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Thursday, April 27, 2006
Palestinian Anglican priest Naim Ateek to receive Episcopal Peace Fellowship’s 2006 John Nevin Sayre Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2006
Contacts: The Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, D.Min.
Chair, Friends of Sabeel—North America
(503) 653-6625 friends@fosna.org
Jackie Lynn
Episcopal Peace Fellowship
(312) 922-8628 or 847-502-5921 epfnational@ameritech.net
The Rev. Canon Naim Ateek, a Palestinian Anglican priest and the founder and director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, will receive the 2006 John Nevin Sayre Award from the Episcopal Peace Fellow of the Episcopal Church in the United States. The award is named after a founding member of the U.S. branch of the Fellowship of Reconciliation Sabeel is a movement of Palestinian Christians working with mainstream churches in North America and Europe to host regional and international conferences, witness trips to the Holy Land, and theological education.
The EPF statement of award noted, “Canon Naim Ateek’s voice is heard around the world as a strong voice of faith and nonviolence. His message of nonviolence states, ‘as a Christian, I know that the way of Christ is the way of nonviolence and, therefore, I condemn all forms of violence and terrorism whether coming from the government (of Israel) or from militant (Palestinian) groups.’” Ateek is author of Justice and Only Justice: a Palestinian Theology of Liberation. He has edited Holy Land Common Ground and Challenging Christian Zionism: Theology, Politics, and the Israel-Palestine Conflict, compilations of papers from two major international Sabeel conferences held in Jerusalem in 1998 and 2004. Ateek also publishes a quarterly theological journal, Cornerstone, circulated in many countries.
Canon Ateek will be present at the 75th Annual General Convention of the Episcopal Church, June 12-21st in Columbus, Ohio where he, along with a second recipient, Madeline Trichel, will receive their awards at a reception on Saturday, June 17th at Trinity Episcopal Church (corner of Broad and 3rd on Capitol Square) in Columbus. Tickets can be purchased from Episcopal Peace Fellowship for $25.00.
Canon Ateek has directed the work of Sabeel for 14 years and in that time the support for his work has grown, with Friends of Sabeel centers established in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, and elsewhere. In the U.S. fifteen major regional conferences have attracted thousands to hear words of witness by Palestinians and Israelis living at the center of the conflict. International conferences in Jerusalem bring Christians from around the world for pilgrimage and witness to the lives of Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation. Over 600 people participated in the 2004 conference, Challenging Christian Zionism. The 6th international Sabeel conference will be November 2-9, 2006, in Jerusalem: “The Forgotten Faithful: A Window into the Life and Witness of Christians of the Holy Land” will focus on the heritage and witness of Palestinian Christians. Details of that event are posted at www.fosna.org.
Canon Ateek is a graduate of Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley and Doctor of Ministry, San Francisco Theological Seminary with honorary D. Min. degrees from CDSP (1995)and EDS (2001) and Distinguished Alumni Award from San Francisco Seminary (2002).
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
April 28, 2006
Contacts: The Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, D.Min.
Chair, Friends of Sabeel—North America
(503) 653-6625 friends@fosna.org
Jackie Lynn
Episcopal Peace Fellowship
(312) 922-8628 or 847-502-5921 epfnational@ameritech.net
The Rev. Canon Naim Ateek, a Palestinian Anglican priest and the founder and director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, will receive the 2006 John Nevin Sayre Award from the Episcopal Peace Fellow of the Episcopal Church in the United States. The award is named after a founding member of the U.S. branch of the Fellowship of Reconciliation Sabeel is a movement of Palestinian Christians working with mainstream churches in North America and Europe to host regional and international conferences, witness trips to the Holy Land, and theological education.
The EPF statement of award noted, “Canon Naim Ateek’s voice is heard around the world as a strong voice of faith and nonviolence. His message of nonviolence states, ‘as a Christian, I know that the way of Christ is the way of nonviolence and, therefore, I condemn all forms of violence and terrorism whether coming from the government (of Israel) or from militant (Palestinian) groups.’” Ateek is author of Justice and Only Justice: a Palestinian Theology of Liberation. He has edited Holy Land Common Ground and Challenging Christian Zionism: Theology, Politics, and the Israel-Palestine Conflict, compilations of papers from two major international Sabeel conferences held in Jerusalem in 1998 and 2004. Ateek also publishes a quarterly theological journal, Cornerstone, circulated in many countries.
Canon Ateek will be present at the 75th Annual General Convention of the Episcopal Church, June 12-21st in Columbus, Ohio where he, along with a second recipient, Madeline Trichel, will receive their awards at a reception on Saturday, June 17th at Trinity Episcopal Church (corner of Broad and 3rd on Capitol Square) in Columbus. Tickets can be purchased from Episcopal Peace Fellowship for $25.00.
Canon Ateek has directed the work of Sabeel for 14 years and in that time the support for his work has grown, with Friends of Sabeel centers established in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, and elsewhere. In the U.S. fifteen major regional conferences have attracted thousands to hear words of witness by Palestinians and Israelis living at the center of the conflict. International conferences in Jerusalem bring Christians from around the world for pilgrimage and witness to the lives of Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation. Over 600 people participated in the 2004 conference, Challenging Christian Zionism. The 6th international Sabeel conference will be November 2-9, 2006, in Jerusalem: “The Forgotten Faithful: A Window into the Life and Witness of Christians of the Holy Land” will focus on the heritage and witness of Palestinian Christians. Details of that event are posted at www.fosna.org.
Canon Ateek is a graduate of Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley and Doctor of Ministry, San Francisco Theological Seminary with honorary D. Min. degrees from CDSP (1995)and EDS (2001) and Distinguished Alumni Award from San Francisco Seminary (2002).
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Da Vinci Code controversy: Is the truth stranger than fiction?
New Testament scholars see upcoming movie as an opportunity to tell the whole story
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nathan Bupp
Phone: (716) 636-7571 x 218
E-mail: nbupp@centerforinquiry.net
(April 27, 2006)—Have you ever wondered: How did the Roman Emperor Constantine figure in the development of Christian theology? How did the Gospels come to be accepted as the established accounts of Jesus’ life, and why were other versions, such as the Gnostic traditions, suppressed? What was Mary Magdalene’s role in early Christianity, and how was it adapted in later attempts to develop a “sacred feminine” element in Christianity?
With the recent plagiarism trial in London and the upcoming movie thriller, scheduled to open on May 19th, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code has generated a firestorm of publicity. The novel has stirred the popular imagination, allowing intriguing questions about the divinity of Jesus—once considered way too taboo for public consumption—to float to the surface of “pop culture.” Brown did this by cleverly interweaving theories about medieval history and the origins of Christianity. Many readers have been so swept away by the drama of this murder mystery that they have accepted Brown’s fictional reconstruction of Christian origins and medieval history as established fact. But a number of New Testament scholars see the controversy as an opportunity to finally reveal the real story behind many of the ideas hinted at in the best-selling novel. “However intriguing Brown’s fictional speculations may be, the real facts behind the novel are even more fascinating—in fact, when it comes to The Da Vinci Code, the truth is often stranger than fiction,” said Robert M. Price, a fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), and the author of The Da Vinci Fraud.
It is hard to see how a lively tradition of legend, based originally on flimsy sources, and an initial misidentification can arouse such intense public debate. The majority of New Testament scholars find the attention given to Brown’s novel as surprising as the charge of plagiarism. Continues Price, "But most of them perceive the novel as a gauntlet cast down, to which they feel they must reply for the honor of their faith. The problem is that Brown's book only rocks the boat. The real facts might just torpedo it! Brown's falsehoods are as fatuous as the faith he tries to subvert.”
The vast majority of the criticism that’s been leveled at Dan Brown and The Da Vinci Code has come from religious quarters, attempting to defend Catholic and Christian orthodoxy. Yet a completely secular and critical historical analysis has also been applied to the novel. Judging by the popularity of Brown’s novel, there just may be a sneaking suspicion on the part of many that the true origins of Christianity are more obscure and more complicated then they have been taught. This is indeed the case, but they won’t get the real story from The Da Vinci Code.
CSER fellows and scholars available to provide critical historical commentary on The Da Vinci Code include:
* R. Joseph Hoffmann, Ph.D.—Chair of the international research organization, the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), a program of the Center for Inquiry, based in Amherst, New York, of which he is a Fellow. Hoffmann holds graduate degrees in theology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Christian Origins from Oxford University, where he was Senior Scholar of St. Cross College (1980–1983).
* Robert M. Price, Ph.D.—a fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), a New Testament scholar, and a member of the prestigious Jesus Seminar. Price is the author of The Da Vinci Fraud, published by Prometheus Books.
To arrange interviews with or to book any of these experts for an electronic media appearance, please contact either Nathan Bupp at (716) 636-7571 x 218 or Lauren Becker at (716) 636-7571 x 219.
The Center for Inquiry/Transnational, a nonprofit, educational, advocacy, and scientific-research think tank based in Amherst, New York, is home to the Council for Secular Humanism, founded in 1980, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), founded in 1976, and the recently formed Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health. Their research and educational projects focus on three broad areas: religion, ethics, and society; paranormal and fringe-science claims; and medicine and health. The Center’s Web site is www.centerforinquiry.net
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nathan Bupp
Phone: (716) 636-7571 x 218
E-mail: nbupp@centerforinquiry.net
(April 27, 2006)—Have you ever wondered: How did the Roman Emperor Constantine figure in the development of Christian theology? How did the Gospels come to be accepted as the established accounts of Jesus’ life, and why were other versions, such as the Gnostic traditions, suppressed? What was Mary Magdalene’s role in early Christianity, and how was it adapted in later attempts to develop a “sacred feminine” element in Christianity?
With the recent plagiarism trial in London and the upcoming movie thriller, scheduled to open on May 19th, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code has generated a firestorm of publicity. The novel has stirred the popular imagination, allowing intriguing questions about the divinity of Jesus—once considered way too taboo for public consumption—to float to the surface of “pop culture.” Brown did this by cleverly interweaving theories about medieval history and the origins of Christianity. Many readers have been so swept away by the drama of this murder mystery that they have accepted Brown’s fictional reconstruction of Christian origins and medieval history as established fact. But a number of New Testament scholars see the controversy as an opportunity to finally reveal the real story behind many of the ideas hinted at in the best-selling novel. “However intriguing Brown’s fictional speculations may be, the real facts behind the novel are even more fascinating—in fact, when it comes to The Da Vinci Code, the truth is often stranger than fiction,” said Robert M. Price, a fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), and the author of The Da Vinci Fraud.
