“Built to Last” is the theme of a conference on enhancing ministry in churches, Oct. 9-11, at First Baptist Church in Midland. Keynote speakers are David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in El Paso; James Hassell, pastor of First Baptist Church in San Angelo; and Randel Everett, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland. For more information, call (432) 683-0616 or visit www.fbc-midland.org.
Commission delays action on historical racing. The Texas Racing Commission indicated it will not consider rule changes regarding historical racing at its Aug. 12 meeting because members need more time to study the matter, several media outlets reported. 
Historical racing machines—also called “instant racing” devices—display information and a brief video clip from previously run races stripped of identifying markers. They also allow players the option of pushing a single button to play and allowing the machine to make wagering choices. Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, submitted a formal request to Attorney General Greg Abbott, asking for an official opinion about whether the commission has authority to approve historical racing machines at Texas racetracks, and members of the Texas Senate Republican Caucus called on the commission to reject rule changes.
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