Tamaqua news

Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met March 24 at the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville with 45 members in attendance. Two new members, Roberta Hollenbach and Connie Dixon, were welcomed to the group.

The business session was conducted by President Eleanor Schmerfeld. Kathleen Valentine provided an inspirational reading, "A True Friend."

Two members were added to the sick list Shirley Shellhammer and Gladys Arner. George Caravella, was welcomed back after an absence. Birthday greetings were extended to; Asenth Horan, 96; Vern Balliet, 92; and Paul Rarick, 85. Upcoming events include: May 12, trip to Penn's Peak; June 10, trip to Knoebel's; and May 26, anniversary dinner.

Refreshments and social games were enjoyed after the business meeting. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the fire company. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.

Library book club

The Tamaqua Public Library's next monthly book discussion for adults will be at 6 p.m. March 30.

This month's selection is Moloka'i, written by first-time novelist Allen Brennert.

The heroine of the book is 7-year-old Rachel Kalama, who contracts leprosy and is sent to live in a quarantine settlement on the Hawaiian Island of Moloka'i. The book chronicles her struggles, triumphs and losses.

For more information about the book club, call 570-668-4660. The library is located at 30 S. Railroad St.

Bethany EC

The Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Palm Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, a hymn sing will be held at 3 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, Weissport; the Song of Solomon teen growth group will meet at 6 p.m.

Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Good News Club meets at 3:45 p.m., at the South Ward Playground; Wednesday, sew much more growth group meets at 1 p.m., Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., and GriefShare meets at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Psalm study growth group meets at 1 p.m. at the Majestic House, Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.; Friday, Tenebrae service at 7 p.m.,; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9:30 a.m., art of marriage growth group meets at 6 p.m.

Zion Lewistown

Pastor Jim Williams will officiate at the Palm and Holy Grounds Sunday service, at 10:30 a.m., in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. Light refreshments will be served before the service. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:15 a.m.

A new Sunday school class for youth will begin this Sunday.

St. John Lutheran

The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Palm Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion.

Also on Sunday, the Sunday school and First Communion classes walk through and bell choir rehearsal will all follow the worship service.

Activities for Holy Week include: Wednesday, 7 p.m., "Broken Justice" presentation at Zion's; Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. service with Holy Communion; Good Friday, community service at noon at Trinity UCC, Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m., Zion's; Saturday, trumpet rehearsal at 1 p.m.

Easter Sunday service will be held at 9:15 a.m. and will include Holy Communion.