Operation Blue Jeans
Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with its annual Operation Blue Jeans, which provides pre-K, elementary, and middle school children with brand new clothes free of charge. Program dates and times are 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays July 11 and Aug. 15. And, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays July 14 through Aug. 13. Volunteers are needed for the check-in desk, clothing and shoe assistants, and clothing room organizers. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Click here to register.

Vacation Bible School in July
It’s not too late if you missed out on the May and June VBS sessions.Or even if you attended one, you’re still invited to take part in the following offerings in July:

WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Emerald Crossing
Registration: Click here

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Cactus Ranch
Registration: Click here

FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5-8 p.m. July 24 and 8:30 a.m.-noon July 25
Theme: Wander & Wonder (Family VBS)
Registration: Click here

‘In God We Trust’ concert
First Baptist Church will present its “In God We Trust” concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28. The Sanctuary Choir and Celebration Orchestra will join together to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Admission is free. 

HSU’s Steve Neves debuts nine statues in Storybook Garden 
Hardin-Simmons University professor of art Steve Neves played his familiar role in this year’s Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF) with the unveiling of nine new bronze sculptures in Abilene’s Storybook Garden. Click here to read HSU news release. Com

Steve Neves

Chaplains Fellowship Webinar
The next lunch-and-learn webinar sponsored by the Siburt Institute at ACU is scheduled for July, featuring David Bearden and Paul Riddle. Topic will be “When a Chaplain Needs a Chaplain.” Register here. A recording of the last webinar is a now available. 

HSU, Cisco College partner to streamline transfer process
Hardin-Simmons University and Cisco College recently created a pathway for Cisco College students to apply completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree at HSU. Click here to read HSU news release.

Job openings at Christian Service Center
Christian Service Center has two job opening, one full-time and one part-time. The full-time position is for a social worker with a master’s degree. The part-time position is for a front office receptionist and is for 18 hours per week. Contact Jim Clark, executive director, at jclark@cscabilene.org.

HPU sets pre-registration deadline for scholars program
The pre-registration deadline for Howard Payne University’s Summer and Young Scholars annual academic summer camp for children entering K-6 grades is June 27. The program is scheduled for July 13-17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration fee is $165. Deadline for late registration is July 9. Click here to register online. 

McMurry University names Susan Decker as first female athletic director
Susan Decker brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics, with a strong record of advancing competitive success, supporting student-athlete achievement, and strengthening athletic programs through strategic leadership. Click here to read McMurry news release. 

Susan Decker

Hardin-Simmons, ACU earn high marks from Forbes for financial strength
Hardin-Simmons University and Abilene Christian University were by cited by Forbes for their strong financial foundation. ACU earned a 4.5 GPA, the highest score awarded, and A+ rating, placing it among the top four Texas private schools – alongside Rice, Trinity and TCU. The list assessed 928 private colleges. HSU received a 4.0 GPA and A grade. Click here to read the full list.

Howard Payne University welcomes new VP
HPU named Wes Livesay as vice president for advancement. He supervises HPU’s offices of development, alumni relations, external affairs, and marketing and communications. He began June 3. Click here to read HPU news release.

Wes Livesay

FBC offering Backyard Bible Club
First Baptist Church will sponsor its annual Children’s Backyard Bible Club June 22-25. Sessions will be 9-11:30 a.m. at FBC’s Friendship House, 1518 Orange St. For more details, call FBC, 673-5031 

June 14 Highland Hymn Sing 
The public is invited to Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave., on June 14 for its Hymn Sing at 6:30. Ice cream will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring cookies. 

Six White Horses, Cowboy Band in Washington parade
Hardin-Simmons University’s World-Famous Cowboy Band and the Six White Horses proudly represented Texas as the only college from the state to participate in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade held May 25 in Washington, D.C. Click here to read HSU news release.

Upcoming VBS sessions
Following are some of the Vacation Bible School sessions scheduled for upcoming days and weeks.
SOUTHWEST PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2901 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 7-11
Theme: Illumination Station
Registration: Click here
WYLIE METHODIST CHURCH
Where: 3430 Antilley Road
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14; 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 15-17
Theme: Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God
Registration: Click here
WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Emerald Crossing
Registration: Click here
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Cactus Ranch
Registration: Click here
FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5-8 p.m. July 24 and 8:30 a.m.-noon July 25
Theme: Wander & Wonder (Family VBS)
Call the church for registration information, 677-3501