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Serving: Young pastors drawn to social causes

The Revs. Brian and Laura Rossbert sometimes show up on the 5 p.m. news. It’s not because they are controversial or in any trouble; it is because social justice issues are basic to their faith and they don’t just sit on the sidelines. It’s not unusual to see either of them at a city council meeting or an organized protest.

God in the grandstands

Tim Tebow won’t be on the field this Sunday, but rest assured; it will happen. It’s not even a question of when.

49 Gallons of Paint & One Chainsaw

Sometimes the desire to serve others for no other reason than to help can make life better for everyone. In Chilhowee, Missouri, this is precisely what happened. In remembrance of

HIV ministry 'challenging, exhausting' and 'a blessing'

HIV ministry challenging, a blessing

A 17-year-old African-American man recently told his mother he was gay. Her first reaction was judgment, shame and revulsion. Her next response was to lecture him about the evils of his ways and to say, “You’d better not get AIDS and die.” Sadly, the Rev. Gregory Gross was meeting with the teen because he had just tested HIV positive.

Problems not our own

We all are strangers. We are known and loved by some but if we go to the right (or wrong) places, we may be feared, harassed or rejected because of our stranger-ness. By

18-year-old feeds homeless souls

According to Meredith Medlin’s mom, her daughter is called to “spread love.” “My mom says that helping people is what makes my heart sing,

Churches, partners 'Change the World' through green projects

Green thumbs 'Change the World'

Change the World 2011 had a decidedly “green” feel — in many cases, a “green thumb” feel. Change the World, part of the Rethink Church initiative, incorporates outreach to make a positive difference in the world beyond the church doors. During last year’s inaugural event, more than 100,000 people from over 1,000 churches hosted events and undertook projects to help others.

Green burial gains in popularity

Churches with a private cemetery used to be a familiar sight but development has left many cities landlocked. Eco-burial offers an alternative. Clients can choose to have

Goose Hollow Family Shelter

Maria came to Goose Hollow Family Shelter (an outreach program at the First United Methodist Church) when she was only 18 after has had just left a destructive relationship. Maria

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