It is hard to see how a lively tradition of legend, based originally on flimsy sources, and an initial misidentification can arouse such intense public debate. The majority of New Testament scholars find the attention given to Brown’s novel as surprising as the charge of plagiarism. Continues Price, "But most of them perceive the novel as a gauntlet cast down, to which they feel they must reply for the honor of their faith. The problem is that Brown's book only rocks the boat. The real facts might just torpedo it! Brown's falsehoods are as fatuous as the faith he tries to subvert.”
The vast majority of the criticism that’s been leveled at Dan Brown and The Da Vinci Code has come from religious quarters, attempting to defend Catholic and Christian orthodoxy. Yet a completely secular and critical historical analysis has also been applied to the novel. Judging by the popularity of Brown’s novel, there just may be a sneaking suspicion on the part of many that the true origins of Christianity are more obscure and more complicated then they have been taught. This is indeed the case, but they won’t get the real story from The Da Vinci Code.
CSER fellows and scholars available to provide critical historical commentary on The Da Vinci Code include:
* R. Joseph Hoffmann, Ph.D.—Chair of the international research organization, the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), a program of the Center for Inquiry, based in Amherst, New York, of which he is a Fellow. Hoffmann holds graduate degrees in theology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Christian Origins from Oxford University, where he was Senior Scholar of St. Cross College (1980–1983).
* Robert M. Price, Ph.D.—a fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER), a New Testament scholar, and a member of the prestigious Jesus Seminar. Price is the author of The Da Vinci Fraud, published by Prometheus Books.
To arrange interviews with or to book any of these experts for an electronic media appearance, please contact either Nathan Bupp at (716) 636-7571 x 218 or Lauren Becker at (716) 636-7571 x 219.
The Center for Inquiry/Transnational, a nonprofit, educational, advocacy, and scientific-research think tank based in Amherst, New York, is home to the Council for Secular Humanism, founded in 1980, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), founded in 1976, and the recently formed Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health. Their research and educational projects focus on three broad areas: religion, ethics, and society; paranormal and fringe-science claims; and medicine and health. The Center’s Web site is www.centerforinquiry.net
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for April 28, 2006
** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **
This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:
* Cover Story: "Pentecostal 100th Anniversary" — Kim Lawton reports on how far the Pentecostal movement has come over the last century, its influence on other branches of Christianity, and how Pentecostals are moving into the mainstream of American culture.
* Feature: "Catholicism in Spain" — Saul Gonzalez explores the reasons for the Catholic Church’s waning influence in Spanish society and looks at grassroots efforts to renew religion’s role in public life.
To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
SPECIAL NOTE: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has been nominated for the prestigious Webby Award from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences in the religion and spirituality category. This nomination also makes the program’s Web site eligible to receive a People's Voice Award honoring the public’s favorite online pick. Cast your vote before the May 5 deadline at: http://peoplesvoice.webbyawards.com.
For information, contact:
Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
202-216-2394
schultzm@religionethics.org
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Groundbreaking Biblical Health and Wellness Show Debuts April 28 on Trinity Broadcasting Network
MEDIA ALERT
Contact: Rhonda Price (561) 371-9407
E mail: rprice@gprx.net
GPRX Show airs Friday at 8:30 p.m.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Jordan Rubin will show millions of viewers why he’s called “The Health Evangelist” when his new weekly television show, The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness, begins airing Friday, April 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. PT on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). The revolutionary health and wellness show is expected to break the mold for Christian programming by featuring Rubin’s biblical health plan, contemporary music by Michael Neale, inspiring testimonies from people who have experienced dramatic health transformations, and physicians and health experts who will share their expertise on abundant health for the body, soul and spirit.
The show is hosted by Jordan Rubin, author of The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness (Thomas Nelson), the New York Times best seller The Maker’s Diet, and founder of The Biblical Health Institute (www.BiblicalHealthInstitute.com). The program is expected to reach more than 30 million people in 15 countries in its prime time TBN time slot.
“I’m excited because this show is going to change lives by offering people a message of hope and encouragement,” said Rubin, whose dramatic experience of recovering from a life-threatening disease has inspired millions and led to his mission to share God’s plan for health and wellness with people throughout the world. “We’ll focus on the 7 keys to unlock health potential and focus on how God can fully use us to accomplish his purposes when we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice,” he said.
Rubin’s “7 Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential” and Seven Weeks of Wellness Plan outlined in The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness include: Eat to Live, Avoid Deadly Emotions, Reduce Toxins in Your Environment and Life a Life of Prayer and Purpose.
“These keys are not just for anyone who is sick or suffering from a disease, but for anyone desiring to live an abundant life of health and wellness. We’re going to show people how they can dramatically improve their health and change their lives forever in just seven weeks,” said Rubin.
Guests on the show will include top physicians, authors and health experts, such as health pioneer Dr. Rex Russell, author of What the Bible Says About Healthy Living and Dr. Joseph Brasco, co-author of Restoring Your Digestive Health and co-author with Jordan Rubin of the upcoming books The Great Physician’s Rx for Cancer, The Great Physician’s Rx for Diabetes, and The Great Physician’s Rx for Weight Loss.
“Christian television viewers are going to be thrilled by this show because there is nothing else like it on the air anywhere,” declared Matthew Crouch, Chairman and CEO of Gener8xion Entertainment, Inc. and producer of the show. “Every show will offer a treasure chest of information on biblically based guidelines to achieve a lifetime of health for viewers and their families.”
For show dates and local listings, visit www.JordanRubin.tv or www.trinitybroadcasting.org.
Jordan Rubin is America's Biblical Health Coach and has appeared on national television shows such as Life Today with James Robison, Benny Hinn, Good Morning America, and Paula White. A regular guest columnist for The Church Report magazine, his ministry is endorsed by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta and Founder and President of In Touch Ministries; Lowell “Bud” Paxson, Founder and Chairman of PAX TV; and David Steinman, author of Doctor’s Prescription for Healthy Living.
For more information on Biblical Health and Wellness and to receive a free daily e-newsletter visit www.BiblicalHealthInstitute.com. To schedule an interview with Jordan Rubin, contact Rhonda Price at (561) 371-9407.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The 8th Annual 'Oilfield Christian Fellowship' International Prayer Breakfast Slated for May 2, 2006
OTC attendees offered inspiration through faith while in Houston
Guest appearances by Randy Limbacher, Executive VP, ConocoPhillips and Larnelle Harris, five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist.
For tickets, logon to http://EvangelismTickets.com or call toll free 1-800-519-9030.
HOUSTON, TX (April 27, 2006) – The Oilfield Christian Fellowship will hold its Annual International Prayer Breakfast May 2, 2006, just prior to the opening of the second day of the Offshore Technology Conference, at the Houston Grand Plaza Hotel on Kirby Drive in Houston.
This year’s event features keynote speaker, Randy Limbacher, Executive V.P. of Exploration & Production in North and South America for ConocoPhillips. Special music will be provided by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Larnelle Harris, whose music was featured in the first Bush administration’s Thousand Points of Light campaign.
For the past 7 years, the Oilfield Christian Fellowship has provided the only faith based initiative during the OTC conference, a time of community, reflection, and an opportunity to consider things that matter. Entertainment artists and oil industry icons have lent their talents and support to this gathering of faith-based professionals who understand the value of being together while being inspired by what they hear and see.
“It’s like taking a long drink of very cool water on a very hot Houston day. In the oil industry, it’s easy to forget that at the center of it all, God has a plan for each of us, and what we do for a living is not nearly as important as knowing where we’ll spend eternity,” said Paul Mogabgab, OCF Chairman. “We’ll get a chance to reflect on that when we have breakfast together next Tuesday.”
Doors open at 6 AM, and breakfast will be served beginning at 7 AM. To purchase tickets online, logon to http://EvangelismTickets.com or call toll free 1-800-519-9030.
For more information visit www.ocfbreakfast.com or call 832-615-6549.
**The Oilfield Christian Fellowship and the OCF’s International Prayer Breakfast is not associated with the Offshore Technology Conference or the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
About the OCF. In the spring of 1991, two Houston based oil industry businessmen initiated a gathering of Christian men and women who worked in the oil and gas exploration business. A group of 46 met for the first time at the Houston First Baptist Church for breakfast, and the fellowship of oil industry professionals known as OCF was born.
The need for community among those who worked in the rough and tumble world of petroleum exploration and production was evident as that initial gathering launched a monthly luncheon get-together that continues to this day, more than 15 years later. OCF chapters in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Lafayette, and New Orleans have been added through the years, and each hosts a similar event each month.
While fellowship initially drew OCF members together, service and outreach to the oil patch has become its mission. Under the leadership of John Bird, Mike Chaffin, Carl Davis, Jim Cook, JM Huber, Paul Mogabgab, and Gayle Stimson, the OCF has launched a world-wide Bible distribution initiative providing copies of "God's Word for the Oil Patch, Fuel for the Soul" a pocket-sized New International Version of the Bible, customized with biographies and testimonies of oil industry professionals whose lives have been changed by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To date, 11,000 Bibles have been printed and sent to drilling rigs, platforms, docks, offices, and heliports. A Spanish translation of this Bible will be published soon.
Currently a new initiative is being researched, addressing the needs of oil field families living and working overseas. Gas and oil exploration is global. Many petroleum workers cope with the added stresses and difficulties caused by separation from those they love. OCF is committed to addressing and meeting the needs of disconnected loved ones through the strength God provides in times of difficulty.
Up-to-date information and other resources are available on OCF's website, www.OilfieldChristianFellowship.com including a current schedule of OCF events in eight cities, the posting of job openings within the industry, and contact information of individuals looking for employment.
For more information visit www.ocfbreakfast.com or call 832-615-6549.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Guest appearances by Randy Limbacher, Executive VP, ConocoPhillips and Larnelle Harris, five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist.
For tickets, logon to http://EvangelismTickets.com or call toll free 1-800-519-9030.
HOUSTON, TX (April 27, 2006) – The Oilfield Christian Fellowship will hold its Annual International Prayer Breakfast May 2, 2006, just prior to the opening of the second day of the Offshore Technology Conference, at the Houston Grand Plaza Hotel on Kirby Drive in Houston.
This year’s event features keynote speaker, Randy Limbacher, Executive V.P. of Exploration & Production in North and South America for ConocoPhillips. Special music will be provided by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Larnelle Harris, whose music was featured in the first Bush administration’s Thousand Points of Light campaign.
For the past 7 years, the Oilfield Christian Fellowship has provided the only faith based initiative during the OTC conference, a time of community, reflection, and an opportunity to consider things that matter. Entertainment artists and oil industry icons have lent their talents and support to this gathering of faith-based professionals who understand the value of being together while being inspired by what they hear and see.
