Hometown Nazareth

St. John's and Zion's Lutheran Churches have combined forces to host a Vacation Bible School program from July 11-15. Themed "Hometown Nazareth - Where Jesus Was a Kid," the program will be held at Zion Lutheran Church from 6-8 p.m., with closing ceremonies at 6 p.m. on July 15.In addition, an outreach program, "Operation Kid to Kid," is being offered for students in grades three through six.Older students and adults are needed as helpers.For more information, or to register a child, call (570) 668-2180 or 668-4554.SS. Peter and PaulFirst Friday will be observed this 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.July 2 is Fatima Saturday. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., with a recitation of the Rosary and devotions before the 8 a.m. Mass.Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass this Sunday and receive Holy Communion as a group.Senior newsThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met June 23 with 79 members in attendance. Since the beginning of 2011, 30 new members have joined the group. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and offered a reading. Rose Valle offered the invocation, entitled Summer Days."Reports were offered by secretary Joan Anne Garber and treasurer Dolores Walck.The next meeting will be held July 14, at 1 p.m., at the Tamaqua Community Center, located to the rear of Boyer's Food Mart.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.The meeting room is handicap accessible.