Aid donation

Congregation Beth Or: On Oct. 23 the synagogue donated $18,000 to El Concilio, a local charity that will distribute funds to those in need as a result of natural disasters.

Special guests

Church of the Holy Spirit: The Rev. David Peters, founder of the Episcopal Veteran’s Fellowship, will be the guest speaker at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services on Sunday at 2871 Barndt Road, Upper Salford. His topic will be “Post-Traumatic God: How the Church Ministers to People Who Have Been to Hell and Back.” Rev. Peters is traveling to churches to nurture existing veterans’ ministries and coach parishes and dioceses as they start new ones. He served in the Marines before finishing college and seminary, and after 9⁄11 and the U.S. invasion of Iraq he volunteered to serve as an Army chaplain and deployed to Iraq in 2005. After Iraq, he was assigned to the amputee and psychiatric wards of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. These experiences led him to found EVF in 2014. For more information, call (215) 234-8020 or visit www.churchoftheholyspirit. us. St. Luke’s United Church of Christ: The church at 125 N. Main St., North Wales, hosts guest pastor Peter Detterline during the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday. Detterline recently retired as director of the Boyertown Planetarium and continues to teach astronomy at Montgomery County Community College. Also, in recognition of Reformation Sunday, soprano Brenda Morrone will sing “A Mighty Fortress Medley,” arranged by Laura Bergzuist. Franconia Mennonite Church: Oct. 29 is Missions Sunday. During the 10:15 a.m. service, Charles Ness will deliver the message “Renewed and Restored,” with testimonies from several organizations related to

prison ministry. The church is at 613 Harleysville Pike, Franconia.

Fall festivities

Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek: A fall festival is held 1 to 4 p.m. today at 171 Church Road, Franconia Township. Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church: Adults will be decorating their automobile trunks/hatchbacks in fall and Halloween décor for all to enjoy at 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be trick-ortreating for children with candy, food, games and prizes. There will also be music provided by a DJ. Trunk ‘R Treat will also include a children’s costume parade. Monetary donations will be collected to benefit Lutheran Disaster Response in their work to aid the victims of this year’s hurricanes. The church is at 100 Old Bethlehem Road, East Rockhill.

Dramatic presentation

Family Worship Center: “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” is presented free at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-31 at the church at 1000 Troxel Road, Towamencin. “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” depicts real-life circumstances that end in death, and the resulting destination for each character. Childcare will be provided. Call (215) 361-2431, ext. 220 to register your child. A free will offering will be received.

Elder care

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will be in the parish library 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31 to provide tips on “Dementia Conversations,” including when to see the doctor and when to stop driving. Contact Jennifer at (215) 721-0199, ext. 225 or jrose@chs-adlphila.org to register. The church is at Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield.

Drive safely

Congregation Beth Or: An AARP refresher Safe Driving Course for adults 50+ runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1. Completing the course could get you a discount on your car insurance. Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Bring your driver’s license to class. Checks are payable to AARP. RSVP to jglick@bethor.org. The synagogue is at 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin.

Faith to faith

Church of the Holy Spirit: “Muslim Americans: Beliefs & Practices and Contemporary Challenges” will be the topic of a presentation at 9 a.m. Sunday at the church at 2871 Barndt Road and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Salford. The guest speaker will be Asheq Fazlullah, who serves with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Philadelphia Chapter. For more information, call (215) 234-8020 or visit www. churchoftheholyspirit.us.

For men

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: Men of all ages are welcome to That Man Is You 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturdays in the Parish Center, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield. Visit tmiysmg@gmail. com or call Bill at (215) 7210199, ext. 254. Special services St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: The church at 211 S. Main St., North Wales, celebrates Reformation Sunday, along with the church’s Korean congregation, on Oct. 29 with Holy Communion and music with choir, brass and bells at 8:30 and 10 a.m. On Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. will be an Evening Celebration Service for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Call (215) 699-4604. St. John’s Lutheran Church: A Reformation Vespers Service begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at 1802 W. Skippack Pike., Whitpain. Congregation Beth Or: Celebrations Shabbat Worship is at noon today at 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin. Also, RSVP by Nov. 1 for a Veteran’s Shabbat Worship and Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Veterans and active duty personnel will be recognized at the service and will be honored guests at the dinner, courtesy of the Arnold Berkowitz Memorial Fund for Veterans. Cost is $22 per person. RSVP to bmurtha@ bethor.org. Church of the Holy Spirit: An ancient Service of All Hallow’s Eve, followed by a celebration, will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday at 2871 Barndt Road and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Salford. The short service is a little bit “spooky” and speaks of God’s love and presence in all parts of creation. Children of all ages are invited to wear costumes and join in the service and celebration with food, games and fun. A Choral Evensong for All Saints Day will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Presenting this service of Evening Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, which dates back to the year 1549, will be the Lincoln Cathedral Trip Choir from Holy Spirit. The choir will journey to the Lincoln Cathedral in England next August to sing services for a week there. For more information, call the church at (215) 234-8020 or visit www. churchoftheholyspirit.us.

