Opinion

Bullets fired deliberately at close range killed nine African-American members of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in historic Charleston, S.C., June 17.

An old Sunday School register hangs on the wall in my church office. As much nostalgia as that register generates, many of us are beginning to ask if we need some new metrics to measure congregational life and health in the 21st century.

The June 18, 2015, issue of the printed Word & Way is the final one in newsprint tabloid format. As it begins its 120th year of service, Word & Way will make its appearance as a glossy magazine in July.

Fathers draw a lot of pleasure when they see the right decisions, character growth and responsible maturation that come in the lives of their children and they realize their good examples have born fruit. Such observations affirm both the children and the parent.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie “Christmas Vacation” has Clark Griswold standing in his front yard with wife, children, parents and in-laws. They are shivering in the December cold, admiring the gaudy but brilliant Christmas lights that Clark has just strung all over the house.

The spring school term has come to an end at virtually all levels.

The end of the term means different things to students at different levels.

“Give a man a fish, and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you’ve fed him for a lifetime.”

The proverb is no magic wand, of course. The words have no power to act on their own. Ideas — even great ideas — require intentional implementation and outright effort.

Let’s face it. For most of us, beauty has never been at the top of our “most important doctrines” list. Perhaps we should reconsider. But let’s remember that our Maker probably sees spatial beauty and facial beauty differently.

It is human nature to wish that Mother’s Day will be a wonderful day of gratitude and blessing for every mother and every son and daughter. Surely for most, it is that kind of day.

While many people on organ transplant waiting lists receive lifesaving or life-enhancing transplants each year, many die awaiting a transplant that tragically never comes. April is National Donate Life Month, a time when this life-critical issue is brought to the forefront each year.