Photos that didn’t make it into “green” feature, 3-1

These are some photos of Fr. Pete Peterson that got cut. His lifestyle is really  remarkable. We should all live so simply for the betterment of others.

Pictures from my stories that didn’t make it in the paper

Featured in this slide show are Eugene “Babe” Armstrong from my 1-28 “Local Folks” story; Rabbi Howard Gorin who has done much work building Jewish communities in Africa and who spoke at Tupelo’s Temple B’Nai Israel recently; and, some pics of the cross outside St. Christopher Catholic Church in Pontotoc where I shot the centerpiece photo for the 2-2 article on Lent.

catching up

Well, I haven’t blogged in a few days. Very busy. The feature for 3-1 will be about people of faith throughout the area who are doing “green” things. I had hoped to find more but there are some interesting things in there. I particularly enjoyed talking to the young Amish fellow. I have a great deal of admiration for their lifestyle. What a wonderful, beautiful simplicity. What sincere, genuine, unpretentious people.

I’ve been working on a story about the recent ruling in the Presbyterian Church USA concerning the ordination of self-avowed, practicing homosexuals. It will probably appear in the paper 3-1.

On the radar for the coming weeks: the Bishop’s Mission Corps, a group of young Episcopalian men volunteering in Aberdeen; and, the LIMEX program, a group of local folks who are about to complete their master’s degrees in theology through Loyola University of New Orleans; and, of course, Easter.

I’m going to post a couple of photographs, taken for stories that I’ve done, that didn’t make it into the paper. I can’t tell you how many fascinating people and places I encounter in my work. I do love this job!

Peace,  Galen

Mission Mississippi community worship service, Mar. 2

Mission Mississippi, an organization promoting greater cooperation and fellowship between Caucasian and African-American churches, will host a community worship service on March 2, at 6 p.m. at the Tupelo Civic Auditorium (beside the baseball field and the middle school). The guest speaker will be Mr. Onnie Kirk from Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Kirk works with young boys who need adult, male figures, role models, in their lives. Praise and worship music will be performed by Willie Davis and Cross Pointe Ministries. All are encouraged to attend.

Church in Hansville, AL

Three weeks ago I took a day trip to this Catholic church in Hansville, Alabama. I enjoy old-fashioned church architecture. These buildings and statues are very Medieval and some people won’t care for them – and that’s fine. I have to be in a certain disposition myself. Still, these things are incredibly beautiful. Like European cathedrals they overwhelm the senses and dominate the surrounding countryside. Regardless of where one stands theologically, one can’t help but be taken in by surroundings like these. My friend Todd Sherman, one of our Daily Journal photographers, (who’s eye is infinitely better than mine) said my pictures were pretty good. Enjoy.

creation museum in Kentucky

There’s an interesting article in the Feb. 12 issue of “The Christian Century” about the new creation museum in Petersburg, KY.

I’m not sure where to even begin here.

Well, how about dinosaurs eating pineapples alongside Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? And, disgruntled scientists fabricating dinosaur bones and burying them to thwart religious folk? The earth, created in 6, 24-hour days about 6,000 years ago? (In fairness, I’m not sure how many, if any, of these  ‘new creation’ ideas are represented in the museum.)

I never want to ridicule anyone’s beliefs. I’m just not sure that Christians holding these beliefs can have anything resembling meaningful dialog with secular thinkers and the scientific community.

Before I get too critical I have to do more reading and see this place for myself.

On my next trip to Kentucky to visit my wife I may stop by.  I’ll blog about it.

“green projects”

I want to invite readers, once again, to call or email about “green” projects that churches or religious groups might be undertaking. I’ve heard some pretty good stories about recycling. I was hoping for something father reaching.

There’s a helpful conference coming up at St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo: Feb. 23 from 1-5 p.m. Parish Center Auditorium (845 Lakeshire Dr.) The conference will focus on building networks of leadership and advocacy in the Hispanic community, especially pertaining to issues around immigration. For more information or to register call 321-3512, or 346-6607.

I’ve seen more than one recent newspaper article suggesting that Gov. Mike Huckabee has his eye on the Rep. Vice-Presidential nomination. I find that interesting.

Prayers and thoughts go out to the Rev. Billy Graham as he recovers from a recent operation. I’ve been a fan of Graham’s for many years.

The Archbishop of Canterbury recently stirred controversy by suggesting that Muslims in the U.K. be allowed to handle certain legal matters under Islamic law. The British government has made other such limited concessions over the years. Perhaps in the current climate, such concessions to Muslims garner more attention. Fair or unfair.

interesting facts and stats

The Christian Century recently published the following figures. I think they’re useful:

The faithful around the world:

2,231,421,000  Christians

1,412,301,ooo  Muslisms

887,991,000    Hindus

391,122,000     Buddhists

15,044,000       Jews

*Source: International Bulletin of Missionary Research/Sightings

couple of books I’ve been reading

I often get books in the mail from readers. Some they’ve written, others they recommend to me. I try and sort through them as best I can but I don’t want to set a precedent of endorsing material – especially for material that’s theological or promotes a certain point of view. However, I feel a little more comfortable with prayer/spiritual material. One that I’ve received recently is “The Godly Path of Least Resistance” by Starkville attorney Matt Wilson. The forward is written by presidential hopeful Gov. Mike Huckabee. This book has some good “close readings” of scripture. It’s basically an extended meditation on the “Lord’s Prayer.” It’s available on Amazon.com.

The Rev. LaRae Rutenbar stopped by the other day to drop off a journal, created by members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tupelo. The journal spans the season of Lent: for each day a different parishioner has created a meditation/entry on scripture. I haven’t finished reading it yet but it looks to be really well done. There’s some original artwork and some photographs. I’m really enjoying reading it. I’m sure that if anyone wants one they could stop by All Saints and pick one up. There are bound to be some extra copies around.

first official post

I’d like to talk with some Christian truck drivers if anybody knows someone. I have a couple ideas bouncing around in my head about a story.

I recently finished Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men.” I think his work is absolutely brilliant. It’s dark, certainly. But, there’s so much symbolism there. Particularly, in this book, lots of apocalyptic symbolism. Good stuff. Not for the faint of heart.

Today is Valentine’s Day and I was thinking about my time in D.C. in grad school. I had a roommate who worked on the Hill drafting a bill about conflict diamonds. I have major, major concerns about the diamond industry and V-Day always raises my ire about it. Like chocolate, flowers or anything else, I don’t like it when the bullies of commercialism try and guilt me into buying things.

If anyone knows of a church or a group with religious affiliation that’s doing lots of “green” stuff, let me know. I’ve got a couple of ideas for stories.