Tamaqua news

Belle of the ball

As the 2013 school prom season approaches, organizers and volunteers for "The Second Annual Community Belle of the Ball" event will be collecting gently used gowns, shoes and jewelry, which will then be distributed to girls feeling the financial pinch of today's economy.

The collection date is Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. Donors are asked to use the office entrance on Mauch Chunk Street.

Distribution will be held from 5-8 p.m. on March 1, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 2.

Last year's event provided 200 gowns to deserving young women, a "tremendous success" according to Gwen Evans, one of the organizers.

The collection is just a small part of Zion's outreach ministry.

For more information, contact Mrs. Evans at (570) 668-0666 or Deb Davies at 668-4554.

West Penn softball

The West Penn Softball League will be accepting registration for the 2013 season on Feb. 9.

The registration session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Penn Township Municipal Building.

The league is open to players between the ages of 5-16.

St. Peter's Union

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

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

Activities for next week include: Monday, food co-op at 9 a.m.; Wednesday, retirees meet at 10 a.m., Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, prayer group meets at 4:45 p.m., worship and music committee meets at 6 p.m.

The choirs rehearse on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include: junior choir at 7 p.m.; senior choir at 7:30 p.m.

First Methodist

The Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Sunday in First United Methodist Church. The service will include a children's message, offered by Marge Kropp, followed by children's Sunday school. Adult Sunday school classes are held at 9:30 a.m.

Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, quilters meet at 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, chancel choir rehearses at 7 p.m.

An Ash Wednesday service will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13.

A Lenten Bible study session will begin Feb. 17 with a pot luck dinner at 6 p.m. The session will begin at 7 p.m. There will be a total of six sessions related to the Bible study.

Other upcoming events include: a Welsh Songfest at 2 p.m. on March 3; and a presentation of the Easter Passion Play "Born For This" at 6 p.m. on March 17.

St. John UCC

Sunday worship services are held at 9:30 a.m. in St. John United Church of Christ. A time of food and fellowship will be held following the service. Sunday school for all ages is held at 11 a.m.

This Sunday is also the deadline for ordering halupkies and the Confirmation class will meet at noon.

The Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Zion Lewistown

The Rev. Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. church service this Sunday in Zion's Church, Lewistown Valley. Sunday school and the Confirmation class will meet at 9:30 a.m.

Activities for next week will include: Monday, Women's Guild meets at 7 p.m. in the social hall; Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 pm. at Christ Church, McKeansburg.

Canned goods will be collected throughout the month of February and will then be donated to the Tamaqua Salvation Army.