Valentine’s Day actually originated as a liturgical feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. S…
Last week I learned that my junior high school social studies teacher died. She was 96, but the news still came as a shock. Rationally, I knew…
I have thought a lot about chaplains this year. These are ministers of the gospel called to serve people in special settings and they are ofte…
An open invitation was sent out to all the classrooms at Ruth Elementary School, that anyone interested being in the school band needed to com…
With the holiday season under way, charitable donations are on the rise. But how do organizations use their funds?
They log in hundreds of work hours every week.
In my tradition and in many other Christian denominations, this coming Sunday, Nov. 29, is the first day of the season of Advent. It marks the…
I have read that gratitude may be the best indicator of our spiritual and emotional health. And I think that is true. Whenever I wander off in…
There is a day of remembrance in many churches of the reformed faith known as All Saints Day. It is traditionally remembered or celebrated on …
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
BOILING SPRINGS — While reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship,” Hannah O’Brien became intrigued. How could theologian and pa…
Recently, I have been reflecting on the state of the world. I preached a recent sermon to the congregation where I am blessed to serve as past…
LONG VIEW — The Family Guidance Center’s First Step Domestic Violence Program, along with the Longview Police Department and Open Door Baptist…
NEWTON — Rotary International has set a goal to deliver 10 million meals around the world in this Rotary year. Rotarians around the world are …
The apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians in the Christian scriptures is a letter that celebrates a community and invites his readers into …
HICKORY — Early on the morning of Oct. 2, a group of St. Aloysius Church Council 6451’s Knights of Columbus arrived at the grassy hill next to…
HICKORY — The second of two joint pastoral appreciation services will be presented at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on Union Square in downtown Hi…
HICKORY — On Oct. 1, area residents will have the opportunity to a take away four-course dinner for two people prepared by four local chefs to…
NEWTON — The Rotary Club of Catawba Valley recently presented awards for public service to Dr. J.W. Inscoe, veterinarian, and Summer Jenkins, …
Every now and then, I catch myself sighing. That’s right, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly while making a long, drawn-out noi…
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Dear friends of Hickory and Catawba County,
I’m having a love-hate relationship with 2020.
HICKORY — Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry and the Downtown Hickory Farmers Market are hosting the fourth annual Farm to Table f…
SHERRILLS FORD — While women throughout America played an important role during World War II, female veteran Pfc. Elizabeth Barker Johnson bla…
We are divided. Have you noticed?
I heard a prominent speaker years ago talk about the difference between ownership and workmanship.
NEWTON — Trinity Baptist Church in Newton has called the Rev. Andrew Barrett as its second full-time pastor.