NEWS & NOTES

Memorial Day

St. Mary Catholic School: On May 24 the St. Mary Home and School Association will sponsor its 11th annual Memorial Day Celebration. The event will begin at 9 a.m. with Holy Mass in the church followed by a celebration at 10:45 on the parish grounds, 40 Spring Mount Road, Lower Frederick. The program will include the posting/retiring of colors, a flag presentation, buddy poppy and memorial wreath presentations and other Memorial Day lessons. Military families are invited to enjoy a catered lunch following the Memorial Day Celebration. RSVP to (610) 287-7757, ext. 1.

Talking money

Heidelberg United Church of Christ: Free Seminars on Finance to the Community are held at the church, 1101 Cowpath Road, Hatfield. At 7 p.m. May 24 examine the context of retirement planning. On May 30 the topic is financial planning for families and singles. Register at www.heidelbergucc.org or call (215) 368-0442.

Carnival atmosphere

Dock Mennonite Academy EC-8 Campus: The school’s 56th annual Country Fair and Auction continues today at 420 Godshall Road, Franconia Township. Activities include an Auction Day 5K and 1 Mile Run at 8 a.m. An “all-you-can-eat” country style breakfast is served in the school cafeteria from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. After breakfast enjoy a V4 Trampoline, photo booth, inflatables, giant slide and games. There will be a helicopter candy drop at 11:30. The food tent will have homemade chicken corn soup, grilled sausage sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, waffles and ice cream, and funnel cake. On-site handicapped parking and free shuttle bus service is available from Souderton High School.

Special service

Church of the Holy Spirit: A Choral Evensong will be presented by the Senior Choir at 7:30 p.m. on Ascension Thursday, May 25 at the church at 2871 Barndt Road and Sumneytown Pike in Upper Salford. The choir will also be joined by friends who will travel with them to England in the summer of 2018 to sing at the Lincoln Cathedral. Join in singing prayers for the end of the day on the Feast of the Ascension. For more information, contact (215) 234-8020 or visit www. churchoftheholyspirit.us.

Special guests

Salford Mennonite Church: Author Pete Enns, who hosts the new podcast “The Bible for Normal People,” will preach and teach at the 9 a.m. service Sunday. The church is at 480 Groffs Mill Road, Lower Salford.

Franconia Mennonite Church: John Ehst will deliver the sermon “When God Seems Far Away” during the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday. The church is at 613 Harleysville Pike, Franconia.

Church of the Holy Spirit: The Episcopal church at Barndt Road and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Salford, will host a presentation at 9 a.m. on Sunday on the life and ministry of Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African-American to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in the United States. Guest speaker Arthur Sudler will speak on how Jones founded the black congregation in Philadelphia in 1794 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1804. Contact the church at (215) 234-8020 for more information.

New pastor

Friedens United Church of Christ: Pastor Deborah Rahn Clemens will be officially installed by the Ursinus Association as Friedens’ pastor at a special service on Sunday at 3 p.m. A celebratory dinner will follow. The church is at 1011 Church Road, Sumneytown.

Vegas night

Congregation Beth Or: RSVP by May 25 for a Las Vegas Review and Dinner with Joey Vincent, sponsored by the Sisterhood group, held 7 to 11 p.m. June 3. Vincent will take you on a musical journey from the ‘30s to today, plus perform comedy and impressions. Dinner and dancing follows the performance. BYOB. Cost is $50 and includes door prizes. RSVP at https://bethor.org/sisterhood-las-vegasreview-and-dinner or email abswvs125@gmail.com. For questions, contact Lois at (215) 412-8687 or bubba6x@verizon.net.

125 years

Congregation Hesed Shel Emet: The Pottstown synagogue’s 125th anniversary was May 16. The congregation obtained its charter as “Chreschet Shell Emes” from the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas on May 16, 1892. Rabbi Ira Flax said in a press release: “Our community has had illustrious leaders, who in turn inspired generations of business, civic and religious giants for five generations. Writers, statesmen and even a university chancellor hail from the nurturing embrace of Hesed Shel Emet.” Celebratory events are being planned for later this year. Details will be posted at www.hesedshelemet.org and on the Hesed Shel Emet Facebook page in the coming months.

Let’s walk

BAPS Charities Walk Green: Support a Nature Conservancy efforts to plant 100,000 trees in 2017, while joining 17,000 walkers in more than 60 cities. Today a local walk steps off 9 a.m. to noon from the Acme at 1150 Welsh Road, Towamencin. Visit www.bapscharities.org/walk17lansdale.

New ‘Hub’

Hub Community Outreach Center: The old Immanuel Leidy’s Church building at 276 W. Cherry Lane, Franconia Township, is being rented by a group of cooperating ministries, and has been retitled The Hub Community Outreach Center. An Open House will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, with free food, face painting, games, ice cream, and information on what is happening at that location.

