COVER STORY: In ‘Chicken Scratch,’ veteran writer Ann Byle invites us to join her creative flock

Are you ready to take the next step in your creative life?

COVER STORY—Veteran journalist, writing coach and author Ann Byle invites readers into her back yard for some downright fun ideas about sparking our creativity—lessons gleaned from Ann’s years of raising chickens. More than 10 million Americans now raise chickens, an increase since the pandemic began several years ago—but this book is not limited to those who actually raise chickens. In fact, the book is not intended to convince you to set up your own backyard coop.

Ann’s goal is far larger! Whatever your dream may be—from writing to painting to becoming a gourmet chef or a talented craftsman with wood or fabric or glass—Ann’s got some solid advice about how to make that dream a reality. Please enjoy this week’s cover story and share this story with friends. Chicken Scratch is an ideal book for small-group discussion in your congregation or community.

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From our Writers—

George Mason

… and Speaking of Community-based Ideas for Health & Nutrition

IN A NEW VIDEO PODCAST SERIES, called “More Than Food for Thought,” the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason heads out of the studio and into an at-risk community in Dallas where life expectancies are well below the national average. One reason is a lack of healthy, affordable food in that area—until a new kind of community-based grocery opened earlier this year. Please enjoy this short video report from Dallas and then share it with friends, because you’ll quickly see what a great idea these folks are pioneering.

Community-building ideas also are a core theme in George’s new book, The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God’s Love for Every Body.

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Dan McQuown

A Creative Idea for Student Sharing of Faith on Campus

CHAPLAIN DAN McQUOWN has contributed fresh ideas to our online magazine over the years. In this column, he summarizes a Faith in Transition program that he developed at a small college to encourage high school and college students to come together and share faith experiences.

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David Gushee

Visiting communities across the U.S. and Europe

BEST-SELLING CHRISTIAN AUTHOR DAVID GUSHEE just posted his Fall 2023 speaking schedule via his newsletter, which is archived on Substack. Autumn venues include Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas. He also is, once again, appearing across Europe, including appearances in Ukraine, Lithuania and the UK.

Would you like to schedule an appearance? Here is the Speaking Events resource page on his website, where you can learn about his most popular topics and formats. Any appearance is more valuable for you and your community if folks have read his two most influential books:

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Howard Brown

Lifting your spirits with Regina Rossi & Raquel Stewart

THE POPULAR Shining Brightly PODCAST hosted by Howard Brown welcomes two sure-to-make-you-smile life coaches: Regina Rossi and Raquel Stuart, who call their joint work Rise and Thrive Together.  You’ll find their conversation labeled Episode 36, new this week on Howard’s website.

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Holidays & Milestones

 

Tisha B’Av

OFTEN REFERRED TO AS “the saddest day in the Jewish year,” Tisha B’Av traditionally is a fast that recalls tragedies experienced by the Jewish people on this day. Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton tells us more about this centuries-old tradition.

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Lammas, Lughnasadh

AS AUGUST BEGINS and grains turn golden in the fields of the Northern Hemisphere, Christians and Pagans (and many others from areas of England, Ireland and Scotland) mark the ancient festival of the wheat harvest.

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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

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Click on the movie poster to read Ed McNulty’s review of the Barbie movie.

Click on this image to learn more about the July 2023 issue of Visual Parables Journal, packed with movie reviews and discussion guides.

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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Cover Story: Laura Elizabeth is working to preserve a historic American island gem through community support and storytelling

Babson College highlights this dedicated community activist with a profile

COVER STORY—The cozy mystery author whose pen name is Laura Elizabeth cares about far more than entertaining readers with an island-based whodunnit. Laura would like her readers to fall in love with this island and even visit the real Daufuskie Island, which can help in the overall effort to keep the island community alive and well. Don’t take our word for it. This month, Laura’s story is the featured profile in the Babson College website’s section on leading entrepreneurs. Please, read our story about this remarkable woman—and follow the links to read the entire Babson profile as well as to contact Laura if you are interested in a book-related event yourself. Then, please, if you enjoy this story, please share it with friends via social media and email!

