Voices-only Wednesday: ‘There’s a Fountain Free’ down under, ‘Star Wars’ and more

This week, please permit me shamelessly to plug a couple of recent stories here at www.christianchronicle.org.

If you haven’t read our feature from New Zealand on “Boiling faith” down under, now would be a great time. (I’ll wait here, promise.)

While I was in New Zealand reporting the story, I recorded this upbeat rendition of “There’s a Fountain Free” at the annual Men’s Challenge in Rotorua. The song was written by Mary B. Slade in the 1800s (no relation, therefore, to the 1970s glam-rock band Slade).

The song leader here is from a Church of Christ in Auckland, N.Z.

Also, check out my Road Notes about visiting Hobbiton and getting a much-needed smack in the face. And see my photo gallery for more pictures of mud holes and Hobbit holes.

Here’s a more traditional arrangement of “Fountain” courtesy of the Greenwood Park Church of Christ in Bowling Green, Ky.

(Also, check out this cool welcome video the church posted on its YouTube page.)

The next piece I’m shamelessly plugging is from our new online feature, “Faith in the headlines.” Here we highlight headlines in the world of religion as we endeavor to inform readers about significant current events and trends. Check out Bobby Ross’ first installment, “Inside Dr. Ben Carson’s Seventh-day Adventist affiliation.”

When it was my turn to write one, I also chose a topic of great theological importance — “Star Wars” See “‘Hokey religions’ no more — the conversion of Han Solo.”

Which brings me to this … A CAPPELLA STAR WARS!

I originally planned to hold this one until Dec. 16, two days before “The Force Awakens” hits theaters, but I couldn’t wait. As the movie gets closer I may find an excuse to revisit this galaxy far, far away (not to be confused with the Slade hit “Far Far Away” from 1974).

Let’s close with one more song by Mary B. Slade, “Hark the Gentle Voice of Jesus Falleth” by the Dallas Christian Adult Concert Choir.

Email me your suggestions for Voices-only Wednesday or post links below.