THE SOUTH—”Writer-director Barry Alexander Brown’s film is based on Bob Zellner’s well-received 2008 autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement.”
6. THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE—Ed praises the new film about the lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and says it’s likely to surprise many viewers.
7. REMINISCE—Ed McNulty writes, “Writer-director Lisa Joy blends film noir with science fiction in this tale set in a near future Miami whose streets are being flooded as climate change causes the ocean to rise. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is the jaded detective whose specialty is the past.”
8. COME FROM AWAY—”The horrific events that occurred 20 years ago on 9/11 reveal the evil depths that humanity can sink to, but this filmed version of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Broadway play celebrates the heights to which humanity can rise.”
9. DAYS OF GLORY—”Co-writer/director Rachid Bouchareb provides a very different perspective on World War II in this tale centering on four North African Muslims who enlist to free what they regard as their fatherland, France.”
10. RESPECT—”Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude.

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Do You Have a Beloved Companion?

This Ode May Help Us Recall Our Own Loves on St. Fancis Day

MONDAY, OCTBER 4, 2021, is St. Francis Day, a perfect occasion to reach out in a compassionate way to our beloved companions in life.

DUNCAN NEWCOMER is mainly known as a Lincoln scholar, a public radio storyteller and an occasional writer on American values for national publications like the Christian Science Monitor. He is also a cat lover and reflects, this week, on the loss of his 12-year companion Sonnets, a wise and affectionate Abyssinian. Please, read this week’s Cover Story by Duncan and you may then want to share this remarkable tribute with friends.

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How are you helping family, friends, neighbors beat cancer?

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Front Edge Publishing’s Susan Stitt writes about the many books we have launched to help individuals, families and the entire community.

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Suzy Farbman—

The Joys of Pomegranates

THIS WEEK’S GodSigns column by Suzy Farbman celebrates the joys of pomegranates, which doctors have recommended as a healthy food for many centuries.

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Native American solidarity

Our Publishing House’s Commitment—

SINCE OUR FOUNDING IN 2007, solidarity with Native American communities has been a core value in some of the books we have chosen to publish. Why are events in 2021 such an important milestone in human rights? Here is a story we published this past summer about the unfolding nationwide investigation into the history of abuses at so-called Indian Boarding Schools—which includes recommendations of two books that focus on this issue. Then, this week, we are pleased to see the United Methodist church take formal notice of the investigation—adding its support at all levels of the denomination’s leadership. We are sure that more denominations will follow as this historic reckoning unfolds.

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Among the ‘Best BLM books’

OUR AUTHORS are honored, this week, to see that the editors at the online magazine Pretty Progressive have included two of our books to feature in a short list of “best BLM books.” Take a look at the list to see which of our authors were featured.

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. FLAG DAY—Ed praises this film in which three members of the Penn family portray the family of a con man.
2. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951)—Ed writes, “This is the 70th anniversary of the release of this classic science fiction film. It stood out at the time as the most intelligent film of the genre, carrying a message of peace and tolerance during the onslaught of the Cold War. Unlike other sci-fi films, the menace to Earth came not from alien monsters but from humans themselves.”
3. SON OF THE SOUTH—”Writer-director Barry Alexander Brown’s film is based on Bob Zellner’s well-received 2008 autobiography The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement.”
4. THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE—Ed praises the new film about the lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and says it’s likely to surprise many viewers.
5. BLUE BAYOU—Ed writes, “Actor/director Justin Chon throws light on a little-known aspect of ICE and its ruthless practice of deportation in this highly dramatic story set around and in a bayou near New Orleans. But be for warned—have on hand a handkerchief for the emotionally wrought ending!”
6. REMINISCE—Ed McNulty writes, “Writer-director Lisa Joy blends film noir with science fiction in this tale set in a near future Miami whose streets are being flooded as climate change causes the ocean to rise. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is the jaded detective whose specialty is the past.”
7. COME FROM AWAY—”The horrific events that occurred 20 years ago on 9/11 reveal the evil depths that humanity can sink to, but this filmed version of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Broadway play celebrates the heights to which humanity can rise.”
8. DAYS OF GLORY—”Co-writer/director Rachid Bouchareb provides a very different perspective on World War II in this tale centering on four North African Muslims who enlist to free what they regard as their fatherland, France.”
9. THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US—”Kate Winslet stars as Alex Martin and Idris Elba as Ben Bass. She is a daring-do photographer willing to take risks, whereas he is an overly cautious neurosurgeon, so their different temperaments fuel the conflict when the story kicks into high gear.”
10. RESPECT—”Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude. Covering about 29 years of the singer’s life, it begins with her as a 10-year-old rousted out of bed to entertain her father’s guests to the recording of her greatest hit album, Amazing Grace.”

