Around the State: Buckner Barefoot Run set

The fourth annual Barefoot Run, benefiting Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 a.m. at Bachman Lake in Dallas. The 5K-run and 1-mile fun run are open to children and adults of all ages, while both barefoot and shoe-wearing runners are encouraged to participate. Interactive games, activities, live music and food trucks also will be on hand. A new event this year is a free Barefoot Dash for children 7 and under. Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female runners overall, in addition to the fastest runners in each category. Additional prizes will be awarded for the fastest dog and stroller, most spirited runner, liveliest water station and more.

Buckner Children and Family Services will present a free foster-care and adoption information meeting Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at 5200 Buckner Blvd. in Dallas. Participants will receive an overview of foster care and adoption options in Texas, including foster-to-adopt, Waiting Texas Children and domestic infant adoption programs. For information or a reservation to attend, click here. 

Many of Howard Payne University’s incoming freshmen, along with Michael Bailey, an HPU sophomore from Georgetown, helped clear brush and debris from around Lake Brownwood. (HPU Photo)several returning students and staff members, spent the last Saturday before classes started serving the Brownwood community. About 140 volunteers completed community service projects at locations including the Brownwood Area Community Garden, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter and Lake Brownwood.

The Texas Church College Ministers’ Retreat has been set for Nov. 6-7 at the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center in New Braunfels. Bruce Venable, who has more than 25 years experience in college ministry, will be the primary speaker. The cost is $45 until Oct. 8 and $55 after that date. Spouses are free and meals are included. To register, click here. Lodging is separate, and reservations can be made here. Mention the BGCT Collegiate Ministry Retreat to get the group rate.

Howard Payne University has added nine new faculty members. They include Scott Eddy, instructor of mathematics; Richard Fiese, dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts and professor of music; Adrian Gil, director of HPU’s El Paso center and associate professor of business; Debra Powell, assistant professor of business administration; Alexia Riggs, dean of libraries and associate professor of library science; Nancy Romig, assistant professor of English; Shawntay Sparks-Hubbard, director of nursing program and associate professor of nursing; Kay Teague, instructor of mathematics; and Shannon Turner, instructor of academic services, learning assistance and academic recovery.

Anniversaries

Northwest Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, 20th, Aug. 25. The day also marked the 20th anniversary of founding pastor Ines Ramon.

Billy Ray Parmer Jr., 10th as pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilson, Sept 1. It also marked his 20th years in ministry.

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 60th, Sept. 21. The celebration service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 North 6th Street. Joel Gregory will be the guest speaker. The church orchestra will present special music for the occasion and a video highlighting the history of the church will be shown. The video includes stories from former pastor Jack Ridlehoover and Micky Castle, who has been a member of the church since its founding. Stan Allcorn is pastor.

First Baptist Church in O’Donnell, 100th, Oct. 4-5. A sandwich fellowship will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. A catered meal will follow Sunday’s celebration service. An afternoon service of testimonies and singing is scheduled. Taylor Wood is pastor.

Bois D’Arc Baptist Church, midway between Athens and Palestine, 100th, Oct. 11-12. At 6 p.m. Saturday, a gospel music concert featuring the Greenes will be held. Sunday will begin with doughnuts and coffee at 9:30 a.m., followed by a reading of the church history and comments from former pastors. Former pastor Mike Jones will preach the 11 a.m. service. A barbecue brisket and sausage meal will follow. Mike Drinkard is pastor.

First Baptist Church in Rio Hondo, 100th, Oct. 18-19. The theme for the anniversary is “Our Father’s Family.” A homecoming fellowship will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and the celebration service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday. A book chronicling the church’s history will be available. Gene Horton is pastor.

First Baptist Church in Wilson, 100th, Oct. 18-19. Former pastors and ministers are expected to attend. Billy Ray Parmer Jr. is pastor.

Fred Sain, 65th, as pastor of Prairie Hill Baptist Church in Prairie Hill, Oct. 20. The church also will celebrate its 129th anniversary that day.

Revival

Southside Baptist Church, Tyler, Sept. 21-28; evangelist, Tim St. Claire; pastor, Mark Price.