Church briefs
November 8, 2002 ThanksgivingToday through next week:
ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH, located at South Union Fire Hall near the corner of Lebanon Avenue and South Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. when Pastor Nicholas J. Cook delivers the sermon “Stones That Talk.’
ALLISON CHRISTIAN CHURCH announces elders serving Sunday include Charlotte Hughes and Will Chambers. Bob Peton and Rick Marker will serve as elders Nov. 17 and 24. Diaconates include Karla Lent, Rebecca Toth, Lois Scabis and Lori Rosneck. Worship leader is Stephanie McCormick. Acolytes are Cory Brashear and Melissa Kifer. The official board will meet in the social hall Tuesday at 7 p.m. The BAMA meeting will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. Kids Night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 15 for area children. There will be food and fellowship.
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, corner of Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street in Uniontown, announces Sunday’s 9 a.m. service features hymns and praise choruses led by the Rev. Jim Fogg, accompanied by Jim Hutchinson and Rev. Fogg’s message “Is it time?’ The 11 a.m. service features Rev. Fogg’s message, and special music by the Asbury Chancel Choir, directed by William Dreucci, and selections by Hutchinson. Loving Nursery Care is available for infants and children under 4. Children’s church is available for all children age 4 and older. The Asbury UMYF meets Sundays from 6:30 to 8p.m. for youths in grades six to 12.
BENTLEYVILLE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will accept used and clean winter jackets, gloves and scarves in donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Store and other local agencies. Items can be dropped off at the council hall, located behind Ave Maria Church any Friday or Sunday after 6 p.m. For more information, phone 724-239-3673.
BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH, of Smithfield, will celebrate the 15th pastor’s anniversary of the Rev. Dewvaul W. Tracy Jr. at the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association, Route 21, Uniontown, on Sunday. The schedule includes Sunday school at 9:55 a.m., 11:15 a.m. worship with the Rev. Carl Jackson of St. Paul Baptist Church in Vanderbilt, and 3:15 p.m. worship with the Rev. William Nichols, pastor of First Baptist Church of Ronco. Theme is “God is Watching You.’
Officials said, “Our pastor, Rev. Tracy, has been a dedicated servant of the Lord. He has faithfully performed his duties as pastor of the Beulah Baptist Church while still being a servant to all in the community that are in need of his spiritual services. In addition, he has shared his gift of servitude with the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Christian Center as its executive director. We, the members of Beulah, know that we have been blessed to have Rev. Tracy as our pastor.’
They added, “We are also proud and feel very blessed that God has sent us a beautiful, wonderful and devoted first lady in the person of Sister Sandra Tracy. Please come worship and fellowship with us as we pay adulation to a wonderful person, a great humanitarian and a servant of God and his devout wife.’
Toni Tracy is program chairwoman. Roxanne Pratt is co-chairwoman. Donovan Tracy is program emeritus.
BROWNSVILLE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, 31 Market St., will have a women’s luncheon on Saturday at noon. Anita J. Jackson will be the speaker. Sue Robertson will perform a spiritual flag dance. Spiritual Love of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Whitsett will perform a mime. The Rev. John McGrath is pastor.
BROWNSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHARGE announces in observance of Veterans/Remembrance Sunday, the Rev. Paul E. Wilson Sr. will speak on “The Cost of Rebuilding the City’ at worship services at 8:30 a.m. at West Bend, 10 a.m. at South Brownsville and 11 a.m. at Brownsville First. At 6 p.m., the Brownsville Charge churches will participate in the memorial service for emergency personnel, volunteer firemen, police and ambulance personnel at Christ Episcopal Church on Church Street in Brownsville.
On Tuesday, the administrative council meets at 7 p.m. at West Bend. On Wednesday, the women’s small group meets at 10:30 a.m. at South Church and the charge cantata choir practices at 7 p.m. at First Church. On Friday, there is health screening at South Church from 9 to 10 a.m. Cholesterol is $3, blood sugar is $2 and blood pressure is no charge. Fast 12 hours for the cholesterol and blood sugar tests.
