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.“

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.

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

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.

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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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

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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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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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.

U.S. Muslims decry political scare tactic

By Kim Vo

Muslim rumors have dogged Barack Obama throughout this presidential campaign, but the political arrows flew fast and furious this week, leaving Maha ElGenaidi anxious that her community would be further wounded in the aftermath.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Opposite Way | HHHH Album No. 2 is always critical for wunderkind bands. Leeland certainly falls into that category. The Texas-based quintet made its debut in 2006 with a package of pop hits, The Sound of Melodies. Cool. Now, does Leeland have another one of those albums in it, and the capacity to produce others? Or, would The Opposite Way somehow, sadly, artistically live up to its title?

Ownership of church buildings at stake

National groups say they get them when congregations defect

By Jennifer Garza

For 55 years, members of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church have tithed their 10 percent, money that often went toward maintaining 12 acres of tree-lined church property.

RELIGION BRIEFS

Many large U.S. faiths report membership decline

Most of the United States' 25 largest church bodies either lost members or experienced no growth in the past year, according to a 2008 yearbook produced by the National Council of Churches.

Study: U.S. religious life fluid, diverse

PROTESTANTS ON VERGE OF LOSING MAJORITY STATUS

By Neela Banerjee

More than a quarter of adult Americans have left the faith of their childhood to join another religion or profess no religion, according to a new survey of religious affiliation by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.

The cowboy way to pray

Services at Bourbon County Fairgrounds are open to those in jeans, muddy boots

By Risa Richardson

There is no stained glass or fancy carpet. In fact, for months, members of this church gathered on the packed dirt at a stockyard, patting their feet to the sound of bluegrass gospel music as the smell of manure, hay and diesel fuel wafted through the place.

My son is getting married today

That makes me happy and a little sad as well

By Paul Prather

Today I'll perform the rite in which my only child, John, marries his fiance, Cassie. Both seem deliriously happy and eager to get on with their future together.

Muslim candidate says his faith no drawback

Congressional hopeful in Indiana sees beliefs as 'platform to address ignorance'

By Ken Kusmer

A convert to Islam stands an election victory away from becoming the second Muslim elected to Congress and a role model for a faith community seeking to make its mark in national politics.

Faith Notes

The first annual Walk for Warmth, to benefit the Lexington Rescue Mission Homeless Prevention Program, will be at 11 a.m. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the mission facility, 649 North Limestone, Lexington, the starting point for the walk. The walk will end at Phoenix Park. Free parking is available at Park Plaza Garage, behind the downtown Lexington Public Library, and a shuttle service will take walkers to the mission facility.

Church affirms gay-clergy ban

The highest court of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ruled that there are no exceptions to the church's ban on ordaining non-celibate gays and lesbians.

Black churches' rich legacy explored

New exhibit focuses on history, role in community

By Robin Roenker

When the Rev. L.H. McIntyre became pastor of First African Baptist Church 33 years ago, the church history was just one page long. He decided to remedy that, not knowing at first that his decision would lead to a decades-long treasure hunt of sorts that has taken him across the state, and even to Virginia, to piece together his church's lineage from stacks of old court documents and deeds.

Devout Catholic author rigorous in examining gospels

By Amy Wilson

Unless you have a doctorate from Yale, have written acclaimed books about Saint Augustine, John Wayne and James Madison, won a Pulitzer Prize, ticked off Nixonites, the Vatican and the Kennedys and know which of the letters from the Apostle Paul was actually written by him, Garry Wills is just plain better prepared to take on intellectual discourse than you are.

Christian music the punk way

Family Force 5's pop-rock style has given them mainstream following

By Rich Copley

Family Force 5 probably wouldn't have happened five years ago. Definitely not 10. "I certainly don't know if we would have made sense," says guitarist Derek Mount, aka Chap Stique. "I think we freaked a lot of people when we first started, and I think we would have freaked a lot more people out if bands like Switchfoot and P.O.D. and Stryper hadn't paved the way a little bit."

FAITH NOTES

Project Linus will hold a Make-A-Blanket-Day at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2025 Bellefonte Dr., Lexington from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The blankets will be given to children who are in the hospital or undergoing some trauma. E-mail gingerturf@hotmail.com.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Every time I listened to Sanctus Real's new album, there would come a moment when I had to say to myself, "No, this isn't a Newsboys album." That does not make this a bad album. There are several strong tracks on this effort, plus a continuation of Sanctus' enduring themes of faith and connectedness. But it is a little disappointing that a group that's spent three albums developing its voice has slipped into appropriating another group's sound.

PREMATURE WIDOWHOOD

Loss of a spouse or partner is different for the young

By Cheryl Truman

Sometimes Heather Mahoney looks at her 18-month-old son and calls out to her dead husband. Brandon, are you listening? she'll ask. Brandon, do you hear this?

I wasn't accustomed to hearing God's voice

But, then, that's why you're reading this

By Paul Prather

In my last column, I suggested several tactics that can help us discern when God is leading us in a new direction. That started me reminiscing about times when I've thought perhaps God was directing me to do something. I realized that occasionally God speaks to us so strongly we don't need any additional pointers for discerning his will.

