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 Hymn’s stanzas recite the Great Commission.
C. Michael Hawn devotes this week’s History of Hymns column to “Lord, You Give the Great Commission,” by Jeffery Rowthorn. Read more...
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 ‘We Will Glorify’ draws from psalms, Revelation.
C. Michael Hawn’s History of Hymns provides background on Twila Paris’ “We Will Glorify the King of Kings.” Read more...
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.jpg) Pentecost hymn honors presence of Holy Spirit ‘working in our world’.
History of Hymns column provides background on “There’s a Spirit in the Air,” by Brian Wren. Read more...
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 British hymn appeals for peace in our time. Special contributor Irene Ting-Ting Lai writes about the British peace hymn “We Utter Our Cry.” Read more...
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 Hymn explores baptism, past, present and future. This week’s History of Hymns feature gives background on “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters,” by Ruth Duck. Read more...
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.jpg) ‘Life-Giving Bread’ celebrates Eucharist. C. Michael Hawn devotes his latest History of Hymns column to “Life-Giving Bread,” by Ricky Manalo, which is No. 2261 in The Faith We Sing. Read more...
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Film Reviews and Faith Perspectives
 Joyful choir musical hits too many off notes.
Associate editor Bill Fentum doesn’t find a lot to like in the new film Joyful Noise, which is about a church choir and stars Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Kris Kristofferson. Read more...
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 Spielberg’s WWI drama depicts spirit of survival.
Steven Spielberg’s film, War Horse, tells the story of a boy’s separation from a beloved thoroughbred horse during the chaos of World War I. Associate editor Bill Fentum has an admiring review. Read more...
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 'Gods and Men' depicts cost of living out faith.
In this DVD review, associate editor Bill Fentum finds much to admire in Of Gods and Men, about French monks in an Algerian monastery, and the fateful decisions they face. Read more...
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 Admire ‘Preacher’ for his mission—not his methods.
The new feature film Machine Gun Preacher, about a former inmate turned pastor who starts at orphanage in the Sudan, caused a measure of guilt in reviewer Elijah Davidson. His piece originally appeared at Patheos.com. Read more...
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 Brutal fight pic Warrior ignores moral questions.
The new film Warrior offers plenty of thrills but also is deeply flawed, according to a review we have from Elijah Davidson, via Patheos.com. Read more...
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 Dolphin Tale serves up solid dose of family fun.
This family film, loosely based on the true story of an injured dolphin caught in a crab net off the Florida coast, gets a review by UMR associate editor Bill Fentum. Read more...
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 Winnie the Pooh adventures remain simple, but profound. Cathleen Falsani of Religion News Service provides a review of the new fil.m of the Winnie the Pooh tale. Read more...
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Book Reviews
 Wesley’s advice inspires guide to essential books.
Staff writer Mary Jacobs reviews 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. She notes that John Wesley was an inspiration for this new volume. Read more...
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 The path to good preaching.
The Rev. James C. Howell's new book The Beauty of the Word is all about preaching, and our reviewer, the Rev. David Mosser, considers it an in-depth, highly literate and extremely useful account of the craft. More on this review...
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 Bishop plays key role in new mystery novel.
Special contributor Joan La Barr reviews The Dead Saint, Marilyn Brown Oden’s latest mystery novel, which is set in New Orleans and has a female bishop as a major character. Read more...
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 Book provides models for empowering young adults.
Marcia Dunbar, of St. James UMC in Little Rock, Ark., reviews the new book Greenhouses of Hope: Congregations Growing Young Leaders Who Will Change the World. Read more...
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 Finding friendship in a Facebook world.
Facebook has turned “friend” into a verb, which is one reason staff writer Mary Jacobs has reviewed Lynne M. Baab’s book Friending: Real Relationships in a Virtual World. Read more...
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 Essays glimpse UMC’s 21st century leadership.
UMR columnist Andrew C. Thompson edited Generation Rising: A Future with Hope for the United Methodist Church. Rebekah Miles, of the Perkins School of Theology, has our review. Read more...
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 Navigating the Digital Reformation.
Move over, Martin Luther. Staff writer Mary Jacobs reviews Tweet If You ♥ Jesus: Practicing Church in the Digital Reformation. Read more...
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 Author calls churches to welcome, empower those with disabilities. David Mosser reviews Bret Webb-Matchell’s new book, Beyond Accessibility, which offers some tips on helping people with disabilities. Read more...
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Music Reviews
 CD blends spirituality from different cultures.
Carrie Newcomer’s latest recording, Everything is Everywhere, surprises by drawing on Eastern influences. Staff writer Mary Jacobs has a review. More on this review...
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 Heart of Christmas hits perfect mix for holiday.
Contemporary Christian musician Matthew West has a new recording out called Heart of Christmas, and staff writer Mary Jacobs has our review. Read more...
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 'So Beautiful' . . . so Christian? Paul Simon’s new album is not only his best in a long time but his most intertwined with religious ideas and imagery, says Cathleen Falsani of Religion News Service. Read more...
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 Camp’s worshipful tone stands out in new album. We Cry Out offers a mix of inspiring and modern music. Mallory McCall has more on this latest CD release from Jeremy Camp along with a preview of the title track to enjoy. Read more...
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 Artist’s fourth album offers an ode to love. Singer/songwriter Brett Dennen’s new recording includes 14 tracks, addressing romantic love, friendship, love of music, love of God. Mallory McCall has the review.
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 'Chasing Someday' sings of divine love, fun love.
With a combination of storytelling and musical talent, Drew Holcomb and Neighbors have released Chasing Sunday. Reviewed here...
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 Band enlivens worship with its sing-along rock.
Similar to the alternative rock band Coldplay, The City Harmonic features music with a pop flare and sing-a-long lyrics. Read more...
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