• Meets the first and third Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES

• Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

Our next two heroes were also killed for their faith: John Hus directly and Dietrich Bonhoeffer indirectly.

Hus was an early Reformer who was martyred for challenging the religious system of his time.

By contrast, Bonhoeffer, a discipleship- focused figure, was killed because his Christian convictions compelled him to resist the Nazis, help persecuted Jews and accept the consequences.

Let’s dive into both, beginning with Hus.

John Hus (c. 1372–1415)

“Seek the truth, listen to the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth until death.”

Long before the Protestant Reformation, Hus called for the church to return to the authority of Scripture and to pursue integrity rather than corruption. As a preacher in Prague, he boldly challenged abuses among church leaders, earning devoted followers and determined enemies.

Summoned to the Council of Constance under a promise of safe conduct, Hus expected a fair hearing. Instead, he was imprisoned, condemned for heresy and ordered to renounce his teachings.

Refusing to deny what he believed Scripture taught, he was burned at the stake in 1415. His final witness inspired generations of reformers, including Martin Luther, who later acknowledged Hus’ influence.

Hus reminds Christians that truth sometimes demands extraordinary courage, even at great personal cost.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

As Adolf Hitler tightened his grip on Germany, many churches remained silent. But not Bonhoeffer.

A gifted pastor and theologian, he believed that following Christ required more than words—it demanded costly obedience. He helped lead the Confessing Church, which resisted Nazi control of Christianity, and wrote influential books such as “The Cost of Discipleship” and “Life Together.”

Eventually, Bonhoeffer became involved in efforts to oppose Hitler’s regime.

Arrested in 1943, he spent two years in prison, continuing to write letters filled with hope and faith. Just weeks before World War II ended in Europe, he was executed by the Nazis.

Bonhoeffer’s witness continues to challenge Christians to pursue justice, speak the truth and remain faithful even when discipleship carries a high price.

As with Justin Martyr and Perpetua (mentioned in Part One), these heroes of the Christian faith exemplify the cost of discipleship, which may include martyrdom.

I’m reminded of another martyr focused on discipleship, Stephen, one of the Church’s first deacons: “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ Then, falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60).

Next, we’ll meet two early disciple-making heroes: Thomas Aquinas and John of the Cross.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylor-based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Margarita Mile in downtownTaylor, starts at 417 N. Main St., 1-5 p.m., ages 21 and up. • She Speaks Film Festival Award Ceremony at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free, all ages.

• 6th Annual Spay-ghetti Dinner & Raffle benefiting Texas Critter Crusaders at Taylor SPJST Hall, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 5 to 9 p.m., $40, tickets at www.texascrittercrusaders. com.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

MONDAY, SEPT. 21

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Sketch Club at Atelier 95, 311 N. Main St., Taylor, doors open at 6 p.m., donation: $15, ages 18 and up.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m. $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Dan Whitaker Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:3011:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10, ages 18 and up.

• Greed Fisher at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticket information at CouplandDancehall. com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Fiesta Taylor at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 6-10 p.m., details at taylorchamber.org/ fiesta-taylor-tx-tequila-music-2026/

• Black Sparrow Acoustic Showcase at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

• Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E. Texas 29, Georgetown, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., general admission required.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

MONDAY, AUG. 24

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

TUESDAY, AUG. 25

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior Social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

FRIDAY, AUG. 28

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Senior Social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Gabriel River Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m. $10, ages 18 and up.

• David Adam Byrnes at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket information at CouplandDancehall. com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Spark! Places of Innovation,” the Smithsonian in Taylor Exhibit at the Heidenheimer Building, 209 E. First St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Punk Night with four bands at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10, ages 18 and up.

God is sovereign. King. Creator. Owner of everything. And we are his creation. He can do as he wishes. But that doesn’t mean he moves every blade of grass, orchestrates every heartbeat or dictates every human choice.

Just because he can doesn’t mean he always does.

In his majesty, God permits us to choose a relationship with him … or not. Choice and consequences, freedom with blessings and curses. This has always been God’s gracious, relational nature. Yet some will say we cannot choose God on our own or play a role in a salvific relationship with him through Jesus.

If you disagree, they’ll say you believe God controls nothing. To them, only two extremes exist: You believe God controls everything, including choice … or that God controls nothing.

“Ron, how on Earth did this thinking come about?”

Fourth-century Augustine and the Reformer he inspired: John Calvin.

Like most of us, Saint Augustine’s Christian worldview was shaped by perceptions and experiences. Sadly, it was also influenced by various philosophies, including Stoicism. Although he and the early church fathers emphasized human free will in seeking God, Augustine’s position later shifted. His doctrine of an inability to choose God evolved into a theology asserting that all people are destined for hell, with God saving only a few souls.

According to this view, Jesus “effectively” died only for some—not everyone—and hope is reserved for those whom God draws out of the fire. In contrast, the Bible presents choice, consequences and genuine hope.

(Note: Subsequent Scripture quotes are without references for brevity. They are easy to find.)

The first significant choice and consequence we encounter is with Adam and Eve, who chose to disobey God. You’ll find countless “if-then” conditional statements in the Old Testament that echo “I will if you will” and “If you go here, then such-and-such will happen; otherwise ...”

Of course, 3,000 people lost their lives in the aftermath of the golden calf because they chose not to align with Moses. Another sobering choice: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” There are many more in the Old Testament.

Let’s move to the New Testament.

“God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent.” In fact, “Our Savior … desires all men to be saved.”

Why?

“(God is) not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” And who does God draw or call, and how?

“And I, if I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men to myself.” Yet the Jews of Jesus’ day rejected him: “Jerusalem … How often I wanted to gather your children together … and you were unwilling.”

To summarize, a sovereign God with free will has granted you free will as his imager. Choose wisely and live.

Next, let’s meet some of the “heroes of the faith.” In the meantime, honor God and love people in your freedom.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylor-based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

Samsung donated to several neighboring school districts, ensuring students arrive on the first day of school ready to learn with the supplies they need.

