Faith Notes

Tibetan Buddhist Community of Lexington, 1800 Gayle Drive, Lexington, will have a slide show on Tibet and a short celebration for the birthday of the Dalai Lama, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

The Fourth of July ­week is an appropriate time to to praise a great ­American ­songwriter. With his Spring and ­Summer EPs, Jon ­Foreman has cemented ­himself as just that.

Family plus

Couple brought home boy from orphanage, then his best friend

By Jim Niemi

Five years ago, Ivan and Alex were best friends, living in an orphanage in the Ukraine. Today, the 14-year-olds are also brothers, having been adopted by Becky and Mike Child of Lexington.

Decline of evangelicals is not surprising

Paul Prather

Earlier this month, the Herald-Leader carried an op-ed piece that detailed a dramatic erosion in the numbers and social influence of U.S. evangelical Christians.

Presbyterian assembly votes to drop gay-clergy ban

By Eric Gorski

The Louisville-based Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), bitterly divided over sexuality and the Bible, set up another confrontation Friday over its ban on ordaining non-celibate gays and lesbians.

Faith notes

The Consolidated District Laymen will sponsor a Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 103 Cushionberry Lane, Keene.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Superchick breaks the silence — as it often does — of a quiet couple of months for new releases in the Christian rock market with its fourth studio album, Rock What You Got.

In The footprints of Christ

Yes, Jesus walked here

Trail project in Israel leads tourists off the beaten path

By Laurie Copans

MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, ­Israel — A dirt path begins across the road from a bus-congested holy site on Israel's Sea of Galilee, ­winding up a hill covered with wild oat and thistle.

Military "family readiness'

Soldiers' spouses help one another

Margaret Buranen

While Matt Krupp serves in Afghanistan with other members of the 201st Engineer Battalion of the Kentucky National Guard, his wife, Kylene, and 2-year-old daughter Sarah are counting the days until he returns.

RC TALK

Violins expand sound of Christian rock

The numerous Guitar Hero controllers slung at the Ichthus Festival reinforce the electric six-string's dominance in rock and at Ichthus.

Religious drive

Associated Press

South Carolina's lieutenant governor announced last week that he is willing to put up $4,000 of his own money so his state can become the first in the nation to issue ”I Believe“ license plates with the image of a cross and a stained glass window.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Books

Faith notes

Today

Group creates bouquets for hospice patients

By Mary Meehan

They make quick work of it, these flower ladies. Within an hour, four funeral arrangements and all manner of blooms spread across a table in the basement of the First Christian church are transformed.

Football lessons relevant today

By Paul Prather

I had lunch the other day with an old friend who was passing through Mount Sterling with his wife.

Ichthus closing a time of prayer, fun

By Rich Copley

As Ichthus winds down, here are a few festival notes for today and next year.

NOT JUST MUSIC: Films entertain between bands

OPENING DAY: Cicadas join the fun

OPENING DAY: Some face long lines, waits, delays

A GREENER ICHTHUS: Visiting teens go out of the way to help environment

LIVE BLOGGING: Rich Copley keeps you up to date on the fest

PHOTOS and VIDEO:

Writing for Christian audience

Elizabethtown conference to show authors how to reach the faithful

By Jim Niemi

Aspiring writers who hope to find an audience among Christian readers can learn how to reach them at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, June 20-21 in Elizabethtown.

Weekly offerings

Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

I am taking a morning walk through my suburban neighborhood, but in my head, I am at the Ichthus Festival or anywhere TobyMac is presenting his backflipping, breathless show.

Faith notes

The Tibetan Buddhist Community of Lexington will hold a teaching today and June 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 903 Manchester St. No previous knowledge of Buddhism is necessary. Teachings are free. Call (859) 396-3505 or check the Web site (http://www.tbcl.org).

RC TALK

SOUL SHIFT

Rock-star dreams transform into heartfelt desire to help others

By Rich Copley

Stephanie Smith will be on the main stage at this week's Ichthus Festival twice, a Wednesday evening showcase of acts from her label, Gotee Records, and a 4:10 p.m. slot Thursday. But before that, she'll be in Lexington joining festival-goers who get into town early to work on a mission project organized by the festival and several Central Kentucky ministries and churches.

