Governor Greg Abbott Attends Texas Pastors Roundtable Discussion

abbott.jpgAUSTIN – Texas governor Greg Abbott Thursday attended a roundtable meeting with Texas pastors in Mesquite. The event was hosted by Dr. Terry M. Turner, Head Pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, who was inspired to bring together multiple leaders from various backgrounds for an in-depth discussion with Governor Abbott. The meeting served as an opportunity for North Texas pastors to voice the concerns of their congregations, and develop ideas to address the challenges faced by the African American and Hispanic communities in Texas. Over three dozen pastors discussed a wide variety of topics, ranging from economic opportunities to the church’s role in foster care and adoption services.

“It’s important to hear directly from local leaders who are making an impact within their communities,” said Governor Abbott. “It was an honor to join these pastors to find ways we can continue to work together and create more opportunities for every Texan. I am grateful to Pastor Turner for leading this discussion and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“I am grateful to Governor Abbott for his presence here today, and for his willingness to listen to local leaders,” said Dr. Turner. “Governor Abbott continues to provide strong leadership for all Texans. I look forward to fostering an even stronger bond between our governor and our community leaders.”

Man arrested for causing more than $20,000 damage to Church sanctuary

2018-05-07 Mug shot with background of church vandal
James Williams (Photo: Tulsa County Inmate Information Center)

A Tulsa, Oklahoma congregation arrived for service April 29 to a sanctuary with thousands of dollars in damage caused by a vandal.  The cleanup is ongoing this week.

Police say the man who caused the damage, James Williams, was found by a K9 during a search of the Community Baptist Church sanctuary, according to a report by Fox 23 News. The TV station’s report includes photos of the damage.

A police report says Williams gained entry by breaking a window.  The police report estimates damage between $20,000 and $40,000.

Jail records on May 7 show Williams is held on $3,000 bond for burglary and one charge of maliciously defacing property of another for which no bond amount is listed.

The police report does not state a motive for Williams’ actions.

Teen arrested for arson at Pennsylvania church building

Arson
(Image: Pixabay.com)

According to a report from WFMJ, a 16-year-old admitted setting a fire on the porch of the Clark Trinity United Methodist church last month.  Hermitage police Chief Eric Jewell would not say if the teen arrested was male or female, according to the Sharon Herald.

Damage to the church building was estimated at $13,000, according to Texas Gospel file stories.

The teen charged faces one count of second degree felony arson.

Cause of fire at Winston-Salem NC Church building unknown, congregation had no insurance

2018-05-01 Church Fire

A Winston-Salem church is looking for a place to worship after fire ripped through its building a few hours before sunrise Monday.

A representative of the New Gospel Tabernacle Holiness Church told the Winston-Salem Journal they are thankful that no one was hurt.

“We’re devastated…But we will work to rebuild. You can’t stop the church. Keep us in your prayers,” Pastor Wallice Harrison told the paper.

Investigators have not yet determined a cause of the fire, according to The News & Observer.  A spokesperson of the Winston-Salem Fire Department told Erie News Now the investigation is still in the “cause and origin phase.”

The church did not have insurance according to a report from WFMY.

Church building donated to Ohio biker church

Donated church
A dedication of the new building was held April 29

An Ohio congregation made up of motorcycle enthusiasts has a church building to call home.

The Whitehorse Biker Church held a dedication ceremony and picnic to celebrate the donation of a church building located at 303 South Adams St., Middle Point, Ohio. The building, constructed in 1853, was donated by the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church.

“You kind of look at it, like you are looking at a big mountain.  Hey, we need a bunch of land and a bunch of money to put a building up.  And God did the unthinkable and allowed somebody to come and bless us with a church,” “Lil” John Haskins VP of Whitehorse Biker Church told the local Fox affiliate.

The congregation held its first gathering two years ago according to the church’s Facebook page.