“This is a small way to help those in need at Taylor schools,” said Michele Glaze, head of Samsung public affairs.

Samsung’s total donation included a special company match.

“We’re grateful for the generosity of partners like Samsung,” said John Matthews, Taylor ISD Family Support Services coordinator. “It’s a great example of our community coming together to support our students and help them succeed.”

Campus doors opened Aug. 12 for Taylor’s first day of classes for the 2026-27 academic cycle.

Jesus didn’t define church doctrine. He didn’t create church roles or offices. He didn’t walk up and down the beach expounding the Torah, nor did he try to indoctrinate anyone. His purpose was simply to introduce God’s Kingdom through example and discipleship.

His approach? Teach, model, test, correct and send. We should do the same. Yet statistics and experience suggest that most church leaders and pastors don’t understand Jesus-style discipleship or follow this model, often choosing instead to label “indoctrination” as discipleship.

Let me share a couple of examples.

My wife and I recently visited several churches to find a new church home after our move last year. Whether a church is active in community outreach and discipleship matters, especially since love and discipleship are the two main things churches should pursue.

So I always ask … On one occasion, I poked an elder and asked, “What does your church do for discipleship?”

His answer? “We have a discipleship class on Wednesday nights.”

Me: “Oh? What will you teach this week?”

The elder said, “We’re going to teach people about free will.”

I guess that made sense, since that church’s doctrine is Augustinian Calvinism, which, among other things, teaches that “you can only freely do what God wills you to do”—a concept foreign to early Christians and generally contrary to God’s nature.

No church father before Augustine taught such a thing that defies God’s “I will if you will” nature and biblical language like “Choose!” If something so foundational, long accepted before Augustine, now requires deliberate instruction, the task resembles indoctrination more than discipleship.

On another occasion, I was asked to audit a discipleship manual someone had written and shared with me. I quickly noticed that the content was primarily intended to teach students how to be good church members: give, do, be. Given today’s church business model, that makes sense (even though, to be fair, some of the education and training touched on godly principles).

The temptation would be to indoctrinate church members to be good members by giving and working, and to call it “discipleship.” But that’s not what God has asked for, nor what Jesus modeled.

In both examples, human desires, doctrine and performance took precedence over discipleship. There may be nothing malicious or evil at work, and it isn’t necessarily wrong: It’s just not right. Teaching church members to be good members can be helpful, but it doesn’t address God’s commands to love people and make disciples. On the other hand, indoctrinating people to profess things contrary to God’s desires or Christ’s teachings is wrong and unhelpful.

In summary, ask yourself (if you’re a church leader): “Am I equipping my people first and foremost to obey God as disciples and disciple-makers?”

Next time, we’ll contrast the seemingly opposing concepts of free will and God’s sovereignty. In the meantime, please prioritize Jesusstyle discipleship and avoid confusing it with church doctrine or business.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylorbased minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

• Sharon Barker, Taylor

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• Rosemary Hauser, Taylor

• Howard Stojanik, Granger

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• Konarsky Enterprises, Thrall

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If you wish to subscribe to the Taylor Press print and digital editions, plus get great stories and features in the monthly East Wilco Insider and special publications, call 512-352-8535 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Meets the first and third Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES

• Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Independence Day Parade and Celebration at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, parade 9 a.m.; live music 4 p.m.; fireworks at dark.

• “American Rhapsody: 4th of July Celebration” at Brushy Creek Amphitheater, 1001 CR 137, Hutto, 4-9 p.m., free and free shuttle.

• Rodeo and Juliet: ‘90s country band at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 5

• Destiny Harrington: “Muses” author signing and Silent Book Club at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 1:303:30 p.m. (book signing), 3-4:30 p.m. (book club), free.

MONDAY, JULY 6

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Good Life Taylor Movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

• Chair yoga and grief support at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m. (yoga), 6:30 (grief), free.

TUESDAY, JULY 7

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Youth sports at Taylor Independent School District Events Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m., free.

• Taylor Talks at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Open Jam at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, ages: 18 and up.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St, Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner; Anime & Manga Club for Teens at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m. (story time), 5:30-6:30 p.m. (teens).

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Community Art Project with St. James at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

THURSDAY, JULY 9

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Youth sports at Taylor Independent School District Events Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Blues Night in the Speakeasy at 1922 Libations & Bites, 410 W. Seventh St., Suite 110, Taylor, 6-9 p.m.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• Country Therapy at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• When Mountains Speak Trio with Ben the Locksmith at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free, all ages.

• Matt Hankins & the Moonlighters at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

• Milarepa's Cave at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

• Movie in the Park: “Iron Giant” at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 9 p.m., free.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

• Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Taylor High School, 355 FM 973, Taylor, for more call Jason Hennington at 512-269-9735 or email taylorpress3on3@gmail. com.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• End of Summer Bookshop Bash! at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• “Hooks & Needles” and puzzle swap at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m. (needles), 12:30 p.m. (puzzle).

• Open Mic Night at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free, all ages.

• Clay Hollis at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

• “Writing Talk: Say It Like You Mean It” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 2-3:30 p.m., free.

• Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Taylor High School, 355 FM 973, Taylor, for more call Jason Hennington at 512-269-9735 or email taylorpress3on3@gmail. com.

MONDAY, JULY 13

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Good Life Taylor Movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

TUESDAY, JULY 14

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Basketball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m. for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, free.

• Taylor History at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6 p.m.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St, Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers and Teen Writing Group at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m. (story time), 5:45-6:46 p.m. (teens).

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis — Compiled by Catherine Parker

St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Basketball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m. for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Film Night with Hidden Light Social Film at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, ages: 18 and up.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Kids Pokémon Trading Card Game Meetup and Monthly Book Club: “The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives” by Elizabeth Arnott at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 4:30-6 p.m. (kids), 5:30-7 p.m. (book).

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• DIY Terrarium Building Workshop with Local Roots at Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St., Taylor, 6-8 p.m., $25.

• Gabriel River Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30- 1:30 p.m., free.

