Religion Briefs

Free community dinner tonight

VERONA» First Presbyterian Church of Verona will host a free community dinner on Thursday, March 22 from 4:30-6 p.m. A free-will offering will be accepted to support the Verona Area Food Banks. The church, located at the corner of Main Street and Rock Road, is accessible to those with physical challenges.

Lenten fish fry continues

VERNON » Holy Family Church will serve a haddock dinner each Friday through March 23 from 4-6:30 p.m. Dinner includes potato, salad bar and beverage for $9. Takeouts will be available for $8; call (315) 829-2820 after 3 p.m. to order. The church is located at 4352 Peterboro St.

Chili cook-off set for Saturday

CANASTOTA » First Baptist Church will hold a Community Chili Cook- off on Saturday, March 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at the church, 304 S. Peterboro St. Contestants should bring their entries to the church between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m. There is no entry fee. Registration is required by calling (315) 6979936. The winning cook will receive a $50 Walmart gift card. There will be door prizes for all tasters.

Program for vets offered April 17

ONEIDA » The Board of Deacons and Military Out- reach Committee at First Presbyterian Church of Oneida will present an evening with Clear Path for Veterans on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 304 Broad St. The program, “Supporting the Journey Home” with Community Outreach Coordinator Lynn Fox, will showcase the programs Clear Path for Veterans offers to veterans and active duty military. Information on volunteer opportunities will also be presented. The event is free and open to the public. For information or to register, call (315) 219-7050 or email ofpcmilitaryoutreach@gmail.com.

Spring brunch served April 7

CANASTOTA » The United Church of Canastota, 144 Center St., is hosting a Swing into Spring Buffet Brunch on Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. The menu includes ham, bacon, French toast, hash brown casserole, scrambled eggs, pasta with meat sauce, tossed salad, green beans, copper carrots, fruited gelatin, muffins and beverages for $8 per person. Ten percent of the proceeds will support the missions of the church, including Loaves & Fishes Hospitality Center, Nicaragua Medical Mission, Heifer International and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Love Tree up for Easter season

ONEIDA » First Presbyterian Church of Oneida will have its annual Love Tree celebrating the Easter season. This year the Mission and Outreach Committee will offer three opportunities for church members to support the community, those in need and families who reach out for support. As always, the church will be supporting the Karing Kitchen; this year, members will also support Food Sense and provide dry goods and staples for the church to give on demand. For more information, call the church office at (315) 363-7590.

Senior ministry offered Wednesdays

VERONA » St. Peter’s Lutheran Church will hold a Christian Ministry for Seniors each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 4897 Old Oneida Road. There will be coffee and conversation, Bible study, and at 10:30 a.m. a special program will be held. There will also be exercise and lunch at noon.

Friendship Inn open each Thursday

MORRISVILLE » Friendship Inn at St. Joan of Arc Church offers a free weekly meal to the Morrisville community every Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. Non-denominational and open to all, regardless of financial need, Friendship Inn draws on a small army of volunteers who fulfill numerous tasks, from set-up, cooking, serving, to clean-up. Volunteers are always needed. Donations are welcome as well to supplement food offerings and to purchase equipment and supplies. Checks may be made out to Friendship Inn, c/o St. Joan of Arc Church, 6 Brookside Dr. P.O. Box 1087, Morrisville, N.Y. 13408. For more information contact Patty Higgins at (315) 684-3070.