Here’s my August 13 newsletter. To receive my latest articles, favorite religion reads and other updates in your inbox every Saturday, sign-up here. 

Like most people, I have a case of Olympic fever. I was glued to my couch ever night this week watching events like swimming, gymnastics and beach volleyball. (I try to avoid Olympic ping pong — it hurts my brain.)

It’s been fun to pair my viewing with great Olympics coverage from the faith beat. Religion News Service produced a package of stories for the big event, including brief profiles of faithful athletes and a look at the religious history of the games. Check out RNS’s coverage here, and then explore another week’s work of religion reads below.

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

Americans would rather talk politics than religion if forced to commit a social faux pas

4 in 10 recent churchgoers have heard about religious freedom from the pulpit

Hillary Clinton invokes Mormon history and leaders to court Utah vote

Can Donald Trump convince the Amish to ride their buggies to the polls?

TOP RELIGION READS

Arts & crafts and Alzheimer’s prevention: It’s Vacation Bible School for senior citizens, The Washington Post

Faith at the Olympics: Does it give an athlete an edge? Religion News Service

For Black Muslim students, a two-pronged fight for solidarity, PBS NewsHour

JUST FOR FUN

I had people over for brunch this morning, and I made pancakes from scratch for the first time. A family friend shared her great recipe with me, and I’m paying it forward to you!

1 cup Buttermilk, 1 egg, 3 tbls melted butter, 3/4 cup All-purpose flower, 1/2 tsp salt,

1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla

Combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir briskly until smooth. Stir flour, salt and baking soda together in a small bowl. Then, combine wet and dry ingredients (leave a few lumps.) Head skillet/griddle to medium hot and grease it lightly with vegetable oil. Using a large spoon, spread about 3 Tbls of batter per pancake. Cook until small bubbles begin to burst. Flip and cook briefly. Keep warm in a 300 degree oven between paper towels until ready to serve.