Middle school news

Christopher Czapla, principal of the Tamaqua Area Middle School has announced an orientation session for students new to the school will be held Aug. 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m.Parents of sixth graders, as well as seventh and eighth graders new to the district, are welcome to attend.Information will be presented on student schedules, activities, facilities and discipline.Individuals will meet in the school district auditorium, then have the opportunity to tour the building accompanied by student guides. Information will be provided on student schedules and activities, facilities and discipline. For those unable to attend, orientation notes will be available on the middle school's website.Homeroom assignments will be posted on the school's front/main door as of Aug. 4.Free lunchThe South Ward Playground Association is conducting a free summer lunch program for all local children up to and including the age of 18. Lunches are served weekdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the South Ward Playground.The program is an off shoot of the free school lunch program, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The non-discriminatory program is open to all children regardless of race, origin, religion, etc. In addition to a healthy lunch, participants will be offered a variety of summer activities.The playground is located between Penn and Race streets in Tamaqua's South Ward.Calvary MethodistKari Gottfried, a child evangelism fellowship summer missionary, will share information on the fellowship and the Good News Club during the 10:25 a.m. service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley.Also on Sunday, the Auburn Camp Meeting will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.The Child Evangelism Fellowship Day Camp, the Good News Camp, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 23-27, at the Lewistown Valley Tabernacle.For more information or to register, call 570-682-9790 or email

cefschpa@gmail.com.St. John UCCThe Rev. Kevin Duffy Guy will officiate at the 9:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John United Church of Christ.Also on Sunday, the worship team will meet immediately following the worship service.Zion LewistownThe Rev. Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. The service will include the dedication of the new consistory members. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.A blood drive is scheduled for June 29. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the social hall.