Cover Story: Journey through Lent with a friend

Inspirational writer James Martin re-introduces—Jesus

COVER STORY—James Martin SJ is famous for his many inspirational books, often spiced with his trademark good humor. You may have seen him in major newspapers, magazines or appearing on television. For Lent 2016, Martin turns to the final seven sayings of Jesus—called Seven Last Words in Christian tradition. Of course, Martin is a Catholic priest, but this new book is perfect for anyone—Catholic, Protestant or unaffiliated—who would like to meet Jesus, again, from a fresh and personal perspective. Please, read our interview with James Martin SJ about his new book, Seven Last Words.

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LENTEN MILESTONES FOR 2016

SHROVE TUESDAY

PANCAKES ANYONE? Most Western Christians have all but forgotten the Christian fasting customs associated with the Lenten season—but in many communities around the world vestiges of this tradition remain. Among the most popular? Pancakes, which use up rich ingredients that are supposed to be abandoned during the 40 days. And of course, this Fat Tuesday tradition is translated as Mardi Gras as well! Holidays specialist Stephanie Fenton has the story.

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ASH WEDNESDAY

LENTEN JOURNEY TO EASTER—Speaking of epic religious movements … a third of the world’s population identifies as Christian and the majority of those follow the Western tradition that begins the Lenten period with Ash Wednesday on February 10 this year. Stephanie Fenton has that story in our Holidays column. Looking for inspirational reading during this 40-day period? We also recommend Our Lent: Things We Carry by ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm.

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ORTHODOX GREAT LENT

RELIGIOUS CALENDARS DIFFER—This year, close to 2 billion Christians will begin Lent on the Western calendar, but hundreds of millions of Eastern Orthodox Christians will begin a month later. Their customs also include a far more rigorous fast than is followed in the West. Stephanie Fenton reports on the milestones leading to Eastern Orthodox Great Lent, including Meatfare Sunday, Cheesefare Sunday and Clean Monday.

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ALL THE HOLIDAYS …

DON’T MISS A HOLIDAY! Just remember this simple Web address www.InterfaithHolidays.com to find all of the upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries.

Mark Black History Month …

CONFRONTING RACISM WITH … INFORMATION—The highly respected Bias Busters team at the Michigan State University School of Journalism is marking this year’s Black History Month by adding a new cross-cultural guide to the growing series. These short books now are used widely in professional training programs, cultural-sensitivity seminars—and many other settings where people are trying to build healthier communities. MSU’s Joe Grimm has the story of how this new book was created. ANDYou’ll find all of the MSU guides displayed in our bookstore.

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CHINESE NEW YEAR

THE YEAR OF THE MONKEYStephanie Fenton has the story behind this enormous annual festival that now circles the globe. She explains the symbol of the monkey—and also the epic scale of this annual homecoming. The travel period surrounding the New Year now is regularly described as “the world’s largest human migration.”

TEAM TIME? One way Americans commonly salute Chinese culture involves … tea. Yes, we’re a nation with a serious coffee addiction (the U.S. ranks 69th among nations around the world in per capita tea consumption). But Bobbie Lewis in FeedTheSpirit offers this homage to the wonders of tea—and adds a delicious scone recipe!.

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LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY

INTRODUCE CHILDREN YOU LOVE TO “ABE”—Did you know that what is today Black History Month began in 1926 and falls, each year, in February because African-American leaders in the 1920s wanted to honor Frederick Douglass (whose birthday is February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12)? To emphasize that historic connection, the creative minds at Wisdom Tales publishing house just released a colorful new book for children about Lincoln’s legacy. Lincoln scholar and frequent ReadTheSpirit contributor Duncan Newcomer reviews the new book.

 

Valentine’s Day

IT’S MORE THAN CHOCOLATE—Stephanie Fenton looks at the roots of Valentine’s Day and tells us about the other traditional themes for this holiday. Also: Can you guess how long ago the first Valentine’s card was sent? You might be surprised.

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DOING GOOD
IN THE WORLD

One of our guiding principles: Good media builds good community. What does that mean? Enjoy these stories …

Feed The Spirit

GRANDMOTHER’S RUGELACH—This week, our FeedTheSpirit column will warm your heart, if you fondly recall a grandparent’s love of feeding the family. Sound familiar? Guest writer Margot Kahn tells about her grandmother’s recipes, carried from Poland in 1938. And, she shares a prized recipe for the sweet and flaky treat called rugelach.

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Suzy Farbman

SUZY FARBMAN’S ‘GOD SIGNS’—Suzy Farbman’s columns demonstrate life’s wondrous potential—if only we open our eyes to new possibilities. This week she tells the story of Jane Schulak, a designer who has created art projects around the world—and now is back in Detroit, Michigan, fostering an unusual new “Culture Lab.”

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Diana Butler Bass

GET ‘GROUNDED’—In her new book, and in her preaching coast to coast in 2016, Diana takes seriously the classic Wesleyan proclamation: “The world is our parish.” Long-time readers of this historian and congregational consultant may be surprised to open the cover of Grounded. It’s a powerful new blend of prose and personal reflection, moving from scholarly observation—to active participation in finding spiritual awakenings in everyday life. You’ll enjoy our nterview with Diana.

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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE

ENJOY DISCUSSING MOVIES? Get a copy of faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty’s new book Jesus Christ, Movie Starit’s full of thought-provoking reading and questions!

NEW THIS WEEK! Ed McNulty freely provides more than 1,200 film reviews that raise religious issues. To support his work, he sells his long-running Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine that is packed with complete study guides. The new February 2016 issue is the 26th anniversary of the Journal and it includes Ed’s Top 10 Films of 2015. The Journal is perfect for your own inspiration as you enjoy movies—or for classes and small groups.

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