Tamaqua news

Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Jan. 10 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 42 members in attendance.

Vice president Rhoda Purnell conducted the business meeting. Chaplain Kathleen Valentine offered an invocation. Reports were presented by secretary Florina Martin and treasurer Shirley Becker. Get well cards were sent to Jane Springer and Carol Sedlak.

Birthday wishes were extended to Betty Kunkel, Gloria McHale and Gene Lutz. Anniversary wishes were extended to Madeline and Harry Heffelfinger. Martin and Becker provided inspirational readings.

The group meets the second and fourth Monday of every month. Anyone 50 or older is welcome to join.

Polar plunge

Ryan Leckey from WNEP's Newswatch 16 This Morning, will make an appearance on behalf of the local Make A Wish Foundation's Polar Plunge. Leckey will broadcast from Deer Lake on Feb. 24, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The Polar Plunge will then take place on Feb. 25, at noon, in the sure to be frigid waters of Deer Lake.

All proceeds from the event will be used to make wishes come true for some very special children.

For more information, or to participate, contact Denna at (570) 366-1110 or (570) 640-0439.

Growth groups

Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church is offering the community the opportunity to make an impact through a series of small, Bible based "Growth Groups."

There will be a total of 13 different groups, each meeting one night each week, beginning in February. Some of the sessions require a small fee for materials.

While some of the series are geared for specific age groups or gender, there are also sessions open to everyone.

One series deals with the final week in the life of Jesus, focusing on the events of Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the trial and the death of Christ.

These events are fundamental to Christian lives. These sessions will be held at the Majestic House Apartment Complex, beginning at 1 p.m. on Feb. 9. They will then continue on Thursdays for eight weeks.

"Jesus, the Truth" is a topical Bible study series, written specifically for new believers.

It focuses on the fundamental relationship between Christians and Christ. Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, in the primary room at Bethany. The series will continue for seven consecutive Wednesdays.

For more information, or to register, visit www.bethanyec.org and click on the "growth groups" tab.

St. Peter's Union

The Rev. Cheryl Moore will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class will meet at 11:30 a.m. and the Daisies and Brownies will meet at 6 p.m.

Activities for next week will include: Monday, women's Bible study meets at 6 p.m.; Thursday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., senior choir rehearses at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Queens of Crop scrapbooking group meets at 8 a.m.

First Methodist

The Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Sunday in First United Methodist Church. Adult Sunday school will meet at 9:30 a.m.

Activities for next week include: Tuesday, Tamaqua Ministerium meeting at 9 a.m., at First UM, quilters meet at 9:30 a.m., chancel choir rehearsal at 7 p.m.