North Carolina Newspapers

TCDAy Father Osborne To Give Theology Series In City Franciscan father Kenan B. Osborne, author and lecturer, will present the spring edition of die Outstanding Catholic Theologians Series hooted by St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh. The schedule of the series, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church at 11404 Leeovllle Road, is: •April •: “The Message of Jesus: What Did Jesus Preach?" •April 10: ‘ The Death of Josus: How Did Jesus' Death Save Us?" •April 11: “The Resurrection of Jesus: What Was It? What Does It Mean for Us Today?" •April 13: “Jesus and the World's Religions: How is Jesus Unique?" Father Osborne Is the author of “Sacramental Theology, a General Introduction" and “The Sacraments of Initiation," both published by Pauliat Press. He is a professor of theology at the Franciscan School of Theology/Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, Calif. His articles have been published in the “New Catholic Encyclopedia," “New Dic tionary of Theology’’ and Worship magazine. For information about the series call 847-8306. Rural Parishes To Play Role In Top Iasuss KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Small-town and rural parishes represent an “overlooked giant” in U.S. Catholicism, according to a college professor who has studied rural church life. The rural parish is where the theological issues of today’s church will come to a head, said Gary Burkhart, a sociology professor at Benedictine College, Atchinson, Kan. Examides cited included issues in priestly ordination, the role of the lai ty, and the role of pastoral admini strators. About one-third of U.S. Catholics live in rural areas or cities and towns with populations of less than 50,000, Burkhart said. Burkhart, 45, is co-author of a re cent report following up research in itiated in the Notre Dame Study of Parish Life, a project probing con temporary Catholic parish life. A two-volume work on some of the study's findings was published in 1987 as “The American Catholic Parish: A History from 1850 to the Present." Burkhart’s report, written with David Leegee of the University of Notre Dame, reviewed study findings that apply to nearly half—48 percent—of U.S. parishes. Burkhart said the study is “a definitive statement on rural parishes based on the largest set of data ever collected on Catholic parishes." When should we turn our thoughts to the Lord and worship Him? For Christians the two most impor tant holy days are Christinas and Barter. The birth of die Savior is a beautiful season in which great out pourings of love and sacrifice for the joy of others are easily identified in the lives of millions. Indeed the event brings out qualities in human nature that may be suppressed at Easter brings its own rejoicing and tcuaes on the greatest message that Heaven has for mortale. Jesus Christ's God's only begotten Son, paid the nriee far the waywardness and siiJngof all other chUdranrf the Heavenly Fatter. Whan Christ terereh eternal Ufa. for the Chris emergency related or of a nature that suffering would develop if the doors were shut and services postponed for one day—the Sabbath Day. For those who labor in the areas of public health and safety, there should be a desire to turn one’s thoughts and hearts to God at some point on the Sabbath- When attendance at a for mal worship is not passible, one can desires of one’s heart What of the other six days? Life will be more tolerable whan the pressures DELTA CAROUSEL—TN RaMgh Alumnae Chapter at tlw Cwnty. This year's Neals, “The Wizard at Oddawas a' Dalla Sigma Theta Serertty, Inc., apanaared tha eighth play seriated an aspects at madam-day pressures faced annnal Delta Carcase! Finale at Enlee High School, by today's yaatb and positive ways at eaplng with acaalanaSAASSanan aiacSAcaMca Jam a imScAa^ Saaibaaa cuiminiung icuvivy nr ■ yoiriong prog ri in wmen tocusoi pram ini. WSOan dau^^Mimnet igs ^ a la, »••• wwww^^pii^wiii «ps cnnuion in gn^vs r*ic in wiRv Lutheran Services Program Plans Medical Aid For Highland Vietnam Lutheran Family Services has an nounced the inception of the Highlands Assistance Project, a pro gram designed to transport medical and pharmaceutical supplies to hospitals, schools and families in the highlands of Vietnam. Another goal of the program is to encourage greater cooperation between medical and academic institutions in Vietnam and North Carolina. Through the auspices of Lutheran Family Services offices in Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina has been a national leader in resettling Vietnamese refugees. Specifically, LFS has provided homes, jobs and training for 250 Montagnards, the mountain group which fought alongside U.S. Special Forces in the Vietnam War. when the U.S. left Southeast Asia, these people were left largely unprotected against their enemies, and current economic Con ditions in Vietnam have further threatened their survival. The Highlands Assistance Project pro vides immediate medical and humanitarian aid for Montagnards and others currently living in the Highlands of Vietnam. According to Raleigh Bailey, direc tor of the LFS Refugee Resettlement Program, “The Highlands Assistance Project is a logical extension of the refugee resettlement work we have done over the past several years. The Montagnards have been tremendous ly successful in adapting and con tributing to their new communities. But we cannot relocate the hundreds of thousands of Montagnards still in Vietnam, nor would we want to. The idea behind the Highlands Assistance Project