A FEW CLICKS—A GOOD DEED
Our publishing house is proud to announce that, in September, we will publish the inspiring memoir of Jeanine Patten-Coble, a visionary cancer survivor whose passion is helping families face cancer all across America. Because her work already has renewed and strengthened the lives of thousands of men, women and children—the CNN-network just named her a HERO for the coming year. A short CNN video version of Jeanine’s story airs nationwide this week. Perhaps you’ve already seen it—if not, we have a link below.
What’s her story? In a nutshell: Even as she was stunned by a diagnosis of breast cancer, Jeanine had a vision of helping families facing the same crisis. She founded a national nonprofit that provides week-long retreats to strengthen families struggling to come to terms with this life-and-death challenge.
CNN is inviting all of us to help spread awareness of this innovative program. Here’s how you can help! Your “good deed” is only a few mouse-clicks away …
- WATCH THE VIDEO—Visit the CNN website and watch the video. It’s only 2 minutes and 43 seconds—and you’ll be glad you did!
- FOLLOW JEANINE ON TWITTER—Learn more about Jeanine’s coast-to-coast efforts to help families. Follow Jeanine on Twitter. And, while you’re at it, visit the Twitter feed for Jeanine’s nonprofit, called Little Pink Houses of Hope. Follow Little Pink Houses of Hope on Twitter.
- CONNECT ON FACEBOOK—Show your interest in this important work by connecting with Little Pink Houses of Hope on Facebook.
- VISIT THE MAIN WEBSITE—Want to learn more? Visit the main Little Pink website. The website has lots of inspiring updates. With just a few mouse-clicks, you can share this news with friends—and help in this campaign to raise awareness.
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NEWS ON
‘CHANGING OUR MIND’
RESPONSES TO DR. GUSHEE—Regular readers of our online magazine know that Christian ethicist Dr. David Gushee has become a leading national advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in congregations—through several ever-expanding editions of his book: Changing Our Mind. The newest “Definitive Edition” also includes a free Discussion Guide by Disciples of Christ theologian, pastor and columnist Bob Cornwall (Care to learn more about Cornwall’s work? Check out his columns at this website.)
Over the past week, we were impressed by a thoughtful review of Gushee’s Definitive Edition by Mennonite scholar Ted Grimsrud. He is Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. His review of Gushee’s book is headlined, Can an evangelical support gay marriage and remain an evangelical?
DEFENDING EUGENE PETERSON—Peterson, who is one of the most famous Bible scholars in the world, recently announced that he was willing to accept same-sex Christian couples. Then, Peterson almost immediately seemed to back away from that public statement after a tidal wave of attacks from traditionalist Christians. Having been savaged by such a tidal wave himself, Dr. Gushee writes a thoughtful and pointed column in Religion News Service about why more Christian leaders must dare to speak out for inclusion.
The debate is far from over! We also were impressed with a rebuke of the ferocious evangelicals who went after Eugene Peterson—in an online column written by author and activist Alise D. Chaffins for HuffPost. Alise makes her case in a column headlined, Evangelicals, you’re the ones choosing sin.
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GOD SIGNS LOVE STORY
SUZY FARBMAN brings us inspiring real-life stories, each week. This month, she is bringing us a multi-part love story about the adventures of a young nurse from Kentucky: Karen Raff. In Part 2, this week, Karen continues her cross-country wanderings. (If you missed last week, there’s also an easy-to-click link back to Part 1 in this new column.)
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HOLIDAYS!
Want to see all the holidays? Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org.
TISHA B’AV—This annual day of fasting and mournful reflection on the destruction of the two ancient Jewish temples in Jerusalem often passes, each year, with relatively little public notice in mainstream American news media. This year, however, a painful disagreement about access to the Western Wall is focusing more eyes on the ancient city. Stephanie Fenton’s column explains the traditional observance; she also shares some news links to learn more about the current issue in the news.
OBON—This international celebration has roots in Japanese, Buddhist and Confucian culture, honoring ancestors through dance, lanterns and more. Stephanie’s story includes links to Do-It-Yourself lanterns.
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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 at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study 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 latest free movie reviews are:
- WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES—”Who is truly humane?” That’s the thought-provoking question swirling through the action and excitement of this movie, writes Ed McNulty (5 out of 5 stars)
- DUNKIRK—Director Christopher Nolan divides this epic into three areas: Land, Sea and Air. (4.5 stars)
- SPIDERMAN HOMECOMING—Ed uses words like exuberant and clever to praise this latest chapter in the Spiderman saga. (4.5 stars)
- THE EXCEPTION—Christopher Plummer is wonderful in this mix of historical elements, romance and suspense. (4.5 stars)
- BEATRIZ AT DINNER—Ed writes, “The film’s fish-out-of-water story shines a spotlight on the darker side of American business practices.” He urges us not to miss it. (5 stars)
- A QUIET PASSION—Ed writes, “British filmmaker/writer Terence Davies has given us a wonderful film to enhance our enjoyment of Emily Dickinson’s wonderful poetry.” He gives 5 stars.
- MEGAN LEAVEY—Featuring Kate Marla in her best role yet, this “based on a true story” film is part military and part redemption themed. (4.5 stars)
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