A cup of coffee sure would be nice." "We dont have time." "What do you mean?" "We are going to be late enough getting home as it is." A cup of coffee sure would be nice." "We dont have time." "What do you mean?" "We are going to be late enough getting home as it is." In a few minutes, in the dark distance we see the sign of the massive fast food company that promises fresh food and fast service. "Look, we can pull in there and get a cup of coffee and be on our way in nothing flat. They promise." "Well, if you will hurry." "No problem." This is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and this establishment is on the side of the interstate in the middle of nowhere, so its customers are primarily interstate travelers. Surely, they are prepared for the rush. There is a relatively short line. There is only one cashier/order-taker/server station open. Things begin to move slowly. Finally, my turn. "Give me two cups of coffee, please." "Two coffees - seventy-eight cents." She hands me the coffees and upon … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of December 5, 2002 What would Jesus ...? Members of religious and environmental groups concerned about the effect of gas-guzzling vehicles on the environment are launching a "What Would Jesus Drive?" campaign in an effort to promote use of more fuel-efficient cars. The National Religious Partnership asserts that gas-guzzlers are contrary to Christian moral teachings about protecting people and the earth. The group plans to use news conferences and television advertising to promote their views. The campaign comes as the George Bush administration considers a proposal to increase fuel efficiency standards for sports utility vehicles and light trucks. As SUVs have become increasingly popular, the average fuel economy of the American fleet has been pushed down to about 21 miles per gallon - the lowest point in two decades. "We hope that when Christians go to purchase their next vehicle, they will ask, What would Jesus have me drive?" a National Religious Partnership spokesperson noted. "We think the answer would be he would have you drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle that truly meets your needs." Baptist Hour change The name of the "The Baptist Hour" radio program has been changed to "Strength … [Read more...]
History of Nativity scenes dates back hundreds of years
With the proliferation of Nativity scenes each year at the Christmas season, it would be easy to suppose they have been around since that first manger night in Bethlehem. Not so. With the proliferation of Nativity scenes each year at the Christmas season, it would be easy to suppose they have been around since that first manger night in Bethlehem. Not so. Indeed, the introduction of Nativity scenes into the Christmas season did not begin until hundreds of years after Jesus birth. However, in the ensuing centuries, they have become an unmistakable - and creative - aspect of the annual Christmas holiday season. St. Francis of Assisi is credited by most with the real introduction of Nativity scenes in 1223 or 1224. However, some histories cite the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with creating the first such scene in the 10th century. As the idea spread across Italy, churches reportedly began constructing decorative scenes that included gold, silver and jewels. Enter St. Francis. Concerned with the trend to ornate representations of the nativity, St. Francis decided to create a scene that was truer … [Read more...]
A birth in the night – in a dark world, lighting the way to a new way of living
He was more than an hour from the office and still frustrated, still muttering to himself about the fool state of his life. He had a right. It was just a couple of hours ago that his truck had died on him, requiring a tow to the repair shop, forcing him to rent a car in order to travel the several hours he needed to for the weekend. Note: The following is the first of three devotions on the Nativity to be published in the Louisiana Baptist Message in celebration of the Christmas season. This devotional was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson. He was more than an hour from the office and still frustrated, still muttering to himself about the fool state of his life. He had a right. It was just a couple of hours ago that his truck had died on him, requiring a tow to the repair shop, forcing him to rent a car in order to travel the several hours he needed to for the weekend. And that was not all. No, that was on top of the other aggravations and circumstances from the previous two weeks - seemingly a new one each and every single day, he thought. Of course, he tried not to think of it too much. That was … [Read more...]
Lafayette church marks 100th anniversary
Members at First Baptist Church of Lafayette marked a century of ministry within their community during recent anniversary ceremonies. Some 1,600 persons attended anniversary services, which featured the premiere of a anthem commissioned from Claire Cloninger and Gary Rhodes. Members at First Baptist Church of Lafayette marked a century of ministry within their community during recent anniversary ceremonies. Some 1,600 persons attended anniversary services, which featured the premiere of a anthem commissioned from Claire Cloninger and Gary Rhodes. The church was organized in November 1902 with just five charter members. By 1927, it had grown to 266 members and had recorded 180 baptisms in a four-year span. By 1939, it had launched the first of many missions in the Acadiana area. By 1949, the congregation had moved to a new facility, which would serve as home for the church for some 50 years. In 1959, the church called the 10th pastor in its history - Perry Sanders. By this time, the the church numbered 1,209 members and was the largest non-Catholic congregation in Lafayette. In ensuing years, Sanders and church leaders continued the commitment to growth, establishing the church as a state leader in … [Read more...]
School vouchers figure to be a hot issue in 2003 – where do Louisianians stand?
