Tamaqua news
Growth groups
Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church is offering the community the opportunity to make an impact through a series of small, Bible-based "Growth Groups."There will be a total of seven different groups, each meeting one day each week, beginning in October.Some of the sessions require a small fee for materials.While some of the series are geared for specific age groups or gender, there are also sessions open to everyone."Scenic Sundaes" will offer the chance to enjoy a scenic autumn walk for exercise while enjoying the beauty of God's creation, followed by ice cream."Redeemed" will be held at the Laurel Run Commons, on Pitt Street and will be based on the book of Ruth."Membership Matters" will focus on the importance and purpose of membership."Growing Older and Wiser" offers a biblical perspective on aging."GriefShare" is a ministry offering solace and support for those grieving the loss of a loved one.There will also be a women's and a men's group for Bible study.For more information or to register, visit
www.bethanyec.org and click on the "growth groups" tab.BloodmobileAn American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Tamaqua on Friday,providing the perfect opportunity to start the new season by giving others the "gift of life."The Bloodmobile will be held at St. John United Church of Christ, Pine and Biddle streets, from 1-6 p.m. Anyone 17 or older, in good general health, who weighs at least 110 pounds is eligible to donate blood.To make an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit the website
www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.Compost clinicThe Schuylkill County Master Gardeners will offer a free composting clinic on Sept. 29 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Morgan center on High Street. Hours will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.The clinic will offer home gardeners information on an easy, bugless and odorless method of turning yard clippings and food scrap into valuable compost for the garden.Learn the where, why and how, as well as the do's and don'ts of creating the best four season compost pile.For more information, or to register, call 570-622-4225, ext. 10.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church in Mantzville. This week's service will include the dedication of Confirmands.Sunday school will be held at 10:15 a.m. and will include Operation Shoebox Kickoff.Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class will meet at 10:30 a.m.; Cub and Girl Scouts meet at 6 p.m.Activities for next week include: Monday, church board meets at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., Women of St. Peter's meet at 7 p.m.; Thursday, junior choir practice at 7 p.m., senior choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.A Blessing of the Animals will be held at the 9 a.m. outdoor worship service on Sept. 25.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John's Lutheran Church.Also on Sunday, Confirmation and Sunday school classes will meet at 10:30 a.m. and the bell choir will rehearse at noon.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, finance committee meets at 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, angel choir meets at 6 p.m., shepherd choir practices at 6:30 p.m. and the chancel choir rehearses at 7:30 p.m.An acolyte training refresher course will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday.Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or
kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or