Nov. 17 is Mission Review Sunday and the West Bend Church will host an evening of family entertainment at 6:30 p.m., featuring a group from Allison Nazarene Church. For more information about any of the Brownsville charge churches, phone the charge office at 724-785-8704.
CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located at Clark Street and Collins Avenue, Uniontown, announces on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., the praise band from Mount Olivet Baptist Church will lead the praise service. On Sunday at 9:30 a.m. traditional worship, there will be a time of sharing joys and music by the chancel choir, directed by Paul Cramer. Tina Whitehead will present the children’s message. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Whitehead will preach “Whatever It Takes.’ A fully staffed babyland and nursery are available.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF UNIONTOWN, 23 S. Gallatin Ave., on Saturday at 6 p.m. will have its third Saturday Night Central service, which is a contemporary prayer and praise-style worship service. On Sunday at 10:30 a.m. worship, the congregation will hear the Rev. Art Mace, interim minister, deliver the message “God Has Your Number.’ Rev. Mace will also give the children’s sermon. The chancel choir will sing.
At 9 a.m. Sunday, there is a New Testament study class led by Rev. Mace that is open to everyone. Nursery and preschool care are available during Sunday morning worship, which can also be seen Sunday at 5 p.m. on cable television channel 21. For more information, phone 724-438-6821.
CHERRY TREE ALLIANCE CHURCH, 640 Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown, across from Uniontown Wal-Mart, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Jack Herman continues his series of message entitled “The Way to True Life’ based on Jesus’ last night of teaching on earth. This Sunday’s message will be “Enduring Until the End: Jesus’ Advice for Overcoming in Life.’ The praise team will lead the 8:30 a.m. service while Patricia Miller and Ed Fearer will be instrumentalists at the 10:45 a.m. service. Special music will be presented at both services by Julie and Justine Schaefer and at 10:45 a.m. by the adult choir. At 6 p.m., the Rev. Chuck Gray will minister. Also at 6 p.m., children can participate in the Kids on a Mission program while teen-agers have their own contemporary Power Jam service in fellowship hall.DUNLAP’S CREEK CHURCH, 502 Twin Hills Road, Merrittstown, also known as the Old Stone Church, welcomes Harry Wilson as guest minister to Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service.
FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 690 Morgantown Road, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Don Immel preaches the sermon “The Power of Positive Thinking.’
A special 6 p.m. service will feature John Balikowski, missionary to the Philippines. His ministry began primarily as medical evangelism. He conducts free medical clinics in the poorer towns and barangays of the Philippines and has many Filipino medical professionals working with them. Balikowski is a medical professional, an ordained minister as well as a dentist and pharmacist. His wife, Donna, is an ordained minister and dental assistant. Ministry opportunities have ranged from sharing the Gospel with animist tribal people who have never heard of Jesus to meeting with influential Muslim leaders who have invited the Balikowskis to hold medical clinics along with crusade meetings in their area. Their goal is to assist in the development of additional medical evangelism teams in the Philippines and other countries in the Asia Pacific region as well as expanding the livelihood and construction projects.
The mid-week family service on Wednesday at 7 p.m. with nursery, Misssionettes for girls, Royal Rangers for boys, youth group and Bible study for adults in the sanctuary. Childcare is available during all services. Transportation is available by calling the Rev. Jason Lamar at 724-437-8101.
Jimmy Blackwood will be in concert on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLARKSVILLE will observe Foreign Mission Program on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Rev. Claude Mitchell, pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church in Jefferson, is guest. The Rev. Charles E. Thomas Jr. is host pastor.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), OF REPUBLIC, announces the Rev. Darwin Collins will lead worship during Sunday’s 10:55 a.m. service, which will include the honoring of veterans. The chancel choir will sing. Marty and Jamie Tolnai will greet the congregation. Nathan Brown is acolyte. The C.W.F. Naomi Circle meets Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The C.W.F. Ruth Circle meets Thursday at 1 p.m. Chance choir practice is Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, phone the church at 724-246-9387.GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2 Grace Lane, off Derrick Avenue, Uniontown, announces the Rev. Nick Philiposian will bring the message “Philadelphia: The Faithful Church” during Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. worship service. Cliff Jenkins will read Scripture. Mabel Yauger is soloist. For more information, phone the office at 724-437-3401.