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And Speaking of Remarkable Families—

Suzy Farbman celebrates a life well lived

THOUSANDS of our readers follow columnist and author Suzy Farbman’s God Signs. Over the years, Suzy has introduced us to remarkable men and women from across the U.S. and around the world. But, central among the “main characters” in her writing, over the years, has been her husband, the noted Detroit developer Burton Farbman. Readers of Suzy’s memoir God Signs, have told us that this memoir of how she successfully battled cancer with Burton always at her side was a godsend of inspiration and fresh ideas. More recently, readers of our online magazine have followed Suzy’s occasional columns about Burton’s own struggles with cancer. Recently, Burton died and Suzy wrote this celebration of his life—and their lives together. The column also includes a photo gallery, at the end, that you will enjoy as much as the eulogy.

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Duncan Newcomer & Abraham Lincoln

Braver Angels launching ‘Rise for America’

IN OUR SPECIAL July 2, 2023, issue about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer explained the timely nature of that special issue. Braver Angels, a national nonprofit dedicated to defusing the anger in American political and cultural dialogue, was holding a major conference at Gettysburg especially to remember some of Abraham Lincoln’s central principles. As a result of that conference, Braver Angels now is launching a program called Rise for America. Please check out that new program at the Braver Angels website.

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David Gushee & Kelsey Morrison

Learning from ‘evangelical academia’s latest homophobia victim’

FOR BAPTIST NEWS GLOBAL, David Gushee writes about the tragic treatment of former Geneva College soccer coach Kelsey Morrison. In June, she was ousted by the school for two posts on Instagram. Gushee interviewed Kelsey and shares her story with us.

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George Mason & Mitch and Missy

Hosts of Good Faith Weekly feature Mason and his new book

THE POPULAR PODCAST hosted by Mitch and Missy Randall recently featured George Mason talking about his new book, The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God’s Love for Every BodyGood Faith Weekly is available on all streaming platforms and can be accessed here.

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Howard Brown & Mitch Stoller

AACR spreads Howard’s message: ‘Fighting cancer is a team sport.’

The AACR, which is the world’s oldest and largest professional association related to cancer research, welcomed author and patient advocate Howard Brown into its new podcast with the AACR’s chief philanthropic officer Mitch Stoller. This column explains the new podcast, which will be welcomed by many families looking for signs of hope in their struggles with cancer—plus you can watch the complete video conversation shared by Mitch and Howard. This is news you’ll likely want to share with friends, this week, since cancer is a challenge in millions of families nationwide.

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And Finally Rodney Curtis and … Visitors …

This photograph of a flying saucer hovering at night over an American City was generated this week by the powerful OpenAI tools that millions are using, now—so it has to be accurate, doesn’t it?

RODNEY CURTIS, aka The Spiritual Wanderer, is thrilled that Congress may actually take up serious consideration of visitors from other realms. Click on this link to jump to Rodney’s website—or is it really Rodney’s website? You decide—if you dare!

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Holidays & Milestones

Birthday of Haile Selassie

ON JULY 23 EACH YEAR, hundreds of thousands of people who revere the Ethiopian leader honor his birthday, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains in her column.

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Near Utah this Summer? Check out Pioneer Day

THIS YEAR, if you hope to catch some of the most popular Pioneer Day themed events, you will need to act now! There’s a long tradition in Utah of spreading public events throughout the weeks leading up to Pioneer Day, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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Cue the lights and dancers—Obon is coming

STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the colorful Obon festivals that will unfold this summer in many parts of the world.

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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

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Click on this image to learn more about the July 2023 issue of Visual Parables Journal, packed with movie reviews and discussion guides.

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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Cover Story: David W. Peters’ ‘Post-Traumatic Jesus’ offers ‘A Healing Gospel for the Wounded’

You may have a friend with PTSD and not even know it

COVER STORY—While the subject is somber, the good news in David W. Peters’ new book, Post-Traumatic Jesus, is good news, indeed. Peters served as a Marine and an Army chaplain and now serves a congregation in Texas that specializes in welcoming people who have experienced trauma. He has a lot of helpful insights to share with us about how congregations can be healing communities for the millions of Americans suffering the effects of trauma.