Church is 'out of the box, but in the book'

Biker in Paducah started ministry after his conversion

By Angie Kinsey

Dennis Lawrence can relate to most of his congregation at Free Spirit, a motorcycle ministry in downtown Paducah. Lawrence, who preaches in his biker gear and rides a Harley, struggled with addiction and spent time in jail years ago, but he said he has something most of the people who walk in the door are missing -- a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Stellar Kart's Expect the Impossible is about as pure as power pop gets. The third album from the Phoenix quartet is also a bold, uncompromising album that, along with some other recent and forthcoming efforts, proves the obituary for Christian rock was written prematurely.

FAITH NOTES

The Daughters of Zion of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Midway will sponsor a Chocolate-Go-Round Festival from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Midway Woman's Club clubhouse, 233 South Gratz St., Midway. About 20 chocolate desserts will be offered as well as a make-your-own chocolate waffle bar and a chocolate fountain. Tickets are $10, including four desserts. Call (859) 846-9787.

Easter plays

Submit information about your church's Easter play to hlfaith@ herald-leader.com by March 1 to be included in our listing on March 15.

Spirit of counsel

Stephen ministers are trained in listening to those with problems

By Robin Roenker

At any given time in any church congregation, there are families mourning the loss of a loved one, other members struggling with a cancer diagnosis, perhaps others grieving a recent divorce or job loss.

FAITH NOTES

Winchester Christian Academy, 2410 W. Lexington Ave., Winchester, will host one in a series of Game Nights at 6 p.m., featuring Rook, cornhole, board games and concessions. The series continues Feb. 16 and 23.

International cuisine can spice up Lent

Lenten foods from other cultures don't sacrifice flavor

By Jennifer Forker

Personal renewal and sacrifice need not taste bland. Christians around the world are preparing for Lent, the 40 days of fasting and reflection that lead up to Easter, usually beginning on Ash Wednesday for Western churches. (Eastern churches may begin and end earlier.)

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

On The North Pole Project, Number One Gun lives up to its name in one significant respect: It is the product of one person, frontman Jeff Schneeweis.

Headliners have a history at Ichthus

Daytime regulars graduate to night concerts

By Rich Copley

I don't know if Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Kutless or tobyMac have Movin' on Up, the old Jeffersons theme song, in their set lists. But the tune would be more than appropriate for any one of those acts when they play the Ichthus Festival this year.

Back to the earth

'Green burials' don't preserve remains with enbalming, metal coffins

By Jay Levin

Genevieve Maiberger is excited about her burial. When the time arrives, the retired schoolteacher from Teaneck, N.J., will be placed in a linen shroud and planted in the earth of a hilltop in a lovely meadow, along with the ashes of her husband, Leo, now on the bedroom dresser.

I really don't know God's will for you

But you can do things to get an idea

By Paul Prather

People often come to us ministers for help in making crucial decisions. "Should I marry my fiance despite his obvious flaws?" a woman might ask.

Insurer rejects church over gay-rights stand

Company sees threat of property damage

By M.P. McQueen

A small protestant church in Adrian, Mich., has weathered controversies surrounding abolition, the Civil War, desegregation and Vietnam since it was established in 1836. Now, because its denomination supports gay rights, the church has been deemed too risky for property insurance.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

Fall and Winter | 4 out of 5 stars Switchfoot's songs have long addressed issues about faith in this modern world, usually dressed up in rockin' grooves that touch on pop, punk and funk. Oh! Gravity, the band's last disc, even found the group, and specifically frontman Jon Foreman, going more and more behind closed doors for songs that sounded like they came from deeply personal places -- see Faust, Midas and Myself or Let Your Love be Strong.

Unique as Christians

Latter-Day Saints share many beliefs, but have their own

By Rob Hymas

The beliefs and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have come under intense media scrutiny both nationally and internationally because of the current presidential campaign.

Tax collectors test churches' hospitality

Scrutiny of business ventures on rise

By Suzanne Sataline

With expansion-minded churches managing real-estate portfolios, sports centers and even shopping malls, religious leaders are increasingly getting unwelcome visits from tax collectors.

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Highlights and reviews of new releases and publications

One of the surprisingly quiet headlines about Kevin Max's new album is that it contains a dc talk reunion. Yes, Kev did invite his former band mates Michael Tait and Tobymac to join him for a rendition of Prince's The Cross. No, this album sounds nothing like dc talk.

FAITH NOTES

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 533 E. Main St., Lexington, will hold a men's breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the undercroft. Call (859) 252-1744.

Inherit the earth

Faith communities step up their global stewardship

By Margaret Buranen | Special To The Herald-Leader

In the beginning, Christians believe, God created the Earth. And on the sixth day, mankind was created to be a caretaker of it. It's a charge some churches are now taking to heart.

Services have changed since I was a boy

Clothing is more casual; music is more modern

By Paul Prather

As a new year is wont to do, the arrival of 2008 has prodded me to think about the past. I've been considering how churches have changed in the five decades of my life.

Rodeo school combines roping, Bible study

Challenges young cowboys for Jesus

By Brett Hoffman

In the first century, Jesus commissioned his followers to make the catch, meaning that his small band of apostolic fishermen would reel in converts and engage them in discipleship training.