OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

In our December issue we told about Grand Ave. Chapel in Cleburne, TX. 76031, who can be contacted at that address, and their experience in “adopting” a Vietnamese family. Reg Tomerlin of that assembly reports that they have made several contacts as a result of the article, one coming from the Broad Street Chapel in Lampasas, TX. near LBJ country, which appears to be a “Sister” congregation, including their concern for refugees, for the Lampasas group is supporting a family of 10 from Vietnam. Now they are hoping to get their adopted refugee families together. We are well aware of the Lampasas group and their commitment to freedom in Christ. It can be contacted through Pat Cavness, Box 409, Lampasas, TX. 76550.

There are now so many freedom loving churches that they see a need to make contact with each other for sharing and encouragement. A meeting has been called, by invitation only, in Nashville, for some of these people to get together. They are keeping it low-key, and do not seem to know whom to invite without appearing judgmental. If those putting it together do not deem it inappropriate, I will make a report on it in these columns. Carl Ketcherside and I are both on the three-day program, a “renewal conference” it is being called. I will use the occasion to spend a week in research at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.

A libertarian group in Florida has issued its first number of a bulletin-size “Hope of Christian Dialogue,” in which they state that their purpose is to urge every believer to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and to encourage dialogue between separated brethren. You can get on the mailing list for the asking: Box 1556, Clearwater, FL 33517.

Dr. David Reagan, Phillips U. in Enid, OK 73701, is planning to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this summer, a ten-day trip that includes visits to all the major Biblical sites. Write to him for brochure and further information. It should be worth the while just to be with Dave, who has made the trip before and has much to offer.

Writing in a recent issue of Action, published in California, Reuel Lemmons said: “We must accept the fact that there can be spiritual unity among brethren even though they may disagree over many things. Even different concepts that arise because of different interpretations of Scripture arc not enough to destroy the unity of the faith.” This is in accord with what our people stood for in the early days. for they insisted that opinions cannot be imposed as tests of fellowship. This journal contends that the use or non-use of instrumental music is one of those “many things” upon which we may differ. Editor Lemmons has not yet, insofar as I know, made it clear whether he puts instrumental music into this category. If not, it would be interesting to see his list of “many things.” If so, it would help in restoring fellowship with our Christian Church brethren if he and others would make this point clear.