Amish in the News: Amish Support A Play, Simply Believers, and Funny Cake

By Kevin Williams

AMERICAN PASSION PLAY:  This is a fascinating article about a play that has been put on in Bloomington, Illinois for the past 105 years.  That longevity is so rare in the arts these days and this play is feeling the pinch from changing demographics, tastes, etc.  So an unlikely lifeline has turned out to be the Amish.  The play runs 5 times each spring and the Amish are filling up the theater by the busload to watch the annual retelling of the life of Jesus Christ.  Click here to read more.  (by the way, the article mentions the play being in the "Twin Cities"  which made me think Minneapolis, but in this case, the twins are Bloomington-Normal, Illinois)

EDITOR'S PICK  - SIMPLY BELIEVERS:  This is a well-written, in-depth article in a small newspaper, which is a rarity these days in journalism, unfortunately.  The reporter generally allows the Beachy Amish in the article to tell their own story, which is great, although I have to admit that some parts of it had me scratching my head.  Some things just seemed the opposite of what I've learned about this church. However, this is, in general, a very good article and it showcases how the Mennonite church occupies such a broad spectrum.  This church is definitely not "horse and buggy" conservative, but very Plain with a touch of well-regulated modernity.  Just a great read. Click here.

I had always thought of "funny cake" as being a chocolately, eggless cake...this version of funny cake is different.

FUNNY CAKE:  Fascinating article and recipe for "funny cake."  This is a different version than what I have been used to. Click here for the recipe and to read more.