When I attended Rutgers University in the 1950s, the two notable alumni we were aware of were Ozzie Nelson and Paul Robeson. Band-leader Ozzie Nelson was at that time the star of the popular TV show “Ozzie and Harriet,” which was about a wholesome, “typical,” White American family. Paul Robeson was also a well-known entertainer, […]

  The story about how Jesus dealt with accusations against a woman who was accused of adultery (John 8:1-11) is familiar to most people who have any knowledge of the Bible. The picture of Jesus responding to the woman’s self-righteous accusers by silently kneeling down and writing something in the sand is graphic and intriguing. […]

by Felita Kealing* (Guest Messenger Writer) “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:4 More photos at https://bit.ly/31rSffY New Year’s Day 2022, I was in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade. I was a part of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Unit composed […]

Who wouldn’t want to shop for her? First, she’s happy already; any gift you get her will just make her smile more. Then, she’s a kid, and there are lots of things kids enjoy. Of course, there are those two front teeth. The idea that people “want” something for Christmas is confusing. You’re supposed to […]

In this classic painting of The Holy Family by El Greco (1541-1614), Mary and her cousin Elizabeth are admiring the Baby Jesus, while the toddler John (the Baptist) stays close to feel included in the warmth of togetherness. But in the background, Joseph seems lost and out of place. That’s actually how Joseph’s role impresses […]

The ABC staff had a major debate before we decided to place our Community Christmas Tree at the side of the curb, instead of up on the first landing where it was last year. Our reason for the move was to make it more accessible to people, so that it clearly belonged to everyone in […]

There are many legends about the origin of the Christmas Tree. All of them seem to agree that the evergreen tree had been an important symbol in a number of pagan cultures, long before Christianity, because it represented the power of life to outlast the darkest days of winter. It was Christians in Germany who […]

Many people have remarked to me that ABC is different from most Baptist churches. I believe this difference is in our DNA, which will enable us to emerge into a Post-COVID ministry that is ready to flourish on into the future.* Here are some historic factors for you to think about. (1) ABC’s Swedish Roots: […]

Recently there have been a number of articles in Christian magazines and blog sites, as well as YouTube videos, about what the Post-COVID church will be like. All the “experts” believe there will be some permanent changes in the patterns of worship, church life and ministry after the pandemic settles down and we return to […]

Omar Khayyam, that is. I was doing readings for my college English Literature course when I was introduced to him through the nineteenth century poet Edward Fitzgerald, who did the classic translation of his poetry from Persian into English in his work entitled The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.* Since I was still in my late […]