By JIM NICHOLS It is a startling poster/photograph. Taken during the January 6, 2021, riot, it shows a white-skinned, bearded Jesus (like I grew up with) wearing a red MAGA hat. Before we dismiss it and the woman carrying the photo as extremist nuts, let us be honest about what is seemingly common in our country today. There is a
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By LORETTA FULTON Jeff Reid remembers that when he first started leading the Primetimers ministry for people over age 60, he was the age of their children. “Today, I am a Primetimer,” he joked. Reid joined the staff of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in 1993 and began leading the Primetimers in 2001. On Sunday, Feb. 5, Jeff’s 30 years of
Read moreThe Hindu Holi Festival of Colours will be the focus of the February meeting of the Abilene Interfaith Council. The meeting, which is open to the public, begins at noon Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. Lunch, including a vegetarian option, is by donation. Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, director of the Texas Tech
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Central to my Uncle Mort’s colorful life–now stretching over two centuries–are his scatter-brained decisions to “go off fourth-cocked,” even when “half-cocked” action might be preferable. Someone said that he’d be ahead of the game if he’d “keep his gun holstered,” even if his trigger finger gets itchy. Forget the holstered part; that’s simply
Read moreBishop Michael J. Sis will be in Abilene the week of Feb. 20 for Ash Wednesday services and for a Teaching Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church. The Teaching Mass will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Holy Family, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road. The bishop will explore “the beautiful meaning of the sign, symbols, and actions of the
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Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, longtime vice president at Abilene Christian University and former state legislator, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at age 94. A memorial service is pending. The following was provided by ACU. “Bob Hunter stands alone as the greatest friend-maker and ambassador in the history of Abilene Christian,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president. “His spirit of hospitality and love
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By LORETTA FULTON Tonja Gray’s parents raised her to be servant-minded and then she passed that characteristic on to her children. Saturday morning, Feb. 11, Gray joined other representatives of McMurry University in demonstrating their servant-minded spirit by helping paint a new Habitat for Humanity house on Plum Street. “I’m trying to continue to set that example,” Gray said. The
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By JIM NICHOLS In the Old Covenant writings in the Bible (I Samuel 16) is the important story of the choosing of David as the next king of Israel. As Samuel is considering the candidates, God cautions him not to pay attention to physical height and strength (outward appearance), but to remember that “. . . the Lord looks on
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON I grew up in a segregated world. The images that divided my world existed all around. Everyone got along well, but segregation remained in many ways. The shop across the parking lot from A&P grocery, where I worked, showed a big sign in the window, “No Coloreds.” The first ten years of school were with all white
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