New Islamic center to open

It's hoped that with a capacity of 400, it will serve for years to come

By Jim Niemi

ELIZABETHTOWN — You can find the oldest free-standing mosque in Kentucky here, and in two months, you will also be able to visit Kentucky's newest Islamic center, which includes a mosque, or masjid, as well as places for gatherings such as weddings, anniversaries, lectures and sports.

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Music

Vacation bible schools combine biblical lessons with a lot of fun

By Amy Wilson

In some festooned Sunday school classroom on some weekday in July, some first-grade girl will fuss with crepe paper and foam board, silk flowers and sticky glue, and she will don herself a mighty fine skirt that wiggles just so when she does.

"Eye of God' the simplest of crafts to do

A craft often done at vacation bible school, summer camp or Sunday school is known as ”Eye of God“ or ”Ojo de Dios.“ The Huichol people of northwest Mexico are thought to have originated the art. Each point of the ”ojo“ represents earth, fire, air and water, and is to remind us that God is watching over all things.

Listings for Vacation Bible Schools

Some of the churches offer dinner before VBS, special transportation arrangements, and other activities during VBS week. Call the church for full details.

Quest to greatly expand worship center

$12.6 MILLION RAISED IN 3-YEAR PLEDGES FROM 958 FAMILIES

By Jim Niemi

In the wake of a thwarted attempt to build a megachurch outside the urban service area in south Lexington, Quest Community Church will add 46,000 square feet to its worship center off Reynolds Road.

Kenwick home, garden tour

By Jim Niemi

The Kenwick Neighborhood Association and Victory Christian Church are teaming for a tour of residents' homes and gardens on June 8.

Faith Notes

The choir of the Lexington Chinese Christian Church, 4030 Lexington Road, Nicholasville, is performing Chinese folk music to raise funds for earthquake victims in China. The concert at the church begins at 8 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil at 9 p.m.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian'

Narnia has a growing following

Books, and films, keep giving C.S. Lewis a new audience

By Christopher Quinn

The highly anticipated movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, sequel to the 2005 blockbuster The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, has created another intense wave of interest in C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, on which the movies are based.

I'm going to be a grandfather!

I'm shocked, I'm awed, I'm giddy about grandchild

PAUL PRATHER

In late March we had a small party for my 52nd birthday. My girlfriend, Liz, cooked dinner for me and my son, John, my daughter-in-law, Cassie, and my dad.

London landmark celebrates restoration

Restoration brings St. Martin's 18th-century glory to light

Associated Press

LONDON — A church famous for its classical music concerts recently celebrated the end of two years of renovations with a grand reopening in the heart of London.

Vatican opens door to little green men

Chicago Tribune

Word that the Vatican had declared devout Catholics free to believe in aliens traveled at warp speed last week, around the globe and, quite possibly, to points unknown.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Like the Chris Daughtrys and Clay Aikens of mainstream pop, an increasing number of American Idol finalists who didn't win the big prize are ­finding homes on Christian music labels, charts and ­concert tours.

Faith notes

Tibetan Buddhist Community of Lexington will hold a teaching titled How to Develop Bodhicitta from 10-11:30 a.m.

Garden is fertile ground for reconciliation

Empty lot is fertile ground for seeds of reconciliation

By Amy Wilson

Upon his death in 1854, London Ferrill was buried on East Third Street in the Episcopal Burying Ground's rector's plot. He was not the rector at Lexington's influential and powerful Christ Church, nor had he ever been.

I am, therefore I write

We all want to see our thoughts in print

Paul Prather

I've long tried to figure out what makes some of us want to see our thoughts set down in print, as if the things we say are so important they should be preserved.

Parents keep baccalaureates going

Services designed to be more inspirational than religious

By Jim Niemi

Graduating seniors at area high schools will have a chance to wear their caps and gowns more than once. The baccalaureate service, traditionally a religious service for graduating seniors, is surviving for at least one more class of graduates.

Joel Osteen to bring upbeat message to Louisville

Upbeat sermon, music designed to make audience leave feeling better

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Mega-church pastor, televangelist and all-around happy guy Joel Osteen is appearing in Louisville Sunday to hold a ”Night of Hope.“

Faith Notes

Today

■ The Women of St. Paul A.M.E. Church are ­sponsoring a ”My Man Can Cook“ ­competition at noon at the church, 251 North Upper Street, Lexington. There will be four categories: chili/soup, entrees, desserts and something special (anything that doesn't fit in the other categories). Tickets for the tasting are $5.Call (859) 255-7945. Also, the women will celebrate Women's Day at 11 a.m. May 25. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Maxine Thomas, the new assistant pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. An afternoon program will begin at 4 p.m. featuring Ohio gospel recording artist Marlyce McCants and the Jimtown Male Chorus.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

music

Web sites help in difficult times

More patients, concerned friends turn to computer to stay in touch

By Margaret Buranen

It's great to have friends when you are sick. But it's not so great for the phone to ring all day long when you feel lousy.

