Feb. 29 Today’s Prayer
Wednesday, Feb. 29
We surrender all to You, Lord, for only You offer a path to salvation. Amen.
Feb. 28 Today’s Prayer
Tuesday, Feb. 28 
Your words of truth will enable us to prevail over evil and false messages. Amen.
Feb. 27 Today’s Prayer
We recognize there is great goodness awaiting those who take refuge in You. Amen. 
More on “To Save a Life”
By Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
chinton@opubco.com
| Saturday, January 16, 2010 Edition: CITY, Section: LIFE, Page 1D |
Randy Wayne can empathize with his alter ego, Jake Taylor, the popular teen character at the center of the new movie “To Save a Life.”
The actor, who graduated from Moore High School, said he thinks most people will find a character they can relate to in the feature film set to premiere Friday in theaters.
That may be why the faith-themed movie already has amassed a following across the country, as word-of-mouth from screenings helps spread information about the film.
The movie is a partnership between Samuel Goldwyn Films and Outreach Films. The film has inspired a soundtrack featuring contemporary Christian group NewSong and a nonfiction book designed to help teens in crisis.
Wayne said he initially rejected the movie’s script without really reading it because he had been told it had a low budget.
When his agent urged him to give the script a more thorough reading, Wayne said he loved it.
“I thought it was amazing, that I’d do it for free,” he said during a telephone interview from his Los Angeles home.
Wayne said the movie attracted him because it has “heart” — with a relevant message not just about the tragedy that befalls one of the characters but about combating real-life issues such as self-centeredness, cliques and apathy.
“There are so many movies people make just to make money,” he said.
“This is a script that is real. I could see it making a difference. It’s not just some fairy tale.”
Wayne said Jake, the character he portrays, is a popular all-star athlete at his high school whom everyone wants to know. All the girls want to date him. He has an athletic scholarship and has a successful future mapped out. A tragedy at the school brings Jake and other characters in the film to a higher level of self-awareness and accountability for each other.
Wayne, 28, said he thinks the film’s popularity has spread word-of-mouth before its release because of its positive message about helping others.
“You can’t watch this movie and leave the theater without thinking good thoughts,” he said.
“I’d love for kids to watch the movie and go back to school or wherever they hang out and feel they can befriend people who are not in their circle and not have the animosity of cliques,” Wayne said.
“I hope the movie makes everyone feel they are worth something.”
Southern Baptists stand with Catholics regarding mandate
Southern Baptists are standing with the Catholic faith community regarding the controversial federal healthcare mandate in recent headlines.
Baptist Press reports that Southern Baptist leaders wrote a column published in The Washington Post in which they voiced their opposition to the contraception mandate. They called the mandate, a ”blatant and outrageous encroachment on religious freedom.”
The column was co-signed by Richard Land, The SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission president; SBC President Bryant Wright; and GuideStone Financial Resources President O.S. Hawkins. 
Land has visited Oklahoma City at least once over the last several years as a guest speaker for various events sponsored by Oklahoma Southern Baptists.
Read the Washington Post column, posted on the Post’s On Faith blog: “Why Baptists stand with Catholics on birth control mandate”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Feb. 24 Today’s Prayer
Lord, we offer our time, talents and lives to You, knowing Your grace will be with us. Amen. 
Lenten tweets from the Pope
Ash Wednesday is winding down, but here’s some news for the new Lenten season: Pope Benedict XVI plans to tweet daily Lent messages for the next 40 days. 
Apparently, this is part of the pontiff’s desire to reach the techno-savvy.
Will you follow the pope @Pope2UVatican?
Here’s more on the subject from MSN: “Pope will tweet during Lent to reach the ‘media savvy’“
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Feb. 22 Today’s Prayer
Lord, hear our prayers and guide us that we will also receive keys to Your kingdom. Amen. 
Feb. 21 Today’s Prayer
We are thankful for the many people who have inspired us during our lives. Amen. 
Ash Wednesday marks beginning of Lent
Wednesday, Feb. 22, marks the beginning of the Lenten season. 
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday.
Traditionally, ashes used to observe the day come from the burning of palm leaves used during Palm Sunday services the previous year.
The ashes are placed on congregants’ foreheads in the sign of the cross as they participate in Ash Wednesday services.
The words “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” remind believers of their mortality — that they are on Earth for a short time.
Lent, the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, excluding Sundays, is a time when many Christians choose to give up one of their favorite foods, drinks or activities.
Lenten fasting is seen as a way for Christians to identify with Jesus in the suffering he experienced to redeem mankind.
Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed particularly in Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and United Methodist faith communities, although other Christian denominations often participate as well.
Look for more information about Lent in Saturday’s Life section in The Oklahoman.
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Here are other dates to remember:
Palm Sunday will be April 1.
Good Friday will be April 6.
Easter Sunday will be April 8. Traditional Orthodox churches will celebrate Easter on April 15.
Meanwhile, the Jewish faith community will celebrate the first night of Passover on April 6.
(CUTLINE/DAVID MCDANIEL/THE OKLAHOMAN) The Rev. Roberto Quanto, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, shows the ashes that will be used for the 2012 Ash Wednesday services at his south Oklahoma City parish.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