Please read our cover story and then share it with friends in your community to spark healthy discussion.

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And Speaking of Healing—

‘Churches should heal, not perpetuate, divisive culture’

ALSO FROM TEXAS—The headline on this news item comes from Dallas Morning News Commentary Editor Ryan Sanders, writing about the importance of the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason’s new book, The Word Made Fresh. Ryan interviewed George in a fascinating Q&A format that you can enjoy on the Morning News’ website. (Note: The Morning News has a paywall that only allows limited access, but if you have not visited the site before, you should be able to read this inspiring conversation between Ryan and George.)

‘A surprising outpouring of support’

THEN, REPORTING FROM A MAJOR BAPTIST GATHERING IN ATLANTASeveral correspondents helped our staff to assemble this inspiring report on the overwhelming support for the work of George Mason and all the other Baptist leaders who have supported LGBTQ inclusion in recent years. This is a significant religion-news story that flew under the radar of major U.S. newspapers in the wake of the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision to double-down on gender exclusion. Please, take a moment to share this particular news story right now, because such news will encourage others who care about diversity.

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Reminders of Hope From our authors—

Bill Tammeus

Everyday Miracles

AFTER THE TITAN IMPLOSION TRAGEDY, Bill Tammeus has been pondering how even a disaster like this loss of life beneath the seas can remind us of the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in our daily living. It’s another example of Bill’s inspiring, thought-provoking style that has been popular with readers for many decades. 

And, if you do read that column, you will find two fascinating news items at the end of the main column: One is about the thousands of congregations leaving the United Methodist Church; and the other is about an ill-considered Missouri law that now encourages teaching the Bible in public schools. Thanks Bill for all your reporting! And, of course, if you have not done so already, please get a copy of Bill’s book Love, Loss and Endurance, especially because Amazon has the hardcover on sale this week.

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Howard Brown & Joanna Tress

‘Embrace Your Bliss’

EACH WEEK, Howard Brown’s mission is spreading sunshine through thoughtful podcasts with guests from a wide range of disciplines. If you want a boost, this week, please stop by Howard’s home online and listen to his conversation with Joanna Tress on “Embrace Your Bliss.” If you enjoy that podcast, you’ll find many more on Howard’s home page. And, if you want to enjoy the mother lode of Howard’s inspiring stories, pick up your copy of his memoir Shining Brightly from Amazon.

 


Holidays & Milestones

Near Utah this Summer? Check out Pioneer Day

THIS YEAR, if you hope to catch some of the most popular Pioneer Day themed events, you will need to act now! There’s a long tradition in Utah of spreading public events throughout the weeks leading up to Pioneer Day, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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Cue the lights and dancers—Obon is coming

STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the colorful Obon festivals that will unfold this summer in many parts of the world.

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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

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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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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Fourth of July Cover Story: What can Lincoln teach us about bridging the chasms in American culture?

‘Building a house united’

THIS WEEK, a national nonprofit dedicated to “building a house united,” called Braver Angels, is holding a four-day national conference in Gettysburg, hoping that the spirit of Abraham Lincoln can help inspire healthy dialogue between conservative and liberal activists.  Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer is playing a role through selling copies of his book, 30 Days with Abraham Lincoln: Quiet Fire. Duncan also organized this week’s special issue of ReadTheSpirit magazine, inviting writers to contribute their reflections on Lincoln’s legacy.

Our special issue starts with Duncan’s introduction to the series and to the work of Braver Angels. Please begin with that column as a guide to everything else our writers have contributed for this important week. And, if you find these columns helpful and inspiring, please take a moment to share them with friends via social media and email. That small step makes a big difference in spreading this good news in our troubled world.

Easy navigation through this entire series

It’s easy to enjoy all the inspiring work from these writers, this week.

If you start with Duncan’s introductory column, linked above, then you will find links to all of the other columns. Whatever you choose to read next, you will find links to the other new columns at the bottom of each page. To ensure easy navigation, we also are duplicating those series links right here on our home page, as well:

Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer’s introduction to this series includes a salute to Braver Angels, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to de-polarizing American politics that is gathering from across the country for a major conference at Gettysburg this week.

