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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By LORETTA FULTON The United Methodist Church is united no more. A number of local congregations have voted to disaffiliate with the UMC and join the new Global Methodist Church. That trend is expected to continue in Abilene and across the Northwest Texas Annual Conference, a regional jurisdiction. For those who have voted to disaffiliate, the change takes effect Jan.
Read moreBy JIM McDONALD As we prepare to close the year 2021 it is actually a time for the celebration of Advent, the time of anticipation of the birth/sacrifice of God’s son, Jesus. This earthly holy birth is a monumental event that demonstrated God’s grace by reiterating His eternal and profound love for everyone. As a result we muster an extravagant
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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,
Read moreBy JIM McDONALD “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:4-5 “With all wisdom and understanding, he made
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDPhysical shoeboxes filled with gifts for children worldwide have been collected, but it’s not too late to pack a shoebox online. Deadline is Dec. 31. Just go to https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/ and follow the instructions. More information: Operation Christmas Child is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. For more information, contact Naomi Wood, area coordinator at 325-660-5633 or abileneareaocc@gmail.com. By LORETTA FULTON At
Read moreBy JIM McDONALD The Bible is the infallible Word of The God of all things seen and unseen. This astonishing chronical encompasses the creation, the history of time and beyond. The Old Testament forecast the redemption narrative of God. There have been many gloomy times. In the darkest time of the year Jesus came to us at our level. This
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By LORETTA FULTON After spending parts of 14 summers at Duke Divinity School, Cisco College, McMurry University and Asbury Theological Seminary, Jeff Hatcher finally has made it. On June 7, Hatcher, who is pastor of Wylie United Methodist Church, was ordained as an elder in full connection — a United Methodist clergy classification — during the annual meeting of the
Read moreBy JIM McDONALD Baptism is a sacrament that John the Baptist performed for many and later baptized Jesus and this was firmly approved by God. Baptism is by water. Water is a component created by God. It is essential and useful in many applications. One interesting example is that fire must have fuel and heat to burn. Water (H2O) contains hydrogen, a
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Spirit Of Abilene 