• Richard Sanguinetti at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free, ages: 18 and up.

• Lane Bricker at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Taylor Market Days at Old Taylor High, 410 W. Seventh St., Taylor, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• National Ice Cream Day at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free, all ages.

• David Lewis at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com MONDAY, JULY 20

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Good Life Taylor Movie at Dickey-Givens Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

TUESDAY, JULY 21

• Senior Tech Class and Date Night at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m. (senior), 6 p.m. (date).

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Volleyball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m, for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, free.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” by Kenard Pak at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Volleyball Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation, Taylor Independent School District Event Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-2 p.m, for ages 5-8; 2-3 p.m. for ages 8-12, free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• “Lagers and Literature: Curio Mrvosa Book Fair Pop-Up” at Neighborhood Bottle Shoppe, 120 W. Second St., Suite G, Taylor, 5-9 p.m., free; get 10% off with school supplies donation.

• Dare Buzzard Comedy Showcase at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., advance: $15, door: $20, ages: 18 and up.

• Keen Country Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Dale Watson and His Lone Stars at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• Punk Night Returns with It Begins, Frogmouth, Stitched Up, Worm Suicide and Red Eyes at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $10, ages: 18 and up.

• The Reverend Horton Heat at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing info at CouplandDancehall.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

• East Wilco Dems Meeting at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 12:30 p.m., free, all ages.

MONDAY, JULY 27

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Good Life Taylor Movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

• Chair yoga at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m., free.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Youth sports at Taylor Independent School District Events Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m., free.

• Silent Book Club at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6 p.m.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

• Storytime at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer Storytime & Craft: “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Short Story Book Club at Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St, Taylor, 7 p.m., free.

• Pride After Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., $10, ages: 18 and up.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

• Youth Off-Season Running at Memorial Field, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30-8 a.m. experienced runners; 8-9 a.m. new runners; $12 a session, ages 11-18.

• Chair yoga, chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Youth Sports at Taylor Independent School District Events Center Gym, 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m., free.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• Summer in the Park by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 31

• Splash Pad Play Day by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Splash Pad Play Day” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• “Gilmore Girls Day” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• “Acoustic Show: Jimmy George, Mopair, Ethan Azarian” at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m. $10, all ages.

• “Dreams: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute” at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing information at CouplandDancehall.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 FATHER’S DAY

• “Books & Brews for Dad: A Father’s Day Celebration” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 US-79, Hutto, noon-5 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga, kids craft and grief support at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m. (yoga), 10:30 a.m. (kids), 6:30 p.m. (grief), free.

• Good Life Taylor movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

• Sports and soccer clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Movie Day at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free.

• “Fiber Friends” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, noon-5 p.m.

• Teen Writer Club, Silent Book Club and Teen Board Night at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 4 p.m. (writer), 6 p.m. (book club). 6 p.m. (board game).

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

• Pickleball by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• “Teddy Bear Picnic” at Dickie Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer storytime and craft: “Knight Owl” by Christopher Denise at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Arts and crafts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Memorial Field House, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

• Sports and soccer clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• “Sleepy Storytime” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

• “Poetry Open Night” hosted by the Taylor Public Library at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free, ages 18 and up.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke night and pool tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger, doors open at 5 p.m.

• STEAM Challenge and teen craft at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 4:30 p.m. (STEAM), 6:30 p.m. (teen).

• Keen Country Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Ripple and Rose Dance Party at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, $10, ages 18 and up.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Meets the first and third Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES

• Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

• “Audiobook Walk with Curio Mrvosa” at Bull Branch Park, 904 Dellinger Drive, Taylor, 9 a.m., free.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• “Splash Pad Play Day” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Square, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Movie Day at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• “Hooks & Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 11:30 a.m.

• Cookbook Club with Curio Mrvosa at Local Grocer, 100 E. Second. St., Taylor, 4 p.m. free.

• Open Mic Night at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 6 p.m., free, all ages.

• Triston Marez at Coupland Dance Hall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland, doors open at 6 p.m., ticketing information at CouplandDancehall.com.

• 2nd Anniversary Party at Power Brewing Project, 3333 CR 119, Suite 130, Hutto, noon-11 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 FLAG DAY • “SKULLastic Book Fair: Summerween Edition,” Eerie Family | DJ FreakQ & BBQ, presented by Curio Mrvosa Books and More at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 2-9 p.m., free, all ages.

• “Writing Talk: Between Truth and Imagination” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 2-3:30 p.m., free.

MONDAY, JUNE 15

• Mini golf by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga, kids craft and adult financial abuse at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30 a.m. (yoga), 10:30 a.m. (kids), noon (abuse), free.

• “Stories & Snuggles for Little Crawlers” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon, free, ages: babies.

• Good Life Taylor movie at Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

• Sports & Tennis Sports Clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• “Senior Tech Class” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10 a.m., free.

• Movie Day at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

• “Fiber Friends” at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 5:30-6:30 p.m., free, ages: babies.

• “Date Night: Murder Mystery” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6 p.m.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17

• Pickleball by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Storytime: “Daniel G. Benes Science Show” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., free, all ages.

• Summer storytime and craft: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10:45-11:45 a.m., free, ages: 3-12.

• Preschool storytime at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m.

• Arts and crafts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Memorial Field House, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 1-3 p.m.

• Senior social at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 2 p.m., free.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Teen Writing Group at The Story Emporium & Bookshop, 202 U.S. 79, Hutto, 5:46-6:46 p.m., free

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

• Sports and tennis clinic by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, Taylor, 9-11 a.m.

• Chair yoga and chair massage and “Hooks and Needles” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (chair), 5:30 p.m. (needles), free.

• Water aerobics by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department,1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., $5.

— Compiled by Catherine Parker

• Butts ’N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track time and walk to run by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $12.

• “Sleepy Storytime” at Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m.

• “Summer in the Park” by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department at Fannie Robinson Park, 1009 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Dark Nonfiction Book Club at Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St., Taylor. 7 p.m, free.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 JUNETEENTH FEDERAL HOLIDAY

• Meets the first and third Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES

• Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

Someone told me this when I was 16: “All you have to do to be saved from hell is believe in Jesus and say this silent prayer.”

