By Jim Nichols If you are of a certain age and have attended a local church congregation in the past, you probably have a memory of an announcement such as: “Please sign up for an appointment time for you or your family to have a photograph taken for the upcoming church directory.” This seemed to occur about every eight to
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By Nancy Patrick As I watch and hear news reports from around the world, my mind teems with thoughts related to the following words. The definitions are mine, not Noah Webster’s. I think as human beings we have a responsibility to other human beings as parts of a global entity to realize that no one stands independently from everyone else.
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDWhen: National Collection Week Nov. 17-24Where: Local drop-off locations are Wylie Methodist Church. 3430 Antilley Road, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, and Trinity Baptist Church, 871 Woodlawn Drive. Drop-off locations also are available in several small towns within the Abilene Area. Click here for a drop-off locator map. Contact: Abilene Area coordinator is Naomi Wood. For
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The entire family is invited to enjoy a Lantern Parade and Lightness Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 15. The free event, sponsored by the Abilene Interfaith Council, will be held 4:30-6 p.m. at Cassy’s store, 141 Ruby St. Guests can park on Ruby Street and come through Cassy’s to the back meeting room. Or they can park on Morris Street, across
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By Danny Minton The early American Indians had a unique practice of training young braves. On the night of a boy’s thirteenth birthday, after learning hunting, scouting, and fishing skills, he was put to one final test. He was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then, he had never been away from the security
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Abilene Ballet Theatre’s 39th anniversary production of The Nutcracker will usher in the holiday season with four productions beginning Friday, Nov. 21, at the Paramount Theater. The performance schedule follows:Friday, Nov. 21–8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22–2:30 and 8 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 23–2:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $45, $35, and $30 for adults. Tickets are $20 for seniors, military, students, and children.
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By Mark Waters I am an avid supporter of the First Amendment including the separation of church and state. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….” A state sponsored church would be an example of “an establishment of religion” as would the implementation of theocratic governmental policies. These examples also constitute
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By Jim Nichols As a university professor, I have written hundreds of letters of reference. Most of them have been for students applying to a professional school or for a scholarship or job. Occasionally, I have composed a letter for a colleague applying for a promotion or exciting growth opportunity. A recent recommendation request, however, was unique; it was from
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By Loretta Fulton The long wait was worth it for members of First Baptist Church when a new pastor and his family moved to Abilene, bringing the energy that only a family with four young children can provide. Ray Miller was named pastor on June 15 following a vote by the congregation and preached his first sermon in August. The
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Spirit Of Abilene 