DRC/Barron Ludlum

The Rev. Bill Metzger and Diana Heath serve half-time ministry at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. As clergy, the couple lead their congregation, which includes Christians, Jews, Humanists, atheists and pagans, into faith. Unitarian Universalists find themselves fielding questions about their broad beliefs since the July 27 shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, where one former Denton Unitarian was killed and others were injured.

In the days after Jim D. Adkisson opened fire with a shotgun at a Tennessee Unitarian Universalist church, members and clergy of the faith across the country find themselves explaining their roots and beliefs to a sometimes bemused public. “People unfamiliar with Unitarian Universalism will ask: ‘Can I believe anything I want?’” said the Rev. Diana Heath, who serves Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with her husband, the Rev. Bill Metzger. “Our religious movement is not about the freedom to believe anything or nothing, but to refine the beliefs within us for a life of integrity, spiritual depth and justice. Justice especially for those who have no voice of their own.”

Stiles’ book is at Martus Bookstore.

Wayne Stiles said that Israel can’t help but transform the Christians who travel there, in spite of the ordinary-ness of the place itself. Stiles wrote Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: A Journey Through the Lands and Lessons of Christ after five trips to Israel. The Aubrey resident served as the pastor of Denton Community Church, a congregation that Denton Bible Church planted on the downtown Square, for 14 years. The church is now located at 1919 N. Elm St.

The Dallas Morning News file photo/Erich Schlegel

Michael Johnson Classic Invitational Track Meet in Waco on April 19. Richards won the event in 50.47, the fastest time in the world this year in the women’s 400. “I want people to know that I’m not the best because I’m Sanya Richards,” she said at last month’s U.S. Olympic trials. “I’m the best because of God.”

WASHINGTON — Sanya Richards envisions 91,000 fans at Beijing National Stadium and millions more on television watching her cross the finish line first in the 400 meters later this month. Im­mediately afterward, Richards said, she plans to kneel, say a quick prayer and then point skyward in spiritual appreciation. “It’s important because I want people to know that I’m not the best because I’m Sanya Richards,” the American 400 champion said at last month’s U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore. “I’m the best because of God. I truly believe we can’t will ourselves to win. I hope people see the same thing I see.”

DRC/Barron Ludlum

The old Elm Ridge United Methodist Church is Bill Marquis’ next restoration project. A developer gave the building to the Denton County Historical Commission. After restoration and fundraising, it will eventually be moved to the Denton County Historical Park, where the commission plans to make it available for weddings and other events.

With little time passed since his last project, Bill Marquis is restoring another old building for the Denton County Historical Commission. This time he’s restoring a church. Elm Ridge United Methodist Church was built in 1920, a few miles east of Denton. Originally, the windows on each side of the church door were frosted. A raised platform with railings served as the altar, and two Sunday school rooms branched off the building on the side.  

DRC/Al Key

John Hinchey, a member of the Gideon Ministry, holds Bibles that the ministry supplies to hotels in his office at Paramount Mortgage on Thursday in Denton. The Bibles are bought with donations, he said, and businesses, jails and schools also receive Bibles from the ministry.

As a frequent business traveler, John Hinchey says having a Gideon Bible on his nightstand gives him a sense of security. First Baptist Church member Hinchey is a member of Gideon Ministry International, an organization known for putting Bibles in hotels. The Bibles are funded through donations. Hinchey said he became a member of the ministry two years ago, and his father was a member for four years. He said that there are about 40 to 45 Gideon members in Denton, with the youngest member 28 years old.

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