After creating artwork for decades, it can be difficult to adjust to failing eyesight. “I’ve got advanced macular degeneration,” Marie Buttram says. “There’s nothing you can do about it. I can sometimes hardly see my hands in front of my face.” Despite the diagnosis, Buttram still found the motivation to complete three big murals for […]
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Evangelical University and Seminary celebrates seven years
For seven years, Evangelical University and Seminary has been teaching those interested about the word of God. With its third annual fundraising banquet on May 8, those from the seminary will be teaching attendees once again — but this time about the school itself. “It’s one of the best kept secrets in Plant City that […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: How the Bible defines Christian mothers
Let me begin by stating that there can be no misunderstanding that the traditional family (mother, father and children) as we know it is certainly under attack. And based on rulings last year by the U.S. Supreme Court, we may find that what we call a “traditional family” is sadly a thing of the past. […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Weaver Believer Survival Revival
Hopewell Baptist Church began the festivities for its 144th Homecoming with a bluegrass concert May 3, at the church. The Georgia-based Weaver Believer Survival Revival, a bluegrass band featuring the Weaver family, performed a variety of famous bluegrass tunes, Christian hymns and even original material. Although the matriarch of the group, Chris Weaver, did not […]
Continue ReadingPlant City churches welcome new leaders
THE REV. COLE DODD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIDWAY It takes a few minutes for the Rev. Cole Dodd to rattle off all the places he lived growing up as a child. With an insurance claims adjuster for a mother, Dodd always seemed to find himself in the middle of tragedy. In 1992, when everyone […]
Continue ReadingHopewell Baptist Church plans 144th Homecoming
Perhaps the most accurate way to describe Hopewell Baptist Church’s 144th Homecoming plans is this phrase: “Hallelujah Homecoming Hoedown.” That’s what Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, Hopewell’s senior pastor, is calling it. This two-day celebration will be held at the church this weekend and will highlight the church’s recent growth. “The church continues to grow,” Middlebrooks says. […]
Continue ReadingPlant City seminary plans fundraising gala
Evangelical University and Seminary will host its Seventh Anniversary Banquet and Fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Greg Morris, author, executive and founder of Leadership Dynamics, in Lakeland. Guests also will enjoy catering by Fred’s Southern Kitchen […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Hopewell Baptist Church’s “Backwards” Easter Egg Hunt
Hopewell Baptist Church had hunters hopping for oval-shaped treasures during its “Backwards” Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day Open House April 19, at the church. In addition to hunting for eggs throughout the church property, children also enjoyed a puppet show, arts and crafts, and games.
Continue ReadingNew preschools, programs give area parents more choices
If you’ve been touring schools for your child for the coming school year, add a few more to your list. One new school — Liberty Christian Preschool — opened this week; a second, God’s Garden Preschool, in Dover, will open in August; and a third, St. Clement Early Childhood Center, recently was recognized by Quality […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: Have you heard the good news?
Dear friends in Christ: Allow me to ask you a very personal question: Have you ever celebrated Easter with Lazarus? Listen to these words of our Lord as recorded for us in John 11:44b: “Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’” I love this story of Jesus raising Lazarus. I always picture […]
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