Duncan also writes about: What were Lincoln’s hopes for our nation?

And, he explores: What were Lincoln’s core values?

Then, journalist and author Bill Tammeus writes about how Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address still calls us to reach out to one another.

Journalist and author Martin Davis asks: Are our battle-scarred American roads capable of carrying us toward unity?

Author and leadership coach Larry Buxton writes about: Growing up and growing wise with Abraham Lincoln

Columnist and editor Judith Pratt recalls: Hearing our Civil War stories shared generation to generation.

Attorney and community activist Mark Jacobs writes about: How Lincoln’s astonishing resilience and perseverance inspires me today

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Holidays & Milestones

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Celebrating Independence Day

THIS YEAR, the number of Americans hitting the highways and the skies is expected to surpass the previous year as the pandemic fades as a national concern. But if your aim is fireworks, for example, you’ll want to check on local plans right now! Many public Fourth of July programs are scheduled well before the actual holiday.

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

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Click this movie poster to read Ed McNulty’s review of Disney’s new Elemental.

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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COVER STORY: ‘Dear Mama God’ is a thoroughly kid-tested window into the spiritual wonderment of children

Enjoy our Mom to Mom Conversation about Daneen Akers’ beautiful new book

THIS WEEK, COVER STORY BEGINS: “Dear Mama God” The moment we see those three words on the cover of a big, colorful book, we know this is a book intended for children. But what may surprise you about this new book is that these pages contain the words of a child—specifically Daneen Akers’ daughter Lucy when she was aged 4-6.

This inspired us to prepare an unusual Cover Story for this week’s issue of our magazine, featuring a Mom to Mom conversation about this delightful new book. Please, enjoy our story and share it with friends—so that this wonderful new book may find its way into the hands of many parents who love reading with their young ones.

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And Speaking of Creative Ideas for Children—

Brenda Rosenberg helps to spread interfaith awareness through Girl Scouts

AUTHOR AND PEACE ACTIVIST BRENDA ROSENBERG gives us a photo-illustrated overview of a unique program in southeast Michigan in which Girl Scouts are working on a “My Promise, My Faith” program. Click on the photo or this link to read Brenda’s story, published courtesy of Michigan’s Jewish News.

AND—Wherever you are reading this around the world, you can learn much more about Brenda’s many years of work with young people on building interfaith understanding from a very early age. Her main book describing this process is Reuniting the Children of Abraham: The Sacred Story that Calls Jews, Christians and Muslims to Peace and is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions via Amazon.

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More from Our Writers—

Join in the Fun with Laura Elizabeth

FIRST: THE ZIBBYMAG COVER REVEAL

Susan Stitt explains how and why our publishing house arranged to have the influential ZibbyMag produce our worldwide “cover reveal” for Laura’s new cozy mystery.

THEN: 3 WAYS YOU CAN JOIN THE FUN

David Crumm writes about several ways readers who love cozy mysteries can join in the fun right away, even before the book’s official launch date.

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Clicking on this photo of Emily Brown, reporting from Montana, will take you to the Amazon page for the book abut the remarkable Brown family: “Shining Brightly.”

Emily and Howard Brown

‘ARE YOU A HOPE MAKER?’

THAT’S A QUESTION raised both by Montana-based TV reporter Emily Brown and her father, the author and nationally known speaker and consultant Howard Brown.

Last week, we linked to Emily’s TV reporting on an especially heartbreaking loss in the movement to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW): the case of hit-and-run victim Mika Westwolf. We also linked to a photo gallery of the June march in Mika’s memory. This week, Mika’s family and friends are asking allies, wherever you may live, to add to the more than 26,000 signatures in an online petition calling for further investigation of Mika’s death.

ALSO THIS WEEK, Emily’s father—author Howard Brown—interviews the inspiring Jenny Mulks on his podcast about the question: Are you a hope maker?

To learn more about Emily, Howard and their remarkable family, order a copy of the memoir Shining Brightly from Amazon right now.

