UMTV Brief

UMTV Web Brief 2/19/03 –

In Her Own Image – Intro:

Welcome to UMTV’s Web Brief. I’m Reed Galin.

A new version of the Bible is bridging a cultural divide. It’s called the Women of Color Study Bible, the first by and for African-American women. Two United Methodist ministers in Texas who contributed to the work are now preaching from it. They hope the book will inspire African Americans in new ways.

In Her Own Image – Story:

Nat Sound – choir singing: “Give me that old-time religion … ”

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers is taking her congregation back to biblical times – with a rather nontraditional tool.

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers: “It’s a book full of answers.”

It’s the Women of Color Bible – a first of its kind, celebrating the achievements of African- American women. Chambers was one of many who contributed writings.

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers: “The strongest woman in the Bible is the one who bore the strongest man.”

In the traditional translation, Samson’s mother wasn’t even given a name. In the Women of Color Bible, she has her very own essay.

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers: “It adds so much more to traditional teaching because some of the women that are portrayed in this Bible, their voices are not heard or their stories have not been told.”

The Women of Color Bible is meant to inspire women of all races. It teaches no woman has to go it alone.

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers: “This shows that no, you shouldn’t be able to handle it. Life is about needing each other. Life is about relationships.”

Chambers encourages her congregation to relate their everyday trials and tribulations to the book.

The Rev. Jacquetta Chambers: “Go through and find a topic on something you’re struggling with and see what another woman has to say that will give you hope and strength in the midst of your situation.”

Writers hope everyone, regardless of race or gender, can see a part of themselves portrayed in this book.

In Her Own Image – Tag:

It took two years for Nia Publishing, in conjunction with World Bible Publishing, to complete the work. It has also released the Children of Color Story Book Bible.

Flour Power – Intro:

Retirement is a time to finally sleep in and slow down. At least that’s what you’re supposed to do. Apparently, no one has explained that to retired mail carrier Ray Thompson. As Kim Riemland reports, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow – nor old age – seems to stop a man who is driven by faith.

Flour Power – Story:

It’s not so unusual for a retired man and his wife to stop at a doughnut shop in the morning.

Nat Sound: “We’ve got 22 dozen for you; 22 dozen, all right.”

But United Methodists Ray and Ruth Thompson get more than a few.

This is their ministry going all around town, collecting cart after cart of day-old baked goods from the stores that no longer need them … and getting them to the people who do.

Jerry Hill, Christian Outreach Center: “Just think about it. You’re down and out and hungry and you need some groceries. There’s a place you can go and you leave with a three-layer cake and some fresh rolls. That’s going to make a big difference.”

Ray and Ruth stock the shelves of food banks – swing by senior centers and soup kitchens. Partway through their route, they split up to make more deliveries and better time. Ray is known around here for his lead foot and heart of gold.

Dora Atlas, Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen: “I don’t know what we would do without him.”

And although he’s continually in a hurry, Ray always has time for people like Aerie … and all the shut-ins to whom he brings food.

Nat Sound – Ray and Aerie praying together: “And we just thank you for the fellowship we have enjoyed here this morning, In Jesus’ name, we are so grateful. Amen. Amen!”

The Thompsons do this seven days a week.

Ray: “This is a joy, a blessing. This is God’s work. I have a driving passion to serve God in this matter.”

With 178,000 miles on the truck, and 77 years on the body, Ray hasn’t even thought about slowing down. His driving force keeps him moving on down the road.

Ray: “This is just a joy to be doing this.”

In Asheboro, N.C., I’m Kim Riemland reporting.

Flour Power – Tag:

Making deliveries comes naturally to Ray, after all those years at the post office. And about that “need for speed” – that seems to be in his blood, too: He was an amateur racecar driver in his younger days.

Thanks for watching. Make it a good week.