sweet, soothing and inspiring as it is -- continues to be a bone of contention in many churches. Some people use the term "Music Wars."

It's not a question of whether churches will use music, but a question of what kind.

For want of a better way to categorize it, most churches refer to "traditional," meaning hymns sung from a hymnal with accompaniment of an organ or piano, and "contemporary," meaning songs, choruses and responses that are sung from words projected on a large screen and accompanied by guitars and drums, and sometimes brass and strings.

Trying to satisfy all appetites in the congregation, churches have adopted a variety of approaches. Some continue to hold traditional services using their denomination's hymnal. Others have moved to contemporary music with projected words. Another popular choice is to hold what is called a "blended" service, in which both kinds of music are used. And yet another is to offer two services on Sunday mornings, one traditional and one contemporary.

My take on the issue? I don't dislike contemporary Christian music -- but I don't understand it.

Music, of course, does not have to appeal to the logical side of the brain, but when I worship in a congregation that opts for the contemporary, I always find myself searching for the message.

That's a carry-over, no doubt, from my upbringing in a mainline church where I learned to love hymns, both the music and the words. I know dozens of them from memory and I find some words continue to be thrilling and inspiring.

I particularly like, for example, this line from "Lead On, O King Eternal": "For not with swords loud clashing nor roll of stirring drum, with deeds of love and mercy, the heavenly kingdom comes."

Of course, contemporary Christian music does have a message, but from my vantage point, I find that message often gets sung over and over so many times that its cutting edge gets worn away. On the umpteenth repetition, I begin to feel a bit hypnotized. I don't find this kind of altered state conducive to what I seek in worship.

It is only fair to note, however, that a lot of liturgical music -- responses, canticles and chants, for example -- employ the same technique. Repetition itself is nothing new in church music.

One more thought.

Granted, it takes energy to stand for 15 minutes of praise and worship, but I have encountered yet another challenge. How do so many people know when to stop singing? Even when we run out of words projected on the big screen, the music just keeps on going and everybody seems to know what's happening. Except me.

Even my 48-year-old son who grew up in the Presbyterian Church sings right along and always has a jolly time during praise and worship in the church he and his family attend in Stanly County.

The solution for the music war in our family has been to recognize that each of us is coming from a different reality, that our relationship is more important than having our side win, and that all we really need to do is keep on loving each other.

"And if you're still confused, just keep your eye on me," said my son, who is, if you ask me, getting a little too big for his britches.

Community celebrates its 'Parking Lot Pastor'

Pastor Rodney Green, called the "Parking Lot Pastor" because he started feeding hungry people from the trunk of his old green Cadillac in the parking lot at St. Philip's Episcopal in downtown, is marking the eighth anniversary of his ministry even as he makes a plea for support.

"We are fighting on our last leg this week," Green said. "We are hoping our anniversary will pull us through, because God has told me not to stop."

In an effort to keep afloat during hard times, Green said the ministry will partner with area businesses to help distribute food to the hungry and backpacks filled with school supplies to the kids.

"We want to help make Durham a safer place and to help the poor during this economic recession," Green said. "We want to thank all those who have supported us in the past but we continue to look for support."

Green's ministry, "Changing a Generation Outreach," is supported by donations from individuals and businesses and through a few grants like one he has received for several years from Durham Congregations in Action.

One of his mentors, Dr. Wesley Elam of Northeast Missionary Baptist Church, will be the featured speaker at a 4 p.m. service Sunday to celebrate the anniversary of Green's ministry. The service will be held at Elam's church, 3204 N.C. 55.

During the past eight years, Green says the ministry has fed thousands of people, both from its front door at 708 Holloway St. and through baskets of food delivered once a month to elderly people around the city.

In addition to food, Changing a Generation has made school supplies available to children and given free haircuts to anyone who walks in.

Contact the ministry at PO Box 1061, Durham NC 27702, or call Pastor Green at (919) 824-2740.

1 year after death, vigil honors shooting victim

A prayer vigil to honor the life of Randolph Ladarius James will be held today at 6 p.m. at Oakley Square Apartments, 1835 Cheek Road.

James was beaten and shot to death on Aug. 1, 2007.

Prayers will be led by the Rev. Spencer Bradford, pastor of Durham Mennonite Church.

Prayer vigils are held for homicide victims to offer comfort to their families, friends and neighbors. The vigils also allow those affected an opportunity to have their grief acknowledged and to publicly state that such violence is unacceptable.

Vigils are coordinated by the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham, Parents of Murdered Children and Durham Congregations in Action.