Good News from Hale

What happens when timeless wisdom meets the soul of the American South?

Good News from Hale: The Sermons of James Thomas Terry presents a collection of twelve powerful sermons delivered over some fifty years (1956-2007) by United Methodist minister J. Thomas Terry. These messages, lightly edited to preserve their original spoken nature, adhere to the seasoned bishop's advice: "Preach about God. Preach about twenty minutes".

Terry's works tackle fundamental concepts of Christian living, focusing on themes such as the deceptiveness of the gradual, the economy of God, learning to put worry behind you, the challenge that Christianity is something you do, and the truth that the best part of life is giving. His sermons emphasize the need for spiritual strength, new beginnings, and answering the call to serve.

The volume pairs these spiritual reflections with powerful, independent photographs of Hale County, Alabama, captured by Donald Olivares in 2024 and 2025. Hale County was significant to Terry (Tom), as it was where he was born, raised, frequently visited, and ultimately retired. The images serve as a visual reflection of the county and the land Tom loved.

Discover the wisdom of faith and service that springs from the land Tom Terry loved.