Around the State

• Hardin-Simmons University will host the 2011 Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The conference is an enrichment opportunity for scholars who teach in fields that connect religion and literature, especially English, theology and philosophy.

• The Cici's Pizza Barefoot Run, benefiting Shoes for Orphan Souls, will be held at 8 a.m. Oct. 8 at Andy Brown Park East in Coppell. The 5K and 1-mile fun run is open to children and adults, and shoes are considered "optional," said Rachel Garton, director of Shoes for Orphan Souls. "Barefoot running has become a popular trend, but it's something the kids we serve around the world face every day. They run barefoot because they have to, not by choice. We hope that by hosting a barefoot run we can help raise awareness of the need for shoes and have fun, as well." Prizes and medals will be awarded to the winners who run the race barefoot or with shoes. Special games and activities, like the Shoe-put Toss, also will be offered for children or adults who participate. All proceeds from the race will benefit children in Africa who need shoes. To sign up for the race, visit www.shoesfororphansouls.org/barefootrun.

• Dallas Baptist University will hold a preview day for prospective students Oct. 10. The day allows students who are out of school for Columbus Day to visit DBU and experience university life. Included will be a tour of the campus, visits with faculty and administrators, and an opportunity to receive information about admissions, financial aid and campus life. Visitors also will have an opportunity to attend a chapel service and eat in the cafeteria. The event is free for the student and up to two guests. For more information, call (214) 333-5360.

• "Blue & Gold Forever—A Legacy that Lasts" is the theme for East Texas Baptist University's homecoming activities Oct. 14-16. For a complete schedule of activities, go to www.etbu.edu.

• Bill Ellis, president of Howard Payne University, has been elected to the board of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities.

Anniversaries

• Mike Simmons, 20th, as pastor of Hillcrest Church in Cedar Hill, Sept. 8.

• Field Street Church in Cleburne, 100th, Oct. 1-2. The Saturday dinner begins at 6 p.m. and includes music and remembrances in the Family Life Center. A centennial worship service also will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Former pastor Douglas Laird plans to attend. Reservations for Saturday's dinner can be made at (817) 645-4376. John Hall is pastor.

• Frio River Association, 50th, Oct. 15. First Church in Devine will host the annual meeting and anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Former director of missions James Watson will preach the annual meeting sermon. A barbecue lunch will be provided. A children's fun zone will include inflatables. Missionaries to South Central Asia, Craig and Terry Keller, also will speak. Jimmy Smith is director of missions.

• Calvary Church in Lufkin, 100th, Oct. 15-16. Saturday activities begins at 2 p.m. with individual and group singing. An anniversary choir rehearsal begins at 3:30 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., a fellowship of family fun with a bounce house and other outside games will be held. Sunday's activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a joint adult Sunday school in the sanctuary. Former pastor Lewis Abbott will speak in the morning service, and former minister of music David Campbell will lead worship. A meal will follow the morning service. Randy Brown is pastor.

• Palo Duro Church near Wildorado, 110th, Oct. 23. A meal will follow the morning worship service. An anniversary celebration and reception will begin at 2 p.m. Ron Muller is pastor.

• Travis Avenue Church in Fort Worth, 100th, November 5. The celebration will be held at the Omni Hotel and begins with a coffee reception at 10:30 a.m. and continues with the luncheon and program at 11 a.m. Tickets are $25, which includes valet parking at the hotel or free bus transportation from the church (with reservation). Childcare also is available by reservation. Tickets may be reserved by calling the church office at (817) 924-4266 before Oct. 19. Michael Dean is pastor.

Deaths

• Delfina Garza, 67, Aug. 7 in Rockport. Her husband, Pablo, was pastor of Bethel Church in Rockport until his death. She is survived by her sons, Pablo Jr., Joe and Mark; daughters, Graciela Romero, Christina Garza, Priscilda Garza and Thelma Hinojosa; brothers, Amado and Arnoldo Rios; sisters, Ida Moreno, Rosie Garza and Thelma DeLeon; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

• Fred DeVaney, 91, Aug. 28 in San Angelo. A graduate of Baylor University and South-western Seminary, he was pastor of McClanahan Church in Marlin, Blue Ridge Church in Reagan, and a church in Troy. He also served several Central Texas churches as interim pastor. He was a member of First Church in San Angelo at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lola.

• Tim Martin, 43, Sept. 13 in Honey Grove. An avid motorcycle rider, he hit a bull that had wandered into the roadway in the early morning hours. He had served as minister of music and youth at First Church in Bogata the last three years. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronnie. He is survived by his wife of six years, Shawna; mother, Barbara Martin; brother, Marty; and grandmother, Margie Martin.

• Doyle Lumpkin, 89, Sept. 17 in San Angelo. A graduate of Southwestern Seminary, he was a pastor in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. His Air Force career spanned 28 years in active duty, the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. As Air Force chaplain, he retired as a major. He also served as a hospital chaplain in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He retired in 1985 from the missions department of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. After retirement, he and his wife spent 23 months in Germany as volunteers with the Foreign Mission Board. He moved to San Angelo in 1990 and was a member of First Church in San Angelo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marie. He is survived by his sons, David, Daniel and James; daughters, Elizabeth Murphy and Nancy Kane; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ordained

• Robert Hatfield to the ministry at First Church in George West.

• Steve Callaway, John Cox, Mike McFarland, Daniel Thiebaud and Jeff Timmons as deacons at First Church in Dublin, Sept. 18.

• Bill Barnett as a deacon at First Church in Smithfield.

• James Peregory and Kevin Graham as deacons at Cibolo Valley Church in Cibolo.

Revival

• First Church, Odem; Oct. 16-19; evangelist, Mike Keahbone; music, Jim and Rhonda Willeford; pastor, Willis Moore.