MC News
Rev. Bill Hybels opens his eyes at dawn, rolls out of bed and lands on his knees. For 10 minutes, he says, he kneels in prayer, thanking God.That one-on-one time came more easily three decades ago, when Hybels was an evangelist working outside the mainstream, launching an experimental ministry called Willow Creek Community Church. Read more.
VENTURA, California, August 11, 2006 – An analysis of how Americans perceive themselves in relation to 33 different descriptions studied in research conducted by The Barna Group, of Ventura, California, reveals that adults generally see themselves as good people, spiritually stable, and living a good and honorable life. Yet, despite the spiritual focus people claim, the study found that people’s lifestyles, attitudes and self-perceptions are more likely to be affected by their life-stage and ethnic culture than by their faith commitments.Read more.
Billions of dollars have been stolen in religion-related fraud in recent years, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, a group of state officials who work to protect investors. Read more.
TORONTO, CANADA (ANS) — “The best use of money is to help other people,” Rick Warren, pastor, best-selling author, global strategist and philanthropist, told a gathering of faith-based organizations meeting to address the scourge of HIV/ADS in Toronto, Canada, this weekend. Read more.
NEWS RELEASEThis week, representatives of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County (HFHDC) traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to receive one of the most prestigious awards granted to Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
WAUNAKEE – One man’s calling has breathed life into another man’s legacy, creating a gift that will resonate with generations of parishioners at St. Victor Catholic Church in Monroe. Read more.
Many of the men and women gathered at Madison’s High Point Church this week consider the Willow Creek Leadership Summit the high point (no pun intended) of their year and the very best way to prepare for another year of ministry.
Green Lake Conference Center plans to sell part of its 1,000-acre spiritual retreat on Wisconsin’s deepest lake, using proceeds from the possible $25 million-plus sale to help America’s pastors revitalize their congregations and reach out to everyday "unchurched" people. Read more.
The University of Wisconsin issued a news release Wednesday evening which began:"The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Knights of Columbus Council 6568 have reached an agreement that will allow the formation of a broadly inclusive Registered Student Organization (RSO) in time for the fall 2006 semester."MC learned the Knights of Columbus said otherwise. The CAPITAL TIMES story followed with more details. The Associated Press filed this story on Wednesday, and this one on Thursday. The University of Wisconsin’s updated statement is here. National media are picking up the story: Inside Higher EducationStay tuned for more updates.
MADISON – Armed with a recent federal appeals court ruling, Christian student groups are challenging University of Wisconsin campuses’ decisions to refuse to recognize them over their allegedly discriminatory membership requirements. Read more. Additional story at WorldNetDaily.Additional commentary.Story becomes a political football.