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Finding Hope in the ‘Great Unraveling’ of COVID

HER NEW ALBUM AND BOOK EXPLORE LIFE ‘UNTIL NOW’

LONGTIME READERS of our online magazine know that a frequent guest over the years is singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer—but we have not talked with her since before the pandemic began. In fact, she is just now releasing her first full album and new book of poetry since the start of COVID lockdowns in March 2020. And, in keeping with her signature spiritual talent, Carrie finds opportunities for hope even in the midst of great tragedy. Please read this cover story and tell friends about it. There’s a lot of good news—and good music and good poetry—you’ll be eager to share.

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From Our Authors—

Lucille Sider—

Knitting Lives Together

AUTHOR LUCILLE SIDER continues her series of stories about finding sources of spiritual resilience in everyday activities from simple prayers—to knitting. This week’s column is about Lucille’s discovery of the joys of knitting gifts for friends, including socks for a girl traveling north from Mexico.

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Dr. David Gushee Welcomes Visitors

AN INSPIRING TEACHER OPENS HIS DOORS ONLINE

Dr. David Gushee ranks as our single most sought-after author by his thousands of readers around the world. That interest in connecting with Dr. Gushee is only going to increase in early 2022 as we launch his new book, Introduction to Christian Ethics: Core Convictions for Christians Today. In our Front Edge Publishing column, this week, we introduce readers to the many text and video resources Dr. Gushee is providing in his welcoming new online home.

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Bill Tammeus Preaches Inclusion

A PROPHETIC CALL TO ‘UNPLUG EXTREMISM’

BILL TAMMEUS, author of Love, Loss and Endurance, continued his months-long nationwide effort to encourage Americans to “unplug extremism” with a Sunday morning sermon, addressed directly to Christians in light of the New Testament. We have a share-able video of that sermon, which is a prophetic call to Christians to confront efforts to subvert the Bible for hateful purposes.

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Larry Buxton’s Leading with Spirit

Do ‘Nice Guys Finish Last’?

In this week’s Leading with Spirit video, leadership coach Larry Buxton tackles the legendary Leo Durocher’s famous claim that “nice guys finish last.” Of course, we know Durocher was wrong, Larry points out, and history proves the fallacy in Durocher’s claim—but the rise of political extremists in America begs the question once again. This is a timely video you may want to share with friends.

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The ‘Best Christian Advice Books for Women’

TWO OF OUR AUTHORS are smiling, this week, to see that the editors at the online magazine Improve Her Health have chosen their books to feature in a short list of “best Christian advice books for women.” Take a look at the list to see which of our authors were featured.

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951)—Ed writes, “This is the 70th anniversary of the release of this classic science fiction film. It stood out at the time as the most intelligent film of the genre, carrying a message of peace and tolerance during the onslaught of the Cold War. Unlike other sci-fi films, the menace to Earth came not from alien monsters but from humans themselves.”
2. THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE—Ed praises the new film about the lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and says it’s likely to surprise many viewers.
3. BLUE BAYOU—Ed writes, “Actor/director Justin Chon throws light on a little-known aspect of ICE and its ruthless practice of deportation in this highly dramatic story set around and in a bayou near New Orleans. But be for warned—have on hand a handkerchief for the emotionally wrought ending!”
4. REMINISCE—Ed McNulty writes, “Writer-director Lisa Joy blends film noir with science fiction in this tale set in a near future Miami whose streets are being flooded as climate change causes the ocean to rise. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is the jaded detective whose specialty is the past.”
5. COME FROM AWAY—”The horrific events that occurred 20 years ago on 9/11 reveal the evil depths that humanity can sink to, but this filmed version of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Broadway play celebrates the heights to which humanity can rise.”
6. DAYS OF GLORY—”Co-writer/director Rachid Bouchareb provides a very different perspective on World War II in this tale centering on four North African Muslims who enlist to free what they regard as their fatherland, France.”
7. THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US—”Kate Winslet stars as Alex Martin and Idris Elba as Ben Bass. She is a daring-do photographer willing to take risks, whereas he is an overly cautious neurosurgeon, so their different temperaments fuel the conflict when the story kicks into high gear.”
8. RESPECT—”Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude. Covering about 29 years of the singer’s life, it begins with her as a 10-year-old rousted out of bed to entertain her father’s guests to the recording of her greatest hit album, Amazing Grace.”
9. PIG—”Director and co-writer Michael Sarnoski’s film about the reclusive supplier of truffles to Portland Oregon’s upscale restaurant presents Nicolas Cage with a role that rises far above what the actor has sunk into for a couple of decades.”
10. CODA—This 2021 American coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a hearing teenage girl who is a child of deaf adults (CODA for short). The movie is a remake of a French film and currently has a 96 percent approval rating from film critics—including Ed McNulty in his review.