“It’s like taking a long drink of very cool water on a very hot Houston day. In the oil industry, it’s easy to forget that at the center of it all, God has a plan for each of us, and what we do for a living is not nearly as important as knowing where we’ll spend eternity,” said Paul Mogabgab, OCF Chairman. “We’ll get a chance to reflect on that when we have breakfast together next Tuesday.”
Doors open at 6 AM, and breakfast will be served beginning at 7 AM. To purchase tickets online, logon to http://EvangelismTickets.com or call toll free 1-800-519-9030.
For more information visit www.ocfbreakfast.com or call 832-615-6549.
**The Oilfield Christian Fellowship and the OCF’s International Prayer Breakfast is not associated with the Offshore Technology Conference or the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
About the OCF. In the spring of 1991, two Houston based oil industry businessmen initiated a gathering of Christian men and women who worked in the oil and gas exploration business. A group of 46 met for the first time at the Houston First Baptist Church for breakfast, and the fellowship of oil industry professionals known as OCF was born.
The need for community among those who worked in the rough and tumble world of petroleum exploration and production was evident as that initial gathering launched a monthly luncheon get-together that continues to this day, more than 15 years later. OCF chapters in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Lafayette, and New Orleans have been added through the years, and each hosts a similar event each month.
While fellowship initially drew OCF members together, service and outreach to the oil patch has become its mission. Under the leadership of John Bird, Mike Chaffin, Carl Davis, Jim Cook, JM Huber, Paul Mogabgab, and Gayle Stimson, the OCF has launched a world-wide Bible distribution initiative providing copies of "God's Word for the Oil Patch, Fuel for the Soul" a pocket-sized New International Version of the Bible, customized with biographies and testimonies of oil industry professionals whose lives have been changed by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To date, 11,000 Bibles have been printed and sent to drilling rigs, platforms, docks, offices, and heliports. A Spanish translation of this Bible will be published soon.
Currently a new initiative is being researched, addressing the needs of oil field families living and working overseas. Gas and oil exploration is global. Many petroleum workers cope with the added stresses and difficulties caused by separation from those they love. OCF is committed to addressing and meeting the needs of disconnected loved ones through the strength God provides in times of difficulty.
Up-to-date information and other resources are available on OCF's website, www.OilfieldChristianFellowship.com including a current schedule of OCF events in eight cities, the posting of job openings within the industry, and contact information of individuals looking for employment.
For more information visit www.ocfbreakfast.com or call 832-615-6549.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Habitat for Humanity to Receive Arab American Award for Institutional Achievement
April 25, 2006
Information: Mira Habiby Browne
(202) 429-9210 or mbrowne@aaiusa.org
For immediate release:
“Building Houses, Building Hope”
Representative Charles Boustany to Present Award
8th Annual Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Promotes Understanding
WASHINGTON—The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) is proud to announce that Habitat for Humanity will receive the 2006 “Kahlil Gibran Spirit” of Humanity Award for Institutional Achievement in recognition of its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty that millions of families endure.
"Kahlil Gibran was an inspiring author, artist and poet whose works have spoken to millions of people from all backgrounds in dozens of languages around the world," said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International's chief executive officer. "Habitat for Humanity itself seeks to embody many of the ideals Gibran embraced and to be similarly universal in its work to build decent housing with families from all races, religions and languages. We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Arab American Institute Foundation with the Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Award."
Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) will be presenting the award to Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International's chief executive officer.
Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 homes for families in need throughout the world, providing more than one million people with secure and affordable housing. Through community and volunteer efforts, Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in conjunction with the homeowner families who invest their own time and labor into the project. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable no-interest loans.
Habitat has active programs in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. Additionally, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Habitat announced “Operation Home Delivery,” a program designed to provide housing to those made homeless by the storm.
“It is an organization like Habitat for Humanity that offers a beacon of hope to those who seek to better their lives and the lives of their family by providing them with refuge and shelter,” said AAI President James Zogby. “In addition, thousands of volunteer builders who want to serve those in need have become empowered by Habitat’s programs.”
Past recipients of this award include Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Rock the Vote, Amnesty International, Reading is Fundamental, ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the YWCA of the USA. Each awardee has demonstrated a commitment to promoting co-existence and inclusion in all walks of life.
Information on the organization and its members may be found at www.habitat.org.
WHAT: 8th Annual Arab American --“Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards”
WHERE: JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
WHEN: May 3rd, 5:30pm
RSVP: Media covering RSVP to Mira Browne, 202-429-9210/ mbrowne@aaiusa.org
The Arab American Institute Foundation was established in 1995 as a 501(c) (3) organization to undertake programs that promote Arab American heritage, ethnic cooperation, demographic research and international exchange between the United States and the Arab world.
Information: Mira Habiby Browne
(202) 429-9210 or mbrowne@aaiusa.org
For immediate release:
“Building Houses, Building Hope”
Representative Charles Boustany to Present Award
8th Annual Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Gala Promotes Understanding
WASHINGTON—The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) is proud to announce that Habitat for Humanity will receive the 2006 “Kahlil Gibran Spirit” of Humanity Award for Institutional Achievement in recognition of its efforts to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty that millions of families endure.
"Kahlil Gibran was an inspiring author, artist and poet whose works have spoken to millions of people from all backgrounds in dozens of languages around the world," said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International's chief executive officer. "Habitat for Humanity itself seeks to embody many of the ideals Gibran embraced and to be similarly universal in its work to build decent housing with families from all races, religions and languages. We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Arab American Institute Foundation with the Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Award."
Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) will be presenting the award to Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International's chief executive officer.
Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 homes for families in need throughout the world, providing more than one million people with secure and affordable housing. Through community and volunteer efforts, Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in conjunction with the homeowner families who invest their own time and labor into the project. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable no-interest loans.
Habitat has active programs in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. Additionally, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Habitat announced “Operation Home Delivery,” a program designed to provide housing to those made homeless by the storm.
“It is an organization like Habitat for Humanity that offers a beacon of hope to those who seek to better their lives and the lives of their family by providing them with refuge and shelter,” said AAI President James Zogby. “In addition, thousands of volunteer builders who want to serve those in need have become empowered by Habitat’s programs.”
Past recipients of this award include Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Rock the Vote, Amnesty International, Reading is Fundamental, ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the YWCA of the USA. Each awardee has demonstrated a commitment to promoting co-existence and inclusion in all walks of life.
Information on the organization and its members may be found at www.habitat.org.
WHAT: 8th Annual Arab American --“Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards”
WHERE: JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
WHEN: May 3rd, 5:30pm
RSVP: Media covering RSVP to Mira Browne, 202-429-9210/ mbrowne@aaiusa.org
The Arab American Institute Foundation was established in 1995 as a 501(c) (3) organization to undertake programs that promote Arab American heritage, ethnic cooperation, demographic research and international exchange between the United States and the Arab world.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Azusa Street East Centennial Celebration Being Planned for End of 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethany, OK. April 24, 2006. A special centennial celebration has been set for December 31 2006-January 4 2007 to commemorate what has come to be called the Azusa Street East Revival. This pentecostal revival, in Dunn, NC, led by G.B. Cashwell, lasted for three weeks into January 1907 with long term effects throughout the Southeastern region of the U.S.
In November 1906 Gaston B. Cashwell, a white evangelist with the Pentecostal Holiness Church of North Carolina, visited Azusa Street, and his experience brought major changes to southern Holiness churches. At the Azusa Street Mission, Cashwell confronted his racial prejudice and asked William Seymour to lay hands on him and pray that he would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
William Seymour announced in The Apostolic Faith that "Bro. G.B. Cashwell who came from North Carolina for his Pentecost, has returned on his way rejoicing to carry the good news of the Pentecost to the hungry souls there." In December 1906 Cashwell led a three-week revival meeting in an old tobacco warehouse in Dunn, NC, that introduced Pentecost to the entire region.
Over the next two years, Cashwell was instrumental in leading hundreds into Pentecost, including M.M. Pinson, who later became one of the first executive presbyters of the Assemblies of God; A.J. Tomlinson, who founded the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), N.J. Holmes of Greenville, SC, founder of Holmes College of the Bible, and J.H. King.
As a result of Cashwell's revival, the Holiness Church of NC and the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church, which shared common theologies and visions, merged in Falcon, NC, just a few miles from the Dunn Revival site, to form the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Over the following decades, the new denomination consolidated its theology and expanded to other parts of the country. In the 1950s, the IPHC joined the National Association of Evangelicals. It was instrumental in the formation of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America, a racially inclusive organization which grew out of the Memphis Miracle in October 1994.
The Azusa Street East Revival was the spark that launched a small, rural church into an international ministry with more than 3.7 million members in more than ninety countries.
Contact Information:
Joe Iaquinta, Director of Communications
405.787.7110 x3101
CommNet@iphc.org
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Bethany, OK. April 24, 2006. A special centennial celebration has been set for December 31 2006-January 4 2007 to commemorate what has come to be called the Azusa Street East Revival. This pentecostal revival, in Dunn, NC, led by G.B. Cashwell, lasted for three weeks into January 1907 with long term effects throughout the Southeastern region of the U.S.
In November 1906 Gaston B. Cashwell, a white evangelist with the Pentecostal Holiness Church of North Carolina, visited Azusa Street, and his experience brought major changes to southern Holiness churches. At the Azusa Street Mission, Cashwell confronted his racial prejudice and asked William Seymour to lay hands on him and pray that he would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
William Seymour announced in The Apostolic Faith that "Bro. G.B. Cashwell who came from North Carolina for his Pentecost, has returned on his way rejoicing to carry the good news of the Pentecost to the hungry souls there." In December 1906 Cashwell led a three-week revival meeting in an old tobacco warehouse in Dunn, NC, that introduced Pentecost to the entire region.
Over the next two years, Cashwell was instrumental in leading hundreds into Pentecost, including M.M. Pinson, who later became one of the first executive presbyters of the Assemblies of God; A.J. Tomlinson, who founded the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), N.J. Holmes of Greenville, SC, founder of Holmes College of the Bible, and J.H. King.
As a result of Cashwell's revival, the Holiness Church of NC and the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church, which shared common theologies and visions, merged in Falcon, NC, just a few miles from the Dunn Revival site, to form the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Over the following decades, the new denomination consolidated its theology and expanded to other parts of the country. In the 1950s, the IPHC joined the National Association of Evangelicals. It was instrumental in the formation of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America, a racially inclusive organization which grew out of the Memphis Miracle in October 1994.
The Azusa Street East Revival was the spark that launched a small, rural church into an international ministry with more than 3.7 million members in more than ninety countries.
