TheMorningFive 07/28/08
Obama, Gun Giveaways, Rudy, Rocky, Rugby and More ...
A Note on “The Note”
Barack Obama’s visit to the Middle East made some big headlines, but was almost overshadowed by a “prank” from a student who took the Democratic presidential candidate’s prayer note out of the Western Wall in Israel. The prayer, in which Obama asked for guidance and forgiveness, was publish across the Internet. Of course, its publication drew criticism for violating the unspoken code of sacred privacy that goes along with placing prayers in the Western Wall. The student has issued an apology and the prayer note has been returned to the Western Wall.
A Rootin’ Shootin’ Good Time!
A Church in Oklahoma has canceled a giveaway contest, where one lucky conference attendee would win a free semi-automatic assault rifle! The contest was aimed (no pun intended) at attracting teens to a youth conference. Though the gun giveaway has been canceled for this year’s event due to a staff member not being able to attend, the giveaway will take place at next year’s gala.
In fairness, the church did feature a video of a shooting competition, and we’re assuming the contest was completely legal and relatively safe (considering they are giving away a gun to a teenager). But even if it is being used for a sporting cause, giving a semi-automatic assault rifle to a teenager, doesn’t strike me as the best PR move.
Leeland Laughs
I’m a huge fan of the band Leeland. Their latest album Opposite Way is one of my favorite records of 2007, and they are truly progressive in their hybrid pop/worship sound. Great songwriting and a great sound.
Another reason to love the band, is they don’t take themselves too serious.
At their website, Leelandonline.com, the guys have released a series of “About Leeland” videos, where each member explains a little bit about themselves. And I can honestly say, they are downright hilarious.
This is why Leeland is a great band—they’re not afraid to take some risks and have a little fun, and that attitude translates on their album.
From Rudy to Rocky
Looking for some inspirational viewing this summer? Beliefnet has posted their list of the "Top 20 Inspirational Sports Movies." The Karate Kid, Cinderella Man, Rudy and Hoosiers all made the list—curiously absent from the rundown: the 1996 Shaquille O’Neal classic Kazaam.
Truly Inspiring
Speaking of inspirational sports stories, ABC’s Nightline has posted this story about how communities in Los Angeles are setting up rugby leagues that offer young people an alternative gang life. Proponents of the program say it is a way to disarm racial tensions and get young men plugged into a productive outlet.
Here are some quotes from some of the guys playing in the rugby league: "Most of us would be dragged into gangs or influenced. Instead of being out there on the streets like the gangs are doing, we're here playing rugby." "It's the best feeling ever. I let a lot of my anger out — a lot." "It don't matter what race you are. We're just here to play."
I think this is a message that churches need to hear. Whether they are churches in areas that are facing issues with teen violence and gang activity, or are just looking for a way to plug people in to a cool outreach, organized sports can be life-changing.
When I lived in Florida, I played in a church-sponsored football league that got guys from all over the city—from completely different backgrounds—to meet and hang out every Sunday to play football. Calvary Assembly even had a staff member whose primary job it was to organize and promote their sports league.
Ministry programs, teaching series and traditional outreaches are great, but investing in communities with things like sports programs is a truly worthwhile idea.
Barack Obama’s visit to the Middle East made some big headlines, but was almost overshadowed by a “prank” from a student who took the Democratic presidential candidate’s prayer note out of the Western Wall in Israel. The prayer, in which Obama asked for guidance and forgiveness, was publish across the Internet. Of course, its publication drew criticism for violating the unspoken code of sacred privacy that goes along with placing prayers in the Western Wall. The student has issued an apology and the prayer note has been returned to the Western Wall.
A Rootin’ Shootin’ Good Time!
A Church in Oklahoma has canceled a giveaway contest, where one lucky conference attendee would win a free semi-automatic assault rifle! The contest was aimed (no pun intended) at attracting teens to a youth conference. Though the gun giveaway has been canceled for this year’s event due to a staff member not being able to attend, the giveaway will take place at next year’s gala.
In fairness, the church did feature a video of a shooting competition, and we’re assuming the contest was completely legal and relatively safe (considering they are giving away a gun to a teenager). But even if it is being used for a sporting cause, giving a semi-automatic assault rifle to a teenager, doesn’t strike me as the best PR move.
Leeland Laughs
I’m a huge fan of the band Leeland. Their latest album Opposite Way is one of my favorite records of 2007, and they are truly progressive in their hybrid pop/worship sound. Great songwriting and a great sound.
Another reason to love the band, is they don’t take themselves too serious.
At their website, Leelandonline.com, the guys have released a series of “About Leeland” videos, where each member explains a little bit about themselves. And I can honestly say, they are downright hilarious.
This is why Leeland is a great band—they’re not afraid to take some risks and have a little fun, and that attitude translates on their album.
From Rudy to Rocky
Looking for some inspirational viewing this summer? Beliefnet has posted their list of the "Top 20 Inspirational Sports Movies." The Karate Kid, Cinderella Man, Rudy and Hoosiers all made the list—curiously absent from the rundown: the 1996 Shaquille O’Neal classic Kazaam.
Truly Inspiring
Speaking of inspirational sports stories, ABC’s Nightline has posted this story about how communities in Los Angeles are setting up rugby leagues that offer young people an alternative gang life. Proponents of the program say it is a way to disarm racial tensions and get young men plugged into a productive outlet.
Here are some quotes from some of the guys playing in the rugby league: "Most of us would be dragged into gangs or influenced. Instead of being out there on the streets like the gangs are doing, we're here playing rugby." "It's the best feeling ever. I let a lot of my anger out — a lot." "It don't matter what race you are. We're just here to play."
I think this is a message that churches need to hear. Whether they are churches in areas that are facing issues with teen violence and gang activity, or are just looking for a way to plug people in to a cool outreach, organized sports can be life-changing.
When I lived in Florida, I played in a church-sponsored football league that got guys from all over the city—from completely different backgrounds—to meet and hang out every Sunday to play football. Calvary Assembly even had a staff member whose primary job it was to organize and promote their sports league.
Ministry programs, teaching series and traditional outreaches are great, but investing in communities with things like sports programs is a truly worthwhile idea.