In the Witness this week

At 48, he’s a new Navy chaplain Published May 22, 2008: PENSACOLA (BP)—It’s been nearly 24 years since Ed Erwin observed Memorial Day in a military role, so it holds special significance this year for the longtime Southern Baptist pastor.
‘Celebration of Life’ honors Bell Shoals pastor, son ‘P.J.’ Pollock’s band pens farewell: ‘It’s OK to cry, even though it’s not a goodbye’ JONI B. HANNIGAN Managing Editor Published May 22, 2008: BRANDON (FBW)—A young teen in shirt and tie paused dismally at the memorial display at the front of Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s massive worship center until he had a clear shot. Slipping a cell phone out of his pocket, he snapped a photo, smiled sheepishly and moved away only when an older youth kindly grabbed him by the back of the neck to scoot him along.
Florida Baptists aid wildfire victims LAUREN URTEL Florida Baptist Convention Published May 22, 2008: MELBOURNE (FBC)—Firefighters believe they have the upper hand in the wildfires scorching Brevard County last week, leading the County’s Emergency Operations Center to authorize the closing of the shelter located at Central Baptist Church in Melbourne, reported Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ disaster relief director.

Opinion

Editorial

Urgency about the Florida marriage amendment JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor: In a predictable although troubling 4-3 decision, the California Supreme Court decreed on May 15 “gay marriage” is a “fundamental constitutional right,” overturning two state laws—one of which was affirmed by 61 percent of Californians in 2000.

Point of View

Anne Graham Lotz coming to Jacksonville JOHN SULLIVAN Executive director-treasurer, Florida Baptist Convention: Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, is coming to Jacksonville to lead a “Just Give Me Jesus” conference April 24-25, 2009. This is good news for North Florida! Anne is a gifted Bible teacher and this will be one of the finest events for women in our area.
Why I am not signing the ‘Evangelical Manifesto’ RICHARD LAND Baptist Press: On May 7, a much-anticipated document, “An Evangelical Manifesto,” was officially revealed to the public. The organizers’ press release declared the Manifesto to be a “three-year effort ... to reclaim the definition of what it means to be an Evangelical—a term that, in recent years, has often been used politically, culturally, socially—and even as a marketing demographic.”
Radical rantings: Black liberation theology CHARLES COLSON Breakpoint: I have refrained from commenting extensively on the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy because this is an election year, and I avoid partisan questions. Until now, the Rev. Wright has been closely aligned with the Democratic front-runner.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor Published May 22, 2008: Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

Florida

Florida News

At 48, he’s a new Navy chaplain: PENSACOLA (BP)—It’s been nearly 24 years since Ed Erwin observed Memorial Day in a military role, so it holds special significance this year for the longtime Southern Baptist pastor.
‘Celebration of Life’ honors Bell Shoals pastor, son ‘P.J.’ Pollock’s band pens farewell: ‘It’s OK to cry, even though it’s not a goodbye’: BRANDON (FBW)—A young teen in shirt and tie paused dismally at the memorial display at the front of Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s massive worship center until he had a clear shot. Slipping a cell phone out of his pocket, he snapped a photo, smiled sheepishly and moved away only when an older youth kindly grabbed him by the back of the neck to scoot him along.
Florida Baptists aid wildfire victims: MELBOURNE (FBC)—Firefighters believe they have the upper hand in the wildfires scorching Brevard County last week, leading the County’s Emergency Operations Center to authorize the closing of the shelter located at Central Baptist Church in Melbourne, reported Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ disaster relief director.
Pollock remembered as godly denominational leader: BRANDON (FBW)—Forrest Pollock, pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, and his 13-year-old son, Preston, did not survive a May 12 plane crash in the rugged North Carolina mountains.
New believers ‘take the plunge’ in Melbourne beach baptism LAUREN URTEL Florida Baptist Convention: MELBOURNE (FBC)—Following a call to have “faith that obeys” 46 people were baptized in the ocean May 4 at Paradise Beach.
Marriage amendment ‘deceptive’ mailer decried: ORLANDO (FBW)—A “dishonest and factually incorrect” mailing by opponents of the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment was decried today by John Stemberger, chairman of “Yes On 2,” the committee sponsoring the amendment.
Element, Freedom churches begin in Tampa Bay association: JACKSONVILLE(FBC)-According to a report released by the Florida Baptist Convention's Church Planting Department, Florida Baptists started 11 new churches in April 2008. The following is a listing of new churches listed by association:
BCF honors outstanding grads, dedicates Prayer Chapel: GRACEVILLE (FBW)—Outstanding graduating seniors at Baptist College of Florida were honored May 7 at Senior Honors Days on the Graceville campus. During the annual service in R.G. Lee Chapel, Mike Orr, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Chipley, challenged the students to follow Jesus’ example in loving others.

Florida News Briefs

Harmony Bay youth camp announced

Florida Focus

Florida Focus: A one-time announcement of special events is a free service provided by the Witness to Florida Baptist churches. Please send materials at least three weeks before the date of the event, to Florida Baptist Witness, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, fax 904-346-0696 or submitted using our online form. Items received after deadline may appear in our exclusive on-line version.

National

National News

Calif. Supreme Court legalizes ‘gay marriage’: SAN FRANCISCO (BP)—The California Supreme Court May 15 issued a much-anticipated and landmark decision by ordering the state to legalize “gay marriage,” making it the second in the nation to do so and also setting up a dramatic cultural and political battle in November, when a constitutional marriage amendment likely will appear on the ballot.
Timeline: ‘Gay marriage’ decisions: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Six state supreme courts within the past five years have ruled on the issue of “gay marriage.” Following is a timeline of those decisions:
State bills would give teachers freedom teaching evolution: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Ben Stein’s movie “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” apparently is having a significant impact in the debate over the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Humans hard-wired for faith, PBAU scholar Paul Copan says: NEW ORLEANS (BP)—Are humans hard-wired for religious faith?
IMB regional leader resigns over policies: RICHMOND, Va. (BP)—Rodney Hammer, the International Mission Board’s regional leader for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) for the past eight years, resigned effective May 5 after challenging policies of the board of trustees with which he is in disagreement.

Features

Expelled

‘Expelled’ producer happy with box office results: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—After its fifth weekend, Ben Stein’s “Expelled: No Intelligence Designed” has entered the Top 12 on the all-time list for documentary films—a distinction that some say is a solid box office achievement, others say is a small feat.

SBC Annual Meeting

Ala. Litton 2008 Pastors’ Conf. Nominee: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Ed Litton, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of North Mobile in Saraland, Ala., will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference during its June 8-9 meeting in Indianapolis, James T. Draper Jr., president emeritus of LifeWay Christian Resources, announced May 13.
Evangelist Brian Fossett to be VP nominee: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Brian Fossett, a vocational evangelist from Dalton, Ga., will be nominated for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a pastor in Snellville, Ga., announced April 28.
Georgia pastor John Connell is 1st VP nominee: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—John Connell, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Savannah, Ga., will be nominated for first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Texas pastor announced April 29.

Bible Study

Bible Studies for Life

May 25: Be Ready to Forgive Ephesians 4:22-32; Philemon 8-10, 15-18: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
June 1: Your Ticket to Real Success Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6, 11-12: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

May 25: Finishing Strong Genesis 48-50: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
June 1: Empowered to Witness Acts 1-2: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.