GREAT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 47 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mike hall bringing the message. Calling the church at 724-437-6161 provides transportation and a nursery. Rehearsal for Christmas musical follows worship. Call Michelle Randolph is your child is attending practice. There will be no BYF Sunday.
On Monday, there is a cabinet meeting at 6:45 p.m. and all church boards meet at 7:30 p.m. at the church. On Tuesday, Bethel Plus will meet at noon with a covered-dish dinner. Guest speaker Dean Whitmarsh will address fire safety. On Wednesday, there is no Bible study. Family supper is at 5:30 p.m., business meeting is at 6:30 p.m., music practice is at 6:30 p.m. and choir is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday is ABW Workday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and MBA will meet in the library at 10 a.m. Friday, newsletter articles are due and Senior BYF lock-in at Mount Moriah is from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday.HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH, 136 N. Eighth St., Connellsville, will observe its annual candlelight service on Sunday at 5 p.m. Dr. Janice G. Allen will be master of ceremonies. Raymond L. Williams Jr. and Willie Mae Floyd will chair the event. The night will include Scripture and music. The Rev. Thomas H. Floyd is pastor.
HOPEWELL UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 400 Hopewell Road, Brownsville, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when the Rev. Gail E. Mason’s sermon is “Dedicated to Christ.’ Announcing two weeks in advance, according to church law, a congregational meeting will be held Nov. 17 following worship for election of officers for 2003. Janet Adamovich is guest organist.INTERFAITH ASSEMBLY FOR CHRIST CHURCH, 7 Butler St., Uniontown, announces the Malisia McShane Hill Missionary Society will host Minister Roslyn Rose of Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Cardale on Sunday at 4 p.m. for their annual penny rally. Her choirs and mime group will accompany her. The Rev. Howard E. Dantzler Sr. is host pastor.MOUNT LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH, Baltimore Street, Brownsville, announces God’s Chosen mime group of the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church is having a mime concert on Sunday at 4 p.m.
MOUNT ST. MACRINA RETREAT CENTER, Route 40, Uniontown, announces registration is due Nov. 16 for “Women’s Series (Part 1 of 3),’ which will be offered Nov. 23 with Sister Barbara Jean from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, phone 724-438-7149.
MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH OF LECKRONE will observe its annual candlelight service on Sunday at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Howard Dantzler, pastor of Interfaith assembly for Christ Church in Uniontown. He will be accompanied by his choir and congregation. Mount Zion will also observe its annual fall revival Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. James Cherry from Aenon Baptist Church in Rochester, N.Y. The Rev. Grant T. Howard is host pastor. Church clerk is Veneda Dotson.
NEW GENEVA BAPTIST CHURCH, Front Street, announces Bethany Provance and the Glorybound Trio will present special music at Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. worship service. The Rev. Robert J. Robinson will deliver the message “Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief.’ Children’s practice is Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. The Ladies Caring Hands Fellowship will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Participants are to bring shoeboxes and a covered dish.
PIONEER TRAILS CLUSTER OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES will hold a special program on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Scenery Hill United Methodist Church. The Rev. Kazadi Kabamba, assistant to the bishop in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be guest speaker. He will share stories of his ministry in the Congo. Rev. Kabama will speak at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as part of the combined service of the United Methodist Community Churches.
PLEASANT VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located two miles west of Smock at the intersection of the Pleasant View and Royal roads, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when the Rev. Keith Conover will preach “Standing on the Promises, or Sitting on the Premises.’ Student associate Helen Kester will assist in worship leadership. Special music will be provided by the adult vocal choir, directed by Elaine Thomas while Sandra Leichliter will serve as organist. Samantha Lenhart and Tyler Randolph will serve as acolytes. Pleasant View continues preparation for Dec. 8 Come Out of the Cold, Bring a Friend Sunday when the church hopes to double its regular attendance.
