oddly enough

oddly enough

Higher force: Church uses power of ‘Star Wars’ at Christmas

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.

A New Jersey pastor and “Star Wars” enthusiast is using the power of the force to tell the Christmas story this year.

Pastor Tim Lucas says Liquid Church will be holding “Cosmic Christmas” services at its multiple campuses that will weave parts of the “Star Wars” movies together with biblical theology.

The services coincide with this week’s release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Lucas says there are parallels between the Bible and “Star Wars,” particularly in the good versus evil cosmology. He says the story will be told from “heaven’s perspective.”

The church’s program featured a “Star Wars”-themed Nativity scene with characters from the movie.

A Christmas Eve performance is planned where congregants will wield glow sticks shaped like light sabers instead of lighting candles.

Donor leaves $50,000 check under baby Jesus figure

AMARILLO, Texas

A Texas group that helps children has received a surprise $50,000 donation left under a baby Jesus figure.

Officials with The Children’s Home in Amarillo found the check Wednesday after a caller advised staff to check the Nativity scene outside the building.

A receptionist discovered an envelope beneath the infant Jesus replica that contained the check.

The Children’s Home provides a place for at-risk youngsters to stay.

Group President Darrin Murphy says staffers contacted the donor whose name was on the check. The man said he’s inspired by the youngsters being helped by The Children’s Home. The donor said he wishes to remain anonymous.

Murphy says he told some of the children about the donation and they were excited to learn that people believe in their futures.

Minn. mom sinks half-court shot, wins half off tuition

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.

A Minnesota mom says she said a little prayer before hoisting a basketball half-court and sinking her shot to win thousands of dollars off her daughter’s private-school tuition.

Angela Ramey and her daughter, Grace, raised the most money in a school fundraiser at Bethany Academy in Bloomington, Minn., earning three chances to make the half-court shot and knock $4,000 off tuition next year.

Grace gave her mom the basketball, and on the final try Angela launched it underhand. It bounced, swished through the net, and the crowd went wild. The mother and daughter screamed with joy.

The Rameys were in New York on Thursday for an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to celebrate the winning basket.

Associated Press