Contact Information:
Joe Iaquinta, Director of Communications
405.787.7110 x3101
CommNet@iphc.org
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Friday, April 21, 2006
Church World Service and Habitat for Humanity Partner to Repair Gulf Coast Homes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Duane Bates
Habitat for Humanity
1-229-924-6935, ext. 2541
dbates@habitat.org
www.habitat.org/newsroom
Lesley Crosson
Church World Service
1-212-870-2676
lcrosson@churchworldservice.org
Jan Dragin
Church World Service
1-781-925-1526
jdragin@gis.net
NEW YORK and AMERICUS, Ga. (April 21, 2006) - In a groundbreaking partnership for Habitat for Humanity International, the homebuilding organization will donate more than $3 million to Church World Service to help repair the homes of 500 low-income families who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Through Habitat's "Operation Home Delivery" program, Church World Service has received a grant of $3,038,000 to support home repair projects initiated by CWS member denominations and local long-term recovery committees. The collaboration joins Church World Service's 60 years of experience in disaster relief and community organizing with Habitat's expertise in making affordable housing available. The home repairs will be in coastal Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas.
"For nearly 30 years, Habitat for Humanity has been building simple, decent housing in the United States and around the world," said Ken Meinert, senior vice president of Habitat's Operation Home Delivery. "This partnership with Church World Service helps us to further our relationships and grassroots partnerships with local congregations and to further address the needs in the Gulf Coast by helping people return to decent, affordable homes as part of the long-term recovery. CWS and denominational members have been at the center of recovery, and we are honored to partner with them."
Selection of low-income families for the repair program will be consistent with Habitat's income criteria for homeowner partner families. The Church World Service partnership also helps Habitat for Humanity achieve their Operation Home Delivery goal to join with other organizations to address the large and complicated need for rebuilding hurricane-devastated areas. Habitat and Church World Service expect that 500 homes will be repaired over a two-year period.
"This collaboration is going to have a major impact where it counts most-at the community level, where people with very limited resources for recovery have had their lives upended by last year's storms," said Church World Service Chief Executive John McCullough. "Over the past eight months, we have been helping the people, the schools, and the churches of the Gulf Coast recover and we will continue to accompany them on the journey back to normality for as long as it takes.
"Having a partner like Habitat for Humanity, with its demonstrated commitment to faith in action, backing our efforts is very important to us. We hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing collaboration."
Church World Service is a relief, development and refugee-assistance agency supported by 35 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations in the United States. A key feature of the agency's disaster response is its focus on helping existing community groups establish independent, nonprofit organizations dedicated solely to filling unmet disaster-related, long-term recovery needs of vulnerable populations in their communities.
These local member organizations, with their close ties and deep commitment to the communities where they exist, will help identify homes to be repaired or rebuilt under the Habitat-CWS partnership. The partnership will provide grants for construction materials and repair assistance.
Operational support and management for the home repair initiatives will be provided by CWS's Emergency Response Program, which has directed the agency's extensive Gulf Coast recovery effort over the past year.
Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery program, developed in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and working through local Habitat affiliates, includes the construction of more than 1,000 new homes by mid-2007 to help affected families in the Gulf Coast region. Through this hurricane response, Habitat also is working to serve as a catalyst that brings together organizations to address low-income housing and recovery on a scale that Habitat alone would not be able to accomplish.
About Church World Service
New York City-based Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance agency of 36 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations in the United States. With 60 years of experience in humanitarian relief, Church World Service works with partners in 80 countries to fight hunger and poverty.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Duane Bates
Habitat for Humanity
1-229-924-6935, ext. 2541
dbates@habitat.org
www.habitat.org/newsroom
Lesley Crosson
Church World Service
1-212-870-2676
lcrosson@churchworldservice.org
Jan Dragin
Church World Service
1-781-925-1526
jdragin@gis.net
NEW YORK and AMERICUS, Ga. (April 21, 2006) - In a groundbreaking partnership for Habitat for Humanity International, the homebuilding organization will donate more than $3 million to Church World Service to help repair the homes of 500 low-income families who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Through Habitat's "Operation Home Delivery" program, Church World Service has received a grant of $3,038,000 to support home repair projects initiated by CWS member denominations and local long-term recovery committees. The collaboration joins Church World Service's 60 years of experience in disaster relief and community organizing with Habitat's expertise in making affordable housing available. The home repairs will be in coastal Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas.
"For nearly 30 years, Habitat for Humanity has been building simple, decent housing in the United States and around the world," said Ken Meinert, senior vice president of Habitat's Operation Home Delivery. "This partnership with Church World Service helps us to further our relationships and grassroots partnerships with local congregations and to further address the needs in the Gulf Coast by helping people return to decent, affordable homes as part of the long-term recovery. CWS and denominational members have been at the center of recovery, and we are honored to partner with them."
Selection of low-income families for the repair program will be consistent with Habitat's income criteria for homeowner partner families. The Church World Service partnership also helps Habitat for Humanity achieve their Operation Home Delivery goal to join with other organizations to address the large and complicated need for rebuilding hurricane-devastated areas. Habitat and Church World Service expect that 500 homes will be repaired over a two-year period.
"This collaboration is going to have a major impact where it counts most-at the community level, where people with very limited resources for recovery have had their lives upended by last year's storms," said Church World Service Chief Executive John McCullough. "Over the past eight months, we have been helping the people, the schools, and the churches of the Gulf Coast recover and we will continue to accompany them on the journey back to normality for as long as it takes.
"Having a partner like Habitat for Humanity, with its demonstrated commitment to faith in action, backing our efforts is very important to us. We hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing collaboration."
Church World Service is a relief, development and refugee-assistance agency supported by 35 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations in the United States. A key feature of the agency's disaster response is its focus on helping existing community groups establish independent, nonprofit organizations dedicated solely to filling unmet disaster-related, long-term recovery needs of vulnerable populations in their communities.
These local member organizations, with their close ties and deep commitment to the communities where they exist, will help identify homes to be repaired or rebuilt under the Habitat-CWS partnership. The partnership will provide grants for construction materials and repair assistance.
Operational support and management for the home repair initiatives will be provided by CWS's Emergency Response Program, which has directed the agency's extensive Gulf Coast recovery effort over the past year.
Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery program, developed in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and working through local Habitat affiliates, includes the construction of more than 1,000 new homes by mid-2007 to help affected families in the Gulf Coast region. Through this hurricane response, Habitat also is working to serve as a catalyst that brings together organizations to address low-income housing and recovery on a scale that Habitat alone would not be able to accomplish.
About Church World Service
New York City-based Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance agency of 36 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations in the United States. With 60 years of experience in humanitarian relief, Church World Service works with partners in 80 countries to fight hunger and poverty.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for April 21, 2006
** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **
This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, April 21 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:
* Cover Story: "Churches in Trauma" — Phil Jones looks at how churches are responding when members of the clergy cross the boundaries of sexual propriety and what is being done to help victims and congregations recover.
* Feature: “Ethnic and Religious Persecution in Burma” — Lucky Severson reports on the campaign of oppression against ethnic tribes and religious groups by the Burmese military.
To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail toschultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
SPECIAL NOTE: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has also been nominated for a 2006 Webby Award in the Tenth Annual Competition presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which honors excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. As one of only five nominees in the category of "Religion and Spirituality," the weekly program is also eligible to receive a Webby People's Voice Award determined by a public vote from the online community. Voting is open to the public until May 5 at http://peoplesvoice.webbyawards.com.
For information, contact:
Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
202-216-2394
schultzm@religionethics.org
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
America’s Biblical Health Coach Jordan Rubin Shares Message of Health and Wellness on National TV Show on Trinity Broadcasting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhonda Price (561) 371-9407
E mail: rprice@gprx.net
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Millions of people will hear biblical health coach Jordan Rubin’s revolutionary health and wellness plan when The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness television show debuts on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on April 28. This exciting new show is expected to break the mold for Christian programming by offering cutting edge health updates, contemporary music by Michael Neale, inspiring testimonies from people who have experienced dramatic health transformations, and guests who will share their expertise on abundant health for the body, soul and spirit.
Hosted by best selling author Jordan Rubin, who has been called “The Billy Graham of Health” by televangelist James Robison, the weekly show will initially begin airing on TBN on April 28 at 9:30 p.m. EST (check www.tbn.org for local listings) with plans to expand to additional networks by the end of the year. In its prime time TBN time slot, the show will reach an audience of more than 30 million people in 15 countries.
“Christian television viewers are going to be thrilled by this show because there is nothing else like it on the air anywhere,” said Matthew Crouch, Chairman and CEO of Gener8xion Entertainment, Inc. and producer of the show. “Every show will offer a treasure chest of information on biblically based guidelines to achieve a lifetime of health for viewers and their families.”
Jordan Rubin is the author of the best selling The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness and also of the New York Times bestseller The Maker’s Diet. His personal story of recovering from a devastating disease that left him near death when he was 19 years old has inspired millions and led to his mission to share God’s plan for health and wellness with the Church and people throughout the world. His “7 Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential” and Seven Weeks of Wellness Plan outlined in The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness include Eat to Live, Avoid Deadly Emotions, Reduce Toxins in Your Environment and Life a Life of Prayer and Purpose.
“The 7 keys to unlock your health potential will be the focal point of the television program,” said Rubin. “These keys are not just for anyone who is sick or suffering from a disease, but for anyone desiring to live an abundant life of health and wellness. We’re excited about showing people how they can dramatically improve their health and change their lives forever in just seven weeks.”
Jordan Rubin is America's Biblical Health Coach and author of The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness. For more information on Biblical Health and Wellness and to receive a free daily e-newsletter visit www.JordanRubin.com. To schedule an interview with Jordan Rubin, contact Rhonda Price at (561) 371-9407.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact: Rhonda Price (561) 371-9407
E mail: rprice@gprx.net
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Millions of people will hear biblical health coach Jordan Rubin’s revolutionary health and wellness plan when The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness television show debuts on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on April 28. This exciting new show is expected to break the mold for Christian programming by offering cutting edge health updates, contemporary music by Michael Neale, inspiring testimonies from people who have experienced dramatic health transformations, and guests who will share their expertise on abundant health for the body, soul and spirit.
Hosted by best selling author Jordan Rubin, who has been called “The Billy Graham of Health” by televangelist James Robison, the weekly show will initially begin airing on TBN on April 28 at 9:30 p.m. EST (check www.tbn.org for local listings) with plans to expand to additional networks by the end of the year. In its prime time TBN time slot, the show will reach an audience of more than 30 million people in 15 countries.
“Christian television viewers are going to be thrilled by this show because there is nothing else like it on the air anywhere,” said Matthew Crouch, Chairman and CEO of Gener8xion Entertainment, Inc. and producer of the show. “Every show will offer a treasure chest of information on biblically based guidelines to achieve a lifetime of health for viewers and their families.”