The issue of school vouchers has gained considerable press - and generated sometimes pointed debate - in recent years. The bottom line question in the matter is should government money be used to enable kids now in public schools to attend private schools, even religious ones. The issue of school vouchers has gained considerable press - and generated sometimes pointed debate - in recent years. The bottom line question in the matter is should government money be used to enable kids now in public schools to attend private schools, even religious ones. In some cases, the push is for wide-open use, enabling any child to take the government money that usually follows them to public schools and apply it towards tuition at a private school - any private or religious school. In other instances, the call is for the use of vouchers for poor children in poorly-performing or failing public schools. Tentative programs have been launched and studied and debated and challenged. Some say the vouchers are a logical means of making schools accountable and giving students a chance. Others say the program will decimate public schools and represents a violation of the … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of December 5, 2002 Potpourri SHREVERPORT - North Shreve church: Bob Matheny, guest speaker; Dec. 8, 11 a.m.; Roy W. Davis, pastor. SHREVEPORT - Pinecroft church: Sam Feazel, guest speaker; Dec. 8, 10:45 a.m.; Marty J. Wright, pastor. POLLOCK - Pleasant Hill church: The Mark Trammell Trio in concert; Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; Lyndon Marcotte, pastor. MANGHAM - Calvary church: Hosting a reception for Johnnie Allen, pastor at Bethlehem church in Mangham, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.; Allen previously served as pastor at Calvary for 26 years; Johnny Mathis, pastor. LIBUSE - Philadelphia church: The Martins in concert; Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Philip Robertson, pastor. Christmas Programs HAYNESVILLE - First church: "Christmas in Cricket County" drama; Dec. 11, 6 p.m.; Mike Callen, minister of youth; Shelby Cowling, pastor. HAYNESVILLE - First church: "Sing and Shout For Joy" musical; Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; Terrell Jackson, minister of music; Shelby Cowling, pastor. LAKE CHARLES - First church: "Every Knee Shall Bow" living Christmas pageant; Dec. 6-9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m.; to reserve free tickets, call (337) 433-1443; … [Read more...]
A simple gift – and a lesson on sacrifice
Note: Southern Baptists currently are observing the Week of Prayer for International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The theme of this years emphasis is "That All Peoples May Know Him: Seek Gods Passion." The goal of this years offering is $125 million and will be used for missions efforts throughout the world. The following article highlights one of the workers who minister outside of the United States. Note: Southern Baptists currently are observing the Week of Prayer for International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The theme of this years emphasis is "That All Peoples May Know Him: Seek Gods Passion." The goal of this years offering is $125 million and will be used for missions efforts throughout the world. The following article highlights one of the workers who minister outside of the United States. The Kekchi Baptist Association in Guatemala is more than a missions field - it is a missions-enabler. Indeed, the association has supported its own "home missionaries" for several years now, sending them out to start new works and help them grow. To fund the work, the association follows the Southern Baptist lead and sponsors an annual … [Read more...]
Pro-life advocates encouraged by recent elections
Reports indicate having a pro-life identification proved beneficial for congressional candidates in the recent round of elections. Now, pro-life advocates say they hope that development will manifest itself in the passage of key measures. Reports indicate having a pro-life identification proved beneficial for congressional candidates in the recent round of elections. Now, pro-life advocates say they hope that development will manifest itself in the passage of key measures. Exit and post-election polls showed pro-life candidates held an advantage with voters who saw abortion as an important issue. Overall, 41 percent of voters in nine states said the abortion issue affected their voting decisions. Of those, 61 percent said they voted for pro-life candidates in general, while 31 percent said they opted for pro-choice candidates. In terms of the total electorate, the result showed a 12 percent advantage for pro-life candidates. "That differential will win most contested races, and it did in this election," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "The first Tuesday of November was a day of tremendous … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of December 12, 2002 Cooperative Program Gifts through the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program totaled $16.1 million last month, an increase of $82,157 (0.5 percent) from the previous November. Two months into the conventions fiscal year, overall gifts total $29.9 million, an increase of more than $1.1 million (4 percent) from the same time last year. The total also stands $416,289 (1.4 percent) ahead of budget at this time. Meanwhile, designated gifts totaled a little more than $3.5 million last month, a decrease of $233,157 (6.2 percent) from the previous November. Two months into the fiscal year, overall gifts total almost $6.3 million, a drop of $793,301 (11.2 percent) from the same time last year. First Amendment case The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is appealing a ruling by an appellate court that said it cannot restrict speech on sidewalks running through its plaza in downtown Salt Lake City. The plaza used to be a section of Main Street but was purchased by the Mormons from the city in 1999. Upon purchasing the property, the church placed restrictions on demonstrations, protests and other activities in the one-block area. The American Civil Liberties Union and the First … [Read more...]