Following are updates issued Monday, March 16, by various Abilene churches. PIONEER DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH In light of what the U.S. Center for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) is recommending, Pioneer Drive is moving to Stage 2 of our health plan. We believe this decision is the responsible one to make for the health of our members and community. We
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In response to the coronavirus epidemic, the Community Foundation of Abilene issued the following statement Monday afternoon, March 16: The Community Foundation of Abilene is closely monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on our local communities. While there are not currently any confirmed local cases, a number of precautionary measures have been taken that will affect families and small businesses, and
Read moreThe following email, “Ways to Help the Abilene Community,” was issued Sunday, March 15, by Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. As you may know, leadership at AISD is already working on a plan to feed children in the district during the time students are away from campus. About 70% of the children in the Abilene district are on free and reduced
Read moreThe Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas and the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, has suspended in-person worship services on March 22 and March 29 for churches in both dioceses. Mayer sent a letter to clergy on March 14 advises them of his decision. In Abilene, the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest and
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Editor’s Note: Terry Browder, founder of Sayles Ranch Guesthouses, posted the following reflection on Facebook in response to reactions to the coronavirus pandemic. It is reprinted here with permission. By TERRY BROWDER We are experiencing some scary and uncertain times with this COVID-19 pandemic. We fear the unknown. As I traversed the aisles of our local H.E.B. grocery store to
Read moreEditor’s Note: The following prayer was issued March 10 from the Vatican by Jean-Luc Moens, Moderator of CHARIS, an organization at the service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It was shared by Dee Halbert, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene. Moens noted that in many parts of the world, religious observances have been cancelled due to the
Read moreHardin-Simmons and Abilene Christian universities announded March 12 that spring break has been extended due to the threat of the coronavirus. Both universities were set to resume classes on Monday, March 16, but have extended the days off. Following are announcements from both universities: HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY A plan has been formulated for Hardin-Simmons University that would allow us to protect
Read moreRobert Pace, a former McMurry University history professor, and an Episcopal priest, has been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Pace is rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. His is the first case of COVID-19 diagnosed in Tarrant County. Pace previously was rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Amarillo before accepting the position in Fort Worth in December. Pace
Read moreThe bishops of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo and the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas have issued statements concerning the coronavirus. The provide tips, suggestions, some changes in services and practices, and yes, prayers. THE RT. REV. SCOTT MAYER Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas If an angel appeared to us today, I suspect the message might be, “Stay
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Spirit Of Abilene 