Catholic organizations angered by contraceptives in health insurance ruling

Local Catholic organizations affected by a new rule requiring more employers to include contraceptives in their health insurance plans say they are relying on both prayer and political lobbying to change the situation.

First Presbyterian Church of Waco welcomes 1st woman senior pastor

The congregation is saying goodbye to their longtime senior pastor, while welcoming a new church leader.

New ministry aims to connect people in crisis with helpful community resources

A new Waco ministry aims to connect people in crisis with helpful resources.

Young Catholics meet in Waco

About 2,000 Catholic young people from around Central Texas are attending a convention this weekend that includes praise, times of confession and an opportunity to visit local tourist attractions.

Waco pastor offers series of public counseling sessions

Hurting people need help, and a Waco minister means to provide it with public counseling.

Waco resident Hardage tabbed to lead Baptist General Convention

Waco resident David Hardage will become the new executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas following a vote today in Dallas by the BGCT executive board.

Faith-based auto repair shop to open on Woodway Drive

An automotive repair shop that  prides itself on customer service and Biblical principles is going up on Woodway Drive, near the Hollywood Jewel movie theater.

Waco real estate agent Kelly's Bible holds family meaning

Trammell Kelly, 51, a real estate agent with Kelly Realtors, says his favorite Bible is a Revised Standard Version his parents gave to him on Christmas in 1967, when he was 7.

Waco police unveil smartphone app for crime prevention

The Waco Police Department announced on Monday its newest crime prevention tool: a free smartphone app that enables users to easily access important phone numbers, send in tips and commend officers.

Local investment adviser mixes business acumen with passion for ministry

What started as a business trip for a local investment adviser evolved into much more.

St. Alban's bells bring unique touch to community

When the bells toll from St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s carillon today, residents will hear rare sound of a carillon played by an actual person in Central Texas.

Antioch church scales back expansion plans, looks to 2012

The leaders of Antioch Community Church say they have raised about $1.6 million toward expansion, but are scaling back from their original $11 million plan.

Waco city manager's Bible a teacher's guide

Waco City Manager Larry Groth's "sacred text" is a Master Study Bible, New American Standard Version that he bought in 1982.

Emmanuel United Anglican Church gaining Waco foothold

Emmanuel United Anglican Church of Waco is gaining a foothold as it holds tight to its conservative beliefs.

Baylor seminary grad continues ministry with children's book

A Baylor seminary graduate who inspired the community with her passion to do mission work in India despite having cerebral palsy has continued to seek out ways to minister.

Waco religious leader honored on eve of 90th birthday

One of Waco’s most beloved religious leaders, Monsignor Mark Deering turns 90 Sunday.

New faith-based organization aims to find work for needy men

FaithWorks has opened at Waco Drive and North 18th Street, where it hopes to help disadvantaged men find employment and transportation to work.

HOT Fair & Rodeo to include Sunday worship

Preaching and praise music will highlight "Faith and Family Day" Sunday morning at the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Baptist convention board cuts Baylor funding

The Baptist General Convention of Texas executive board has voted to recommend a budget that reduces funding for Baylor University while giving more money to 10 other schools.

Local couple's ministry guides others through marriage

An attorney and Christian educator hope to expand a ministry to help newlywed couples overcome dysfunctional family histories to solidify their marriages.

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church pastor resigns

The pastor of the second-largest Baptist church in the Waco area resigned abruptly Sunday morning and reportedly is undergoing counseling for personal problems.

Waco hosts 'homecoming' for African Methodist Episcopal churches

In what some are describing as a homecoming, about 800 members of African Methodist Episcopal churches between Lubbock and Round Rock are flocking to Waco this weekend for a week-long conference.

Passion University Tour stops in Waco Oct. 3

The event will focus on individuals, ages 18 to 25, who may want to take part in Passion 2012.

Waco conference to teach effective ministering to needy

The homeless, the addicted and people with mental illness need help, and a conference coming to Waco will help church leaders effectively provide it.

Waco Muslims find challenges, interfaith support since 9/11

Members of the Waco Islamic Center say Sept. 11, 2001 did nothing to shake their faith in American ideals.

Churches to recognize Sept. 11 with special services

Houses of worship in the Greater Waco area plan to mark Sunday, Sept. 11, as a day of peace and reconciliation.

Baptist principal's sacred text is the Literary Study Bible

The new principal of Waco Baptist Academy's favorite bible is the "Literary Study Bible."

Woodway's First Baptist breaks ground on children's center

First Baptist Woodway has broken ground on a $6 million children's building that should open for activities by July 2012, relieving space problems at the area's largest Baptist church.

Waco nonprofit that helps women find jobs is moving, expanding

A local non-profit organization that helps women prepare for the workforce is moving to a new location and expanding its programs.

Baylor grad Conaway new pastor at Seventh & James Baptist Church

Erin Conaway, 36, is the new pastor of Seventh & James Baptist Church, a historic Waco congregation.

