We are proud to inform you that our distribution of the Biblenerd Productions’ next DVD, “Uppity Women of the Bible: Song of Songs” is just about to begin. Stay tuned to the Vital Visuals store for news about the release of this new DVD suitable for your class or small group, or even for your university classroom.

Since early 2006 I have been in a limbo state. As a United Methodist pastor, I have always been sent to the church where I attend. I don’t have to decide where to go, where to live, who to live among, and other sticky choices we humans normally have to make. Since 2006, though, when I chose to pursue filmmaking as a full-time answer to a heartfelt calling, I have been in something of an in-between state. I cannot return to the church where I grew up and then served for seven years (a matter of United Methodist policy). So, we have been attending another, somewhat smaller, and much more laid-back, church in town. Today I just heard of another reason to settle there.

I heard from a neighbor who is a longtime member of this church today. He told me how someone came to the church council and asked that a “huge, I mean really huge” American flag be hung on the wall in the Family Life Center. He said a hearty debate took place in the council, and that finally the council voted to NOT allow the flag to be hung in such a manner. Wow.

He told me that he referenced our study of “Theologians Under Hitler” in the discussion. I told him that when I completed the film three years ago I had one modest goal: if the film caused one single person to think twice about the place of the flag in a church sanctuary, then I had done my job. The news he brought me, then, fulfilled this wish!

There’s nothing wrong with the American flag. I fly it proudly at my home on certain occasions. But my neighbor is right: the flag can be confusing when flown too prominently in church. It takes a great deal of theological clarity for a church council in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, home of the Little Boy and Fat Man bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to deny someone’s wish to hang a large flag on the wall. It’s a step in the right direction, one the church should be proud of. I have found this church to be healthy, hospitable, and truly loving. Now I can add one more reason to join this congregation, Kern Memorial United Methodist Church.

Excellent progress has been made on “Elisabeth of Berlin,” and my fears about timing are starting to fade. Over the past several days I have been able to get the first 25 minutes of the program in really good shape. I’m pleased with what I’m seeing on the screen.

With luck I believe it’s possible to get the rough cut ready over the next two weeks. I can then take a break from the program during the first week of July (when I will be taking a vacation with my family) and then come back to give the program the finishing touches through July.

It’s coming into focus! There’s no question that this will be a powerful film, and I am always my own worst critic.