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What does courage look like?

Dozier writes about the spiritual core that helped him withstand captivity

In the wake of wars, catastrophic storms and an ongoing pandemic—millions of us around the world are asking: What does courage look like?

That question is answered with inspiring true stories in the new memoir by retired Major General James Dozier, Finding My Pole Star. Forty years ago, in late 1981, Dozier’s name and photographs circled the globe as he became the public face of European terrorist groups’ rage about America’s global power. Please read this week’s cover story about the launch of Dozier’s new book—and share this story with friends. It’s a great book for individual reading and for small-group discussion.

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We Are Caregivers

Caregiving Forum in Michigan Addresses Challenges and Solutions

OUR PUBLISHING HOUSE is part of an ongoing network of media and health care professionals promoting best practices for our nation’s more than 50 million caregivers. This week, we’re sharing a report from a statewide forum on caregiving held recently in Michigan.

 

Suzy Farbman:

The Remarkable Life of Charelvoix’s Steve Schaefer

IN HER GODSIGNS COLUMN, this week, Suzy Farbman tells the story of Steve Schaefer, who refused to let a tragic boating accident cut short the vitality of his life. As Suzy explains, a huge part of this inspiring story had to do with Stevie’s tireless mother Patty Runquist.

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Our Authors Tackle Cancer

THE ONLINE MAGAZINE ‘Improve Her Health’ selected four of our authors’ books about surviving cancer, including Suzy Farbman’s memoir, to feature in the latest installment of that website’s ongoing series of caregiving recommendations.

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The Annual Holiday Publishing Crunch Worsens

IN OUR FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING COLUMN, this week, our Director of Production Dmitri Barvinok forecasts an even tougher holiday publishing crunch this year. What does that mean? Publishers nationwide are pushing the release dates of new books into the early months of 2022—and book customers need to complete any holiday shopping much earlier this year.

What’s Our Next Step?

Congregations Can Encourage Us All to Meet the Neighbors

IN OUR COVER STORY this week, we are focusing on next steps after the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the tragic end of the war in Afghanistan and a rise in COVID-sparked hate crimes. Please read this interview with Atlanta-based interfaith scholar Dr. Deanna Womack. Her new book, NEIGHBORS, is a custom-designed guide for individuals and small groups in congregations to encourage fresh interfaith relationships in communities nationwide.

A Chorus Calling Us to Community

Bill Tammeus reaches out through Goodreads, Newsweek and TV

JOURNALIST and AUTHOR BILL TAMMEUS is calling on Americans this autumn with an almost identical post-9/11 message of “unplugging extremism” by connecting with our neighbors to form healthy communities. Bill shares this message through his new book, Love, Loss and Endurance, and through his multi-faceted media appearances nationwide.

In our Front Edge Publishing column, this week, Editor David Crumm has links that show how Bill’s outreach begins from a solid base online in vital sites like Goodreads. Then, we’ve also got links to Bill’s latest appearance in Newsweek and on TV. Take a look at how one authors engages in the national conversation. There are valuable suggestions here that you might want to follow, as well. Of course, we know that most of our readers are not authors (yet) but your own outreach could include getting involved in Goodreads and helping other authors spread their messages by adding your own reviews.

LARRY BUXTON on ‘The Soul of America’

THIS WEEK’s LEADING-WITH-SPIRIT video by Larry Buxton asks viewers to reflect on our calling as Americans, and as people of faith, at such a troubling milestone in our history. Larry’s inspiring videos also are great to share with friends as well!

