Saturday, November 22, 1997

Outfront: Special religion information

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you're looking for a way to show how thankful you are on Thanksgiving Day, why not volunteer to help with the community dinner at the Civic Center.

Hours are 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nebra Peters, with the Veteran's Service Office which is coordinating the dinner, said she can use all the volunteers she can get.

"The more the merrier," Peters said.

Specifically, people are needed to help clean up and visit with diners.

"Just come down and talk to the elderly and be a part of the community," Peters said.

Also, Peters is asking for volunteers to sing or play musical instruments during the dinner.

In the past, the dinner has been sponsored by service clubs, but this year Peters asked businesses and churches to help out.

"It's all worked out very well," she said.

Zapata's Cafe and Cantina is catering the turkey and dressing dinner. Churches committed to help are South Side Baptist, First Christian, S. 11th and Willis Church of Christ adult Bible class, First Baptist, Broadview Baptist, Highland Church of Christ, St. Paul United Methodist, and the Greater Abilene Ministerial Alliance.

Meals will be delivered to the homebound and transportation will be available to take people to the dinner and home again. Call Peters at 674-1328 for assistance, meal delivery or to volunteer.

DO UNTO OTHERS

Rabbi Abraham Twerski is both a rabbi and a psychiatrist. From those two perspectives, he has come to see what "do unto others," the Golden Rule of life, can do to enrich people's lives.

He has gathered eight stories from around the world that focus on what he calls "the eight spiritual and psychological tenets of the golden rule." Each contains stories, anecdotes and parables that offer real life demonstrations of the Judeo-Christian axiom, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

The stories recount good deeds and all that can be gained through them such as self-esteem, spiritual growth, love or simply the breaking of old habits.

The book, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, is beautifully printed and ideal as a gift. It sells for $18.95 hardback.

IN REVIEW

William Becton & Friends, "Heart of A Love Song" - * * * *

Label: CGI Records

Description: "Heart of A Love Song" begins with Becton explaining how the title is about the relationship between Christ and the church and about the love relationship of husband and wife. The six songs on this album are romantic Christian songs with urban contemporary melodies. "Lean on Me" has no resemblance to the R&B version from the movie of the same title. This one has a nice beat but seems more subdued. The tempo slows with Becton's version of "Worthy is the Lamb" that is somewhat traditional. The remainder of the selections have hip-hop beats.

Artist bio: Becton is a producer and songwriter who received his training at Sewell Conservatory of Music, the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts and the University of the District of Columbia. He was named Best New Artist of the Year and Best Urban Gospel Artist in 1996 at the Stellar Awards and was a 1996 nominee in the same categories for the Dove Award.

What's good about it: Change is progress, and this release is far from traditional gospel, but it has a unique style and delivers a message of love.

What's bad about it: Some listeners may think this release is more appropriate on the urban contemporary charts instead of the gospel charts. Keep in mind that many gospel releases are appearing on both charts.

- C.J. Hytche, Knight-Ridder Newspapers

VIRTUAL TURKEY

Virtual turkey isn't going to replace the real thing, but one's available for anyone interested.

A website dedicated to holidays is colorful and fun to look at. The Thanksgving site includes an annoying "Turkey in the Straw" for background music, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the site.

It includes a history of Thanksgiving, a puzzle, stories, and of course nifty graphics.

Check it out at <I> http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving