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(RNS) The old adage “couples who pray together stay together” may be true, especially for African-Americans, a new study shows.

The survey of religion, race and relationships found that African-Americans attend church more as couples compared to members of other racial and ethnic groups.

Four in 10 African-American respondents said they attended services regularly as a couple, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family. In comparison, 31 percent of Mexicans or Mexican-Americans, and 29 percent of whites, said they regularly shared a pew.

“Without prayer, black couples would be doing significantly worse than white couples,” said W. Bradford Wilcox, a co-author of the study and the director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. “The vitality of African-Americans’ religious lives gives them an advantage over other Americans when it comes to relationships. This advantage puts them on par with other couples.”

In addition to worshipping together, African-Americans were found to be more likely than non-Hispanic whites to participate in prayer and Scripture studies at home.

In general, researchers found that people in same-faith relationships and partners who attended services regularly were more satisfied with their relationship.

But scholars said religion may not always help couples. Those with divergent religious beliefs and worship attendance tend to not be as happy about their relationships.

The study, which was based on responses to the 2006 National Survey of Religion and Family Life, does have limitations, scholars cautioned. For example, the responses to the survey came from one partner’s report on the quality of their relationship and the extent of their religious involvement.

Wissmann Famiy

We are so excited to have the Wissmann family come to Pittsburgh again this year on October 8th.  The Wissmanns are a musically gifted, homeschooling family with 13 children (ages 3-27) that all play an instrument! Loren and Gloria Wissmann and their 13 children hail from Milford, Nebraska, but have spent much of the past few years traveling in family music and teaching ministry. With their 15 instruments, each song is a kaleidoscope of variety and depth. Drawing mostly from their bluegrass roots, they blend a mixture of southern gospel and smooth vocals to their numerous instruments. Featuring many original selections, beloved hymns, and gospel favorites, each concert is a musical experience filled with life, encouragement, and challenge from God’s Word. Since their family’s beginnings, they have sought the Lord specifically in the area of deepening their Christian walk and the principles of passing down a godly heritage to the next generation. Whether starting an industrial business, teaching home Bible studies, of ministering through music, their goal is to utilize God’s design for the family unit. Working together as a team, the Wissmanns share both the labor and joys of serving the Lord and investing in eternity. (II Cor. 4:18)

Please come and enjoy and consider making a contribution to their ministry.  6:30-8 pm free concert followed by a time of fellowship. Visit their website and check out their music ministry here. The concert will be at Ascension Lutheran Church; 8225 Peebles Rd., Pittsburgh, 15237, Friday evening, October 8, 2010 – Time: 6:30 pm w/ fellowship following.  RSVP to Laurence Elizabeth Gaertner by email or call 412.369.7649 If you would like to bring a refreshment, please let us know when you RSVP… we would greatly appreciate it.

The age groups were comprised in three 9-12 year old teams and one soft-pitch team of 7-8 year olds. Kahlil Morris, President of Homewood Community Sports was our partner in this initiative. Special thanks go out to Concordia Lutheran Ministries who was our financial sponsor. The teams: Astros, Reds, Blue Jays, and Cardinals competed in the Wilkinsburg Little League Association.

In addition to the full schedule of games White Fields sponsored a Pirates outing vs. the White Sox in June as well as a baseball clinic (w/cookout) done in collaboration with Christian Sports International (CSI). Sid Bream and other ex-players conducted a skills clinic on June 23^rd at Stargell Field in Homewood with almost 50 young people in attendance. The day was closed with Sid sharing his faith in Christ and calling the young men and women in attendance to respond to the invitation of God’s love in the gospel. A day-camp experience is planned for the kids this summer as well.

Bryan McCabe was a key person all season long assisting us in the community as well. Brian lives in Homewood along with his wife and two children and directs the LAMP program with Faison Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

The Homewood coaches, Leo Wisniewski, and Kahlil Morris led this effort along with volunteers from our men’s ministry. Plans to expand teams in 2011 and secure a long-term commitment to the program are underway. Brennan Gaertner from White Fields was a key leader in re-starting little league baseball on the North Side in 2007 with financial help from Concordia Lutheran Ministries. He has witnessed through that experience how mentoring relationships through baseball can become a great bridge of love to children and their families.

Kahlil, along with his leadership team, Moe and Monte Robinson, have developed a powerful youth football program in Homewood over the last several years. They are eager to expand baseball in 2011 to serve more children in the area.

Click here to see some pictures from our Little League.

We will go from 7:00 am to 8:45 am ordering from the menu as usual. No charge for attendance just your breakfast & gratuity.