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This
time the world will be destroyed by fire and it will happen on July
27, 2000, according to Reverend Beelson and his Church of the
Believers. Reverend Beelson has called exactly 144 True Believers to
Mount Weeupcut in western Massachusetts to wait for the End of the
World. Jed and Marina, the two main characters in the story, arrive
on the mountain to prepare and wait for July 27, Armageddon and
Marina’s 14th birthday.
Jed
is on the mountain with his father. Jed’s mother recently left his
father for a photographer, and they live in Colorado. Marina’s
family on the mountain consists of her mother and four brothers. Her
father is not a believer and refused to go with them to the
mountain. Marina is a believer but constantly struggles with doubt.
Jed is definitely not a believer and is only on the mountain to
watch over his father, who hasn’t been the same since his wife
left.
Life
on the "Cut," as The Believers refer to it, consists of
digging latrines, living in tents, stockpiling supplies and building
an electric fence to keep out the LMCs, the Last Minute Christers.
Reverend Beelson tells The Believers that as the day of Armageddon
approaches, the Unbelievers will become Believers and converge on
the mountain, and they can’t let them join because it can only be
144 Believers.
Marina
also has the responsibility of caring for her four brothers. Her
mother is so enamored with Reverend Beelson that she has completely
abandoned her children.
Jed
spends most of his time avoiding the work and trying to get alone
with his laptop computer, which has been forbidden on the mountain.
He wants to hear local news because he is sure that trouble is
brewing down the mountain.
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second column in this review]
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Jed
witnesses an incident, at the electric fence, that makes him
even more sure of impending trouble. An irate father who wants to
see his children charges that Reverend Beelson and The Believers
have kidnapped them. The father threatens to bring the police, army,
FBI or whomever it takes to get his children back.
In
the midst of preparing for the End of the World, Jed and Marina find
each other and are immediately attracted to each other. In the
beginning their differing opinions about "The End" are
what they talk about the most, but eventually they get to know each
other better. Marina wants desperately to believe, but her common
sense and the poems of Emily Dickinson cause her to question the
reality of the teachings. Jed and Marina wrestle with issues of
faith, skepticism, family responsibilities and their interest in
each other.
As
Reverend Beelson predicts, a type of Armageddon does take place on
July 27, 2000, but as Marina sadly comments, it is one "made by
man. Not by God." Jed and Marina are able to rise above the
terror and confusion and get the children in the camp away from
danger.
This
is an exciting and suspenseful story that is told in the alternating
voices of Jed and Marina. It is a story right out of the headlines
and very relevant to our times. It deals very convincingly with
dynamics and dangers of cults. It also gives opportunity for
discussion about parental neglect, medical care, hypocrisy, news
media behavior, abortion and family relationships.
This
book is recommended for readers in sixth to ninth grade. For more
information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-5732.
[Linda
Harmon, Lincoln Public Library District]
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The
501 C 3 paperwork has been completed, and the group voted on the
contributor levels that they would officially enter with it.
Eight
categories have been accepted:
$25-$49
$50-$99
$100-$299
$300-$499
$500-$999
$1,000-$2,499
$2,500-$4,999
$5,000-plus
The
group is seeking the development of a logo to be made locally. There
was considerable discussion about trying to harness the talents of
our youth. It was pointed out that it would increase interest and
awareness if kids from kindergarten through grade 12 were helping.
With this concept in mind, Marty Hargett stated, "All different
age groups involved, that would be great." Jacobs concurred,
"Young people need to be involved in this." It is
tentatively planned to go to the schools and seek their involvement.
Jacobs
announced that the Chamber has offered their location as a postal
address. Mail can be sent to:
Logan
County Arts Association
c/o
Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce
303
S. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln,
IL 62656
A
flyer is being designed that will bring about awareness of this
newest Logan County asset. It is hoped to be completed and ready for
distribution downtown at the Art Fair, at the Logan County
Fairgrounds during the Balloon Festival and at prime outlying
community locations. Jacobs emphasized that this is intended for all
of Logan County, and the group needs to reach into the other
communities.
A
number-one goal of the association is to build support membership.
They are planning to have a membership drive.
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column in this article]
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The
first fund-raising activity was set forth and is under development.
It is planned to have regular Classic Movie Nights. Richard Sumrall
pointed out that there are 16 film genres to choose from. Once the
details of the place and frequency to view them are worked out, the
first movies will be ordered. It was thought that patrons will be
given ballots to choose future movies.
Patrons
will purchase tickets to see these great classics on the big screen.
It is hoped to have pre-movie introductions and optional post-movie
discussions led by people who are knowledgeable and passionate about
this art form. The post-movie discussions may be a ticketed event as
well, with refreshments at Eckert’s Fine Dining, making it a great
date night.
In
other discussion of future goals, Jean Gossett suggested, "I
would like to see us bring in a live, breathing artist and have a
display of their works." The beauty and stature of Logan County
Courthouse was suggested as an excellent location for this activity.
The Logan County Board will be approached for their approval in the
use of the courthouse rotunda. Then artists will be sought for
shows.
As
a last order of business, Larry Steffens requested that the newly
completed bylaws be approved "so we can move on." There
was a motion to do so that was seconded, and they were unanimously
accepted.
The
next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20, in a Lincoln Public
Library meeting room.
Logan
County Arts Association mission statement: "To enhance the
quality of life by actively promoting arts dissemination, thereby
making the arts an integral component of life in our community and
the surrounding area."
[Jan
Youngquist]
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