Across the Nation: 125th birthday celebration, beyond segregated Sunday and more quick takes
Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs,…
Across the Nation: Jail baptisms, church treats 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].
Featured photo (above)
Tennessee Christians celebrate baptisms of four jail inmates: Christians pray as they celebrate the recent baptisms of four jail inmates.
The souls were brought to Christ through what Glen and Wanda Reed, members of the Exchange Street Church of Christ in Union City, Tenn., view as divine providence.
The Reeds were among volunteers who organized a yard sale to benefit New Pathways for Children, a Melber, Ky., ministry associated with Churches of Christ. Unloading donations, the group needed help. Inmates doing community service were enlisted, sparking the conversations that led to their conversions.
Spotlight
Environmental services workers at a Little Rock, Ark., hospital have stayed busy during the pandemic, keeping patient rooms and the hospital clean.
Working at UAMS — University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — the team consists of three shifts of people, each with about 95 staff members.
The WindSong Church of Christ has adopted the team, providing treats such as cookies.
“There are not many organizations that can support such a large staff, but the WindSong church continues to show up and show out in the best imaginable way,” UAMS volunteer coordinator Marcia Dunbar said. “I cannot explain what this kindness has meant to our staff.”
Minister Keith Harris serves at the hospital along with his wife, Lindsey, and daughter, Zoe.
Quick takes
GEORGIA
SAVANNAH — The Parkway Church of Christ organized a recent virtual seminar aimed at reducing stress during the pandemic, drawing about 30 participants.
“During a pandemic, we eventually run on empty. This seminar was to refuel those who love the Lord so they, in return, could refresh others.”
The online event offered “practical advice and spiritual encouragement to those in need,” women’s ministry leader Donna B. Comeaux said.
“During a pandemic, we eventually run on empty,” Comeaux wrote. “This seminar was to refuel those who love the Lord so they, in return, could refresh others. … At the end of the seminar, our preacher’s final words (off camera) were, ‘Guys, I’m so full. That was awesome.’
“Those words confirmed that God had done exactly what he intended to do with this seminar. Encourage. Refresh. Refuel. Amen!”
TENNESSEE
KNOXVILLE — Last summer, the South Knoxville Church of Christ launched a weekly ministry to help the homeless and less fortunate.
The Hands and Feet program each Saturday morning “has blossomed into more than we could have dreamed,” member J.L. Steele said.
South Knoxville Church of Christ members help with the Hands and Feet program.
Members have provided more than 1,100 sandwiches, along with drinks, snacks, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, coats and personal hygiene products, Steele said.
“In a time when it may be difficult for many to feel involved in the Lord’s work, this has provided a real spark to our membership,” he said.
Newport, Rhode Island, USA – July 27,2019: Dolly Parton performs at The Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.
Quote of the month
“The Deans were Church of Christ people. They don’t believe in having any instruments in their church; they just use their voices.” — country singer Dolly Parton, talking about the Christian faith of her husband Carl Dean’s parents. Read the full story.
