Heroes for Hope

The Tamaqua Community Art Center will host a meet and greet session with Heroes for Hope's Batman and Catwoman characters. While the program is geared for students in grades two through six, all ages are welcome.Heroes For Hope's mission is to empower children by giving them the tools needed to overcome tough situations in life. The message follows four basic concepts: never give up, always do the right thing, help others and never bully.The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the art center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. There is no admission fee.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Aug. 28 with 59 members in attendance.President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. Nancy Gerber, vice president, provided the invocation "God is Guiding Us." July and August birthdays were celebrated with cake and ice cream. Birthday celebrants included Joan Wall, Nancy Gerber, Winnie Dolan and Pauline Fenstermacher.Flu shots are scheduled for Sept. 11, provided by Rite Aid.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, on Route 54 (East) in Hometown. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.Andreas VFWAndreas VFW Post 5069 will be hosting a free dinner for members and former ladies auxiliary members. The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Kneppers Inn, Snyders.Reservations are required and may be made by calling 570-386-5444 or 570-386-2133. Deadline to respond will be Sept. 8.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. The service will include a blessing of school backpacks. A time of fellowship will be held immediately following the service.Also on Sunday, the Sunday school will be held at 11 a.m. and Confirmands and their parents will meet with Rev. Duffy Guy at 11 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, consistory meeting at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.Calvary EvangelicalThe Rev. Dr. Edward Bean will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. The service will include the celebrations of Promotion and Grandparents Day.Also on Sunday, a time of praise, worship and Bible study will be held at 6:30 p.m.A time of praise, worship and Bible study is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Helping Hand Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion and the observance of Rally Day.Also on Sunday, there will be a meeting for Confirmation students and their parents at 10:30 a.m. and a bell choir meeting at 11:30 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, church council meets at 7 p.m.; Thursday learning ministry meets at 6 p.m.; Saturday, mandatory training/refresher course for all Confirmation students, acolytes, banner bearers, torch bearers and crucifers at 10 a.m.St John XXIIIThe consolidation of SS. Peter and Paul and St. Jerome Catholic Churches in Tamaqua has led to a few changes in the Mass schedules at both churches, as well as a name change for St. Jerome's.Now known as the Parish of St. John XXIII, Masses will continue to be held at both churches.At St. John XXIII (former St. Jerome's), weekend Masses are held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 11 a.m. on Sundays. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. on Saturdays.Masses at SS. Peter and Paul are held at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. on Sundays.