For mental health

Zion Mennonite Church: “Laughter is Sacred Space: The Human Faces Tour,” presented by Ted & Co., is an event for Mental Health Awareness Month. This tour is about humanizing the faces and stories of those who struggle with psychological or mental disorders, and will be presented at 7 p.m. tonight at Zion, 149 E. Cherry Lane, Souderton. Admission is free and a freewill offering will be taken to support the work of Penn Foundation.

Fun for all

Church of the Holy Spirit: The Episcopal church at 2871 Barndt Road and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Salford, will hold it annual Fair Day & Pie Contest and Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. This fundraising event benefits the Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton. Featured will be a homemade pie contest, local artisans, crafters, a flea market, food, a plant sale and children’s events. Visit www.churchoftheholyspirit.us/event/9th-cohs-fairday-pie-festival.

Interfaith understanding

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: The church at 211 S. Main St., North Wales, presents “Understanding Muslims,” with speaker Asheq Fazlullah, Executive Committee Member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the church parlor. Lunch and a snack will be provided. Call (215) 699-4604 to learn more.

Enrollment open

Zion Mennonite Church: Zion Mennonite Nursery School, located in Souderton, is now enrolling for the 2017-2018 school year for 3- to 5-year-olds. Check out www.zionmennonite.org or call (215) 723-3592.

Let’s eat

St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church: The church at 1545 Easton Road, Warrington, resumes its Wednesday pierogy sales through June 21. Potato with cheese pierogies are $7 for a dozen. Ask about any specials (sauerkraut, mushroom) that will be available occasionally when you call in our order between 9 a.m. and noon at (215) 3439809 (must speak with kitchen worker, voicemails will not be honored). Pick up your order from noon to 3 p.m. If evening pick-up (6 to 6:30 p.m.) is needed, let the worker know.

Christ Covenant Church: The church at 2200 Mainland Road, Towamencin, will host a free community hot breakfast 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. 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. All members of the community are welcome and invited. There will be a Kid’s Corner for children to play. The church is at 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale.

Music notes

Hopewell Christian Fellowship: A concert with VineSong will be held at 6 p.m. May 27 at the church at 601 Hunsicker Road, Franconia Township. VineSong is a UK-based, international, non-denominational team of missionaries who spread the gospel through worship and the word. See www.vinesong.com for more information on the group and contact Hopewell at (215) 721-0834 or www.hopewelltelford. church for information or directions.

Zion Mennonite Church: The Walking Roots Band will present a free concert of humor, reflection, storytelling, joy, hope and love at 7 p.m. May 27 at Zion, 149 E. Cherry Lane, Souderton.

Perkasie Mennonite Church: The Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse presents The Kreider Trio and Hot Soup at 7:30 tonight at 320 W. Chestnut St., Perkasie. Cost is $12, $10 for seniors over 65, $6 for students 13 and up. Desserts and drinks are available. A portion of the proceeds supports Pennridge FISH. Visit www. perkmenno.net.

St. John’s United Church of Christ: The St. John’s Wind Ensemble at St. John’s UCC will play “Deep River,” arranged by James Swearingen, and “When Thou Art Near” by J.S. Bach at the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday. In addition, the Chancel Choir will sing “If Ye Love Me” by Thomas Tallis. The church is at 500 W. Main St., Lansdale. All are welcome. Call (215) 855-5489 or visit www.st-johns-ucc.org.

Gather together

Zion Mennonite Church: The Grief Share Support Group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them meets Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Call Marcia at (215) 723-9111 for more information. You are welcome to begin attending at any session. Zion is on Cherry Lane in Souderton.

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 the 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.

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: One of the toughest transitions of life is life after the death of a loved one. Whether it is a spouse, child, parent or close friend, the grieving process can take a toll. It is a difficult journey to navigate alone. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. To learn more about this program, or for additional information, contact Kim at KJA610@aol.com or the church office at (215) 256-8738. The church is at 2211 Mainland Road, Towamencin. Also, 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.

Stop and shop

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: There are only a few weeks left to take advantage of a buy-one-get-two sale, and more at the St. Peter’s Thrift Shop, 211 S. Main St., North Wales. It closes for the season on June 3 (and closed May 27 for Memorial Day). Browse clothing for women and children, jewelry, art, attic treasures, linens and more. Hours are Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local charities benefit from your purchase. Call (215) 699-4604.

Study

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: An Endow Women’s Study Group discusses “St. John Paul’s Letter to Women,” an introduction to the Christian concept of woman and her role in the Church, the family, society and the world. It meets at 7 p.m. Sunday at the SMG Parish Center, Lower Level, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield. Visit www. endowgroups.org to register or call (215) 421-1919.

