Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Peter James “Jim” Flamming, who served First Baptist Church in Abilene from 1966 to 1981, died at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia on March 27, 2023. He served Richmond’s First Baptist Church for 23 years, from 1983-2006. Prior to his move to Richmond, Dr. Flamming served several churches in Texas, including Abilene. Dr. James Flamming Dr.
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First Baptist Church will welcome its new senior pastor, Brandon Hudson, on Sunday, Feb. 5. The congregation called Hudson on Dec. 18. He and his family–Jill and children Sophia and Quinn–are moving from Pelham, Alabama, where Hudson has been pastor of Crosscreek Baptist Church since 2013. He is replacing Phil Christopher, who retired in September 2021, after 26 years as
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By LORETTA FULTON Each December, members of Religion News Association, including Spirit of Abilene creator and editor Loretta Fulton, choose the top religion stories of the year. Those include the top national stories, international stories, and newsmaker of the year.Many of the Top 10 stories, as voted on by members, had local implications, including the No. 1 story, the Supreme
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By LORETTA FULTON Brandon Hudson was announced Sunday as the new senior pastor at First Baptist Church. Hudson, his wife Jill, daughter Sophia, 15, and son Quinn, 13, are expected to move to Abilene in early February. Hudson has been senior pastor of Crosscreek Baptist Church in Pelham, Alabama, since 2013. Robert Ellis, chairman of the pastor search committee at
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDWhen: National collection week Nov. 14-21Where: Local drop-off locations are First Baptist Church, 1333 N. Third St., and Wylie United Methodist Church. 3430 Antilley Road. First Baptist Church, Sweetwater, and Church of the Nazarene, HamlinFirst Baptist drop-off hours: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15; 2-5:30 p.m.
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It’s been a year since Phil Christopher preached his last sermon as senior pastor of First Baptist Church. His final sermon came on Sept. 26, 2021. Christopher had been pastor of the church since 1995. He and his wife, Mary, live in Abilene and remain active in the community. Matt Cook, with the Center for Healthy Churches, is serving as
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The calendar is already filling up with Christmas events, from The Messiah to Christmas at The Zoo. The following list will be updated continuously. To add a Christmas-related event, email details to editor@spiritofabilene.com ABILENE COMMUNITY BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Abilene Community Band will present its Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the Paramount Theater. Admission is free.
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By LORETTA FULTON OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDWhen: National collection week Nov. 15-22Where: Local drop-off locations are First Baptist Church, 1333 N. Third St., and Wylie United Methodist Church. 3430 Antilley Road. First Baptist drop-off hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16; 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday,
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Phil Christopher retired in September as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, a position he held for twenty-six years. Both Mary and Phil Christopher have made a substantial impact on Abilene since their arrival, and thankfully, they will remain Abilenians. Phil’s last Sunday as senior pastor was Sept. 26. Future plans call for some travel and continued local involvement in
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