Author: Steve Rabey
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Christian organizations, some based in Colorado Springs, regularly revise their identities
The Ten Commandments forbid the making of graven images, but a compelling corporate image is considered essential by Christian organizations seeking to survive and thrive. In rare cases, ministries completely change their names. Last week, Colorado Springs-based HCJB Global, which was founded in 1931, announced that it is changing its name to Reach Beyond. Most…
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From holidays to holy days: While some embrace holiday festivities, others seek the sacred in quieter ways
While millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Christmas by singing carols and giving gifts to friends, some welcome the holiday season as a chance to experience other kinds of holy days. “At a time when religious observance may be declining, people who don’t even identify themselves as religious set aside days that are distinct from…
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Pastors on the move: Getting through a time of change at Colorado Springs-area churches
After 12 years leading one of Colorado Springs’ larger churches, Pastor Matt Heard was due for a break. But upon returning in September from a summer of study and planning, Heard had big news for church elders. He was resigning. The elders were surprised, but sprung into action in an effort to make the transition…
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Following Francis: Local believers practice principles of 13th century saint
ince Pope Francis was elected in March, his loving, accessible style has gained millions of fans. The new pope also has brought new attention to St. Francis of Assisi, one of Christianity’s more beloved saints. “He brought to Christianity an idea of poverty against the luxury, pride, vanity of the civil and ecclesiastical powers of…
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Meet Mr. and Mrs. None
‘PLEASE, JESUS, PROTECT ME FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS! ‘ is more than a simple bumper sticker slogan for Colorado Springs couple Becky Hale and Gary Betchan. The phrase also adorns T-shirts, caps, buttons and jewelry and is among the 4,500 products sold by EvolveFISH.com, their online emporium that ships 16,000 orders each year to godless Americans…
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Keillor talks about problems in Lake Wobegon and what we’ll see at World Arena on Saturday
It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, unless you’re one of the dozens of people helping the fictional farm town relocate to Colorado Springs for remote broadcast number 1,301 of the popular “A Prairie Home Companion” public radio program. Lake Wobegon has traveled regularly since 1974 to record shows in Britain, Germany and Iceland.…
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Major Christian rockers coming to ‘Make a Difference’
Fans of Christian music and books may be thanking God for the all-star talent gathered together for the “Make a Difference Tour.” But they should also thank the recession for pressuring four A-list headliners to share the World Arena stage on Thursday. Musical acts Third Day, Michael W. Smith and TobyMac have stacks of Grammy…
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Philharmonic tends to business by filling seats, attracting talent
The curtain call changed a bit this year. Instead of just the musicians and conductor taking a bow after the season-opening concerts of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, season ticket holders were asked to stand and be recognized with applause. Nathan Newbrough, the Philharmonic’s energetic 36-year-old president and CEO, knows there would be no Mozart without…
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School snubs local poet over her ‘body’ of work
Artist and poet Jane Hilberry wasn’t surprised when she was invited to speak at a conference at the Colorado Springs School. The poet, who’s been an English professor at Colorado College since 1988, regularly does these kind of talks and regularly visits local classrooms, encouraging young people to write and create. What did surprise her…
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Singers tour as Christian dream team
Celebrity matchups are a staple of the recording and touring industries. For fans of contemporary Christian music, the pairing of Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman seems like a musical marriage made in heaven. Smith and Chapman are two of the biggest stars in the gospel firmament. Blessed with abundant charisma, diverse musical gifts…