It sounded too good to be true, and I thought, “Surely, there must be more to a relationship with God.”

Now I can tell you that rescue from hell is possible only through an active, two-way relationship (covenant) with him that we need to foster… do our part… until we die or the world ends.

But this isn’t what many Protestants believe.

In Part One of this series, I defined salvation as both a rescue from God’s future wrath (will be saved) and the process of being made whole (being saved). I also noted that salvation involves two main parts: Entering a relationship with God and remaining in that relationship.

Here, I will expand on these points and explain their elements.

Covenant

Enter a relationship (covenant) with God. Some believe that everyone is on the fast track to hell unless God occasionally rescues someone. Others teach that everyone will be saved.

The truth: Anyone can choose salvation, but not everyone will … or stay if they do.

• Who: “God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

• Why: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 2:2).

• How: Entry into the relationship, like a marriage, requires experience, decision and devotion: “He came as a witness, to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him” (John 1:7; 20:31) and, “Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved …” (Romans 10:9-10).

Stay

Stay in the relationship. Honor God, be charitable to people and abide (stay):

• Honor God with all you are and have (Matthew 22:34-40).

• Be charitable (love others through a fruitful faith). “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share …” (1 Timothy 6:18). Otherwise, “Faith, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17).

• Persevere. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. … If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away … and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (Matthew 24:13, John 15:6).

Summary

Partner with God for transformation, rescue and eternal life by devoting yourself fully to him and remaining in the relationship.

What’s next? Many Christians view their connection to a heavenly father (which should be a covenant) as a onesided affair with a lovesick God. So we’ll work to better understand it. Meanwhile, honor God, be charitable, love justice and mercy, and focus on purity and spiritual growth.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylorbased minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

Railways bring opportunity and challenges

In 1876 the International-Great Northern Railroad steamed into Williamson County and established depots not far from Austin that would become the cities of Taylor and Hutto.

Now, 150 years later, both municipalities are commemorating the importance of the railroad in 2026 with sesquicentennial celebrations.

Yet at the same, the railroads that created an economic boon for east Wilco in the 19th century — while still vital — pose plenty of challenges for the fast-growing county in the 21st century as the population expands, roads are built to accommodate more autos and new industries locate to the region, officials said.

“We as citizens can complain about blocking the crossings or the long permitting and approval processes, but we also know that trying to get any changes made from (Union Pacific Railroad) is a battle … Don’t expect to win the fight,” said Scott Murrah, an engineer whose local projects have faced delays from Union Pacific.

Union Pacific officials declined to comment directly for the story, but did send this response: “Communities developing projects on or near Union Pacific right of way can start the process by reaching out to our public projects team on our website, where you can find detailed information on how the process works.”

The railroad provided this link: www.up.com/communities/ public-projects.

According to local historians, without the railroad Hutto, Taylor and many other Central Texas towns might not exist.

“We had several pioneer families around here and about all they could do was survive. But when the railroad came it meant you could be a farmer and you could grow something like cotton and get it to market,” said Don Doss, a member of the Williamson County Historic Commission.

Doss added, “That made it possible for a lot of people to make money and raise a family and build a house and that was very viable for a long time.”

The railroad connected Williamson County to the rest of the United States and the Port of Houston, igniting a boom in the cotton industry. In the early 1900s, Doss said, the county was the secondlargest producer of cotton in Texas and the state was the largest producer of cotton in the world.

Houston shipped more cotton than any other port on the planet.

“Without the railroads, Williamson County could have been like a lot of the counties you see now in East Texas where they only have small rural towns and no real industrial growth ... at least until Austin grew up,” Doss said.

A mixed blessing

In the 21st century, the tracks are now owned and operated by Union Pacific. BNSF Railway has trackage rights on the UP rails through the area. There is also an Amtrak stop in Taylor for passenger transport.

Cotton is no longer the economic driver for east Williamson County, but freight trains still run the rails through the cities that were once stations. While the towns when they formed relied on the railroad for survival, in 2026 the rails are a mixed blessing for the growing communities, according to some local leaders.

Some economic advantages

While railroads may cause issues with development, in other cases they give small cities special economic advantages, officials said.

The RCR Taylor Logistics Park at 79 and FM 3349 is a rail yard served by both UP and BNSR. It is situated with easy access to Samsung Austin Semiconductor and industrial sites in both Taylor and Hutto. It is also a main shipping hub for Tesla, which has leased a facility within the park for transporting its Model Y vehicles and Cybertrucks.

Officials with the Taylor Economic Development Corp. consider the facility to be a strategic asset.

“As the only rail-served port facility in Central Texas, Taylor is uniquely positioned to attract and support a diverse range of industries that rely on rail for the efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods,” said Ben White, CEO/President of the EDC. “This competitive advantage enhances our ability to recruit manufacturers, logistics providers and distribution operations that depend on reliable freight rail service— bringing quality jobs and (an) expanded tax base to our community.”

White says the Amtrak station in Taylor adds to the city’s options, allowing the town to leverage both freight- and passenger- rail assets for industry and community development.

Railroads and a traveling exhibit Taylor will celebrate its rail-based history during its sesquicentennial year with a visit from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit – “Spark! Places of Innovation.”

The traveling exhibit will be in town from Aug. 15 to Sept. 27.

Taylor is the only city in Williamson County to host the showcase this year.

The event was created to explore “the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that sparks innovation in invention” in rural communities, according to organizers.

“Taylor’s addition to the exhibit will highlight the region’s close ties to the railroad, cotton and incoming tech industry – along with local art, stories and historic vehicles,” said Taylor Special Events Coordinator Ruby Fisher. “Our hope is that folks leave the exhibit with the story of Taylor.”

More details are pending.

“

For small cities like Granger, the (Union Pacific Railroad) is the 800pound gorilla that the city has to live with.”

