TEPTO

The Tamaqua Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, which provides support for students in the Tamaqua and Rush Elementary Schools, held its first meeting of the new school year with 50 adults in attendance. The group discussed plans for the 2013-2014 school year, including fund raisers, movie nights, school dances and room parents.Fundraising packets have been distributed to all classes. Fire prevention programs will be held on Oct. 7 for Tamaqua Elementary School students and on Oct. 8 for Rush Elementary students.Rush Elementary will hold a book fair from Oct. 14 through Oct. 18. An additional book fair will be held at Tamaqua Elementary sometime in March 2014.Anyone interested in supporting the students is welcome to become a member. The organization will be accepting memberships through Oct. 31. Membership is required to participate in school activities, such as Olympic Day and class trips.The next meeting will be held on Oct. 8. The yearbook committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Fifth grade parents will meet at 6 p.m. in the library and the regular TEPTO meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Plans for the Oct. 18 Raider Run will be finalized and upcoming school dances will be planned.Fitness programA free exerette fitness program, designed for the young at heart, is offered at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., every Tuesday and Thursday. The sessions will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. and will feature gentle exercises designed to enhance posture, improve balance and increase flexibility.For more information, contact Dina at (570) 668-0410.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class will meet at 10:30 a.m.Next week's activities include: Monday, worship and music committee will meet at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, rummage sale; Thursday, Angel Choir meets at 6 p.m., Shepherd Choir rehearses at 6:30 pm. and Chancel Choir practice is at 7:30 p.m.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 Holy Communion. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:15 a.m.Also this Sunday, there will be a turkey and waffle dinner from 4 t 7 p.m.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. This Sunday's service will include the celebration of World Wide Communion Sunday and will be followed by a breakfast.Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class will meet at 11:30 a.m.; Daisies, Brownies and Cub Scouts will meet at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, play practice at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, newsletter deadline; Wednesday, retirees meet at 10 a.m.; Thursday, hoagie pick up from noon to 2 p.m., prayer group will meet at 4:45 p.m., worship and music committee meets at 6 p.m.The choir rehearses on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include: junior choir at 7 p.m. and senior choir at 7:30 p.m.St. John UCCSunday worship services are held at 9:30 a.m. in St. John United Church of Christ. Sunday school classes meet at 11 a.m.A time of food and fellowship will be held following the service. The weekly radio broadcast is aired at 11:30 a.m., every Sunday, on WLSH Radio, AM station 1410.Activities for next week include: Monday, consistory meeting at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.First MethodistFirst United Methodist Church will sponsor its annual "Blessing of the Animals" on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until noon. The public is welcome to attend.All animals must be properly restrained. Photos may be brought to represent aggressive or shy animals. Owners will be responsible for cleaning up after their pets.First Church is located at 124 W. Broad St.