is to give aid so that these people may rebuild their lives in their homeland. This shipment of basic medicines and supplies is the first step in that direction.” The Highlands Assistance Project is seeking contributions of medical and pharmaceutical supplies, as well as monetary donations. Hospitals, medical associations and research facilities are being solicited for necessities ranging from medicines to microscopes. Inter-Church Medical Assistance has contributed mm than $30,000 of medicines and materials. Carolina Biological Supply of Burlington has donated an anatomical model, an item specifical ly requested by the Banmethuot Medical School in the Highlands of Vietnam. The UNC School of Medicine and Wake County Hospital have also made significant contribu tions. Also giving to the cause are in dividual Vietnam veterans, many of whom credit their Montagnard allies with their survival. The first shipment of supplies left for Vietnam the week of March XI. A contingent of workers from Lutheran Family Services will go to Vietnam the first week in April to oversee delivery of the supplies, to determine future needs, and to strengthen diplomatic relations. The group will go to Vietnam as special guests of the Vietnamese government. For further information regarding the Highlands Assistance Project or other Lutheran Family Services refugee programs, contact Raleigh Bailey or Pierre K’Briuh at 1-855-0390 in Greehsboro. UMC Women Hold Meet At Raielgh Trinity UMC The Raleigh Sub-District of the United Methodist Women held its an nual meeting Saturday, March 18, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Mickey Robey, Raleigh Sub District leader, called the meeting to order, extending a warm welcome to all present, thanking the host church and leading in prayer. Rachel Hayes of Trinity Church gave the devotional service. Special music was presented by Colleen Moon. t Carrie Goodwin, supportive com munity, gave a presentation of the 1989 programs. District officers were recognised and Mamie King, membership chair man, presented the attendance ban ner to Trinity Church. Macedonia Church had the second-highest percentage of members attending. Raleigh District President Rose DeHart introduced and presented Douglas L. Byrd, executive director of United Methodist Foundation, Inc. of Raleigh. Byrd gave a presentation on how to plan for the future use of finances. He spoke on the theme for the year, “Facing the Future... (Finance).” He stated that the Bible in the Old and New Testament [daces emphasis on sound management of what God entrusted to us. Therefore, we should look carefully at how we manage our resources. We need to try to learn to live on less than we earn so there will be funds to save and to invest for the future. He stressed the idea that much thought should go into estate planning. On display in a designated area were available resources arranged by Betty Butler and the 1968 scrap book, compiled by Susie Perdue. The closing song, “Our Purpose,” was followed by the benediction by Rev. Allen Wentz. Prior to the meeting the host church entertained the 72 members attending at a coffee hour in the church parlor. Ngambi Retreat Keeps Heritage for Black Youth SMITHFIELD—A group of young adult African-American Catholic* are keeping a promise thoy made last year to thenuolvee and the dnirch. They have organised “Ngambi: Tangu Leo," which in Swahili mean* together for the common good of look ing to the future. The weekend retreat far African American Catholic* in their Ms and 90s will be April JMO at abort Journey Center in Smithfieid. ■The event fulfllie promisee par MMnawf mada at the of the firat Ngambi to continue to ex plore their identity, creativity, spirituality and unity ae well “Laat year wae the building block for ue in a lot of way*,” saidDierdre and i hiirkrtie and parishes in South Carolina, Florida and Alabama. “We want to look into the future, where we will find our placet in the parish, the diocese and the wider church,” said Ms. Guion, a member of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem. “The young adult is easily lost to the church. We hope to affirm who we are, identify our gifts and determine where we belong in the church today and tomorrow.” The retreat agenda Includes war ship, reflection, workshops op portunities for cultural and social sharing. Workshops will look at practical questions of idootity, guidance and community involvement. Others will worship and church history. Fathsr Rhodes, chairperson of the Black Catholic Commission in the Diocese of Raleigh, said be is exeited to be one of the workshop presenters. “But I'm more excited by the Poet, Author Deliver® King Memorial Lecture CHAPEL HILL—“Th« Mountain and the Man Who Was Not God” will be the subject of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Lecture April 6 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Speaking will be poet, playwright and author June Jordan, professor of English at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The free, public talk, which will be interpreted for the hearing impaired, will begin at 8 p.m. in 100 Hamilton Hall. The lecture is sponsored by UNC Chancellor Paul Hardin and the Established Lectures Committee. One of three University Establish ed Lectures, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was established in 1977 to “commemorate the lives and wort of those who have dedicated their energies to fostering the concepts of human rights and dlfpiity and to pro vide a forum for serious examination and discussion of those