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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

Yom Kippur

RABBI KRAKOFF: ‘Perfect Time to Concentrate on Relationships’

What a timely convergence! In a week when our ReadTheSpirit cover story is balancing a post-9/11 call to community conversations with coverage of the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur, Rabbi Joseph Krakoff hits this same theme in his holiday message that was published this week in The Jewish News in a story by Karen Schwartz.

Of course, Krakoff is a nationally known voice for healing family and community relationships in his dual role as a rabbi—and as Senior Director of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network. He also is the author of two books that encourage such healing conversations: First, there’s Never Long Enough, a volume illustrated by Michelle Sider, then there’s Now What? A Guide to the Gifts and Challenges of Aging, a book for which he served as a consultant and co-author.

The Jewish News story begins: “Reflecting on relationships is a part of the High Holidays every year, but it’s taken on a new meaning in the context of this past year. The isolation brought about by the pandemic is challenging people to recalibrate and ask themselves what really matters at the end of the day: To reflect on what they can release and what overall relationships they can reengage with in a meaningful way.” You can read that entire story here.

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STEPHANIE FENTON: Yom Kippur, the holiest day

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS columnist Stephanie Fenton writes about Yom Kippur, which is often called the holiest day in the Jewish year. She also reports on the mix of in-person and streaming services, this year, since many synagogues will not be filled to capacity this year due to the pandemic.

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WANT TO SEE ALL THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just visit  InterfaithHolidays.com

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Lucille Sider on Spiritual Resilience

We Are Caregivers

THIS WEEK, in her series of columns about overcoming the traumas that millions of us confront in life, Lucille writes about confronting her best friend’s life-threatening cancer and then the overwhelming demands of becoming a caregiver. AND—in addition to this column—Lucille will be visiting with readers this week on September 14, 2021, via Zoom. You can learn more about that Zoom opportunity at the end of this column.

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. REMINISCE—Ed McNulty writes, “Writer-director Lisa Joy blends film noir with science fiction in this tale set in a near future Miami whose streets are being flooded as climate change causes the ocean to rise. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is the jaded detective whose specialty is the past.”
2. COME FROM AWAY—”The horrific events that occurred 20 years ago on 9/11 reveal the evil depths that humanity can sink to, but this filmed version of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Broadway play celebrates the heights to which humanity can rise.”
3. THE FATHER—Ed writes about the acclaimed film by French director Florian Zeller, co-starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman.
4. DAYS OF GLORY—”Co-writer/director Rachid Bouchareb provides a very different perspective on World War II in this tale centering on four North African Muslims who enlist to free what they regard as their fatherland, France.”
5. THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US—”Kate Winslet stars as Alex Martin and Idris Elba as Ben Bass. She is a daring-do photographer willing to take risks, whereas he is an overly cautious neurosurgeon, so their different temperaments fuel the conflict when the story kicks into high gear.”
6. RESPECT—”Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude. Covering about 29 years of the singer’s life, it begins with her as a 10-year-old rousted out of bed to entertain her father’s guests to the recording of her greatest hit album, Amazing Grace.”
7. PIG—”Director and co-writer Michael Sarnoski’s film about the reclusive supplier of truffles to Portland Oregon’s upscale restaurant presents Nicolas Cage with a role that rises far above what the actor has sunk into for a couple of decades.”
8. CODA—This 2021 American coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a hearing teenage girl who is a child of deaf adults (CODA for short). The movie is a remake of a French film and currently has a 96 percent approval rating from film critics—including Ed McNulty in his review.
9. LUPIN—”The French writer George Kay has created a truly thrilling escapist adventure series with more than a touch of social commentary. He has taken a classic series of French novels revolving around Arsène Lupin as a “Gentleman Thief” and transferred them to a modern day outsider.”
10. EROICA—Ed McNulty reaches back to 2003 for a wonderful film about the arts, Eroica. In short, it’s a carefully reconstructed drama about Beethoven debuting the piece that people at the time considered a milestone in music history—a unique delight in moviemaking..

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Echoing a Universal Call to Heal the World

Tammeus Says Learning and Compassion are Keys to Healing

“People of faith should be leaders in this effort to unplug terrorism, whether foreign or domestic, given the overwhelming messages about love and acceptance from the world’s great religions,” journalist and author Bill Tammeus writes in his Cover Story marking this week, marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In this column, he shares three of his recommendations for “unplugging terrorism” plus a long list of helpful links to learn more about the forces behind the rise in terrorism we are seeing today. And please consider sharing this article with friends via social media or email.

