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Methodists see clues for growth in thriving churches
NASHVILLE (AP) — It’s the conundrum Protestant denominations with declining memberships and shrinking budgets are desperate to solve: How to stem the decades-long losses and attract new worshippers.
The United Methodist Church, the third largest denomination in the country, thinks it could be closer to finding the answer. It commissioned an ambitious survey of nearly all its 33,000 U.S. churches to find out what its growing memberships are doing to keep congregations thriving.
Of those churches, the four key factors of vitality stood out as “crystal clear findings that are actionable,” according to the survey:
— Small groups and programs, such as Bible study and activities geared toward youth.
— An active lay leadership.
— Inspirational pastors who have served lengthy tenures at churches.
— A mix of traditional and contemporary worship services.
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Drive Fast for only $25
CARSON CITY, Nev. — One Nevada gubernatorial hopeful sees a speedy fix to Nevada’s budget crisis. Nonpartisan candidate Eugene “Gino” DiSimone believes people would pay for the privilege to drive up to 90 mph on designated highways — and fill the state’s depleted coffers.
DiSimone calls his idea the “free limit plan.” He estimates the plan would bring in $1 billion a year.
First, vehicles would have to pass a safety inspection. Then vehicle information would be loaded into a database, and motorists would purchase a transponder.
After setting up an account, anyone in a hurry could dial in, and for $25 charged to a credit card, be free to speed for 24 hours.
Surprisingly, the Highway Patrol isn’t on board:
The Nevada Highway Patrol isn’t keen on the idea, saying it would lead to increased injuries and traffic deaths.
Christopher Hitchens asks fans not to pray for him
Author and vociferous atheist Christopher Hitchens, who was diagnosed with cancer this summer, has appealed to his religious fans and friends not to “trouble deaf heaven” with their “bootless cries” for his recovery.
Writing in October’s issue of Vanity Fair, Hitchens revealed that, since he announced in June that he was undergoing chemotherapy on his oesophagus, he has been inundated with thousands of offers of prayers for his health and salvation, from all kinds of religious persuasions. “Devotional websites consecrated special space to the question,” said Hitchens. September 20 has been designated “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day”, and he has even found a website inviting people to put money on whether he will renounce his atheism and embrace religion by a certain date, “or continue to affirm unbelief and take the hellish consequences”.
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