Black Meetings and Tourism

BOOKMARKS According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 69 percent of people who consider themselves peo- ple of faith also believe that there is more than one way to interpret the teachings of their religion. Alan Richards, author of the new novel The Second Cycle (Emerald Book Company), believes that this phenomenon is direct- ly related to our continuing search for the true nature of God. "The simple truth is that most people are ignorant and blasé about the thing most important thing in life, that being the true nature of God," Richards said. "The Bible was written by men – holy men – but men, nonetheless, which makes literal, dogmatic interpretation of the Bible unpalatable to many people. It's not just about whether the teachings and dogma appeal to them or have a place in their lives or world view – it's about the difference between walking the walk and talking the talk." The Second Cycle, a fictional account of how a number of people come to terms with their individual search for the true meaning of God, is based on the true journey that lies before all of us. NEWS NOTES The Shroud of Turin will be on display at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin. The cloth will be removed from its casket for a rare public display until May 20th, 2010. The Shroud is a linen cloth believed to have been placed on Jesus at the time of his burial. It became prop- erty of Louis of Savoy in 1453 and moved around Europe until it arrived in Turin in 1578. The Shroud belonged to the House of Savoy until 1983, when it was given to the Episcopal jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome. Since then, the cloth has gone on several displays attracting worship- pers and curious people alike. Over two million visitors are expected in Turin in 2010 for this rare opportunity to see the Holy Shroud. Numerous tour operators have designed special tours and packages for the occasion. Travelers and worshippers interested in catching a glimpse of history can start plan- ning their trip with religious journeys and pilgrimages organized by specialty operators. Independent travelers will also be able to pre-book a visit to the Shroud starting in December 2009 at www.sindone.org. A collaboration between the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and the Macy's Music Festival, the pop- ular annual weekend of R&B concerts, adds gospel music to the star-studded Festival lineup GMWA's 2009 convention, in Cincinnati July 25-31, will over- lap the Macy's Music Festival with a July 30 GMWA Gospel Festival concert. The event will feature Yolanda Adams as mis- tress of ceremonies and musical performances by Dorinda Clark-Cole, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr., Kirk Carr & the Kirk Carr Singers, Dottie Peoples, Byron Cage, J. Moss, JJ Hairston & Youth for Praise, Bishop Neal Roberson, The Tommies, Bishop Albert L. Jamison & ENYSC and the Charles Fold Singers. The GMWA's week-long gathering includes academic classes, evangelism and outreach, nightly music services, showcases, radio and television executives and promoters, exhibits and seminars. For more information, visit www.gmwanational.net. WORDS & DEEDS The Evangelism Team of the California Northeast Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) held its Annual Conference April 29 – May 1 at the Mingleton Temple Church of God in Christ, in Oakland, CA. This year's theme was Yes, We Can – Phillipians 4:13. Dr. Cynthia James of Oakland, evangelist Shirley Landfair of Chicago, and Pastor Darnell Thomas of Sacramento were among the conference participants. Nightly sessions dis- cussing lay evangelism, child & young adult evangelism, and leadership were led by Supt. Sherman Harris, Greater East Side COGIC (San Jose), and Dr. Debra Page, TH.D., Greater Refuge, Whittington Temple COGIC (Oakland, CA). The Michigan NAACP celebrated its 100-year anniver- sary with Gospel Fest 2009 at Fellowship Chapel in Detroit April 25. The competition featured solo singers and gospel groups, church choirs, college and youth ensembles, dancers and local recording artists. Proceeds from this fundraiser will assist Michigan students com- peting in the national ACT-SO competition at the NAACP's National Convention in New York City, July 8- Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25 BY PATRICE KELLY 5HOLJLRXV Continued on page 27

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