Looking deeper at 9/11’s Legacy …

Ethicist David Gushee:

‘There Were No Innocent Choices Available’

As the nation’s leading Christian ethicist, Dr. David Gushee writes in this column for Baptist News Global that the 20-year legacy of the 9/11 attacks in Afghanistan has turned out to be a spiral of ever-worsening choices. In this carefully balanced analysis of what has unfolded, Gushee warns against blaming any one individual for choices that were made from President Bush to President Biden. Then, he ends on a hopeful note, urging readers to continue pursuing peace. This column asks all of us to stop and think carefully before pointing fingers and assessing blame.

 

A Prayer for 9/11:

‘May We Mend What Has Been Broken’

Echoing themes from both Bill Tammeus’s and David Gushee’s columns, the United Methodist denomination has published this prayer that can be used by individuals and congregations marking the 9/11 anniversary this week. In part, it says: “On this day of solemn remembrance: May we build what has been torn down. May we mend what has been broken. May live your love when hate seems to reign. May we bear witness to the cause of peace.”

Leadership Coach Larry Buxton:

On Last Words

‘Last words can be a summing up of what really matters to you,” Larry Buxton says in this week’s Leading with Spirit video. Larry’s theme this week could be appropriate both for 9/11 reflections and for the Jewish High Holy Days that begin this week. How do we sum up the meaning of a life? Click the link and see where Larry takes you with this week’s 4-minute meditation.

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Rosh Hashanah:

Happy (Jewish) New Year 5782! 

THIS YEAR, STEPHANIE FENTON and JEWISH SCHOLAR JOE LEWIS herald the Jewish High Holy Days with this column on Rosh Hashanah. Joe’s sage advice is: “There’s no better time to try extra, extra hard to get along with others!” And, yes, as always Stephanie does include links to holiday recipes.

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns:

1. RESPECT—Ed writes: “Director Liesl Tommy and writer Tracey Scott Wilson’s film biography of Aretha Franklin certainly deserves our respect—and gratitude. Covering about 29 years of the singer’s life, it begins with her as a 10-year-old rousted out of bed to entertain her father’s guests to the recording of her greatest hit album, Amazing Grace.”
2. PIG—”Director and co-writer Michael Sarnoski’s film about the reclusive supplier of truffles to Portland Oregon’s upscale restaurant presents Nicolas Cage with a role that rises far above what the actor has sunk into for a couple of decades.”
3. CODA—This 2021 American coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a hearing teenage girl who is a child of deaf adults (CODA for short). The movie is a remake of a French film and currently has a 96 percent approval rating from film critics—including Ed McNulty in his review.
4. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE— “This Lumo Project film is the last of the four filmed gospels directed by the prolific director/producer David Batty. It is a wonderful addition to any pastor or educator’s video library, bringing to life the words either of the KJV or the NIV translations of the Bible—viewer’s choice. British actor Richard E. Grant reads the NIV text; Sir Derek Jacobi the KJV.”
5. VIVO—”Move over Pixar and make room for this toe-tapping musical from Sony Pictures Animation studio. The fact that Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the songs and voices the main character ought to attract a large audience.”
6. OPHELIA—”Australian director Claire McCarthy gives us love story based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. We need to add that the script by Semi Chellas is based on Lisa Klein’s 2006 young adult novel of the same title.”
7. LUPIN—”The French writer George Kay has created a truly thrilling escapist adventure series with more than a touch of social commentary. He has taken a classic series of French novels revolving around Arsène Lupin as a “Gentleman Thief” and transferred them to a modern day outsider.”
8. EROICA—Ed McNulty reaches back to 2003 for a wonderful film about the arts, Eroica. In short, it’s a carefully reconstructed drama about Beethoven debuting the piece that people at the time considered a milestone in music history—a unique delight in moviemaking.
9. AN AMERICAN RHAPSODY—“Written and directed by Eva Gardos, this film is based on the filmmaker’s own experience as a young immigrant in Hungary.”
10. STREET FLOW—”Writer/co-director/star Kery James’ film is set in France, the story of three brothers of African descent who live in one of the huge projects just outside of Paris.”

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