First Steps

First Steps, a support group for mothers, will have its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 4, at the Primitive Methodist Church, 55 Hunter St., Tamaqua.The meeting will be held in the church social room from 6:30-7:30 p.m.Participants will learn how to make decorative candle holders.The sessions are free and open to the public. Child care for all ages will be provided free of charge. New members and volunteers are welcome.For more information, call Linda Murphy at (570) 668-2972 or email

firststepmom@msn.comMini relayTamaqua Area Middle School students will be participating in a mini Relay for Life event on May 6 at the Tamaqua Sports Stadium. Each grade has been given an individual time frame for their "leg" of the relay," making it possible for family and friends to join or observe them.Sixth grade students will take to the track from 9-10 a.m.; seventh grade from 10:10 to 11:10 a.m. and eighth graders will participate from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.The students are also engaged in a "penny war." All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.May 6 will also be a dress down day to benefit the ACS.Calvary EvangelicalThe Rev. Brian Reading will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church.Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m.Also Sunday, the Easter Cantata will be presented at 6:30 p.m. by Brenda Reed and the cantata singers.Next Thursday, May 5, is the National Day of Prayer. A joint service will be held at 7:15 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, Drehersville.SS. Peter and PaulMay 1 will be a Rosary Sunday in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Members of the Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass and receive Holy Communion as a group.The Mass will be preceded by a recitation of the rosary and devotions.First Friday observances will be held next week. Communion calls will be made on Thursday for residents of Hometown and Coaldale.All others will begin Friday at 9 a.m. First Friday confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass and devotions at 8 a.m.May 7 will be a Fatima Saturday. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Recitation of the Rosary and Devotions prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.The parish Holy Name Society will meet May 5 at 8 p.m.The meeting will be preceded by Mass at 7:30 a.m.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavalerro will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Sunday in First United Methodist Church.The service will include Holy Communion. A Children's Sunday school will be offered and the service will be followed by a reception for new members. .First Methodist activities for next week include: Tuesday, quilters meet at 9:30 a.m., MOM Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Worship Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m., senior choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.Zion LewistownThe Rev. Sunny Stock will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Rogation Sunday in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley.The service will include a children's message. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:30 a.m.Fitness for Friends, a community exercise class, meets Mondays and Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., in the social hall.The TAG Youth Group will meet from 7 to 10 p.m., May 6, at the youth building at McKeansburg Church.