Jordan Rubin is the author of the best selling The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness and also of the New York Times bestseller The Maker’s Diet. His personal story of recovering from a devastating disease that left him near death when he was 19 years old has inspired millions and led to his mission to share God’s plan for health and wellness with the Church and people throughout the world. His “7 Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential” and Seven Weeks of Wellness Plan outlined in The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness include Eat to Live, Avoid Deadly Emotions, Reduce Toxins in Your Environment and Life a Life of Prayer and Purpose.
“The 7 keys to unlock your health potential will be the focal point of the television program,” said Rubin. “These keys are not just for anyone who is sick or suffering from a disease, but for anyone desiring to live an abundant life of health and wellness. We’re excited about showing people how they can dramatically improve their health and change their lives forever in just seven weeks.”
Jordan Rubin is America's Biblical Health Coach and author of The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness. For more information on Biblical Health and Wellness and to receive a free daily e-newsletter visit www.JordanRubin.com. To schedule an interview with Jordan Rubin, contact Rhonda Price at (561) 371-9407.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Trickett Named 13th Iliff President
The Iliff School of Theology
2201 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2006
Contact: Greta Gloven, 303-765-3109
or 303-229-8042 (cell number)
Editor's Note: Photo Available
(DENVER) --- The Rev. Dr. David G. Trickett, chairperson of the board and senior fellow, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, has been unanimously elected by The Iliff School of Theology's Board of Trustees to serve as the school's 13th president. He will also serve as Professor of Ethics and Leadership.
"We are excited to have someone of Dr. Trickett's caliber join the Iliff community," said Suzy Iliff Witzler, chairperson, Iliff Board of Trustees. "His depth of experience - as a pastor, faculty member, transformational leader, and administrator - will serve the school well."
Trickett will succeed the Rev. Dr. J. Philip Wogaman, interim president, July 1. In addition to his work at George Mason University, Trickett is the founder and president of The Jefferson Circle (Fairfax, VA), an organization working globally with many for-profit and non-profit institutions, as well as families and their foundations, to develop new models of responsibility and effectiveness in today's changing world. He also serves on the board of the JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation, an agency of the United Methodist Church (UMC) working with communities of faith seeking to educate clergy and laity in peace transformation processes. He was previously the chief executive officer and a faculty member for the Washington Theological Consortium.
"I'm thrilled to join the Iliff community, an extended family with a significant historic witness and a readiness to engage the future with hope and passionate commitment," commented Trickett. "Standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, we will work together to provide education and nurture for a world sorely in need of healing and inspiration. I'm honored to be joining such a welcoming group of colleagues."
Trickett has served the academy and the church in a wide range of roles throughout his professional career.
"As an ordained United Methodist elder, Dr. Trickett has worked in congregations from 350 to 10,000 members, and as an interfaith leader involved in global dialogue, he has worked to bring many different faith traditions together on complex issues," added Witzler. "That work has extended into the classroom. As faculty, he has taught at several theological schools, including Perkins School of Theology, Virginia Theological Seminary, Howard University School of Divinity, and the Catholic University of America. Early in his career he also was an assistant academic dean at Southern Methodist University and a campus minister and chaplain at Tulane."
Trickett has served as a member of the American Academy of Religion, Society for Values in Higher Education, Society of Christian Ethics, North American Academy of Ecumenists, American Society of Church History, and National Association of College and University Chaplains. He has published more than 100 articles, reports, chapters in books, and other writings. His work with the United Methodist church includes serving on numerous UMC committees at district, annual conference, and jurisdictional levels; participation in the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies; election to the World Methodist Council; and service on the denominational Genetic Science Task Force. His civic accomplishments are also far-reaching - as chairperson of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF (southeastern region), board member for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and as a member of the Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools Human Relations Advisory Committee.
"Dr. Trickett's commitment to theological education is evidenced through his professional dedication and volunteer efforts," said Witzler. "His background will help Iliff move forward to strategically meet the needs of the many faith traditions it serves."
Trickett holds a doctorate from Southern Methodist University, master of theology degree from Southern Methodist University, and a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA). He and his wife, Dr. Susan Bell Trickett, have two daughters and a son.
# # #
The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school of the United Methodist Church, serving more than 38 different faith traditions. Founded in 1892, the seminary provides several degree programs, including a joint Ph.D. program with the University of Denver.
*****
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The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
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2201 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2006
Contact: Greta Gloven, 303-765-3109
or 303-229-8042 (cell number)
Editor's Note: Photo Available
(DENVER) --- The Rev. Dr. David G. Trickett, chairperson of the board and senior fellow, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, has been unanimously elected by The Iliff School of Theology's Board of Trustees to serve as the school's 13th president. He will also serve as Professor of Ethics and Leadership.
"We are excited to have someone of Dr. Trickett's caliber join the Iliff community," said Suzy Iliff Witzler, chairperson, Iliff Board of Trustees. "His depth of experience - as a pastor, faculty member, transformational leader, and administrator - will serve the school well."
Trickett will succeed the Rev. Dr. J. Philip Wogaman, interim president, July 1. In addition to his work at George Mason University, Trickett is the founder and president of The Jefferson Circle (Fairfax, VA), an organization working globally with many for-profit and non-profit institutions, as well as families and their foundations, to develop new models of responsibility and effectiveness in today's changing world. He also serves on the board of the JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation, an agency of the United Methodist Church (UMC) working with communities of faith seeking to educate clergy and laity in peace transformation processes. He was previously the chief executive officer and a faculty member for the Washington Theological Consortium.
"I'm thrilled to join the Iliff community, an extended family with a significant historic witness and a readiness to engage the future with hope and passionate commitment," commented Trickett. "Standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, we will work together to provide education and nurture for a world sorely in need of healing and inspiration. I'm honored to be joining such a welcoming group of colleagues."
Trickett has served the academy and the church in a wide range of roles throughout his professional career.
"As an ordained United Methodist elder, Dr. Trickett has worked in congregations from 350 to 10,000 members, and as an interfaith leader involved in global dialogue, he has worked to bring many different faith traditions together on complex issues," added Witzler. "That work has extended into the classroom. As faculty, he has taught at several theological schools, including Perkins School of Theology, Virginia Theological Seminary, Howard University School of Divinity, and the Catholic University of America. Early in his career he also was an assistant academic dean at Southern Methodist University and a campus minister and chaplain at Tulane."
Trickett has served as a member of the American Academy of Religion, Society for Values in Higher Education, Society of Christian Ethics, North American Academy of Ecumenists, American Society of Church History, and National Association of College and University Chaplains. He has published more than 100 articles, reports, chapters in books, and other writings. His work with the United Methodist church includes serving on numerous UMC committees at district, annual conference, and jurisdictional levels; participation in the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies; election to the World Methodist Council; and service on the denominational Genetic Science Task Force. His civic accomplishments are also far-reaching - as chairperson of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF (southeastern region), board member for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and as a member of the Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools Human Relations Advisory Committee.
"Dr. Trickett's commitment to theological education is evidenced through his professional dedication and volunteer efforts," said Witzler. "His background will help Iliff move forward to strategically meet the needs of the many faith traditions it serves."
Trickett holds a doctorate from Southern Methodist University, master of theology degree from Southern Methodist University, and a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA). He and his wife, Dr. Susan Bell Trickett, have two daughters and a son.
# # #
The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school of the United Methodist Church, serving more than 38 different faith traditions. Founded in 1892, the seminary provides several degree programs, including a joint Ph.D. program with the University of Denver.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Friday, April 07, 2006
Mariano Rivera Shines Bright Amidst Some Dark Days in Baseball
Author: Hugh Poland
Foreword by: Mariano Rivera
Size & Binding: 6" x 6", Trade Paper
Publication Date: March 2006
Price: $13.00
Category: Devotionals
ISBN: 0-8170-1491-8
Steal Away: Devotions for Baseball Fans
April 7, 2006 -- Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees closer, has written a powerful and uplifting foreword to Hugh Poland's inspirational baseball book, Steal Away: Devotions for Baseball Fans. Amidst the increasing media coverage of alleged steroid use by baseball players, Steal Away casts an uplifting light on the players, coaches, and managers of America's greatest pastime. Mariano shares his history, his inspiration for playing the game, and the faith that sustains him each day. Poland's book is full of baseball statistics and facts, Scripture, reflections, and true baseball stories that bring a positive light to the soul of the game amidst much of the negative coverage baseball is receiving today. Through these stories from current and former players and managers, including the famous and the unsung heroes, the author shares life's important lessons.Features Don Zimmer, Orel Hershiser, Billy Martin, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Roy Campanella, John Smoltz, Roger Clemens, Jackie Robinson, Joe Jackson and the Chicago "Black Sox," Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, Greg Maddux, Bert Blyleven, and a hundred others.
“I sense in Steal Away a familiar passion both for baseball and for following Christ.”
—From the foreword by Mariano Rivera, NY Yankees
“You will be spiritually challenged, greatly encouraged, and wonderfully entertained.”
—Singer/ Songwriter Kent Bottenfield, former Major League Pitcher
“Poland has hit a grand slam.” —Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell
“From the locker room to the upper room, the Scriptures come to life through America's greatest pastime! This book should be a part of every sports fan’s collection. ” —Jeff Hutcheon, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
“Combines Scripture with many interesting stories from the rich history of baseball to provide a collection of wonderful devotionals that anyone who loves the game of baseball will find uplifting.” —Vince Nauss, President, Baseball Chapel
About the Author: Hugh Poland is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research, and has utilized many of these illustrations as a minister in churches in Texas for 20 years. The author has degrees from Houston Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Contact: Linda Peavy, Associate Publisher and Marketing Manager 610-768-2114 Linda.peavy@abc-usa.org
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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Groundbreaking Passover Festival
4/6/06, Los Angeles --And the Lord Said "Let My People Sing."
Even for the City of Angels, the Let My People Sing Festival has put a fresh spin on the Passover Holiday.
The Nine Day Passover Festival kicks off with FaithJam'06 on Saturday Evening, April 8th, at the Islamic Center of Southern California. This Multi-Faith event includes the Yuval Ron Ensemble, Tunisian musician MC Rai, the Praise Team from Christ Our Redeemer Church, Muslim comedian Maz Jobrani, and Grammy certified songwriter Ani Zonnefeld. This boundary-smashing event, with performers and religions engaging each other as well as the audience, starts at 8:30 PM at the Islamic Center.
