Religion briefs 6/11/05

Church begins 'Lord of the Rings' study

Grace United Methodist Church youth will begin a study of "The Lord of the Rings" June 15. Meetings are from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the youth house. The summer series will focus on strengthening Christian values. Contact Michele Moon at michelemoon@sbcglobal.net.

Musical service at First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church will offer a musical service at 6 p.m. Sunday, including guests from other congregations.

Healing lecture to air Sunday on KAPE 1550

A lecture with Maryl F. Walters of St. Louis will air at 7:30 a.m. Sunday on KAPE 1550 AM. Walters will speak about prayer and spiritual healing, how to find prayer-based solutions for problems and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. The program will air again July 3.

Creatures great and small attend English pet service

NORTHAMPTON, England -- More than 25 furry and feathered animals accompanied their owners to a service for pets at a British church June 5. The service, part of the church's 80th birthday celebration, drew an enthusiastic crowd of about 130 people and focused on the need to live in harmony with animals.

Milwaukee Lutherans want gays, lesbians to be ordained

MILWAUKEE -- The Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America passed a resolution recommending the denomination's top legislative body permit ordination for gays and lesbians in committed relationships. The resolution, passed June 4, is one of 65 expected to be delivered to the church's assembly in August. Church policy currently bars sexually active gays and lesbians from being ordained. Those who are celibate are allowed to become ministers.

-- From staff, wire reports