The reading of Scripture at Sabbath and holiday prayer services has been a feature of Jewish congregational worship for nearly two millennia. The precedent for a public reading of Scripture goes back to Moses’s instruction to the Israelites to read the Torah aloud once every seven years to all the people – men, women and […]
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UIS launches $42.5M Library Commons project
Excitement is growing at the University of Illinois Springfield as construction is underway on the new Library Commons building. The publicly funded project was made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the state of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building is being built next to the Student Union and is expected to open in 2027. […]
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Let’s build communities of creative love
With how many “trinities” are you familiar? Christian belief holds at its center the Father, Son and Spirit. Chefs might refer to a “trinity” of ingredients. For Cajun cooks its onions, green peppers and celery. Italians drop the peppers and add carrots. Preachers like to lead you through three points in a homily. Then there […]
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A growing passion for agriculture
When most people think of agriculture, they picture tractors, cows and endless fields of corn. I used to think that way, too, until I found myself standing in a hazelnut orchard in Italy, tasting freshly crushed hazelnut spread and listening to a farmer explain how pests and diseases are changing the way his family works […]
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What I did for love
As a young woman, I saw the 1975 musical A Chorus Line. Set on the stage of a Broadway theater, the musical provides a glimpse into the personalities of 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on the chorus line as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. […]
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Facing your ewe lamb moment?
Something about the actions of man will always come before the judgment of God. And the decision-making leadership actions of men/women over the lives and destinies of others must also pass the judgment of God. The war-mongering actions of the Syrians, and the simultaneous battles with their Jordanian cousins, left Israel battling on at least […]
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City, county and Capital Township support fuels homeless system successes
In 2004, a community strategic planning effort resulted in the development of the 10-Year Strategic Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, 2004-2014. The plan placed a strong emphasis on coordination efforts but little infrastructure was built following the plan’s completion to ensure its goals could be met. Sixteen years later, in 2020, a full-time coordinator for […]
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Humility: The endangered virtue
Country music is not my favorite genre. However, there is one country song that never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I hear it. That song, “(Always Stay) Humble and Kind,” is sung by Tim McGraw but it was written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, and it’s easy to […]
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Kidzeum holds ribbon cutting for Route 66 exhibit
Kidzeum of Health and Science is holding a seven-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. The weekend will feature live performances, hands-on science programs, games, giveaways and the grand opening of the brand-new Route 66-themed exhibition, The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66. Admission is free on Saturday, while Sunday will […]
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What good is prayer if we still suffer?
As of this writing, the nation keeps vigil with the Texas families whose loved ones were swept away by flood waters, the death toll north of 100 and climbing. According to media reports, over the Fourth of July weekend gun violence killed 189 people and injured 500 in our country. Last week I traveled out […]
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Liberty, equality and fraternity – The blessings and the challenges
A week and a half ago, we observed the Fourth of July, our American Independence Day with picnics, fireworks and parades and, hopefully, a renewed dedication to the principles and aspirations on which our country is founded. This week France observes its national holiday, Bastille Day, the 14th of July, marking the date in 1789 […]
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In pursuit of justice: A personal reflection
Hello, my name is Diana Elshref. I want to thank Illinois Times for allowing me an opportunity as a board member of Faith Coalition for the Common Good to share my story and the outstanding work that the FCCG is doing in the community. My passion and journey have always concerned civil, social and racial […]
