These New Jersey “bread breakers” began a sandwich ministry during the pandemic
Plus faith-based movies nominated for Oscars, jail ministries and more headlines
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
What do you do when a pandemic closes your church’s doors? Make sandwiches!
That was the answer, at least, for the New Dover United Methodist Church in Edison, New Jersey, who have til date made nearly 100,000 sandwiches and delivered them to the hungry in surrounding areas. Those who’ve led the program told reporter Tracy Simmons how important they believe it is to reach out to those in the community who have needs and do their best to help — you won’t want to miss this story.
You may have noticed that many Oscar nominations, announced last week, are about people of faith and religious themes. The movie with the most nominations, “The Power of the Dog,” is a slow-burn Western that takes its name and meaning from Psalm 22. Culture reporter Jillian Cheney explains its significance here.
See you next week! If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
Bread Breakers: New Jersey Church Finds Creative Way To Do Ministry During Pandemic
Oscar-Nominated 'The Power Of The Dog' Gets Its Title From A Famous Psalm by Jillian Cheney
(REVIEW) “The Power of the Dog” became the most-nominated movie for the 2022 Oscars with 12 nominations. A slow-burn Western that explores power, masculinity and forbidden love, the movie gets its title and conclusion from a notable Psalm prayed by Jesus.
Jail Ministries Find Ways To Reach Incarcerated Amid Pandemic by Steve Rabey
The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations will take over naming imams in all mosques from the Caucasian Muslim Board if amendments to the religion law awaiting their second reading in Parliament are approved. The amendments would also give the committee the leading role in reappointing all imams every five years.
Former Plaintiffs In Bill Gothard Abuse Lawsuit Hit Back At Institute In Basic Life Principles’ Statement To NBC News by Shannon Cuthrell
A former plaintiff in a suit against Institute in Basic Life Principles told MinistryWatch that the IBLP’s media statement contains many “manipulations and distortions of the truth” and it made many “who knew the inside story sad and angry that the most they can offer is ‘no comment’ after decades worth of alleged abuse within their organization.”
Azerbaijan Government Takes Direct Control Of Mosque Leadership by Felix Corley
The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations will take over naming imams in all mosques from the Caucasian Muslim Board if amendments to the religion law awaiting their second reading in Parliament are approved. The amendments would also give the committee the leading role in reappointing all imams every five years.
Liberians Memorialize 29 Lives Lost In Christian Revival Stampede by Kaipee Luther Newray
Thousands of Liberians gathered for a national memorial service over the weekend to mourn the 29 people killed in a stampede during a Pentecostal revival service Jan. 19. The panic began when local gang members attacked worshippers returning home after a two-day Christian crusade event in a low-income neighborhood of Monrovia.
NBA's Enes Kanter Freedom Lives His New Name As A Muslim American by Leocciano Callao
Enes Kanter Freedom’s efforts go far beyond the basketball court. He is one of the most outspoken basketball players and athletes at the professional level when it comes to activism, standing up for religious freedom and the oppressed. He’s been one of the few pro athletes willing to criticize China for its treatment of religious minorities.
A Drink From This Benedictine Brewery Will Have You Thanking God For Beer by Julia Duin
The Mount Angel Abbey, a Benedictine brewery in Mount Angel, Oregon, welcomes visitors year-round to taste and believe that the Lord is good. They follow the tradition of Saint Benedict, the late fifth-century founder of the Benedictine order who created self-sufficient communities in which the monks could make their own food and drink.
5 Books About African American Catholics To Read During Black History Month by Clemente Lisi
(REVIEW) February is Black History Month, and it’s a reminder of the many contributions Black Americans have made to the culture, life and history of the United States. Often overlooked is the relationship between African Americans and the Roman Catholic Church in this country. Here are five books that delve into their history and why it matters.
‘Shut In’ Is A Rare R-Rated Faith-Friendly Thriller That Works, Backed By The Daily Wire by Joseph Holmes
(REVIEW) In a push to create a conservative alternative to Hollywood, the conservative news outlet The Daily Wire produced its first film, premiering Feb. 10 on YouTube. “Shut In” is a solid home-invasion horror film that seamlessly integrates faith with thrills. ReligionUnplugged talked to producer Dallas Sonnier about how his parents’ murders influence his portrayals of violence and faith.
Israel Mourns Esther Pollard, Wife Of Convicted Spy Jonathan Pollard by Gil Zohar
A standing–room only crowd of 500 packed the Heichal Ya’acov synagogue in Jerusalem this week to pay their final respects to Esther Pollard, the wife of convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Jay Pollard. Esther Pollard, 68, died on Jan. 31 of septic shock complicated by COVID-19. She was also battling breast cancer.
Opinion
Not Just Nostalgia: Some Pandemic-Weary Souls Want To Make Sunday A Day Of Rest Again
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, Bobby Ross Jr. explores the old — and new again — concept of a weekly day of rest. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
Which Is A More 'Christian' Chant: 'Let's Go Brandon!' Or 'Pray For Biden!' by Terry Mattingly
Entering A Religion-Beat Minefield: What Is The Proper Definition Of The Word 'Cult'? by Richard Ostling
Don’t miss our latest podcast
The Students’ Islamic Organization's Fight Against COVID Inequalities
Syed Azharuddin is part of the Students’ Islamic Organization or SIO. During the pandemic many college students studying out of hostels away from home were stranded by the lockdowns. The SIO works to provide food, funds and transport to students irrespective of their religion, in an effort to combat Islamophobic inequalities along the way. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
‘Redeeming Love’ Combines Worst Parts Of Faith-Based And Romance Films by Joseph Holmes
(REVIEW) The film ‘Redeeming Love’ is based on the hugely popular 1991 Christian romance novel by evangelical author Francine Rivers that loosely retells the biblical story of Hosea. Unfortunately, this adaptation combines the worst parts of faith-based films, romance films and gritty dramas into a hilarious Frankenstein’s monster of a misfire.
The Real Story Of The Rev. Oliver Brown, Lead Plaintiff In Brown V. Board Of Education by Bobby Ross Jr.
Cheryl Brown Henderson, the youngest daughter of the Rev. Oliver Brown, shares behind-the-scenes details about her family’s important connection to the landmark 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Henderson spoke at Oklahoma Christian University’s annual History Speaks event.
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