'Rising Up' exhibit begins tour to lift up stirring story of Amistad June 7, 2012
In collaboration with UCC-related Talladega College in Atlanta, the High Museum of Art has sent the exhibit "Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals" on a summertime tour of at least seven cities.
CD reviews: "Hymns for the Rest of Us" and the latest from Kate Campbell April 6, 2012
Mark Heard once wrote a song about being “Stuck in the Middle,” between the religious pieties of conservative Christian expressions and the stark reality of secularism. “Funny world we live in, it’s funny every day, half the world prays like a preacher, the other half don’t even pray,” he wrote, “no one seems to understand you if you pray in your own way.” Heard concludes, “I’m too sacred for the sinners, and the saints wish I would leave … no one seems to want me, only God will take me as I am.”
Movie Review: "Blue Like Jazz" April 4, 2012
"Blue Like Jazz" is a movie based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by Donald Miller (Thomas Nelson, 2003). The film is directed by Steve Taylor, one time authentic Christian music rock star known for brilliant solo CDs like "I Predict 1990" and "Squint" and work as the vocalist in Chagall Guevara, the short-lived but amazing band with one self-titled release.
What's old is new again: The Chieftains at 50, Dion at 72 March 15, 2012
Fifty years ago, about the same time the Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were trying to figure out if some young white Brits could get away with playing Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry covers, Paddy Moloney was gathering together some traditional Irish musicians with a mission to take this time-honored music around the world.
The continuing spiritual odyssey of Bruce Springsteen; Dylan tribute benefits Amnesty International March 13, 2012
One of his strongest works, "Wrecking Ball" –– like "Born to Run," "The River," "Born In The U.S.A." and "The Rising" –– captures this very moment, the political tensions and personal anxieties of this immediate situation, and yet remains timeless. By facing the greatest disappointments, the most profound failures and losses, it finds a way through them to a source of resilience and hope that can sustain us, a spirituality that can bear the freight of modern life, even if it's not that clear, not that secure.
Music Reviews: Christopher Grundy's new progressive worship CD "Stepping In" March 5, 2012
One of the challenges facing a congregation that tries to "do" contemporary worship is the relative short supply of musical resources that truly represent UCC beliefs and values, and use the kind of inclusive language that has become so important to so many of us.
Driskell uses broad brush to inspire Black History Month worship gathering February 22, 2012
The "good news" can be delivered via myriad methods, and if you ask David C. Driskell, it may well involve a paintbrush, a keyboard or a strong set of pipes. Appearing on the eve of the Lenten season as part of the UCC's celebration of Black History Month, the 80-year-old Driskell is one of the world's leading authorities on African-American art.
Let's Talk About the Grammys February 10, 2012
If you're a music fan, you know that Sunday night (Feb. 12) is the 54th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, coming to a CBS station on a TV near you.
