The following message is from Barbara Wendland, who publishes the Connections newsletter:

I continually hear from concerned readers who see the need for change in the church and the world. They see the need for churches to disseminate up-to-date information and views about Jesus, Christian history, and the Bible. They see the need for letting varied views be heard and for discussing openly what following Jesus may require in today’s world. They see the urgent need to promote justice actively and to oppose injustice actively, within the church and elsewhere.  Many of these readers, especially those who live in the South, tell me they feel alone in their local churches and communities because of having these concerns. For a long time, therefore, I’ve wanted to bring some of these kindred spirits together to meet each other and consider how to promote the changes they see as needed. 

Finally I’m doing that.  I’m hosting a gathering of Texas Connections readers on Friday evening and Saturday, November 19-20, in Temple.  Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin.

If you’re in Texas and want to consider attending this gathering, please let me know immediately, preferably by e-mailing me at bcwendland@aol.com. If space at the event is still available when I hear from you, I’ll send you details about its content, cost, and lodging, along with an opportunity to register. (If you got my e-mail message about this event and you’ve told me you’re interested, you don’t need to let me know again. I’ll send you the details when they’re available.)

For more Connections information, see www.connectionsonline.org.