If I could give to you one only gift To hold forever, in remembrance of me, It would be the peace that enters in the heart When love comes there to dwell, all silently. I’d wrap it in the silver of the moon. And tie it with the distant purple haze; I’d seal it with […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The power of community: Looking back on 2025 and ahead to what’s next
We’ve spent the past few weeks at United Way of Central Illinois reflecting on what an incredible year 2025 was, and honestly, we’re still a little overwhelmed by the generosity we witnessed. This year’s campaign theme was “The Power of Community,” and we saw that power show up in ways big and small. From the […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Who can but prophesy?
In the scriptural portion that was read this past week in Jewish congregations the patriarch Jacob, on his deathbed, speaks to his sons about the future destiny of the tribes that they will found and that will bear their names. “I will tell you what will befall you in days to come.” (Genesis 49:1) The […]
Posted inIT Picks
The Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters originated 100 years ago on the south side of Chicago and have been entertaining generations of fans ever since. It has been 100 years of thrills, laughs, amazing moves and fun. The team, on its 100 Year World Tour to celebrate, will be here in the capital city, too. Older fans will […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
How does Jesus save?
Have you heard the one about Jesus and Satan, a computing contest and a power outage? I’ll spare you, but the joke came to mind while I was thinking through the question about how Jesus saves in light of a particular text from Matthew’s Gospel. In that scripture Joseph is told to name Mary’s baby […]
Posted inUncategorized
A year of faith and resilience: Faith Coalition’s commitment to justice
As we come to the close of 2025, the Faith Coalition for the Common Good is deeply thankful for the opportunity to share in the work alongside a community of resilient, courageous and powerful leaders. This work is not done in isolation, it is built through relationship, trust and collective commitment to justice. The evolution […]
Posted inFilm
Song Sung Blue an inspiring tale, Marty Supreme grows taxing
Blue a Song of Inspiration Craig Brewer managed to change my mind about two things with his surprising Song Sung Blue. I was wrong about the purpose of musical tribute acts and Kate Hudson. As for the latter, based on her past output, she always struck me an actress of limited means. After seeing her […]
Posted inIT Picks
Annual event rings in new year with style
Head downtown on New Year’s Eve for this annual family-friendly event at three iconic locations. This year’s event features children’s activities at the ALPLM and Hoogland Center, a special around-the-world midnight countdown with confetti cannons at the ALPLM, ice skating at Union Square Park and a dazzling fireworks spectacular. A full schedule of activities starts […]
Posted inPoetry
My mother wrote this lullaby for my oldest sister on her first Christmas, 1925.
Sleep, little baby, the daylight is fading; Dim yellow stars the dark heavens adorn; Once, long ago, in a Bethlehem manger The little Lord Jesus was born. Lullaby, lullaby, sleep, little baby, sleep. Sleep, little baby, my arms are about thee, A circle of love which enfolds thee secure; So Mary cradled the wee baby […]
Posted inArts Features
The real story of A Christmas Carol
The well-loved tale of redemption popular this time of year, A Christmas Carol, wasn’t sparked by joy, but sorrow. When London journalist and author Charles Dickens wrote what became the most copied secular Christmas fiction, he was dejected, financially stressed and fighting for societal reform. To publish Scrooge’s trials in time for Christmas, he had […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A sacred journey
“and she gave birth to her firstborn son …” – Luke 2:7 During my tenure as the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, one of the annual highlights each year was anticipating which newborn baby within the congregation would play the esteemed role of baby Jesus in our annual Christmas pageant. A human baby Jesus in […]
Posted inIT Picks
Two holiday classics return to big screen
There’s just something magical about seeing movies on the big screen. It’s even better when the movie is a classic movie from the past. This weekend, Legacy Theatre is screening two timeless holiday classics – It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas. So here’s your chance to see one or both on the big screen […]
