Archive for the 'Cultural Trends' Category
April 30th, 2008, 3:25 am by Sharon
After 53 years the Cook School for Christian Leadership - an American Indian training institute - closes at the end of May. What a loss! I thought diversity was our priority! The East Valley Tribune carries the front page story Tuesday, about 300 attended the closing ceremony in March.
Reverend Charles H. Cook established the school that sits on a 15 acre campus in Tempe. Not to long ago, about 100 American Indian tribes participated, imagine - 75% were Christian pastors serving on reservations. Losing a unique school designed for Native American churches is major.
It appears the decline in enrollment was due to lack of support of the Cook School as quoted, “nobody has really paid attention to Cook — it has been there struggling alone.” Where where we? The community, the churches, the board, the state?
Why?: unable to link with colleges to obtain accreditation in Okalahoma & Iowa - donations to the struggling school dropped - the “racial-ethnic institution” label generated lack of interest.
The affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA) currently not as strong may bring a few weeks at the Catholic Franciscan Renewal Center. The sale means new office space is needed - Tempe or Mesa - for a staff of 5-6, its theological library, Native American library collection, archives and Cook museum. Quite a catch, for which city?
Affected: 3 congregations use of the chapel AND families living on campus displaced. Zoned for residential, valued at $40 M last year, an unknown developer is purchasing the land for $$$ ? Plans are to use the revenue toward equipping American Indians for church leadership. I hope it’s successful.
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April 22nd, 2008, 7:10 pm by Sharon
Today’s Arts & Life, p. A11, features a story about inspirational music - what many thought would never last - despite everyone’s doubt, it did!
The Gospel Music Channel believes it’s all due to offering inspirational music in many different forms - contemporary Christian pop, black gospel, edgy Christian rock, rap, and Latin gospel. Something for everyone.
Last month a deal with DirectTV added 16 million more homes with access. A different style available each night - Friday rock and rap, Wednesday it’s soulful, plus special features each evening as in a biography series or concert, and its own version of “American Idol”, premiering June 1.
The 39th annual GMA Dove Awards is Wednesday, at 5PM. Something I’ve not seen, I hope to tune in!
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February 28th, 2008, 12:10 pm by Sharon
Iraqi-born Christians giving generously in support of Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas - makes an important statement in my view.
Recently learning so much more about Iraqi people, Muslim beliefs and then actually hearing the testimony of someone once Muslim - now a convert to Christianity - made me realize the relevance of their freedom and our own.
Freedom to ensure we have those in public office that will serve and protect our community with a persuit of peace and justice, keeping us safe from violence, crime, often the “unseen” found in so many avenues today thru internet, sales scams, ID theft, and many we wouldn’t ordinarily think of in times past - we do now!
Andrew Thomas, MCA is one clearly seen in that role by many - including the Iraqi Christians - I can better understand now, why they value these qualities; he is doing an excellent job as one dedicated to serving with a desire to keep our society free of crime.
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February 23rd, 2008, 11:53 pm by Sharon
The Suns will be sponsoring a game at ASU’s Wells Fargo Arena - March 2. Charles Barkley & Kurt Warner - Coaches. Why? To help by giving an Assist 4 Africa, helping the fight against AIDS.
Poor living conditions in Malawi, a high death rate due to HIV/AIDS , contribute to this landlock country in need of help. You can help out by bringing food like dry beans, canned meat and peanut butter. See the photo and story shown on the City of Grace Campus in Mesa - The newsletter features a story about Malawi, one of the poorest nations in the world - fighting to live on a dollar a day.
Tickets available in advance at the Sun devil ticket sales, M-F, 9-5, at City of Grace Mesa Saturday or Sunday services, or at the gate the day of the event. Be part of the solution and have a great time!
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February 23rd, 2008, 11:03 pm by Sharon
Dr. Ron Woodworth, an ordained Christian minister since 1976, an experienced pastor, church planter, seminar & conference speaker, media host, and consultant – invites you to join in on a Free Seminar - Sundays, March 30 thru May 4, 5:00 PM at Cornerstone Church, just south of Loop 202 on Alma School Road at Willis, 1595 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Topic, Discouragement: The Causes and Cures -something you may have faced or know a family member, a friend in need of this message of hope and life - invite them all, anytime during the seminar! Dr. Ron has prepared an excellent study -we’ll learn causes, reasons, cures! Studying His living Word together; empowering us to form habits of personal encouragement. Life changing tools, the blessing of victory! Dr. Ron always makes it fun and humorous, you won’t want to miss out on this one!!!Please RSVP (helps us plan notes & refreshments) by calling our answer-message machine @ 480.545.7994–or just show up :o) Childcare: infant-4th grade. We’re looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones!
FYI: You’ll want to check out Dr. Ron’s new book For Such a Time as This .
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February 12th, 2008, 8:55 pm by Sharon
The ratio of non-Hispanic whites are shrinking, according to an article on-line and in today’s Tribune, A1. Senior Research Analyst Jeffrey Passel at Pew Hispanic, gave some pretty daunting figures.
It boils down to this - especially in AZ where so many come to retire, or migrate here from other states and countries; if we don’t embrace immigration in a productive, workable fashion - we’re going down the tubes faster than anywhere else!
The study made the math pretty simple. We have a senior population on the rise - the Census Bureau predicts that AZ in 2030 could have 41 seniors for every 100 working age, and 45 children under 18 - resulting in a dependency ratio of 86. That’s not good! It leaves fewer in the working population.
Immigration brings working age people who have children born in the U.S. To slow that process down, and since the study is based on a nationwide ratio, could be be the “kiss of death” to the U.S. economy.
When it comes to the census, at least in AZ, it’s generally well-known that not all immigrants show themselves counted for fear of what the government may do - even though the government is held by law to protect and not divulge any one’s identity in this process. I understand this is strictly adhered to; without an accurate account of those residing in the state, the state does not receive federal funds actually due it.
I’m wondering, do those that seem so slow in addressing immigration reform - know these facts? Perhaps. I’m convinced cooperation is the key.
These political issues, and so many more, are really too much for me to give another thought to. Therefore, I’d like to leave it to the experts of the world. As for me - it is: Adios!
Posted in: City Government • Cultural Trends | 1 Comment »
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