The following day, Forest Whittaker, Danny Glover, Ed Asner, Mare Winningham, The Rev. Cecil Murray, and Rabbi Harold Schulweis will join together in A Seder for Darfur. Proceeds will benefit the global humanitarian organization Jewish World Watch, which works to eliminate the ethnic cleansing horrors taking place in Darfur.
Let My People Sing continues the following week with a series of Passover events including "The Man Seder" at the University of Judaism, and Jewish Gospel Artist Joshua Nelson at Sinai Temple's Shabbat happening Friday Night Live. Let My People Rock—the festival finale—is an all day celebration featuring Israeli Hip Hop Superstars Hadag Nachash on Sunday April 16th.
For more info on any of the Let My People Sing events, or to arrange for talent interviews or photo opportunities, visit www.letmypeoplesing.com or call the festival hotline at: 818-464-3227.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
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Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Even for the City of Angels, the Let My People Sing Festival has put a fresh spin on the Passover Holiday.
The Nine Day Passover Festival kicks off with FaithJam'06 on Saturday Evening, April 8th, at the Islamic Center of Southern California. This Multi-Faith event includes the Yuval Ron Ensemble, Tunisian musician MC Rai, the Praise Team from Christ Our Redeemer Church, Muslim comedian Maz Jobrani, and Grammy certified songwriter Ani Zonnefeld. This boundary-smashing event, with performers and religions engaging each other as well as the audience, starts at 8:30 PM at the Islamic Center.
The following day, Forest Whittaker, Danny Glover, Ed Asner, Mare Winningham, The Rev. Cecil Murray, and Rabbi Harold Schulweis will join together in A Seder for Darfur. Proceeds will benefit the global humanitarian organization Jewish World Watch, which works to eliminate the ethnic cleansing horrors taking place in Darfur.
Let My People Sing continues the following week with a series of Passover events including "The Man Seder" at the University of Judaism, and Jewish Gospel Artist Joshua Nelson at Sinai Temple's Shabbat happening Friday Night Live. Let My People Rock—the festival finale—is an all day celebration featuring Israeli Hip Hop Superstars Hadag Nachash on Sunday April 16th.
For more info on any of the Let My People Sing events, or to arrange for talent interviews or photo opportunities, visit www.letmypeoplesing.com or call the festival hotline at: 818-464-3227.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Thursday, April 06, 2006
National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. (NICC) Amends Membership Criteria
- NICC Board of Trustees Votes to Open Membership to Islamic Groups; Inner-Attainment TV, Inc. Welcomed as New Member -
Contact: Christine Luzano
Public Relations Manager
212-406.4121
ChristineLuzano@faithandvaluesmedia.com
NEW YORK, (April 06, 2006) – The National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. (NICC), doing business as Faith & Values Media, today announced that its Board of Trustees voted to open its membership to groups and individuals from the Islamic tradition. Previously, membership had been limited to groups and individuals related to the Jewish or Christian traditions. Inner-Attainment TV, Inc., headquartered in Annandale, Virginia, was welcomed as its first member from the Islamic tradition.
The vote was a culmination of a year-long study among the NICC Board of Trustees and the Faith & Values Media Member Council.
“One of Faith & Values Media’s goals is to expand understanding and cooperation between and among the faith groups within the American experience,” said Dr. Daniel P. Matthews, NICC Board Chairman. “While we are not of one theology,” Dr. Matthews continued, “we worship one God. Our organization exists to share God’s word and presence in our lives through television, the internet, and other media.”
The Faith & Values Media Association is made up of denominations, organizations and individuals that encompass the Abrahamic tradition in the United States. Faith & Values Media provides its members with access to a national audience through various outlets, including Hallmark Channel, one of the country’s most watched cable channels, and FaithStreams.com, an award-winning Internet site.
“This is a milestone in Faith & Values Media’s history,” said Edward J. Murray, President and CEO, Faith & Values Media. “I am pleased our Board voted to open membership to groups within the Islamic tradition. This is the right place for Faith & Values Media to be in the 21st century.”
Inner-Attainment Television, Inc. (IAT) is an organization that specializes in creating television and video programs that educate, enlighten, and entertain people about Islam and Muslims, particularly Muslims living in North and South America. IAT also serves as a vehicle for social change by providing a public platform for the underserved, overlooked, misunderstood and misrepresented Muslim communities across America. IAT is headquartered in Annandale, Virginia.
About Faith & Values Media
Faith & Values Media is the nation’s largest coalition of Jewish and Christian faith groups dedicated to media production, distribution and promotion. Its member association is made up of denominations, organizations and individuals, who encompass most of the recognized Jewish and Christian faith groups in the United States. Together, these faith groups have more than 200,000 congregations with 120 million congregants. A list of member faith groups and organizations is available on faithandvaluesmedia.org. The award-winning programming services of Faith & Values Media are available on Hallmark Channel and on faithstreams.com. Faith & Values Media is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc., established in 1987.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact: Christine Luzano
Public Relations Manager
212-406.4121
ChristineLuzano@faithandvaluesmedia.com
NEW YORK, (April 06, 2006) – The National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. (NICC), doing business as Faith & Values Media, today announced that its Board of Trustees voted to open its membership to groups and individuals from the Islamic tradition. Previously, membership had been limited to groups and individuals related to the Jewish or Christian traditions. Inner-Attainment TV, Inc., headquartered in Annandale, Virginia, was welcomed as its first member from the Islamic tradition.
The vote was a culmination of a year-long study among the NICC Board of Trustees and the Faith & Values Media Member Council.
“One of Faith & Values Media’s goals is to expand understanding and cooperation between and among the faith groups within the American experience,” said Dr. Daniel P. Matthews, NICC Board Chairman. “While we are not of one theology,” Dr. Matthews continued, “we worship one God. Our organization exists to share God’s word and presence in our lives through television, the internet, and other media.”
The Faith & Values Media Association is made up of denominations, organizations and individuals that encompass the Abrahamic tradition in the United States. Faith & Values Media provides its members with access to a national audience through various outlets, including Hallmark Channel, one of the country’s most watched cable channels, and FaithStreams.com, an award-winning Internet site.
“This is a milestone in Faith & Values Media’s history,” said Edward J. Murray, President and CEO, Faith & Values Media. “I am pleased our Board voted to open membership to groups within the Islamic tradition. This is the right place for Faith & Values Media to be in the 21st century.”
Inner-Attainment Television, Inc. (IAT) is an organization that specializes in creating television and video programs that educate, enlighten, and entertain people about Islam and Muslims, particularly Muslims living in North and South America. IAT also serves as a vehicle for social change by providing a public platform for the underserved, overlooked, misunderstood and misrepresented Muslim communities across America. IAT is headquartered in Annandale, Virginia.
About Faith & Values Media
Faith & Values Media is the nation’s largest coalition of Jewish and Christian faith groups dedicated to media production, distribution and promotion. Its member association is made up of denominations, organizations and individuals, who encompass most of the recognized Jewish and Christian faith groups in the United States. Together, these faith groups have more than 200,000 congregations with 120 million congregants. A list of member faith groups and organizations is available on faithandvaluesmedia.org. The award-winning programming services of Faith & Values Media are available on Hallmark Channel and on faithstreams.com. Faith & Values Media is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc., established in 1987.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for April 7, 2006
** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, April 7 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:
* Cover Story: “Kashmir Earthquake Relief Update” — Fred de Sam Lazaro looks at efforts by the Pakistan government to scale back humanitarian aid to earthquake survivors and return them to Kashmir to rebuild their homes and villages.
* Profile: “Dr. Rachel Remen” — Kim Lawton talks with prominent author and physician Dr. Rachel Remen about injecting meaning and values into the practice of medicine.
* Feature: “Passover Matzah” — Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum with Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario describes the significance of matzah in the Passover celebration.
To request a transcript of any of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
For information, contact:
Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
202-216-2394
schultzm@religionethics.org
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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Digital Books Add Modern Twist to Easter
VitalSource Offers Free Collection of Bibles, Documents, and Reference Books to Enhance Sunday School Lessons this Easter
Contact:
Kathleen Linder
VitalSource
(919) 882-1997
RALEIGH, N.C., April 6, 2006 -VitalSource Technologies is giving Christians and students of religion the resources to incorporate digital books into their studies this Easter season. The company is offering free e-book copies of three Bible versions, two Bible reference books and other well known documents from the Christian faith in digital Vitalbook format on the VitalSource Web site - www.vitalsource.com/betterbooks.
Vitalbook is the ideal format for Bible study because it is specifically designed to support the teaching and learning environment. VitalSource Bookshelf, which is the application for Vitalbooks, allows readers to highlight key passages, make notes in the text and search either one book or an entire library for a word or concept.
Bibles included in the collection are: the King James, the American Standard Version and the Douay-Rheims Bibles. Additional titles by authors such as Martin Luther and St. Augustine are also included for comparisons and historical perspective. Additionally, the standard Bible references, Easton's Bible Dictionary, Third Edition and A Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century are included. Using VitalSource Bookshelf, digital Vitalbook titles work together by aggregating books, documents and references and allowing users to search their library for key words such as "Moses" or "Holy Spirit."
Visitors need to download, install and launch the free Bookshelf application in order to enter the VitalSource Store. Once in the Store, customers can click on The Easter Collection banner, then add the collection to the online shopping cart and checkout at no charge. Users then simply click on the titles to download Vitalbooks directly onto their computer's hard drive.
The Easter Collection and titles from other world religions will be available for free in the VitalSource Store until April 30. Hundreds of other titles can also be found in the VitalSource Store. Once downloaded, individuals can access the books year after year from their computers, without having to rely on the Internet.
Celebrate this Easter season by bringing your digital book library to your next Bible study group and gain a better understanding of the history of the Christian faith.
For more information or to take advantage of this holiday offer, please visit http://www.vitalsource.com.
About VitalSource Technologies
VitalSource is a leading provider of digital content solutions in education. The company enables publishers, distributors and other partners to create and deliver textbooks and other content directly to users' computers in its proprietary VitalBook(tm) file format under a variety of scenarios, ranging from custom curriculum solutions to private-label bundled products, as well as single textbook and promotional content delivery to students and faculty in both secondary and post-secondary educational settings.
The company is privately-owned with headquarters in Raleigh, N.C. For more information on VitalSource, please visit http://www.vitalsource.com.
Source: VitalSource Technologies, Inc.
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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
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Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Auburn Seminary Launches The Auburn Coaching Institute
April 5, 2006 -- Auburn Theological Seminary introduces a new program bringing the best of business and professional coaching into the sphere of theological education and ministerial support.