— Scott Murrah

The facility on 1,200 acres at the edge of Taylor expects to have about 1,500 permanent employees there by the end of 2026, but has several hundred, many from the Austin campus, transitioning to the new fab site.

“Samsung’s project in Taylor plans to be operational by the end of year,” said Michele Glaze, a spokeswoman for Samsung Electronics, in a written statement.

Officials indicated this is good news for the city and the region after two delays.

The company initially planned for a late 2024 opening. In April 2025, Samsung officials told the Taylor Press the new target would be end of 2026.

In the interim, Taylor city staff and the City Council renegotiated terms of the tax abatements and incentives agreements with the new target in mind.

“A key step in our progress is transitioning employees responsible for fabrication engineering, infrastructure and support operations from our Austin campus into the Taylor Office Building starting in November of last year. By the end of the year, we anticipate our Taylor head count will be 1,500,” Glaze said.

Samsung established its original Austin facility in 1996.

The Taylor site is expected to eventually ramp up to at least 1,800 employees.

Depending on the outlook for advanced semiconductor sales in the future, the South Korean company could spend another $27 billion in the next 20 years to build additional fab units in Taylor and on 600 acres of available land.

The $17 billion Taylor project still stands as the largest single investment by a foreign company in Texas.

The market for semiconductors softened somewhat since construction began in 2022, but Austin-based Tesla struck a deal with the chipmaker last year to be a major client for a new generation of chips for Tesla electronic vehicles in a contract that goes into 2033. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, that deal is worth at least $16.5 billion and he has vowed to participate in the process.

In addition to company investment and a reduction in property taxes from the city, Williamson County and the Taylor Independent School District, the Samsung project also received a federal CHIPS Act grant worth more than $4 billion and another $250 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund run by the Governor’s Office.

Suppliers of materials, components and services to the semiconductor industry are now flocking to Taylor, Hutto and neighboring cities and the companies are expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area.

“Are you saved, brother?” two guys asked me for several days about 40 years ago.

I initially replied, “Yep.”

Finally, I responded, “I was saved the first time you asked me, and I’m still saved.”

What does salvation mean, and how do we attain it? We’ll explore this in a two-part series.

Salvation defined In biblical Greek, salvation means to rescue, protect or restore. The specific meaning varies based on the context, and the Bible often describes salvation as a future rescue from God’s end-of-the-world wrath: “... For a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Meanwhile, we are “being” saved— being made whole (1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation relies on choosing, engaging in and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Therefore, rescue from God’s wrath requires free-will decision and action, as the Bible teaches and the earliest church affirmed.

The parts of salvation

Ancient church fathers (and the Bible) taught salvation has two parts: Entering a relationship with God and staying in that relationship.

Entry requires a decision and dedication (John 1:7 and 20:31; Romans 10:9-10). Staying requires obeying God’s commands to honor him and to love others charitably doing good works (James 2:1426; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; Hebrews 10:24; Revelation 20:13).

As a result, apostles and early church fathers emphasized that belief and action go hand in hand: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. … You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:17 & 24).

Staying also requires perseverance: “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. … If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned” (Matthew 24:13; John 15:6). So, who is called by God to believe, devote and persevere?

Who

God wants everyone to have a relationship with him (1 Timothy 2:4). So, Jesus died to pay the penalty for humanity’s rebellion (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2). The reality is, though, that not everyone will follow the narrow path to salvation.

The path to salvation

Contrary to popular beliefs, faith alone, silent prayers or fruitless faith will not save you. Instead, the Bible teaches the way to eternal life follows this basic approach: Experience and decide, devote yourself to God, honor him, be charitable to people and stay in the relationship.

Dissecting and explaining these steps will be the focus of Part Two.

Summary

Salvation involves being rescued from God’s wrath and experiencing a present transformation. Building and maintaining a relationship with God is essential to navigating these life-changing events. Next time, I will discuss the elements of the pathway that lead to new life and rescue from God’s wrath.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylorbased minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

Many Christians live at a spiritual extreme that could hinder God’s partnership with those he seeks. Some believe Christians only need to accept Jesus as their savior and confess their sins. This dangerous mindset, common among many Western evangelical Christians, can lead to spiritual complacency and contradicts the commands of Father and Son to honor, grow, love and obey.

How did this occur?

It has developed over decades through misapplications of core principles such as salvation by grace, a lack of discipleship, poor teaching and selfishness.

Father and Son understand who they are and what they have done — they don’t need our approval but do want our partnership.

God seeks partners to reconcile his creation in this age and to rule in the next.

• “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation … Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

• “He who overcomes, and he who keeps my deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations” (Revelation 2:26; see also Revelation 3:21 and 1 Corinthians 6:2-3).

The role of partnership involves training and transformation through discipleship, which should be each Christian’s top priority as both a disciple and a disciple-maker.

Everything else stems from it, including worship and spiritual growth. However, statistically, fewer than 20% of churchgoers regularly participate in discipleship activities such as small groups, Bible study, fellowship, prayer and accountability (https://www.barna. com/research/statechurch- 2016/).

Moreover, only 14% of today’s Western Christians seem to demonstrate the actions and attitudes that barna. com researchers associate with those of Jesus (https://www.barna. com/research/christiansmore- like-jesus-or-pharisees).

These numbers suggest that little discipleship is taking place, and imitating the one we call Savior is even more rare.

Nonetheless, no spiritually lazy people are welcome in God’s kingdom.

• “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away . . .

If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned” (John 15:2-16).

• “Then he will also say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite me in; naked, and you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me’” (Matthew 25:41- 43).

In summary

God doesn’t need our affirmation, nor will he tolerate Christian laziness. Repent and thrive or perish. In my next article, we’ll learn about the heavenly armor of God and why it’s a musthave.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a Taylorbased minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

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Eligible families can receive up to $10,000 per child for private-school tuition and $2,000 per child for homeschooling expenses.

Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000.

“Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned by government. The day has arrived that empowers parents to choose the school that’s best for their child,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a prepared release.

Applications are submitted through the portal at educationfreedom. texas.gov/.

