Showing posts with label Bobby Ross Jr.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Ross Jr.. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Race and Churches of Christ
Bobby Ross has written a good series about race and Churches of Christ in the latest edition of the Christian Chronicle. At www.christianchronicle.org/article2158476~Leaders_tackle_questions_on_race_and_the_church, Bobby interviewed 4 leaders from racially integrated Churches of Christ. I found B.D. Holt Sr.'s answer to the third question the most fascinating, as he explained the historical development of different worship styles among black and white congregations. At the bottom of Bobby's article, you will find links to the other articles in the series.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Love One Another
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).
If you need a little encouragement and inspiration for today, please read the Christian Chronicle article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158418~A_gift_of_sacrifice_-_and_love. As far as I'm concerned, Bobby Ross should be awarded a Pulitzer for writing the story, and Kayla Balliew should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for living it.
If you need a little encouragement and inspiration for today, please read the Christian Chronicle article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158418~A_gift_of_sacrifice_-_and_love. As far as I'm concerned, Bobby Ross should be awarded a Pulitzer for writing the story, and Kayla Balliew should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for living it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Vacation Memories 2008
We spent the past week on vacation in Oklahoma City and Dallas.
On Sunday morning, we headed to Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Rural Letter Carriers Association convention. I served as a delegate from the state's northeastern district. While I learned a little during the informational sessions, I found myself in the minority during every vote on substantial issues that would make a positive impact on my job or reform my union. I'm accustomed to being in the minority, though.
Before arriving at the convention, we met Bobby Ross (http://www.therossnews.com) and his family for worship with the Edmond Church of Christ. Unfortunately, Tamie was feeling sick. However, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch with Bobby, Brady, and Keaton.
On Monday, I skipped the convention and took the family to the Science Museum. Christopher loved all of the hands-on activities and the Storm Chasers movie in the Omnidome.
On Tuesday, the convention wrapped up. Jason and Tara Hicks (http://thehixaregrowinglikeweeds.blogspot.com) invited us to dinner at their house. Tara is the former children's minister for the Contact Church of Christ. Time flew as we ate a great meal and talked for hours. Christopher enjoyed playing with their son Liam.
On Wednesday, we visited the Frontier City amusement park. (Thanks, Bobby, for letting us know about the coupons!) In some ways, we were reminded of Silver Dollar City. Then we went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. (Is it just me, or is the latest movie much more ridiculous than those made in the 1980s?)
On Thursday, we spent the day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We enjoyed watching the sea lions perform tricks in their new show, feeding the ducks and geese at the lake, and seeing the new lion cubs.
On Friday, we traveled south to Dallas so that we could spend the weekend with Janet's brother Ken. Since he was home on vacation from his job in Iraq for the first time in about 16 months, we joined most of the family in visiting him and his wife in Dallas.
Before returning home on Sunday, we visited Stonebriar Community Church to hear Chuck Swindoll speak.
In the next day or so, I will try to post a few photographs of our vacation. Thanks for reading!
On Sunday morning, we headed to Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Rural Letter Carriers Association convention. I served as a delegate from the state's northeastern district. While I learned a little during the informational sessions, I found myself in the minority during every vote on substantial issues that would make a positive impact on my job or reform my union. I'm accustomed to being in the minority, though.
Before arriving at the convention, we met Bobby Ross (http://www.therossnews.com) and his family for worship with the Edmond Church of Christ. Unfortunately, Tamie was feeling sick. However, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch with Bobby, Brady, and Keaton.
On Monday, I skipped the convention and took the family to the Science Museum. Christopher loved all of the hands-on activities and the Storm Chasers movie in the Omnidome.
On Tuesday, the convention wrapped up. Jason and Tara Hicks (http://thehixaregrowinglikeweeds.blogspot.com) invited us to dinner at their house. Tara is the former children's minister for the Contact Church of Christ. Time flew as we ate a great meal and talked for hours. Christopher enjoyed playing with their son Liam.
On Wednesday, we visited the Frontier City amusement park. (Thanks, Bobby, for letting us know about the coupons!) In some ways, we were reminded of Silver Dollar City. Then we went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. (Is it just me, or is the latest movie much more ridiculous than those made in the 1980s?)
On Thursday, we spent the day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We enjoyed watching the sea lions perform tricks in their new show, feeding the ducks and geese at the lake, and seeing the new lion cubs.
On Friday, we traveled south to Dallas so that we could spend the weekend with Janet's brother Ken. Since he was home on vacation from his job in Iraq for the first time in about 16 months, we joined most of the family in visiting him and his wife in Dallas.
Before returning home on Sunday, we visited Stonebriar Community Church to hear Chuck Swindoll speak.
In the next day or so, I will try to post a few photographs of our vacation. Thanks for reading!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Mourning
"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4, NIV).
This morning, I was reading John Dobbs' blog just before I went to work. He had posted that his 18-year old son had died on Wednesday morning, just 2 days before his high school graduation. He had been hit by a truck as he was walking a dark street because his car had broken down. I did not have time to post this at that time, but I want to let people know about the grief of the Dobbs' family. John preaches for a Church of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana. Janet, Christopher, and I met him and his wife just 2 months ago at the International Soul Winning Workshop. Please pray for all the loved ones who are mourning today.