Need work?

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: St. Joseph’s People, a group which assists the unemployed and underemployed, meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the Parish Center Library, Derstine and Cowpath road, Hatfield. Contact Nancy at nancyboak@aol.com.

Music notes

Central Schwenkfelder Church: At 3 p.m. Sunday Zion Choral, a 120-voice chorus, will be presenting “God Will Make a Way,” a worship service through inspirational music such as “Point of Grace,” “Hope is Born,” and “Amazing Grace.” This year marks Zion’s 88th anniversary season. A free-will offering will be collected. The church is at 2111 Valley Forge Road, Worcester. For directions or more information, call (610) 584-4480 or see www. centralschwenkfelder.com. St. John’s United Church of Christ: The St. John’s Brass, accompanied by organ, of St. John’s UCC will play “Solemn Entry” by Richard Strauss at the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday. In addition, the Chancel Choir will sing “Alleluia” by J. S. Bach. The church is at 500 W. Main St., Lansdale. Call (215) 855-5489 or visit www.st-johns-ucc.org. St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: At 7 p.m. Nov. 3 it’s a Charlie Zahm Celtic Concert in Drexel Hall, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield. Admission is $20; BYOB. Refreshments will be sold and there will be basket of cheer raffles and a 50⁄50 drawing. Contact Helen at (215) 723-7422 or helenotto@comcast.net.

Shopping season

Christ Lutheran Church: A Market Day Craft and Pie Sale is held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4. Handmade items and art will be sold by local artists. Admission is free. The event will also include raffle baskets and refreshments for purchase. Raffle basket proceeds will benefit The Gift of Life Donor Program. Market Day is hosted by the Social Ministry Team of Christ Lutheran Church and will benefit various missions and outreaches, both globally and locally. The event will be held inside in Weaver Hall, 2211 Mainland Road, Towamencin. For more information visit http:// www.marketdayclc.wixsite. com/2016. Central Schwenkfelder Church: The second annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show happens 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at the church’s Community Center, 2067 Steelman Road, Worcester. There will be a concession stand with hot food, and more than 20 different vendors selling everything from baked goods to handmade wooden toys, artisan soaps and greeting cards. Santa will be making an appearance from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be available for pictures with the kids. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: The thrift shop at the church at 211 S. Main St., North Wales, is open for the 26th season, benefitting many local charities. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. See a fall and winter boutique line, attic treasures, housewares, clothing for women and children, Halloween costumes and decor, books, linens, jewelry, vintage items and more. Find a different buyone-get-one surprise every week. Call (215) 699-4604.

Parents and kids

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: A Play and Pray Moms and Tots group meets 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays in the Parish Center basement at Cowpath and Derstine roads, Hatfield. Mothers, grandmothers and their little ones, infant through age 5, are welcome to join. Contact Janna at jlkerr8@gmail.com.

Let’s eat

Lansdale Presbyterian Church: A free meal is served at 1 p.m. Sunday at the church, 450 Oak Park Road, Hatfield Township. All are welcome and reservations are not necessary. For more information, call (215) 368-1119. Trinity Christian United Church of Christ: A community turkey dinner is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4. Either eat in or take out; walk-ins welcome. Cost is $14, $7 for children 5-12. The church is at 2009 Church Road, Skippack. Call (610) 454-7744. Christ Covenant Church: The church at 2200 Mainland Road, Towamencin, hosts a free community hot breakfast in the fellowship hall, including scrambled eggs, pancakes, breakfast meat, toast, fruit and beverages 8 to 10 a.m. the last Saturday of every month in the fellowship hall. No reservations are required and all ages are welcome. Call (215) 256-8101. Trinity Lutheran Church: TLC Dinner Together, a community meal, is held 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays for a $3 donation. The church is at 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale.