Mission groups plan projects before Ichthus

Will plant, clean up inner-city areas before Ichthus

Rich Copley

Add the Ichthus Festival to the growing list of cultural outposts ”going green.“

Young faith-based voters can't be pegged

Social justice becoming an increasing concern

By Lillian Cunningham

CHICAGO — Liberal, religious voters are making their voices heard. And the youngest voices are often the loudest, as a new generation of believers begins to reshape the public discourse on faith in America.

Day or night, somebody is always praying

Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO — Hour by hour, the prayers seemed to take on a weight and importance all their own.

Faith Notes: Local events

Saturday

RELIGION BRIEF

A.M.E. church to hold convention despite pleas for boycott of host city

ST. LOUIS — The African Methodist Episcopal Church will hold its convention in St. Louis this summer despite boycott pleas by local blacks unhappy with the city's white mayor.

Mercer churches join forces to fight drugs

By Jim Niemi

HARRODSBURG — Motivated by what they perceive to be an epidemic of illicit drug use in their communities, churches in Mercer County are joining forces to combat the problem.

Congregants urged to buy pastor's silence

By Jim Niemi

How much would you pay to shorten your minister's Sunday sermon?

Faith Notes

Today

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It's always a good sign when you're listening to an album if your fingers drift over to the volume button to turn it up. Something's caught your attention, and you want more.

Presbyterian high court rules against censure

CLERIC PERFORMED SAME-SEX MARRIAGES

By Jim Niemi

The highest court in the Presbyterian Church (USA) ordered that one of its ministers who performed same-sex marriages should not be censured by the church.

Motivational speakers: You can be whatever you want

By Jim Niemi

Improve your productivity without working harder or longer!

Now I don't judge people as much

We don't always know the factors that cause people to act

Paul Prather

Last month I turned 52. It was something of a shock. Fifty-two isn't decrepit, but it's sure a lot older than I used to be.

Presbyterians review case on gay marriage

By Jim Niemi

A Presbyterian minister sat Friday to be judged by the denomination's highest court, which will decide whether she violated church law by performing marriages for same-sex couples.

Faith notes

Awards

Methodists work hard to stay unified

Denomination sees how deep divisions have hurt Episcopalians

By Sam Hodges

DALLAS — Nearly 1,000 United Methodists lay and clergy delegates — mainly from the United States, but with a strong African contingent — have been gathered since Wednesday in Fort Worth for General Conference, a term that covers the denomination's top legislative body and the body's quadrennial meeting.

CLOSE-UP TODAY'S TOPIC: RELIGION

Scholars take new look at Islam

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MUHAMMAD'S WORDS EXAMINED

By Dion Nissenbaum

In a boxy stone building in the shadow of Ankara's central mosque, a group of scholars is spearheading a reinterpretation of the literary foundations of Islam that has been compared to Christianity's Protestant Reformation.

St. Patrick visit first for a Pope

By Verena Dobnik

The second day of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to New York took on special meaning for Roman Catholics because it was the first time that a pope has celebrated Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Pope speaks on youth, sex abuse, U.S. fervor

By Victor L. Simpson

Pope Benedict XVI focused on the future of the American church Saturday as he marked the third anniversary of his election as pontiff, rallying young people, priests and seminarians and assuring them of his support as they dealt with the damage from the clergy sex abuse scandal.

Church helps Haiti (and vice versa)

For 30 years, Richmond group has helped others help themselves

By Jim Warren

Back in the late 1970s, Barry Benton started flying small teams of dentists and doctors on mission trips to Haiti, hoping to fulfill God's will by helping to improve medical care for needy residents of the impoverished Caribbean nation.

Asbury hosts a weekend of culture

Rich Copley

For years, Asbury College has touted its international media credentials, with graduates working for broadcast and theatrical outfits around the world.

