OUR VALUES: FAMILY TREASURES
For the new year, sociologist Wayne Baker is publishing two new activity guides for sparking spirited discussion in your small group or class. Last week, we published a five-part OurValues series about the first activity: “Taste of Home.” (That series of stories took readers from a traditional smokehouse in Tennessee to a seder table, and from the mountains of Afghanistan to a neighborhood dinner in the Midwest.) This week, you’re sure to enjoy a second series (accompanying a free activity guide) called: “Family Treasures” …
- PART 1—What prized item tells your family’s story?
- PART 2—What’s the significance of an Eagle Scout badge?
- PART 3—How much value is there in your paycheck?
- PART 4—Do you have keepsakes from your family’s immigrant journey?
- PART 5—Handing down the secret of pink ice cream.
CENTENNIAL OF THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
100 years ago, British, German and French men spontaneously laid down their guns in The Christmas Truce across the trenches of World War I. Over the last week, our stories about that bittersweet day of hope and courage ranked as the most-read stories in our online magazine. This week, we are repeating these popular headlines. Please, continue to share them with friends:
- INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS—Start here to see all of the inspiring World War I stories collected by peacemaker Daniel Buttry.
- THE CENTENNIAL—Stephanie Fenton’s Holidays column reports on this remarkable milestone. Plus she shares the very popular (and controversial) “Sainsbury’s” video about the Truce.
PRACTICE ‘PEACE-GIVING’
Got a little holiday cash you can spend to promote peace and encourage growth in your community? Please, consider …
- ENJOY THE STORIES—Check out these books that are perfect for an inspiring new year.
- BULLYING IS NO LAUGHING MATTER—Get a copy of our anti-bullying comic book—a colorful volume showcasing dozens of beloved American comics. This week, our special comic section features: Preteena.
- VISUAL PARABLES—Our special $10-off-deal-for-new-subscribers to Visual Parables Journal ends with the stroke of the New Year 2015. So, act early this week, if you’d like to support the ongoing work of faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty—and get 12 months of his study guides guaranteed to fuel lively faith-and-film discussions.
THE HOLIDAYS
- ALL THE HOLIDAYS—They’re easy to find at www.Interfaith Holidays.com
- KWANZAA—Learn about the values explored in this African-American festival.
- NEW YEAR’S EVE—We’ve got the news, intriguing New Year’s Eve links and the story of American Watch Night, too.
- NEW YEAR’S DAY—It’s far more than a day to recover from parties. Stephanie Fenton’s column reports on Shogatsu in Japan as well as the Solemnity of Mary and the Feast of St. Basil.
FOOD, FILM,
POPULAR CULTURE
… AND MORE
- WANT SOMETHING SIMPLE FOR YOUR PARTY? This week, our FeedTheSpirit column may be a life saver if you suddenly find yourself heading toward a holiday party. Guest writer Jennifer Blackledge says that even a toddler can make this treat!
- THE COURAGE OF NAVY SEALS—Godsigns author Suzy Farbman writes about the ongoing work of wounded former SEAL Jason Redman. Jason’s creative and courageous programs, including skydiving for wounded veterans, are inspiring others to help, as well.
- A DOSE OF HUMOR—We want to thank the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for deciding to list Rodney Curtis’s unusually funny book about cancer, A ‘Cute’ Leukemia, in the group’s list of recommended resources. For 2015, that book is a terrific gift for a special person you might know.
- VISUAL PARABLES—Just a few days left for new subscribers to purchase a whole year of Edward McNulty’s popular monthly magazine, Visual Parables Journal, at $10 off the normal price.
- ‘UNBROKEN’—If you see one movie this week, Ed McNulty says you should go see this true story of a survivor who ultimately forgave his captors. (4 of 5 stars)
- HOLIDAY MOVIES? Ed McNulty has you covered with reviews of all the major holiday releases. He does not like Exodus, dismissing it as “Gladiator Meets the Burning Bush” and giving only 2.5 out of 5 stars. But Ed highly recommends Into the Woods with 4.5 stars. And, he also likes the new Hobbit (4 stars), The Homesman (4.5 stars), Wild (4 stars) and Annie (4 stars).
- FAITH GOES POP—And for a wide range of creative columns about the convergence of faith and popular culture, check out Ken Chitwood’s Faith Goes Pop. Ken’s unusual stories consistently rank among our most popular with readers.
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