A congregation “Connecting people to people—and people to God.”
Learn how our authors are helping communities to embrace creative approaches to aging
COVER STORY—This week, Founding Editor David Crumm and two of our authors—Rusty Rosman and Howard Brown—helped spark fresh ideas about aging at a special event hosted by a large congregation in southeast Michigan. Please, read our cover story to learn about this innovative program, which we called an “Idea Incubator.” Share this story with friends, because if this idea intrigues you—we include our contact information at the end of this story. If you are interested in hosting such an event, we would like to talk with you.
.
.
And, more from our writers—
Dr. David Gushee reaches out
‘Changing Our Mind’ becomes ‘Cambiano nuestra mente’
.
.
Bill Tammeus on faith and justice
VETERAN JOURNALIST and AUTHOR BILL TAMMEUS is one of the most thoughtful, provocative and prophetic columnists covering religion in America and around the world. Recently, he has been writing about issues of urgent concern to many of our readers. So we are recommending that you check out his columns headlined:
How the often-hidden poor white U.S. population lives—and dies This is Bill’s review of a new book sparking a lot of discussion among our readers, TRASH—A Poor White Journey, by Cedar Monroe. (And in this review Bill also links to his earlier review of another valuable new book, Poverty, by America.)
An increasingly cruel capital punishment system needs to die Do you think you know what people of faith believe about capital punishment? Well, Bill points out: “People of faith, let’s say, aren’t always consistent about what they believe.”
And, for a deeper dive into Bill’s wisdom, consider ordering his memoir about finding resilience after the harrowing tragedies of the “9/11” attacks. The hardcover edition of his book, Love, Loss and Endurance, has been deeply discounted by Amazon at the start of this week, so it’s a good time to order a copy! (We can’t predict the whims of Amazon’s discounts, but the $31.99 hardcover was discounted to $10.99 as we started this week.)
.
.
Laura Elizabeth may be bringing her cozy mystery to a town near you
THAT IS, if you live in Georgia, South Carolina or Florida. Check out the “coming events” page of her website for upcoming appearances in those three states.
.
.
Holidays & Festivals
Much of the world is fasting—
2 billion Muslims mark Ramadan
Three Muslim girls in Indonesia enjoy a walk during Ramadan.
JOE GRIMM, DIRECTOR OF MSU’S BIAS BUSTERS brings us this overview of Ramadan, written especially for our non-Muslim readers who want to be ready for this worldwide observance.
.
Orthodox Christians begin their Lenten fast
HOLIDAYS COLUMNIST STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the start of Eastern Orthodox Lent, which is distinctively different than Western Christian Lent. Orthodox Christians are called to a period of fasting that begins with “Clean Monday.”
And, Baha’i friends also are fasting
FINALLY, STEPHANIE brings us this story about the Baha’i Nineteen Day fast, which begins this week.
.
All this month, social media sharing could save a life
CANCER-PATIENT ADVOCATE HOWARD BROWN writes this column about the importance of sharing messages on social media during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.
.
WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com
..
Faith & Film
Click on this movie poster for “Perfect Days” to read Ed McNulty’s review.
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 film reviews and discussion guides. This resource is used nationwide by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:
- PERFECT DAYS—Ed urges us not to miss Wim Wender’s Oscar-nominated film.
- THE TASTE OF THINGS—Ed writes, “You do not have to be a Foodie to enjoy director Tran Anh Hung’s fabulous film about a French epicure and his female chef.”
- DRIVING MADELEINE—Ed writes, “For me it is a delightful visual parable on the rewards of kindness.“
- AMERICAN FICTION—“Jefferson’s film combines social satire with romantic comedy and is even a strong family drama—there’s something for just about everybody in this film.”
- THE ZONE OF INTEREST—Ed gives 5 stars to this unusual and haunting Holocaust drama.
- ORIGIN—Ed urges us to see this unusual film from Ava DuVernay about the origins of racism.
.
.
.
.
.
.