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. Congregation Beth Or: Torah study takes place at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin.

Central Schwenkfelder Church: Thursday nights are for reading and studying the New Testament with the Bethel Bible Program 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through May (no meetings the fourth Thursday of the month). The church is at 2111 Valley Forge Road, Worcester. Dates will be decided by the class members. Each lesson has a picture with concepts noted and several pages of reading, as well as assignments of scripture. The emphases throughout the sessions are your concerns dealing with each week’s concepts and the readings in the program and New Testament. For questions, call Allen at (610) 5845379 or e-mail tennislob31@comcast.net.

Talking health

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: A Heart Healthy seminar will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 23 in the Parish Library, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield. “My Life! My Health!,” a free chronic disease self-management program, is offered 1 to 3 p.m. May 24 in the Parish Library. Contact Jennifer at (215) 721-0199, ext. 225 or email jrose@chs-adphila.org.

Play time

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church: The church at Fourth and Broad streets in Lansdale will host a bingo night today. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with games starting at 7. Play 10 games for $20. There will be cash jackpots and food. It’s open to the public.

Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church: Weekly Wednesday Bingo is held at Presentation of Our Lord, 1564 Allentown Road, Towamencin. Doors open at 5 p.m., with food available for purchase, and the games begin at 6:45. Admission is $10 for boards, $15 for paper. Extra games are available, with a $250 prize. For questions call (215) 362-9599.

St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church: The church at 1545 Easton Road, Warrington, hosts bingo Tuesday nights. Games start at 6:45 p.m. and cost is $13, extra for bonus sheets and rip-offs. Visit www.stanneukrainiancc.com or email stannesecretary@comcast.net.

For parents

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: A Play and Pray Moms and Tots Group runs 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays in the Parish Center basement, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield. Contact Kelly at Kelly.mazeroski@verizon.net for more information. All are welcome.

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church: Infants, children and their parents and grandparents can play and do fun activities together. Little People Playgroup meets most Tuesdays from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center, behind the church at 51 Lansdale Ave. and Main Street, Lansdale. For more information, call (215) 855-3133.

Trinity Lutheran Church: If you are the mother of an infant through kindergartner, Trinity’s Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group is for you. It meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Hyson Hall, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale. Childcare and breakfast will be provided. For questions, contact Ashley at (215) 275-8212 or ashleybellhan@comcast.net.

Clean car

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: The parish CYO holds a car wash 9 a.m. to noon today. Donations will be accepted. The church is at Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield.

Help others

Zwingli United Church of Christ: Drop off your old prescription eyeglasses at Zwingli during May for The Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight program. The church is at 350 Wile Ave., Souderton.

Plains Mennonite Church: The church at 50 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield, invites the public to donate supplies for Relief Kits. Sharing practical things is a way of signaling that we are aware of the suffering of others and want to respond. The Mennonite Central Committee takes these ordinary, but necessary, things that are donated and delivers them to people in emergencies, and with chronic needs, around the world. Relief Kits contain: four large bars of bath soap (leave in wrapping), one plastic bottle of shampoo (13-24 ounces; place bottle in a re-sealable plastic bag), four large bars of laundry soap (Fels Naptha, Sunlight or Zote brands), four adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging), four new bath towels (medium weight, dark or bright colors), two wide-tooth combs (six to eight inches), one fingernail clipper, one box of adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted), one package of sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi). Place contents in a box or bag. Limit your generosity to the contents above. New items only. Call (215) 362-7640 or visit www.plainsmennonitechurch.org for details. Drop off supplies at the church by the end of May.

Christ Covenant Church: During May, Christ Covenant, 2200 Mainland Road, Towamencin, will be supporting Keystone Opportunity Center with donations of non-perishable food. Items especially needed in restocking their food pantry are: oatmeal, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, cereal, canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham, salmon), canned pasta with meatballs, canned ravioli, canned macaroni and beef, spaghetti sauce, baked beans, canned fruit in natural juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oil, sugar, personal care items (shampoo, razors, toothpaste, body wash, deodorants, feminine hygiene products), laundry soap, dryer sheets and toilet paper. Also needed are any gluten-free, sugar-free and low/no sodium products. Contributions may be dropped off at the church office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to noon. Call (215) 256-8101 or visit www.christ-covenant.org.

Career support

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church: St. Joseph’s People, a group which assists the unemployed and underemployed, meets on the first and third Thursdays in the Parish Center Library, Derstine and Cowpath roads, Hatfield, at 7:30 p.m. No need to be a parishioner to contact Nancy at nancyboak@aol.com.