Mighty Wind Worship starts satellite church in Bellmead

What 23 years ago as a small group gathered in a South Waco home has become Mighty Wind Worship Center, which now has 500 members holding lively praise and worship services in a three-story building at 11th Street and Washington Avenue .

Zambian Vocal Group to perform at Waco church

Five men from Zambia who tour the country singing a mixture of gospel, African and even humorous songs will perform at Central Christian Church on Sunday.

More than 6,000 Jehovah's Witnesses expected at Belton convention

Jeohovah's Witnesses hold their annual regional convention at the Bell County Expo center.

Baylor researchers find churches often ignore struggles with mental illness

People struggling with mentally ill family members often don't receive much desired support from churches to help them cope, according to a study by Baylor University researchers.

Some churches will mix patriotism into message

Patriotism will have a place in some of this weekend's church services.

Bellmead priest to change locations, work with prisoners

Father Timothy Vavarek, who has 22 years of experience in the Catholic ministry locally, will become pastor of churches in Gatesville and Hamilton, and spend more time with prison inmates.

Calvary Baptist Church hosts faith-themed summer film festival

Waco's Calvary Baptist Church is hosting its own summer film festival with an eye on flicks that tell stories of redemption sometimes found in unexpected places.

Vacation Bible school evolves to compete for children's attention

Local pastors and youth leaders say churches face challenges in getting vacation Bible schools to compete with movies, television and computers for children's attention.

Methodists to hold 4-day convention in Waco

Seeking fellowship and a look at the church's future, more than 1,000 Methodists will bring a four-day convention to Waco that will have a spiritual and economic impact.

Bellmead Baptist church rising from ashes of controversy

Humbled by scandal in recent years, the former Bellmead First Baptist Church has a new owner, a new pastor and new financial backing.

Waco pastor rushes to Joplin, Missouri to aid family stricken by tornado

David Turner of Waco was caught by an Associated Press photographer helping his sister in Missouri and the image has been broadcast around the world.

Waco church celebrates 145 years and a new pastor

One of Waco's oldest black churches is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year with a Texas native who moved here after Hurricane Katrina as its new pastor.

Downtown Waco church finishing massive building project

St. Paul's Episcopal Church 's approximately $5 million building project in downtown Waco is nearing completion. It's a project that has the congregation of the 1879-vintage house of worship taking a hard look at its future.

'God is Big Enough' campaign creators offer sermon series

The creators of the "God is Big Enough" wristband campaign will deliver sermons five times this weekend at First United Methodist Church of Waco.

Right Track Ministries helps troubled area youths

Longtime youth pastor Marshall Lopez says the teenagers who land in the arms of the Texas Youth Commission want to lead good lives. He felt a need 6 years ago to make a full-time job of assisting the youths, so Right Track Ministries was cr

Temple Rodef Sholom to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day

Temple Rodef Sholom will host an interfaith service Monday evening to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. The theme of the service is “Women in the Holocaust.” Guests from a variety of faiths will perform readings. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Temple Rodef Sholom, ...

Waco pastors welcome Easter Sunday worshippers with special sermons

Ministers are only human, so some admit to having temptations Easter Sunday morning to speak out when they see people in the congregation for the first time in several years.

Church swap participants' eyes opening to new ways of worship

The most striking thing Bob Province noticed about Bracks United Methodist Church was the way the choir sang. “It’s more praiseful. For example, if they sing ‘Amazing Grace’ they put a different emphasis on the song,” Province said. “The words are the same, ...

Religious conference Congreso to draw 8,000 youths to Baylor, Waco

A spiritual gathering called Congreso will bring nearly 8,000 Hispanic students to Baylor University next week for workshops, preaching services and challenges to stay in school and serve their local churches.

Latter-day Saints to build new worship center

Facing a space crunch, the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will build a new worship center on Ritchie Road, not far from Hewitt Drive.

Waco church drives out demons with exorcisms

Battles rage at this church in a strip mall on Franklin Avenue. The minister said he has performed nearly 4,000 exorcisms and people with dreadful problems go there for spiritual cleansing.

Area group seeks local churches, volunteers to help low-income families

With state lawmakers poised to make deep cuts to social services, a local initiative is trying to get churches, educators and others in the community thinking about how they can help fill in the coming gaps.

African Children's Choir to perform on Easter Sunday

The renowned African Children's Choir will perform twice on Easter Sunday at two churches in Central Texas.

First Baptist Church of Waco offering Spanish sermons

Waco's First Baptist Church is taking another step to reach out to its South Waco Spanish-speaking community by offering a Sunday service in Spanish.

Baylor to honor King James Bible's 400th birthday

Baylor University will honor the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible by hosting a conference April 7-9 titled "The King James Bible and the World It Made, 1611-2011."

Students, church members building home during break

Dozens of Baylor University students and congregants from a local church are spending their spring break building a Habitat for Humanity house.

