Lunch with Newspaper Editor

A pastor in Kentucky developed an interesting ministry through writing for newspapers. He is now in the second city which has allowed him to use his gift of writing. He offers to write a weekly column for the newspaper. Ray uses this opportunity to tell stories of hope and general interest. One paper carried the column for over two years. The editors like this kind of well written local material. Ray is now doing a blog for the paper that is helping the paper move into the digital electronic age of publishing. It also helps raise the public awareness of the congregation in both direct and indirect ways.

Super Lenten Experience of Giving

A church woman in Salt Lake City and the youth of her church held a “soup kitchen” for transients from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The idea came to them in hosting a one time similar event on Super Bowl Sunday with the Souper Bowl of Caring. The youth prepared the meal, served them and “ministered” to the people who came for food. No requirements or demands were made of the guests. Lots of love and food were given by the young people. It was an experience that deeply touched the youth and also filled their spirits. They served 4,500 meals over the stretch of time. Other groups in the church joined with the young people to complete this special ministry.

Exercise and Fellowship

Two churches in Bethel Park, PA found an exciting way to involve youth in a fun and challenging activity that help them to get additional exercise once a week. They joined their youth groups together in leasing a local racquetball court from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday nights. It was typically a slow night for the owner so this was a good time to offer it for group use. One of the most attractive areas of gathering today is the health club. Such athletic environments provide an atmosphere which is much less threatening than a club or dancing setting. The fun & exercise added up to good fellowship time for all.

Stories of Hope and Faith on Passages

Passages/Survivors are heard daily and weekly on 500 radio stations! Interviews and music clips are used as a "public service" for listeners by the stations who broadcast the shows.

These stories are being heard on our network of stations across the North America and into 16 foreign countries.

We are hearing from folks who are downloading stories to their Ipods and mp3 players for inspiration and sharing them with others! Some clergy and church leaders are re-telling these stories as inspirational moments.

The Passages programs featured here are a handful of over 3,000 stories that PMM has produced in over 25 years of providing PASSAGES & Survivors to radio stations as a gift from your Presbyterian, Mennonite, and United Methodist friends. For more information on PASSAGES e-mail us at pmm@passages.org

Executive Producer of Passages, Dennis C. Benson, can be reached at 616-510-0873.

"The Circle of Hope" is an historical drama of The Rev. John McMillan coming over the Alleghenies to do ministry to homesteaders like the Miller family here in western PA. The film produced in 1981 won a Wilbur Award from the Religious Public Relations Council. It is now available on DVD that can be used with new members classes or in discussing Church history. Contact us at PMM for more information at pmm@passages.org Watch the powerful grandmother scene in the media center below.

MEDIA LITERACY Note:

Two studies led by RAND Health behavioral scientist Rebecca Collins examined the impact of TV sex on teenagers’ sexual beliefs and activities. The results supported the view that watching shows with sexual content may influence teen sexual behavior, but also found that some viewing effects can be positive.

Watching TV shows with sexual content apparently hastens the initiation of teen sexual activity.

Sexual talk on TV has the same effect on teens as depictions of sex.

Shows with content about contraception and pregnancy can help to educate teens about the risks and consequences of sex–and can also foster beneficial dialogue between teens and parents.

Media literacy is for everyone to use in evaluating media intake or consumption. For more info contact PMM at pmm@passages.org or (412) 323-1400 ext. 310/311.

How does TV viewing of violent cartoons impact young children? A recent study shows that there is a good possibility of attention deficit problems to the very young watching violent cartoons.

PMM's Mission Statement: In a world of confusing and competing messages, the Presbyterian Media Mission communicates a creative and compelling witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through media.

To contribute to PMM's media ministry with a financial gift please call or e-mail our office at (412) 323-1400 ext 310 or pmm@passages.org For more information on making a charitable gift to media ministry!

Click on the link below to go to the Kaiser Family Foundation Study on Young Media Use in their daily lives.

www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia030905nr.cfm