May 7, 2025

Merry Christmas!

via Center for Faith and Culture (January 10, 2022)— "How Christians Can Prepare for the US Supreme Court's Monumental Abortion Ruling," by Jessica Prol Smith, fifteen-year public policy write-in Cumberland, Maryland: "Know your audience and seek to win hearts, not just minds .... Christians believe that every image-bearer — born…

– June 26, 2022
Maundy Thursday— "On this Thursday before Good Friday, Christians of all colors and stripes celebrate three events on the last night our Lord spent with his apostles before the Crucifixion: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. "The…

– April 14, 2022
National Day of Prayer— "How to Pray for America," via National Day of Prayer: Why pray for America? God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught…

– May 5, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (May 2, 2022)— "Be the Church in the marketplace" by Coye L Bouyer, founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church, in Lansing, Michigan: This is a classic story of what God can and will do when lay people begin to take seriously the Lord’s call on their life to…

– May 15, 2022
via What Christians Want to Know (May 27, 2019)— "Should Christians Protest Or Demonstrate?" by Jack Wellman, Christian author, prison minister, and pastor of Heritage Evangelical Free Church, in Udall, Kansas: ... especially when they see injustice? ... The Bible admonishes us to 'Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights…

– June 12, 2022
via Samaritan's Purse (March 23, 2022)— "Ukraine Updates: Ukraine Updates: Fifth Airlift Departs with Ukraine Relief; Medical Care at Four Locations; Food and Other Distributions Underway": A fifth Samaritan’s Purse airlift departed today carrying more than 19 tons of relief, including medical supplies for area hospitals as we work to…

– March 27, 2022
re United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization— On May 3, 2022, Heather Riggleman addressed the question "What Does the Bible Say about Abortion?" on Christianity website. "Every year, over three million women ... in the US will face an unplanned pregnancy and of those pregnancies,…

– June 24, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (June 1, 2022)— "A small church serves as a large witness in the wake of Taylor tornado," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan: An EF3 tornado ripped through Gaylord tragically taking the lives of two people and injuring more than…

– June 5, 2022
Ascension Day— via Christianity: "Ascension Day celebrates Christ's exaltation. While on earth, He was a servant. Now in heaven, He is the ruler and Lord of all. By entering heaven as the representative of mankind, He completed the work of our salvation and guarantees the eventual glorification of all who…

– May 26, 2022

Kelly Gampel, professional photographer for Washtenaw Community College

This Is How One Local Photographer Is Keeping Traditional Print Media Alive And Well As Media For Business

July 6, 2018

If print media is “dead,” you wouldn’t know it by the impact of Washtenaw Community College (WCC) marketing. From postcards to periodicals, it’s never long before the institution puts its name, value, and success latest stories in front of Saline residents. Check your mailbox. [1,2,3,4,5] WCC Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications Brendan Prebo has given staff photographer Kelly Gampel glowing praise for the visual element of these initiatives. “We brought her in with ....

Donna Lasinski and Brian Marl in Saline City Hall

Arrival of COVID-19 in Michigan made for a different sort of “Coffee Hour” with Brian Marl and Donna Lasinski

March 13, 2020

Initial impressions of scheduled “Coffee Hour” held this morning in City Council Chambers would have found this hardly different from any other here. [1,2] Hosted by our Saline Mayor Brian Marl, accompanied by District 52 Michigan House Representative Lasinski, a lone podium was set in its usual spot — facing the dais. Table nearby with stacks of various, neatly stapled handouts. Familiar chairs for the audience, neatly lined chair-to-chair in rows. Typical. [3,4] And yet ....

“October 2021 – 31 Day Photo Challenge!” topics announced with eye to month rich in brilliant colors and intense monochromes

October 1, 2021

October is “Photographer Appreciation Month” — although most practitioners of the craft would rather see that expressed through appreciation of their photographs. To that end, it’s hard to imagine a better time of year here in Michigan to test the limits of that. Following along as this season transitions, our State website features an up-to-date “Fall Color Tours” page with detailed links to venues throughout. For those with interests that lean decidely darker, there’s the ....

“Star Wars” Costume Guide Will Help Make You A Hero (Or Villain) at Celtic Festival Fundraiser on June 26

June 18, 2018

Last week a special promotion to benefit Saline Celtic Festival was announced. Themed around Star Wars imagery, this event will be held locally at our own Emagine Theatre on East Michigan Avenue on Tuesday, June 26 with doors opening at 6:00pm. Patrons are being encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume from the movie franchise — reflecting either side of The Force. [1,2,3,4] You know you’d love to participate. In fact, this is your ....

Imagine Your Own Camera For Video Or Still Photography, And A Great Idea: What Could You Do With That In A Pro Studio?

November 20, 2018

For many people, regular, intentional use of their camera takes them to the limits of what they imagine can be done. Sometimes for pure creativity. Often times, out of some practical necessity. Where does one go to take that next small step or giant leap? Assuming there even is such a place, can it be accessed? For what purposes? At what cost? Think portraits, from the wonder on the soft face of a curious two-year-old, ....