Parents need to provide digital copies of students’ birth certificates, proof of residency and household income.

Notification of funding will begin in early April with about 25% of funds distributed July 1, officials said.

If application requests exceed the $1 billion budget, priority will be given to low-income families and students with disabilities, state officials said.

Abbott signed Senate Bill 2, now known as the “school voucher bill,” into law May 2025. The Legislature also passed House Bill 2 in June which set a record $8 billion in public-school funding, according to lawmakers.

SB 2 established a $1 billion Education Savings Account, which is the largest in the nation and a first for Texas with funds becoming available for the 2026-27 school year. Detractors of the bill say taxpayer money will be used to pay for private-school tuition that most families could pay on their own and also hurt public school districts.

Proponents say it gives parents an opportunity to provide their children with a better education.

Deliberately Diverse represents the opinions of a group of Taylor friends who never completely agree about anything but enjoy diverse discussions.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is the period between Christ’s birth and the coming of the Magi, the wise men from the east searching for Jesus. It’s a period long enough to entangle two kings and the Magi.

One king is Herod — powerful, recognized by the Roman Empire as king of the Jews and despised by the Jews of Judea for his decadence and cruelty. The other is Jesus the Christ, the Messiah clothed in swaddling, worshipped by shepherds come in from the fields in their muddy, smelly glory, vulnerable as only a newborn is.

This sets the stage for an earthly king and the newborn who is the king of creation, bound together by the Magi.

The Magi, sometimes called the three Kings from the East, are a different sort: astrologers or magicians, traipsing across the desert on camels chasing a star.

Strangers. Three crazy Gentiles following a light in the sky.

So now we have two Jewish kings and three crazy Gentiles.

Herod was no servant king in the tradition of the Israelite kings. Jesus’ own followers struggled to figure out who and what he was.

Three Crazy Gentiles led by a star brought the news that this child, born in a barn, opened the kingdom of heaven to all comers. There’s a place in this parade for me, one might proclaim.

The Magi — three crazy magicians, or maybe one or maybe five. They didn’t look like shepherds or the innkeeper. Different skin color. Different clothing. Different accents and habits ... following a star to find a king lying in a manger, a king with no armies or protectors.

That king is Jesus, born with no mark to declare his kingdom but this star.

Here we are, then … shepherds and wise men, rich and poor, followers and each one a seeker of life, light and the glory of God. And Herod rose, disturbed.

He recognized that this baby vulnerable in a barn threatened his kingdom as it had never been threatened before.

When you see the star overhead, will you follow? When the angels in their fearful majesty plunk themselves down in your backyard, will you listen? When Jesus calls you to do something you never considered, something as crazy as following a star, will you listen before you say no?

I want to go with the Magi to find the baby Jesus. I want to follow that star across the desert that my life sometimes becomes. I want to settle down in the hay with the wise men and the shepherds. I want to celebrate this moment that was and is always — when God was born human so that I might be borne to God.

Will you go with me?

Pierce is vicar of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Taylor and can be reached by email at ministry@ stjamestaylor.org.

Many Christians say they’re “no longer under the Old Covenant Law.”

That’s mostly true.

However, the statement downplays the law’s importance and ignores the need to follow its moral teachings.

Here, we’ll examine both the Old and New Covenant laws.

First, why are laws necessary? Why do we have laws?

Boundaries are everywhere. Traffic laws help keep us safe on the road.

Others protect communities from harm. This is true even in the animal kingdom. For example, I saw an elephant herd temporarily expel a young male that was getting “frisky” with already spoken-for females.

Laws also helped Israelites honor God and love people.

Old Covenant Law

First, a better translation of “law” is “instruction.” The Old Covenant version consisted of 613 instructions, starting with the Ten Commandments. Second, there were three types of instructions: civil, religious and moral. Civil instructions addressed issues such as handling corpses, sexual immorality and other community safety measures. Religious instructions directed people to serve God, and an abundant life in ancient Israel depended on meditating on the law’s commandments and obeying them (Deuteronomy 30:8, Joshua 1:8).

Although New Covenant Christians are no longer bound by Old Covenant civil or religious laws (Romans 7:6, Galatians 5:18), moral guidance—such as most of the Ten Commandments—is still relevant. These principles continue to apply (in other words, you don’t have a green light to murder someone).

Old Covenant instructions served another purpose: to establish an impossible standard.

Breaking the rules became a sin that could cause physical or spiritual death, emphasizing the need for a remedy

(Romans 5:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Now, there is a New Covenant Law that fulfills the Old Covenant’s civil and religious instructions and offers the cure for sin.

New Covenant Law

The relationship with God, as outlined in the old and new covenants, is a continuum from the old to the new. The new doesn’t erase the old (Romans 3:31) and offers the solution for our inability to perfectly follow the old law of God: Jesus, through whom grace and truth are made known (John 1:17). Through him, those led by the Spirit by faith are justified before God.

This isn’t achieved by merely following the Old Covenant’s civil and religious rules (Romans 7:4-7, Galatians 2:16 and 5:18). But don’t be fooled: Belief and action go hand in hand (Romans 2:13, James 2:14-26).

A belief that produces no results is worthless to God and will lead to wrath at the end of the world (John 15, Matthew 25:31- 46).

Summary

Christians no longer follow the Old Covenant’s civil and religious rules, but they still need to adhere to many of its moral principles. And the New Covenant’s instructions to honor God and love others (relational terms and conditions) must be obeyed … or else.

What’s next? Let’s address the one Old Covenant Law that New Covenant pastors often drag kicking and screaming into the church: tithing.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a locally based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

I have a friend who had a vine planted on a trellis next to her house. The trellis was not attached to the house. The vines produced beautiful yellow flowers, something like what we call in Texas yellow bells.

The trellis fell recently. The startling thing is the falling trellis didn’t uproot the vine.

When my friend went to trim the vine, she discovered it was so entangled, and the branches were so much a part of the vine and intertwined, that it was hard to discover where one branch ended and another began.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, or NRSVue.