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George Mason and Tom Eggebeen

‘INVITING US TO CHOOSE WISELY’

THERE’S ARE SO MANY inspiring and thought-provoking passages in George A. Mason’s new book The Word Made Fresh that readers will come away with a whole lot of fresh ideas—and a challenge to “choose wisely” about the ways all of us can help to heal broken souls. That’s the judgment of popular Presbyterian pastor and writer Tom Eggebeen in a review Tom has posted on his website.

Care to jump over to Amazon and learn more? Please, check out the new book, which is launching in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

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Holidays & Milestones

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Planning for Independence Day?

Better start before July 4.

THIS YEAR, the number of Americans hitting the highways and the skies is expected to surpass the previous year as the pandemic fades as a national concern. But if your aim is fireworks, for example, you’ll want to check right now! Many public Fourth of July programs are scheduled well before the actual holiday.

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

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Click on the movie poster to read Ed McNulty’s review of the new documentary about Yogi Berra.

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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Cover Story: Laura Elizabeth’s first cozy mystery, ‘All Is Now Lost,’ finds hope and home on a famous little island in the Atlantic

What’s cozy about a cozy?

Discovering ‘that feeling of home’

The island is home.

Those four words capture the feeling of the new cozy mystery series Laura Elizabeth is launching about the people who live on a little island in the Atlantic. The adventures begin with Book 1: All Is Now Lost, which now is available for pre-order from Amazon.

In this week’s cover story, we tell you all about this new novel, how to pre-order your copy, and we even share a special tip about getting the delicious recipe for the Toll House Cookie Pie that is featured in the novel. Plus, we share valuable links about vacation planning if you care to visit the real island on which this cozy series is based—and explain how to get in touch with Laura if your book club wants to discuss her novel.

Please, when you finish reading the article, share it with friends on social media and via email. They’ll be glad you shared this good news.

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Holidays & Milestones

‘It’s an Honor to be a Dad.’

THAT’S WHAT HOWARD BROWN SAYS as he starts a podcast tribute to fathers this week. Howard reminds us of how much we may have learned from our grandparents, our parents and then talks about the high hopes we share for our own children. In Howard’s case, that’s the “Miracle Girl” you see in the photo above. He explains why Emily truly is a miracle. In honor of Father’s Day, then, please enjoy this heart-warming reflection on lessons and values that, at our best, we can hope to pass along through our families.

And what happened to that little ‘Miracle Girl’?

EMILY BROWN GREW UP to become a journalist, including an internship writing for our ReadTheSpirit online magazine as she was learning her craft. Now, she reports for KPAX Channel 8 in western Montana where Emily is carrying on her family values—described by her father in his podcast (above) as including tikkun olam, trying to help heal our broken world. In June 2023, Emily is reporting for KPAX on the legacy of Mika Westwolf, a Native American woman who was hit and killed by a driver who fled the scene. Because of Emily’s reporting and a growing awareness of Mika’s case across that region of Montana, part of Mika’s legacy now is public activism to increase awareness of the plight of missing and murdered Native Americans and their families. Through this link, you will visit the KPAX website. Emily’s 3-minute report plays on that page (after a brief ad) and the text of her story also appears on that page.

Then, Emily covered a Native American-led walk in Mika’s memory, intended to raise awareness of her death and the ongoing problem of unresolved missing and murdered Native Americans.

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And more about Father’s Day

ABOUT THE HOLIDAY: Stephanie Fenton’s column is helpful reading! Her column tells the fascinating story of how long it took to reach a national consensus on this holiday. Plus,  Stephanie offers some links to some fun Father’s Day activities as well as great recipes for this special day.

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Observing Juneteenth

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS COLUMNIST STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the ever-expanding awareness of our national holiday Juneteenth in 2023. As usual, she’s got links to fascinating resources, including some great recipes.

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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

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From Our Writers—

Larry Buxton

‘Travel is a Spiritual Act’

ARE YOU MOVING AROUND OUR WORLD THIS SUMMER? In his latest Leading with Spirit column, Larry reminds us to consider the spiritual dimensions of our movement. “These rhythms of security, trust, adventure, crisis, grace and friendship carry us throughout our lives.” Please enjoy Larry’s column and you may find its wisdom quite quotable this week—so consider sharing it with friends.