ROSARY RALLY: The 30th Annual Rosary Rally, directed by the Rev. Edward McCullough, was held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg recently with the theme “Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted.’ The rally began with a procession of all participating groups through a Knights of Columbus honor guard. The five new Mysteries of Light were recited. Sister Eleanor Marie of the Daughters of Charity read the rosary reflections. Leaders or each decade were as follows: first decade, Paulmina Rawlings representing the Catholic War Veterans; second decade, Theresa Klimko, president of the Greensburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; third decade, Lucinda Vinoski, Christian Mother of Immaculate Conception Church of Connellsville; fourth decade, Catherine Barger of Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensburg; fifth decade, essay winners and their families. The essay winners, introduced by Sister Catherine Meinert, principal of Conn Area Catholic School in Connellsville, included Natalie Hickle, fifth grade at St. John the Evangelist School in Uniontown, with the composition “My Rosary.’ Bishop Anthony Bosco gave the homily. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was observed. A special acknowledgment of Bishop Bosco’s 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood was observed.
ROSCOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 300 Main St., announces a prayer and song of peace will be featured at Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service as the church honors veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. The chancel choir, directed by Mary Catherine Schmidt, will sing. The Rev. Dr. John Rankin will give the sermon “Graffitti.’
SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Fairchance, will hold a special Mass with prayers and blessings for healing on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Revs. David J. Nazimek and Bill Kiel will be concelebrants.
ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CARMICHAELS, announces St. Demetrius the Myrrhflower and Great Martyr of Thessalonica will be commemorated today at the Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. The relics of St. Demetrius are in the Church of St. Demetrius in Thessalonica and pilgrims come to the church daily. In March, Dr. Mitrophan, bishop of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, led a study tour of clergy to holy sites in Greece and the Church of St. Demetrius was an important part of that tour. The Rev. Rodney Torbic, pastor at St. George, and the Rev. Djokan Majstorovic, former pastor at St. George and current dean of St. Sava Cathedral in New York City, were part of the tour. Several parishioners of St. George celebrate St. Demetrius as their family patronal feast, known as the Krsna Slava, the anniversary of the family becoming Christian. Serbian Orthodox Christians keep the patronal feast as a major family holiday and prepare a festal bread called a kolac and memorial wheat, called kolivo, to bring to church or have at home. Prayers are offered for health and wellness of living members of the family and for the souls of the departed. The Rev. Rodney Torbic is pastor.ST. PAUL’S AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 187 Morgantown St., Uniontown, announces the usher board will present Teen Challenge on Sunday during the 6 p.m. service. A light meal will follow the presentation. Officials said, “If you know of someone struggling with an addiction, please invite them to come with you.’ The Rev. A.L. Thompson Jr. is pastor. For more information, phone 724-437-1418.
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 71 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will have a Thanks offering Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. with the Women of the E.L.C.A. participating in the service. Andrea Dubler, vice president of the synod, will speak. For more information call 724-437-9000 or e-mail at begin splcu@dp.net splcu@dp.net end
or visit the Web site at www.stpaulselcauniontown.org.
ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 60 Morgantown St., Uniontown, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Serving as chalice bearers and lectors will be James Wood, Thomas Waggoner and Donald Miller. Crucifer and acolytes are Kayla Warren, Lindsey Rose and Paul Taylor. There is a nursery for children at 9:15 a.m. There will be bible study at the parish house at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Holy Eucharist and healing service will be held at noon on Wednesday. The Wednesday fellowship group meets at 7 p.m. The Rev. Thomas R. Finnie is rector. For further information, phone 724-438-7731.
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA, 121 Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, worships at 10:30 a.m. with Kid’s Time with God, a program for children ages 2 through 8, will be held in Classroom 3. Fellowship time will follow worship in the social hall. Youth group bowling will also take place following worship.
On Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the pastor will lead the first of a series of four sessions of Advent Anew. This short-term class will examine the meaning of Advent and its place in the Lutheran liturgical calendar with special emphasis on the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. The Rev. Bernard W. Carl is pastor. For more information, phone 724-439-5884 or e-mail the pastor at PastorCarl9@aol.com.SALVATION ARMY CHURCH, 32 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with a period of contemporary praise and worship. Captain John Riley will speak the message “Are You Prepared?’
SECULAR DISCALCED CARMELITE COMMUNITY OF UNIONTOWN will meet Sunday at 2 p.m., featuring a profession Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Uniontown. First promises will be made by Theresa Parker and Donna Smith. The Rev. William J. Kiel is spiritual advisor. For more information, contact Molli Vassar, formation director, at 724-439-3142.
SHOAF FREE METHODIST CHURCH, 172 Smiley Road, Uniontown (Shoaf), worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with ministry in music by Back on Track. The church will host a Thanksgiving covered dish dinner at 1 p.m. at the Light ‘n Life Campgrounds, 117 N. Morgantown Road, Fairchance. The Rev. Wayne Whoolery is pastor. For more information, phone 724-434-1563.THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 425 Union St., (at Craig Meadows) Uniontown, announces the Presbyterian Women’s Association will have the sermon for Sunday worship. The office is closed Monday. There will be Alpha leadership training on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and prayer and praise on Wednesday at 7 p.m. On Thursday, there is Romans Bible study at 2:30 p.m., Calvin Youth Club at 4:30 p.m. and g.a.l.s. Bible study at 5 p.m. The church asks members to keep the Rev. James Tweardy, pastor, in their prayers.
TRAVEL WITH JESUS, Union Station Building in Brownsville, meets today from 8 to 11 p.m. for Bible sharing; Holy Communion and prayer for revival of Brownsville. There is Bible sharing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Travel With Jesus offers food, clothing and prayer Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call Brother Rich Wilson at 724-434-1149.
TRINITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, corner of Morgantown and West Fayette streets, Uniontown, worships at 11 a.m. Sunday when the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kisner, interim pastor, gives the sermon “Living the Fruitful Life.’ A nursery is provided for children 5 and younger during worship. The service is broadcast live over radio station WMBS, beginning at 11:06 a.m. After worship, a coffee fellowship will be hosted in the chapel by Vickie Leone and family. For more information, phone the church office at 724-437-2709 or by checking the Website at www.forministry.com/15401TPC3
. At 6 p.m., a fellowship Game Night will be held in the Westminster Room, beginning with dessert. Participants should bring their favorite game, a friend and enjoy some pie and cider or hot chocolate.
On Tuesday, the fall series of Taize sung prayer services continues at 7 p.m. Services continue each Tuesday through Nov. 26. The service includes meditation, sung responses to Scripture and readings.
UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 20 Robinson St., worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Dr. Neil Hoppe brings the message “Two Insignificant Words.’ Paula Works is children’s storyteller. The church welcomes Carol Ashton from Interfaith Caregivers as guest speaker. Valet parking and personal ear monitors are offered. The church is open at 8:30 a.m. for prayer and praise. Bible study is Wednesday at 10 a.m. For more information, phone the office at 724-438-8372.SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SETON HILL IN GREENSBURG will offer An Advent Visit on Sunday, Dec. 1, at Caritas, Christi, their motherhouse located at 463 Mount Thor Road in Greensburg. The program begins with visits and refreshments in the activities room from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. At 4 p.m., guests gather in the Chapel of the Assumption for solemn vespers and the blessing of the Advent wreath in the atrium. Visit the Web site www.scsh.org
for directions and additional information. Those planning to visit should RSVP by calling 724-836-0406, ext. 647 no later than Nov. 27.
TOURS PLANNED: Dec. 2-9, a tour to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held. Participants will also visit the Pyramids, Floating Gardens and other historical and religious sites. A tour to France, including Paris and Lisieux, is scheduled for the Lenten season, March 10-17. An extensive tour of France will be held April 21-May 2. Space is limited for all trips. For a detailed packet on the tour you are interested in, call 800-242-0728 or fax a request to 724-543-2938.