By LORETTA FULTON Tom Reeder preached his first sermon Sunday, June 9, as the transitional minister at First Christian Church. Reeder is replacing Susan Payne, who served First Christian for a little over a year as interim pastor. Her last Sunday before returning home to Tulsa, Oklahoma, was May 25. Reeder will be at First Christian for at least a
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON “Do you know where to find out more about Jesus?” a group leader asked, as eager hands waited to shoot into the air. “In the Bible!” a bunch of tiny voices responded. Welcome to vacation Bible school, with sessions kicking off this week and running through much of the summer. First Baptist Church was one of the
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON “For all those who are here to celebrate this fantastic time in our priest’s life,” the prayer leader said. And the enthusiastic congregation, packed into every available seat and standing space, responded with heart. “Lord, hear our prayer,” they entoned. The Golden Jubilee Celebration held for Rev. Msgr. Robert Bush on June 5 was indeed celebratory. That
Read more
IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury A retired school superintendent–weary of the sameness of approaching his job in the traditional manner–dreamed of serving in an unlikely place. The school was in a swamp long since drained, and locals said alligators hadn’t been seen there in years. During his professional years, the dreamer said he took on challenges daily, hoping
Read more
ACU PRESS NEWS RELEASE Leafwood Publishers, an imprint of ACU Press, just released a new book by Shane J. Wood titled Between Two Trees: Our Transformation From Death to Life. Wood and his family are living in Joplin, Missouri, where he is professor of New Testament Studies and the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College. Wood explains the premise
Read more
By DANNY MINTON Years ago, while in high school, I was given a book by Foy L. Smith entitled “The Days of Thy Youth.” In one chapter of the book, he tells the story of an old gospel preacher named Theophilus Brown Larimore. T.B. Larimore was riding out west in a railway passenger car when outlaws came alongside and halted
Read more
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY NEWS RELEASE Eight graduate students from the Clinical Counseling and Marriage & Family Program at Hardin-Simmons University recently returned from a travel course titled “Counseling Diverse Populations.” This course was designed as a mission trip where the students traveled to New York and Ireland to study the diverse culture and work with RIOT Ministries counseling underprivileged youth. Beginning in
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON The first time Robert Bush served as priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, it was for eight months. The second go-round has lasted considerably longer, beginning in July 1996 and to end July 1 of this year. Bush now is 75 but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to give up what he’s been doing since his ordination June 5,
Read more
IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Warnings abound concerning the danger of saying “never again.” Most of us are guilty of making false promises on topics such as New Year’s resolutions, diets and exercise. I’m ready, though, to admit past failures, place my right hand on a Bible stack and gaze heavenward for this solemn pledge. Never again will I
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 