Ukraine is losing its wooden churches

After decades of atheism, parishioners are a threat

By Alex Rodriguez

LVIV, Ukraine — The ­rustic beauty of Ukraine's famed wooden churches is surpassed only by their capacity for survival.

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P.O.D. welcomes back guitarist with new album

Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

What better way for a band to welcome back its estranged guitar player than to give him an entire new album?

Faith Notes

The Eckankar Center of Lexington will host ”Come Share Your Dreams.“ In this open discussion, participants can share their dreams and learn from others from 1-2 p.m. at 153 Patchen Dr., Suite 55-B. Call (859) 268-4888.

Benedict XVI makes his first U.S. visit

Diocese gets 75 tickets to pope events

By Jim Niemi

When Pope Benedict XVI visits the United States next week, the Bluegrass will be well represented.

Novel reveals truths about everyone

Graham Greene's masterpiece speaks to good, evil

By Paul Prather

I've just finished reading Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory, one of the finer novels I've read in a long while, maybe ever.

Asbury to engage you in culture

Herald-Leader staff report

WILMORE, KY — Asbury College is hosting a weekend of entertainment April 24-26 that includes a concert, a film festival and a sneak peak at an upcoming Disney movie.

Faith notes

Tibetan Buddhist Community of Lexington will hold a teaching titled ”Death and Rebirth“ from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Each teaching is followed by discussion, and suggested readings are supplied in advance upon request.

Send us your vacation Bible school listings

Ready to saddle up for Jesus?

Belief in God can be an invaluable supplement to medicine, some say

Belief in God can be an invaluable supplement to medicine, some say

By Jim Niemi

MOUNT STERLING — Nearly three years ago, just days before his 15th birthday, Brandon Stull jumped onto his spanking-new all-terrain vehicle for a ride that would change his life.

Faith-based group helps prisoners adjust after release

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Faith-based prison services take a variety of forms across the United States. The trend kicked into high gear when President Bush announced in his 2004 State of the Union address a new program ”to help reduce recidivism among ex-offenders.“

Faith-based prison services grow across nation

By Audra D.S. Burch

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. — J. Allison DeFoor II had been meditative all morning — prayerful on his way to the Wakulla Correctional Institution, where he worships most Sundays; as he delivered communion; as he placed his right hand atop snowy-haired Ralph Matthews, a sex offender who would be freed in four days.

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Scholar's work saves New Testament manuscripts for future generations

Scholar's photographic work saves New Testament manuscripts for future

By Deborah Fleck

DALLAS — Armed with high-tech cameras and computers, Daniel B. Wallace travels around the world to photograph New Testament manuscripts that are many centuries old. The pages are often fragile and the writing may be faded, but his work assures that the treasured contents will be preserved.

Evangelicals' shifting politics

Group holding revivals to shift focus toward issues of social justice

By Julie Carr Smyth

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An evangelical group that wants to reshape the movement's political reputation for being focused on opposing abortion and same-sex marriage is hoping that a series of meetings stressing its roots in women's suffrage and abolition will help it break out of the mold.

Kentucky chaplain seeks to give comfort in Iraq

Helps in the toughest times

By Steve Lannen

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — In a place where everyone is armed, all he carries is a camouflage Bible.

Chaplains know better than most the cost of war

Chaplains know better than most the cost of war

By Sharon Cohen

As the U.S. military death toll in the Iraq war has reached 4,000, military chaplains in Iraq and across America wrestle with the hard questions. These are the men and women who pray with the mortally wounded, who administer last rites on bomb-scarred roads, who sit at kitchen tables with grieving families back home.

Interfaith groups filling a need

By Jim Niemi

As Kentuckians and Americans nationwide struggled to come to grips with the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, they sought to understand how terrorists could carry them out in the name of Islam and want to take credit for them.

Church says Oprah stole their idea

The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Every night for years, Leesa Bellesi would kneel beside her bed and say a prayer for Oprah. But she won't watch Oprah's show anymore.

Candidates rooted, or mired, in faith

Religion can cut both ways, both luring and repelling voters

By Scott Shepard and Ken Herman

WASHINGTON — The presidential candidates in the 2008 race for the White House might now be paying for cozying up to controversial religious leaders.

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Books

Faith Notes

Today

Easter is almost never this early

By Jim Niemi

Two weeks ago, you might have been surprised that it was time to turn your clocks ahead because of the arrival of daylight-saving time.

Easter sunrise services

Services will be held at the church unless otherwise noted.

