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Who Invented Music?

By Laura Dallman University of Florida The Conversation Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Who invented music? — Rom, age 7, Las Vegas, Nevada The short answer is: No one knows who invented music. No historical evidence exists to tell us exactly who sang the first song, or whistled the first tune, or made the first rhythmic sounds that resembled what we know today as music. But researchers do know it happened thousands of years ago. The earliest ...

Former pastor offers to assist churches and build faith

LEWISTOWN — A former Mifflin County pastor is looking to help struggling churches in the area to help others come closer to Jesus Christ. Dr. Howard Houtz and his Church Ministry Assessments, formed in November of this year, has made it his mission to help keep the faith in Mifflin County. “Basically what I’ve heard over the years is that a number of churches are declining, churches that don’t know what to do next and I have had people approach me,” Houtz said. “I’ve had other churches say things like, ‘I don’t know why we can’t grow, we don’t have any children ...

What is a blue Christmas service?

You may have some Elvis Presley lyrics running through your head right now. “I’ll have a blue Christmas with you. I’ll be so blue just thinking about you.” That gives you a hint about what a Blue Christmas worship service is. Think “blue” as in having the blues or feeling blue. A Blue Christmas service creates a sacred time and space for people feeling sad, alone, depressed or heart-broken during the holiday season. For many people the Christmas season does not always bring the joy and happiness that’s advertised on TV or in greeting cards. Maybe they are experiencing ...

Who’s giving Americans spiritual care?

The conversation When Americans picture a chaplain, many of them likely think of someone like Father Mulcahy, the Irish American priest who cared for Korean War soldiers in the classic TV show “M.A.S.H.” The reality is much more complex. Today’s chaplains are diverse in gender, age, religious background and sexuality. They serve people from all backgrounds, including those with no affiliation. And their roles may become more significant as more Americans step away from traditional religious congregations. Three in 10 adults in the United States say they are atheists, agnostics ...

The Santa Gospel and the True Gospel

Several years ago my wife purchased a book for our family titled When Santa Learned the Gospel. It is a fun little children’s book that was written by an Australian author named Simon Camilleri. In an interview Camilleri explained his inspiration to write the book. Back in 2013 I witnessed something very funny at a local community carols event. As expected, at the end of the evening, Santa came out on stage and asked the kids “So, who’s been a good boy or girl this year?” All the kids raised their hands and said “Meeee!!” The funny thing was, when he asked them, “And ...

Religion Briefs

Editor’s note: To submit a nonprofit announcement to The Sentinel’s Religion section, contact Tom Laub at (717) 248-6741 or by email at living@lewistownsentinel.com. Items also may be faxed to (717) 248-3481 or sent to The Sentinel, 352 Sixth St., Lewistown, PA 17044. Items must be received by Tuesday for publication in the Saturday edition. Submissions will be published as space allows. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. ••• UMC to host Bible study LEWISTOWN — First Bakers United Methodist Church will host a Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. ...