concepts." Jordan, a political columnist for the Progressive magaiine and director of the Creative Writing Program and Poetry Center at SUNY, has written 16 novels. Her works include “His Own Where," the first American novel written entirely in black English. The classic was awarded the New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year honors in 1971. Her recent publications are “Moving Toward Home" and “Lyrical Campaigns.” Her poems, articles, essays and reviews have appeared in Ms., Essence, the Village Voice, the Na tion, Black World and American Poetry Review. A former playwright-in-residence with the New York Dramatists, she nas wrmen wo —’ “The Issue” end “All Those Bless ings.” In i960 abe wrote the musical “Bang Bang Uber Allee” in col laboration with composer Adrienne B. Tort. Her numerous honors include the IBM National Association of Black Journalists Achievement Award for international reporting of the black condition; a IMS New York Mate Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Letters; and a 11987 MacDowell Col ony Fellowship. Jordan Joins an illustrious hot of past King lecturers, Including Vine Deloria, political science professor and American Indian rights ad vocate; Randall Robinson, director of TransAfrica; W. Wilson Goode, mayor of Philadelphia; Vernon N. Jordan, former president of the Na tional Urban League; the Rev. Mar tin Luther King, Sr.; Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young; and the Rev. Jaose Jackson. NAACP Meet Iho Ralelgh-Apex Branch of the NAACP will held Ms monthly meeting on April * at 4 p.m.at Martin Street Baptist Church. 1001E. Martin St. The agenda for this month le a youth forum. “Youth Speakout." Students are Invited to attend and he involved In discussions on drugs in school, racial problems, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and career motivation. If further information Is needed, call 7S1-4018. Adults and student* are invited to join. . Power To Gha •••and drew BY FRED AND JOANNE WILLIAMS . i*fl THE FAMILY CONFERENCE: WHAT DO YOU TALK ABOUT? Our families are a blessing from God. Too often, we overlook our fami ly members and take them for granted. We don’t take time to share the things that are important to us with the people who are moot Impor tant to us. The family conference Is one way to be sure that your family da com municating in a meaningful way. Last week we said that the family conference is a scheduled time when a family sits down in an open, non hostile atmosphere to discuss feel ings, express concerns and solve pro blems. Marriage counselor Rev. Willie. Richardson of Philadelphia suggests that the husband be the teacher of the family conference (if there is a hus band). He also suggests that a time limit be set to avoid dragging conver sations over a long period of time. What are some of the things a fami ly can talk about? Here are some sug gestions. 1. Share your love and positive r feeling* for your family, for exam ple, each family member could give three things which they like about the family. 2. Share family concern*. Often family member* hold things in, which they need to share. Each family member could be given a chance to share by completing this sentence: “1 have been concerned about..’' or have each person name one thing they wish this family could do dif ferently The leader should than lend a discussion on each area. When criticism is given, it should be given in an atmosphere of laive and fairness, not anger and vindic tiveness. The family conference can do in one hour what was not express ed in one year. Rev. Richardson says that the family conference should always begin and end with prayer. It will not solve all your problems but it can be a tool which opens up family communications. Take time to talk to your family. 1 CHRIST AND POLITICS Did you ever think of Christ’s relation to politics? He came into this world, remember, as a king. The very opening words of the New Testament are: “Jesus Christ, the Son of David...” (Matt. I: I).This emphasizes the fact that He came from the royal Une. John the Bap tist had gone forth as the King’s herald, to prepare His way,and the twelve apostles proclaimed His royal rights as they preached “the jos pel of the kingdom.” This was all in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “For un to us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor.The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the In crease of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David..."(Hu. 9:6,7). Instead of crowning Him King at His first coming, however, they nailed Him to a cross and wrote over His head His accusation: crucified for the sins of men. Psalm 22, Isaiah S3 and other Old Testament pas sages had predicted that at His first coming He would be despised and rejected. As Matthew 20:28 says of this coming: "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for - jr Lord did not die an untimely death; the cross was not a useless sacrifice. He knew that man’s great est need was moral and spiritual-that his sins must be paid for if he is not to be condemned forever before the court of eternal Justice. So, in love He came to be rejected and suffer and die "the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God"(l Pet. 3:18). He will come again to judge and reign, but for the present He deals with man kind in grace. Ephesians 1:7 says that “in Him kv have redemption thntugh His bkx>d, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace ” and Romans 3:24 m W»|rs are "justt by God's grace, tl redemption than f.