The Auburn Coaching Institute is designed by and for people dedicated to furthering the mission of the church through effective leadership and ministries. Church leaders from across a spectrum of backgrounds and locations have experienced coaching through classes at Auburn and through the New York Sabbatical Institute, a program funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and administered by Auburn in partnership with Union and New York Theological Seminaries. An overwhelming majority have found coaching “highly valuable” in supporting and reinvigorating their ministries.
Now Auburn is partnering with Dr. Ellen McGrath, founder of the Bridge Coaching Institute, to offer a comprehensive coaching program for church leaders. According to Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Executive Vice President of Auburn Seminary, “The Auburn Coaching Institute provides leaders with the coaching skills and relationships needed to sustain their vocation, enhance their vision, actualize their mission and values, and thrive in their ministries.” During the course of the program year, participants attend two skills training workshops in which they learn from professional coaches and practice coaching skills with peers. In addition, they participate in bi-weekly individual coaching sessions with an assigned coach, and develop peer partnerships for ongoing counsel and practice.
The leadership team and staff of the Auburn Coaching Institute include nationally and internationally recognized coaches and coach facilitators; active church professionals; trainers and consultants experienced in working with clergy, churches and denominations; and seminary faculty and administrators. The program has been graciously supported by a private foundation as well as other funders.
The 2006-07 program year begins this Fall. For further information and to register, please call 212-662-4315, visit www.auburnsem.org, or email cjm@auburnsem.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
The Auburn Coaching Institute is designed by and for people dedicated to furthering the mission of the church through effective leadership and ministries. Church leaders from across a spectrum of backgrounds and locations have experienced coaching through classes at Auburn and through the New York Sabbatical Institute, a program funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and administered by Auburn in partnership with Union and New York Theological Seminaries. An overwhelming majority have found coaching “highly valuable” in supporting and reinvigorating their ministries.
Now Auburn is partnering with Dr. Ellen McGrath, founder of the Bridge Coaching Institute, to offer a comprehensive coaching program for church leaders. According to Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Executive Vice President of Auburn Seminary, “The Auburn Coaching Institute provides leaders with the coaching skills and relationships needed to sustain their vocation, enhance their vision, actualize their mission and values, and thrive in their ministries.” During the course of the program year, participants attend two skills training workshops in which they learn from professional coaches and practice coaching skills with peers. In addition, they participate in bi-weekly individual coaching sessions with an assigned coach, and develop peer partnerships for ongoing counsel and practice.
The leadership team and staff of the Auburn Coaching Institute include nationally and internationally recognized coaches and coach facilitators; active church professionals; trainers and consultants experienced in working with clergy, churches and denominations; and seminary faculty and administrators. The program has been graciously supported by a private foundation as well as other funders.
The 2006-07 program year begins this Fall. For further information and to register, please call 212-662-4315, visit www.auburnsem.org, or email cjm@auburnsem.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Posen Foundation Announces New Grant Recipients for the Study of Jewish Secularism
Five Institutions Join the Growing Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2006
Contact:
Myrna Baron, Executive Director
212-564-6711 x301
myrna@culturaljudaism.org
Center for Cultural Judaism
80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 206
New York, NY 10011
info@culturaljudaism.org
www.culturaljudaism.org
APRIL 5, 2006, NEW YORK -- Five new institutions, including Brown University and the Graduate Theological Union, were named as Posen Grant recipients for the 2006-07 academic year, joining 11 other American universities and colleges that now receive funding through the Posen Project for the study of secular Jewish history and cultures.
Binghamton University, Miami University of Ohio, and Rutgers University will also join the growing program, and each will receive $50,000 per year, for up to three years, towards the development of new courses of study in this area.
"Selections were made on the basis of a strong proposed core course; an understanding of what it means to teach courses in Jewish secularism or secular Jewish culture; scholarship in this area; and the ability to integrate these courses over time and make them permanent," explained Myrna Baron, executive director of the Center for Cultural Judaism, which administers the grants.
Each school proposed a "core" course -- the centerpiece of its application -- that met the criteria established by the Center; the Posen Foundation, which underwrites the grants; and by an academic advisory committee of four professors charged with selecting this year's grantees. The committee, which advises the foundation and the Center on this program, is comprised of David Biale, of University of California - Davis, who chairs the committee; Mark Raider, of University of Albany; Susan Shapiro, of University of Massachusetts - Amherst; and James E. Young, also of UMass.
Each institution's "core" course explores a period of rapid secularization that began in the 18th century, after the European Enlightenment. Known as the Haskalah, or Jewish Enlightenment, it marked a dramatic change in intellectual Jewish thought and Jewish life. "Yet students often don't understand its impact unless it is taught as its own discrete subject," Baron said.
The proposals reflect the importance of the effects of secularization, said Baron. The Graduate Theological Union, for instance, proposed a course in "Secular Jewish Thought." Miami University of Ohio conceived a survey of "Secular Jewish Culture from the Enlightenment to Zionism."
The Posen Project began in 2000, and in less than five years, has grown to include 25 institutions in both Israel and the United States. It is expected to double in size over the next few years.
The University of Virginia, which joined the Posen Project in the current academic year, has already seen benefits in and out of the classroom, among students and faculty. "The Posen courses and guest lectures have more than enriched our curriculum at UVA-they have expanded the awareness of our community of learners to include cultural Judaism as a vibrant and diverse heritage, a body of knowledge that is a vital pillar of Jewish Studies," explained Vanessa L. Ochs, University of Virginia's Ida and Nathan Kolodiz Director of Jewish Studies.
Additional recipients of the Posen Project grants include Bard and Dickinson Colleges; University of Albany; University of California - Davis; UCLA; University of Massachusetts - Amherst; University of Michigan; University of Miami; Temple University; and University of Denver, all of whom have developed courses in secularism with the help of Posen grants.
Similar programs are underway in Israel at Haifa University, Tel Aviv University, Ofakim Teachers' Program at Tel Aviv University, Oranim College, the Interdisciplinary Center for Herzliya, Kerem Teachers Training Institute, Lewinsky Teachers College, Achva Hebrew College, and Open University,
Professors from many of the sixteen schools were present at the 2nd Annual Conference on the Teaching of Jewish Secularism in the University, held March 26-27 at the University of Miami Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies.
The Center for Cultural Judaism was established in 2003 in response to emerging new insights into American Jewish demography that confirm that the majority of Jews are secular. The Center for Cultural Judaism supports educational programs on behalf of this large, underserved population in North America. Information on the Posen Project and syllabi of courses underway are available online at www.culturaljudaism.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2006
Contact:
Myrna Baron, Executive Director
212-564-6711 x301
myrna@culturaljudaism.org
Center for Cultural Judaism
80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 206
New York, NY 10011
info@culturaljudaism.org
www.culturaljudaism.org
APRIL 5, 2006, NEW YORK -- Five new institutions, including Brown University and the Graduate Theological Union, were named as Posen Grant recipients for the 2006-07 academic year, joining 11 other American universities and colleges that now receive funding through the Posen Project for the study of secular Jewish history and cultures.
Binghamton University, Miami University of Ohio, and Rutgers University will also join the growing program, and each will receive $50,000 per year, for up to three years, towards the development of new courses of study in this area.
"Selections were made on the basis of a strong proposed core course; an understanding of what it means to teach courses in Jewish secularism or secular Jewish culture; scholarship in this area; and the ability to integrate these courses over time and make them permanent," explained Myrna Baron, executive director of the Center for Cultural Judaism, which administers the grants.
Each school proposed a "core" course -- the centerpiece of its application -- that met the criteria established by the Center; the Posen Foundation, which underwrites the grants; and by an academic advisory committee of four professors charged with selecting this year's grantees. The committee, which advises the foundation and the Center on this program, is comprised of David Biale, of University of California - Davis, who chairs the committee; Mark Raider, of University of Albany; Susan Shapiro, of University of Massachusetts - Amherst; and James E. Young, also of UMass.
Each institution's "core" course explores a period of rapid secularization that began in the 18th century, after the European Enlightenment. Known as the Haskalah, or Jewish Enlightenment, it marked a dramatic change in intellectual Jewish thought and Jewish life. "Yet students often don't understand its impact unless it is taught as its own discrete subject," Baron said.
The proposals reflect the importance of the effects of secularization, said Baron. The Graduate Theological Union, for instance, proposed a course in "Secular Jewish Thought." Miami University of Ohio conceived a survey of "Secular Jewish Culture from the Enlightenment to Zionism."
The Posen Project began in 2000, and in less than five years, has grown to include 25 institutions in both Israel and the United States. It is expected to double in size over the next few years.
The University of Virginia, which joined the Posen Project in the current academic year, has already seen benefits in and out of the classroom, among students and faculty. "The Posen courses and guest lectures have more than enriched our curriculum at UVA-they have expanded the awareness of our community of learners to include cultural Judaism as a vibrant and diverse heritage, a body of knowledge that is a vital pillar of Jewish Studies," explained Vanessa L. Ochs, University of Virginia's Ida and Nathan Kolodiz Director of Jewish Studies.
Additional recipients of the Posen Project grants include Bard and Dickinson Colleges; University of Albany; University of California - Davis; UCLA; University of Massachusetts - Amherst; University of Michigan; University of Miami; Temple University; and University of Denver, all of whom have developed courses in secularism with the help of Posen grants.
Similar programs are underway in Israel at Haifa University, Tel Aviv University, Ofakim Teachers' Program at Tel Aviv University, Oranim College, the Interdisciplinary Center for Herzliya, Kerem Teachers Training Institute, Lewinsky Teachers College, Achva Hebrew College, and Open University,
Professors from many of the sixteen schools were present at the 2nd Annual Conference on the Teaching of Jewish Secularism in the University, held March 26-27 at the University of Miami Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies.
The Center for Cultural Judaism was established in 2003 in response to emerging new insights into American Jewish demography that confirm that the majority of Jews are secular. The Center for Cultural Judaism supports educational programs on behalf of this large, underserved population in North America. Information on the Posen Project and syllabi of courses underway are available online at www.culturaljudaism.org.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Monday, April 03, 2006
Renowned Writers and Artists Retell the Story of the Bible with Words, Art, and Music
The Voice is an Artistic Retelling of the Entire Bible; Worship Events in Toronto, Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, and Atlanta Planned for Holy Week
Cameron Conant
Director of Publicity
(615) 902-1284
cconant@thomasnelson.com
April 3, 2006 (Nashville, Tenn.)—Imagine experiencing the Bible as a collection of stories, poems and songs. Imagine the Bible being translated not by scholars, but by poets, writers, musicians, artists and historians. What would the Bible look and sound like then?
The Voice is a new project from a team of renowned writers and artists—people like Erwin McManus, Leonard Sweet, Don Miller, Lauren Winner and Brian McLaren. The goal: Retell the Bible the way it was originally told—through art, poetry, history, and song. And retell it in ways that are contemporary, ancient, literary, challenging and beautiful.
