Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church
WEST MONROE, La. — Gasps of excitement wash over a…
Across the Nation: God’s Girls, walk to feed hungry, prayer enrichment and more quick takes
Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at [email protected].
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Doughnuts — and spiritual growth — are on the menu at the Southwest Church of Christ in Ada, Okla.
Oklahoma church welcomes God’s Girls: Spiritual growth and service, not to mention doughnuts, are on the menu at God’s Girls, an annual event hosted by the Southwest Church of Christ in Ada, Okla.
The recent gathering drew 200 girls and adult leaders.
“It is such an encouragement to be reminded that we are all sisters in Christ and are not alone in life, no matter what we may be facing,” Southwest member Michelle Osborn said.
Spotlight
Walking to feed the hungry: Sixteen members of the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago participated in Chicago’s 33rd annual Hunger Walk, a three-mile fund-raising walk that helps feed the needy.
The group raised nearly $2,500 for the church’s food pantry.
“That money will be used to purchase food, including holiday food, for the 50 to 60 families who we feed every week through our pantry,” said minister Patrick Odum, one of the walkers.
In all, more than 14,000 people packed the city’s lakefront for the recent Hunger Walk, organized by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The charity supports a network of soup kitchens, pantries and shelters.
Some of the Hunger Walk participants from the church.
Quick takes
CALIFORNIA
MALIBU — Is the Bible meant to be read as history or literature? Is it the verbatim word of God?
An in-depth study of ways to understand and engage Scripture is drawing a standing-room only crowd of young and old members and dozens of students to the University Church of Christ. The Sunday Bible class, taught by Al Sturgeon, John Wilson, John Barton and Dave Lemley, is averaging 70 to 80 attendees.
“This class has generated enthusiasm throughout the congregation and has sparked continuing conversation around the written word and its role in our lives,” church member Rick Gibson said. “The class offers an ‘open table’ conversation where anyone can bring their questions and even doubts to the table without facing judgment. No question is out of bounds.”
FLORIDA
JACKSONVILLE — About 400 men and women mobilized to take specific steps to improve their marriages during a recent weekend workshop offered by the San Jose Church of Christ, volunteer Trent Wheeler said.
Related: Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church
The workshop featured Al and Lisa Robertson of the “Duck Dynasty” family. Al Robertson is an elder and former minister for the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La.
LOUISIANA
CALHOUN — Attendance at the Calhoun Church of Christ’s recent 25th annual Prayer Enrichment Workshop averaged 60 to 75 per session, minister and elder Keith Roberts said.
Related: For rural Louisiana church, prayer workshop an annual source of spiritual growth, strength
About 25 volunteers organized the three-day workshop, which is designed “to help train and motivate God’s people to pray more effectively so we can win more people to Christ,” Roberts said.
Along with Roberts, presenters were Albert Lemmons, Shane Coffman, Dale Walker and Les Ferguson Jr.
Albert Lemmons makes a point at the 25th annual Prayer Enrichment Workshop at the Calhoun church.
OHIO
WESTERVILLE — A recent three-day garage sale by the Spring Road Church of Christ raised $6,000 to buy Bibles for distribution in India.
Children sold snacks and drinks and raised enough money to buy three bicycles for ministers in India. The money was given to Rick Johnson, a missionary supported by the church.
“Rick makes annual trips to India to preach and support local projects,” said Dan Arnold with the Spring Road church. Donations to help Johnson meet his goal of 10,000 Bibles can be sent to the West Freeway Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas.
TEXAS
ABILENE — Even at age 101, Lloyd Boyll shares his insights with the Minter Lane Church of Christ.
Lloyd Boyll
For years, he sat on the front pew. But even as his health keeps him at home, he sends his “Flashes of Light” to the senior adult Bible class each week.
The writings detail his observations and experiences.
Allison Jean, right, mother of shooting victim Botham Shem Jean, hugs a mourner after a prayer vigil at the Dallas West Church of Christ.
Quote of the month
“I can never give up because I know that Botham is singing with the angels, and I want to be in that choir.” — Allison Jean, mother of shooting victim Botham Shem Jean. Read the full story.
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