Tamaqua news

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 of the sessions is titled of "Forgiveness, Making Peace With the Past," based on the book written by Douglas K. Connelly. It is designed to help people deal with the anger and resentment felt after being betrayed, injured or rejected.

Meetings will begin Feb. 9 at Bethany. The group will then meet for the next seven Thursdays, at 7 p.m.

Another group series will be based on Rick Warren's best seller "The Purpose Driven Life."

This group will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7, in the church conference room, then continue meeting for the next six Tuesdays. Warren's book is divided into 40 small chapters, making it perfect for a small group setting or personal devotional.

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

SS. Peter and Paul

First Friday will be observed next week in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Communion calls will be made on Thursday for residents of Hometown and Coaldale.

All others will begin Friday at 9 a.m. First Friday confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass and devotions at 8 a.m.

Feb. 4 will be a Fatima Saturday. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Recitation of the Rosary and Devotions prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Feb. 5 and receive Holy Communion as a group.

A rosary will be said prior to the Mass.

Bethany EC

The Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church.

Nursery care and primary church are provided at the later service.

Sunday school classes will be held at 9:30 a.m.

Also on Sunday, commission meetings will be held at 11:45 a.m.

Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, Prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Men's breakfast at 7 a.m., musician rehearsal at 9 a.m., Praise practice at 9:30 a.m.

Calvary UM

The Rev. Brian Reading will officiate at this Sunday's 10:25 a.m. worship service in Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church.

Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, an evening of praise, worship and Bible study will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday prayer and praise services are held at 7 p.m. in the church.