By LORETTA FULTON Going AWOL at Abilene Christian University is not only a good thing, it’s encouraged. Unlike the military version of AWOL (Away Without Leave) that carries punishment with it, the ACU version is inviting and rewarding. It stands for All Walks Of Life and is the name of the university’s interfaith chapel. Currently, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims attend,
Read more
By NANCY PATRICK I have lived in Abilene most of my life—and that’s a long time. Excluding the times I lived elsewhere because of career moves, I have lived here forty-one years. I grew up here in the fifties and sixties, attained my education here (first grade through M.A. in English), and have made my home here since 1990 when
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Way back when, I agreed to serve as judge of pageants held annually in Fort Stockton and DeLeon. I–and another couple of judges–were to select queens of the Water Festival and the Peach and Melon Festival, respectively. It shouldn’t have been “rocket surgery,” but I didn’t realize that I would be detested (or near
Read more
By JIM NICHOLS You and I have trouble being consistent with our beliefs and stances. Sometimes, those inconsistencies are minor and overlooked by others and by ourselves. There may be issues, however, where it is worth our reconsideration. Here is a fill-in-the-blank exercise. It is based on a statement appearing in a published article. What word would you put into
Read moreSt. Luke Orthodox Church, 501 Sunset Drive4/9: Palm Sunday: 9 am, Matins; 10 am, Divine Liturgy. Lunch follows in the hall; 6 pm, Bridegroom Mat4/10: Holy Monday: 6 pm, Bridegroom Matins 4/11: Holy Tuesday: 6 pm, Bridegroom Matins 4/12: Holy Wednesday: 6 pm, Holy Unction4/13: Holy Thursday, 6 pm, Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels 4/14: Holy Friday: 10 am, Royal Hours; 3:30 pm,
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON The late Jack Ridlehoover, longtime pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, will be the topic of one of the presentations Saturday, April 15, during the final session of the West Texas Historical Association. The association is holding its annual meeting at the Elegante Suites Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15. Dr. Rich Traylor, history professor at
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON It was quite a week for Cliff Stewart, pastor of First Central Presbyterian Church who also wears a number of other hats. First, he was honored by members of his church on Sunday, April 2, for his 30 years of service to the congregation. On Monday, April 3, he was referred to as “The Archbishop of Abilene”
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury They generally give us the benefit of the doubt even when we are dead wrong, wagging their tails while licking the hands that feed them. In their way, they pledge unending devotion, no matter what. One doesn’t have to look very far into literature or incline their ears to very many songs to
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON One week of the year, the entire world focuses on an event that occurred nearly 2,000 years ago. Passion Week begins with Palm Sunday, remembering the final entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and finishing as we enter into Resurrection Sunday. There will be lessons and sermons about Jesus and what he went through for men and women
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 