While I was working today, I heard a report on the radio that singer Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year old daughter also died yesterday in a car accident. Her older brother ran over her in their driveway. Maria was one of the Chapman's daughters who had been adopted from China. He and his wife have been tremendous supporters and advocates of Christian adoption. Please pray for them also. I do not know them personally, but Steven wrote the song that became "our song" at our wedding; and I have heard him interviewed numerous times on radio programs like FamilyLife Today as he was advocating adoption.
John Dobbs' blog may be viewed at http://johndobbs.wordpress.com/. Steven Curtis Chapman's official web site is http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/. Bobby Ross has written an article about these stories (and one other) for the Christian Chronicle at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158361~Tragedies_strike_churches_in_Michigan%2C_Mississippi%2C_Tennessee.
for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4, NIV).
This morning, I was reading John Dobbs' blog just before I went to work. He had posted that his 18-year old son had died on Wednesday morning, just 2 days before his high school graduation. He had been hit by a truck as he was walking a dark street because his car had broken down. I did not have time to post this at that time, but I want to let people know about the grief of the Dobbs' family. John preaches for a Church of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana. Janet, Christopher, and I met him and his wife just 2 months ago at the International Soul Winning Workshop. Please pray for all the loved ones who are mourning today.
While I was working today, I heard a report on the radio that singer Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year old daughter also died yesterday in a car accident. Her older brother ran over her in their driveway. Maria was one of the Chapman's daughters who had been adopted from China. He and his wife have been tremendous supporters and advocates of Christian adoption. Please pray for them also. I do not know them personally, but Steven wrote the song that became "our song" at our wedding; and I have heard him interviewed numerous times on radio programs like FamilyLife Today as he was advocating adoption.
John Dobbs' blog may be viewed at http://johndobbs.wordpress.com/. Steven Curtis Chapman's official web site is http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/. Bobby Ross has written an article about these stories (and one other) for the Christian Chronicle at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158361~Tragedies_strike_churches_in_Michigan%2C_Mississippi%2C_Tennessee.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Blogger Reflection Awards
Allen Hickerson has given me his auspicious Blogger Reflection Award and made some kind comments about my blog and Janet's blog (see http://allens-brain.blogspot.com/2007/10/blogger-reflection-awards.html). By the way Allen, we ran into your parents, sister, and nephews a couple of days ago at the Tulsa State Fair.
Here are the rules for the awards (some of which I will follow):
1. Copy these rules.
2. Reflect on 5 bloggers and write at least a paragraph about each one.
3. Link to this post so others can read it, too.
4. Leave chosen bloggers a comment to let them know they have won a Blogger Reflection Award.
5. Show the Blogger Reflection Awards image in your post. (Sorry, Allen. I still cannot figure out how to post images on my blog. If anyone wants to see the image, please go to the link to Allen's blog above.)
These are a few of the blogs I read:
1. Arron Chambers (http://www.christianstandard.com/MyLordandMyBlog.asp) serves as a preacher with Christ's Church in Jacksonville, Florida. His blog usually centers on some good thoughts about his local congregation as well as some encouraging words about following Jesus.
2. Jackie Chesnutt (http://www.southside-church-of-christ.org/jackie) is an elder and minister with the Southside Church of Christ in Rogers, Arkansas. My mother, step-father, sister, brother-in-law, nephews, and niece worship with the same congregation. It's good to be able to keep up with their preacher (who happens to be a great speaker and great guy). I like the fact that he says he started his blog as an alternative to therapy. I know that feeling.
3. Tony Dungy (http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blog/Dungy_Perspective) coaches the Indianapolis Colts. I have followed his career for a few years now, after hearing him interviewed on the FamilyLife Today radio program. On his blog, he focuses on football, but he often mentions family and faith as well. He has made a Colts fan out of me.
4. Janet Laudett (http://360.yahoo.com/tjclaud) is my wife. She writes more about our family than I do, but I agree with Allen...she does not post often enough. If you want to know more about our everyday lives, Janet gives much more insight about us than you may find on my blog usually.
5. Bobby and Tamie Ross (http://www.therossnews.com/) are editors and writers for the Christian Chronicle, an international newspaper for the Churches of Christ. They are also fellow alumni of Oklahoma Christian University. (Bobby and I were in the Class of 1990.) You will find a good sense of humor on their blog. Sometimes you will find something inspirational (especially when Bobby writes about his parents and their 25 years of service as house parents for a children's home). Sometimes you will find something that challenges you (like when Tamie wrote about signing up to be tested to become a bone marrow donor...she inspired me to do the same when the opportunity arose on my job at the post office several weeks ago). Their blog is very entertaining, but like Janet, they need to post more often.
Please check out all of these blogs. I think you will like them, too.
Here are the rules for the awards (some of which I will follow):
1. Copy these rules.
2. Reflect on 5 bloggers and write at least a paragraph about each one.
3. Link to this post so others can read it, too.
4. Leave chosen bloggers a comment to let them know they have won a Blogger Reflection Award.
5. Show the Blogger Reflection Awards image in your post. (Sorry, Allen. I still cannot figure out how to post images on my blog. If anyone wants to see the image, please go to the link to Allen's blog above.)
