EPA gives grant
to state nonprofit
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that it has awarded a $30,000 Environmental Justice Grant to Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light, according to a statement issued by the faith-based organization.
Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light is the first nonprofit organization in Arkansas to receive what the agency categorizes as an Environmental Justice Small Grant since 2002, according to the statement. It provides energy-saving assistance to members from a theological perspective.
Listed on the EPA's website as falling under the category of land remediation, the grant will fund the Sustainable Self-Sufficiency Community Project Model, which will partner with other Little Rock-area organizations and businesses to "renovate and repurpose an abandoned building and lot to become a local community center where individuals in at-risk areas of Little Rock will be introduced to holistic solutions to local energy production and healthy food alternatives."
The mission of Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light is to "increase the abilities of individuals and families to move from consumers to producers of food and energy" and "introduce concepts that lead to conservation of resources and away from a throw-away culture."
-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Ed Bacon to talk
at fall conference
Open Door Community Church, 709 W. Lee Ave. in Sherwood, will continue its annual fall conference today with the Rev. Ed Bacon, winner of the 2017 Peggy Campolo Carrier Pigeon Award, and a panel discussion that includes Bacon, the Rev. Stan Mitchell of GracePointe Church in Nashville, Tenn.; Peggy Campolo; and Jay Bakker.
The conference concludes Sunday with a 10:45 a.m. worship service in which Mitchell will speak, followed by a potluck Thanksgiving feast. For a complete schedule, visit sherwoodopendoor.org.
-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Author Woford's
book-signing set
Arkansas native Laura Woford will sign copies of her first book, Coloring Meditations for a Full Life, from 1-3 p.m. today at The Art Group Gallery, 11525 Cantrell Road in Little Rock.
The book combines art and prayer; "readers [will] meditate upon the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila while coloring scenes of Avila or scenes evoked by her words," according to a statement.
It is intended that people pray while they color, and those who register on Art2Pray.com can receive free recordings of meditative music tracks. More information about The Art Group Gallery is available at artgrouparkansas.com or (501) 690-2193.
-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sutton Free Will
marks 150th year
Sutton Free Will Baptist Church, 5421 U.S. 62, Pocahontas, will celebrate its 150th anniversary at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Former pastors will speak about the church's history, and a video will be shown. At 11 a.m., retired Rev. Randy Scott will speak, and choirs of children and adults will sing shared generational hymns.
At noon, a meal will be served. Attendees will be able to watch additional footage related to the church's past and play games until early afternoon.
Offerings collected at the anniversary celebration will benefit the church's world missions.
-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Baptists won't let
woman in confab
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Baptist Convention is not allowing representatives from a church with a female pastor to vote at its annual meeting.
Media report that the convention decided not to seat the representatives from First Baptist Church of Jefferson City, Tenn., on Tuesday at its meeting in Hendersonville.
Southern Baptist churches believe that the office of pastor is limited to men, but each church is autonomous and can make its own decisions.
-- The Associated Press
Religion on 11/18/2017