MANY WAYS TO DO GOOD IN THE WORLD
One of our guiding principles: Good media builds good community. How can you help? Here’s how …
GIVE ‘HOPE FOR THE CITY’ …
A STAND-UP-AND-CHEER BOOK—The Detroit Free Press was so impressed with Jack Kresnak’s brand-new biography of Father William Cunningham, called Hope for the City, that then newspaper devoted a huge three-page spread to excerpting the book! That’s high praise indeed! Learn more about the book and how to order a copy for yourself—and someone you love.
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COMBAT BIGOTRY
HELP MSU BIAS BUSTERS—The Bias Busters program at the Michigan State University School of Journalism is courageously stepping into the nationwide wave of anti-Muslim bigotry by reducing the price of their guidebook on understanding Muslim-Americans to 99 cents. Leading figures in journalism are praising this move. Please join them in spreading the news! Learn about this effort, spearheaded by MSU’s Joe Grimm and his students.
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SUSAN’S HOLIDAY TIPS
EXPERT SHOPPING HELP—Susan Stitt runs Morgan Street Media Services in Georgia, near Atlanta, and also consults with us on our own book marketing. This year, we turned to Susan and asked her to jot down her own holiday shopping list from our bookstore. Learn what Susan thinks you should be wrapping up right now.
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CELEBRATE A LIFE OF PEACE
REMEMBERING BISHOP DEWITT—In such a troubling time, when global religious conflict seems to be rising, it’s appropriate to remember the life of a bishop who devoted himself to peacefully bringing people together. Hundreds gathered in Ann Arbor this weekend to remember the century-spanning life of United Methodist Bishop Jesse DeWitt.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
and YULE GREETINGS, TOO
DON’T MISS A HOLIDAY! Just remember this simple Web address www.InterfaithHolidays.com to find all of the upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries..
CHRISTMAS IS COMING—The Western Christian Advent season began November 29 this year. Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton reports on Advent traditions. And new this week: Many Latino communities in the U.S. and Mexico start the 9-day custom known as La Posadas.
IN THE EAST—Stephanie also writes about the Eastern Orthodox Nativity Fast, which began November 15 with occasional days of exception and culminates on December 24.
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CELEBRATING YULETIDE? Stephanie Fenton writes: “Whether a Yule log is placed on the fire or eaten as a buche de noel, the longest night of the year is the perfect time to get warm by the fireplace and revel in the joy of the season.” Check out her story about this centuries-old observance.
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FEED THE SPIRIT
HOLIDAY FOODS—FeedTheSpirit columnist Bobbie Lewis stops by the Smithsonian Institution’s fascinating exhibit exploring American foodways. Bobbie shares highlights, including a salute to Julia Child, and shares an all-American recipe for a rich, cheesy corn casserole. It’s perfect for holiday meals, especially if you’ve got vegetarians at the table.
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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR MOVIE FANS—Only one figure challenges the century-old records of Sherlock Holmes and Santa Claus as Hollywood superstars. Who is that? Veteran-faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty’s brand new book answers that question in its title: “Jesus Christ, Movie Star.” This book is as timely as front-page news—and lots of fun as well—says our story about the book. Religion scholar Ken Chitwood, the author of FaithGoesPop columns, contributed to this new book and says in a new column that he’s “overwhelmingly excited” about its publication.
HOLIDAY MOVIES—Looking for great choices? First, www.VisualParables.org is a treasure trove of free movie reviews by Edward McNulty. Also, check out the current issue of his Visual Parables Journal.
- SUFFRAGETTE—Ed says “This is a film that every mother, and father, should be watching and discussing with their daughters and sons.” (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- BY THE SEA—This somber drama starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is not for everyone, but earns 4 stars, Ed says.
- THE LETTERS—This inspiring story about the life of Mother Teresa also earns 4 stars.
- THE PEANUTS MOVIE—Charles Schultz’s creation is 65 years old—but this new adventure is lively fun for young and old. (4.5 stars)
- JAMES BOND in SPECTRE—Ed says “the film is full of thrilling action and a dash of reflection on Bond’s past.” (4 stars)
- THE DANISH GIRL—Ed gives 5 stars to this remarkable drama about the transgender transformation of an artist a century ago.
- LABYRINTH OF LIES—A gripping drama about the search for Nazi war criminals. (4.5 stars)
- THE MARTIAN—A thought-provoking film about survival on Mars! (5 stars)
- BRIDGE OF SPIES—Make sure this new Tom Hanks film is on your “must see” list. (5 stars)
- MISS YOU ALREADY—Lots of emotion in this story about two friends, starring Drew Barrymore. (4 stars)
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GOD-SIGNS
A LEGACY OF GRATEFULNESS—In this week’s new column from GodSigns author Suzy Farbman, we meet Conkie Sessler. Half a century ago, she was a little girl scared to learn that her heart had serious flaws. Suzy tells the inspiring story of what happened and the gratefulness Conkie has felt all her life.
Peacemakers …
- REDISCOVER HOPE—Daniel Buttry’s inspiring new book We Are the Socks is full of true stories about men and women who risked pursuing peace even in the face of enormous challenges around the world. Read about Dan’s adventure in writing this new book. And, in a short video, Dan tells the surprising story behind the title.
- INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS—You’ll enjoy more than 100 stories of men and women who dared to cross boundaries in Buttry’s main website: InterfaithPeacemakers.
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