These are a few of the blogs I read:
1. Arron Chambers (http://www.christianstandard.com/MyLordandMyBlog.asp) serves as a preacher with Christ's Church in Jacksonville, Florida. His blog usually centers on some good thoughts about his local congregation as well as some encouraging words about following Jesus.
2. Jackie Chesnutt (http://www.southside-church-of-christ.org/jackie) is an elder and minister with the Southside Church of Christ in Rogers, Arkansas. My mother, step-father, sister, brother-in-law, nephews, and niece worship with the same congregation. It's good to be able to keep up with their preacher (who happens to be a great speaker and great guy). I like the fact that he says he started his blog as an alternative to therapy. I know that feeling.
3. Tony Dungy (http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blog/Dungy_Perspective) coaches the Indianapolis Colts. I have followed his career for a few years now, after hearing him interviewed on the FamilyLife Today radio program. On his blog, he focuses on football, but he often mentions family and faith as well. He has made a Colts fan out of me.
4. Janet Laudett (http://360.yahoo.com/tjclaud) is my wife. She writes more about our family than I do, but I agree with Allen...she does not post often enough. If you want to know more about our everyday lives, Janet gives much more insight about us than you may find on my blog usually.
5. Bobby and Tamie Ross (http://www.therossnews.com/) are editors and writers for the Christian Chronicle, an international newspaper for the Churches of Christ. They are also fellow alumni of Oklahoma Christian University. (Bobby and I were in the Class of 1990.) You will find a good sense of humor on their blog. Sometimes you will find something inspirational (especially when Bobby writes about his parents and their 25 years of service as house parents for a children's home). Sometimes you will find something that challenges you (like when Tamie wrote about signing up to be tested to become a bone marrow donor...she inspired me to do the same when the opportunity arose on my job at the post office several weeks ago). Their blog is very entertaining, but like Janet, they need to post more often.
Please check out all of these blogs. I think you will like them, too.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Racial Harmony in the Churches of Christ
In the current Christian Chronicle, Bobby Ross Jr. asks, "Isn't it time we showed the world that God's people are not one color, or even two, but all colors?" It's a good question and a very good opinion piece for the Chronicle. "Breaking Down Color Barriers in the Church" may be viewed at http://www.christianchronicle.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=761.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
A cappella Worship Music
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19, NIV).
In the Churches of Christ, we have maintained an ancient tradition of singing worship music without instrumental accompaniment. In many congregations, the music has been outstanding by any standard.
I was aware that a few other churches share the same musical tradition. In an interesting article in this month's Christian Chronicle, Bobby Ross reports on a gathering of those groups at Pepperdine University for a symposium of sacred a cappella music. (See the article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=742). I was intrigued by the perspectives of Eastern Orthodox Churches, Mennonite Churches, Churches of Christ, and a few Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. I did not realize that such diverse theological traditions share a common musical tradition (although each may have distinctive styles within the a cappella tradition).
In recent years, Jenks Church (our former congregation), the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, the Quail Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Northwest Church in Seattle, and a few other Churches of Christ have added a worship service in which instrumental music is used. However, I believe that each congregation has maintained an a cappella service, too. As unity among the Churches of Christ and Christian Churches is being re-established, I would love to hear about a few Christian Churches adopting a cappella services in their line-up of worship service options, too. It is a good tradition, and it would be nice to share it with other Christians who are not accustomed to it. (To be honest, Amazing Grace should never be sung with instrumental accompaniment.)
In the Churches of Christ, we have maintained an ancient tradition of singing worship music without instrumental accompaniment. In many congregations, the music has been outstanding by any standard.
I was aware that a few other churches share the same musical tradition. In an interesting article in this month's Christian Chronicle, Bobby Ross reports on a gathering of those groups at Pepperdine University for a symposium of sacred a cappella music. (See the article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=742). I was intrigued by the perspectives of Eastern Orthodox Churches, Mennonite Churches, Churches of Christ, and a few Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. I did not realize that such diverse theological traditions share a common musical tradition (although each may have distinctive styles within the a cappella tradition).
In recent years, Jenks Church (our former congregation), the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, the Quail Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Northwest Church in Seattle, and a few other Churches of Christ have added a worship service in which instrumental music is used. However, I believe that each congregation has maintained an a cappella service, too. As unity among the Churches of Christ and Christian Churches is being re-established, I would love to hear about a few Christian Churches adopting a cappella services in their line-up of worship service options, too. It is a good tradition, and it would be nice to share it with other Christians who are not accustomed to it. (To be honest, Amazing Grace should never be sung with instrumental accompaniment.)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hope for a Dying Church
Bobby Ross Jr. has written an inspiring article for the Christian Chronicle about a once-dying Church of Christ in rural Arkansas (see http://www.christianchronicle.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=649). The congregation began to experience a revival when it started to focus on serving its neighbors, spreading the good news of Christ, praying for people, and showing concern for people in its area. If you are in a stagnant or dying church, this article should give you hope that things can change.
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