Church youth group raises nearly $6,000 for Haiti residents

Eighteen teenagers at Meadowbrook Baptist Church wanted to make a difference in the world; They raised $5,800 to dig a water well in Haiti and provide meals for hungry children.

Baylor community mourning the loss of pastor killed in his Arlington church

A young pastor and recent Baylor graduate was killed inside his church Thursday.

Professor: Racially segregated church services can promote socioeconomic disparity

Rice professor MIchael Emerson discussed the merits of integrating church services in a lecture at Baylor Monday night as part of a local church swap program.

Does God have a sense of humor? Waco pastors, experts say yes

Does God have a sense of humor?

Exhibit on religious persecution in the Soviet Union opens Thursday at Baylor

Baylor exhibit on the Soviet Union and religious persecution opens Thursday.

Grant Teaff's Bible: Sharing more than Xs and Os

Grant Teaff says he has nearly worn out a Bible given to him in 1980 that included the entire New Testament and the Old Testament books of Psalms and Proverbs, using it for personal study and for messages he has delivered to more than 200 c

Baylor aims to create new Baptist research center

Baylor University hopes to create a center that recognizes the 400-year heritage of Baptists.

Encouraging investment through God's words

Local investment adviser Steve Sappington said the Bible contains nearly 2,500 verses related to money, showing that God knows we need help with our finances.

Church calendar: Feb. 4-10, 2012

Find out what's going on at Waco-area churches this week.

Waco religion in brief: Feb. 4, 2012

Items of interest around Waco-area houses of worship.

FAITH: Be willing to follow the 'absurd'

Communal existence of mediocrity requires the least amount of self-examination and change.

Find info about a local church with our Faith Directory.

Baylor history professor recognized by Christianity Today

Wacoans respond about their favorite Bible verses

Catholic Youth Conference to be held in Waco this weekend

Vatican official to speak, pray in Waco

Baylor, church host seminar on science and faith

Waco churches' offering plates brimmed in December

Rabbi to speak in Waco about Holy Temple

Missionary family happy to be back in Texas for Christmas

God told pastor of Spanish-speaking congregation to come to Waco

Sarah Palin among thousands embracing Waco church's message through bracelet

Central Texas missionaries keeping close tabs on violence in Haiti

Waco church welcomes visitors to drive-through Nativity

Waco Jews celebrating Hanukkah

Making room at the inn: Churches asked to adopt homeless families

Race coalition wants to 'swap' Waco churchgoers

Local pastor cherishes German Bibles

Pastor of Waco's Emmanuel Baptist Church retires

Author shares effective ways to help the needy at Waco conference

Baptist seminary, which began in Waco, celebrates a century in Fort Worth

Waco still largely Baptist, but not like it once was

Baylor professor's book examines 'Religious History of the American Revolution'

Christian group helps angler Alton Jones enjoy his best day

Waco Baptist Academy principal shares special Bible

Highland pastor Camp plans to retire

Conference aims to help Waco-area churches help the hungry, homeless

Waco woman embroiders 100-foot baptismal scroll

Waco rabbi shows off his copy of the Talmud

Waco preacher has an unusual take on his sermons

Waco candlelight 9/11 vigil seeks peace and brotherhood

Massive men's bible class rekindles study Monday

Vigil to remember 9/11 victims to be held in Waco tonight

Pastor devoted to 30-year-old Bible

Local Islamic center president to hold 9/11 candlelight vigil

Q&A: Get to know First Baptist Church Waco's new pastor

Waco-area clergy seek to rebuild church congregations as summer ends

Baylor professor's new book connects preacher scandals, hot-tempered religious debates from our times to Roaring 20s

Waco preacher offers passers-by a prayer and a smile at drive-through ministry

Brazos Past: Tracing East Waco's roots

Waco pastor mourns death of friend slain by Taliban in Afghanistan

After 50 years in pulpit, retiring Seventh and James pastor reflects

Waco residents working to save former First German Baptist Church building

Baylor seminary grad may be next First Baptist Waco pastor

Brazos Past: Sermons by radio preacher Lester Roloff live on in cyberspace

Waco ministry reaches out to exotic dancers

Waco songwriters win national honor in Nashville contest

Policies in place, county ready to start saying Pledge of Allegiance and prayer

Georgia Madelyn Jefferson, guest columnist: The Rev. DeShong Smith gets his own street

Two Waco churches to change leadership

Seeking Sanctuary: Program helping to heal eating disorders

Relocated Waco food pantry hopes new location will help meet growing demand

Christian job training group in Waco offers help, hope to troubled men

Brazos Past: The history and beauty of St. Francis

Waco advocates work to raise awareness of summer meal programs for children

After 50 years in pulpit, retiring Seventh and James pastor reflects

Seventh and James Baptist Church pastor retiring, will teach class this summer at Mercer University

Waco Interfaith Conference to honor local humanitarians