Diana Butler Bass, a favorite theologian, highlights the image of agricultural connection – “Jesus was the vine; they were branches. That’s so intimate, so entangled. Aren’t the ‘branches’ of a grapevine part of the vine? Aren’t they vines, too? Vines have branches that, in turn, themselves vine.”

Abide means to stay or remain; but it is also a derivation of the Greek word for dwelling place.

“Make your home in me as I make my home in you.” John 15:4 Even without its trellis, my friend’s vine was able to make its home in the soil.

The image of abiding is associated with the vineyard images – images from the Hebrew Bible where God’s people are God’s vineyard.

Because the Father has raised Jesus from the dead, this Word of God now become flesh among us has an abiding and lasting presence – now continues to dwell among us.

In the imagery of the vine that presence is underscored as abiding, lasting and permanent. The Word of God is the vine and we the branches. This is not a promise of some future presence, of a heavenly end. This is the promise of today – that God abides in us through the word, Jesus … and we are invited to abide in God.

If we love one another, God lives in us.

If we love one another, God dwells in us and we dwell in God.

Bass introduced me to another idea related to the vine. The word “terroir” is a French word that describes the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to wine by the environment in which it is grown.

The soil of a place produces a unique fruit which bears the taste of the ground itself.

If we dwell in God and God dwells in us, we will have within us the unique fragrance and flavor of God and we will impart that fragrance to the world.

Pierce is the vicar of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Taylor and can be reached by email at ministry@ stjamestaylor. org.

I’m a discipleship guy.

Why? Because, without it, there’s little to no Christian transformation and the beautiful things it brings. So, I’m all about change and spiritual growth — mine and yours.

But what is basic discipleship and how can we be fruitful as we do it?

And what do we do when it’s not working out?

First, discipleship is about imitation: presenting something worth imitating and mimicking what is seen and heard.

Jesus taught, modeled what he taught, tested, corrected and sent as he led his followers. He gave his disciples something good to imitate. Then, they did what Jesus did.

Here’s an example from nearly 2,000 years ago, written by the apostle Paul to the Church in Thessalonica: “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (Thessalonians 1:6) Second, discipleship can be messy.

It occurs when we walk with someone at their rhythm of life; their and our discipleship and spiritual growth must never stop. The disciple-discipler relationship develops the trust needed to share struggles, woes and joys.

Importantly, authentic discipleship ensures that you observe a disciple’s behavior and are prepared to answer questions or offer correction.

This is where it can get messy. But discipleship doesn’t happen

without it. Third, discipleship isn’t for everyone, and most of these relationships will fail. Why?

Most likely due to a lack of devotion to God or the discipleship process, which can be tough.

So, what should you do if this happens as you engage in discipleship?

Setting clear expectations about mandatory devotion to God and the discipleship relationship is essential. Then, hold the disciple accountable.

But if they aren’t growing, showing up, studying, etc., it might be time to “cut bait.” Ditch the spiritual dead weight and move on.

“But Ron, the disciple is my friend. Are you saying I must end the friendship?” Absolutely not.

Keep that relationship but focus your discipleship efforts elsewhere.

Jesus addressed this in Mark 6:7-13: “And he summoned the 12 and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits ... And he said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.’ They went out and preached that men should repent. …” To recap, discipleship is about your speech and example, as well as others imitating what they hear and see. So, be someone worth imitating. And don’t get stuck in a dead-end discipleship relationship. There’s plenty for you to do, so move forward.

Next week? You’ll finally meet two inspiring third-century martyrs worth imitating: Perpetua and Felicitas.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a locally based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

If we are forgiven for our sins when we respond to God’s call through devotion to him (making Jesus “Lord” as seen in Romans 10:8-10) and obedience to honor and love God and people, why do we need to keep seeking forgiveness?

Jesus hinted at the answer in John 13:5-10.

“Then he poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. So he came to Simon Peter.”

“Lord, do you wash my feet?” Simon Peter asked. “Never shall you wash my feet.’” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.”

Simon Peter said, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

This servant-leader taught that we need regenerative bathing in the New Covenant, as seen in 13:10, and regular washing (ongoing repentance) to inherit God’s kingdom.

Let me explain. There are two kinds of washings referenced in John 13. The first is washing a part of the body, such as the hand or foot (e.g., verses 5 and 6). It is referenced by the word Peter used in 13:6 when he said, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” The washing of the part of the body referenced here is the Greek word pronounced “nip-toe.”

This “washing” for forgiveness when we rebel against God’s standard is part of our repentance— turning away from sin as we exercise changed behavior because of a new heart.

The second washing is bathing the whole body, as in the Old Testament reference to what Bathsheba was doing when David saw her. This Greek word is pronounced “loo-oh,” and we see this in 13:10.

There’s a distinct difference between the two types of spiritual washing.

First, the atoning work of Christ bathes – “looohs” – us from the sin and disobedience we practiced before we knew better, repented and devoted ourselves to God through Christ.

Second, we continue to repent and experience a cleansing when we fall short of God’s desires after devotion to him. In verse 10, we learn the one who has been bathed (loo-oh’d) needs only to have regular washings (nip-toes) for forgiveness inrepentance. Finally, Jesus explained to Peter that he and the other disciples had been “bathed” (regenerated) except for Judas.

In summary, we are bathed (“loo-oh’d”) when we devote ourselves to God out of our belief in him, and we continue to be “nip-toed” in our repentance when we mess up. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’ instruction for a disciple-maker to “wipe the dust off the feet” and move on instead of stagnating.

Blessings and peace.

Braley, a local minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.

• Preschool Play Time ages 3-6 at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Monthly Homeschool Meetup at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 2-3:30 p.m.,12 and younger.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Book Blind Date benefiting the Hutto Public Library at Hutto Wine Bar, 105 East St., Hutto, 5 p.m., adult and teen books for $5.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Aug. 21

• Open Mic Night at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Butts ‘N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Burgers with the Band & Goodies with the Guard Fundraiser at Taylor High School football field, 355 FM 973, Taylor, 5:30-8 p.m., $14 Tickets: thetaylorduckpack@gmail.com.

