By JIM NICHOLS St. Francis of Assisi suggested that, when attempting to be God’s people to others, we should start with human suffering rather than human sinfulness. Have you ever made a hospital visit to a friend or relative and encountered a law enforcement officer sitting in a chair outside some room on the floor? Though not a common sight
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Locals already were “big-eyed” by massive oil discoveries in the Wichita Falls area about a century ago. Money flowed, and for many folks, life was good, might near the land-of-milk-and-honey status. For the oil people, it was even better. If they wanted milk and honey, they could yawn while signing checks to buy
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON Several years ago, I came across a story where caregivers from a special needs group home started bringing the clients to a worship service. The group would take up a full row toward the rear of the auditorium. As with many individuals with special needs, they can, at times, like small children, not sit still or be
Read moreBy LARRY BRADSHAW Growing up in Kansas in the ’40s and ’50s, I attended a one-room country school for eight years. Pleasant Valley School, near the small-town of Harper, Kansas, had around 20 students, all eight grades in one room. The school was a beautiful little red-brick building built by the Mennonites before the war. It featured a steeple with
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Hardin-Simmons University issued the following news release Friday, Feb. 21, concerning announcement of the closing of Logsdon Seminary and other changes at the university. HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSTIY NEWS RELEASE Jacob Brandt Director for University Marketing We have received a number of questions regarding the recent campus changes that were announced on Friday, February 14. In an effort to help publish answers
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By LORETTA FULTON In the last six months, Dr. Carson Reed has visited ten different churches, not looking for a church home but looking to help leaders of the churches that others call home. Reed is vice president for church relations at Abilene Christian University and executive director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry housed at ACU. Through the
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By LORETTA FULTON Once upon a time, Doug Mendenhall dabbled in politics before coming to realize that it is more fun to write about hot button issues from the sidelines than to be in the thick of the fight. He turned that realization into a popular column on “faith, values, and how Jesus would’ve done it” that was published in
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By LORETTA FULTON The man behind the newest and perhaps the grandest pipe organ in Abilene doesn’t even consider himself a professional organist. Try telling that to members and visitors at First Central Presbyterian Church who are graced by the skills and dedication of Larry Wolz, who is entering his 40th year as organist at First Central and 50th as
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By GRACE SOSA It’s been a week since I found out that my school, Logsdon Seminary, will be closing. It seems that every day offers another blow—another professor learns she’s lost her position. Another university program cut or moved. My emotions range from sad to angry to confused throughout the day. I do not understand. While I was not a
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Spirit Of Abilene 