Author Archives: J. Michael Smith

My favorite book of the year so far.  In the fictitious Georgia city of Golden, a stranger from New York appears, his first time to dwell in the south.  Leo is in his late 80s, hails originally from Portugal, and seems a … Continue reading →

This is one of those novels that reminds me how little I know about some aspects of history.  In this case, the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.  A little background.  In the earliest days of the U.S., the Cherokee lived in the southeastern … Continue reading →

Cambridge mathematician Andrew Martin has finally cracked the Reiman Hypothesis. Sentient creatures on the planet Vonnadoria are alarmed, believing that this will now give the human race the power to discover other worlds and develop travel throughout the universe.  But because … Continue reading →

This is another great sequel by a modern writer exploring the untold tales and context of a classic story (Wizard of Oz/Wicked; Huckleberry Finn/James.)  And it sparkles with imagination, insight, and poignancy every bit as much as the original classic.  In this … Continue reading →

A men’s only university, Oxford finally decides to grant women the right to earn degrees—after a thousand year history.  It wasn’t easy on the first women.  It is the 1920s and there are movements all over the western world to grant women … Continue reading →

Mae and Cleo, a short Black woman and a tall Irish woman, live together in a small Texas town, attend church, squabble with each other and with their neighbors, and take in small children whose parents don’t want them, are … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith I am very aware (sadly so) that we are heading into our last week together.  Here is some of my schedule for the next eight days: Tomorrow:  Worship (one service) at 10:30 a.m. in the Friendship Hall WORSHIP … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith I am sad to pass on the news that Darlene Standerfer, one of our church members, passed away yesterday.  Her visitation will be this Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, with the funeral services … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Greetings from Peoria, where I am at Annual Conference for today, tomorrow, and Saturday.   Catching up on church news: See you Sunday.  Mike

Sullivan First UMC—J. Michael Smith Staff Change Yesterday I received and accepted the resignation of Yvonne Workman from her administrative position in the church.  Yvonne served the church faithfully through a very difficult and chaotic period of the congregation’s life, often … Continue reading →