Community

fellowshipThe Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network will host an evening of ecumenical music, messages and fellowship on Aug. 9. The event will be held at the Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua, beginning at 7 p.m.Guest musicians will be the Praise Band from the Blue Mountain Community Church in Palmerton. The band is led by pastor Jennifer Eckert. The evening will include a singalong and ice cream.Brief messages will be offered by TAFFN and Tamaqua Area Ministerial Association representatives.More information about TAFFN is available at the website

www.taffn.org.YMCA newsThe Tamaqua YMCA's Jack and Jill Preschool is now accepting registrations for fall programs. Children ages 3, 4 and 5 are eligible.For more information, call 570-668-2903.Middle school newsThe Tamaqua Area Middle School will hold an open house and sixth-grade orientation on Aug. 17 in preparation for the 2015-16 school year. The time will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m.Middle school Principal Christopher Czapla encourages parents of all new and returning students to attend. They will have the opportunity to meet their children's teachers and to obtain information concerning the curriculum and expectations for the students.Additional information about the school is available at the district's website,

www.tamaqua.k12.pa.us. The link for the middle school can be found in the upper left hand corner of the home page, under "select a school."Homeroom assignments will be posted on the school's front door as of Aug. 10. The school year begins on Aug. 24.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Tamaqua Youth Ministry staff will meet at 8 p.m.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, sew much more growth group meets at 10 a.m., Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, trail talk meets at 6:30 p.m.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church in Mantzville. This Sunday's service will include a Joyous Noise offering. Summer Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.Activities for next week include: Monday, softball games at 6:45 and 8 p.m. at the West Penn Grove.; Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., called to care committee meets at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, retirees meet at 10 a.m.; Thursday, worship and music committee meets at 6 p.m.