Friday, Aug. 22

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Rec, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 11 a.m., $5.

• Baby/Toddler Play Time at Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Silos Farmers Market at The Cotton Gin, 106 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto, 4 8 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night and Pool Tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Space Ranchers Justin Live Music at Power Brewing Project, 3333 CR 119, Suite 130, Hutto, 7-9 p.m.

• Gabriel River Band at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

Saturday, Aug. 23

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Movie: “Mamma Mia Sing-A-Long Brunch” by the Taylor Film Society, Dickey-Givens Community Center, 1015 MLK Jr. Blvd., Taylor, 11:30 a.m., $25. Tickets: GoodLifeTaylor.com.

• The Pearlsnaps at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $10 at the door.

• The Wheel Workers, Jay Satellite, Le Gargoyle at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., $10. Ages: 18 and up.,

Monday, Aug. 25

• Speed Friending for Families at Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Zumba by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track Time by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department,1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

• Preschool Play Time ages 3-6 at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Aug. 28

• One Time Sessions at Art Off Center, 116 W. Second St., Suite 108, Taylor, 1-2:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., $60. Registration: https:// artoffcenter.com/calendar/.

• Open Mic Night at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Butts ‘N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

Friday, Aug. 29

• Senior Fit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 11 a.m., $5.

• Baby/Toddler Play Time at Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Silos Farmers Market at The Cotton Gin, 106 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto, 4-8 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night and Pool Tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Glen Collins at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

Saturday, Aug. 30

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N.

Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Pottery Wheel Class 1 of 6 at Art Off Center, 116 W. Second St., Suite 108, Taylor, noon to 2:30 p.m., $380. Registration: https:// artoffcenter.com/calendar/.

• Josh Ward and Gunnar Latham at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $23.50.

Tickets: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/ tickets/443378.

Sunday, Aug. 31

• Wheel & Handbuilding Basics Class 1 of 6 at Art Off Center, 116 W. Second St., Suite 108, Taylor, noon to 3 p.m., $380. Registration: https://artoffcenter.com/calendar/.

Monday, Sept. 1 Labor Day Tuesday, Sept. 2

• Senior Fit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Intermediate Pottery Wheel Class 1 of 4 at Art Off Center, 116 W. Second St., Suite 108, Taylor, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $285.

Registration: https://artoffcenter.com/ calendar/.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track Time by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department,1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Adult Show & Tell at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m.

Ages: 18 and up.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• LinkedIn Learning Workshop using your library card for free access and training at Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto. Ages: 13 and up.

• Neighborhood Coalition at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m. Ages: 18 and up.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

Thursday, Sept. 4

• Open Mic Night at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Daddy Daughter Hair Tutorials at the Hutto Public Library, 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Butts ‘N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

Friday, Sept. 5

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 11 a.m., $5.

• Karaoke Night and Pool Tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Texas Neon Ramblers at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

• Meets the first and third Wednesday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

ROTARY CLUB

• Meets noon Thursday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

STITCHIN’ TIME AND HOOKS & NEEDLES

• Meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., and 1:30-4 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 N. Main St., Taylor. For more, call Dorothy at 512-914-1371.

LIONS CLUB

• Meets noon Friday at Sirloin Stockade, 3607 N. Main St., Taylor.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays each month in the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor.

Are we missing your civic organization? Submit your group’s info to news@taylorpress.net or by calling 512-352-8535.

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• Yoga at the Gin, 420 U.S. 79, Hutto, 10-11 a.m., free.

• 4th Anniversary Party with Texas Critter Crusaders Cat Adoption Pop-Up at Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St., Taylor, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Kenny Orts at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $17.50. Tickets: https://tickets. holdmyticket.com/tickets/439197. Ages: 21 and up.

• Hamell on Trial at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., $10. Ages: 18 and up.

MONDAY, AUG. 4

• Zumba by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Sketch Club at Atelier 95, 311 N. Main St., Taylor, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Donation: $15. Ages: 18 and up.

TUESDAY, AUG. 5

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track Time by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department,1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Adult Show and Tell Storytelling Event at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 8 p.m., free. Ages: 18 and up.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

• Taylor Neighbors Coalition Meeting at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., Taylor, 7 p.m., free.

THURSDAY, AUG. 7

• Open Mic Night at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Butts ‘N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 11 a.m., $5.

• Silos Farmers Market at The Cotton Gin, 106 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto, 4-8 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night and Pool Tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Teen Night at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $10 at the door. Ages: 13 to 18.

• Trivia Night at Power Brewing Project, 3333 CR 119, Suite 130, Hutto, 7:30 p.m.

• Robert Lawhorn & Triple Threat at SPJST Lodge 29, 5025 FM 619, Taylor, 7:30-11:30 p.m., free.

SATURDAY, AUG. 9

• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

• All Hat No Cadillac at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $17.50. Tickets: https:// tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/ 439322. Ages: 21 and up.

• Open Mic Night at Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. 2nd St., Taylor, 7 p.m., Free, All ages.

MONDAY, AUG. 11

• Zumba by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12

• First day for Hutto and Coupland independent school districts

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 10:30 a.m., $5.

• Pilates by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

• Track Time by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13

• First day for Taylor Independent School District

• Hutto Farmers Market at 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, 3-7 p.m.

• Yoga by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6:30 p.m., $5.

THURSDAY, AUG. 14

• Open Mic Night at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Butts ‘N’ Guts by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 6 p.m., $5.

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

• SeniorFit by Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, 1412 Davis St., Taylor, 11 a.m., $5.

• Silos Farmers Market at The Cotton Gin, 106 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto, 4-8 p.m., free.

• Karaoke Night and Pool Tournament at Cotton Country Club, 212 E. Davilla St., Granger. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Back To School Bash & Movie in the Park: “Transformers One” at Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St., Taylor, 5:30-10 p.m., free.

• Teen Night at Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 101 Hoxie St., Coupland. Doors open at 7 p.m., $10 at the door. Ages: 13 to 18.