Gather together

Souderton Mennonite Church: Divorce Care, a course offering support, counsel and encouragement to people who have been through the pain of divorce, or are separated from their spouse. Meetings are held 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the church, 105 W. Chestnut St., Souderton. For more information, or to join, contact Pastor John Engle at divorcecare@soudertonmennonite.org. Bethel Hill United Methodist Church: A Prayers Regarding Addiction Recovery prayer group meets at noon the last Sunday of each month in the church sanctuary, 2000 Bethel Road, Worcester. All are welcome. Plains Mennonite Church: Parents and caregivers of a child with autism or Asperger’s syndrome are invited to join a monthly support group that meets at 7 p.m. the second Friday of the month at the church, 50 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield. Give and receive emotional and practical support, as exchange information and stories to be more effectively equipped with skills and insights to parent children on the autism spectrum. To RSVP or for more information, go to http://plainsmennonitechurch.org/eventscalendar/everyone or call (215) 362-7640. Congregation Beth Or: If you or someone you know is struggling with a challenging life moment or transition, support is available. Cantor David Green facilitates counseling and support groups for a variety of issues, including bereavement (a support group meets the last Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m.), divorce, adult care giving, mental health and addition. Contact dgreen@bethor. org or (215) 646-5806, ext. 218. St. Jude Catholic Church: A support group for divorced Catholics meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 14 in the Saint Jude Catholic Education Center Library in Chalfont. Each session includes a brief DVD presentation, offered by counselors, author Rose Sweet, and others who have suffered through divorce. Following each presentation, the group is guided through a series of discussion questions. The fee is $30 and includes workbook, handouts and refreshments. Pre-registration and pre-payment are necessary. Use the form on www. stjudechalfont.org. Contact Angela with questions at (215) 822-9225, ext. 234 or faith@stjudechalfont.org. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church: The church at Fourth and Broad streets in Lansdale hosts a discussion group on various topics each Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. This is open to the community. Anyone who would like to connect with others in a discussion group setting is invited. The Sunday service is at 10 a.m. Fairview Village Church: Celebrate the Journey, a Bible-based support/recovery program, meets at 6:45 p.m. Fridays at The Village Norristown, 329 E. Main St., Norristown, and 6:45 p.m. Mondays at Fairview Village Church, 3044 W. Germantown Pike, Worcester. Large group gathering of prayer and praise, as well as a lesson, begins at 6:45 and small group time takes place from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Most groups are genderbased — men with men, and women with women. Some groups address a specific need; others are designed to allow each person to bring their unique challenges to a safe place. Each group is strictly confidential and is led by trained leaders with similar life experiences. For information on the Friday Celebrate the Journey, contact Megan at megan. brooks@fvcn.org or (610) 539-3333, ext. 7729. For information on the Monday Celebrate the Journey, contact Pastor Kelly Yetter at Kelly.yetter@fvcn.org or (610) 539-3333, ext. 7717. Christ Lutheran Church: A local chapter of PFLAG, the national organization that supports Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbian/Gay and Transgender individuals, meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in Weaver Hall. For questions or additional information, contact Sue at sdaubert@ yahoo.com. Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church: Singles Connection, a non-denominational Bux-Mont area group for single, widowed, divorced and separated adults age 45+ meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 165 W. Main St. (Route 113), Silverdale. For information, call (215) 5939995 or email carolonline1@ verizon.net. Celebrate Recovery: This group meets 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at Franconia Mennonite Church, Route 113, Franconia. All are welcome. St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: The monthly Holy Hour to pray for the needs of the church (especially vocations to the priesthood) will be held on the Thursday evening, before the first Friday of every month, at 7 p.m. The church is at Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield.

Study

Montco Bible Fellowship: A study from the Book of James starts at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 160 E. Main St., Lansdale. Call (215) 855-0899 or visit www.montcobf.org. Congregation Beth Or: Torah study is held at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, after the 9 a.m. Shabbat Worship, at 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin. Trinity Lutheran Church: A Bible study exploring the Acts of the Apostles is held 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in Room 125⁄127. Bring your favorite Bible translation. The church is at 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale. St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: A Bible study with Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith will be held 9:30 to 11:30 Friday mornings through Nov. 10 in the St. Maria Goretti Parish Library, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield. Cost is $35 per person. Contact Kim to register at (215) 272-9016 or kim-staudt@me.com. Central Schwenkfelder Church: Spend Thursday nights reading and studying the Old Testament with a Bethel Bible Program (now in its 44th year). The program meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 2018 in the church’s Bethel Room, 2111 S. Valley Forge Road, Worcester. Dates will be decided by the class members and meetings will not be held on the fourth Thursday of the month. Each lesson has a picture with concepts noted, with several pages of reading, as well as assignments of scripture. For those who have previously taken the course, it has changed — with new pictures and detailed study guides. Register with the church office, or call Allen at (610) 584-5379 or e-mail tennislob31@comcast.net. Also, you are invited to take part in a Focus on the Family “The Truth Project” discussion group which will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six weeks in the Bible Study room on the second floor. Among the topics: What is truth?, Who is man?, What is true?, Says who?, Who is God?, Whose story?, etc., covering philosophy, theology, anthropology and more. Each video is almost an hour long, with outlines to guide discussions. No materials are necessary. Pastor David and Al Koehler will lead the discussions. Sign up by calling the church office at (610) 584-4480. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church: The church at Fourth and Broad streets in Lansdale will be holding a weekly Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend.