Area Church Notes

Churches invited to nominate pastors for award

By JOHN STARBUCK

Staff Writer

Nominations for the 1998 Rural Minister of the Year award will be accepted through Dec. 31 by the Minister Selection Committee of the Texas Conference of Churches.

A minister may be nominated if they have served a church located in the country or in a community close to a larger city for at least two years. A nomination booklet must be filled out by a congregation member.

This year's theme is "The Pastor as Shepherd." The winner will receive a plaque from Progressive Farmer magazine in February. The presentation will celebrate the 50th year of the Minister of the Year award.

Contact the local Texas Agricultural Extension Service agent for a nomination booklet.

Albany

Trinity Lutheran Church will have its annual Mission Festival starting at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Speaking will be the Rev. Martin Kaufmann of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco.

A fellowship supper will follow.

Anson

A revival featuring Mike Jeter of Highland Baptist Church in Dallas takes place Sunday through Wednesday at First Baptist Church.

Services begin at 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday; and 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.

Leading the music will be Monte Clearman from DeKalb First Baptist Church.

Brownwood

The River of Life Church has been organized at 2719 Austin Ave.

The Rev. Jim D. Pruitt, a 1988 Howard Payne University graduate, is pastor. He and his family recently returned to Brownwood from Apple Valley, Calif., where he has been in the vocational ministry for 15 years.

First services were held last Sunday.

Services begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, with college and youth Bible study at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Wednesday services start at 6 p.m.

The church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but it is not a traditional-style church, Pruitt said. The worship style is contemporary, featuring a band with guitars, drums and other instruments.

Colorado City

St. Ann's Catholic Church will have its annual fall festival this weekend at the Mitchell County Ag Barn.

Activities take place from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. today, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Volleyball, basketball and horseshoe tournaments, and a cake walk are planned. Pony rides will be offered and a dunking booth and food booths will be open.

A folkloric dance group from Snyder will perform at 4 p.m. today.

Musical entertainment will be provided each day.

Comanche

The Second Saturday Night Singing takes place at Central Christian Church at 7 p.m. today.

-- The Pearl Street Church of Christ will have a gospel meeting Sunday through Wednesday with David W. Echols Sr. preaching. Services will be at 10 and 10:45 a.m., and 6 p.m. Sunday, and at 7 p.m. weekdays.

Eastland

Dedication ceremonies for the new Holy Trinity Episcopal Church building will be held at 4 p.m. today.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the parish hall.

The Rt. Rev. Jack L. Iker of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, will preside with assistance from the Rev. Alan McGlauchlin and the congregation.

The new facility replaces two buildings. The sanctuary was destroyed by an arsonist's fire on Dec. 29, 1996, and the small annex was moved away to make room for the new church.

The building was constructed by John Beall and Associates of Abilene, in partnership with Harris Construction Co.

Hodges

A revival featuring the Rev. Carl Rea of Wills Point will take place Sunday through Wednesday at Hodges Baptist Church.

Rea is pastor of Turner Baptist Church in East Texas.

Services begin at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, and 7 p.m. weekdays.

Leading the music will be Ron Harden, music minister at Tuscola First Baptist Church.

Knox City

A Gathering of Christian Men, an event that is expected to serve the same purpose as a Promise Keepers rally, is planned from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17 in the high school auditorium.

Area men planning to attend are asked to make reservations for the noon lunch by calling (940) 658-3053.

Merkel

Churches from Merkel and Wylie are joining forces next Friday to sponsor a youth fellowship after the Merkel-Wylie football game.

The event, open to all junior high and high school students, will be in the Merkel High School cafetorium.

The Christian musical group, "Flint", from Dallas will provide entertainment. Door prizes will be given away.

For more information, call Ryan Holmes at 928-5351; Diane Seymore, 928-5333; or the Rev. Bill Scott, 928-5120.

Olfen

St. Boniface Catholic Church will have its annual fall festival Sunday.

A turkey and sausage lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Take-outs are $6.

Arts and crafts booths open at noon. Games for all ages are planned and live entertainment will be provided.

An auction starts at 2 p.m. A dance lasts from 7-11 p.m.

Potosi

The Finley Family of Coquille, Ore. will present a bluegrass gospel concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Potosi Baptist Church.

A love offering will be taken.

Rule

The Rev. Monte Wike, pastor of Methodist churches at Matador and Roaring Springs, will speak at 6 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church.

Santa Anna

The United Methodist Church's Lord's Acre takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Santa Anna Armory.

A barbecue dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. for $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. A silent auction and sale of sandwiches, baked goods and other items are also planned.

Throckmorton

The Cherry family, full-time evangelists, will sing at First Baptist Church this weekend.

They will perform at 7 p.m. today, and during the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. services Sunday.