RELIGIONBRIEFS

Food Pantry open

Vernon — The Holy Family Church Food Pantry on Peterboro Road in Vernon serves families in Vernon, Vernon Center, Sherrill, Oneida Castle and Oriskany Falls. The food pantry is open the first and third Monday and Friday of every month. Monday is open 5-6:30 p.m. and Friday is open 9:30-11 a.m. Fresh food is the fourth Thursday of every month open 3-4:30 p.m.

Upcoming dates for the food pantry are: Friday, May 3 and May 17; Monday, May 6 and May 20; and Thursday, May 23.

National Day of Prayer

Utica — The National Day of Prayer, held every year on the first Thursday of May, is a day for all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This year’s National Day of Prayer falls on May 2, and its theme is “Love one another, just as I have loved you,” from John 13:34. A local observance will take place in the form of a breakfast at Hart’s Hill Inn at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $13.34. Tickets are available at Big Apple Music or the Good News Center, or by calling 315-735-6210. They are also available online at www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Rummage sale

Lairdsville — The Lairdsville United Methodist Church will hold a rummage sale on Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday will be “Bag Day.” There will also be a bake sale.

Swiss steak dinner

Vernon — The Vernon United Methodist Church will host a Swiss steak dinner on Saturday, May 4, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the church. Dinner includes Swiss steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, beverage and homemade pies for dessert. Dinner costs $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and younger. Ten percent of all proceeds will go to a mission. Take outs are available. For more information, call 315-829-3535.

New London rummage sale

New London — The New London Methodist Church will hold a rummage sale on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a large variety of items available. The church is located on Country Route 50.

Chicken BBQ

Canastota — The United Church of Canastota will host a drive-thru chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chicken will be accompanied by salt taters, beans, slaw, a roll and desert for $10.

Craft fair

Oriskany Falls — The Augusta Presbyterian Church, 2345 Route 26 Oriskany Falls, will hold its annual rummage sale and crafts fair on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafters interested in participating are asked to contact Jackie Knudson at 315-8295583.

Craft Festival applicants wanted

Richfield Springs — Applications are currently being accepted for the 40th annual Friendship Craft Festival, sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. It will take place on Saturday, June 8 from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Spring Park on Route 20. For information, an application and festival details go to www.rschurchofchristuniting.com or call Lani King at 315-858-9451.

Holy Land trip

Utica — The Good News Center will host a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Nov. 30 through Dec. 10, led by Mark Kaminski, as well as a local guide who lives in Israel. The trip will visit the sites of Bethlehem, Nazareth, Cana, the Sea of Galilee, and more. Prices include first-class accommodations, airfare, ground transportation and some meals. For more information, call 315-735- 6210 or visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org or selectinternationaltours.com.

Lakeside Walkers

Sylvan Beach — The “Lakeside Walkers” walking group will meet in Sylvan Beach on Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. The group will begin at the picnic table closest to the bath house. Those interested in setting up walking times or checking in to see meeting times can visit www.meetup.com/ Lakeside-Walkers. On that site, different walking times and levels of difficulty will be posted and any weather cancellations. Those interested in organizing walks in other communities are also welcome to use the website. For more information, call Cindy Scott at 315-245-5962 or email SarahScott3030@gmail.com.

Church pantry moved

Morrisville — The Morrisville Community Church Food Pantry has moved from the Cornell Cooperative Building, 100 Eaton St., Morrisville, to the lower level of the Morrisville Community Church, located at 3824 Swamp Road, Morrisville. New hours of operation are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Food is available outside of normal hours during emergencies. For more information, contact the church at 315-6843314.

Mass times changed

Chittenango — Recently, Mass times at St. Patrick’s Church, Chittenango, have changed. Saturday vigil is at 4 p.m. Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m., and there is no longer an 8 a.m. Mass.

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) 6843070.

Clothing donations accepted

ONEIDA — St. John’s Episcopal Church, 341 Main St., has been chosen by St. Pauly Textile, Inc. as a repository for used clothing. St. Pauly’s mission is to provide wearable clothing to people who need it, both in the United States and Third World countries. Items that can be collected include clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, linens, blankets, curtains and stuffed toys. No rags or fabric scraps, pillows, toys or household goods are accepted. Donations are not cut up or shredded. Items should be placed in plastic bags (no larger than 13 gal. size) and placed in the chute of the shed located on St. John’s driveway. Donations are acceptable any time of the day or night. This mission has provided more than 30 million garments to people all over the world who are in need.

Support for parents

Utica — Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) is a national organization founded in Arizona. The group will be led by Michelle Holliday, who has been trained by PAL. Some of the topics covered are: addiction cycle, traits and behaviors, delayed emotional growth, role of family and enabling behaviors. Meetings are 6:30-8 p.m. every other Monday at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. For more information contact The Good News Center at 315-735-6210, info@thegoodnewscenter.org, or online at www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

Grief survivors

Utica — The Grief Survivors group meets every other Tuesday from 5:307:30 p.m. at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. Drop-ins welcome. This is a non-denominational support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one. For more information contact The Good News Center at 315-7356210, info@thegoodnewscenter.org, or visit www. thegoodnewscenter.org.

Women at the Well

Utica — Women at the Well Women at the Well meets from 6:30–8 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. All Christian women of any age are invited to come to Women at the Well to enrich their awareness of God in their life and becomemore attentive to the ways He nourishes them each day. Facilitated by Sister Mary Ellen Schopfer, CSJ, spiritual director, this evening becomes a time for receiving insights, as well as gaining support. For details, call

The Good News Center at 315-735-6210 or visit www. thegoodnewscenter.org.

Separated and divorced support group

Utica — The Separated and Divorced Support Group meets every other Sunday, 5-6:30 p.m. at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. The groupmeets in awarm, caring, confidential environment designed to help teach skills and practical information that will guide participants in rebuilding their lives after separation or divorce. Free and open to all. For more information contact Judy at 315735- 6210, judy@thegoodnewscenter.org, or visit us at www.thegoodnewscenter.org.

The Third Option

Utica— The ThirdOption meets every other Sunday from 6:30-8:30 p,m, at The Good News Center, 10475 Cosby Manor Road, Utica. Learn communication skills such as howto handle anger more constructively, resolve conflicts, and communicate better. Hear couples share how they overcame problems in their marriages. The ThirdOption support group is for married couples. For more information and to register call 315-735-6210, info@thegoodnewscenter.org or visit us online www. thegoodnewscenter.org.