IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury The news that cursive handwriting is returning to elementary school curricula is being roundly applauded, perhaps equal to ovations that welcomed Dolly back to Broadway. Some of us thought cursive instruction had been “written off” in recent years, replaced by fingers fleeting across tiny keyboards on iPhones, iPads and such. No one is more
Read moreBy LORETTA FULTON Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the Christian year, when resurrection and new life are celebrated, will have a touch of sadness this year. For members of St. Paul United Methodist Church and anyone in Abilene who has interacted with the pastor, Felicia Hopkins, it will be a bit of a farewell. This will be her final Easter
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The public is invited to take a stroll through the Lake Kirby Nature Park, followed by a time of spiritual reflection, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. The program is a collaboration between Matthew Broyles, minister to emerging adults at First Baptist Church, and Rick Hammer, associate professor of biology at Hardin-Simmons University, and a member of the West
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By LORETTA FULTON “It’s going to be a really good day,” Amy Wilson Feltz predicted as she ended a brief service before the work began. Saturday, April 20, marked the seventh year for the spring planting of seeds in the Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s community garden, located on the corner of S. 19th and Amarillo streets. It was also Holy
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By DANNY MINTON It was early Sunday morning when everyone in town was awakened by a violent earthquake. It was particularly unsettling since it was the second in the past three days. Damage to the Temple from a dark storm and earthquake which had occurred on Friday during the crucifixion of Jesus had yet to be finished. In Galilee word
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By DARRYL TIPPENS On Monday I watched with dismay as the fires consumed the nave of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. I have had the pleasure and joy of visiting the cathedral twice. Of many beautiful churches I have visited over the years, it’s easy to say no other church in the world is quite like the Cathedral
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Following are links to stories in the Reporter-News written by Loretta Fulton about the Holy Week Luncheon Series. A new story link will be posted each day, along with the name of the speaker. Monday: Speaker Phil Christopher https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/15/holy-week-sermon-jesus-death-extravagant-example-grace-love/3474728002/ Tuesday: Speaker Ben Siburt https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/16/holy-week-lunch-sermon-dying-work-art-faithful/3484484002/ Wednesday: Speaker Cliff Stewart https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/17/holy-week-lunch-sermon-judas-included-until-he-excluded-himself/3496596002/ Thursday: Speaker
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By LORETTA FULTON The last time John Whitten recalls being in a play, he was in elementary school. The next time will be a little more challenging. Whitten is portraying Jesus in the Easter pageant being staged by Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. The production began over the weekend and continues April 18-20 at the Abilene Convention Center. “It’s very humbling,
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury It was bound to happen, and finally, it did. I overheard the words “artificial intelligence” and “fake news” mentioned in the same sentence. Maybe we need more “real thing” topics. Coca-Cola sold gazillions of its products with its “real thing” claim years ago. During our youth, we placed great trust in mass media news,
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