The brainchild of Chris Seay, a speaker, writer and pastor, The Voice is a series of books, songs, and images that will eventually retell the entire biblical story—from Genesis to Revelation. More than a Bible translation, The Voice is an effort to recapture the story of the Bible by utilizing the talents of dozens of renowned writers and artists, including:
* Lauren Winner, bestselling author of the acclaimed memoir, Girl Meets God
* Phyllis Tickle, poet and author of many books, including The Divine Hours
* Brian McLaren, pastor and author of A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy and The Lost Message of Jesus
* Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What
* Sara Groves, singer/ songwriter
* Robbie Seay, musician/ singer, The Robbie Seay band
* Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia in Houston and author of The Gospel According to Tony Soprano, Faith of My Fathers and The Gospel Reloaded
* Greg Garrett, professor of film and writing at Baylor University and author of several books including Free Bird and Cycling.
* Rob Pepper, U.K. artist known for his conscious reflex drawings and sketches
“What we plan to do is have poets retell the poetry of Scripture, historians retell the historical books of Scripture, and so forth,” said Chris Seay. “We also have more than a dozen biblical scholars reviewing The Voice, making sure that we are not just retelling the Bible artistically, but faithfully as well.”
The initial impulse to develop The Voice came to Chris Seay 15 years ago as Western culture moved into what is now referred to as postmodernism. “Much like the Jews at the time of the New Testament, emerging generations today connect with stories rather than isolated facts. Too often, preaching is reduced to articulating truth statements,” Seay said.
The first three projects from The Voice include two books and one music CD, all releasing in 2006. The lineup is as follows:
* The Last Eyewitness: The Final Week (a retelling of the Passion of Jesus from the Gospel of John) by Chris Seay and David Capes, art by Ron Pepper ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2345-2; Releases: April 2006)
* The Dust Off Their Feet: Transitioning the Church to Conform to His Will—Then/ Now (a retelling of Acts 1-15) by Brian McLaren, commentary by Chris Seay ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2346-0; Releases: July 2006)
* Songs from the Voice, Vol. 1: Please Don’t Make Us Sing This Song featuring Derek Webb, The Robbie Seay Band, Sara Groves, Jill Phillips, Waterdeep, Sandra McCracken, Jami Smith, and Seth Woods ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2243-X; Releases: April 2006)
Chris Seay is also planning a Holy Week Tour, holding Voice worship events in seven cities. Each gathering will feature talks from Chris Seay with music from The Robbie Seay band and Waterdeep and art by Ron Pepper, who will draw during the gatherings.
April 7: Toronto, Tyndale College, 7 p.m.
April 8: Chicago (S. Barrington, Ill.), Willow Creek Community Church, 5:30 p.m.
April 9: Chicago (S. Barrington, Ill.) Willow Creek Community Church, 11:00 a.m.
April 9: St. Louis (Chesterfield, Missouri), Windsor Crossing Church, 7 p.m.
April 11: Nashville (Franklin, Tenn.), The People’s Church, 7 p.m.
April 12: Atlanta (Snellville, Georgia), Highpoint Community Church, 7 p.m.
April 13: Lexington, Kent., University of Kentucky, 7 p.m.
April 14: Pine Bluff, Ark., First Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Cameron Conant
Director of Publicity
(615) 902-1284
cconant@thomasnelson.com
April 3, 2006 (Nashville, Tenn.)—Imagine experiencing the Bible as a collection of stories, poems and songs. Imagine the Bible being translated not by scholars, but by poets, writers, musicians, artists and historians. What would the Bible look and sound like then?
The Voice is a new project from a team of renowned writers and artists—people like Erwin McManus, Leonard Sweet, Don Miller, Lauren Winner and Brian McLaren. The goal: Retell the Bible the way it was originally told—through art, poetry, history, and song. And retell it in ways that are contemporary, ancient, literary, challenging and beautiful.
The brainchild of Chris Seay, a speaker, writer and pastor, The Voice is a series of books, songs, and images that will eventually retell the entire biblical story—from Genesis to Revelation. More than a Bible translation, The Voice is an effort to recapture the story of the Bible by utilizing the talents of dozens of renowned writers and artists, including:
* Lauren Winner, bestselling author of the acclaimed memoir, Girl Meets God
* Phyllis Tickle, poet and author of many books, including The Divine Hours
* Brian McLaren, pastor and author of A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy and The Lost Message of Jesus
* Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What
* Sara Groves, singer/ songwriter
* Robbie Seay, musician/ singer, The Robbie Seay band
* Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia in Houston and author of The Gospel According to Tony Soprano, Faith of My Fathers and The Gospel Reloaded
* Greg Garrett, professor of film and writing at Baylor University and author of several books including Free Bird and Cycling.
* Rob Pepper, U.K. artist known for his conscious reflex drawings and sketches
“What we plan to do is have poets retell the poetry of Scripture, historians retell the historical books of Scripture, and so forth,” said Chris Seay. “We also have more than a dozen biblical scholars reviewing The Voice, making sure that we are not just retelling the Bible artistically, but faithfully as well.”
The initial impulse to develop The Voice came to Chris Seay 15 years ago as Western culture moved into what is now referred to as postmodernism. “Much like the Jews at the time of the New Testament, emerging generations today connect with stories rather than isolated facts. Too often, preaching is reduced to articulating truth statements,” Seay said.
The first three projects from The Voice include two books and one music CD, all releasing in 2006. The lineup is as follows:
* The Last Eyewitness: The Final Week (a retelling of the Passion of Jesus from the Gospel of John) by Chris Seay and David Capes, art by Ron Pepper ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2345-2; Releases: April 2006)
* The Dust Off Their Feet: Transitioning the Church to Conform to His Will—Then/ Now (a retelling of Acts 1-15) by Brian McLaren, commentary by Chris Seay ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2346-0; Releases: July 2006)
* Songs from the Voice, Vol. 1: Please Don’t Make Us Sing This Song featuring Derek Webb, The Robbie Seay Band, Sara Groves, Jill Phillips, Waterdeep, Sandra McCracken, Jami Smith, and Seth Woods ($16.99; ISBN: 0-5291-2243-X; Releases: April 2006)
Chris Seay is also planning a Holy Week Tour, holding Voice worship events in seven cities. Each gathering will feature talks from Chris Seay with music from The Robbie Seay band and Waterdeep and art by Ron Pepper, who will draw during the gatherings.
April 7: Toronto, Tyndale College, 7 p.m.
April 8: Chicago (S. Barrington, Ill.), Willow Creek Community Church, 5:30 p.m.
April 9: Chicago (S. Barrington, Ill.) Willow Creek Community Church, 11:00 a.m.
April 9: St. Louis (Chesterfield, Missouri), Windsor Crossing Church, 7 p.m.
April 11: Nashville (Franklin, Tenn.), The People’s Church, 7 p.m.
April 12: Atlanta (Snellville, Georgia), Highpoint Community Church, 7 p.m.
April 13: Lexington, Kent., University of Kentucky, 7 p.m.
April 14: Pine Bluff, Ark., First Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Applications Now Available for 2006 Catholic High School Honor Roll
Contact: Anthony Pienta
616-454-3080
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (April 3, 2006) -The application process for the 2006 edition of the Catholic High School Honor Roll is now open. In keeping with Vatican II's dual stress on the "earthly city" and the "Kingdom of God," the Honor Roll recognizes schools that embrace a vibrant Catholic identity and instill an appreciation of the social, political, and economic dimensions of the world.
The application deadline is May 15. Schools may now apply online at www.chshonor.org. The Honor Roll is offering a special incentive to encourage online applications. If a school completes the survey online, it will be entered in a drawing for a prize of $1,000. Last year's winner was Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, N.Y.
Since the Honor Roll's inception in 2004, schools on the top 50 list have enjoyed well-deserved distinction and praise from bishops, school boards, donors, the media, and, most importantly, parents. More than 75 high schools have appeared on the Honor Roll list and another 40 have been honored on one of the category leader lists. More than 140 media stories about the Honor Roll have helped highlight the good work Catholic high schools do.
The Honor Roll "provided a huge impact within our community," said Mr. Kyle L. Groos, principal of O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, S.D. In an environment where parents are searching for quality Catholic education, "they want and need to know that we are considered one of the top Catholic high schools." The Honor Roll has given O'Gorman the opportunity that helps parents make the decision of where to send their kids.
The primary goal of the Honor Roll is to encourage schools to educate students as effectively as possible, in a way that integrates Catholic faith and prepares students for active engagement with the world. The Honor Roll measures a school's strength in three areas: academics, Catholic identity, and civic education. By supporting this constructive competition, the Honor Roll provides insight into the character of Catholic secondary education and calls everyone to improve the academic and spiritual formation given to America's youth. In promoting rigorous education, the Honor Roll desires to better prepare students for fruitful vocations in politics, business, and the Church.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
616-454-3080
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (April 3, 2006) -The application process for the 2006 edition of the Catholic High School Honor Roll is now open. In keeping with Vatican II's dual stress on the "earthly city" and the "Kingdom of God," the Honor Roll recognizes schools that embrace a vibrant Catholic identity and instill an appreciation of the social, political, and economic dimensions of the world.
The application deadline is May 15. Schools may now apply online at www.chshonor.org. The Honor Roll is offering a special incentive to encourage online applications. If a school completes the survey online, it will be entered in a drawing for a prize of $1,000. Last year's winner was Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, N.Y.
Since the Honor Roll's inception in 2004, schools on the top 50 list have enjoyed well-deserved distinction and praise from bishops, school boards, donors, the media, and, most importantly, parents. More than 75 high schools have appeared on the Honor Roll list and another 40 have been honored on one of the category leader lists. More than 140 media stories about the Honor Roll have helped highlight the good work Catholic high schools do.
The Honor Roll "provided a huge impact within our community," said Mr. Kyle L. Groos, principal of O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, S.D. In an environment where parents are searching for quality Catholic education, "they want and need to know that we are considered one of the top Catholic high schools." The Honor Roll has given O'Gorman the opportunity that helps parents make the decision of where to send their kids.
The primary goal of the Honor Roll is to encourage schools to educate students as effectively as possible, in a way that integrates Catholic faith and prepares students for active engagement with the world. The Honor Roll measures a school's strength in three areas: academics, Catholic identity, and civic education. By supporting this constructive competition, the Honor Roll provides insight into the character of Catholic secondary education and calls everyone to improve the academic and spiritual formation given to America's youth. In promoting rigorous education, the Honor Roll desires to better prepare students for fruitful vocations in politics, business, and the Church.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
