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The Rev. Jeff Fisher will learn if he is accepted for the position on June 2, when delegates and clergy from throughout the diocese vote.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church rector up for diocese post

A Waco reverend has been nominated to serve as an assistant to the bishop in the eastern Texas region.

Recent religion coverage

Local pastors aim to make Easter messages impactful

Pastor Ronnie Holmes of the Church of the Open Door said 25 people will give “cardboard testimonies” on Sunday, in which they hold up a sign indicating their prior circumstances, then another telling where they are now.

How does one make a 2,000-year-old message fresh on an Easter Sunday morning?

Columbus Avenue Baptist presents 'Celebrate Life!' musical in Waco

Ragan Courtney's “Celebrate Life!” became one of the most popular Christian musicals of the 20th century, selling more than one million copies.

Christian writer and playwright Ragan Courtney knows well the inspiration for his 1972 Christian musical "Celebrate Life!". Without it, he might have drowned in Caribbean waters.

Q&A with new pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church

Baylor grad Marvin Thompson takes the pulpit of a historic church in South Waco that watched its neighborhood change to one that is predominately Hispanic and which adapted by creating programs such as English as a second language.

Baylor University graduate Marvin Thompson spent 25 years as a missionary in Africa before returning to Waco.

Waco church opens vegetarian food store

A number of Seventh-day Adventists are vegetarian and others abstain from meats that are considered unclean in the Bible, said Ed Cook, pastor of the local Seventh-day Adventist Church, which has opened a store carrying vegetarian products.

Waco area vegetarians now have another choice for where to grocery shop - the local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Rev. Jimmie Johnson retires from First Presbyterian Waco

The Rev. Jimmie Johnson and his wife are retiring to a home on Lake Granbury, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, after 30 years with First Presbyterian Church of Waco.

The pastor says he will keep his focus on the Lord when he delivers his final sermon Sunday at First Presbyterian Church.

Baylor's Truett Seminary receives $3 million gift

Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University has received a $3 million gift from the estate of longtime supporters Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey.

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 Rev. Leslie Ann King will become the first female senior pastor in First Presbyterian Church of Waco’s 157-year history.

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

Gloria Martinez, a social worker for over 30 years, says she started Noah’s (Know Us) to fill the void left when Potter’s Vessel Ministries closed its doors.

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

Like other pastors, the Rev. Larrye D. Weaver (left) addresses problems in the home, including marital strife and abuse, in a spirit of peace and reconciliation he believes Scripture can provide.

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

Waco resident Hardage tabbed to lead Baptist General Convention

David Hardage is expected to leave his current job as director of development at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary to take the reins of the BGCT.

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

This site off U.S. Highway 84 will soon be home to a mixed-use development called The Collonnade.

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, who graduated from Baylor University, holds his treasured Bible that was given to him by his parents.R

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

Waco businessman Steve Sappington (left) stands with the pastor of an Eglise Protestante Evangelique church. To the right in the photo are Sappington’s hosts in Conakry, Guinea.

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

St. Alban's bells bring unique touch to community

Mary Ann Thompson plays the carillon at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.

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

Antioch Community Church leaders say they fear the church’s growth could be stunted if they don’t expand their facility soon.

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 has used his Master Study Bible since 1982. Groth teaches an adult Sunday school class at Cottonwood Baptist Church.

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

The Rev. Nolan Garrett of Emmanuel United Anglican Church of Waco has been with the church since it formed in 1999.

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

Heather Herschap, a Truett Seminary graduate, signs a copy of her children’s book at Golden’s Book Exchange in Waco.

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

A fete is scheduled tonight at Ridgewood Country Club to celebrate Monsignor Mark Deering’s 90th birthday, and he will speak at St. Louis Catholic Church on Sunday morning.

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

Waco’s Mighty Wind Worship Center Senior Pastor Joe Carbajal (right) and Associate Pastor Yolanda Ramiro, and Brazos Meadows Baptist Church will host services at separate venues on the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo fairgrounds Sunday morning.

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

Brandon Oates (right) leads a Project Restoration group in prayer at his home on Sept. 11.

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

Jimmy Dorrell, pastor of Church Under The Bridge and executive director of Mission Waco, holds a copy of his new book,“Dead Church Walking,” while standing near an abandoned house of worship on North 12th Street.

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

The Muslim faithful offer prayers Friday afternoon at the Waco Islamic Center. Its leaders say they have grown closer to Christian and Jewish congregations since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

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

Some area churches plan candlelight vigils to observe the Sept. 11 anniversary.

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

Waco Baptist Academy principal Jody Flowers holds his favorite Bible, “The Literary Study Bible,” which he says helps make the Bible’s “contextual meaning become deeper to me.”

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

New Seventh & James Baptist Church pastor Erin Conaway comes to the church from South Main Baptist Church in Houston.

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

Matt Stanford, a professor in the Baylor University psychology and neuroscience department, co-authored a recent study, involving the impact of mental illness on families within churches. Stanford hol

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.

Religion news

Waco religion in brief: May 19, 2012

Items of interest around Waco-area houses of worship.

Vacation Bible School briefs for May, 19, 2012

Vacation Bible School Waco Tribune-Herald is accepting submissions for Vacation Bible School. Items must be submitted by noon on Wednesdays for Saturday publication. We cannot accept information by phone. Because of the volume of submissions we cannot guarantee publication. ...

Calendar

Church calendar: May 19-25, 2012

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

Column

FAITH: Marriage teaches us how to love

God gives us marriage so that we might learn how to love someone else.

Information

Find info about a local church with our Faith Directory.

Submit religion items

Items for religion briefs or the religion calendar must be submitted by noon Wednesday. We cannot accept information by telephone. Because of the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee publication. Items may be submitted online at wacotrib.com/goingson; mailed to Religion Calendar, Waco Tribune-Herald, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; e-mailed to goingson@wacotrib.com; or brought to 900 Franklin Ave., or faxed to 757-0302.

The religion page appears in the Tribune-Herald each Saturday and is updated here on wacotrib.com.