If you're reading this, say "Amen'

No stamps or stationery; just a world to connect with

Paul Prather

After my March 8 column ran, I was reminded how much the Internet has changed the ways we communicate and, by extension, the ways in which we conduct religious ministry.

FAITH NOTES

First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Main St., Richmond, will hold a More Than Eggs Easter Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon. It will include drama, games, crafts, refreshments and an egg hunt.

Books expound on resurrection

Associated Press

On Easter Sunday, Christians will proclaim the message at the heart of their faith — ”He is risen“ — and will affirm the hope that God will raise all the dead at the end of time.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

On the first spin, Shawn McDonald's Roots sounds like a nice album. Listen to it again. Let it sink in. Notice sonic flourishes like the toy piano on the opening track, Clarity, and the liberal and effective use of strings throughout the disc.

Lexington's special Easter performances

Local churches are busy celebrating Easter in song and drama

By Robin Roenker

Against an elaborate, three-story stage that re-creates Jerusalem in Lexington, a dozen men rehearse their lines for the church’s annual Passion Play.

Play on culture and belief is part of Humana Festival

By Rich Copley

The ­Civilians didn't go to ­Colorado Springs, Colo., looking for a controversy. The New York-based theater troupe specializes in creating shows based on interviews with people in ­specific locations or ­connected to specific issues.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Inhabited's Love grabs your attention at first listen with sounds you don't hear a lot in Christian rock: Marcus Acker's staccato guitar groove, a little punctuating rap, the throaty alto of front woman Sara Acker and a beat that sets your toes tapping and hips swaying.

Faith Notes

St. Luke United Methodist Church, Lexington, will hold an Easter Egg-Stravaganza at 2 p.m. at the Gainesway Community Center off Centre Parkway.

Religion briefs

60 Va. religious leaders protest coal energy plant

Associated Press

More than 60 faith leaders from across Virginia have joined environmental groups in urging Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to oppose a coal-fired power plant that Dominion Virginia Power wants to build.

Becoming attraction

Center Point uses rented space to reach out to a different crowd

By Robin Roenker

When Tim Parsons launched Center Point Church of Lexington in September 2005 ”kamikaze style“ — with just a few members, modest funding and a deluge of signs and door hangers to announce their presence — he decided to rent worship space in Hamburg Pavilion's Regal Cinemas ”as a last resort,“ he said.

America's Bible illiteracy

Even basic stories unknown to the smartest people

By Paul Prather

I haven't been able to work up much enthusiasm for this election season's presidential candidates, Democratic or ­Republican. Overall, my ­reaction to the primaries has been a long, extended yawn.

Imam translates Quran 
for African immigrants

By Niraj Warikoo

Born into a devout Muslim family in west Africa, Imam Momodou Ceesay studied Arabic and the Quran at an early age. It concerned him that millions of African Muslims were unable to understand the Quran because it was written in Arabic, a language foreign to many of them.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Unbreakable is infused with a tremendous sense of drama and such skilled use of the power chord to propel a song that it’s no wonder NBC licensed it to promote its ­Bionic Woman series. It’s also taken Fireflight to the top of the Christian music charts, again. But that’s one song. Would Unbreakable, the album, be worth a more substantial investment?

Faith Notes

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 215 Douglas Ave., Versailles, will celebrate its 160th anniversary at 5 p.m. The service will features community choirs. The celebration will continue at 11 a.m. Sunday. A dinner will be served after the Sunday service.

Simon gets no say

'Idol' contestant has the last lyric, singing what comes naturally

By Rich Copley

Ardent observers of American Idol and similar shows often say it is better to make it onto the show, be seen by the masses, and bow out early.

Football and Christian music: an unlikely duo

Connersvine guitarist works around NFL schedule

By Rich Copley

Hunter Smith is used to playing larger venues than Rupp Arena. Thing is, he's not playing his guitar at those gigs. At least 18 weeks a year, he's bouncing a football off his toe high into the air of the RCA Dome or another NFL stadium as the punter for the Indianapolis Colts, a job he has had since 1999.

Faith Notes

The Tibetan Buddhist Community of Lexington will hold a class on basic Buddhism from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 903 Manchester St., Lexington. The class will include a discussion session, and suggested readings will be supplied. E-mail info@TibetanBuddhistLex.org or call Richard Farkas at (859) 396-3505.