Abilene begins new construction project

Just as Abilene Baptist Church finished a $2.2 million upgrade in the spring, it embarked on a $6.6 million expansion.

Abilene razed its educational building and its 1957 sanctuary to make room for a three-story, 5,300-square-foot addition. It will house classrooms for children and adults, office space, a lounge, a coffee shop and an Internet cafe.

"It'll be a state-of-the-art church building," said the Rev. William Harrell, the pastor of the church at 3917 Washington Road.

The majority of the space will be used to serve the church's youths.

"It'll provide every opportunity for children to learn," he said. "We've never really had the children's department that we've wanted."

The expansion -- a 22-month-long project -- comes after Abilene recently finished a new entrance on Roberts Road and a choir suite.

Christian comedian, writer will perform

Christian comedian Charles Marshall will perform Sunday at Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene.

The Dacula, Ga., resident is a contributing writer for Focus on the Family Magazine and writes the nationally syndicated column Laughing Matters .

The free show begins at 6 p.m. in the church, 3526 Jefferson Davis Highway in Clearwater. Call (803) 593-3114.

Bible Deliverance plans week of events

Bible Deliverance Temple has planned a week of family events, including free concerts and the launch of an after-school taekwondo program:

- The Radio Angels, Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold, and Restoration Praise will perform at 6 p.m. today at the church, 1857 Fenwick St. The Radio Angels will perform Sunday at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

- On Tuesday, the church, together with Mercy Ministries, is beginning a taekwondo class at the Harrisburg Family Life Center, 1901 Fenwick St.

The classes run from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle school and high school students can apply as an assistant in the program, led by instructor Mike Weintraub.

- Evangelist Ricky Perkins will speak at the church at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For more information, call (706) 736-1600.