Lenten services

Effort UMC will using a study book and DVD by Adam Hamilton called Final Words from the Cross. The evening will begin with soup and salad at 5:15, followed by the study from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Immediately after the study, folks will move up to the sanctuary for the Lenten service from 7 to 7:30 p.m.Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Gilbert, will have a Following Christ program Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. on March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16. It includes dinner, worship through prayer and music, and a teaching followed by small group discussionPleasant Valley Presbyterian, Brodheadsville, is part of a several-church group which rotates sites and speakers. The March 19 service will be held at St. John's ECC in Bartonsville, with Pastor Larry Mark preaching.The March 26 service will be at Pleasant Valley Presbyterian, with the Rev. Harry Laubach preaching.All services begin with bread and soup at 6:30 p.m. The worship begins at 7:30 p.m.Zion Lutheran, Brodheadsville, will have Lenten supper and Bible study at 6:15 p.m., and a Lenten worship service at 7:30 p.m.Planning CommissionThe Chestnuthill Township Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, in the township municipal building on Route 715, Brodheadsville.Lions programThe monthly dinner meeting of the Western Pocono Lions Club will be held today at The Old Mill Pizza on Route 209 in Sciota, with the social hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Mark Baylis from the Valor Clinic Foundation.Zion SeniorsZion Senior Citizens is for those 50 years and older. The group will next meet at 11 a.m., Thursday. Attendees are reminded to bring a sandwich. Beverages are provided.Life's giftsOn Thursday, March 20 the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at Wawa in Brodheadsville. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment.Altar & RosaryOur Lady Queen of Peace Altar & Rosary Society will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in McCawley Hall, instead of Wednesday, March 19.Smart DriverSaturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, the eight-hour Smart Driver course offered by AARP will be given at the Chestnuthill Township Park Building.Call the instructor for more information and to register to see if there is still room to participate at 570-619-4006.Sunday supperOur Lady Queen of Peace will hold its community Sunday supper from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday.Knit & CrochetZion's busy finger group will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 25. Those wishing to support the community outreach of this group can drop of skeins of wool at the church in Brodheadsville.Lioness speakerThe Western Pocono Lioness Club will meet Tuesday, March 25. The social hour begins at 6 p.m., with soups and breads at the American Legion in Gilbert.Faith Waters Kimes will be a speaker for the Homeless Initiative. A business meeting will be held 7 p.m. For more information call Ruth at 610-381-4274.Tax assistanceThe AARP Tax Assistance Group from Lehighton will be offering help in the West End of the county at Salem United Church of Christ in Gilbert Monday and Thursday mornings, from 9 a.m. to noon.Should Pleasant Valley Schools have a 2-hour delay, the hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to noon.Earth Day eventsAs part of the Earth Day activities, Close the Loop, Chestnuthill Township, and the West End Park & Open Space Commission will be coordinating the sixth annual Give & Take Day on Saturday, April 26, at the Chestnuthill Township Park, 221 Route 715-Brodheadsville. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (give a reusable item) and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (take away something).One does not have to give something to take something.For more information or to volunteer, call 570-629-8414.