 

Bill Tammeus
and George Mason

‘Can mediocre preaching be improved? Maybe.’

AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST BILL TAMMEUS has chronicled religious life in America for many decades, so he carries a great deal of authority in his judgment that George A. Mason’s new book, The Word Made Fresh, is “an occasion for celebration.” Here’s a link to Bill’s review of George’s book, which we hope will move you order a copy of The Word Made Fresh for yourself and perhaps a copy for friends in your congregation.

Interested in going right to Amazon for a copy? Here’s a direct link to the Amazon paperback page for The Word Made Fresh. This new book also is available in hardcover and a very reasonably priced Kindle edition. Like all of our books, it also is available from Barnes & Noble and bookstores around the world.

Interested in Bill’s book that includes a section on “unplugging extremism,” which is a timely concern shared both by Bill and George? Here’s a direct link to Bill’s book, Love, Loss and Endurance.

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Click this movie poster to read Ed McNulty’s review of “Mending the Line.”

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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COVER STORY: Greg Garrett’s new novel, ‘Bastille Day,’ asks: Can we find spiritual resilience to face the dangers in our world?

Despite the world’s dangers, ultimately, ‘we all stand on human ground.’

COVER STORY: Readers who have been enjoying Greg Garrett’s moving and thought-provoking fiction and nonfiction through the years will not be surprised to learn that his dramatic new novel, Bastille Day, turns on one particular broadcast by a cynical TV reporter and one particular sermon by a compassionate pastor. These are worlds Greg has bridged in his long career as a media personality, theologian, scholar and author.

Please enjoy our cover-story interview with Greg in which we will take you to Paris, where Greg was poised for the launch of his exciting and inspiring new novel. In fact, Greg helped us illustrate this cover story with an array of colorful photos of locations from Bastille Day.

And, if you enjoy this story, please take a moment to share this story with friends via social media or email.

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From Our Writers—

Laura Elizabeth

Want to meet this cozy author?

COZY MYSTERY NOVELIST LAURA ELIZABETH has more than a dozen events already scheduled for the launch of Volume 1 of her new mystery series. Some are for private groups; many are open to the public. Especially if you might find yourself in Georgia or the Carolinas in coming months, please check out this listing of Laura’s events, so far.

Want more information about visiting the island that inspired Laura Elizabeth to create the fictionalized setting for her cozy series? We just learned that the Daufuskie Rental Group, which has a great vacation-oriented website, is going to be providing copies of Laura’s book to some of the first families to book accommodations on the island in coming months. Thank you Daufuskie Rental Group for supporting this creative project to entertain readers and shine a light on this wonderful, historic island!

We know you’ll enjoy this novel, so you could also preorder your copy right now from Amazon.

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Howard Brown

‘The story is the great equalizer’

THIS WEEK, Howard Brown introduces us to his own speaking coach Rina Rovinelli, founder of Speaker Slam.

They talk about how Rina got started as a speaking entrepreneur and how people can learn to become effective public speakers even if they are afraid of the idea of standing up in front of people.

“The story is the great equalizer,” Rina says in this podcast and that’s a theme we celebrate here at our publishing house as well.

You can listen to this latest podcast right now by clicking on this link to visit Howard’s own Shining Brightly website. (His podcast links are in the center of his home page.)

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Holidays & Milestones

Taking Steps Toward Father’s Day?

ARE YOU PLANNING FOR FATHER’S DAY? Stephanie Fenton’s column is helpful reading! Her column tells the fascinating story of how long it took to reach a national consensus on this holiday. Plus, as always, Stephanie offers some links to some fun Father’s Day activities as well as great recipes for this special day.

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Juneteenth

Celebrations are starting earlier in June

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS COLUMNIST STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the ever-expanding awareness of our national holiday Juneteenth in 2023. As usual, she’s got links to fascinating resources, including some great recipes.

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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

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Click on this image to learn more about the June 2023 issue of Ed McNulty’s Visual Parables Journal, which is packed with reviews and discussion guides of movies including The Little Mermaid, Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret, The Starling Girl and Ted Lasso.

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.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

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