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Present Truth in Visual Media – The Spectrum Conference Starts Today

Dear diasporan Spectrum community,

This evening we gather in Rancho Mirage, California, to begin our annual conference. This weekend will be a little different than in the past because we are discussing the meaning of “Present Truth in Visual Media” and specially how film illuminates faith. Thus, the messages must include the medium. This means that in addition to several filmmaker and producer panel discussions we will be watching several films together.

Tonight begins with a presentation by Martin Doblmeier, on “Faith and Film” with a discussion moderated by Richard Rice. Mr. Doblmeier’s films include:

  • The Heart Has Its Reasons: the story of the L’Arche communities for men and women with mental handicaps.
  • Taize: That Little Springtime: a profile of the ecumenical monastic community in France.
  • Bernardin: the story of Chicago’s Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.
  • Final Blessing: a film about the spiritual issues of the terminally ill.
  • BONHOEFFER: the critically acclaimed, theatrically released documentary about the famed pastor and Nazi resister.
  • ALBERT SCHWEITZER: Called to Africa, which one the prestigious Gabriel Award.

And, of course, The ADVENTISTS, which will begin broadcasting on some PBS stations this Easter.

On Sabbath morning, for church we will be watching films about church. Specifically, the North American Division’s Stained Glass series on California congregations in Rocklin, Hollywood, and Oakland.

Then, we will have our sermon in the evening. Pastor Ryan Bell will deliver a message entitled, “When What is True Is Not Pure.”

Of course, Saturday night will be a lively evening of music with art exhibit/auction, including a video and conversation with artist Beatriz Mejia-Krumbein (work pictured).

Sunday will include the annual update on the Adventist Forum, publisher of Spectrum, and then we will have two panel discussions.

Telling the Story of Adventist Subcultures

Stephen Eyer, Daneen Akers, Adrian James and Tim Wolfer

The Role of Film in the Corporate Church

Ray Dabrowski, Paul Kim, Hannim Ganna, and Stacia Wright

For those of you who cannot attend, if you express interest in the comments below, we might be compelled to pry ourselves from the conversations to write up reports for you and perhaps even stream some of the proceedings live on this site.

Art: Beatriz Mejia-Krumbein, Golden Apple, 2002, 52″x45.5″ acrylic on fabric

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